Matt Garvin
@mattgarvin.bsky.social
Follower of the Jewish Carpenter, husband, dad, pastor, writer, curious about how the world actually works which is why I like Jesus so much. Living in Hobart, Tassie. https://www.faithreflections.org/
I’ve been sitting with Ephesians 4, and it’s really challenged how I think about church. It’s not about services or programs—it’s about people learning to love, speak truth, and grow up together. Here’s what that vision looks like:
Ephesians 4: A Vision of Church Most of Us Have Never Seen
Have you ever felt there must be more to church than good music and friendly faces? Ephesians 4 reveals a vision of community that’s deeper, harder, and more beautiful than we imagine—a people united in love, growing into maturity, and reflecting the multi-coloured wisdom of God.
faithreflections.org
November 9, 2025 at 8:30 AM
I’ve been sitting with Ephesians 4, and it’s really challenged how I think about church. It’s not about services or programs—it’s about people learning to love, speak truth, and grow up together. Here’s what that vision looks like:
We’re told every day to “trust yourself.” But Paul says something completely different.
True freedom begins when we stop trusting ourselves and start trusting Jesus.
True freedom begins when we stop trusting ourselves and start trusting Jesus.
Why You Can’t Trust Yourself—And What Ephesians 2 Teaches Instead
We’re told to “trust ourselves,” but Paul says otherwise. In Ephesians 2, he uncovers the truth about the world, the flesh, and the devil—and the grace that gives us a new identity in Christ. When we stop building on self and trust him instead, everything changes.
faithreflections.org
October 26, 2025 at 11:34 AM
We’re told every day to “trust yourself.” But Paul says something completely different.
True freedom begins when we stop trusting ourselves and start trusting Jesus.
True freedom begins when we stop trusting ourselves and start trusting Jesus.
Rethinking the “Great Commission”: 5 Surprising Truths Christians Overlook
Most Christians think Jesus’ mission was simply to “go and preach.” But the real Great Commission calls us to much more—a life of apprenticeship, trust, and courage. Discover five surprising truths that reveal what Jesus…
Most Christians think Jesus’ mission was simply to “go and preach.” But the real Great Commission calls us to much more—a life of apprenticeship, trust, and courage. Discover five surprising truths that reveal what Jesus…
Rethinking the “Great Commission”: 5 Surprising Truths Christians Overlook
Most Christians think Jesus’ mission was simply to “go and preach.” But the real Great Commission calls us to much more—a life of apprenticeship, trust, and courage. Discover five surprising truths that reveal what Jesus actually meant when He said “Go.”
faithreflections.org
October 12, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Rethinking the “Great Commission”: 5 Surprising Truths Christians Overlook
Most Christians think Jesus’ mission was simply to “go and preach.” But the real Great Commission calls us to much more—a life of apprenticeship, trust, and courage. Discover five surprising truths that reveal what Jesus…
Most Christians think Jesus’ mission was simply to “go and preach.” But the real Great Commission calls us to much more—a life of apprenticeship, trust, and courage. Discover five surprising truths that reveal what Jesus…
What if church wasn’t something you go to, but something you are? A body, a family, a home for God’s Spirit... This is what I've been wrestling with.
What the church is meant to be
The church was never meant to be a service to attend or a hierarchy to climb. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses: a body where every part matters, a family where every member belongs, and a temple where God dwells by His Spirit.
faithreflections.org
September 28, 2025 at 11:05 AM
What if church wasn’t something you go to, but something you are? A body, a family, a home for God’s Spirit... This is what I've been wrestling with.
The cross isn’t just a symbol. It’s where justice and grace meet, where pain is transformed into hope, and where you discover you are never alone. ✝️
#Jesus #Cross #Hope #Faith #Grace #Christianity #ProblemOfEvil #Discipleship
#Jesus #Cross #Hope #Faith #Grace #Christianity #ProblemOfEvil #Discipleship
How the Cross Changes Your Life
The cross isn’t just a symbol — it’s where God meets us in our pain, carries evil, and transforms suffering into hope. Discover why Jesus’ death and resurrection still change everything for how we live today.
faithreflections.org
September 21, 2025 at 9:06 AM
The cross isn’t just a symbol. It’s where justice and grace meet, where pain is transformed into hope, and where you discover you are never alone. ✝️
#Jesus #Cross #Hope #Faith #Grace #Christianity #ProblemOfEvil #Discipleship
#Jesus #Cross #Hope #Faith #Grace #Christianity #ProblemOfEvil #Discipleship
Who Is God?
We often picture God as a projection, a genie, or a distant watchmaker. But in Exodus 34, God reveals His glory: compassion, mercy, justice, and truth. This revelation gives us a framework for life and calls us to reflect His character in our families, communities, and the world.
We often picture God as a projection, a genie, or a distant watchmaker. But in Exodus 34, God reveals His glory: compassion, mercy, justice, and truth. This revelation gives us a framework for life and calls us to reflect His character in our families, communities, and the world.
Who Is God?
We often picture God as a projection, a genie, or a distant watchmaker. But in Exodus 34, God reveals His glory: compassion, mercy, justice, and truth. This revelation gives us a framework for life and calls us to reflect His character in our families, communities, and the world.
faithreflections.org
September 7, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Who Is God?
We often picture God as a projection, a genie, or a distant watchmaker. But in Exodus 34, God reveals His glory: compassion, mercy, justice, and truth. This revelation gives us a framework for life and calls us to reflect His character in our families, communities, and the world.
We often picture God as a projection, a genie, or a distant watchmaker. But in Exodus 34, God reveals His glory: compassion, mercy, justice, and truth. This revelation gives us a framework for life and calls us to reflect His character in our families, communities, and the world.
I’ve had to face it: I’m both beautiful and broken. Genesis says that’s true for all of us—and that’s exactly where God’s grace shows up.
You Are Both Beautiful and Broken
The first chapters of Genesis reveal a profound truth: you are both beautiful and broken. Made in God’s image, you carry incredible value. But you also wrestle with sin, shame, and brokenness. The good news is grace meets you in that tension—and it changes everything.
faithreflections.org
August 31, 2025 at 8:47 AM
I’ve had to face it: I’m both beautiful and broken. Genesis says that’s true for all of us—and that’s exactly where God’s grace shows up.
We like to think we see life as it really is. But the truth is our perspective is limited, fragile, and often shaped by false stories. The Bible tells us reality isn’t what we think — and faith begins with learning to trust God’s reality instead of our own.
Reality is Not What You Think
We’ve been taught to “live our truth,” but the Bible tells us reality isn’t what we think. Sin is choosing our version of truth over God’s. Repentance and faith aren’t just how you start the Christian life — they are how you live it every day.
faithreflections.org
August 24, 2025 at 7:36 AM
We like to think we see life as it really is. But the truth is our perspective is limited, fragile, and often shaped by false stories. The Bible tells us reality isn’t what we think — and faith begins with learning to trust God’s reality instead of our own.
We’ve sold the gospel short. It’s not just about heaven after we die. It’s about living from a whole new foundation—now. These six levels of repentance help us face what’s really going on and discover what it means to follow Jesus for real.
A Bigger Story: How the Real Gospel Changes Everything
The gospel is more than a quick fix for sin. It’s an invitation to live from a new foundation—God’s reality. These six levels of repentance help us name the tensions we carry and discover a better way to live, rooted in God’s truth, grace, and a vision of new creation.
faithreflections.org
August 1, 2025 at 6:02 AM
We’ve sold the gospel short. It’s not just about heaven after we die. It’s about living from a whole new foundation—now. These six levels of repentance help us face what’s really going on and discover what it means to follow Jesus for real.
Ever wondered what it really takes to change the world? Spoiler alert: it’s not programs or power. It’s a bunch of ordinary people saying yes to Jesus, open to the Holy Spirit, and willing to let go of control. Acts 19–20 shows how it happens—one surrendered life at a time.
How to Change the World
When Paul entered Ephesus, he didn’t bring a strategy—he looked for what God was already doing. Acts 19–20 shows us how real change happens: by surrendering to Jesus, being open to the Holy Spirit, and confronting the idols of money, power, and control. That’s how churches—and cities—are transformed.
faithreflections.org
July 27, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Ever wondered what it really takes to change the world? Spoiler alert: it’s not programs or power. It’s a bunch of ordinary people saying yes to Jesus, open to the Holy Spirit, and willing to let go of control. Acts 19–20 shows how it happens—one surrendered life at a time.
Here’s a reflection on why it matters so much which version of Christianity you believe.
Which Version of Christianity Are You Living?
Paul and Apollos both preached Jesus as Messiah. But not everyone meant the same thing when they used that word—and we still don’t. From prosperity to self-help, we’ve created different versions of Christianity that serve us instead of Jesus. So the real question is: which version are you living?
faithreflections.org
July 20, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Here’s a reflection on why it matters so much which version of Christianity you believe.
We’ve built churches that keep us comfortable. But Acts 10 reminds us: Jesus is calling us to something far more beautiful. This one’s pretty close to my heart.
The Heresy That Shaped the Church: How Acts 10 Breaks Down Our Barriers
As culture grows increasingly divided, the church is called to be a counterculture of radical unity. Acts 10 reveals God’s heart to break down barriers and welcome all people. True church isn’t about comfort or sameness, but about diverse people growing together in Christ, reflecting Jesus’ prayer for perfect unity.
faithreflections.org
June 15, 2025 at 8:55 AM
We’ve built churches that keep us comfortable. But Acts 10 reminds us: Jesus is calling us to something far more beautiful. This one’s pretty close to my heart.
Reposted by Matt Garvin
"A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to 'accept' Christ without forsaking the world."
A W Tozer
A W Tozer
June 8, 2025 at 11:48 AM
"A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to 'accept' Christ without forsaking the world."
A W Tozer
A W Tozer
What if Christianity was never meant to be safe? What if following Jesus actually changes everything? Here’s why Acts still turns the world upside down…
Why Christianity is not safe
Christianity was never meant to be safe. The book of Acts shows us a revolution of love, truth, healing, and surrender. When Jesus is truly Lord, everything changes—our priorities, our relationships, our mission. The early church didn’t play religious games. They lived lives that turned the world upside down. So should we.
faithreflections.org
May 25, 2025 at 8:27 AM
What if Christianity was never meant to be safe? What if following Jesus actually changes everything? Here’s why Acts still turns the world upside down…
We've just come back from our church camp at Perth, Tasmania. I left inspired by the history I discovered and the people I met. This is what I spoke about on the weekend.
The Only Way Forward Is to Remember Who We Are
The future of the church won’t be found in preserving buildings or replicating past models—it will be found in recovering the heart that shaped them. Mary Ann Gibson’s faith, courage, and hospitality lit a fire in Tasmania. The question for us is: will we follow that same Spirit today?
faithreflections.org
May 18, 2025 at 10:27 AM
We've just come back from our church camp at Perth, Tasmania. I left inspired by the history I discovered and the people I met. This is what I spoke about on the weekend.
Ever wonder what made the early church so compelling? It wasn’t flash or hype—it was the way their lives pointed to something real. This week I’ve been reflecting on how Acts shows us a whole new way of being human. Have a read—keen to hear what you think.
The clash of Kingdoms in Acts 3-4
The early church wasn’t built on hype or strategy—it was built on the living presence of Jesus. In Acts, we see heaven and earth overlapping through ordinary people. Their lives, marked by justice, mercy, and compassion, became the new temple. This is our calling too: bold, witness in a divided world.
faithreflections.org
May 11, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Ever wonder what made the early church so compelling? It wasn’t flash or hype—it was the way their lives pointed to something real. This week I’ve been reflecting on how Acts shows us a whole new way of being human. Have a read—keen to hear what you think.
The Real Beginning of the Church
The first chapter of Acts reminds us that Jesus is still alive, still working, and still inviting us to be part of His kingdom. The church isn’t about carrying out a project — it’s about being witnesses to a different kind of life, rooted in sacrificial love, with…
The first chapter of Acts reminds us that Jesus is still alive, still working, and still inviting us to be part of His kingdom. The church isn’t about carrying out a project — it’s about being witnesses to a different kind of life, rooted in sacrificial love, with…
The Real Beginning of the Church
The first chapter of Acts reminds us that Jesus is still alive, still working, and still inviting us to be part of His kingdom. The church isn’t about carrying out a project — it’s about being witnesses to a different kind of life, rooted in sacrificial love, with Jesus still on the throne.
faithreflections.org
April 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The Real Beginning of the Church
The first chapter of Acts reminds us that Jesus is still alive, still working, and still inviting us to be part of His kingdom. The church isn’t about carrying out a project — it’s about being witnesses to a different kind of life, rooted in sacrificial love, with…
The first chapter of Acts reminds us that Jesus is still alive, still working, and still inviting us to be part of His kingdom. The church isn’t about carrying out a project — it’s about being witnesses to a different kind of life, rooted in sacrificial love, with…
Reposted by Matt Garvin
its amazing how chatgpt knows everything about subjects I know nothing about, but is wrong like 40% of the time in things im an expert on. not going to think about this any further
March 8, 2025 at 12:13 AM
its amazing how chatgpt knows everything about subjects I know nothing about, but is wrong like 40% of the time in things im an expert on. not going to think about this any further
Reposted by Matt Garvin
Isn’t it getting a little Orwellian when one country is served up its own unique version of the world map so they can call a body of water something that no one else calls it?
www.reuters.com/world/us/goo...
www.reuters.com/world/us/goo...
Google Maps to rename 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America' for US users
Google Maps will change the name of "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System, it said in an X post on Monday.
www.reuters.com
January 29, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Isn’t it getting a little Orwellian when one country is served up its own unique version of the world map so they can call a body of water something that no one else calls it?
www.reuters.com/world/us/goo...
www.reuters.com/world/us/goo...
In 1963, my dad began to develop a course that would change the lives of thousands.
I thought it might be time to make Dad's original recordings of Theodynamics available digitally. We will upload a new episode every Thursday. The first episode is Content and Process.
theodynamics.transistor.fm
I thought it might be time to make Dad's original recordings of Theodynamics available digitally. We will upload a new episode every Thursday. The first episode is Content and Process.
theodynamics.transistor.fm
Mal Garvin: Theodynamics
From 1963 to 1996, Mal Garvin refined a course that changed the lives of people all over Australia. In 1996, the course became FOUNDATIONS FOR AN AUSSIE AWAKENING and underwent several changes in the ...
theodynamics.transistor.fm
January 29, 2025 at 11:41 AM
In 1963, my dad began to develop a course that would change the lives of thousands.
I thought it might be time to make Dad's original recordings of Theodynamics available digitally. We will upload a new episode every Thursday. The first episode is Content and Process.
theodynamics.transistor.fm
I thought it might be time to make Dad's original recordings of Theodynamics available digitally. We will upload a new episode every Thursday. The first episode is Content and Process.
theodynamics.transistor.fm
Reposted by Matt Garvin
Reposted by Matt Garvin
Jesus laying down his life out of love for the world rather than using all cosmic and political power to force the world to obey him will forever be the greatest critique of any Christian movement that seeks to secure power in order to ensure that others conform to their will.
January 19, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Jesus laying down his life out of love for the world rather than using all cosmic and political power to force the world to obey him will forever be the greatest critique of any Christian movement that seeks to secure power in order to ensure that others conform to their will.
Some thoughts on a Wes Huff Masterclass thanks to Billy Carson and Joe Rogan (LANGUAGE WARNING)
youtu.be/wEZoX2F8Qwc
youtu.be/wEZoX2F8Qwc
A Wes Huff Masterclass thanks to Billy Carson and Joe Rogan (LANGUAGE WARNING)
YouTube video by Citywide Baptist Church Hobart
youtu.be
January 18, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Some thoughts on a Wes Huff Masterclass thanks to Billy Carson and Joe Rogan (LANGUAGE WARNING)
youtu.be/wEZoX2F8Qwc
youtu.be/wEZoX2F8Qwc
Reposted by Matt Garvin
The more I study the gospel, the more I'm baffled at how we could see this foot washing, health restoring, sword disarming, patient listening, kind teaching, cross bearing Jesus and then somehow arrive at the conclusion that he is calling us to impose our worldview on others.
January 13, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The more I study the gospel, the more I'm baffled at how we could see this foot washing, health restoring, sword disarming, patient listening, kind teaching, cross bearing Jesus and then somehow arrive at the conclusion that he is calling us to impose our worldview on others.