Redeemer Central

The Book of Job is a strange and compelling story nestled within the Hebrew Scriptures — a poetic exploration of human suffering, divine mystery, and the search for meaning in the midst of loss. In this opening message of a new mini-series, John Herron begins our journey through Job by looking at the dramatic prologue in Chapters 1 & 2.

The resurrection is not a happy ending.

“Resurrection is not an invitation to escape the world; it is an invitation to change it.” — Desmond Tutu

David Armstrong explores the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, marking the moment when Jesus’ project went public. Jesus’ entry into the city on a donkey, fulfilling a 500-year-old prophecy, was a form of guerrilla theatre, a deliberate subversion of power and an act that mocked the dominant displays of the Roman Empire. Jesus’ humble procession was antithetical to Pontius Pilate’s imperial display, challenging us to reflect on our own expectations of Jesus and inviting us to choose allegiance to a kingdom of love, not force.

“Two processions entered Jerusalem on a spring day in the year 30. . . One was a peasant procession, the other an imperial procession. From the east, Jesus rode a donkey down the Mouth of Olives, cheered by his followers. . . On the opposite side of the city, from the west, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, entered Jerusalem at the head of a column of imperial calvary and soldiers. Jesus’s procession proclaimed the kingdom of God; Pilate’s proclaimed the power of empire.” — John Dominic Crossan & Marcus Borg

In Part 4 of our series The Big Questions, Stephanie Wilson brings a hopeful theological reflection on the difficult question’ What about Hell?’, exploring various views of the church before looking most significantly at what Jesus said and how we might think, not only about what happens once this life is over, but how we live today as his followers.

A 7 minute reflection and prayer on Mothering Sunday by Andrew Farmer & Libby Ryans.

Andrew performs a reading of his poem ‘Knitting & Kicking’ — a studio recording is available on his album Amelanchier at https://frmr.bandcamp.com/album/amelanchier

In Part 3 of our series The Big Questions, David Armstrong helps us explore the tension between violent depictions of God in Scripture and the radical peace of Jesus. While wars have been justified in God’s name throughout history—including today in Ukraine and Gaza—Jesus reveals a different path: love for enemies, rejection of violence and vengeance, and the peaceable Kingdom (Matthew 5:38-48, Revelation 5:5-6).

In fact, Jesus teaches his disciples that we should understand God as a divine parent, and throughout Scripture, maternal imagery portrays God as a mother—nurturing, caring, and protecting (Matthew 23:37, Isaiah 49:15). Julia Ward Howe’s Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870 called women to oppose war and work for reconciliation—advocacy that flows from the transformative vision of what God is like: not a vengeful warrior, but a protective mother who seeks peace and wholeness for all.

This podcast recording begins with a 7min reflection and prayer on Mothering Sunday by Andrew Farmer & Libby Ryans. Andrew performs a reading of his poem ‘Knitting & Kicking’ — a studio recording is available on his album Amelanchier at https://frmr.bandcamp.com/album/amelanchier

The Big Questions: 02 What about the Cross?

Crosses are everywhere. As NT Wright says “You can’t get away from it. It’s everywhere. In homes, in films, in paintings, in pop videos. Worn as an earring, as a necklace. Stitched or studded onto leather or denim. Tattooed onto skin.”

What comes to mind when you think about the cross? In this sermon, John Herron explores a number of historical atonement theories about the crucifixion of Jesus and shows us how the cross is ultimately the fullest revelation of a loving, reconciling, forgiving God. As Brian Zahnd says “The cross is not what God inflicts upon Jesus in order to forgive, but what God in Christ endures as he forgives.”.

Please note that unfortunately due to a technical error the very end of this sermon was not recorded.

David Armstrong interviews Tom Magill and Kirsten Kearney about their very different upbringings, the challenges they both faced, how they met, married, and went on to start their company, ESC Film. Together, they use their experiences to help others own their stories and find their voice.

ESC Film is a filmmaking company and arts education charity based in Belfast, specialising in mental health. They primarily work with people with complex needs, offering facilitation, creative development, and film production. Their award-winning team has expertise in therapeutic filmmaking, giving a voice to socially excluded individuals and helping them transform their stories into powerful, compelling films.

For more information about their work visit esc-film.com

About Story Sunday: Story Sunday creates space for sharing stories and exploring the intersection of faith and spirituality with lived experience.

The Big Questions: 01 What is God like?

What comes to mind when you think about God? In this sermon, we explore how our understanding of God shapes everything. Challenging the idea of an angry, wrathful deity, we turn to Scripture and Jesus’ life to reveal a God of love, mercy, and grace. Through the Prodigal Son story, Rembrandt’s art, and reflections on historical theology, we uncover the heart of God and the liberating good news of a God who is truly love.

This Story Sunday is a special one with our friends Todd Deatherage and Jason Miller. David Armstrong interviews Todd and Jason on their work, the principles of peacemaking, conflict and justice, Israel/Palestine, the genocide taking place in Gaza, and why these issues should matter to us as followers of Jesus.

Todd Deatherage is the co-founder and executive director of Telos, an organization dedicated to reconciliation and peacebuilding in conflict zones like Israel/Palestine. With a background in U.S. politics and diplomacy, Todd equips communities to bridge divides and promote mutual flourishing. For more on Todd’s work and Telos visit telosgroup.org

Jason Miller is the lead pastor of South Bend City Church, a community-driven church in Indiana focused on creating an inclusive space for faith and justice. Known for his thoughtful teaching, Jason fosters a Christ-centered faith that embraces complexity and grace. For more on Jason’s work visit jasonadammiller.com and South Bend City Church visit southbendcitychurch.com

About Story Sunday: Story Sunday creates space for sharing stories and exploring the intersection of faith and spirituality with lived experience.