HOW DID WE GET HERE - Heaven and Hell. Every person imagines something different upon hearing of heaven and hell. Our perceptions of the afterlife, whether shaped by a biblical worldview, Greek mythology or mass media, will ultimately determine how we live, and what we value in this life. This week, we catch up with a friend of the podcast, Dr Michael Frost, to explore afterlife, salvation and avoiding the bad place. Helpful Resources: Eternity is Now in Session – John Ortberg Justification – N....
Nov 09, 2020•58 min
Experiencing loss is an inevitable part of life that ranges from mildly inconvenient to deeply painful. But what if every loss was an opportunity to gain? What if, in our unwanted losses, there lay an unexpected gain that meant we could think and feel about our losses differently? Jesus taught us that in the divine economy and in the light of eternity, losses and gains are evaluated very differently. In this message from Tim Healy, we find out exactly how having God at the centre of your life re...
Nov 02, 2020•31 min
"Living in the moment" is a maxim that sounds ideal and looks great on paper, but is a definite challenge, particularly when we engage in Mental Time Travel - replaying what could have been and fretting about what might be, over and over. In today's episode, Ryan and Rhys unpick the threads of control, worry, and how to be truly present in any given moment.
Oct 26, 2020•40 min
King Solomon had more wisdom, wealth, and power than most of us will ever experience and he said it was all meaningless in the end. Zac Gageler tackles the idea around Materialism and how it suggests that more stuff brings more happiness, but God doesn’t call us to a life of more-ness – He calls us to a life of fullness.
Oct 19, 2020•28 min
Have you ever wondered if what you believe is really true? We live in a world filled with scepticism so how do we live in such a way that we neither ignore it nor get intimidated by it? In this message from Tim Healy, we explore faith in a sceptical world and how followers of Jesus can live in response to the uncertainty inherent in their beliefs.
Oct 12, 2020•46 min
The way we perceive the world and live out our lives is profoundly informed by our ‘book-end theology’ – the way we view Genesis and Revelation. So, what are we to make of the first few chapters of Genesis as we view them in their cultural and historical setting, and how should that reframed perspective transform the way we view human identity, vocation and the Gospel message? In this episode, Professor Rikk Watts contributes to the conversation by unpacking Creation as God’s Temple.
Sep 29, 2020•58 min
The conventional wisdom we find through in the Proverbs is extremely helpful as we navigate life, but can be challenging when we face unfair and unexplained hardship. Today as we explore the book of Job, we are met with questions of suffering, righteousness and reason, and we begin to we discover that the Fear of God sits at the foundation of all Wisdom.
Sep 22, 2020•40 min
We’re all heading somewhere - a pilgrimage is a journey to an uncertain or foreign place, where we seek meaning and transformation through the experience. To go on a journey without being changed is to simply be a tourist, however, to journey and to be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Tania Watson, as we explore the ageless pilgrim practice, and how life and faith might better best understood as a pilgrimage.
Sep 14, 2020•43 min
"Wisdom is most crucial when we are not obliged to use it." In today's message, Aash Parmar explores this thought using the story of Saul, David, and Doeg found in 1 Samuel 22.
Sep 07, 2020•27 min
The Bible has been the source of much debate and conflict. For millennia, the Bible has been cited and leveraged for conquest, violence and manipulation; and yet, those same texts have been used for social justice, human rights and to build strong communities of faith, hope and love. In today’s episode, we take some time to consider How Did We Get Here in relation to The Bible. What is the purpose of these ancient texts, and who decided what was in and what was out? How does divine inspiration w...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 16 min
In a world filled with corruption, manipulation and self-serving interest, integrity stands out like a bright shining light. In his latest message, our Senior Minister Tim Healy explores what integrity is, why it matters, and how all of us can to grow in integrity in every area of life.
Aug 24, 2020•31 min
There is a commonality in facing relational, financial, and even health crisis, however, what do we do when we experience faith crisis? When the stories we use to make sense of the world are challenged by circumstance, experience or questions, we can often feel disoriented. This week we’re joined by New Zealand theologian and podcaster, Dr Michael Frost, as we discuss what happens when faith and life go-off script.
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Growing in wisdom is a lifelong journey that starts at a surprisingly young age. In this message, our Senior Minister Tim Healy shares three key habits from the life and example of Jesus that, when embraced and practised, ensure we will continue to grow in the wisdom of God for every area of life.
Aug 10, 2020•34 min
You may have heard "a cliche is a cliche for a reason." Taking our cue from that less-than-great banality, we talk with one of our gifted team leaders, Clare Gageler, and dig into our faith tradition's maxims, platitudes, and conversational tics to see what lies beneath.
Aug 03, 2020•54 min
Reading through a Bible story from the book of John of a blind man’s healing, Aash Parmar explores the idea that whilst answers bring peace to circumstances, surrender creates a mindset of peacefulness for life.
Jul 28, 2020•30 min
God has sent us into the world to be His agents and ambassadors and to bring hope, help, and healing to the oppressed and afflicted. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit in us is the key to doing all that God has called us to do and being all that He desires us to be. In this message from our Senior Minister, Tim Healy, we discover how the Holy Spirit works both in us and through us to make us bold, effective, and attractive as followers of Jesus.
Jul 21, 2020•38 min
God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. In this message from Ryan Gageler, we explore how God’s presence is no longer limited to a specific place. Today, through Christ, we are carriers of the Holy Spirit (Living Temples) who hold and reveal the presence, power and purposes of God to the world.
Jul 15, 2020•33 min
What ought we to do in seasons where there is deep disruption and uncertainty? Something of the answer to that question lies in the story of the first followers of Jesus, who found themselves facing a similar situation. In this message from our Senior Minister, Tim Healy, we discover how the early church responded to their unique season of disruption and gain valuable insight for ours.
Jul 07, 2020•28 min
Thanks for listening to Conversations. Today, Ryan Gageler and Rhys Machell provide an update.
Jul 06, 2020•3 min
Are you concerned about the unfairness and inequality that is so prevalent in the world today? Does it make you sad or leave you feeling angry? If so, you are not alone. These things break the heart of God. The Bible teaches us that there is an indispensable link between being generous and pursuing justice. In this message, Tim Healy encourages us to give generously and courageously as we fulfil our mandate to live out love in Jesus name.
Jul 01, 2020•28 min
Western society is shaped by the pursuit of personal preference. The folly of endless consumerism sends us on a wild goose-chase for happiness. So, how has an on-demand, online access, supermarket culture shaped our faith? Today, we’re joined by friend of the Podcast, Brian Harris, as we discuss the complexities and pitfalls of Consumer Christianity.
Jun 29, 2020•44 min
If Jesus’ death paid the price for our sin (the primary cause of all injustice and suffering), why is there still inequity and injustice in our world? Here is an easily applicable framework for understanding the invitation from Jesus to join Him in everyday acts of restorative justice.
Jun 23, 2020•26 min
At first glance, faith and fitness seem like an unusual combination: protein and prayer; biceps and Bible; the temporal and the eternal. However, should our biblical perspective inform the way we view health and fitness? This week, we’re joined by pastor and self-professed gym-junkie, Beau Spencer, as we discuss how our faith informs our fitness, and how our fitness informs our faith.
Jun 22, 2020•53 min
The call to live out love, leads us to think about the way that God’s love flows into, and through, our lives. In this message, Tania Watson shares from a passage in the book of John, where Peter and Jesus have a heart to heart conversation about living out love.
Jun 18, 2020•23 min
In the chaos of our digital age it’s harder than ever to practice the discipline of silence and solitude. This week we’re joined by Monica O’Neil, pastor, ministry supervisor, and friend of Riverview Church, as we discuss Jesus’ rhythms of grace. Could intentional quiet time alone with God be the first step to a life well lived?
Jun 15, 2020•48 min
It’s only when we understand the unique nature of God’s love and experience the life-changing reality of God’s love, that we are able to love others the way He loved us. In this message from Tim Healy, we discover how surprising and transforming God’s love can be and how each of us can change our world by living out love in Jesus name.
Jun 09, 2020•27 min
“Why do bad things happen?” is a question we have been asking since we were kids and many of us are still asking today. There’s no doubt, evil and suffering are stumbling blocks for many people of faith, and many who are opposed to faith. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Harris, Principal at Vose Seminary, and discuss evil, improvisation, and what we are to make of a suffering saviour.
Jun 07, 2020•43 min
Serving and loving others is not merely something we do, it's an act of worship. In today's SUNDAY BEST, Beau Spencer shares that when we commune with God with a tender, responsive heart, there is a call to action to be a blessing to all those in our world who need it.
Jun 03, 2020•31 min
Welcome to Conversations. Over the last two months on the Podcast, we've discussed many challenging, thought-provoking and heart altering topics. Today, Ryan Gageler and Rhys Machell stop and take stock of their wrestles and learnings.
May 31, 2020•34 min
Life can be unpredictable and as a result we sometimes find ourselves incapacitated by fear and uncertainty. To follow Jesus in the face of that reality requires deep courage. In this latest message, Tim Healy explores how the call to be courageous shapes our lives and where the courage we all need ultimately comes from.
May 26, 2020•34 min
