5 Loaves & 2 Fishes

Auckland, City of Sails, is built on a narrow isthmus between two natural harbors. But like other big cities, Auckland suffers serious social and traffic problems. She struggles, as we do, to find her soul.

Hi. Thanks for coming with us to Auckland -

'Lakeside' is a little inspirational treat featuring some of New Zealand's prettiest spots. If you prefer a different lake today, just click the button. But if you like it at this place, we can have lunch right here.

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Restless City
Why Jesus Came
Futility of Pleasure
Bridge to Nowhere

We are spiritual beings. We are not animals whose existence is fulfilled simply by satisfying physical instincts. There is a desire embedded deep within to find meaning to life beyond just eating and drinking and working and dying.

Only a friendship with God can satisfy this basic need. Our problem is that we are separated from him so the relationship is broken before it even begins.

Consequently, in our life a gap appears. Then we try to replace God with other things:- ambition, money, drugs, alcohol, education, career, sex, music, sport.

Some of these things are good. Some are not. But whether good or evil, we cannot find what we’re searching for because what’s missing is spiritual - not physical - not intellectual either. Finally, our present separation from God becomes a permanent separation forever. This is worse than death, and nothing can reverse it.

That is why Jesus came.

I said to myself, "Come now, let's give pleasure a try. Let's look for the 'good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. "It is silly to be laughing all the time," I said. "What good does it do to seek only pleasure?" After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I hoped to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.

I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned great herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who lived in Jerusalem before me. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!

So I became greater than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. And with it all, I remained clear-eyed so that I could evaluate all these things. Anything I wanted, I took. I did not restrain myself from any joy. I even found great pleasure in hard work, an additional reward for all my labors.

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind.

Deep in the heart of the North Island, in dense native bush, lies a forgotten valley. Old fence lines on a fading road, a few stands of exotic trees, and the occasional brick chimney protruding through tangled undergrowth are all that remains of what once was the hope of the settlers of Mangapurua - returned soldiers from the Great War. But standing like an old concrete epitaph is a strangely beautiful structure draped with ponga’s and green ferns. Locals call it the 'Bridge to Nowhere.'

By the bridge is a sign detailing when it was built and how it got to be there but, for those who care to make their way through bush tracks to look and wonder, the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ serves as a silent reminder: Life is like a road which, without God, does not know where it is going.

That is why Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved."

That is why Jesus came.

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