Live: Rants and Gospel
A Live Show with Riliage (light and heavy), and a profound deep discussion about the importance of Social Justice and Evangelism. Spoiler - one is essential for the other!
Read MoreWilderness Journey - Frustrations
The wilderness is a place full of dangers, frustrations, and pain. And more, but let’s focus on the pain and the frustration for just this episode.
Read MoreCash Evangelism
A conversation about Johnny Cash, Christianity, and a refreshing witness.
Read MoreWilderness Journey - Preparing
How do you prepare yourself to enter into the wilderness? What should you bring, and what should you leave behind?
Read MoreOld and Tired?
About a year ago, Andy Stanley preached a sermon that suggested that Christians do not need to spend time with the Old Testament. He states that we should, “unhitch” ourselves from the Old Testament. So, instead of speaking about one particular scripture passage, Jonathan and Michael decide that it might be best to talk about the entire Bible. A Scripture episode for the books!
Read MoreWilderness Journey - Introduction
A first installment of Jonathan’s wilderness adventures in the Adirondacks.
Read MoreDon't Cover Up!
We like to know that we are in control but when it comes to faith that is not something where we can be in control. There is something exciting and scary about letting go and falling completely into the presence of God in your life. It can be so freeing to let go and to invite God into your life in such a way that you do not have to be perfect or controlling.
Read MoreEast Coast, West Coast Riliage!
It is the meeting of the coasts! Jonathan continues to record from Rhode Island (East Coast) and Roy Donkin is recording from Goleta, California (West Coast). The challenge for Roy is that he has gotten so relaxed due to his time in Santa Barbara area that it is not easy for him to get angry. Lucky for us, Roy is still able to dig deep and find something to get angry about. Jonathan, as we all know, is always angry.
Read More20-Sided Joy
Games create a place for engagement and interaction that may not normally happen. They help to create a community for those who may have a difficult time connecting, and this is a good thing. While it would be great for the church to be a similar kind of conduit, that is not always the case. Perhaps churches can make space for games, and thus make space for community, as particular and focused as it may be.
Read MoreDying to Talk!
When we encounter death and we haven’t been talking or engaging in that reality the pain can be at a level that is traumatic and debilitating. The hope is that by talking and being comfortable with the reality when we do engage with the reality of loss it will not be so damaging to the wholeness of our lives. And then we are in a place where we can name the presence of God in that loss that can be positive and helpful.
Read MoreMagnificat Musical Number
The joy of that song of Mary carries the joy that a woman expecting would have; it is a joy of a promise and a hope. Can we carry that same kind of joy and hope each Advent season as we anticipate singing with Mary?
Read MoreChanging Lanes Here!
The Riliage Episode - consider Advent, consider using your turn indicators properly, and consider how it is all connected to your faith.
Read MorePlease Stop Listening
In discussing Moondance, Jonathan and Andrew talk about the value of a safe, controlled song, the comfort it offers, and when that is appropriate. They also talk about what makes something a classic and why it is important to listen to classics. Also heard are selections from Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother and Beethoven’s 7th Symphony.
Read MoreBad Burritos and Soggy Pitas
There is a call to listen to the harsh word. We all have those aspects in our lives, those places and struggles that we have that needs to hear the harsh word from the Lord. And we can decide to listen or to ignore.
Read MoreTaking Responsibility
The history of slavery and racism has made a mark in the narrative of America that continues to harm and hurt all people in various ways. White Christians need to learn, to read, to listen, to ask, and then to listen some more. And invite others into a conversation that starts with listening.
Read MoreDon't Ask If You Don't Want to Know
Anger around the polarization of politics and the lack of empathy around illnesses. Try to understand each other, try to have compassion.
Read MoreBroad Views of Scripture
A conversation with author Tony Bartlett about his book Seven Stories: How to Study and Teach the Nonviolent Bible. The Bible is an important book that does not have to be only about violence as many may say that it is. The Bible is about God’s redemption, love, and non-violent way to live. Tony offer to guide you in this liberating way of reading the Bible.
Read MoreNew Heights of Anger?
Riliage and Scripture with this episode. Phineas Marr and Adam Erickson join Jonathan for deep conversation around God, people getting angry, and the Bible. And... finally Adam and Jonathan get to discuss Ascension Sunday again.
Read MoreMake Your Life Yummy!
There are risks involved in following such a passion, risks that are important and valuable but not easy. We all have a pull towards what is life-affirming and what a blessing it is when we can respond in a positive way. A difficult but profound blessing.
Read MoreOutsiders Welcome
The church has a sad legacy of pushing out the outsiders and not making space for them. How angry do we need to get and how much scripture do we need to read to realize that whenever we push someone out we are wrong!
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