St Matthew's in Conversation

'God so loved the world that he gave his only son'. It's one of the best known sentences in the Bible, but do you know the context? Revd Bryce Amner and Dr Sally Cloke discuss the story of Nicodemus, a man who though he was 'born' into God's family and had no need to change. Plus: what happens if you want to follow Jesus but the 'born to rule' brigade make you feel like it's 'their' church and you don't belong? Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible reading is the John 3:1–21.

The tale of Jonah may be familiar from Sunday School, but while the whale (or big fish) may play a memorable role, there are a lot more significant and relatable things going on in the story. Revd Bryce Amner and Dr Sally Cloke discuss the place of forgiveness, resentment and reconciliation in the book, as well as Donald Trump, Australia's "Invasion Day" and making your cow repent. Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are the book of Jonah and Luke 11:29–32.

As we leave 2020, we are hoping for a different year to come. But do we want something really new, or something safe and familiar? Revd Bryce Amner reflects on a story from Scripture, when Joseph and Mary take newborn Jesus to Jerusalem. They meet two elderly people in the temple who, instead of looking to the past, are keenly looking forward to God's future. Can we follow their example? Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are Exodus 13:11-16, Leviticus 12:1-8 and Luke 2:32-40

Revd Bryce Amner chats with Revd John Power and Eric Best about the Trinity. Did you know the word 'Trinity' is not actually in the Bible? Then why do Christians keep claiming that 'God is one in three persons'? Maybe the point of the concept is not about us intellectually understanding the nature of God but of helping give shape to the way we experience God - as relationship and invitation. Plus drunk theology, being a toaster, Jesus' DNA and more. Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 7 June: Exodus 34:1–8, 2 Corinthians 13:11–13 and Matthew 28:16–20.

Revd Bryce Amner discusses the story of Pentecost and how we can 'be' the church today. The first Christians "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). We need to do the same, even while staying spatially distant. Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 31 May: Romans 8:22-27, Psalm 104:26-36, Acts 2:1-24, 36-42 and John 15:26–16:15.

Revd Bryce Amner and Sally Cloke discuss the story of Jesus' ascension into heaven: was he a pioneer of working from home? Other deep questions include: Why do we think of heaven as "up", do you have to be in a "happy trance" to have a spiritual experience, and could heaven be like a "really dense chocolate cake"? Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 25 May: Acts 1:6-14, 2 Kings 2:1-14, John 17:5-11 and 1 Peter 5.

Revd Bryce Amner and Revd Barbara Bagley chat about St Paul's encounter with the philosophers in Athens, who thought they knew all about religion, and St Peter's encounter with the forgiving, risen Jesus, who knew all about Peter's weaknesses and failings. Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 17 May: Acts 17:16-43, John 14:15-21 and 1 Peter 3:8-22.

Revd Bryce Amner and Sally Cloke discuss the times when Bryce stayed on a farm and Sally was called a left-wing socialist, and what all that has to do with following Jesus the Good Shepherd. Plus bees, pandemic protestors and the 39 Articles. Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 3 May: Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:1-10, Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10.

Revd Bryce Amner and Sally Cloke discuss the story of the road to Emmaus. Have you ever wondered why the Bible is a book worth reading more than once, or why we shouldn't compare Holy Communion with going to the dentist? Please 'like', 'follow', or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 26 April: Acts 2:14, 36-42 and Luke 24:13-35.

Revd Bryce Amner and Revd Barbara Bagley discuss the story of Thomas, in which bodies fall sick and (generally) get better, are blown on and poked at, die and rise again (once), and allow us to experience the privilege of touch. Please 'like', 'follow' or 'share' this podcast or comment on our Facebook page. The Bible readings are for Sunday 19 April: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:1-12 and John 20:19-31.