Freedom and The Cost of Kids
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink
Freedom and The Cost of Kids
Tuesday 4th April 2023
Freedom is Never Free
Freedom in Christ is a gift to us who are Christians. Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”. In other words, Christ has set us free from the burden of sin and the legalistic rules and regulations of the law, and we are now free to live in a new way, guided by the Holy Spirit. It is truly an amazing gift that Jesus paid for…….so that we may have it……..for free.
Another form of freedom is the freedom we enjoy as citizens of a free state. New Zealand is part of the so called free world. The term ‘free world’ is a group of nations that are considered to be free, democratic, and committed to protecting individual liberties and human rights.
The hallmarks of a free state are often defined by the presence of certain political, social, and economic freedoms that allow individuals to live and prosper without undue interference from the state or other actors. Some of the key hallmarks of a free state include:
- Rule of law: A free state is governed by a system of laws that apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
- Individual rights and liberties: Citizens of a free state are granted certain fundamental rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to own property and to participate in political processes.
- Limited government: A free state is characterized by a government that is limited in its scope and power, with clear checks and balances to prevent abuse of power and protect the rights of citizens.
- Independent judiciary: In a free state, the judiciary is independent and impartial, with the power to enforce the law and protect individual rights from government overreach.
- Free and fair elections: Citizens of a free state have the right to participate in free and fair elections, with access to accurate and unbiased information about candidates and issues.
- Economic freedom: A free state also provides economic freedom, allowing individuals and businesses to operate with minimal interference from the government or other actors.
Overall, a free state is characterized by a government that is accountable to its citizens, respects individual rights and freedoms, and provides a level playing field for all citizens to participate in political and economic processes.
POV. I’m worried! I share the concerns Mina Amso shares on this 4 minute video piece. Mina who is now a journalist grew up in Iraq under the authoritarian regime of Saddam Hussein, where speaking out could lead to imprisonment and torture. Now grateful to be living in New Zealand, Mina shares her views on why the freedoms we take for granted are not so safe at this present time.
Over the last week there have been a lot of words spoken and written about Posey Parker’s visit 10 days ago. I think every decent minded New Zealander would say that what transpired was deeply troubling. Was it a tipping point as some suggest? Was this the start of a new ‘ethic’ where a very small minority (Trans Activists) can dictate to the majority of New Zealanders what we can talk about in the public square and what we can’t talk about? A free society means that the Christian voice has just as much right to be heard on all the issues facing us at present as anyone else’s voice. To that end may I encourage all pastor’s to be unashamedly bold about the truth as expressed in the Bible.
The Cost of Kids
Question? How much do you think it costs to raise a child in NZ? The answer will help explain why an average household in NZ struggles.
The answer is a little bit dependent on individual circumstances but sits between $250.00 - $350.00 a week per child. So from birth to 18 years old that comes to somewhere in the region of $250,000 per child. Sure the research does say that second and third children a little cheaper but not a whole lot.
There are quite a few pieces of research about this but here is a good introduction from Plunket NZ.
Headlines Only
I thought this was a good and honest reflection about Jacinda Ardern’s premiership. “How will History recall Jacinda Ardern as PM”.
Here is a good explainer about Trump’s (possible) indictment from The Dispatch.
From ‘brick to slick’, the mobile phone turned 50 yesterday.
I familiarised myself with ChatGTP over the weekend. What an amazing tool!
Easter Songs
Just before I go here are two really cool Easter songs.
Hallelujah. Sung by two Sisters.
He Changed My Name by Matthew West? “You called me out from the grave, I knew The old is gone, now my name is new. I once was guilty but not anymore You paid my price, now my name is Yours Yes, You paid my price, now my name is Yours. Thanks Matt Gordon for the recommendation.
