This last week, supporters of the Tamaki-led Freedoms and Rights Coalition turned up outside Parliament, exercised their right to political protest, acted lawfully and peaceably, declared the Government guilty of crimes against humanity, and announced a new political initiative.
This event raises wider considerations about Christians, governments, and New Zealand politics. Here’s some points to reflect on…
Christians are biblically required to submit to the authority of the governing authorities, honour them, pray for them, and be good citizens (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:1,17; 1 Tim 2:1-2).
Those biblical injunctions do not mean we have to agree with everything any government says or does. All governments sometimes act wrongly. The New Testament was written in the time of the Roman Empire, which was often idolatrous, unjust, corrupt, and brutal, and – before long – murderously anti-Christian.
Also, the biblical requirement to obey and honour those who govern does not mean believers should ever deny Christ or do evil, even if the authorities try to compel us to do so. The Lord of heaven and earth must always take precedence over human rulers (Dan 6:6-10; Acts 5:29).
God’s people remain free to speak up. There are numerous biblical examples, including Moses, Daniel, Esther, and Paul.
In a parliamentary democracy, we get to help choose our government, and have the right to have input into some laws before they are passed.
We live in a society which is increasingly pluralistic in belief and lifestyle. Christians cannot expect that the rest of society will see matters the same way we do.
Biblically, there are values which every Christian should continue to live by and advocate for: God’s truth and grace, righteousness, justice, mercy, integrity, compassion, peace, generosity, care for the poor, faithful marriage, good parenting, strong family life, morality, the sanctity of life, care for creation, and love and respect for everyone.
There are likewise many things Christians should resist, on biblical grounds: inequality (the deepening disparities between the poor and the well-off), inadequate housing, racism, exploitation, corruption, immorality, the promotion in schools of confusion about gender, the ongoing degradation of the environment, the killing of the unborn, the expansion of euthanasia, and the promotion of harmful drugs.
The NZ Bill of Rights declares that we have freedom of religious belief and practice, and freedom of expression. Christians, among others, have cause to feel that those freedoms are under some threat.
There are good and not-so-good things in the values and policies of all political parties, and very well-intentioned MPs in all parties.
There is no one political stance among Christians, and Christians vote across the political spectrum.
Political parties may propose laws, and may push them through if they have a majority, but laws are passed by Parliament rather than by political parties. To get better laws in “conscience” issues, and to help dissuade other MPs Parliament from passing detrimental legislation, we need a greater number of capable, committed Christians in Parliament, in all parties. Candidate selection is thus critically important.
Politics is “the art of the possible”. We should aim high, but not place unrealistic expectations on Christian MPs. They can only achieve what is politically achievable.
Only those politicians who are actually in Parliament can make a difference. Even under MMP, small parties very rarely make it into Parliament, or remain there.
We should regularly pray for our MPs, Christian and otherwise.
Ultimately, the road to a better New Zealand is not political, but spiritual. It is in renewed and flourishing Christian churches, and in a new wave of Christian faith across wider New Zealand society.
Mā te Atua koutou e tiaki e manaaki i ngā wa katoa May the Lord bless and keep you at all times
Paul Cornish shares some prayer needs for Taranaki:
Prayer Points:
Pray for those who have been affected by the rain and flooding over the past week. Pray also for protection for motorists as they navigate some dangerous pot holes that have appeared on our major roads after the rain.
Pray for candidates as they prepare for the local body elections. Give thanks to God that a lot of people have put their name forward for election. Pray that God will guide the voting and election process.
Pray for our church communities, that they might be full of life and joy as they seek to follow God faithfully. Pray that our church communities grow great followers of Jesus and share joyfully the good news of what Jesus has done.
Pray for our pastors and ministers, that they may continue to lead their churches well after the disruption and difficulties that Covid brought.
Pray for the families in our communities that are caught up in cycles of poverty, violence and abuse. And pray for those families that are affected by the rising costs of living.
Pray As One NZ
Every Monday night, from 8-9pm, we run a national prayer meeting on Zoom with 70-80 participants joining from throughout the nation. Come join us!
Helping to build awareness of different parachurch organisations serving the church in New Zealand and overseas.
NZCN featured member
Listed on our Directory by our Church and Christian Organisation members
ISMNZ
International Student Ministries of New Zealand
International Student Ministries of New Zealand (ISMNZ) is a Christian ministry whose mission is to provide international students in New Zealand with the opportunity to experience Christ and to equip and enable them to reach their communities and nations for Him.
Connecting people for employment, internships, or voluntary roles in Christian organisations and churches. This can include looking for people to join governance boards or to fill a need for a specific skill/project.
Employment Opportunities
Listed on our Job Board by our Church and Christian Organisation members
Numbers in brackets indicate the number of events currently listed in that category until the end of September.Some events have both online and in person options to attend.
Events
Listed on our Calendar by our Church and Christian Organisation members. In chronical order with listings added this week highlighted.
Film Festivalette hosted by Laidlaw College. Each evening, a film will be shown with a story exploring themes of contact, comfort and conflict, followed by facilitated discussion. A meal will be provided beforehand.
OAC presents the School of Evangelism Foundational Course, run over 3 weekends (Fri 7-9.30pm and Sat 9 am -5.30pm).
The course comprises three modules – Personal Evangelism, Outdoor Evangelism and Reaching Kids and Families. You can do all three modules or choose to do one.
You will learn the theory, in an interactive class, and then practice your evangelism techniques in context.
We are called to pursue justice in a biblical framework. Loving God AND seeking justice for our neighbour and creation.
Join us for an incredible day jam packed with great speakers (like Frank Ritchie, Sarah Harris and Uncle Ray Minniecon from AUS), live worship (led by Te Rautini). Come as we engage topics like scripture, spirituality, creation, economics, slavery, injustice, worker exploitation, disability and more!
Are you wanting to deepen your faith or prepare for ministry? Or would you like to serve others through healing hearts, minds and relationships as a counsellor? Maybe study is your next step!
Whether you’re interested in theology, biblical studies, mission, ministry, or counselling, we’ll have staff available to talk with you and answer your questions.
Contemporary reflection on im/migration can benefit from a theology of vocation. A vocational lens serves as a critical and constructive tool to examine hospitality, legal, and relational approaches to migration today. After offering a brief survey of current theological and ethical approaches to migration, Dr Leo Sánchez will argue for a complementary vocational approach to migration as the most comprehensive proposal for guiding our thinking and action concerning migrant neighbours. He will deal with the strengths and limits of this proposed vocational approach.
Come and join us to hear Dr Leopoldo A. Sánchez explore Luther’s thoughts on exiles in his study of Abraham’s hospitality in Genesis 18, a section of his Lectures on Genesis (1535–1545). The lecture also asks what lessons Christians can draw from Luther’s teachings today.
Are you wanting to deepen your faith or prepare for ministry? Or do you sense a call to inspire young people as a primary or secondary school teacher? Would you like to serve others through healing hearts, minds and relationships as a counsellor? Maybe study is your next step!
Whether you’re interested in theology, biblical studies, mission, ministry, or counselling, we’ll have staff available to talk with you and answer your questions.
Community Chaplains Training Auckland - 10 September
If you’re passionate about building connections and creating real change in people’s lives, particularly assisting them on their spiritual journey, this may be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Are you wanting to deepen your faith or prepare for ministry? Or would you like to serve others through healing hearts, minds and relationships as a counsellor? Maybe study is your next step!
Whether you’re interested in theology, biblical studies, mission, ministry, or counselling, we’ll have staff available to talk with you and answer your questions.
How does your faith community view children and their place within the church? What do you believe about the faith formation of children, and the role of parents and the wider faith community in this? How does that inform your practice? If you love helping our tamariki encounter the love of Jesus, then this one-week block course is for you.
Would you like to have your organisation featured in our newsletter, post employment opportunities on our job board, or list events on our calendar?
You can! These are benefits we make available to Christian organisations and churches with current membership
New Zealand society is in a period of significant change, much of it away from the Christian faith and values. Christian voices in society are either ignored or scorned.
We need Christian voices which are positive, sensible, reasoned, well-informed, and clear.