1. POPE JOHN PAUL II as Head of the Roman Catholic Church, and in commemoration of his historic visit to New Zealand (1986). During his visit he warned that there needs to be much discernment today. His message, especially to the youth of this generation was that his role was that of a sign post that pointed people to the Lord Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. Col. 2:8, John 14:6. The Popes mitre is decorated in the PUWEREWERE pattern used to denote priesthood in men – and also with the vine.

2. SEPARATION OF RANGI (HEAVEN) AND PAPA (EARTH) God’s partial revelation of himself through creation. Rom. 1:18-20

Man’s view of God became twisted because of Sin. This can be seen in our myths and legends which are a mixture of truths and untruth. Vs 21-27.

This resulted in the worship of the creation rather than the creator. Vs 24,25.

The full true and perfect revelation of God is seen in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:9.

                “Hiki Rangi, Hiki Nuku, Na Tane-Mahta I mawehe”

3. THE THRESHOLD: TE PAE TAPU Christ invites all to come to the Father through himself – he has prepared a place and calls and welcomes us to enter. John 14:1-6, Rev 3:20.

“Ko te Whaka—ariki. Ko te whaka—ariki.

 Tukua mai ki a Piri. Tukua mai ki a tata a ka eke mai

 Ki runga it e paepae poto a Houmaitawhiti.”

4. THE DOVE After a time of Judgement and trials it was the Dove that brought back the sign (an olive branch) that the waters had receded and that grace and peace had come. Genesis 8:6-12.

“Harona te moana, Kawiri te maunga, Hehu Karaiti te tangata o nga tangata.”

“Tauranga te moana, Mauao te maunga, Taiwhanake te tangata.”

5. LIFE THROUGH CHRIST …. Through the obedience of the one many will be made righteous. Rom 5:19.

MANGOPARE (Hammerhead Shark) – a traditional design, representing power, prestige and determination. The fish is also a Christian symbol.

“Kia whawhai Mangopare, kaua whawhai araara.”

6. TEMPLE OF GOD We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are his dwelling place.

1 Cor. 3:16. Christ wants to live actively in us. 1 John 4:13.

                “E te Tupuna whare e tu, tene koe, tena koe, tena koe.”

7. “HIS WILL BE DONE…” The basis for the hope we have is:-

a)      The testimony of the great cloud of witnesses that have gone on before us.

b)      In spite of the things that hinder and entangle us (the trials and temptations) we can run the race that is set before us with perseverance. i.e. we don’t lose hope and we don’t give up.

c)       We need to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ for He is the author and perfector of our faith. Victory is ours because of His death on the cross and He will finish the work He has begun. Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 John 5:14-15.

d)      Unfruitful seed. Mark 4:13-19.

8. THE SPIRALS: In the world we will have trouble but Christ has overcome the world. Trials and troubles warn us of our need to beware. 1 Cor. 10:11-12.

Christ will make a way of escape for us. V.13.

Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world. 1 John 4:4.

-          The Spirals symbolise light, energy and the life principals.

“Ka kahakina, E te au kume, E te au rona

E te au hirere Te ripo o te moana, Hirere kit e po!”

9. THE MOUNTAINS…. Were the dwelling places of the enemies and the place that attacks often come from. In times of fears and opposition we need to turn our eyes to the Lord – for our help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and earth. Psalm 121:1.