Posts by authentic
“A Man Of Crime To A Man Of God…” – Lucky Te Koha’s Journey To Christ
Lucky Te Koha. Photo: Fantail Studios “Lucky, how did your life of crime start?,” I ask. Sitting back in his chair, I can see Lucky Te Koha reflecting on past thoughts and memories. “I started selling marijuana at 10 for an older guy called ‘Chub’. I remember a little, dark, stained wooden slat house -…
Read MoreThe Call To Be People Of Character And Courage
“I love Kiwis,” he smiles. While an answer perhaps elicited thanks to a somewhat leading opening question, it’s an effective icebreaker as I ask former Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) managing director Martyn Iles how he’s finding New Zealand. In September, we caught up with Martyn in Auckland as he spoke at Family First New Zealand’s…
Read MoreJourneying With Jesus: Rangi Wills Carves Out A New Path
In the world of whakairo – the traditional Māori art of carving in wood, stone or bone – Aotearoa has a hidden taonga, or treasure. As a tohunga whakairo, an accredited teacher of carving whose work is acknowledged by Toi Iho – the registered and globally recognised trademark of quality and authenticity of Maori art…
Read MoreRelational Evangelism: The ‘Cause Circle’
I’ve worked full time in Christian ministry for 13 years. And, all of those years have been with an organisation which is focussed completely on equipping youth ministries around New Zealand to share the gospel. That’s something I’m absolutely passionate about – I desire to see young people come to know Christ, grow in their…
Read MoreKindness
Have you ever lost something? Maybe your keys, some money, your wallet or a cell phone? I remember one time when I lost my cell phone, or, rather I dropped it down a sinkhole. I was gutted. This was back in the days of flip phones, so I was able to shrug it off and…
Read MoreJesus, Keep Me Near The Cross
It’s important we understand the one thing that unites us as the Church is the cross. Paul MacKinnon explains. The words of this title are essential for the local church’s survival. World-wide, groups of people form for many reasons – rugby, gardening, business associations and thousands more. Membership is a choice. That’s also true of…
Read MorePointing A Community To The Gospel
What will it take to authentically reach our communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Shane Wildermoth offers some prayerful reflections. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its…
Read MoreBiblical Leadership
What characterises a person God can use to lead His people? Biblical leadership is based entirely around the Person, and work, of Jesus. There’s no room to vary from the Word of God. “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” – Acts…
Read MoreThe Veil
When we consider the Jewish temple at the time of Christ’s crucifixion, the veil divided the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. Inside the veil was the ark of the covenant – and outside were the various holy elements of Jewish worship. The veil was to be made exactly as described in Exodus. “And…
Read MoreDiscipleship
Many Christians won’t be in Heaven. Now I have your attention, and before someone starts stacking firewood around a stake, I‘d better explain. The word ‘Christian’ is only used three times in the Bible – all in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul never calls believers by this nickname, invented in Antioch. He refers to…
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