Who is God?

Our church advertises in the local newspaper the Bay of Plenty Times. Each week the paper gets a different church to write an article, this week was Tauranga City Elim's turn and my Senior Pastor delgated the task to me. With a lot of editing and creative help from Andrew I have written the following article.


“So, what do you do for a living?” There’s that question again – and it never gets any more straightforward. I used to say, “I work for the IRD”, which was followed by a range of less than enthusiastic responses. But now I’ve had a change in jobs. Now I answer, “I’m a Christian Minister.”

The look of puzzlement that crosses the other person’s face, as they try make a connection between their mental picture of what a Christian Minister looks like and the 26 year old standing in front of them, often leads to a more in-depth discussion. The conversation inevitably touches on one of the main issues of my occupation – the question of who God is. People’s opinions about the nature of God range from thinking about him as a powerful impersonal force to a convenient help-line in times of trouble. But who is God really?

The Bible teaches that humans are made in the image of God – this means that we resemble him and have many of his qualities. One of the qualities that we share with God is the desire and ability to create. Throughout history, humans have continuously come up with new concepts, technologies and philosophies. But we have also used our creative abilities to mould our perception of who and what God is. Often we end up with a God that is made in our own image, rather than the other way around. We attempt to turn God into what we want him to be, based on our own unique lifestyles, experiences, needs and beliefs. No wonder the response is so varied when you ask people about their opinion of God.

A Christian thinker named Patrick Morley said this: “There is a God we want and there is a God who is. They are not the same God. The turning point of our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is.”

Few people are willing to challenge their own beliefs and search for the God who is. The Bible says that God understands people because he created them and then chose to become human in the form of Jesus Christ.

God’s position towards humanity is not just one of understanding but one of deep love. God has created us to have a relationship with him, and true satisfaction can only be found in a relationship with the God who created us. An amazing thing happens when we begin to seek the God who is – we find that he is the God we need.

Spare the rod spoil the child, use the rod and be put in jail

Currently there is a bill before New Zealand Parliament to make it illegal for parents to hit their children. While New Zealand does have shocking domestic and child violence statistics this bill will mean a parent could be charged for even administering a light smack.

At the moment the law allows for a child to be smacked as long as "reasonable force" is used. The problem with the current legislation is the term reasonable force is not defined so what is reasonable to one person may be entirely different to someone else so it does little to give clear boundaries about what is legal and what is not.

Clearly something needed to changed but sadly the bill that has been presented to parliament seeks to make criminals out of well meaning parents. The bill's sponsor Sue Bradford would say that this not the intention of the legislation at and that it is unlikely the police would ever arrest someone for lightly hitting a child. However at the same time she is not willing to have her bill amended in anyway to allow for parents to lightly smack children.

The best suggestion has come from national MP Chester Burrows who has suggested an amendment to the proposed bill. Mr Burrows amendment would allow parents to use limited force when disciplining children but. So it would be similar to current legislation but would be a lot more definite about what constituted discipline and what constituted violence. Sadly Sue Bradford will not consider this as an amendment to her bill and claims that this would be worse then the current legislation. She has not however offered any explanation as to why clearly defined boundaries for physical discipline of a child would be worse then what we currently have but instead has insisted that if the amendment is approved then she will withdraw the bill. Clearly a case of if you disagree with me then I'm taking my ball and going home.


With the current debate going around Jim Hopikns wrote this fantastic piece for the New Zealand Herald. In it he addresses the pressure being put on individuals to vote down the party line despite it being a conscience vote. And also the inconsistencies between the governments attitude towards child violence and their attitude to abortion.

Sadly most commentators seem to think that Bradford's bill will be accepted. What can one say except GOD DEFEND NEW ZEALAND

The world is upside down

I once heard a preacher say "You know the world is upside down when the best rapper is white, the best golfer is black, the tallest man in the NBA is chinese and the number one r rated film is about Jesus (the passion)".


A NZ cricket fan could add NZ beating Australia 3-0 nil in a cricket series to the list. Of course this series is really only a warm up for the world cup which starts next month. Below are my thoughts about both teams world cup chance.

Australia will be a huge force and still probably deserve the tag of favourites. It will be interesting how the bowlers respond to the pastings they got in NZ. It is clear now the selectors made a huge mistake in selecting Tait over Clark. At the moment Tait does not appear to have the control to be an international bowler. I am certain he will take a few wickets at the cup but he will also bleed a few runs. However the key to the World Cup will still be the batsman. If Ponting, Hussey Clarke and Gilly fire then look out.

New Zealands fortunes depend on Bond and Vettori. Firstly they both need to be fit and secondly on form. Vettori has been a bit more inconsistant then usual, but I am sure he will relish the slower pitches in the WestIndies and be a force. Bond must adjust quickly, in Australia he seemed to struggle to adjust to different conditions early on and it is paramount that he works out his lengths early. If these two perform consistanly then we certainly seem to have a middle order capable of scoring runs.

Weighing in the bags

According to this article at Stuff.co.nz it may not just be the bags that get weighed next time you head to the airport. It has been suggested that airlines may offer a discount for lighter passengers as it keeps less weight on the plane. I wonder if such a plan is really feasible.

This reminds me of a trip to a ladies clothes shop (with my wife) one time. I had just been training some new recruits at Inland Revenue on customer service so CS was at the forefront of my mind. One shop assistance was helping a lady in the changing room and when a particular item of clothing was two small rather then walk herself over to the other side to collect the bigger item she yelled across to a co worker "I need a size 16, the size 14 is too small". I must admit I was amused but I also felt extremely sorry for the lady who had just had her dress size yelled to all and sundry. Now that's classy customer service with a capital K.

David's Success

In Christianity I often find the most profound truths are also very simple. I was amazed at the simplicity of two keys to King Davids success in 1 Chronicles 14:2

"And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel."

David knew that his calling was not from man, that it was the Lord who had established him. To be successful in any God given task or any ministry position we need to realise that we are their because of the Lord.

Psalm 75:6-7
For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another

How else will we ever truly endure in a particular work. Surely the only thing that enables us to hang in when the going really gets tough is the revelation that we have not been appointed because it is a good idea, we are not just fulfilling another position but the God of the universe had a plan and wants to use in a special way. Another example of a leader who knew that his ministry was of God and not man was the Apostle Paul who wrote in Galatians chapter 1

1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead

Oh Lord help us not to be people that think we do things to impress man but let us realise that you are the one who truly calls us fourth.

However in the second half of the Chronicles text we see that David didn't just understand who he was called by, he also understood who he was called for.
He knew that the Kingdom has been made great for the sake of the people. He realised that any success he had was not for himself but success in the kingdom was for the people of God. How important it is that Christian leaders do not get caught building an empire instead of God's Kingdom. That the Holy Spirit would constantly remind us that what we are doing and any success we experience is truly for the so others can be blessed. Oh God let our ministry be strive to have something of worth to impart for the sake of others.

In short we are not called by man but we are called for man

Call of God

For a while I have been thinking about the call of God. As pentecostal churches we often focus heavily on the individual call of God for a persons life. We always need to ensure we keep the balance between what God wants us to do and what God wants us to become. I had been thinking about this then I read a fantastic part in the book Church@community by Ed Delph, which puts it far better then I could.

"Our primary purpose as Christians and churches is to be conformed to the image of Jesus(it is predestined), and secondly to fulfill calling. If your calling comes before being conformed to Jesus, you are in danger of becoming sectarian, judgemental and one-dimensional ... Your calling is never the standard, Jesus is! Every emphasis needs a context. You are a Christian first, a prayer warrior second. You are a Christian first, a theologian or church historian second ... "

Church@Community page 161

Video store

When the man at the video store tells you not to get the film that you have picked because "just between us it iis really silly" and tells you to get American Dreamz instead DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM

Atheism scary in its sheer conceit

The New Zealand herald published an article today about an Anglican bishop who claimed himself to be an angnostic. An interesting opinion piece was written by Colomnist John Roughan (a non believer) titled "Atheism scary in its sheer conceit" here is a snippet

The bishop also noted, happily, that the parliamentary prayer is under review, as is the nature of prayer at Anzac Day services.
"As a church leader I feel uncomfortable leading prayers in public that have an exclusively Christian ending, thus excluding people of other faiths."
It should not fall to an unbeliever to say this but, God help us. This country's religious heritage is Christian; people of other faiths know it. They do not feel excluded when our ceremonies reflect our heritage.
They probably worry, as I do, that if we dilute that identity into some arid catch-all we lose a little more of our society's spiritual roots.
Possibly politicians who fear to declare themselves atheist, understand that better than today's church leaders do.
It is a tragedy the modern church has been divested of much of its ancient splendour.
Political leaders understand, I think, that though we are as secular as Mr Barrington says - most people don't admire or even like religion and turn away from its display - we find atheism just as repellent.
Atheism, humanism, rationalism, call it what you like, is a conviction that offers nothing beyond the reach of human knowledge, when their plainly are such things. Not just the obvious: the boggling infinity of the universe and its density that suggests matter we still cannot see. Or the apparently random behaviour of subatomic particles that comprises everything we see. Quantum physics sounds like metaphysics to me.
Our very brain remains largely unexplained. How do thoughts happen? Physically, what is going on in there? How do neurons compose a symphony? What makes us love?
I like mysteries in existence. I'm not religious about it but there are things I sense spiritually, for want of a better word. I want to be awed by infinite possibilities.

The full article can be viewed at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10418878

End of the first week

Well my first week as a Youth Pastor has officially ended (Friday is our day off). I have been spending mornings and early afternoons in the office doing some of the prep for the coming year and then have been catching up with some of our young people and leaders during the afternoons and evenings. It is very exciting seeing things begin to take shape!

Great quote

"To say their is no absolute right and wrong is in essence to say their is no tangible difference between the lives of Adolf Hitler and Mother Teresa" - Steve Kumar (Christian apologist)

new beginnings

Well from tomorrow I am officially the full time Youth Pastor at Tauranga City Elim Church. I am really looking forward to a fresh start and a new challenge. It is quite a change after working for the Inland Revenue for nearly 8 years.

It is sure to be a real challenge and I am looking forward to sinking my teeth in and really growing in God over the next 12 months.

Hmmm do you suppose people would rather meet a Pastor or a Tax collector?

Holy Spirit

Just been thinking about how good the Holy Spirit is and how sad all the controversy surrounding him is. It really upsets me that because of these controversies so many people decide to live with 2 3rds of God.

Sometimes in the game

Our network 90% of the time seems to block blog sites, but the other 10% I am free to post and read, so if I happen to be in the library when our net guradian isn't do its proper job then I can blog!

Interesting things happening on the political front. It is ridiculous of labor to refuse to pay their pledge card money and I am very pleased the Greens are not going to give them an easy out. We got away with it in the past is the most ridiculous excuse to try and conjure up for breaking the law.

I was saddened to see that Don Brash has been having an affair. I was never a huge Brash fan but it is sad to see that people who are putting themselves forward to lead a country cannot even lead their own family life. I believe this is surely an appropriate reason for Don Brash to step down. Still I guess these days affairs are considered the norm and it is a reflection of society that someone can still hold a key leadership position in the nation and openly betray those who are meant to matter to them most.
Despite my opinion I really hope Dr Brash can get his marriage sorted out.

Back in the game part2

Well so much for being back in the game! Hmmm sometimes real life takes over eh! I am now back living on Bible College campus but it appears some sys admin must have realised that BLOGs are not the devil and they are no longer banned sites! So the good news is I can now post on mine and read others!

Parachute 07 is looking good! They have some pretty sweet speakers with Joyce Myers, Christine Caine and Jurgan Matheius(sp?). Yeah I know it is more about the bands but hey I will prob end up going to hear the speakers! If anyone is thinking of making the trip up let us know if you wanna spend a couple of nights in the best city in the north island afterwards (that would be Tauranga) as I am sure a spare bed could be arranged for the right$$$$$

Anyway preaching at church tomorrow in the morning service (topic is sinner or saint) so I best go and run through once more before getting my beauty sleep!

Back in the game

Well it has been a long time between drinks (so long in fact I doubt my meager readership are still checking!) This was due to an over restictive firewall at college.

Much has happened in the last while, I have graduated, started working for IR (again) and will be doing part time work at Tauranga City Elim. Sarah and I are also going to Fiji on a mission trip in a few weeks time so it is all go

Well I am sure I will find something to rave about soon

Living the high life!

I am an avid radio sport listener and today it paid off! Through phoning in and answering a sports question I then went into the draw and won...... A trip for two to Auckland to go to the peoples choice sports awards gala dinner. This is a $280 a plate dinner with limited tickets sold! They also put us up in the Hyatt and pay for the hire of some flash gears to wear on the night. Just what a poor student needs

Oh if anyone is wondering I am taking Sarah (my wife)

Verse of the week

Job 36: 5-12

God is mighty, but does not despise men;
he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.

6 He does not keep the wicked alive
but gives the afflicted their rights.

7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous;
he enthrones them with kings
and exalts them forever.

8 But if men are bound in chains,
held fast by cords of affliction,

9 he tells them what they have done—
that they have sinned arrogantly.

10 He makes them listen to correction
and commands them to repent of their evil.

11 If they obey and serve him,
they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity
and their years in contentment.

12 But if they do not listen,
they will perish by the sword [a]
and die without knowledge.

A case for door to door evangelism?

Jehovah's witnesses claim that they need to knock on 740 doors for each convert. I am not sure if they have exagerated this to make their evangelism see more effective, but if this is accurate then it is a lot lot better "odds" then I would have guessed. I know what is true from talking to Jaydubs is that many more people are open to door to door evangelism then we may like to think. So should we all put on our shirts and ties and get door knocking?? LOL

Where have all the deacons gone?

The number of men involved in churches in NZ has said to have dropped over the past 30 years. I wonder if in part this is due to the reducing of the roles similar to that of a deacon?
A lot of the worship songs in church use particularly honeymoonish type lyrics. Personally I quite like the modern songs as a way of worship, but many men don't enjoy that as their primary way of worship.

A lot of men get their sense of worth out of being able to be of pracitcal use. Maybe its just the churches I have been to but you don't seem to see as much the guy who sits in the foyer making sure everything is ok. Or the man who is on car security during the night services. It used to be the deacons job to collect up the offering, but now I see it done by many different people each week. What does it matter who collects up the offering? If that was part of a role that was giving someone importance and enabling someone to worship God in their local church then it does matter.

Also on a side issue I am interested in what people think. Do you think contemporary church services cater more for male or female preferences? I know that even asking such a question may seem like a large generalisation but obviously men and woman are different so who is more catered to?

smoking vs fastfood

Is it strange that a lot of Christians judge smoking based on the fact that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, yet the same emphasis does not seem to be focused on unhealthy eating and lack of exercise? (I don't smoke btw just interested in what people think)