Northern Community's Podcast

Teamwork – A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of destruction. (Despair.com) But what if the church, united, could be the change for good that the world needs right now? A message by David Toscano

There is a whole industry devoted to personal improvement – known as self-help. The self-help industry rests on the idea that individuals can become more by making small personal changes or shifts in thinking – to develop our hearts, our souls, if you like. The reason there is an industry is because this holds some truth to it. But as we will find as we look at the next section of Paul’s letter to...

'Just don't seem right somehow that all the good you did, That people preach, not practise, what you said, I wonder, if it all died with you, that day on the cross, And if it just never got raised from the dead.' (Watson) What would it take for the Maureen Watson's of the world, those who look at the church and see nothing but hypocrisy, to see the risen Christ working in and t...

If you were to travel by car in the 1930s from Sydney city to North Sydney, less than 1 km away, the long way round the harbour – all the way to Parramatta and back along the northern side of the harbour it would have taken 2 hours or more. The Bridge connected the north side of the harbour in ways that car ferries and land roads just couldn’t. Bridges are all about crossing the divide. And that i...

It can happen to the best of us. The inverse proportional nature of our denials, that the older we get, the more we deny and protest our need for glasses, hearing aids, health checks, home help or giving up driving. And as we push the reminder notices that come in the mail to the side, we convince ourselves that all is OK. Then a whole new world opens up when we accept that things are not as they...

When we realise the scope of the power Jesus has and understand his authority over other powers – it will change how we live. A message by Sam Barlow

Call and response – we see it in so many areas of life. For the jazz musician, one instrument puts out the call, and another instrument in the band provides a response. Or a singer on stage sings a line and points the microphone to the crowd, who respond with the next line. Then you have the Australian chant that is apparently an adaptation of a 1960s Cornish Oggy, Oggy Oggy. With the Australian c...

There is something fascinating about paintings. While many are WYSIWYG, others demonstrate that there is more going on than immediately meets the eye of the observer. Take, for instance, Salvador Dali’s Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus) with Jesus crucified on a tesseract, with Dali’s wife Gala depicted looking on, but is also seen on one of the knees, while Dali is represented on the other.  Then t...

Women have a long and significant history in the biblical story, and today, women continue to shape and influence the church for the better. A message by David Toscano

When people purchase a home, they will often get a building inspection, which will check for evidence of the quality of its foundations. But when was the last time you checked the foundations on which you build your life? Today, we are encouraged to go a bit deeper than what's on show for others to see. A message by Samantha Barlow

According to Nell DeBevoise from Forbes, “We make 35,000 decisions every day (on average). That is a huge number of choices to make, and of course, they range from micro (which socks) to mundane (what to eat) to life-changing (take the job or not). Each has a varied level of pressure associated with it, depending on the gravity, and also the personality of the decider.” (27/10/2023) But what if on...

When Jesus said, “Do to others what you would have them do to you,” He wasn’t offering a nice suggestion—He was summing up the heart of God’s law. In this message, we unpack the power and challenge of the Golden Rule. From historic acts of heroism to everyday choices, discover how this simple yet radical teaching invites us into deeper love, justice, and grace in every part of life. A message by J...

In our world today, applause and approval are often seen as the greatest achievements. Social media thrives on likes and shares, and we naturally seek affirmation from others. But Jesus calls us to something different—a life where our audience is not the crowd, but God alone. A message by Samantha Barlow.

What does it mean to truly connect with the Divine, rather than just recite a routine prayer? This week, we delve into the Lord’s Prayer, discovering how it guides not only what we say but also how we live. Join us to explore a deeper, more authentic path to intimacy with God that reshapes our hearts, priorities, and daily actions. A message by Matt Pepall

How do we move beyond routine, scripted prayers into something that actually transforms us? This message delves into the heart of genuine prayer – one that invites us into a real connection with the Divine. Join us as we explore why a personal, honest conversation with God can change our rhythm and breathe new life into our everyday. A message by David Toscano

How does giving shape our lives, and what does it mean to give with integrity? In this message, we explore the heart behind our generosity and how it ties into a life of genuine impact. Join us as we unpack why giving is rewarding—and how it can transform not just the recipients, but the giver as well. A message by David Toscano

In a world where our pursuit of power, success, and happiness often leaves love feeling out of reach, this week we explore the truth that love isn’t always easy. We'll delve into how our default approach to relationships can leave us feeling stuck—and how rethinking love can transform our lives. Join us as we uncover timeless insights that inspire a deeper, more authentic connection with thos...

It is said that revenge is sweet. Elsewhere, it is said that revenge is a dish best served cold. As a result, some have concluded that revenge must taste like ice cream. But despite the allure of seeking justice, defending one’s honour, or just getting even – is this the best we can do in the world? A message by David Toscano

Who can you really trust? In a world where promises are often broken and trust is hard to earn, what does it mean to be a person of integrity? This week, we’ll explore the power of our words, the weight of our commitments, and why being true to what we say matters more than ever. A message by David Toscano

For a little more than the cost of registering a 60cc moped in Victoria, you can register your relationship – doing away with the need for a celebrant, seeing a register, having a wedding, or a two-year wait. According to the ABS, there were 118,439 marriages registered and 48,700 divorces granted in Australia in 2023, with the median duration of marriages was 13.0 years. In today’s track of Jesus...

It can be so easy to get frustrated with others. Sometimes, to the point of getting angry - really angry. But there is a big difference between hating someone and becoming violent - or is there? Today, we get to the heart of the matter. A message by Sam Barlow https://youtu.be/7q97Hn24rbY

What does it mean to truly make a difference in the world? This week, we explore how our actions and attitudes can have a transformative impact, using the timeless metaphors of salt and light. Join us as we unpack how intentional living can combat negativity, illuminate truth, and inspire hope in the world around us. A message by David Toscano

Who gets chosen and why? Whether it’s forming a team, planning a celebration, or building a community, we often value power, status, and influence. But imagine a world where those who are overlooked—like the humble, the compassionate, and the peacemakers—are at the center. Join us as we unpack a revolutionary vision of what it means to live a life of purpose, connection, and impact. A message by D...

What is the secret to experiencing true joy? Is it found in fleeting moments of happiness or in something deeper and more lasting? This week, we’ll explore the transformative power of joy—how it shapes our minds, bodies, and perspectives, and how we can cultivate it even in life’s toughest moments. Join us as we uncover the joy that sustains and inspires. A message by Janet Dougherty.

Where do we find real peace in a world full of worry and noise? While some seek detachment or distractions, true peace offers a deeper transformation that steadies us even in life’s chaos. This week, we explore how peace shapes our hearts and minds, protecting and guiding us through life’s challenges. A message by David Toscano