Journey of a Thousand Steps

Do you believe in hell and the devil? If no, what is your theology of suffering and evil in the world? If yes, how would you describe it? Jesus references hell and final judgement 34 times in the Gospels, including in this week's readings from Matthew 18. The word for "fire of hell" used in Matthew 18.9 is from the Hebrew Gai-Hinnom, which is a geographical place - the Valley of Hinnom, which sits at the base of the mountain where Jerusalem is built. It was a place, historically, where the worst of human violence and suffering took place. 'Hell' is a place where destruction leads to perishing. Today, we considered three teachings that Jesus gave to his disciples about how to avoid patterns of thinking and behaviour that set us on a trajectory of destruction, and ultimately lead to death. First, personal relationships with people and things that are unholy and destructive, he says to "cut off." Second, to expressions of church that prioritise the people in the community over those outside of it, he says the lost one comes before the 99. Third, when sin arises in the life of the church, address it quickly; talk about it. Don't leave it until it results in perishing. 

Podcast by Heather Cetrangolo, 6 September 2026

If you were asked to explain why Jesus had to die on the cross, in your own words, in 30 seconds, could you? This week we delved into three kinds of death that Jesus went through on our behalf: relational, financial and physical. First, he was rejected by his own people and abused by them as he hung naked on a cross. Second, he took his place amongst the least and poorest in society; with two convicted criminals, one on each side. Third, he suffered a painful physical death. Our world is full of these three kinds of suffering that are described in Genesis 3.16-19. From rejection in relationships stem family breakdown and cycles of abuse, which lead to patterns that make it hard for everyone to compete, in a world where survival and provision is not guaranteed. Physical death is the process that awaits us all, oftentimes accompanied by the injustice of a lack of care for the elderly, injured or sick. This is why, as Jesus described to his disciples in Matthew 16.21-28, he had to be crucified. The cross leave us with only one option - die to live, or, live on our own terms ... until we don't. 

Podcast by Heather Cetrangolo, 30 August 2026

Does the Church need bishops, priests, deacons? Or, indeed, a pope? This week we considered this question as we interfaced with a significant promise that Jesus made to Peter - that he would be the the rock on whom Jesus would build his Church (Matthew 16.13-20). What did Jesus mean by this and did he have a specific plan or structure in mind for the leadership of His Church? In this story we notice two important themes for our ecclesiology (theology of Church). First, one of the important ways that we experience the love of Jesus is through journeying with imperfect leaders; people who will sometimes annoy us and even disappoint us. If our leaders are humble and repentant, this provides a pathway to experience love in community. Secondly, it is the responsibility of senior leaders to 'lock, bind and loose.' That is, to restrict entry into the church of dangerous, unrepentant people, and to tie up and throw out teachings or behaviours that are harmful. This, also, is an important part of how we experience the love of Jesus in community. 

Podcast by Heather Cetrangolo, 23 August 2026

How do you pray when you feel desperate? What words do you use when it feels as though God is ignoring you or not answering your prayers? When you are emotionally drained or discouraged, how do you position yourself before God? This week our student minister, Zoe Donnan, shared a message from her heart and from Matthew 15.21-28. In this passage a Canaanite woman shows profound faith as she approaches Jesus from a place of desperation. We see in her a beautiful blend of humility and confidence. She knows that Jesus is God and he 'owes her' nothing, but she also trusts in character enough to be bold. Did you know that it's okay to call on God to meet his promises and live up to his reputation? try it. 

 

Podcast by Zoe Donnan, 16 August 2026

Do you ever feel as though the wind is against you? Are you in a workplace, a family dynamic, or a personal health battle that feels unsurmountable, or unfair? This Sunday we asked three questions of Jesus about the times when we find ourselves in physically or emotionally overwhelming experiences. Why would Jesus send me into this? Has he abandoned me? How do I transcend the waves? When Peter and the disciples found themselves in yet another frightening storm, they had a powerful experience of Jesus walking out to them on water, and Peter, in turn, attempting to meet him in the waves. Matthew 14.22-36 shows us that a life of faith involves being sent into storms, meeting Jesus in the middle of it, and learning, step by step, to walk on water. 

Podcast by Heather Cetrangolo, 9 August 2026