Christian Life Issue 37 August 2016 by Initiate Media

Please take this copy of Christian Life

AUGUST 2016 • Issue THIRTY-SEVEN • www.mychristiandaily.co.nz

UNITY

FAMILY FIRST

CHURCH

Unity Comes Out Of Earthquakes

Child Poverty: Don’t Mention Family Structures

Eight Warning Signs Of A Bully Church Member

page 06

page 08

page 17 On the streets of Auckland and Wellington a classic tragedy played out; self-hatred, suicide attempts, abortions, clinical depression (and many other mental illness diagnoses), drugaddiction, promiscuity, and prostitution. For Such A Time As This page 06

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IN THIS ISSUE

contents...

AUGUST 2016

03. Hearing God’s Voice (for the thinkers) 04. Unity Comes Out Of Earthquakes 06. For Such A Time As This 08. Child Poverty: Don’t Mention Family Structures 09. Strength In Sistahood 10. Local News 11. Book Reviews

12. Going The Second Mile

14. 3 Ways To Deal With Political Correctness 16. The Aetherlight 17. Eight Warning Signs Of A Bully Church Member 18 Shine TV programme guide 20. For The Protection Of Zion I Speak Up! 21. Christian Life Classifieds

NEXT ISSUE OUT September 2016 Booking deadline: 26 August Art deadline: 31 August Distribution: 5 September

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GOD CONVERSATIONS

ecently I read a book for my doctoral studies which confirmed my suspicions about the influence of personality on our spiritual experiences. The book is titled When God Talks back and is written by an anthropologist called Tanya Luhrmann. In her studies, she immersed herself in the life of a Vineyard church in the US for a year, observing and studying their prayer and worship practises. One of the things that came out of her research was a correlation between certain psychological attributes and the way spiritual phenomena is experienced. In other words, those who struggled to hear God’s voice had a different psychological make-up compared to those who didn’t. Mark Virker wrote about this too in his book Dialogue with God. It seems that when it comes to hearing God’s voice, certain personality types have an advantage. If I was to participate in her experiment, I’m pretty sure which category I would find myself in. I’ve always found sensing the spiritual realm a bit of a challenge. Compared

to a number of my friends, I’m the slow one to pick up on spiritual atmospheres. I’m the one who’s more analysing than sensing; more thinking than intuiting (For those of you who are familiar with the Myer’s Briggs personality tests, I’m a high ’T’ and ’S’!) Luhrmann’s research seems to show there’s a good reason for my struggle and it’s connected to the way I was created. Perhaps you can relate! From my travels around different churches across the country and overseas, I know I’m not the only one. A lot of people who struggle to hear God’s voice seem to be wired that way. Some might even say that men more than women fit into this category. Hard of Hearing? So how does God get his message

through to people like us? Does being born with certain wiring in the brain mean that we miss out on knowing God through hearing his voice for ourselves? Can this treasure of the Holy Spirit only be accessed by those who are specially geared for it? That kind of conclusion is not at all consistent with a God who wants to reveal himself to each one of us and who promised that all could hear his voice through prophecy and dreams and visions; sons and daughters, young and old, male and female (Acts 2:16,17).

and visions. Speaking to us while we’re asleep means that our conscious minds are effectively switched off and God can get our full attention. While the mind is at rest, the spirit is open and ready to receive. Another way is through prophecy. Using other people to pass on his messages means that there is an objective way to confirm that what we’re hearing is from God (1 Corinthians 14:25). Our personalities are in no way a barrier for God. Those who may not be as psychologically attuned as others, are never held back. If you’re a thinker more than a ‘feeler’, be encouraged! All we have to do is make a decision to listen. We need to rely more on God’s ability to speak than our ability to hear. As the One who has all possible modes of communication at his fingertips, he is well able to get his message through.

God Finds a Way In my own journey, I’ve discovered that God is able to get around it – he finds ways to bypass the idiosyncrasies of our nature and get his message across. One of those ways is through dreams

Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker and the founder of God Conversations, a ministry that equips people to recognise God’s voice. With a diverse history as church planter, pastor and Bible College lecturer, Tania’s ministry is known for its all-age appeal, wisdom, and ‘God-stories’. She speaks to groups of all ages and denominations and is a popular voice on Australian and New Zealand radio. Currently Tania is completing her Doctorate in Ministry researching peoples’ experiences hearing God’s voice. When not ministering, she is most likely to be found kayaking on Sydney Harbour or climbing a tall mountain and skiing down it! Tania is an ordained minister with the Australian Christian Churches. Hillsong is her church home in Sydney, Australia.

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UNITY

UNITY COMES OUT OF EARTHQUAKES Many wonderful stories of resurrection are rising from the devastation caused by the Christchurch earthquakes. PASTOR WARREN GOUMAN tells MARIE ANTICICH how two churches have merged and grown into three vibrant C3 congregations.

his story begins with the very conservative Evangelistic Temple at 150 Colombo Street which has now become South City C3 church. The temple was founded by William Wilson in the 1930’s after he was radically saved at a Smith Wigglesworth crusade. He built the large brick building on the corner of Colombo Street and Moorhouse Ave with the help of volunteers, one of whom – 97-year old ANZAC George Green – died last month while still a church member. Stories are told of how temple members prayed daily for 20 men from the church who enlisted for WWII; every soldier returned alive and with limbs intact, despite threatened amputations. The temple began with fire and passion but unfortunately became increasingly legalistic over the years. However when Wilson retired, the younger generation of elders began seeking outside advice from Pentecostal leaders, including Trevor Yaxley, Rob Packer and John Walton from Palmerston North New Life. After a miraculous change from its roots, the temple emerged in the 1990’s as South City Christian Centre, a grace-centered church led by pastors Don and Ruth Ferguson, as part of the New Life movement. In 2008 the Japanese Christian Fellowship, led by Ken and Sunny Shibusawa began using the facility and decided to join the church six month later. When more than 60 Japanese students died in the CTV building collapse, Ken addressed the citywide memorial service and ministered to grieving Japanese families. Today the fellowship continues to meet at South City C3. When the earthquakes occurred, Warren Gou-

man was SCCC senior pastor. “Times were tough,” he recalls. “We lost two of our congregation members, our ‘Jesus Tower’ needed repair and our building was cordoned off in the Red Zone. We had to meet in other premises for 18 months, but we had a resilient and faith-filled congregation and knew God would somehow use us to bring Christ to our city.” This emerged when Warren and fellow Christchurch pastor Steve Burgess of C3 church began praying together at a ministers’ group facilitated by Murray Robertson, former pastor of Spreydon Baptist (now South West Baptist.) “We’d ask each other ‘What are you needs?’ I learned that Steve’s warehouse rent had tripled and some of his senior leaders had moved away so he needed mature Christians to mentor his young congregation.” After a few weeks of praying, Warren felt that God was revealing how their two churches could do more if they combined their people, assets and vision. “I could see that C3 was very evangelistic and innovative – we’d become a bit set in our ways, but we had mature Christians who could mentor Steve’s younger ones. We also had a generous church with an asset base.” In October 2012 Warren said to Steve: “Here’s a wild idea – how about we merge our two churches, and plant at least another two congregations around the city?” Steve said, ‘Yes, it’s a good idea in principle.’ They both began discussing what a combined church would look like with their leadership teams. “Miraculously everybody caught the vision – you’d expect some resistance but everyone saw the benefits of forming a whole new church,” Warren recounts. “We used phrases like ‘Better together’ and ‘It’s important we multiply not just maintain

HILLVIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

what God has given us’ and ‘Let’s have a vision for our city, not just for our church.’ “Both congregations were utterly convinced the merger was of God and given the risk involved, it was miraculous how smoothly the transition worked out.” In September 2013 the two churches merged into South City C3 and held their first combined service in the newly repaired church in Colombo Street, with Steve Burgess and Warren Gouman as joint senior pastors. “We immediately saw the benefits in forming one new church, with a renewed sense of passion and vision and a wonderful spread of generations,” says Warren. “We place a high value on being an intergenerational church, rather than just targeting one generation – older people bring wisdom and experience and younger ones bring passion. Today the former Evangelistic Temple is part of the vibrant C3 Church Christchurch group and has planted two new churches. Church Plants The first church plant, Eastside C3, began at Shirley Boys’ High in October 2014 with 80 people transplanted from South City C3. The congregation, led by pastor Paul Julian has almost doubled in size and hopes to move into its own premises in October. “We’ve bought the Shirley Workingmen’s Club,” Warren reports. “The miracle is that the government valuation was $6.3 million for 12,000 square metres of land and 3,000 square metres of buildings and we bought it for less than $2 million.” Eastside C3 will use the 300-seat auditorium and café area, the workingmens’ club will lease one building, and two other buildings will also be leased out.

Situated at the foot of the Port Hills in St Martins, Hillview Christian School caters to 550 primary, intermediate and junior high school students. Originally called St Martins Private School, it was built by the Evangelistic Temple in 1977 and only accepted families from the founding church. When the temple underwent changes in culture in the 1990s, the school began enrolling other pupils and this, combined with State integration in 1999, saw the roll increase from 84 to 550. Hillview has a long waiting list and rates highly in ERO report. It is decile six school with families coming from a mixed socio-economic community, and about 15% of students have Maori or Pacific Island heritage. Many Hillview students go on to Middleton Grange to complete their secondary schooling.

4 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

UNITY

“We’ve made a commitment to live in unity, no matter what. IT’S LIKE A COVENANT – WE’VE FORMED THIS MARRIAGE OF TWO CHURCHES AND WE ARE NO LONGER TWO BUT ONE. We’re absolutely committed to its success and we’re never going back. Now we have to follow through on God’s leading and rely on Him to make it work. The second church plant, St Martins C3 began in May 2016 when 150 people transferred from South City C3. The new St Martins congregation meets in the recently completed $4 million hall-cum-gymnasium at Hillview Christian School, with Warren as senior pastor. “The Evangelistic Temple left us two significant legacies – some very dedicated Christians who prayed and sought revival, and resources of land, buildings and cash which has helped us significantly,” says Warren. “Thanks to that legacy, we were able to pay cash for the workingmens’ club and – with the help of our school community – build the Hillview School hall which we use for our St Martins congregation. “Another big lesson we’ve learned from our history is to value team leadership. Our whole organisation, including our three church locations and school, is governed by a dedicated team of elders and trustees who work together for the good of the whole.

“The way we’re working together is unique because it’s a merger between two churches – we don’t have one overall leader, and so all three of us have to come together to make this work. “It’s a new model and an experiment, but we feel we’re following God’s leading. He can do amazing things when we’re willing to honour each other’s gifts and talents in a team environment.” All three congregations share the same staff and eldership, and the same worship leaders and childrens’ and youth workers. “Later each church might be strong enough to have its own staff, but in the meantime God is blessing our unity and common vision for the Great Commission,” Warren observes. “We’ve made a commitment to live in unity, no matter what. It’s like a covenant – we’ve formed this marriage of two churches and we are no longer two but one. We’re absolutely committed to its success and we’re never going back. Now we have to follow through on God’s leading and rely on Him to make

M A N I F E S T

it work. “We give each other an enormous amount of grace – you can’t have it all your own way – and we have to communicate and clarify our expectations. Scripture shows that unity is one of the highest values in the Kingdom of God, but it’s much easier to talk about than to live out.” How has C3 Church Christchurch has managed to develop three church locations with mortgage free buildings, a large Christian school and many community and overseas missions in a relatively short time frame? “The answer is ‘A God-given legacy and a great team,’” says Warren Gouman. “We want to do all we can with what we’ve been given by investing in assets for future generations. We don’t want to squander it, or squirrel it away. “Our heart is to extend the church in Canterbury and to become an equipping and resourcing church for the nations.”

P R E S E N C E

A BRIEF HISTORY C3 Church Christchurch completes the full circle for C3 founders Phil and Chris Pringle who were both bornagain in Christchurch in the seventies. They planted a church in Lyttleton, before moving to Australia in 1980 to start a new church in North Sydney, now called Oxford Falls, and began planting other churches. Today the C3 Global movement has 400 churches in 64 countries with a vision to plant 1,000 churches by 2020.

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TRUE STORY

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS JANET BALCOMBE CATCHES UP WITH HARDCORE OVERCOMER, ARTIST AND AUTHOR, ANITA MARY

6 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

ur universes collided ‘back in the day’ in central Auckland, although we were in different scenes — Anita in hardcore punk, me in the biker crowd. Anita has been in some dark places but was always one of God’s kids behind enemy lines. Growing up in Shirley, Christchurch in the late 60’s, her only constant was change. After a tumultuous first four years of life, the fighting finally stopped when Anita’s Dad left for good. As a youngster she went to an after-school Christian group called ‘the Sunshine Club’, run by Ray Comfort and his wife. Anita learned about a guy called Jesus and that he was some kind of ‘bridge’ thing — she didn’t know what would happen if she gave her heart to him, but she did, and everyone clapped. She never understood why. When she went home, life continued as before. After a nightmare of childhood sexual abuse and 18 schools later, Anita ran away from home at 15 to be ‘free’. What she found, however, was everything but freedom. On the streets of Auckland and Wellington a classic tragedy played out; self-hatred, suicide attempts, abortions, clinical depression (and many other mental illness diagnoses), drug-addiction, promiscuity, and prostitution. Through it all she expressed herself by writing and drawing her thoughts, dreams and visions. In the late 80’s Anita immersed herself in the New Plymouth Hardcore Scene. Her nickname ‘Looney On A Wheel’ encapsulated her non-

stop craving for affection, attention and addictive substances. In 1990 an accident left her encased in the car, broken but alive; but by the time they cut her out she had been dead from between 6 to 8 minutes. With severe brain injuries, temporary paralysis on one side and a stroke on the other, she was in a coma for 15 days. Against all odds Anita survived and learned to walk, talk, and write, all over again. In spite of a deep resentment of God for allowing certain things to happen to her, His hand on her life was evident. In her search for belonging and purpose it wasn’t long before Anita’s world closed in on her again. After several drug treatment programmes she found herself pregnant once more. Her miracle son was born. Alone, with deep dissatisfaction in her heart, she spiraled down again and was put on Methadone and other prescription meds. In 2000 she met a guy, David, while waiting for a bus after her daily Methadone pickup. He kept mentioning this Jesus guy. “I had a bizarre feeling, it was so scary — like someone had blown a hole in my chest and was pouring warm/cold wind into my heart and over my head. It was intense.” She ended up going to church with David and gave her life to Jesus Christ after being ‘kicked out of the chair by something’ when the altar-call was made. She was baptised, came off Methadone and other drugs and found the hole in her heart was finally filled. In 2002 Anita married Brad, and a whole

FamilyLife NZ Changed lives through Christ; that’s what motivates us. We love hearing stories of husbands, wives, and children whose lives are different after hearing about God’s plan for relationships. That’s what we’re about at FamilyLife; to inspire and equip couples to be successfully married for a lifetime. Ph: 0800 800 680 W: www.familylife.org.nz

TRUE STORY

Opposite Pageclockwise from top left Anita at the Toi Ora; Anita and Brad with Blood on the Mirror; Anita’s accident, as shown in Blood on the Mirror; Anita, 17, hazy days; This page top: The Sunshine Club run by evangelist Ray Comfort and his wife, 1973 in Christchurch (Anita last girl on the right);

new chapter began. She struggles with pain as a result of the accident and joined The Auckland Regional Pain Service (TARPS). Anita still uses art to document her journey. Art therapist, Janet Mcleod, saw Anita’s talent and took her to the Toi Ora Live Arts Trust in 2011 (toiora.org.nz), where she is a current board member. With three solo exhibitions and many group exhibitions under her belt, curating the current Toi Ora calendar, a couple of magazine covers. Anita recently illustrated a children’s book, Not For Kids, which helps protect children online which was written by Liz Walker (notforkids.info). Anita sells her paintings and cards and in Papakura where she lives with her husband, son and three rescued kittens. After several years of searching for a home church, they walked into Life Central (in Auckland), in April 2008. They now attend Life Church South (without the kittens). Anita is currently part of the South Security team for events, conferences and services, and both Brad and Anita help out in other areas where needed. Their son, Taylor, is an active member of the Red Frogs team that looks out for people at festivals, concerts and parties. He is also a team member of Fuse, ministering to the youth at South. They have definitely come home at Life (lifenz.org). Anita has now finished her memoir, Blood on the Mirror, which is being launched in October

2016. Her journey from the streets, overcoming mental illness and addiction to freedom in Christ uses art to illustrate the chapters of her life. Anita captures images on canvas that inspire others to see their value. Today, because of her relationship with Jesus and the restoration in her life, Anita is a bridge for those who’ve gone where she has been. “LOVE was the most difficult choice for me to make — but once I had exhausted all other options, my hurt becomes HOPE.” Anita is used to being misunderstood. As a child, things just used to go wrong when she wanted them to go right. As an adult and a heavily tattooed Christian woman she is no stranger to whispers and judgment. But Anita doesn’t judge those who judge her, instead chooses to bless them. Anita is no longer a Looney On A Wheel, but a daughter of the King, and a Life Of Absolute Wonder, for such a time as this. “My life is no longer my own. The life I’ve lived allows me to empathise with those battling injustice, lies, and searching for meaning.” You can find Anita Mary on Facebook and absoluteartnz.com

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FAMILY FIRST

POVERTY & FAMILY STRUCTURE: What is the evidence telling us?” examines household incomes and family structure from the early 1960s through to current day, and says that while unemployment, low wages, high housing costs and insufficient social security benefits are consistently blamed for child poverty, a major culprit - if not the major culprit - is family malformation, that is, a lack of two married committed parents.

CHILD POVERTY:

DON’T MENTION FAMILY STRUCTURE

henever the issue of ‘child poverty’ is raised, the finger is pointed – by research reports from both so-called ‘right wing’ and ‘left wing’ think-tanks and organisations - at housing costs, low wages, inadequate benefit levels, and ‘inequality’. But a report that Family First commissioned and released recently on child poverty and its causes argues that the ‘elephant in the room’ in the debate is family structure which is being constantly ignored, but that it is contributing significantly to increasing income inequality and child poverty, and must be confronted. The report by welfare commentator and researcher Lindsay Mitchell entitled “CHILD

Evidence produced in the report includes: • Despite families being much smaller, parents being older, mothers being better educated and having much higher employment rates, child poverty has risen significantly since the 1960s. • In 1961, 95 percent of children were born to married couples; by 2015 the proportion had fallen to 53 percent. For Maori, 72 percent of births were to married parents in 1968; by 2015 the proportion had fallen to just 21 percent. • In 2015, 27 percent of registered births were to cohabiting parents. But the risk of parental separation by the time the child is aged five is, however, 4-6 times greater than for married parents. In the Christchurch Child Development Study, cohabitation is a foremost risk factor for breakdown of the child’s family in its first five years. 43.9% of de facto couples separated, compared to 10.9% of the married couples (4-times higher for de facto). Cohabiting parents are financially poorer than married parents, and they form an interim group between married and single parent families. • Single parent families make up 28 percent of all families with dependent children. These families are the poorest in New Zealand. 51% of children in poverty live in single parent families. Single parents have the lowest home ownership rates and the highest debt ratios. What is significant is that the higher poverty rates for Maori and Pasifika children are reflected in the greater number of sole parent and cohabiting families. In 2010, the Families Commission reported: “…. 36 percent of Maori babies under one year and 32 percent of Pacific babies under one year live with a sole-mother, compared with 19 percent of all babies under one year… Maori and Pacific sole-parent families tend to have more dependent children than European sole-parent families…. The proportion of dependent children who experienced living

with only one parent is noticeably higher for Māori (50 percent) and lower for Asian (19 percent) children.” This reflects higher rates of de facto and blended families amongst Maori. On the other side, while starting from a low base, Asian incomes are currently the fastest growing incomes in New Zealand today. There is a strong possibility that this is at least partly an effect of their intact family structures. The research paper presents evidence that the correlation between sole parent and child poverty rates is stronger than between unemployment and child poverty rates, but that aided by the structure of social security assistance (not only in New Zealand), the unemployed male has been rendered even less useful than he may have been. And there are no financial disincentives for separating. With regard to housing costs, child poverty concerns pre-date housing shortages. It’s even suggested that relationship breakdown also contributes to the housing shortage. The research paper draws the conclusion that NZ’s rapidly changing family structure has contributed significantly to increasing income inequality, but nobody wants to mention it. The author says: “Despite marriage being the best protector against child poverty, it has become politically unfashionable – some argue insensitive – to express such a view. But reducing high child poverty rates will require encompassing analysis and debate.” The author argues that the evidence supporting her premise is ‘overwhelming and incontrovertible’. I would encourage you to read the report, and include this key factor in any debate around child poverty that you are part of. The full report – and an Executive Summary – can be downloaded from our website www.familyfirst.nz under Research.

Bob McCoskrie is the National Director of Family First NZ. Visit www.familyfirst.org.nz for more information on how you can become involved.

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CONFERENCE

BY PS MAREE DE JONG istas Women’s Conference began back in 2000, with the dream of seeing women inspired and equipped to live out the calling God has placed on their lives and to realise that we can be the change in our world. I’ve found when God asks you to do something, there is always a huge step of faith that follows; that’s how Sistas began and by God’s grace we have seen the conference grow annually. We receive countless testimonies from women every year who have seen breakthrough and miracles as they positioned themselves in an environment to hear from God over the three days of conference. One of the greatest highlights for me is the generations coming together, being strengthened, believed in and united in one heart to love and serve God and shine as His daughters. I actually think women are amazing and have so much to bring to the table of life. I know God’s heart is that we flourish and fulfil our purpose and destiny, to impact the world around us. By God’s grace, Sistas exists to inspire and strengthen that purpose. We are so honoured to have so many different denominations and churches join us at Sistas, and it’s always so encouraging to see woman connecting and commu-

nity created even before a session starts. I once read about someone who made a conscious decision to mentally list three similarities they had with someone they were about to pass on the footpath before noticing any differences. This sort of living is what brings strength to our sistahood, knowing that we share the same Maker and God, and that is a far more powerful bond than preferences or opinions. The privilege I have, as the host of our conference, is that I get to witness firsthand the generosity of those who attend, and how it impacts the world around them. Two highlights of the conference are Surprise a Sista and Sistas Unite. Surprise a Sista has seen hundreds of nominations (sent by a friend) flood in for women who have endured a tough season who would benefit from a little love and encouragement from her Sistas. We surprise them with some gifts and honour them for staying the course and influencing those around them. Looking a little further abroad, Sistas Unite looks at partnering with charities and organisations around the world that are at the coal face of helping those in need – being a rescue agent in some way. These include A Girl Called Hope which exists to provide support, care and education for young New Zealand wom-

en who are facing issues life controlling issues; Watoto in Uganda which seeks to bring hope, transformation and empowerment, through thousands of disadvantaged children and adults to regain control of their lives and to realise their potential; and the A21 Campaign, which seeks to abolish human trafficking and injustice in our day. The reason that both of these initiatives are so dear to my heart is that I see the enormous benefit not just in those who are aided by these initiatives, but also the impact it has on anyone who chooses to give to them. Whether a small group deciding to help a neighbour, or a large ministry being able to fund a project internationally, we are designed to live generously and help those in need. Our community is strengthened when we work together on something greater than ourselves. Wherever you may find yourselves, there is a sistahood that will benefit from your involvement. As Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, ‘let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed, not giving up on meeting together’. If you’re not a part of a community already, may I encourage you to get in touch with your local church?

We would love you to join us at Sistas Women’s Conference. For more information on attending conference, including night sessions, www.sistas.org.nz. I hope to see you there.

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LOCAL NEWS

DR BRIAN SIMMONS OF THE PASSION TRANSLATION IS COMING TO NZ Brian is the Lead Translator of the popular Passion Bible Translation is visiting New Zealand for the first time in October. The Passion Translation brings God’s fiery heart of love and truth to this generation using Aramaic, Greek, and Hebrew manuscripts, merging them together with the emotion and truth of God’s Word in a way that’s accurate and faithful, yet clear and readable. It’s a groundbreaking attempt to re-introduce the passion and fire of the Bible to English readers. In past translations wonderfully gifted scholars were trained to focus on other factors besides the emotion of the text. As Brian has studied the original biblical manuscripts, he has uncovered what he believes is the love language of God that has been missing from other translations. God refuses to meet us only in an intellectual way. God also wants to meet us heart level, so we must let the words go heart deep—which is what we’re trying

to do with this project. To bring words that go right through the human soul, past the defenses of our mind, and go right into our spirit. There is a language of the heart that must express the passion of this love-theology. That’s why The Passion Translation is an important addition to peoples’ devotional and spiritual life with Christ. Brian is a former missionary, linguist, minister, and Bible teacher. As a missionary, he and his wife, Candice, pioneered church plants in Central America. As a linguist, Brian co-translated the Paya-Kuna New Testament for the Kuna people of Panama. He and his wife have started numerous ministries, including a dynamic church, Gateway Christian Fellowship, in West Haven, Connecticut. He is also a gifted teacher of the Bible who has authored several books and serves churches worldwide through his teaching ministry. Brian’s will speak at the PASSION & FIRE conference at Harmony Church in Christchurch on 28 and 29 October 2016. Info & registrations: www.harmony.org.nz

GENDER BENDING CHURCH RESTROOMS The mom called the church office: “As you may know, my son now identifies as a female. She is planning to attend your youth group retreat this weekend. I need to know how you plan to accommodate her for restrooms and showers.” This call represents not only an ethical and theological issue, but a looming legal dilemma as well. Earlier this year the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Education, and the Justice Department issued “bathroom” guidance requiring restroom and locker room facilities that are “consistent” with a person’s gender identity. In addition to federal mandates, rapidly changing state and local laws may apply to religious organizations as well. The California legislature is poised to pass a bill that will force private universities to comply with the state’s position on gender identity access matters. What does this mean for churches and Christian schools and camps? It’s a bit murky at this point, but faith-based organizations need to be aware and prepared. For this week’s Holy Soup podcast, I talked with Eric Kniffin, a Colorado attorney specializing in legal issues facing religious institutions. He urges churches and other organizations to perform a “mission audit.” Based on core beliefs and convictions, organizations should discuss and establish written guidelines related to: • gender identity issues • facility use policies • human resources practices • sexual abuse policies • volunteer criteria Setting these boundaries in advance will establish faith-based underpinnings, and help defend against future legal actions. For regulation updates, volunteer administration, and background checks, churches may receive helpful information from Shepherd’s Watch. Kniffin said all churches need to identify potential legal and social pressures, and prepare to withstand challenges–from government, activist groups, citizens and church members. And, because every situation is unique, he recommends all receive competent legal help. Regardless of how you feel about issues such as transgenderism, public and governmental views are changing, fast. These issues need to be prayerfully discussed and addressed, even if they seem uncomfortable. Thom Schultz www.holysoup.com

Voice for Life, New Zealand’s largest voluntary prolife organisation – with branches all over the country, has been building a culture of valuing human life from the moment of conception to natural death for more than 40 years. Our members have been committed to peaceful advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable and invisible members of our communities. We promote support, education, and sensible researched-based solutions to facilitate our goals, knowing that this is a long term effort that can be reached by incremental change with widespread public support.

10 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

BOOK REVIEWS

“An incredible book and a must-read.” Paul & Maree de Jong

SHE

MY WRITING JOURNEY

By Jen Gibbs

By George Bryant

A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love with Women of the Bible

Jen Gibbs

Faith, Hope & Love We get it, right? They are important. But sometimes they feel so intangible. How are we supposed to relate? What do we do with our faith through suffering? Why is hope even included in the “top three”? What does extravagant love really look like? In this book Jen Gibbs dives deep into Faith, Hope & Love as revealed through the lives of some incredible women of the Bible. Their lives point us to the heart of God for women. Through them we see a God who cherishes, strengthens, commissions, commends, esteems and cannot help but love us!

and her amazing communication skills will leave you wanting to read more. An incredible book and a must read not just for women but for everyone wanting to understand how God sees and uses women.” Pastors Paul and Maree de Jong, LIFE. Complete with self-reflection questions for each chapter to use for personal or group study. Available now through: jengibbs. com / Amazon / ibooks / Manna bookshops

“Jen’s insights into these Biblical women

The personal story of how a student who hated writing essays became a prolific, successful author. In only 44 pages George gives us a unique glimpse into his failures and successes as a writer, plus 38 tips stemming from his experience. For example, he says Christians should “take every opportunity to write,” and “keep Christianese to a minimum.” George believes strongly in the power of the written word to “provoke thought, foster inspiration and stimulate and nurture life changes.” The booklet contains a valuable discussion on the difference between a “Christian writer” and “a writer who is a Christian.” He also outlines the need to write

Considering your study options?

to make a difference - “quality writing that will strike a chord with the non-believer.” The booklet is addressed specifically to “the writer who claims to be Christian, the one who desires to touch the world with sound, wholesome ideas about life and faith.” The last two pages briefly outline the content of eight of his nineteen books. The booklet will be used as a resource for seminars for Christian writers George intends to lead throughout the country. Available for only $10 plus postage from George Bryant, PO Box 7031, Maungatapu, Tauranga, 3112 or email bryantgw@xtra.co.nz

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CHRISTIAN LIVING

ost of us have heard someone say, “we have such a great team, always ready to go the extra mile.” And in our culture everyone gets it. Going the extra mile has long been understood to mean a willingness to go beyond the call of duty, or to do more than is actually required. But why call it “the extra mile”? Though the original meaning has changed these words, have found their way into our language from the Bible. Matthew 5:41. “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Those words would have shocked the hearers to the core. Most Bible versions use the word force, or compel, some commentators use “impressment”, which is about seizing people or property for public service. Think “press gang”. No one appreciates being forced, compelled, or impressed to do anything, especially something as irksome as carrying a Roman soldier’s backpack for a mile out of their way. How tempting to “accidentally” trip and drop it in the mud. Imagine what it would be like to live in a country that had been conquered by an empire that is taking over the world. There are soldiers everywhere and then there’s this wretched law that one of them can force you to carry his gear for a mile at any time. How would that feel to someone whose son had been killed, whose wife had been raped, or whose brother had been beaten senseless by cruel Roman soldiers? Going the extra mile is a radical way to love without limits. At its core it’s about the love and grace of God, yes, it’s hard work, but it’s about treating people with generosity and patience, and making friends instead of enemies. Let’s look at going the extra mile in three aspects of Christian life. In prayer Philip Yancey mentions a seeker who took a few days out to stay in a monastery. A monk showed him to his cell, and said, “I hope your stay is blessed, let us know if you need anything and we’ll teach you how to live without it.” He wouldn’t have seen that one coming! If we’re going to carve out time each day for prayer something’s got to give. My wife remembers a man addressing the youth when she was a young Christian. He began by saying, “the trouble with young people is that you’re too darn lazy to get out of bed to pray.” Ouch! He prob-

the eternal state of other people.

GOING THE SECOND MILE BY TAK BHANA

ably didn’t get invited back but my wife was stirred to get into a regular habit of prayer. Most people ask, “how long should I pray”? Jesus said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” Then you can beef up your prayer with fasting. Why go the extra mile in prayer? Because God answers! F.B. Meyer said, “The greatest tragedy is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer.” For the great commission The extra mile shows us a radical way to love our enemies. Someone might ask the question, “why did you do that”, which would open the door for a conversation about Jesus. An army sergeant saw a young soldier kneel down to pray. He threw a boot at him, splitting his ear. The soldier kept praying so the sergeant threw the second boot and cut him again, the soldier continued. The next morning the sergeant found his boots, nicely polished, beside his bunk. He said, “I’ve got to find out what makes a man do that”. He ended up getting saved. Jesus He requires us to follow in His footsteps by taking up our cross daily to show the world what God is like. Martin Luther King Junior commented on the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite asked, “If I stop and help this man what will happen to me”? But…the Samaritan asked: “If I don’t stop and help this man what will happen to him”? The extra mile is easier when we are concerned about

Going the extra mile for unity If ever there’s an area of church life where we need to go the extra mile it’s in working at unity. Many of us might happily leave this in the “too hard basket”, but it is in the Bible, so we can’t ignore it. In John 17 we see Jesus praying for a unity of love, the glue that holds us all together, a unity of obedience to God and His Word, and a united commitment to His will. There is great power in unity. Proverbs 30:24 talks about four things that are small, but extremely wise. One of those things is a locust. A lone locust can’t do much damage, but when a whole swarm moves in unity they can destroy a nation. Jesus prayed that we, with our diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and denominations, would achieve the same kind of unity He shared with the Father. That might require some extra miles on our part, but if it’s God’s will then it’s doable and we must make every effort to attain it. Unity is a powerful witness to the world and a strong defence against the enemy’s tactics. In Acts 20 Paul warned the Ephesian elders that wolves would come and attack the flock. A pack of 7 arctic wolves was seen targeting several oxen calves that were guarded by 11 adults. The adults formed a semi-circle, with their deadly rear hooves facing out, and the wolves couldn’t get near the calves. After a long stand-off one adult ox broke rank and the herd scattered into nervous groups. Then a skirmish broke out, the adults fled in panic and without them standing in unity not one calf survived. The 2nd mile is not a well-worn path, it takes us out of our comfort zone into unfamiliar territory, but at least we’re not going to get stuck in any traffic jams, and Jesus, who first coined the now familiar concept, is a fellow traveller.

Tak Bhana is the Senior Pastor of Church Unlimited. He has a radio and television program called Running with Fire, which broadcasts in New Zealand and other nations. His church also produces a magazine with the same name which is distributed in 70 countries, and he has written a book titled “Wired for the Supernatural”.

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12 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

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Ways to Deal with

olitical correctness is driving many people crazy. Worse than that, it’s limiting our ability to speak freely about things that really matter. So, what does an effective Christian response to political correctness look like? I recently watched an incredibly insightful video about the rampant problem of political correctness by, none other, than British comedian John Cleese. In my view it really hits the nail on the head. At the heart of what he’s saying is that whilst, yes, it’s quite obviously a very good idea not to be deliberately mean or vindictive toward other people (particularly those who aren’t able to look after themselves), the notion that we should have to tiptoe through the minefield of people’s over-sensitivity, hoping that we won’t step on something that will explode, is a very bad one. He quotes renowned psychiatrist Robbie Skinner, who said that “People who can’t control their own emotions have to control other people’s behaviour”. And, at its heart, that’s exactly what political correctness is.

28-29.OCT.2016

CONFERENCE ‘16

brian simmons

First time to New zealand

author of the “passion BIBLE trans.”

“The greatest thing to happen with bible translation in my lifetime” - bill johnson venue HARMONY CHURCH 220 antigua street cdb, christchurch 8011 visit harmony.org.nz for registrations

14 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

Let’s Face It – Christianity is Offensive We seem to think that the fact that a Christian worldview has become something of a societal pariah, is a relatively recent phenomenon. Not so. What Jesus said and did was so incredibly offensive to the power-brokers of His day, that they had Him nailed to a cross for it. And remember what Jesus said … ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. (John 15:20,21) So let’s not be surprised, or indeed offended, when people shout us down, invoking stereotypes like ‘narrow-minded’, ‘bigot’, ‘fundamentalist’, ‘conservative’ … simply because we hold and express views contrary to theirs. There’s nothing new in any of that at all. The question is simply, how do we respond? Here are three ways that you can choose to respond: . Speak the Truth with Love and Gentleness Some Christians seem to believe that we’re in a tribal war against secularism and its views. They think that our team has to win and the only way to do that is to beat the other team. Of course, historically, that approach has led to conflict, to wars … to all sorts of atrocities. Yet still, I read and hear so many hateful things espoused by Christians. In my view, they’re a bit like Peter the Apostle, who, when Jesus was threatened in Gethsemane, drew his sword and sliced the ear off one of the aggressors. (John 18:1-11) But that wasn’t how Jesus would have him respond. So often, it’s not so much what we say, but how we say it: We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love,

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. (Ephesians 4:14-15) Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15-16) Ultimately the truth resonates with people. It just does. But not when they’re gagging on it as we shove it down their throats. There is an incredible power in quietly, gently, lovingly, respectfully speaking the truth and explaining the reason for the hope that is in us. Remember, all too often, it’s not what we say, it’s how we say it.

. Speak the Truth with Wisdom Let’s face it, people in the world who are pushing their particular agendas – whether it be the “pro-choice” lobby, the LGTB community, political forces of any and every colour and hue, businesses, unions …. on and on … they all have agendas that they’re pushing and outcomes that they want. So by and large, they’re excellent at framing their arguments, playing the media and executing their tactics. In response, I’ve seen Christians say some incredibly stupid things – sorry, but it’s true. The church (and her leaders) don’t seem all that good at framing the truth in a way that resonates with the average punter on the street. Sometimes, it’s time to say nothing. Jesus made that point: Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. (Matthew 7:6) Is He calling people who disagree with Him swine and dogs? No – it was simply a common

form of expression in His day… but you get the point. Sometimes, people aren’t ready for the truth and as is often the case in life, timing is everything. But other times, it’s a different problem altogether: See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16) It’s a dangerous world out there and whilst, yes, we need to act with gentleness, kindness and love, we also need to be wise in how and when we speak (and act) to mediate God’s truth into the lives of those around us. I heard a prominent Christian leader recently draw parallels between the LGTB’s ‘political correctness’ and Nazism. The point that he was trying to make, was that the LGTB agenda was to close down freedom of speech, much as Nazism had done in the lead up to WWII. But of course, blind Freddy could have seen that his opponents would twist his meaning (which they did) to decry him invoking the Holocaust in such a way. So, it was an unwise choice, even if his point was technically the right one.

. Be Prepared to Suffer Harm and Loss Let’s go back to that story of Peter and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter thought it was about winning the battle, so he drew his sword. But Jesus didn’t come to win the battle – He came to win the lost. That’s why He went to the Cross, when human wisdom would have had Him avoiding it. And in the same way, look at what He said to His disciples, following hard on the heels of the swine and dogs metaphor:

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Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 10:17-23) His point to them? His point to you and me? You will be persecuted. You will suffer harm and loss for my sake. That’s par for the course. So … go and speak the truth with love, gentleness, respect and wisdom anyway. Don’t be silenced when they try to shut you down and close you down and run you out of town. That’s just what’s going to happen. Love them anyway. Share the truth with them anyway. For Christ’s sake.

Berni Dymet is the CEO of the global media ministry Christianityworks. Each week his radio and television broadcasts are heard by millions of people in 160 countries around the world. To obtain your FREE copy of his latest booklet, visit christianityworks.com.

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GAMING

A BRAND NEW CHRISTIAN ONLINE ADVENTURE GAME

ave you ever wondered why, when he stood in front of the high council of the synagogue, Stephen told them a story instead of mounting a defence? Or why the prophet Nathan chose to tell David a story about a shepherd and his prize lamb when he confronted him about his adultery? One reason is because stories move us. They shape our perspective of the world and how we understand our part in it. Jesus used parables extensively in the same way. He drew his listeners and us into a new way of seeing God and ourselves, helping us ground lofty ideas in earthy realities. The parables, like Stephen and Nathan’s stories, slip under our radar and help us reframe our world. When the philosopher Ivan

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16 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

Illich was asked about how to change a society, he famously said, “You have to tell an alternative story.” Scarlet City Studios in Auckland have taken that approach seriously in The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance. Following the tradition of allegorical adventures like Narnia and truth through fiction Like Pilgrim’s Progress, they have found a way to spark the biblical imagination of a digital generation. The Aetherlight is an online adventure game for 10 to 13 year olds set in Aethasia, a fantastical steam punk world. Players are invited into the Resistance, an underground movement trying to restore the land. Ever since Lucky led the people of Aethasia in revolt against the Great Engineer, the land has been flooded by the corrosive, corrupting fog and oppressed by Lucky’s mechanical army of Automatons. Players take part in missions that lead them through allegories of biblical stories, working alongside characters representing heros of the faith like Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph, discovering along the way their part in the epic story. The heart of the project is biblical engagement, a nearly 80year legacy begun by Robert Laidlaw and James Rowan. They founded the Postal Sunday School Mission to get the Bible into the hearts and minds of rural young people. Fast-forward to 2016 and the world has changed. Today’s kids are no longer playing in the front yard and checking the mailbox. They inhabit the online space, and they play games. Education expert Cathy Davidson, in her book Now You See It: How the Brain Science of Attention Will Transform the Way We Live, Work, and Learn, writes “Games are unquestionably the single most important cultural form of the digital age.” That’s why Scarlet City Studios was founded and The Aetherlight is the result. The game is all about the story the biblical story. Players are given hints throughout their Aethasian adventure about the parallels building up, and parents are equipped with update emails that help them understand what their child is playing and how to help them make the connections with scripture. The Companion Engines app being released in August provides more tools to draw the players into the Bible, with various minigame ‘machines’ that explore the themes, contexts and narratives of each game episode. There are You Version Bible reading plans for players and their families which guide them through the Biblical story and an Aetherlight Bible published by Tyndale for Resistance recruits to continue the adventure outside the game. It’s an approach that is generating a lot of interest. The Bible Society in America and New Zealand have endorsed The Aetherlight as a revolutionary tool to encourage young people to engage with the scriptures. Episode 1, covering the story of Abraham was released in May, and has seen more than 10,000 players embark on their Aethasian adventure. With Episode 2 opening up the story of Jacob and Esau on August 4, The Aetherlight is an exciting invitation to a digital generation to come back to the old, old story in a new way. You can start your own Aethasian adventure at parents.theaetherlight.com

CHURCH ISSUES

“I LOVE YOU PASTOR, BUT I WANT YOU FIRED.”

EIGHT WARNING SIGNS OF A BULLY CHURCH MEMBER

Several months ago I wrote about bully church members. The post focused on the damage they do and the problems they create. The article resonated with many church leaders. But some of those leaders told me the article was too little too late. They had already heard something akin to the first sentence above. The damage was done. Here is a direct quote of a plea to me: “Thom, I am currently encountering a bully church member. He wants me fired. I didn’t see it coming. How can we be warned about potential bullies before they inflict the most damage?” I get it. It’s one thing for me to state the obvious: the traits of a bully. But it’s another thing for me to provide early warning signs so you won’t be blindsided. Here are eight of those warning signs: 1. They are among the first in the church to tell you how much they love you. And they will continue to love you as long as you do everything exactly the way they want it done every single day. 2. They have strong personalities. They tend to be boisterous. They speak up frequently in meetings. They can be loud. They like to dominate conversations. 3. They are highly opinionated. And if you ever disagree with them, you become their next target. 4. They are terrible listeners. They want you to listen to them; they don’t want to listen

6. 7.

to you. They build unhealthy alliances. The bully in one church built an alliance with two weak staff members. The three of them spoke in secret to the personnel committee about the pastor. The pastor was fired without even being asked his side of the story. Watch carefully those the bully befriends. They murmur and gossip. Most of their words are negative. They are the antiBarnabas. They do most of their toxic work in darkness. They let other people become the fall persons for their nefarious deeds. They meet with them behind closed doors and then slither away. They have been to several churches. Bullies tend to move around. They do their damage at one church and then leave. They are sometimes asked to leave.

Do all churches have bullies? No. But many churches have bullies. Be careful when you encounter them. Be very careful. This article was originally published at ThomRainer. com on July 20. Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and seven grandchildren. Dr. Rainer can be found on Twitter @ThomRainer and at facebook. com/Thom.S.Rainer

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PROGRAMME GUIDE September 2016

SUNDAY 5:00 6:00

Living Truth: Charles Price

MONDAY P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

8:00

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

TUESDAY P

Living Truth: Charles Price

WEDNESDAY P

THURSDAY

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

shineplus.co.nz

Aug 29 - Sep 2

Details up to date at time of printing. For up-to-date 24-hour programme information go to shinetv.co.nz

FRIDAY

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri)

SATURDAY P

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

5:00

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

6:00

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

Derek Prince

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

Superbook

6:30

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

Adventures in Boogabooga Land

Superbook

OK TV

Blello.tv

OK TV

7:00

Blello.tv

Friends and Heroes

OK TV

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

Superbook

Adventures in Boogabooga Land

7:30

OK TV

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

Paul the Little Missionary

Friends and Heroes

Adventures in Boogabooga Land

Paul the Little Missionary

8:00

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

Blello.tv

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

Buzz and Poppy

9:00

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

Friends and Heroes

9:30

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

Colour in Your Life

Songs of Praise

The Exchange

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

12:30

Monumental

13:00

The Restoration Road

6:30 7:00 7:30

9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 Noon

13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00

Give Me An Answer

16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Creation Magazine Live

Travelling Light

SERIES

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

Leon Fontaine

100 Huntley St The Find: Nicaragua

D D

OK TV

Friends and Heroes

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

12:30

14:30

Studio 5

D 17:00

Full Circle (Mon-Fri)

Creation Magazine Live

D 17:30

The 700 Club (Mon-Fri)

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

Christian World News

20:00

Travelling Light

The Find: Nicaragua

Jesus: The Game Changer D

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong When Calls the Heart

FEATURE:

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

SERIES

NEW SERIES

FEATURE:

Leon Fontaine

Global Leadership Summit 2015

Jeni: Seeking the Extraordinary

Brought to you by

Convocation

The Mark Gungor Show

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

Creation Magazine Live

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Your Best Life

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

23:30

The Exchange

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

Midnight

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

00:30am

Precious Memories

1 am

Songs of Praise

1:30am

Colour in Your Life

Derek Prince

Hillsong TV

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri)

2 am

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

Overnight until 4:30am - Rhema Worship (Sun-Sat)

A Shine viewer says... “I purchased a new home and the dear lady

who was selling left her TV as she had no need for it. I discovered Shine... it changed my life. I see the purchase of this home as God leading me.”

18 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

21:00

SERIES

The Catholic Guy

20:00

23:00

19:30

When Calls the Heart

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

22:30

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

Preaching

N News

C Children E

M Music

Entertainment

21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30 Midnight

D 00:30am P M

18:30

20:30

Give Me An Answer

18:00

19:00

NEW SERIES

SERIES

Bayless Conley

FAMILY FEATURE:

Studio 5

SERIES

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

SERIES

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

The Restoration Road

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Living Truth: Charles Price

15:30

15:00

Rhema Worship (Mon-Fri)

Friends and Heroes

100 Huntley St

In Touch: Charles Stanley

14:00

P 16:30

13:30

Colour in Your Life

Paul the Little Missionary

Songs of Praise

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

13:00

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

19:30

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

D 11:30

P 16:00

SERIES

Buzz and Poppy

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

22:00

Studio 5

SERIES

Kingdom Connection

Superbook

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Global Leadership Summit 2015

21:30

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

11:00

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Blello.tv

Precious Memories

FEATURE:

SERIES

19:00

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

The Restoration Road

Y 10:30

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Colour in Your Life

21:00

Jesus: The Game Changer D

Life fm Presents

Noon

When Calls the Heart

FEATURE:

Blello.tv

NEW SERIES

FEATURE:

LivingTruth: Charles Price

Christian World News

10:00

Adventures in Boogabooga Land

20:30

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

The Restoration Road

SERIES

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

18:30

SERIES

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Full Circle (Mon-Fri)

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Answers with Bayless Conley

The 700 Club (Tue-Fri)

SERIES

FEATURE:

In Touch: Charles Stanley

Living Truth: Charles Price

Joni & Friends

Precious Memories

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

FEATURE:

15:30 16:00

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

1 am 1:30am

2 am

D Doco/Drama

Y Youth

SH IN E FEA TURES September 2016

Help get Shine into every home Join the team today and help get Shine onto Freeview HD FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

SHINETV.CO.NZ

SHINEATHON 2016

You can help get Shine into every home. 500,000 homes can’t get Shine yet - you can help us reach them with hope-filled television that can change lives in the name of Jesus Christ.

NEW SERIES

Jesus: The Game Changer

Jeni: Seeking the Extraordinary (Season 3) Fridays @ 8pm

Boy’s Passage, Man’s Journey Thursdays @ 9pm (from 22 Sep)

We need to raise $500,000 by the Tuesdays @ 8pm; Wednesdays @ 12.30pm beginning of September to help keep Shine broadcasting and build on the start that the Shine 1000KW Club has Christian Mingle (2014) (103 min) made to allow us to finally launch on Gwenyth is looking for Mr Right. But she realises her superficial life, and her need Freeview HD nationwide. for a personal relationship with God. Sat 3 @ 2pm

Call 0508 003 003 to donate or donate online shinetv.co.nz Mon 29 Aug - Fri 2 Sep

The Secret Handshake (2015) (90 min) A story of men and boys learning together what it takes to be a man, as they journey from suburbia to the deep, dark woods, and back again. Starring Kevin Sorbo. Sat 3 @ 7pm; Sun 4 @ 2pm; Sat 24 @ 2pm

FEATURE SERIES IN SEPTEMBER

A Week with my Father (2011) (60 min) Giacomo has not seen his father in 33 Jesus: The Game Changer (2016) years. He records their reunion, hoping (30 min) NEW SERIES to inspire men to reunite with their dads. How the life and teaching of Jesus Sun 4 @ 8.30pm; Mon 5 @ 1.30pm changed the world and why it matters. Karl Faase travels the world interviewing Audience of One (2010) (30 min) authors, speakers and modern-day Experience the truth of the Father’s game changers, including Eric Metaxas, love through Ben Ferrell’s music as he Christine Caine and John Ortberg. shares his unique style worship. Tuesdays @ 8pm; Wednesdays @ 12.30pm Sun 4 @ 9.30pm; Mon 5 @ 2.30pm

Brian Molitor from TV4DADS chats to Kirk Cameron about transforming young boys into productive and godly men. Thursdays from Sep 22 @ 9pm Fridays from Sep 23 @ 1.30pm

Waiting for Baby Noel (2015) (48 min) The story of New Zealander Dr Jared Noel who fought off cancer long enough for the arrival of his baby girl. Sun 11 @ 8.30pm; Mon 12 @ 1.30pm

Catching Faith (2015) (90 min) With the football season at stake and the community turning their backs on them, the Taylor family must prove that faith and family is the only score that really matters. Sat 24 @ 7pm; Sun 25 @ 2pm From Exile to Restoration (2009) (60 min) Author Kelvin Crombie presents the story of Jewish, Christian and geopolitical factors that intertwined to lead to the restoration of the nation of Israel. Sun 25 @ 8.30pm; Mon 26 @ 1.30pm

Mission Air (2014) (90 min) Mother and son missionaries in Mexico narrowly escape from bandits. When they learn the crooks are after a family member, they return to save her. Mon 19 @ 8.30pm; Tue 20 @ 1pm

How Ridiculous (2014) (60 min) Four young guys from Perth, to raise awareness of kids in poverty, have racked up over 3.5 million YouTube hits with their amazing basketball shots. Thu 8 @ 7.30pm; Fri 9 @ 12pm

Boy’s Passage, Man’s Journey (2012)

Henry Cobb becomes a mentor to 12-year-old Danny in a bid to cope with the loss of his wife and fear of becoming obsolete in his profession. Starring Sidney Poitier. Sat 10 @ 7pm; Sun 11 @ 2pm

Return to the Hiding Place (2013) (105 min) In Holland during WWII, Corrie Ten Boom’s army of untrained teenagers overcame many challenges to save their Jewish neighbours from the Nazis. Fri 9 @ 8.30pm; Sat 10 @ 12pm

Global Leadership Summit (2015) (30 min) Inspiring teaching from the 2015 Global Leadership Summit. Hosted by Bill Hybels from Willow Creek Church. Thursdays @ 9.30pm; Fridays @ 2pm

(30 min) NEW SERIES

(90 min)

Going on Vocation (2014) (60 min) A challenge for you to look at work in a whole new way and reap the positive returns of connecting Christ to work. Thu 8 @ 8.30pm; Fri 9 @ 1pm Thu 15 @ 8.30pm; Fri 16 @ 1pm

Touched by Grace (2014) (95 min) In an effort to impress at her new school, Cara befriends Grace, a girl with Down Syndrome, but it’s a friendship she tries to hide from the popular girls. Mon 5 @ 8.30pm; Tue 6 @ 1pm

Traveling Light (2015) (28 min) Max Lucado journeys through the 23rd Psalm to unpack the burdens we were never meant to carry. Sundays @ 8.05pm; Mondays @ 1pm

The Last Brickmaker in America (2001)

The Investigator (2014) (105 min) A veteran police detective becomes a criminal justice teacher and baseball coach at a local high school, leading him to the most important investigation of his life. Inspired by true events. Fri 23 @ 8.30pm; Sat 24 @ 12pm

Sidewalk Singer (2013) (105 min) Kris is forced to play his guitar on the streets. A story of forgiveness and the BGEA: Always Good News (2015) (30 min) theme of going on when life is tough. Travel around the globe to Estonia, Mon 12 @ 8.30pm; Tue 13 @ 1pm Colombia and Taiwan with Franklin Graham as his team witnesses the Sironia (2011) (105 min) impact and change in lives as the host Frustrated by his failed music career, for the Festival of Hope. Thomas moves his family to small town Sun 25 @ 9.30pm; Mon 26 @ 2.30pm Sironia, Texas to live a more authentic life. King’s Faith (2013) (110 min) Fri 16 @ 8.30pm; Sat 17 @ 12pm When 18-year-old Brendan King leaves his turbulent gang life, his past continues Finding Normal (2013) (90 min) to threaten his new-found faith, family, Dr. Lisa Leland is sentenced to serve three and future. days as doctor in the town of Normal. Mon 26 @ 8.30pm; Tue 27 @ 1pm There, her world is turned upside down. Sat 17 @ 2pm The One I Wrote For You (2014) (110 min) Ben must decide if he’ll pick up the Hoovey (2015) (90 min) microphone, along with a shattered After surgery for a brain tumour, Hoovey relationship he left behind, to pursue learns to play basketball again, and the life he was meant to lead. steps back on the court for another Fri 30 @ 8.30pm shot at his championship dream. Sat 17 @ 7pm; Sun 18 @ 2pm

When Calls the Heart (2014) (80 min) Elizabeth, a young teacher from high society, experiences culture shock on her first assignment. Wednesdays @ 7.30pm Thursdays @ 12pm; Saturdays @ 9pm

Jeni: Seeking the Extraordinary Season 3 (2016) (30 min) NEW SERIES Hosts Jeni and Casey travel to Puerto Rico for adventures and exotic food, and to minister to the young women. Fridays @ 8pm

Camp Harlow (2014) (90 min) Will a chance encounter at a Christian summer camp be enough to turn Alex’s life and bullying ways around? Sat 10 @ 2pm

To watch Shine

Freeview Satellite 25 Sky 201 or online at shinetv.co.nz

Details up to date at time of printing. Other features are to be confirmed. For a full and up-to-date 24-hour programme information go to shinetv.co.nz

shinetv.co.nz twitter.com/shinetv facebook.com/shinetv.nz

Subscribe to receive your daily Christian news at www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 19

CONTROVERSY

For The Protection Of Zion I Speak Up! A

t the beginning of 2014 I was awoken early one morning with this word from the Lord, “For the protection of Zion I speak up!” The word was crystal clear and I could not mistake it for anything other than what I had personally come to know as the voice of the Lord. Within twelve hours circumstances would confirm the word to be authentic as I was thrust into the controversy of Zion—publicly supporting Israel and its right to live on her ancestral and biblical soil. It would happen that throughout 2014 our Church would become involved in four public stands for Israel as we took our place on the front line of the controversy—mainly due to the Gaza War of that year. On two of those occasions we chartered buses and took some of our people to Wellington. In 2015 I decided to launch a petition urging the New Zealand Government to cease pressuring the State of Israel to give up its rightful and God-given land and support Israel’s right to have sovereignty over the entire Land of Israel, including Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and all of Jerusalem. The petition drew support from 11,685 people. I was grateful for the 11,685 but felt that had the Church of Aotearoa been awake to the urgency of the hour then I could have expected perhaps two hundred thousand signatures. It

is commendable that one Church alone submitted over 700 signatures in one envelope to me. They will now be enjoying the richness of the blessing given to Abraham——Genesis 12: 3 NIV I had a lot of feedback regarding the petition. Most of it was positive, but sadly to say there were also some negative responses coming from Senior Leaders within different segments of the New Zealand Church. It left me wondering whether these Senior Leaders ever read their Bibles, and if they did, then why didn’t they believe what they were reading? If there is a controversy over Zion within the Church it is simply a battle over ignorance and unbelief. As Christians we must accept the Scriptures as divinely inspired. It seems that a senior member of the New Zealand Government has the correct understanding. I bumped into him at Christchurch Airport at the end of October 2015, days after my Petition was presented to Parliament. He said to me, “You know the Palestinians already have their State—the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, but I can’t say that out loud because that’s not PC”. He was correct in his historical analysis of the problem. May the day come when influential people are not afraid to speak up. I do commend this Cabinet Minister for his honesty to me. I pray the Church get at least the understanding the Minister has. The petition having been presented to the House by Napier MP Stuart Nash was then referred to the Select Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade—a group consisting of 10 Members of Parliament from different political parties. I presented a written submission to this group setting out my reasons why Israel should have sovereignty over the West Bank and all of Jerusalem. My

reasoning was based on historical, political and biblical evidence. I received a response from the Select Committee in February 2016 stating that they disagreed with my argument. Despite the negative response it is consoling for me to know that in the annals of our Parliament it is officially recorded that a group of 11,686 of us spoke up publicly for the protection of Zion. I want to thank all of you who supported the petition. We cannot remain silent. Two days after my written submission was released to the Select Committee I was attacked by an axe wielding assailant whose first word to me was “Revenge”. There is reason to believe the attack was related to our public stand for Israel. Although the attacker has not been found we do know this: He was deliberately waiting in the back yard of my Assistant Pastor’s home for nobody else except me; The assailants car had been parked outside the property where I was attacked 45 minutes prior to the incident; the assailant drove off after the attack with his headlights turned off (9:30 PM). Whether the attack was related to our support for Israel or not, it didn’t faze me. I was not intimidated by it at all. If anything it has spurred me on to speak up louder for the protection of Zion. These things have gone on unnoticed by the majority of New Zealanders. Not so with the Jewish Community. They expressed to me their gratitude for the public stand we make for Israel. I believe we have shown the natural brothers of Jesus that Christians do care. Pastor Nigel Woodley Flaxmere Christian Fellowship, Hastings NZ Chairman Ebenezer Operation Exodus

15 Organisations begin national Evangelism Conference In September 2016 a national evangelism conference will be facilitated by the Shining Lights Trust in partnership with a wide range of outreaching organisations in New Zealand.

This conference is for pastors, passionate evangelisers and church members.

Registration online at:

EngageConference.nz

It is purposed as: 1. A rallying point for evangelism.

The dates:

1pm Friday 2nd September to 8pm Saturday 3rd September

2. A strategic equipping conference at which people can get inspiration and equipping to take back to their churches.

The venue:

City Church Tauranga, 252 Otumoetai Road, Tauranga.

The cost:

$120 adult ($90 early-bird registrations prior to 19th August 2016)

Speakers include: Don McDonnell (pastor and evangelist), Alan Vink (Willow Creek NZ), Dave Mann (Shining Lights Trust), Tony Collis (pastor and evangelist), Paul Eardley (CAP NZ), Stuart Lange (Historian, Laidlaw College) and many more in seminars.

$80 student ($ 60 early-bird registrations prior to 19th August 2016) Includes tea breaks and Saturday lunch.

FACILITATED BY

PARTNERING ORGANISATIONS

(Aka, the Hope Project team) PO Box 6078, Brookfield, Tauranga 3146

Youth With A Mission

New Zealand Christian Network

Ka mahi tahi, ka ora

NEW ZEALAND

YWAM

MEDIA PARTNER

Bring a Team. Get inspired. Be equipped.

20 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

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Short Term Opportunities We also have several 6-12 month salaried overseas positions for people with strong financial, IT or managerial skills. With over 135 aircraft, MAF flies in 30 nations to bring medical care, emergency relief, long-term development and Christian hope to people in places of deepest human need. Got a heart for mission?

E: omonk@maf.org.nz

English Pastor of Chinese Alliance Christian Church We are a multi-staff, multi-language church of the Christian & Missionary Alliance of New Zealand. The weekly attendance of approximately 200 includes a large percentage of Englishspeaking congregants. Our potential English Ministry Pastor must be highly proficient in English. For more info visit cacc.org.nz Chinese Alliance Christian Church

60 Ben Lomond Cres, Pakuranga, Auckland P: 64-9-576 7070 E: caccprc2015@gmail.com

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22 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Seven August 2016

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Never before in human history have we been able to reach so many so easily

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Men’s Events 2016

CHRISTCHURCH 19-20 August | WELLINGTON 16-17 September | AUCKLAND 7-8 October www.promisekeepers.nz