The Garrison Podcast

In this episode, Nic explores what 3 qualities we must have as Christians in order to be a reasonable reasoner, and have good conversations with people about Christianity...  To ask a question, email thgarrisonpod@gmail.com To support this podcast, go to https://donate.stripe.com/6oE2aN1OQ7Cb48gaEJ

In this episode, Nic looks at why God allows suffering, and explores whether suffering can be used for good... To ask a question, email thgarrisonpod@gmail.com To support this podcast, go to https://donate.stripe.com/6oE2aN1OQ7Cb48gaEJ

In this episode, Nic tackles the issue of Pluralism, and attempts to diagnose the deeper issue behind the belief that all religions will lead to God... To ask a question, email thgarrisonpod@gmail.com To support this podcast, go to https://donate.stripe.com/6oE2aN1OQ7Cb48gaEJ

In this episode, Nic asks 3 questions to examine the authenticity of the gospels, which claim Jesus rose from the dead. 1) Can we trust the witnesses? 2) Has their testimony changed over time? 3) Is there corroborating evidence?  To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com To support this podcast, go to https://donate.stripe.com/6oE2aN1OQ7Cb48gaEJ

In this episode, Nic tackles 3 arguments for the existence of God: The Cosmological Argument, the Teleological Argument, and the Moral argument.  To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com To support this podcast, go to https://donate.stripe.com/6oE2aN1OQ7Cb48gaEJ

Do you ever feel like you aren't doing enough? Or maybe you feel that you are doing TOO much? How do we find a balance between work and rest, a balance so that we don't fall into laziness or burnout? Pastor Mato Kariuki joins Nic to discuss a biblical view on rest, and how we can be most effective for the Kingdom of God. To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com    

In light of all of the doctrine in Hebrews, what does that mean for us? How should we respond to the fact that Jesus is our great High Priest, the once for all sacrifice for our sins, and the most highly exalted person ever? Nic explores the final 3 chapters of Hebrews and the application for us...

What is the New Covenant? How does it differ from the Old Covenant? Why did Jesus have to die on the cross anyway? Nic explores Hebrews Chapters 8-10 and what they are saying about Christ, and then explains the implications for us...

What is a High Priest, and how is Jesus OUR High Priest? Who on earth is Melchizedek? In this sermon, Nic explores these questions and more!

In this sermon, Nic looks at Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4 and compares Jesus to Moses. He also explores the idea of "entering God's rest" and what one must do to do so.

For the next five weeks, join Nic as he releases sermon audio from his recent series on Hebrews, preached at his church. This special series offers a refreshing break from our usual apologetics content, diving deep into biblical teaching and exploring the rich themes of the book of Hebrews!

Tim McKenzie PhD. joins Nic again to discuss the "solution" to the problem that they had established in part 1. Video games are addictive, video games CAN be used for evil, so how should we interact with them as a Christian? How can we use them to reach people with the gospel? To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

Why are video games so addicting? Can Christians even interact with them? In this episode, Nic interviews Tim McKenzie, who has a PhD in video game development to discuss the pros and cons of video games, and how Christians should be interacting with them in a way that honours God. To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

Ever wondered if the Bible talks about mental health? What can we learn about Jesus, the Ultimate Counsellor? How does applying biblical principles improve our well-being? Matt Cameron, an experienced counsellor joins Nic to discuss these questions... To check out more content from Matt, go to https://discoversolutions.nz/ To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

This episode is Part 3 of 3 episodes which explore why The Culture is the way it is, why people believe what they believe, and what we can do about it. In this episode, Nic looks at what the #1 Job of the church is. He explores why the church has been so ineffective, and what we can do about it... To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

This episode is Part 2 of 3 episodes which explore why The Culture is the way it is, why people believe what they believe, and what we can do about it. In this episode, Nic explores why people deny the obvious truth that God is real, and looks at the notion that Christianity is "toxic" to see if that's really true... To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

This episode is Part 1 of 3 episodes which explore why The Culture is the way it is, why people believe what they believe, and what we can do about it. In this episode, Nic explores "The Culture", and the common slogans "My body, my choice", "Follow your heart", and "I was born this way". Where has this come from? And what sorts of things happen when we have these beliefs? To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

The last time Andrei was on the podcast, he and Nic discussed what it was like to be a new convert to Christianity. Andrei shared his "highs" and how much his life had changed. But things don't stay that way forever. Sooner or later, the trials, temptations and struggles of being a Christian start to appear. Andrei shares his journey of how this happened, and how he dealt with it all. To listen to Drei's first episode, go to Episode 6. To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

If you could be on team Jesus, or team Satan, which team would you choose? In this episode, Nic explores the notion that you have to either be serving "The Devil" or "The Lord" as Bob Dylans famous song puts it. If the Devil doesn't want you serving God, who/what does he want you to serve? To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

Why does a good God allow so much evil and suffering? This is perhaps the most asked question about Christianity and one of the toughest to answer. In this episode, Nic offers 3 thoughts that help us when it comes to the topic of suffering... To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

What has been going on in Israel and Gaza recently, and what is the cause of all of the conflict? What should our response as Christians be, and what significance does the Third Temple have to do with Bible Prophecy. Roy Warren, Chairman of Voice of the Martyrs NZ and head of Ezra Resources, joins Nic to discuss these questions... To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

The words "Pro-Choice" and "Christian" don't seem to be compatible, and for good reason too. However, many so-called "Christians" today seem to be exactly that. They proclaim the name of Christ one moment, yet seem to be ok with the intentional murder of the unborn. In this episode, Nic breaks down why BIBLICALLY, you cannot be a Pro-Choice Christian, and what we can learn from the Bible about the issue. To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

In this episode, Nic interviews Dr Luke Barnes, a senior lecturer in astronomy and cosmology at Western Sydney University, an astrophysicist with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, and a co-author of multiple books. He specialises in the Fine-Tuning of the universe, and looking at the probabilities that the universe had a designer. In this interview, they discuss electrons, LEGO, the intersection of science and faith, and much more... To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com    

Often, Christianity emphasizes salvation from Hell, but what lies beyond that? What unfolds after forgiveness for a Christian? Moreover, why does sharing one's faith hold such significance, especially when some individuals are content with their current lifestyle? Explore these intriguing questions with Pastor Mark Ambundo and Nic in a unique interview where Artificial Intelligence intertwines with the concept of salvation... To ask a question, or contact Nic, email: thegarrisonpod@gmail.com

This special episode of The Garrison Podcast delves into the contentious topic of abortion, featuring Brendan Malone, director of Lifenet Charitable Trust and Leftfoot Media, in conversation with Rei Baker, a member of the Green Party and a student of criminal law and political science. The discussion likely explores various perspectives on abortion, including the ethical considerations surrounding when a human being gains value, the principle of bodily autonomy encapsulated in the phrase "my body, my choice," and the broader societal implications of abortion. Listeners can anticipate a thoughtful examination of the complex moral, legal, and social dimensions of abortion, with insights from both Malone and Baker contributing to a further understanding of the issue. This is not an episode you would want to miss...   To check out more of Brendan's content, go to https://www.watchlfm.com/

What is a hypocrite, and why don't we like them? What happens when an Ambassador is a hypocrite? In this episode, we explore how to be a GOOD ambassador for Christ, and the importance of doing so. Also, is it a good idea to jump off rocks into water?

The topic of Hell is one of the most controversial among the beliefs of Christians. Although many WITHIN Christianity hold different viewpoints, the Bible is clear; Hell exists. So how do we make sense of it? Why would a good and loving God send people there? Is it really as bad as the Bible seems to say it is? What hope is there for people who are doomed for Hell? And what do Hondas have to do with the whole thing? 

If the Bible cares about injustice, and so does Critical Theory, what's the problem? Critical Theory is RAMPANT in our culture. From Hollywood Blockbusters to children's books, we see this ideology creeping in everywhere. But is it good? Is it effective? Is it BIBLICAL? In this episode, we dive into what Critical Theory is, as well as looking at Tribalism and the Hegelian Dialectic - and what the Biblical response should be...

Is murder always wrong? Or is it all up to our individual opinions? In this episode, we take a look at the Axiological Argument and discuss why God HAS to exist for right and wrong to exist. Oh, and did people float before Isaac Newton discovered gravity?

This podcast would not exist if it weren't for Jesus Club. In this episode, Nic and his good friend Campbell Stewart talk about the origin and effect of the school group "Jesus Club"

Is there a case to be made for a grand designer of this universe? Do we even see elements of design at all? Could this have all been the result of one big happy accident? What would happen to a brand-new Ferrari with no wheels? 

Happy New Year! Since it's it's the start of the year, we are going back to the start of the Universe. How did we get here? Why is there something rather than nothing? What do top atheist scientists like Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss believe?  

Why are so many young people falling away from Christianity? Is there something we can do to prevent this? This episode explores the nature of children, and how we can be teaching them biblical truths BETTER in order for them to be firmly rooted in Christianity

80% of all religious persecution is towards Christians... Why is that? Should we be surprised, and how should we react? Richard Drury from Barnabas Aid comes on to speak on these issues. To contact Richard, email richard.drury@barnabasfund.org.nz

Ever wondered what the former CEO of Giggle TV did when he was 13? Ever wondered what he thought of God? Greg Campbell joins to discuss how he ended up becoming a Christian in the midst of a turbulent lifestyle...

Part 1 left us with some questions. How do we evaluate a worldview? How do we know which one is true? Why does Nic put his camera in the fridge? These thoughtful questions are answered in this episode of The Garrison...   - This episode is based off the course "Evaluating Worldviews" by Robby Lashua from Stand to Reason University

What is a worldview? Why are they important? What do they answer? Why does the title mention slapping someone in the face? These are all questions that are answered in this week's episode!   - This episode is based off the course 'Evaluating Worldviews" by Robby Lashua from Stand to Reason University

How does the Culture's view of love differ from that of Christianity's? People use the word LOVE, all the time. But what do we mean when we say that word? Is there some sort of objective definition we can use for it? That is today's topic for the Garrison.

What is a denomination? What is a tradition? What separates Christianity from beliefs like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses? James August joins the podcast in this episode to discuss these issues, with the hope of bringing clarity and understanding to everyone who listens!

Suffering is all around us and is perhaps the most commonly experienced thing across humanity. So what worldview gives the best reason, solution and hope for the problem of suffering? That's what we look into in this episode of The Garrison!

Ever wondered what the CEO of Cleaner Cars NZ thinks about Christianity? Well this episode is for you! My old high school mate, Oakley Inkersell, joins me as we have a discussion on how his views about Christianity have changed in recent times, and why that is... In Part 2, we discuss why hell makes sense, who makes it to heaven, and personal reasons why Oakley hasn't become a Christian yet...

Ever wondered what the CEO of Cleaner Cars NZ thinks about Christianity? Well this episode is for you! My old high school mate, Oakley Inkersell, joins me as we have a discussion on how his views about Christianity have changed in recent times, and why that is... In part 1, we chat about his old views, and the main reasons he has started to think deeper about Christianity and faith, and he asks me some tricky questions about the Christian worldview!

Christianity is true because it is the best explanation for the way things are, the way things were, and the way things will be. But how does it compare with other worldviews - or in particular, with atheism? That's what we discuss in this episode of The Garrison...   - This episode is based off the course "Atheism: Bumping into Reality" by Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason University

When it comes to the question "Are the Gospels Historically Reliable?", there are 3 questions that we need to answer; 1. Can we trust the witnesses? 2. Have their testimonies changed over time? 3. Is there corroborating evidence for the gospels? Those are the questions we get into on this episode of The Garrison...   - This episode is based off the course "Are the Gospels reliable History" by Jonathan Noyes from Stand to Reason University

I had the privilege of sitting down with the president of the University of Canterbury Pro-life Club - Melanie Aitken. In this episode, we discuss the barriers people have to the pro-life message, how to talk about the issue with people, and practical ways we can support women!

In this episode, I take a look at the common belief that science and faith aren't compatible. I define true, biblical faith, what the purpose of science is and how these two things can go hand in hand. I look at the origin of science, who founded it, and how science is often limited by philosophical views. Enjoy!   - This episode is based on the course "Are Science and Faith Compatible" by Tim Barnett from Stand to Reason University

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Bob McCoskrie, the founder of Family First, on the topic of NZ public school education. In specific, we discuss how certain ideologies are being taught to our young kids, and the effect this is having on them.  For more resources on the topic as mentioned by Bob on the episode, check out these links!  https://familyfirst.org.nz/ sexeducation.nz parentguide.nz    

This episode is a little different to the norm. Instead of answering questions that people have about Christianity, or discussing a topic, I prepared a whole list of questions for Non-Christians to consider. I want to see how these can be answered from a Non-Christian perspective, and welcome anyone to try and provide answers!

In this episode, I look at 3 things that we need, to be an effective ambassador for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us 'Ambassadors', so we want to make sure we are being effective in this task that Jesus has given us!   - This episode is based on the course "Ambassadors for Christ" by Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason University

In this episode, I analyse the statement "In order to know if something is true, it must be proven scientifically”. I also look at deductive vs. inductive reasoning, and at different ways we can find out what is true and false! 

In this episode, I explore how Jesus has impacted today's culture by changing the culture of his day. Specifically, we look at how equality has been bought to race, economic status and gender through the words of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.