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The Foundation of Western Values with Dr Ravi Zacharias

The Future of Western Values

You can view a recording of the event here:

The Foundation of Western Values

Examining Christian Values in the Public Square

with international speaker Dr Ravi Zacharias

A cultural revolution is underway across the western world – and our shared meanings and values are being shaken apart with titanic force. Yet God in His wisdom has set foundations on which our lives are to be built, shaping both our public and private values. In this presentation Ravi examines and responds to the challenges facing these foundations within modern culture.

Ravi ZachariasRavi Zacharias has spoken for 44 years in universities and in public forums all over the world – from the opening of the United Nations General Assembly to the White House, and has spoken to the seats of government in England, Canada and the U.S.  He has authored or edited over twenty books and his weekly radio program airs on 2337 outlets worldwide.

For a full bio – including a list of his books – visit RZIM here.

Mark Powell The evening will be introduced with a TED-style talk by Mark Powell, who will speak on The impact of Faith on Business and Leadership.  He will unpack how we all have a faith from which we get our values – and how such faith links to modern business and leadership in more ways than you might think.

A popular New Zealand business leader with more than 30 years executive experience, Mark is best known for his role as CEO of the Warehouse Group, an iconic New Zealand retailer.

John Peachy The evening will be MC’ed by popular Christian radio talk-back personality, motivational speaker and leadership coach John Peachy.

 

 

 

 

Ravi is a dynamic and fascinating speaker who Thinking Matters is hosting for this once-only Auckland event you won’t want to miss.  Please let others know!

WHEN: Friday 3rd March 2017
TIME: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
WHERE: Harbourside Church, 48 Esmonde Road, Takapuna
COST: $5 Individual – $10 Family (cash at door)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We have very limited seating for this event.  Please see details here.

SIDE NOTE: Ravi will also be conducting a series of events in Dunedin from Sunday 26th February until Thursday 2nd March. You can check out details of his Dunedin events here.

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Jesus the Game Changer – National Launch Tour

Jesus the Game Changer - digital download

Jesus Christ has made an incredible mark on human history and he continues to do so through his followers. Yet many people do not realise that the values Western democracies are built on originate in the life and teaching of Jesus. The equality of all, servant leadership, care for the poor and marginalised, to name just a few.

We are excited to announce the launch tour for the new DVD resource Jesus the Game Changer where host Karl Faase explores how Jesus shaped these foundations of Western culture, which we take for granted today. Check out the trailer for this series here.

REMINDER: We are half way through this series on Shine TV – you can catch episodes at 8pm on Tuesday nights for the next five weeks – last episode on 15th November 2016  (you can live-stream these here).

REMINDER: You can also purchase the full ten episodes for $59.95 + freight at our online store here.

During this tour we have a number of free public presentations – along with some more in-depth daytime seminars.  The seminars cover different material to the public presentations – so make it along to both if you can!

Everyone is welcome. The events are also friendly to seekers who want to know more about the teachings of Jesus – so invite a friend!

Karl Faase

Who is Karl Faase?
With over 20 years of involvement in media, Karl is one of Australia’s most experienced Christian radio and television presenters, with his programs broadcast and distributed in the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany and New Zealand. He was a Baptist pastor for 20 years in Sydney and is now the CEO of Olive Tree Media – the organisation through which he produces programmes of excellence for Christian media and the wider Church, including Jesus the Game Changer and his last DVD series Towards Belief. You can see Karl’s full bio here.

Public Meetings are free – but an offering will be taken to help cover costs.
Seminars are $20 at the door. No registration needed. Tea/coffee provided either before or during the event.

AUCKLAND

Sunday 6th November

10:00am-11:30am – Church Service
Lincoln Rd Bible Chapel, 66 Lincoln Rd, Henderson
2.00pm-4.30pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Greenlane Christian Centre Café, 17 Marewa Rd, Greenlane
6.30pm-8:00pm – Church Service (followed by casual Q&A in the café)
Greenlane Christian Centre, 17 Marewa Rd, Greenlane

TAURANGA

Monday 7th November

7.30pm-9.00pm – Public Meeting
Changepoint Church, 131 Poike Rd, Tauranga

Tuesday 8th November

*9.00am-10.30am – Seminar ($20 at door)
Bethlehem Baptist, 90 Bethlehem Rd, Tauranga

MATAMATA

Tuesday 8th November

*12.30pm-2.00pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Matamata Bible Church, 11 Meura St, Matamata

HAMILTON

Tuesday 8th November

*3.30pm-5.00pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Hamilton Central Baptist, 33 Charlemont St, Hamilton

TAUPO

Wednesday 9th November

*11.00am-12.30pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Inspire Church, 65 Lakewood Drive, Taupo

ROTORUA

Wednesday 9th November

*3.00pm-4.30pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Harvest Church, 324 Malfroy Road, Rotorua
7.30pm-9.00pm – Public Meeting
Harvest Church, 324 Malfroy Road, Rotorua

CHRISTCHURCH

Thursday 10th November

1.00pm-2.30pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Hope Presbyterian, 24 Amyes St, Christchurch

WELLINGTON

Thursday 10th November

7.30pm-9:00pm – Public Meeting
Porirua Elim Church, 11 Heriott Dr, Porirua

Friday 11th November

9.00am-11.00am – Seminar ($20 at door)
Porirua Elim Church, 11 Heriott Dr, Porirua

PALMERSTON NORTH

Sunday 13th November

10.00am – Church Service
Lifechurch, 590 Featherston St, Palmerston North
2.30pm-4.00pm – Seminar ($20 at door)
Lifechurch, 590 Featherston St, Palmerston North
7.00pm – Church Service
St Albans Presbyterian, 339 Albert St, Palmerston North

 

*Tea and coffee will be available 30 mins prior at these seminars.  Other seminars will have a break half-way through.

This tour has been arranged in partnership with Willow Creek Association who are co-hosting these events with us.
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Auckland Event: Discussing The God Delusion and Has Science Buried God?

Next month, a discussion group kicks off in Auckland to consider Richard Dawkins’ book The God Delusion and Has Science Buried God? by John Lennox. The group will meet on Monday evenings and include a mixture of discussion and clips from the debates between Lennox and Dawkins. Here are the full details:

Format: DVD screening interspersed with discussion.

When: 7.30pm Mondays (beginning on the 3rd of February).

Where: 15 Sainsbury Road, Morningside, Auckland.

Cost: Free (donations welcome).

For more details contact Gerald at gerald@gzv.co.nz or call him on 027 2468 218.

 

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Auckland Event: Introduction to Apologetics

This year I have been running a beginners course on introductory apologetics. By popular demand, I am running this again during the next school term beginning Tuesday, 30 July. There are no course fees. Your only expense is the course textbook.

All are welcome, even those who are sceptical about Christianity. Each lesson can be understood by itself so feel free to come to any night that interests you. However, to get the full benefit and see the cumulative case develop attending all in order is recommended.

[pk_info_box width=”0″] What: Introduction to Apologetics: defending the faith with reason and evidence

When: Tuesdays, 7pm (beginning on 30 July, 2013

Where: Encounter Christian Centre 495 Rosebank Road Avondale New Zealand [/pk_info_box]

Read more

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Auckland Conference: Science and Faith with Dr C. John Collins

Much of Western culture assumes that science and faith are foes, that faith and scientific naiveté go hand in hand, and that science has disproved the Bible and made faith irrelevant if not completely indefensible and undesirable.

Come and hear Dr. C. John Collins explain why faith and science are actually friends, how good faith fosters good science, and how good science should actually lead people to be more open to faith and the Bible.

WHEN: Friday 19 July 7pm-9.30pm and Saturday 20 July, 9:00am-4:30pm
WHERE: City Presbyterian Church, 283 Karangahape Road, Auckland
COST: $40 ($20 for Students).

Coffee and tea will be provided but please bring your own lunch. Payment can be made at the door or online (for online payments: City Presbyterian Church 12-3066-0402436-00. Please include your name and “SAF”)
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Schedule:
Friday 19 July

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7pm Registration
7.30am Welcome and Introduction
7.45am Session 1: How good faith fosters good science
8.30pm Break
8.45am Session 2: Genesis 1-11: Poetry, history, science, and truth
9.30am Evening Tea

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Saturday 20 July

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9.30am Session 3: The Image of God And Human Uniqueness
10.15am Morning Tea
10.30am Session 4: Miracles, Science, and God-of-the-Gaps
11.15am Break
11.30am Session 5: Biology, Evolution, Design
12.15pm Lunch (please bring your own)
1.15pm Q&A session
2pm Afternoon tea

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Dr C. John Collins is Professor and Chair of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary. With degrees from MIT, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary, and the University of Liverpool (PhD), Collins is one of the few scholars uniquely placed to address critical issues that arise in our understanding of the Bible and the world.

While Collins’ early studies focused on linguistics and biblical languages, his latest work on miracles (The God of Miracles: An Exegetical Examination of God’s Action in the World), the historicity of Adam and Eve (Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?: Who They Were and Why You Should Care), and the book of Genesis (Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary) have established him as a leading evangelical voice on the relationship between science and faith.

Professor Collins has served as Old Testament chair on the translation committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, and Old Testament Editor for the ESV Study Bible. He and his wife have been married since 1979 and have two children.

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Auckland Conference: Ancient Truth for Modern Times with Dr C. John Collins

What is the Bible? What authority if any does the Bible have in the 21st Century? How should the Bible shape the life of the Church and individual believers?

Our approach to Scripture is fundamental to our ability to understand who God is and what he has to say to us. Come and hear Dr. C. John Collins explore the nature, authority, and purpose of the Bible in the 21st Century.

WHEN: Saturday, 13 July, 9:00am-4:30pm
WHERE: City Presbyterian Church, 283 Karangahape Road, Auckland
COST: $20 ($10 for Students).

Coffee and tea will be provided but please bring your own lunch. Payment can be made at the door or online (for online payments: City Presbyterian Church 12-3066-0402436-00. Please include your name and “ATMT”)
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Schedule:

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9am Registration
9.30am Welcome and Introduction
9.45am Session 1: What is the Bible?
10.30pm Morning Tea
10.45am Session 2: What Can We Say About the Bible? The Attributes of Scripture
11.30am Break
11.45am Session 3: What Do We Mean When We Say the Bible is “True”?
12.30pm Lunch (please bring your own)
1.30pm Session 4: How Should We Read and Interpret the Bible?
2.15pm Session 5: How Should We Preach and Teach the Bible?
3pm Afternoon tea
3.15pm Q&A Session
4.30pm Wrap up

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Dr C. John Collins is Professor and Chair of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary. With degrees from MIT, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary, and the University of Liverpool (PhD), Collins is one of the few scholars uniquely placed to address critical issues that arise in our understanding of the Bible and the world.

While Collins’ early studies focused on linguistics and biblical languages, his latest work on miracles (The God of Miracles: An Exegetical Examination of God’s Action in the World), the historicity of Adam and Eve (Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?: Who They Were and Why You Should Care), and the book of Genesis (Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary) have established him as a leading evangelical voice on the relationship between science and faith.

Professor Collins has served as Old Testament chair on the translation committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, and Old Testament Editor for the ESV Study Bible. He and his wife have been married since 1979 and have two children.

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Tauranga Event: Why Thinking Matters Presentation & DVD Launch

Wednesday 22nd May 2013

Why Thinking Matters?  An introduction to Apologetics

SPEAKER: Rodney Lake
WHEN: 7:30pm Wednesday 22nd May 2013
WHERE: Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem, Tauranga.
COST: Free – so bring a friend!

In this live presentation Rodney introduces the idea of Apologetics and makes a case for why it matters in our Christian walk.  He makes both a scriptural and cultural defence for the use of apologetics in the Church today and looks at its outward-facing purpose (its role in evangelism) and its inward-facing purpose (its role in strengthening personal faith) and discusses the spiritual discipline of critical thinking.

He finishes up by looking at some of the reasons why our Christian youth are walking away from their faith – and the crucial role apologetics plays in preventing this disturbing trend in the Christian walk of our young people.

BONUS DVD SET LAUNCH!

We will also be launching the Thinking Matters 2012 Speaking Tour DVD set and have special pricing on the night.  These DVD’s contain the best 8 presentations given by popular US apologists Brett Kunkle, Jay Watts and Amy Hall as recorded last year while on tour in New Zealand.  These are excellent introductory presentations – and well worth showing at home groups or used in your personal study. The four disks include:

  • Evil & Suffering. If God is good, why is there evil & suffering?
  • Defending the Faith. Are you equipped to defend your faith?
  • Only One Way. Is Jesus the only way to God?
  • Truth Matters. What is the nature of Truth?

The DVD’s are available at this special launch event for just $15 each, or you can get all four for $40 (cash and cheque only please).  This is a very good price for such outstanding material so don’t miss out!

If you can’t make it to the event – these Speaking Tour DVD’s will be made available for purchase online shortly.

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Auckland Event: Introduction to Apologetics with Stuart McEwing

Earlier this year, I ran an apologetics course for beginners. By popular demand, I will be running this again for the next school term, beginning on May 7. There are no course fees. Your only expense is the course textbook.

All are welcome, even those who are skeptical about Christianity. Each lesson can be understood on its own, so feel free to come to any night that interests you. Of course, to get the full benefit of the course and see the cumulative case for Christianity properly developed, I’d recommend attending all.

Read more

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Auckland Event: Advance 2013

We are excited to be hosting Dr Glenn Peoples in a couple of locations around the upper North Island this month. We’ll be posting more details about the full tour soon but for now here’s some info on an Auckland conference he’ll be speaking at.

Advance 2013: Exploring the Tough Questions about Christianity with Glenn Peoples

Are faith and reason enemies? Should we take Christianity seriously in the world of ideas? Are there any good reasons to believe in the Christian God? Join us this April as we explore these questions and more with Christian philosopher and popular speaker Dr Glenn People. The conference will also include other incredible speakers such as Dr Chris Tucker (Auckland University), Dr Shawn Means (Auckland University), Sean du Toit (Alphacrucis College), Jacqui Lloyd (Laidlaw College), and theologian Dr Matthew Flannagan. If you’ve ever wanted to dig deeper into the evidence for Christianity or confront serious questions about God and the Bible, this conference is for you.

When: Friday April 26, 9am-4pm
Where: 17A Powell St, Avondale
Cost: $15

Programme:

9-10am: SESSION 1: Glenn Peoples: Why does it matter?

10-11am Workshops Round 1:

-Chris Tucker: Why Does God allow Evil?
-Shawn Means: The Universe, Mathematics, and God

11-12pm SESSION 2: Glenn Peoples: Do we need God to be good?

12-12.30pm Lunch

12.30-1.30pm SESSION 3: Glenn Peoples: Can we have equality without God?

1.30-2.30pm Workshops Round 2:

-Sean du Toit: Can we trust the authenticity of the New Testament Letters?
-Matt Flannagan: How should we read difficult Old Testament Passages?

2.30-3.30pm SESSION 4: Q&A Panel with Glenn Peoples, Matt Flannagan, and Jacqui Lloyd

Dr Glenn Peoples is a graduate in theology (BD) from the Bible College of NZ (now Laidlaw College) and has a Masters degree (MTHeol) and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Otago. For over ten years he has been writing and speaking on intellectual issues that Christians face, including the place of faith in the public square, justice and human rights, and the reasons for Christian belief. Glenn runs a popular podcast and blog, Say Hello to My Little Friend, and lives in Wellington with his wife Ruth and their four children.

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Auckland Event: Why Defend Christianity? with Matt Flannagan

The Christian faith seems increasingly at odds with those in the world around us. From the media, to skeptical teachers and unbelieving peers, the gospel seems irrelevant and out of date. How do we talk to others about God and the Bible? Can we really argue people into the kingdom of God? Or should we just focus on compassion and loving others? Next Thursday, Thinking Matters is hosting Christian theologian Dr Matt Flannagan to speak on these questions and more. Matt will examine the Biblical and practical evidence for defending Christianity and show why it is vital to knowing and communicating our faith in the 21st Century.

What: Why Defend Christianity? with Matt Flannagan
When: Thursday April 4, 7.30pm
Where: Auckland Chinese Presbyterian Church, 105 Vincent Street, CBD
Cost: Free

Matt is a theologian and prominent New Zealand Christian commentator, debater, and blogger. He specialises in applied ethics and the interface between philosophy and theology. Currently, Matt works part-time as a teaching pastor and youth group leader for Takanini Church of Christ while he runs the popular blog MandM with his wife Madeleine.

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Amy Hall – If God is good, why is there evil and suffering?

Amy Hall

If God is good, why is there evil and suffering?  How can we reconcile the existence of evil with a good, powerful and omniscient God?   In this clear and enlightening presentation Amy discusses the various reasons why it is reasonable to believe that God has morally sufficient reasons for allowing the evil we see in the world.

Amy works for Stand to Reason (http://www.str.org) by contributing to their online content, blogging and responding to apologetics questions sent to Stand to Reason.  She has an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.

This presentation was recorded at Thinking Matters Tauranga (New Zealand) as part of a 10 day speaking tour of New Zealand with Brett Kunkle (Stand to Reason) and Jay Watts (Life Training Institute) in September 2012.  This presentation comes from the full NZ Tour DVD set (includes 9 sessions by Brett, Amy and Jay) which will be available shortly from Thinking Matters for NZ$60 (freight free in NZ).  Keep an eye on the blog for news of its availability.

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