Greater Things

Send us Fan MailOne line from The Lion King can feel like entertainment… until it lands like a message with your name on it. Robbie Venter joins us to share the moment that stopped him in his tracks, pulled him out of a life of masks and survival, and set him on a new path of identity, authority, and purpose in the Kingdom of God.Robbie’s story is raw and deeply relatable: moving countries as a kid, learning a new language, living with ADD, getting kicked out of school, and carrying the weight of trying to fit into systems that never knew what to do with him. We talk about why authenticity matters, why it can cost you relationships, and how many people are not “fake” so much as conditioned, performing a version of themselves they never chose.From there we go deeper into the big ideas behind Robbie’s book Remember Who You Are: identity, position, and responsibility. We explore what it means to live as a spirit being having a human experience, why authority without identity becomes striving, and how healthy mentorship draws out what God already placed inside you. Robbie also shares the practical side of his journey: Australia, the mines, a Masters in business, and building a property portfolio that created financial freedom and opened space to serve.If you’ve been asking who you really are, why you keep shrinking, or what it looks like to live aligned, this conversation will stretch you in the best way. Subscribe, share it with a mate, leave a review, and tell us what line or moment hit you hardest.Find Robbie at: https://robbieventer.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailBeauty is not fluff. It shapes what we hope for, what we tolerate, and what we believe God is like. Sitting down with artist Lilibet Bothma, we follow her journey from South Africa to New Zealand, the UK, and now Queensland, and how a life of making, mending, and experimenting with craft eventually led her into painting that feels less like a product and more like a spiritual practice.Lilibet shares the dream that changed everything, a moment of “liquid light” that turned grief and big questions into a living faith. From there we talk about Christian creativity in the real world: how God can speak through images, why mystery is not a problem to solve, and what it looks like to create from presence instead of pressure. We also dig into the idea that creativity can be prayer, worship, and communion, even on days when you simply show up and “be”.A gallery visit sparks a provocative thread: where has beauty gone, and why does so much modern art feel dark and empty? Rather than ending in complaint, we look for a better response, how to bring an economy of love, hope, and joy into spaces that need light. We also name a tension many churches feel, when preaching is elevated and the creative arts become an add-on, even though art can invite deeper relationship and personal revelation.If you’re an artist, a leader, or someone trying to live with more rest and less control, this conversation will give you language, permission, and practical insight. Subscribe, share this with a creative friend, and leave a review telling us what beauty means to you.Find Liilibet at: https://www.lilsartstudio.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailRest is not a reward for finishing the work, and it is not a vague “self-care” idea we try to squeeze into an overfull week. We sit down with Liz Wright to talk about rest as a design feature of the Christian life, and why peace is meant to be a lived, tangible reality for believers who are in union with Jesus.We unpack what happens when the church says “Sabbath” but models busyness, and how the Holy Spirit is calling the bride of Christ back to stillness, awareness, and a simpler gospel. Liz shares her story of encountering Jesus in a way that flooded her whole being with love and peace, resetting an overwhelmed nervous system and marking the beginning of a decades-long journey of “come with me” rest. That personal testimony opens into practical wisdom: learning to tune back into God’s presence, using scripture like Psalm 23 as heart language, and letting peace become the place where courage and authority grow.We also explore surrender and overflow in ministry, including what it looks like to be quiet on the inside so our words carry the presence of God. Liz and I talk about emotional regulation, compassion toward ourselves, and governing our interior world from spirit over soul over body. If life feels loud right now, this conversation offers a grounded path back to clarity, faith, and deep Christian rest.Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who needs peace, and leave a review so more people can find the podcast.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailGod might be speaking more than you think, just not always through the channel you were trained to expect. I’m joined by my good friend Roma Waterman for a deep, practical conversation about hearing the voice of God, especially for people who feel stuck, unsure, or quietly discouraged because the “usual way” hasn’t worked for them.We talk about discovering your personal pathway for discernment and connection, from Scripture as the foundation to the surprising places God often uses, like beauty, art, sunrise, and the hush of creation. Roma shares how creativity becomes a primary language in her relationship with God, and why the question isn’t only what God is saying, but how He wants to speak to you right now.Roma also tells a defining story from her worship pastor days, being thrown into spontaneous prophetic worship alongside Graham Cooke, and how that single night reshaped her confidence, her songwriting, and her hunger to “hear what heaven is saying”. From there we explore worship and songwriting as modern-day prophetic voice, why movements often carry a sound, and how joy-filled creativity can be a sign of alignment rather than something to distrust.If you’re longing for a faith that feels present, alive, and collaborative, press play. Then subscribe, share this with a friend who needs permission to listen differently, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.https://www.romawaterman.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailSeventeen years, one audacious goal, and a finish line that arrived at 12 noon on 12/12 while closing Ecclesiastes 12. We sit down with Dr Brian Simmons to celebrate completing the Passion Translation and to open the doors he walked through along the way: Ezekiel’s piercing demands, Leviticus as a pathway to heal communal trauma, and a Revelation that burns brighter when you read the Greek closely and let metaphor do its work.Brian shares how accuracy and devotion shaped every page—why Ezekiel required deep restraint, how footnotes became a pastoral space to guide readers through difficult texts, and why Revelation’s “fire horse” changes the feel of apocalyptic imagery. We move into the overlooked beauty of the Torah: Leviticus re‑introduces a wounded people to a faithful God, and Numbers’ forty‑two stations map the inner journey from bondage to promise. These aren’t dry notes; they’re lived realities, tied to family legacy, a jungle snake‑bite miracle, and the joy of welcoming new grandchildren while closing a life’s work.Our focus then tightens on Job. We talk about suffering with honesty: the adversary behind the scenes, the patience that sees “the end of the Lord,” and the wisdom of silence before arguments harden into condemnation. Job’s turning line—moving from hearing about God to seeing God—becomes a mirror for modern faith. Repentance reads not as self‑hatred but as recanting distorted views of God, a shift that precedes restoration and invites us to pray for those who wounded us. Along the way, Brian reflects on translating in Bethlehem, why walking the land of Israel anchors the text, and extends an open invite to explore Job with us at Kingdom Collaboration.If you’re hungry to read the Bible with new eyes—to trade secondhand faith for firsthand encounter—press play. Then subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Scripture, and leave a review telling us which book surprised you most.To contact Dr Brian: www.passionandfire.comSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you gather a diverse community to unpack a phrase we often say but rarely examine? In this unique experiment, Matt brings together members of the Greater Things community to explore what it means to "raise your kids in the ways of the Lord."The conversation unfolds like a beautiful tapestry as each person contributes their distinct understanding. Elaine, a beauty therapist from Scotland, speaks passionately about how God's ways are reflected in our unique creation, down to the cellular level. "Each person is completely uniquely created," she explains, connecting this revelation to how she approaches her clients with individualized care.For Claire, a mother of four girls, the ways of the Lord are tied to identity and experiencing God's love beyond just cognitive knowledge. She vulnerably shares her journey: "I think before I've had a head, cognitive 'yes I know God loves me' agreement, but there's been that massive gap between that knowledge and the experienced reality of it."The wisdom deepens as Merle and John, a married couple with decades of faith experience, offer their perspectives. Merle describes God's ways as "spacious and perfect," painting vivid images of open gates and wildflower meadows representing the freedom God provides. John, approaching his 70th birthday, draws from 1 Corinthians 13 to explain that God's ways are simply the ways He loves—patient, kind, and never insisting on His own way.What makes this episode remarkable is how the conversation itself demonstrates the kingdom of God in action—multiple voices contributing to a richer revelation than any single perspective could provide. When Claire honestly admits she currently feels on a narrow path rather than in a spacious place, it doesn't diminish Merle's insight but rather expands the group's collective understanding.Join this authentic community conversation and discover how different perspectives on God's ways might illuminate your own journey of faith and parenting. What might it mean for you to walk in or raise others in "the ways of the Lord"?Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailBrian Simmons returns after facing significant health challenges to share his profound passion for the Song of Songs, revealing why this ancient text remains perhaps the most transformative book in Scripture for understanding God's heart toward us.After surviving heart failure with just 15% heart function, Brian brings renewed perspective on what truly matters - experiencing and sharing divine love. He offers a glimpse into the final stages of completing the Passion Translation, with only five books remaining before the entire Bible is finished in early 2027.The conversation shifts to explore why the Song of Songs was the favorite book of the early church fathers long before the New Testament canon was completed. Rather than viewing it as merely one of Solomon's romantic exploits, Brian unpacks how this poetic masterpiece reveals the divine romance between Christ and His bride.What makes this text exceptionally powerful is how it legitimizes our emotional connection with God. "How can we dare relate to God without our emotion?" Brian asks, challenging religious perspectives that prioritize intellect or behaviour over heart connection. The Song portrays a God who sees us as already beautiful and perfected, even while we still see our flaws - a "divine psychology" where loving affirmation becomes the catalyst for spiritual maturity.This perspective transforms how we view ourselves and others. Brian shares how God challenged him to "overestimate the value of people" - to see them not according to their current state but according to God's perspective. Through personal stories of morning communion rituals and blessing even those who have harmed him, he demonstrates how this "love theology" creates space for authentic relationship rather than religious performance.Curious about discovering your identity as the beloved of God? This conversation invites you to return to this ancient love poem with fresh eyes, allowing its divine romance to transform how you see yourself, others, and the One who pursues us until we surrender to love.https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/author/briansimmons/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailThat breakthrough you've been praying for might be waiting—not in your striving, but in your sleeping. Divine rest isn't a luxury or an afterthought; it's foundational to how God designed us to function in relationship with Him.Ben Armstrong brings profound wisdom to our conversation about sleep, dreams, and the prophetic. He highlights how in the creation narrative, each day began with evening—a divine rhythm suggesting we should live from rest toward activity, not desperately racing toward rest after depleting ourselves.When the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel's prophecy that dreams and visions would be key languages of the Spirit. Yet many believers have lost touch with this vital spiritual channel. Through biblical examples like Jacob receiving identity and direction through a dream, Ben illustrates how God often speaks most clearly when we're at rest.Modern science confirms what Scripture teaches—our bodies undergo crucial restoration during sleep, and most growth in nature happens at night. High cortisol levels from stress inhibit rest, while practices like reducing screen time before bed improve both sleep quality and dream recall. Even nutrition plays a surprising role in our ability to rest well.Perhaps most challenging is Ben's observation that we often "spiritualise our dysfunction," pushing through exhaustion while framing unhealthy patterns in religious language. Jesus modelled something different—communion with Father first, followed by purposeful action with more than enough resources for the day.The conversation concludes with a practical challenge: identify one small daily habit that acknowledges rest as vital to your life. This simple act of stewardship invites God's grace and can transform your entire approach to living in His kingdom.What divine breakthrough might be waiting for you in the place of rest you've been avoiding?BEN ARMSTRONGThe Overseer of Prophetic Ministry at Bethel Church, Redding, where he and his wife, Heather Armstrong, both serve as pastors.Through teaching and preaching, Ben equips people with the skills and tools they need to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. He has a passion to see individuals fully equipped in living a prophetic lifestyle, as well as walking in the revelatory gifts. Ben has a passion for the pursuit of God’s presence, seeing worship reach new heavenly realms, dreams and interpretation, healing, and living a prophetic lifestyle.They have three amazing children; Conner, Kira, and Madison. Ben, Heather, and their children are passionate about living the kingdom and bringing the supernatural in their family life and equipping others to do the same.https://armstrongministries.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when we strip away expectations and discover our authentic creative voice? Chris Folson's journey from atheist child to influential worship songwriter reveals powerful truths about creativity, faith, and finding your unique expression in a world that demands conformity.Growing up with entertainer parents, Chris absorbed creativity through osmosis while his grandfather's encouragement to question everything paradoxically led him toward faith. This fascinating background shaped Chris into a storyteller who views art as a vehicle for mystery rather than a platform for answers—much like the parables Jesus told that confused even his closest followers.Chris shares a startling NASA study revealing that while 98% of children aged 3-5 have creative genius potential, only 2% retain it by age 18. Through education and religious systems that value conformity over curiosity, we systematically unlearn our natural creative abilities. The revelation is both heartbreaking and hopeful: what if we could reclaim this lost creative innocence?The conversation takes a compelling turn when Chris describes discovering his authentic voice after years of professional musicianship. After being constantly instructed to "play like" famous guitarists, his role as a church music director ironically freed him to develop his own style. "In God's presence," he reflects, "I forgot who I was supposed to be and I became who I really was." This moment became a cornerstone of his artistic philosophy and coaching approach.For creators struggling with self-doubt, Chris offers this liberating perspective: "The world doesn't need another love song, but what the world needs is your love song." By embracing your unique viewpoint and releasing the need to be clever or successful, authentic expression emerges. Ready to rediscover your creative voice? This conversation might be the permission slip you've been waiting for.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to truly be seen? To strip away the facades and connect with others in raw authenticity? Gavin Fuller, videographer, storyteller, father of five, and self-described "friend of Jesus," joins me for a conversation that will challenge how you think about identity and relationships.Gavin takes us into his imaginative prayer life, where he flips the famous Biblical question "Who do you say that I am?" back to Jesus, asking "Who do YOU say that I am?" The answer—"You're a friend"—becomes the foundation for how he approaches every relationship in his life. This identity as "friend" shapes his extraordinary capacity to care for others, remember faces, and maintain emotional connections across years and distances.We explore the concept of marriage as "a city on a hill" characterized by authority balanced with love, and how the Fuller family dinner table becomes a communion table—a sacred space where authentic conversations unfold. Gavin shares his approach to drawing people into deeper connection by noticing conversational threads and creating safe spaces for vulnerability.Perhaps most profound is our discussion of Eden—how we weren't designed for platforms and polished perfection, but for the beautiful mess of the garden. Gavin's refreshing honesty about family life, marriage struggles, and the joy found in everyday moments offers a compelling vision of what it means to experience paradise in our ordinary lives.For anyone feeling lonely, powerless, or hopeless about the future, this conversation offers a practical pathway forward through authenticity and connection. Learn how paying attention to the "open threads" in your conversations might create the very Eden you've been searching for.https://www.youtube.com/@GavinFullerSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com