Ideas Convention: Rob Martin Answers the Bigger Questions

In this episode, Tina Waldrom continues her conversation with Pastor Rob Martin. This time, the focus turns to big questions secular people ask and how believers can engage. The pandemic for one exposed deep issues within society. Rob reflects on the nature of suffering and how people have wrestled with feelings of loss, fear, and uncertainty during this time. He explains that the Christian faith doesn’t shy away from suffering but instead provides a framework of hope and meaning, pointing to the presence of Christ in the middle of life’s hardest moments. Personal stories are also shared, reminding listeners that being open about our struggles can build bridges of understanding and compassion. The episode also highlights how these themes connect with evangelism and the heart behind the Ideas Convention. Rob Martin explains that sharing our pain alongside the hope we’ve found in Christ helps others see that the gospel is not just theory but real good news for everyday life. Evangelism, he suggests, is less about having neat answers and more about walking with people in their questions, pointing them to Jesus as the ultimate source of comfort and transformation. Building on the themes of last week’s episode, which gave an overview of the Ideas Convention, this conversation equips Christians to engage culture authentically, demonstrating how the message of Christ speaks directly into the even bigger questions people are asking today. In this podcast episode, you will discover that: Hope can be found even in difficult times like the pandemic.The pandemic has revealed underlying societal issues.Suffering can lead to deeper connections with God.The Christian message offers hope and meaning in suffering.Personal stories of suffering can resonate with others.God's presence provides comfort in anxious times.The good news of Jesus is transformative for individuals and society.And more… SHORT VIDEO - Where Is God in Suffering? *SUPPORT THIS PODCAST – BUY ME A COFFEE – MORE INFORMATION HERE. *OUR ONLINE LEARNING & COURSES Share Jesus Membership On Mission with God @Home (free sample) On Mission with God @Home (Full Course Details) 3 Day Evangelism Challenge *OTHER PODCAST EPISODES LINKED TO THIS Ideas Convention: Equipping Christians to Engage Culture Confidently Having and Answer for the Bigger Questions with Rob Martin Faith, Evangelism & Politics with Dan Anderson Transforming Lives Through the Power of Conversations How to Reach this Neo-Pagan World with Bill Hodgson *STAY CONNECTED TO THE IDEAS CONVENTION AT BELGRAVE HEIGHTS Ideas Convention Belgrave Heights - Website Ideas Convention - Facebook Ideas Convention - Instagram Rob Martin - LinkedIn *GET THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM EVANGELISM IN AUSTRALIA Subscribe to EIA EIA Website EIA YouTube Channel EIA Instagram EIA Facebook Tina Waldrom on Facebook Tina Waldrom on Instagram Discussion Questions 1. Where do people in our culture place their hope, and how does that compare with the living hope we have in Christ? Read: 1 Peter 1:3 – “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 2. How can times of crisis, like the coronavirus pandemic, reveal the idols and false securities in people’s lives? Read: Habakkuk 2:18–19 – “Of what value is an idol, carved by a craftsman? … For it is a teacher of lies.” 3. When speaking with non-believers about suffering, how can we point to Jesus’ own suffering as evidence that God understands our pain? Read: Isaiah 53:3–4 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain…” 4. How does God use suffering and tears in our lives to build character and deepen our relationship with Him? Read: Romans 5:3–5 – “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 5. What does it mean to share your personal story of hope in a way that is relational and natural with your neighbours and friends? Read: 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.” 6. How can recognising God’s presence help us to overcome anxiety and trust Him in uncertain times? Read: Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 7. In what ways can we live as salt and light so that others notice the extraordinary difference Jesus makes in our lives? Read: Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”