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97: Martin Luther, “Scripture with Its ‘Internal’ and ‘External’ Clarity” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
12/11/19

What about the reality we left behind? Gillespie and Riley wrap up (but, not really) their series on Martin Luther's treatise on The Bondage of the Will. This episode, Erasmus and Luther butt heads about how to interpret Scripture. Luther…

The Good News That We Can't Save Ourselves

By Donavon Riley 12/10/19

Most days, we're not okay. We're not good enough, strong enough, or "Christian" enough.

96: Martin Luther, “Erasmus’ Definition of Free Choice” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
12/07/19

Free choice? It'll blow your mind and crush your soul. Gillespie and Riley start to wrap up their series on Martin Luther's treatise on The Bondage of the Will. This episode, what is free choice according to Erasmus? What's at…

Jesus Comes to Claim All of Us

By Donavon Riley 12/06/19

Jesus isn't just "the reason for the season." He's the reason we don't have to cross off "spiritually bankrupt," "mentally compromised," and "physically vulnerable" from our Christmas list.

The Good News That We're Not Good Enough

By Donavon Riley 12/05/19

Our actions, moral choices, appearance, definitions of family and friendship are all defined by how we see ourselves in relation to the question, "Am I good enough?"

95: Martin Luther, “Erasmus’ Failure to Distinguish Between Law and Gospel” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
12/04/19

Law and Gospel? Let us grab our whiteboard. This has been a long time coming, anyways. Gillespie and Riley talk about what happens when we fail to distinguish God's word of Law from Gospel. More talk about why grammar matters…

94: Martin Luther, “God Preached, God Hidden; God’s Will Revealed, God’s Will Secret” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
12/02/19

Worshipping the hidden God is basically a funeral with cake! Gillespie and Riley discuss the distinction between God hidden and revealed, and the consequences for how we read the Bible, preach, teach, and care for each other.

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart... How Hard Can It Be?

By Donavon Riley 11/28/19

Thanksgiving is a day set aside for tragi-comic sinners to come together and give thanks for the deliciousness of God's grace in the good news of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving with Capon

By Donavon Riley 11/28/19

We long for the Great Thanksgiving that hasn’t happened yet.

93: Martin Luther, “Erasmus’s way of reasoning does not let God be God” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
11/27/19

Break the cycle. Rise above. Focus on letting God be God. Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Martin Luther’s treatise on the Bondage of The Will. This episode, why Erasmus, deep down, doesn’t want to let God be God for…

What is God's Will for My Life?

By Donavon Riley 11/26/19

The real question we must ask about God’s will isn’t, “God, command us according to your will and we’ll do it,” but, “God, what are you willing to do for us who can’t do what you command?”

92: Martin Luther, “Free Choice is Nothing” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
11/23/19

C’mon. Free choice? It’s a thought we’ve all had. Gillespie and Riley discuss why free choice is nothing in relation to God and Satan. Why do we insist on participating in our salvation? What’s our end game in arguments for…

Dodging Freight Trains

By Donavon Riley 11/21/19

When we look to Jesus nailed up on that cross, that's God's final goodbye to our sin-blasted survival methods. No more unanswered questions. No more long goodbyes.

91: Martin Luther, “Universal Sinfulness Nullifies Free Choice” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
11/20/19

But, what about the reality we left behind? Gillespie and Riley discuss original sin and free choice as they continue to read Martin Luther's treatise on "The Bondage of The Will." In this episode, free choice, grace, and Paul paint…

As Real as it Gets

By Donavon Riley 11/19/19

When we ask ourselves, "My God, how did I get so lost," he answers, "I am the God who comes to seek and save the lost in the power of my resurrection.

Martin Luther, “The Righteousness of Works and of Faith” from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
11/16/19

Oh, wow... that's an intense line of questioning. Gillespie and Riley discuss the vital distinction between the righteousness of works and faith in Martin Luther's "The Bondage of The Will." In this episode, it's Abraham, Paul, and the destruction of…

21st Century Digital God

By Donavon Riley 11/14/19

Our smartphones, tablets, and laptops tempt us to enter into a virtual world without flesh and blood. A world without concrete, real consequences. No real pain or suffering, and no actual death.

Will I Ever Know True Love?

By Donavon Riley 11/12/19

We love those who enable us to see our love for ourselves reflected back at us.

Martin Luther, "Free Choice is of the World" from “The Bondage of The Will”

Banned Books
11/11/19

Gotta rip the bandaid off now. You’ll thank us later. Gillespie and Riley continue to read and discuss Martin Luther’s work on The Bondage of The Will. This week, reading the Bible categorically, doing theology categorically, and why rejecting election…

Martin Luther, The Two Kingdoms from "The Bondage of the Will"

Banned Books
11/08/19

Look: You’ve Got Two Choices, Well, Maybe One... Or None. Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Martin Luther’s work on The Bondage of The Will. This week, the discussion focuses on where there’s room for choice [as regards to our…

Prepare for Suffering

By Donavon Riley 11/05/19

A new life in Christ Jesus is our hope. Not only that, Jesus is our access to God.

Who Wants to Be King?

By Donavon Riley 11/04/19

When a king dies and his throne is up for grabs, we worry about what will happen next. But, heaven's throne is always occupied by the One who was raised from death for us.

Jesus Christ

Martin Luther, The Bondage of The Will, Conclusion pt. 2

Banned Books
11/02/19

What I Choose Is My Choice! Gillespie and Riley continue their reading and discussion of Luther’s treatise on the bound will. This episode, what happens when God’s election of sinners in Christ Jesus is de-emphasized?

Martin Luther, The Bondage of The Will, Conclusion pt. 1

Banned Books
10/31/19

You Want The Truth? You Can’t Handle The Truth! Gillespie and Riley begin their series on "The Bondage of The Will," one of only two books Martin Luther wrote that he claimed were worth preserving. In this episode, we begin…

Jesus Will Humble You, and That's Good

By Donavon Riley 10/29/19

Humility kills pride. So “humble yourself before the Lord,” as James writes (Jas 4:10). Kill your pride before it kills the things you love. Subdue it before it gets you into the kind of trouble that may even kill you. Conquer your pride before it defeats you. It’s that simple, but we all know it’s not that easy.

Love Conquers All?

By Donavon Riley 10/28/19

True love isn't a thing. We can't find true love in our souls, soul mates, or safe spaces. We can't marry true love, buy it, or create it from scratch.

HWSS 2019 Live Show with Chad Bird, “Your God is Too Glorious”

Banned Books
10/23/19

Sane People Would Pay Top Dollar for This Kind of Podcast. Gillespie, Riley, and special guest Chad Bird read from his book, "Your God is Too Glorious." They then discuss baptism, suffering, and vocation.

Remember Your Death

By Donavon Riley 10/21/19

So long as we entrust death to Jesus, new life is ours. He has lunch ready and he is waiting for us in the power of his resurrection.

Norman E. Nagel, The Spirit’s Gifts from “The Spirit’s Gifts in the Confessions and in Corinth”

Banned Books
10/16/19

I’m spiritual, not Spiritual. Gillespie and Riley continue hijacking their podcast to honor their spiritual father, Norman Nagel. This week, we discuss how to sort out gifts we give ourselves and gifts given by God.

Our Savior Today

By Donavon Riley 10/15/19

Jesus is a heroic warrior that not even hell can defeat.

Norman E. Nagel, On the Lord's Supper from “The Spirit’s Gifts in the Confessions and in Corinth”

Banned Books
10/11/19

There was Gospel, and blood, and he killed a guy with a trident. Gillespie and Riley continue hijacking their podcast to honor their spiritual father, Norman Nagel, this time on the Lord's Supper from his “The Spirit’s Gifts in the…

Norman E. Nagel, On Baptism in “The Spirit’s Gifts in the Confessions and in Corinth”

Banned Books
10/08/19

He has a way of expressing himself that could make a wolverine purr. Gillespie and Riley hijack their own podcast to pay tribute to their theological hero, Norman Nagel, by reading his article, “The Spirit’s Gifts in the Confessions and…

Glorious Scars

By Donavon Riley 10/08/19

Our scars are a reminder that salvation is all gift.

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - The Celestial City pt.2

Banned Books
10/06/19

This Is The End... Gillespie and Riley wrap up their discussion of John Bunyan’s story about the Pilgrim’s Progress. This week, we get apocalyptic.

Mercy for My Neighbor

By Donavon Riley 10/01/19

We want to be kind, gentle, and cheerful to others, but we’ve got to protect ourselves from getting hurt.

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - The Celestial City pt.1

Banned Books
10/01/19

What about the reality we left behind? Gillespie and Riley get to the last chapter of The Pilgrim's Progress. This episode, baptism, carrot on a stick Jesus, and why verbs matter.

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - Doubting Castle

Banned Books
09/26/19

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fu... wait, wrong story! Gillespie and Riley continue their discussion of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. This week, giants, good friends, and more cages.

Forgiveness Is The Foundation

By Donavon Riley 09/24/19

Forgiveness, not love, can restore a relationship that’s top-heavy with negative emotions.

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - The Interpreter's House REDUX

Banned Books
09/21/19

Despite all my rage, I’m still just a baptized sinner in a cage. Gillespie and Riley respond to a listener request about The Pilgrim’s Progress. This week, we go back to the Interpreter’s House to see about a man in…

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - Vanity Fair

Banned Books
09/18/19

Get it all together and put it in a backpack, all your vanity, so it’s together. Gillespie and Riley read The Pilgrim's Progress and discuss the "both-and" of Vanity Fair for Christians.

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - The Shadow of Death

Banned Books
09/14/19

So we bailed on that reality and we came to this one. Gillespie and Riley continue to discuss The Pilgrim's Progress. This episode, why fight demons when God will do it for you?

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - Life

Banned Books
09/11/19

Life... say this out loud with an aspirational sigh. Gillespie and Riley continue their series on Pilgrim's Progress. This episode, the cross, present-tense Jesus, and getting the direction right.

Christianity Isn't Complicated

By Donavon Riley 09/10/19

We don’t need to make forgiveness, life, and salvation a hard sell.

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - The Interpreter's House

Banned Books
09/09/19

So I exist in this wasteland. A man reduced to a single instinct: get to Mount Zion. Gillespie and Riley read and discuss John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress." This week, chapter one and two, The City of Destruction and Interpreter's…

John Bunyan, “The Pilgrim's Progress” - The City of Destruction

Banned Books
09/05/19

Once I was a pilgrim, a road warrior searching for a righteous end. Gillespie and Riley read and discuss John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress." This week, chapter one, The City of Destruction. We talk about apocalyptic literature, our old friend…

Life Is What Jesus Makes of it

By Donavon Riley 09/03/19

Rather than validate our selfish, self-serving choices, he justifies us by giving us new life and baptizing us into his death and resurrection.

When a Christian is Pushed into Atheism

By Donavon Riley 08/29/19

What do we say when a Christian admits the church has driven them to atheism? And they don't mean ideologically.

C.S. Lewis - The Incarnation from “The Joyful Christian”

Banned Books
08/28/19

I like to think of Jesus as a mischievous badger. Gillespie and Riley again read and discuss C.S. Lewis' The Joyful Christian. This episode, the Incarnation. Do we go far enough with Jesus' incarnation, to where He wants us to…

What Does God Give Us Today?

By Donavon Riley 08/27/19

God is the only one who decides what we receive, when, and how it’s given to us.

C.S. Lewis - The Fall of Man from “The Joyful Christian”

Banned Books
08/22/19

And I'm Free, Free Falling... Gillespie and Riley read and discuss C.S. Lewis' meditation on the Fall into Sin. They go deep into the subjects of free will, dualism, retributive justice, and why discussing sin isn't as easy as we'd…

Something More Powerful than Pain and Death

By Donavon Riley 08/20/19

Jesus doesn’t talk about God’s love for us; he embodies it.

Robert Capon - The Mystery of Christ, and why we don’t get it... pt. 2

Banned Books
08/14/19

It’s inconceivable! Gillespie and Riley continue to read and discuss Robert Capon’s “The Mystery of Christ... and why we don’t get it.” Faith, works, and more Christian absurdity.

What Matters Most

By Donavon Riley 08/13/19

We confuse our success and failures with God’s judgment of us.

Donavon Riley - Blatant Self-Promotion of "Crucifying Religion"

Banned Books
08/07/19

Banned Books Jumps The Shark. Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Crucifying Religion, by Donavon Riley so Riley can have a discussion about himself with himself. It’s a meta, meta episode!

Chasing the Spotlight

By Donavon Riley 08/06/19

We are so free as Christians that we don't even have to compare ourselves to other Christians.

Robert Capon - The Mystery of Christ, and why we don’t get it...

Banned Books
07/31/19

Would You Like to Play a Game? Gillespie and Riley return to Robert Capon to read and discuss the incarnation of Jesus and how we try to turn free grace into a transaction.

Pain is Our Birthright

By Donavon Riley 07/30/19

Pain is our birthright, but Jesus’ resurrection is our irrevocable end.

Q&A with Donavon Riley for "Crucifying Religion"

By Donavon Riley 07/26/19

The following is a Question and Answer session with author and pastor Donavon Riley where we talk about his latest book, “Crucifying Religion: How Jesus is the End of Religion”.

John of Damascus "An argument directed against the Nestorians"

Banned Books
07/24/19

There's Something About Mary — Gillespie and Riley dive deep into an early church argument about Mary, why a bishop named Nestorius, and Mohammed, rejected the virgin birth, and why it's important to discuss the topic today.

Death, Be Not Proud...

By Donavon Riley 07/23/19

Death can make us feel like tourists or strangers traveling across the landscape of someone else’s life.

John of Damascus, Arius, Ariana

Banned Books
07/17/19

Fat Camels and Catchy Songs — Gillespie and Riley finish their reading of John of Damascus’ critique of Islam, then jump into the writings of Arius to better understand the foundation of Islam and modern American Christianity.

Enough is Enough

By Donavon Riley 07/16/19

Nothing, not pain, hurt, resentment, bitterness, or hopelessness can separate us from God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Key to Understanding the Bible

By Donavon Riley 07/12/19

The following is an excerpt from “Crucifying Religion” written by Donavon Riley (1517 Publishing, 2019).

John of Damascus - Critique of Islam, pt. 2

Banned Books
07/10/19

An enthusiast came in here looking for you — real God and country-type. I don't know. Might further the plot? Gillespie and Riley read and discuss John of Damascus again this week. What’s an enthusiast? Why are footnotes important? How…

God the Father

By Donavon Riley 07/09/19

All God's fatherly goodness and mercy is concrete and real, born of a virgin, crucified for our trespasses, raised for our justification.

John of Damascus - Critique of Islam

Banned Books
07/03/19

God’s prophet? Inconceivable! Gillespie and Riley read and discuss the work of John of Damascus which explains why Islam is a Christian heresy.

When We Go to War with God

By Donavon Riley 07/02/19

Original sin produces violent fruit.

Sin is Boring

By Donavon Riley 07/01/19

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. It can get ahold of a person and turn him all the way in on himself. What seemed a brief reflection lingers for hours, days, weeks, even years.

Crucifying Religion

By Donavon Riley 06/28/19

The following is an excerpt from “Crucifying Religion” written by Donavon Riley (1517 Publishing, 2019).

Chad Bird - "The Infant Priest Was Holy Born"

Banned Books
06/26/19

And Your Bird Can Sing! Gillespie and Riley conclude their discussion of hymnody with Chad Bird’s hymn, The Infant Priest Was Holy Born. Again, they focus on pastoral care, comfort for Christians, and what happens when the church ignores the…

Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds, but Jesus Does

By Donavon Riley 06/25/19

Our past, present, and future receive healing from Jesus’ wounds.

Thomas O. Chisholm - “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father”

Banned Books
06/19/19

Do You Have a Great Hymn This Week? Go Fish! This week, Gillespie and Riley discuss Thomas Chisholm’s poem turned hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. More discussion of hymnody, church music, and how what we sing can help or hinder…

Jesus is Unconquered

By Donavon Riley 06/18/19

When we brag about what Jesus does for us, we win the battle.

Joseph Scrivener - What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Banned Books
06/12/19

Jesus joins us in our weirdness. In this episode, Gillespie and Riley continue their discussion of how to judge a hymn with Joseph Scriverner’s classic hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

Water, Blood, and Spirit...That's the Thing

By Donavon Riley 06/11/19

The Holy Spirit keeps us in faith and pours us out into the world so others may also hear and believe.

John Newton - Amazing Grace

Banned Books
06/05/19

Pump the hate brakes, Riley! This week, Gillespie and Riley begin a four-episode discussion on how to judge a hymn. In the first installment, they look at Amazing Grace and ask: "Is this a great, good, or bad hymn?" What…

John Bunyan - The Doctrine of Law & Grace Unfolded

Banned Books
05/29/19

Daddy needs to discuss some law and grace.... Chicka-chickahhhhh! This week, Gillespie and Riley go live, reading, discussing, and responding to your questions and comments about Bunyan's writing on law and grace.

Jesus is Our True Happiness

By Donavon Riley 05/28/19

We hold fast to Christ Jesus where He’s most God, most Savior, for us: in His gifts of word, water, bread, and wine.

The Schwabach Articles, Part 2

Banned Books
05/22/19

How does it... umm... how does it work? In this episode, Gillespie and Riley continue to read and discuss the Schwabach Articles. Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Church, and all things churchy.

How Jesus Will King for Us

By Donavon Riley 05/21/19

Jesus has won the battle. The war is over. In His death, the victory’s sure.

For the Baptized, this is How it Goes

By Donavon Riley 05/15/19

We can take comfort in the knowledge that He kills the sinner so we can get a new shot at life and life eternal.

The Schwabach Articles, part 1

Banned Books
05/15/19

You’re using theological coconuts! In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss The Schwabach Articles. Sin, faith, lots of Holy Spirit, and why the Schwabach Articles are the roots of Lutheran, Reformed, and Protestant confessions of faith.

The Marburg Articles

Banned Books
05/08/19

Papa, can you hear me? In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss the Marburg Theses. The Reformers, Luther and Zwingli (and their colleagues), sat down to try to find common theological ground. What resulted has influenced the Church…

God Doesn't Give Us a Pass, and That's Good

By Donavon Riley 05/07/19

We're going to worry about what people think of us. It's going to get in the way of our relationship with Jesus. We're going to fear God's judgment. But, we're also baptized into Christ. So we don't give up hope. Jesus will help us and strengthen us. He will guide us in his Baptismal grace and peace.

Ulrich Zwingli - 67 Theses Defending Reform

Banned Books
05/01/19

Dear Rome... Yeah, It’s Probably For The Best That We Never See Each Other Again. This week, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Ulrich Zwingli’s 67 Theses defending the theological reforms in Zurich. Zwingli is provocative, sometimes hyperbolic, but driven…

When God Gets a Grip On Us

By Donavon Riley 04/30/19

When we get wrapped up in tying God down, when we worship and work in a way that seems good to each of us, it’s impossible to recognize God as loving Father and helpful Savior.

Oswald Chambers - Collision of God and Sin

Banned Books
04/24/19

You have us the Good News now give us the goods! This week, Gillespie and Riley give Oswald Chambers a second go-round, reading and discussing The Collision of God and Sin.

The Blood of Christ Does What?

By Donavon Riley 04/24/19

Trusting in Christ’s shed blood also means that we serve the living God. We don’t trust in nothing. We don’t serve a fake god.

Oswald Chambers - Complete & Effective Dominion

Banned Books
04/18/19

This Isn’t a Good Place for a Yogurt Shop. Riley and Gillespie tackle a daily devotion from one of the OG of the Holiness Movement, Oswald Chambers.

Thomas Aquinas on Baptism

Banned Books
04/10/19

Riley and Gillespie dig into the Doctor Angelicus and his catechism on Baptism.

The Seed Does it All

By Donavon Riley 04/10/19

When the Bible talks about bearing fruit, it’s not talking about what we must do to produce fruit.

Beth Moore - Christian Communicators

Banned Books
04/03/19

When You’re a Christian Communicator... Sometimes You Have to Not Talk About Jesus?! Riley and Gillespie tackle a request from a listener to engage with Beth Moore, popular author and speaker among evangelical Christian women.

Your Jesus Has Made You Well

By Donavon Riley 04/02/19

When we preach Jesus crucified for the sin of the world, Jesus crucified to put away God’s harsh judgment, that good news creates faith

Jesus Only Gives

By Donavon Riley 03/28/19

When we're under stress, when we're weighed down by responsibilities, and when we feel like nobody cares and no one can help us, we run to God.

David Zahl - "Seculosity"

Banned Books
03/27/19

This week, Gillespie and Riley interview David Zahl about his forthcoming book, “Seculosity.”

Come to Me...and I Will Give You Rest

By Donavon Riley 03/26/19

No matter what happens, whether failure, pain, or discouragement, Jesus says, “Come to me... and I will give you rest"

When The Old Adam Goes Church Shopping

By Donavon Riley 03/22/19

If I’m going to join your church, there’s some things I’ll need to know first. I need to know whether you practice a Christianity that’s primarily a to-do list.

Charles Spurgeon - "God or Self - Which?"

Banned Books
03/20/19

In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Charles Spurgeon's sermon, "God or Self - Which?" This week, traditions, rituals, and a lot of talk about pastoral care.

The War for Our Freedom

By Donavon Riley 03/19/19

The lack of Gospel or abundance of Gospel and Christ’s gifts, more than anything else, determines whether we’ll be overrun by sin, death, and hell

Christ Who Becomes Our Sin

By Donavon Riley 03/15/19

I am the Resurrection,’ says Jesus, not an abstract miracle or idea

Gillespie and Riley - Q&A The Sequel

Banned Books
03/13/19

This week, Gillespie and Riley answer your questions and respond to your comments.

Flannery O’Connor - Good Country People, part 2

Banned Books
03/06/19

Gillespie and Riley go back to O’Connor’s short story, Good Country People to discuss faith, humility, and the uncomfortable truth about ourselves.

Jesus Does What's Impossible for Us to Get Done

By Donavon Riley 03/06/19

All this disciplined living is to be done in freedom.

Jesus' New Exodus

By Donavon Riley 03/04/19

Our wants and desires are wholly driven by selfishness, just like Peter, James, John, and all the disciples

Flannery O’Connor - Good Country People, part 1

Banned Books
02/27/19

This week, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Flannery O’Connor’s short story, Good Country People. What does it mean that someone is a good Christian?

God Lifts the Weight Off

By Donavon Riley 02/25/19

All the weight of our sin is lifted by Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world, past, present, and future.

Fyodor Dostoevsky - The Failure of Christendom

Banned Books
02/20/19

This week, Gillespie and Riley read from Dostoevsky's novel, The Idiot, and discuss the roots of the Roman Catholic church, atheism, socialism, and distinguishing between Christ and the Gospel and our own need to be God in God's place.

God Speaks to Us to Give Us Gifts

By Donavon Riley 02/19/19

When we say “forgiveness,” we mean, “Jesus.” When we say, “righteousness,” we mean, “Jesus.”

Bo Giertz - "Jesus Only"

Banned Books
02/13/19

This week, we read from Bo Giertz’s novel, “The Hammer of God,” and discuss belief, revivalism versus liturgy, and what happens when Jesus alone is the focus of all our attention.

Is there Good News for Disabled People?

By Donavon Riley 02/11/19

Scripture is clear: God’s Spirit pursues sinners from conception to the grave with his life-giving Gospel and gifts.

Billy Graham - Christ’s Answer to The World

Banned Books
02/07/19

In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss Billy Graham’s sermon, and the consequences of preaching law after the Gospel, adverbs, and the importance of staying away from God where He isn’t preached, revealed, and worshipped in Christ Jesus…

Defeat Evil with Good

By Donavon Riley 02/04/19

Peace comes when we give up worrying about self-interest, self-preservation, and self-satisfaction and instead keep our eyes fixed on good God and Savior Jesus.

Am I Inside? - A Pastor’s Confession

By Donavon Riley 02/01/19

God has gifted pastors with a terrible privilege. We’re invited to go inside peoples’ pain. A stranger stands emotionally naked in front of us begging, “I can’t get what he did out of my head. Please, help me!”

William Barclay - Are All People Saved?

Banned Books
01/30/19

This week, Gillespie and Riley read from William Barclay's spiritual biography, whether all people go to heaven.

Jesus Increases People's Gladness

By Donavon Riley 01/29/19

He comes to fill our old, stony heart with the new wine of his forgiveness.

We Go to God with Bold Confidence

By Donavon Riley 01/24/19

We surrender confidence in God because we lack faith in Christ, and we lack faith in Christ because we rebel against the fact that each, single moment of self-destruction is nailed to that cross.

Augustine - Does Baptism Make Men New?

Banned Books
01/23/19

In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read St. Augustine’s response to the Pelagians, who used his earlier writings against him, about misrepresentation concerning the effect of baptism.

The Old Testament Roots of The Lord's Supper: Part 2

By Donavon Riley 01/21/19

Blood is the thing. In the Scriptures, sin must be covered or "atoned for" as it's called, by blood.

Our Sins Are Either With Us or With Jesus

By Donavon Riley 01/17/19

John’s message doesn’t inspire religious leaders to repent. Instead, John’s message provokes them to resentment and rage.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be a Sinner - Martin Luther

Banned Books
01/16/19

This week, Gillespie and Riley read a pastoral letter written by Martin Luther advising a friend to not avoid being a sinner and put all his sins on Christ, who became the chief of sinners for us.

Ministry of the Church

The Old Testament Roots of the Lord's Supper: Part 1

By Donavon Riley 01/15/19

At the Passover, when Jesus said, "Take, eat, this is my body... take, drink, this is the New Testament in my blood, which is given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," he wasn't inventing a "new" thing.

God Uses Our Hands

By Donavon Riley 01/09/19

We who have been given so much are the way by which the Father cares for those in need.

The Obstinate Toy Soldiers - C.S. Lewis

Banned Books
01/09/19

In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read and discuss C.S. Lewis’ thoughts on God being born a man.

"Martin Luther’s Christmas Book," p. 30-31

Banned Books
01/02/19

The Brutal, Humiliating, Joyous Christmas Gospel! Gillespie and Riley return this week with another episode dedicated to Martin Luther's Christmas sermon. This time, they dig into the underlying brutality of the Christmas Gospel, Mary's humiliation, and Joseph's dilemma.

Whose Lord and Savior Is He?

By Donavon Riley 12/26/18

He who created the heavens and the earth is adored by angels, shepherds, magi, and cows.

Why Jesus Isn’t Santa

By Donavon Riley 12/25/18

Immanuel is born to rescue all of us weak-hearted, cowardly, self-deceiving children of this world. He comes to set us free in the liberation of His death.

"Martin Luther’s Christmas Book," p. 28-29

Banned Books
12/25/18

Christmas: the Perfect Time of Year for a Theologian of the Cross! In this episode, Gillespie and Riley read from a Christmas sermon by their favorite heretic, Martin Luther. They discuss Mary's example of how God makes theologians of the…

"Shipwrecked At The Stable" by Brennan Manning

Banned Books
12/19/18

Planking with Brennan Manning... Gillespie and Riley follow up their reading of Brennan Manning's Advent Meditation, "Shipwrecked at The Stable" by discussing why Roman Catholic theology, as Manning presents it, is so appealing to Protestants.

Where Do We Look for Jesus to Come?

By Donavon Riley 12/17/18

What Jesus says is simple, but the simplest things are difficult, and difficulty causes friction.

Receive The Gifts, But Don't Think It's Because God Is Santa Claus

By Donavon Riley 12/13/18

It's hard wired into our brain. We can't help ourselves.

"Shipwrecked At The Stable" by Brennan Manning

Banned Books
12/12/18

Planking with Brennan Manning... This week, Gillespie and Riley dive into Brennan Manning's Advent Meditation, "Shipwrecked at The Stable," and they go deep into Manning's expression of Roman Catholic theology.

Grace & Mercy? Who Needs It!

By Donavon Riley 12/07/18

God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ calls all sinners to a celebration. A "those who sat in darkness have seen a great light" kind of celebration.

Q&A: Turning the Metaphorical Gun on Ourself

Banned Books
12/05/18

This week, Gillespie and Riley tackle your questions and comments. We discuss election, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Bible translations, Sunday School, and much, much more.

The Absurdity of Advent

By Donavon Riley 12/04/18

Advent is the season when the Church declares to a world overwhelmed by excuses, lies, and cruelty that their Savior comes.

Getting on God's Good Side

By Donavon Riley 11/29/18

There are no shortcuts with Him. No life hacks. No tricks or changes we need to make to get on God’s good side. There’s just Truth, just Jesus.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Thesis 28

Banned Books
11/28/18

Please, Love Me Like You Do... This week, Gillespie and Riley wrap up their reading of Gerhard Forde's "On Being a Theologian of The Cross." What are the ramifications for Christians when God creates (He does not find) that which…

Are We Reading The Old Testament The Wrong Way?

By Donavon Riley 11/26/18

Often, when we talk about the Old Testament, we talk about God's promises and work for his chosen people, Israel.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Part IV: “God’s Work in Us: The Righteousness of Faith” pt. 2

Banned Books
11/21/18

Don't Like That We're Righteous Apart From Works? We're Not Done Yet. Continuing their conversation from episode #31, Gillespie and Riley follow Gerhard Forde, and with him examine Luther's Heidelberg Disputation. This week, Aristotle, righteousness, and whose work is worth…

Jesus is the Death of death

By Donavon Riley 11/20/18

Where Jesus says, “She’s not dead, she’s sleeping,” death dies.

There is Only One Who is Permanent

By Donavon Riley 11/14/18

When our mind betrays us, our body fails us, and our soul can’t be comforted, our Jesus now saves us.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Part IV: “God’s Work in Us: The Righteousness of Faith”

Banned Books
11/14/18

Don't Like That We're Righteous Apart From Works? Good. Gillespie and Riley return this week, in conversation with Gerhard Forde about death, doing your best, and getting the "good" of works put in its proper place.

Christianity: The End of Religion

By Donavon Riley 11/13/18

In the beginning, we read about the invention of religion. It begins simply enough in Genesis 3

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Section Three (Theses 19-21) pt. 2

Banned Books
11/07/18

If there's one thing a theologian of glory doesn't understand, it's the cross! Gillespie and Riley continue their conversation about thesis nineteen of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation (with commentary by Gerhard Forde), and what distinguishes a theologian of the cross from…

How Luther Pointed Me to Christ in the Old Testament

By Donavon Riley 11/02/18

Jesus is the Word of God. God’s Word—on two legs (John 1:14). I’d read it in the first chapter of John’s Gospel many, many times.

Christ in All the Scriptures

The Thinking Fellows
10/30/18

The Thinking Fellows are joined by Donavon Riley to talk about how Jesus is present and works through all the Scriptures. Inspired by the episode Scott and Donavon Talk About Everything, the Fellows cover OT prophecy and theophanies.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Section Three (Theses 19-21)

Banned Books
10/24/18

If there's one thing a theologian of glory doesn't understand, it's the cross! This week, Gillespie and Riley read Luther's nineteenth thesis from his Heidelberg Disputation, and (with Gerhard Forde's help) converse about whether a theologian of glory is really…

Undeserving Losers Welcomed to the Party

By Donavon Riley 10/23/18

Nobody is going to crash Jesus’ wedding feast. Jesus is throwing the only party in town worth attending, and it’s going to be a celebration.

A Christian’s Satanic Comfort

By Donavon Riley 10/22/18

The devil isn’t a popular subject nowadays. The argument is made that we’ve progressed as a culture.

Ascended into Heaven, and Sits at the Right Hand of the Father Almighty

The Soul of Christianity
10/18/18

On this show we discuss a clause in the creed that is sometimes overlooked. Being seated at the Right Hand of the Father might seem like an abstract theological idea, but Rev Donovan Riley centers the doctrine in the history…

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, The Problem of Will pt. 2

Banned Books
10/17/18

I Want What I Want When I Want It... Again! This week, Gillespie and Riley return to the problem of the will (with much help from Gerhard Forde) as Martin Luther expresses it in thesis thirteen of the Heidelberg Disputation.

Walking in Forgiveness

By Donavon Riley 10/16/18

Jesus’ forgiveness will not collapse. Jesus’ forgiveness will take us places our legs can’t take us.

Ordinary Joy

By Donavon Riley 10/11/18

She said, “Keep coming back, and you’ll know joy.” He wanted to vomit a rainbow of resentment, bitterness, and loathing all over her faux-leather boots.

Freed From the Law to be For the Law

By Donavon Riley 10/10/18

Gospel questions don’t get a Law answer. Religious questions beg for Law answers.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, The Problem of Will

Banned Books
10/10/18

I Want What I Want When I Want It! In this episode, Gillespie and Riley dig into section two of Forde's book, "On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation. This week, the problem of the…

What's Love Got to Do with It?

By Donavon Riley 10/04/18

Love is the sum of the law. Love God with all your heart, spirit, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. That means that if love can't be done when it needs to be done then get rid of the law, because it's not lawful.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, The Problem of Good Works pt. 2

Banned Books
10/03/18

Let out the Viking, but keep him on the chain… In this episode, Gillespie and Riley dive into Forde’s use of the analogy of addiction to explain original sin, passive righteousness, Jesus as Giver and gift, and Riley lets out…

Two Kings, Two Kingdoms

By Donavon Riley 10/02/18

We are caught up in a battle between two kings and two kingdoms. And, whether we like it or not, we are ruled by one king or the other.

Your Jesus has Saved You

By Donavon Riley 09/27/18

He begins with Jesus and ends with Jesus. He is not going to try to complete what Jesus starts.

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, The Problem of Good Works

Banned Books
09/26/18

All this damage - and it's old Adam’s fault. This week, Gillespie and Riley dive back into Forde’s “On Being a Theologian of the Cross.” With the help of Paul, Augustine, and Luther they discuss God’s revealed Law, righteousness, and…

I’d Never Go to That Church

By Donavon Riley 09/25/18

Would you go to the church on the corner knowing that the pastor is an ex-con?

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Two Ways of Being a Theologian

Banned Books
09/19/18

Your Theology Is Creating A Nice Little Climate of Panic! In this episode, Gillespie and Riley continue their reading of Gerhard Forde’s “On Being a Theologian of The Cross.” This week, they discuss the two ways of being a theologian…

Jesus Opens Us

By Donavon Riley 09/18/18

Jesus opened our ears and mouth when He baptizes us. Jesus put His fingers into our ears, speaks to us, and washes our sins away.

Seeing Samson's Cross-Eyed Reflection

By Donavon Riley 09/14/18

For the past twenty years that I've been a Christian, I've not found any evidence in my reading of Judges 13-16 that qualifies Samson for the "book of faith" (Hebrews 11).

"On Being a Theologian of the Cross" by Gerhard Forde, Introductory Matters

Banned Books
09/12/18

You'd think that killing people would make them like you? This week, in preparation for the HWSS Conference, Gillespie and Riley jump into On Being a Theologian of the Cross, by Gerhard Forde. Why did Luther say, "The cross alone…

Theses 13-15: Freedom from Our Free Will

By Donavon Riley 09/10/18

This is the seventh installment in our special series on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation. Translation of Theses 13, 14 and 15 by Caleb Keith.

When God Gets Ahold of Us

By Donavon Riley 09/05/18

We all do it. It comes naturally to every human being. Since the Fall, every man and woman, every child, everyone imagines he can use experience and knowledge to figure out God.

Menno Simons, "Faith"

Banned Books
09/05/18

I'm stepping - I'm stepping in it! What does it smell like? In this episode, Gillespie and Riley discuss Menno Simon's writing on faith, why prepositions matter, and the practical consequences of Gospel-law sermons.

We Get to Go Home Justified

By Donavon Riley 09/03/18

Jesus says that none of our goodness is good enough to pass muster. Likewise, none of our badness is bad enough to propel us outside Jesus’ death for sin.

William Seymour, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost"

Banned Books
08/29/18

Just Follow The Step by Step Instructions. This week, Gillespie and Riley dig into a sermon by William Seymour, who was a key figure in the Asuza Street Revival outpouring. In particular, they zero in on baptism, the means of…

Failed Saint, Faithful Savior

By Donavon Riley 08/28/18

Christians have long enjoyed an absurd love affair with white-washing biblical saints.

George Whitefield, "The Folly and Danger of Being Not Righteous Enough” pt. 2

Banned Books
08/22/18

One sermon, two men, maximum effort! In this episode, Gillespie and Riley jump back into Whitefield's sermon, "The Folly and Danger of Being Not Righteous Enough." This week, they turn a more critical eye on Whitefield's sermon, discussing revivalism, sermonizing…

What to Make of the Holy Spirit

By Donavon Riley 08/20/18

We prefer this to be switched around. We want something to happen in us before anything happens outside of us.

George Whitefield, "The Folly and Danger of Being Not Righteous Enough”

Banned Books
08/15/18

One sermon, maximum effort! This week, Gillespie and Riley discuss a sermon by George Whitefield, who defends his theology against the attacks of an “old light.”

Daily Bread & Bread of Life

By Donavon Riley 08/14/18

But when we trust Jesus, then we close our eyes to it all and say, “Heavenly Father, I’m your child.

Origen, Commentary on John, Book II, section 25.

Banned Books
08/08/18

Now... okay, so, angels as people, tell me about that. Walk me through it. Gillespie and Riley touch down on Origen's commentary on John's Gospel this week. They discuss martyrology, whether angels come disguised as people, and why it's important…

Justified Apart from Our Free Will

By Donavon Riley 08/07/18

God preaches a concrete word to us in the present tense. We hear the Good News that Jesus is God’s mercy for us.

John Hus, To the Same [To the People of Prague] (Without date: January (?) 1413)

Banned Books
08/01/18

I feel the need… the need for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ! In this episode, Gillespie and Riley jump back into another letter from John Hus. This week, they discuss Hus’ letter to the people of Prague, urging…

Set Free to Forgive and Love

By Donavon Riley 07/31/18

Jesus dies for the sin of the world. That means he dies for the person who disappoints us. He shed His blood for the person who doesn’t love us the way we want to be loved.

Justification Is Simple

By Donavon Riley 07/26/18

The Gospel is simple to confess. That is, we are justified by faith alone, through Christ alone, without the works of the Law.

John Hus, To the Faithful Bohemians (Without date: December 1412)

Banned Books
07/25/18

No, boys. There's two "O"s in Goose. In this episode, Gillespie and Riley dive into another letter from John Hus. This week, they take a critical look at Hus and discuss the influence of traditional Roman doctrine on Hus’ calls…

The Truth About Loving Our God

By Donavon Riley 07/24/18

The force of our love is violent. It is love acted out as, “I will love you in a way that’s best for me, and you’ll like it, and celebrate it, and reward me for it.

The Kind of Grace Named Jesus

By Donavon Riley 07/18/18

Our complaints about God's grace always sound the same: "It was good to see him in church with his son this morning.

John Hus, To John Barbatus and the People of Chrumnaw (May 25, 1411)

Banned Books
07/18/18

With this collar on, my superpower is just unbridled preaching! Pastors Gillespie and Riley read a letter from John Huss to John Barbatus about the biblical teaching on who can (and cannot) preach.

It's Not, "What Would Jesus Do," but "Who Would Jesus Love"

By Donavon Riley 07/11/18

No matter how loving we are, we don’t get bonus points with the Almighty for imitating Jesus. We love each other because we recognize that “this is one for whom Jesus died.

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 7

Banned Books
07/11/18

Wait, no, stop! Riley and Gillespie wrap up their conversation about Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart" No really, this is it.

Why Confess Sin?

By Donavon Riley 07/09/18

Why confess sin? Is it so we can get rewarded by God? A little extra grace or material good for our troubles, maybe.

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 6

Banned Books
07/04/18

Wait, no, stop! Riley and Gillespie wrap up their conversation about Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart" kind of... sort of... or maybe not.

Be Humble, or Be Humbled

By Donavon Riley 07/03/18

When we think God is doing something for us here or there or everywhere, we are simply fixing labels and putting value on what we imagine God is doing for us.

Lord, Help My Lack Of Love

By Donavon Riley 06/28/18

The author, Flannery O'Connor, said, "All I can say about my love of God is, Lord help me in my lack of it."

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 5

Banned Books
06/27/18

We're not going to walk this one off. Riley and Gillespie continue their theological adventure through Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart." This week, they examine the corporate model of the church, then get transparent critiquing themselves in relation to the…

New Trees In An Old World

By Donavon Riley 06/20/18

All the verbs of our salvation are passive. God calls and gathers people to him through his Gospel.

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 4

Banned Books
06/20/18

Pump the moralistic, therapeutic, deism brakes, American Christianity. Pastors Riley and Gillespie can't get enough of Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart," so this week, they talk about the roots of American Christianity, and how to establish churches that function without…

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 3

Banned Books
06/13/18

According to the Kübler-Ross model, starting your own church is just one of the five stages of divorce. Pastors Riley and Gillespie jump back into Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart," to discuss Henry VIII, Catholic elasticity, and mini-Christendoms.

Seeing All Sin On The Cross

By Donavon Riley 06/12/18

It's easy to become habituated to sin. It comes naturally, after all. The power and pressure of sin on us, from conception to the grave, is immense.

Simultaneously Righteous and Sinner: An Introduction

By Donavon Riley 06/07/18

Without the “simul” distinction, theology lapses into moralism.

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 2

Banned Books
06/06/18

I Guess Reformation Theology and Dubstep Never Dies. Pastors Riley and Gillespie jump back into Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart," to discuss Martin Luther, the Reformation, and what happens when justification by faith alone busts loose in Christendom.

He Does it For Love

By Donavon Riley 06/04/18

He always puts our life and salvation first. He’ll never accept our defeat. He’ll never quit on us. He’ll never leave us fallen and alone.

"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 1

Banned Books
05/30/18

Who are you? I'm Batma... I'm Constantine. Pastors Riley and Gillespie jump into Robert Capon's "The Astonished Heart," to discuss Constantine, Christendom and it's consequences.

Two Theologies, One Way into God's Kingdom

By Donavon Riley 05/29/18

Nicodemus, like us, does not really have phantoms and dragons in his head. He has just one demon, one virus, one malady: he lives in fear.

Soren Kierkegaard's "Preparation for a Christian Life [on Matthew 11:28]" pt. 2

Banned Books
05/23/18

Rounding up all the Christendom in the world and launching it into space so it cannot ever hurt us again. Pastors Riley and Gillespie continue to discuss Soren Kierkegaard’s “Preparation for Christianity,” where the Dane criticizes the church for making…

Whose Church Is It?

By Donavon Riley 05/16/18

The Church of Jesus Christ is and stays Jesus' Church whether we decide it is or not.

Soren Kierkegaard's "Preparation for a Christian Life [on Matthew 11:28]"

Banned Books
05/16/18

Rounding up all the Christendom in the world and launching it into space so it cannot ever hurt us again. Pastors Riley and Gillespie discuss Soren Kierkegaard’s “Preparation for Christianity,” where the Dane criticizes the church for offering people a…

God's Love Song Of Salvation

By Donavon Riley 05/10/18

If we get past Sunday School moralizing what do we discover in the Old Testament?

Athanasius' "On the Incarnation" pt. 2

Banned Books
05/09/18

Two Natures and Maximum Effort! Riley and Gillespie continue to talk about Athanasius’ “On The Incarnation”, but this week they get into the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus, and why Jesus’ resurrection upends our search for self-discovery and meaning.

Despite Our Messes, It's All Gift

By Donavon Riley 05/08/18

Our Father works through us to meet the needs of others and to meet our need for Savior Jesus.

Athanasius' "On the Incarnation" pt. 1

Banned Books
05/02/18

Two Natures and Maximum Effort! Riley and Gillespie talk about Athanasius’ apology in his writing, “On The Incarnation”, for the historical, bodily death of Jesus, and why Jesus’ death and resurrection is the end of religion.

Baptism, Not Our Religiosity, Is The Thing

By Donavon Riley 05/01/18

Jesus is the end of religion.

Getting Out from Under the Law

By Donavon Riley 04/26/18

God’s Law is a death sentence for us sinners. There is no winning beneath the Law of God.

No Other God Than The Crucified God

By Donavon Riley 04/25/18

In Martin Luther's Small Catechism he borrows a line from St. Augustine about what defines a "god."

C.S. Lewis on Athanasius' "On the Incarnation" pt. 3

Banned Books
04/25/18

Theological Inception! Riley and Gillespie continue to talk about C.S. Lewis talking about Athanasius talking about Jesus, and offer lots of explanations for what they said in episode 2.

Playing The Game...Or Not

By Donavon Riley 04/24/18

Whatever we call “god,” how we act out our “religion,” what we call “living,” if its name isn’t Jesus, it’s a sham.

C.S. Lewis on Athanasius' "On the Incarnation" pt. 2

Banned Books
04/18/18

Theological Inception! Riley and Gillespie continue to talk about C.S. Lewis talking about Athanasius talking about Jesus, but there’s no tub of water to fall back into at the end of this podcast.

When Jesus Smashes Our Religious Piggy Banks

By Donavon Riley 04/17/18

When we focus on God's self-giving Word, when we turn our attention to Golgotha, we are shown a wholly different way of viewing the Commandments.

How Luther Taught Me to Read the Bible

By Donavon Riley 04/16/18

I’ve always been more at home in the Old Testament than in the New Testament.

C.S. Lewis on Athanasius' "On the Incarnation" pt. 1

Banned Books
04/10/18

Theological Inception! Welcome to the inaugural episode. Listen to Pastors Riley and Gillespie talk about C.S. Lewis talking about Athanasius talking about Jesus.

God Is Our Salvation

By Donavon Riley 04/10/18

Our gods expect us to be perfect, pure, and in constant control of our feelings and thoughts.

To Me, to Live Is Christ, And to Die Is Gain

By Donavon Riley 04/03/18

His consolation will accompany us in the midst of sickness and death. He will strengthen us, even strengthen us to carry the cross of old age.

Christ’s Sixth Word From the Cross: “It Is Finished.”

By Donavon Riley 03/30/18

At Golgotha, Jesus saves us from sin by becoming sin for us. Jesus takes all our messes, all our shame, all our guilt, all our fears and insecurities and He allows them to kill Him instead of us.

The New World

By Donavon Riley 03/27/18

In elementary school, children are taught that America was a destination for Christians in search of religious freedom. But that’s not the truth.

Dr. Keith and Pastor Riley Talk About Everything

The Thinking Fellows
03/20/18

Dr. Keith travels to Minnesota and has a wild conversation with Donovan Riley.

Reformation Doctrine

Holy Math and The Divine Foxiness

By Donavon Riley 03/20/18

God’s grace and freedom announces the truth to us about ourselves. We need a real Savior.

Clumsy, Messy, Children of the Promise

By Donavon Riley 03/14/18

Whenever I read the Genesis account of Abraham, I’m more impressed that he’s often a clumsy, mess of a man than that it’s “faith that’s accounted to him as righteousness.”

The Sunny Side of The Street

By Donavon Riley 03/13/18

God is for us in His foolish, scarred Word and Wisdom. Nothing is against us, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

God Commands the Impossible, and That’s Good

By Donavon Riley 03/07/18

Some have built an entire theology on the false assumption that when God commands us to obey or believe, we have the ability to obey or believe.

Martin Luther's Attack on Gallows Sorrow

By Donavon Riley 03/06/18

Only Jesus’ absolute absolution can satisfy a troubled conscience.

The Weak Bridegroom and His Disreputable Bride

By Donavon Riley 02/27/18

“Church is set free in Christ, in short, to revel in her irrelevance to the ways of the world’s power and wisdom.

What Happens When The Church is Just Super

By Donavon Riley 02/20/18

That is why the church has to offer Super Bread and Super Wine, so that God can see that we are Super Christians.

Dying Is Greater Than Fighting

By Donavon Riley 02/15/18

“The strongest person in the room doesn't win the fight," she said, "it’s whoever's the meanest…” I was fifteen years old when my aunt taught me that.

Comfort for Troubled Christians

By Donavon Riley 02/13/18

Jesus is our food and drink, our home and property, our all in all.

Comfort for Troubled Christians

By Donavon Riley 02/13/18

Jesus is our food and drink, our home and property, our all in all.

The Joy of Being A Sinner

By Donavon Riley 02/06/18

No matter how great our efforts or how righteous our intent, we will go from troubled to scared, and scared to terrified, unless we are sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb.

When Doctrine Becomes Idolatry

By Donavon Riley 01/30/18

I’m a drug addict. Specifically, a recovering drug addict. More specific, a grateful recovering drug addict.

Love That Never Goes Cold

By Donavon Riley 01/30/18

\When we talk about love then, let us not talk about ourselves.

God's Strange Way of Relating to Us

By Donavon Riley 01/23/18

God goes to work on us through His Word like a woodcarver chisels a block of wood.

The Unforgivable, Forgiven

By Donavon Riley 01/16/18

The pastor declares it. We receive it. The forgiveness of sins. It’s a simple thing.

That is Good

By Donavon Riley 01/16/18

A heart that wants nothing that is not from God can only occur by the Holy Spirit speaking the Gospel into our hearts.

Whose Opinion Really Matters?

By Donavon Riley 01/09/18

Only the poor are in need of a Savior, and only the dead need faith, hope, and love delivered to them by the hand of the Almighty.

Just Another Law-Gospel Sermon?

By Donavon Riley 01/04/18

While I was still an over-eager seminarian the professor warned me, “Mr. Riley, this is exciting stuff.

When We Run Away From God's Judgment

By Donavon Riley 01/02/18

And so we determine that God is a stern, short-tempered Lord and a gracious, long-suffering Father. And the fact is, He is both.

Christmas Meditation — Unto Us A Child Is Born

By Donavon Riley 12/26/17

The text says there was no room for them. And this should give us cause for a little head-scratching.

The Wisdom and Art of Faith

By Donavon Riley 12/19/17

Faith does not distinguish between worthy and unworthy, saint and sinner, great faith and anemic faith, it only focuses on Christ Jesus.

Blessed Is The Man

By Donavon Riley 12/12/17

Blessedness comes to us camouflaged as simple earthly words, water, bread and wine.

Where To Begin

By Donavon Riley 12/06/17

I’m going to begin at the beginning. But which one? Birth? Kindergarten? My first drink? The first time I had sex?

Blessed Are The Sinners

By Donavon Riley 12/05/17

For God, the only way He acts as Judge and Justifier for us is through Christ Jesus Who dies for sinners.

Sin Is Boring

By Donavon Riley 11/30/17

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. It can get ahold of a person and turn him all the way in on himself.

What is God's Will?

By Donavon Riley 11/28/17

Even “our faith” is a gift from God’s fatherly hand. Our performance, desire, and perseverance do not factor into God’s will for us.

A Mystery Revealed in Plain Sight

By Donavon Riley 11/21/17

In Christ, the Word become flesh, this is a concrete, real fact. It is the bedrock foundation of the Gospel.

The Promise

By Donavon Riley 11/07/17

The promise is trustworthy because God has proven Himself to be trustworthy.

True Reformation

By Donavon Riley 10/30/17

Where Jesus speaks to us, takes ahold of us, and gives Himself to us.

The Scariest Word in the Bible

By Donavon Riley 10/24/17

In Christ we are freed to be for our neighbor without fear of sin and damnation falling upon us.

Freed From The Dope of Religion, The Losers Win

By Donavon Riley 10/17/17

We are forgiven for Christ’s sake. Losers set free to trust in God’s promises.

The Aim and Goal of the Law

By Donavon Riley 10/10/17

Jesus’ life and work is now ours through faith.

Cursing in Defense of The Gospel

By Donavon Riley 10/03/17

But where love is necessary we pray for our enemies and bless them in the hope that God will repent and convert them to the Gospel.

Days of Trouble

By Donavon Riley 09/26/17

Satan cannot stand the Gospel, and so he goes to work to undermine and render God’s Word an impotent and absurd message.

God's Final Sentence and Judgment

By Donavon Riley 09/19/17

We demand that our Creator defend His judgment and justification of sinners in a courtroom where we are judge, prosecuting attorney, and jury.

A Nap Before Dinner

By Donavon Riley 09/12/17

This is why a Christian must keep learning to forget himself so long as he lives.

Not The What, But The Who...

By Donavon Riley 09/05/17

Jesus is the "because" and "therefore" of our salvation because He died for our sin

God's Doing For Us That Gets Done

By Donavon Riley 08/31/17

God's doing for us that gets done is Word and Sacrament stuff. Everything else flows from His speaking to us, baptizing us, bodying and bloodying us. Jesus sees our need.

Faith Praises God As Giver

By Donavon Riley 08/29/17

We focus on what we have, what we don't have, and how and when God is going to give us what we need. This the opposite of faith.

A Pastor May Have The Holy Spirit in Two Ways

By Donavon Riley 08/23/17

When the Holy Spirit is at work in the office of the holy ministry, the man is ridden by the Spirit and so his only concern is for preaching the Gospel, baptizing, absolving, and feeding sinners in the Name of Christ Jesus.

Why We Stand

The Thinking Fellows
08/16/17

This week, he tackles the idea behind the phrase "Here I Stand" and why Lutherans continue in the tradition of Standing firm in the Gospel.

One Victim, One Trauma, One Violent Death

By Donavon Riley 08/15/17

The Christian Church is one of the last refuges in modern American society where people who have perpetrated or suffered trauma and violence can gather together to receive the truth about themselves.

Not An Arbitrary and Capricious God

By Donavon Riley 08/08/17

We were created by our heavenly Father to receive all things from Him as free gift.

When Jesus Stands Center Stage

By Donavon Riley 08/01/17

What do we do when Christians are more focused on their doing for God than God's doing for them?

Find True Christianity in the Verbs

By Donavon Riley 07/18/17

If it's not Christ Jesus "for you" they're not delivering the Gospel to you.

Jesus Is The Only Picture of God's Salvific Power We Get

By Donavon Riley 07/11/17

As long as we hold tight to a life that was never ours to possess in the first place, so long as we refuse to lay down our life so others can live, Jesus can't do a thing for us.

Full to Bursting

By Donavon Riley 06/20/17

The goal of Christian living isn't to gather in and store up two, three, four barn-fulls of good works for ourselves.

When God Becomes A Tropical Fish

By Donavon Riley 06/13/17

When our sense of alienation from God is underscored and exaggerated by daily life we behave like tropical fish when their tank is cleaned.

Jesu, Joy of the Forsaken

By Donavon Riley 06/06/17

Christians argue about who's in charge of who, who's going to run things, who is the authority and who are the leaders that tell us on behalf of Jesus what to do next.

Jesus is the End of Religion

By Donavon Riley 05/30/17

Christianity isn’t about our faith. It’s about God’s faithfulness to His promises.

Our Strength and Song

By Donavon Riley 05/23/17

Jesus is faithful even when we are faithless. He is our Strength, and Song, and Salvation. He's all this for us because He is God, and God is love.

News That's Too Good to be True

By Donavon Riley 05/16/17

True faith, saving faith that receives the good news about the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is a faith created in us by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel.

Faith Upholds The Whole Law

By Donavon Riley 05/09/17

Likewise, when God says, "Do this and you will live," we go about under the illusion that we have the ability to accomplish what God demands of us.

God's Not Angry At You

By Donavon Riley 05/03/17

Even a sinner who is crushed by the weight of her offenses, who feels in her bones the weight of judgment, shame, and doubt can expect to receive God's good word.

The Gospel for Those Angry at God

By Donavon Riley 04/25/17

The angriest people I meet are former Christians.

Bare, Naked Faith

By Donavon Riley 04/18/17

Put to death by God's Word of Law, we are then raised to new life by God's Word of Gospel.

I'm Itching for Wild Places

By Donavon Riley 04/12/17

The creation is one of God’s good gifts and being cut off from nature and wild places, as we often are in the modern world, is probably not so good for us.

He's Risen!

By Donavon Riley 04/11/17

Like her Lord, the Church has dirt under her nails, the smell of coffin wood on her clothes, and a hunger in her belly.

How Does A Christian Participate in God's Holiness?

By Donavon Riley 04/04/17

Apart from bare, naked faith in Jesus' atoning work for us, no sinner is, or ever can be, holy.

The Worrisome Gospel

By Donavon Riley 03/28/17

True faith, saving faith that receives the good news about the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is a faith created in us by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel (Eph 2:8-9).

God's Love Is Messy

By Donavon Riley 03/21/17

The God who's lifted up above Calvary, abandoned and forsaken, should draw a more discerning crowd of followers.

A Christian Looks to Christ

By Donavon Riley 03/15/17

Forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and eternal life aren't handed out by God because we deserve it.

When We Hear Grace And Peace

By Donavon Riley 03/07/17

With the proclamation that grace and peace come through the bloody suffering and death of Jesus, we're awoken to the fact that God's grace covers all our sin and His peace calms our busy heart and mind.

The Only Free Lunch We'll Ever Get

By Donavon Riley 03/01/17

We just can't stop ourselves from putting the brakes on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Getting What We Don't Deserve

By Donavon Riley 02/21/17

Christ's death for us is how and why God declares us righteous. Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as free gift.

The Law of Christ

By Donavon Riley 02/14/17

It's difficult enough for us to bear anothers' burdens, but carry another person's sin for him? Why would we do that?

God's Word of Law and Gospel

By Donavon Riley 02/07/17

But when God's Word of Law and Gospel are tuned up, when they're properly distinguished, then Jesus' words rain down on us like thunderbolts.

A Matter of The Gospel

By Donavon Riley 02/01/17

A Christian is justified—saved from sin, death, and hell—by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

You've Got Your Faith, I've Got Mine

By Donavon Riley 01/24/17

When it comes to faith, God runs all the verbs. God's Spirit calls us by the Gospel. He enlightens us with His gifts.

The Great Comfort That You Are A Sinner

By Donavon Riley 01/17/17

Salvation starts in being a sinner and knowing it because that's where God starts salvation, in making "Him to be Sin who knew no sin."

The Center and Measure of All Things

By Donavon Riley 01/10/17

The truth is, a Christian's holiness is hidden outside himself in Christ through faith.

God's New Year Resolution

By Donavon Riley 01/03/17

Are our resolutions righteous? Is our commitment to self-improvement a selfless act motivated by love for the neighbor?

Where There Is No Gospel...

By Donavon Riley 12/27/16

Can one still find a church that teaches that Christianity, and the Christian life, can be summed up as: "We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone?"

There's No Joy But In This Boy

By Donavon Riley 12/20/16

Our relief when we're troubled can't be found at the end of all our preparations and celebrations, no matter how pious our intent.

Clark Kent in a Manger

By Donavon Riley 12/13/16

Jesus isn't Superman. He's not from another planet. He's from Earth.

Isn't There Anywhere A Person Can Be Still?

By Donavon Riley 12/06/16

This time of year, Christmas time, the world isn't so much Christ-expectant as it is Christ-haunted.

Good Works Don't Come With A Price Tag

By Donavon Riley 11/29/16

Old Adam's works are good because he says they're good. End of conversation.

It's OK to Be Godless, So Long As You're A Christian

By Donavon Riley 11/22/16

"What do you mean, 'Confess that I don't believe in God?' I'm a Christian. Of course I believe in God!"

The True Prosperity Gospel

By Donavon Riley 11/15/16

Every Christian is abundantly rich through baptism.

The Hard Reset: Rediscovering God's Word

By Donavon Riley 11/08/16

It's easy to forget that today, just like then, most people who laud Luther publicly as a reformer, revolutionary, and so on, secretly reject his teaching because it's too much to take.

The Naked How and the Fleshy Why

By Donavon Riley 10/20/16

Over and over, generation after generation, sinners repeat the same mistake. "How is it possible that God can be a man," we ask.

The Gardener's Blood, The Fruit of Brambles

By Donavon Riley 10/13/16

They were incapable of covering their shame. They knew what they'd done was evil, but since they were only "like" God, there was no way for them to go back and replace evil with good.

But What If I Don't Believe The Gospel Is For Me?

By Donavon Riley 09/06/16

So, what do we do when someone doesn't believe God's promise of forgiveness, life, and eternal salvation is for him?

Promises, Promises... I Want Earthly Treasure Now!

By Donavon Riley 07/26/16

We can leave all the stuff of life behind, because our great treasure God flaunts before the world on Calvary.

Can You Be a Christian Without Your Rituals and Traditions?

By Donavon Riley 06/06/16

Take away the water, words, bread and wine. Can you be a Christian without water, words, bread and wine?

Isn't Thirteen Kind of a Big Number?

By Donavon Riley 06/03/16

Can God forgive friends who abandoned Him in His hour of greatest need?

The End of "As If" Christianity

By Donavon Riley 04/22/16

“As if” Christians aren’t allowed to reflect; that they’re not kind, generous, brave, or loyal. They’re not living up to the example of biblical saints.

Imagine...

By Donavon Riley 04/04/16

Imagine a church's mission statement is: "You Don't Have to Fake It Till You Make It." That is, you walk into church and an usher hands you a bulletin

A Tangible God Who Descends To Rescue The Worst Of Us

By Donavon Riley 03/24/16

In this evil generation we’re all in the dark about something. We’re all inevitably overcome by the darkness of sin and death.

There's No Cure For That

By Donavon Riley 03/03/16

“Why now,” I said to no one, or to myself, or to God. Whoever. I was drunk, strung out, mostly dead, hopeless in the darkness. I knew I’d done it all to myself. I didn’t need God to drive the point home.

The Message That Called Me Out of Atheism and Plopped Me Into a Pulpit

By Donavon Riley 02/02/16

Believe in God, belong to a church, and behave yourself isn’t the Gospel.

Reconnecting Through My Father's Ghosts

By Donavon Riley 01/05/16

I’m still piecing together fragments. I’ve spent my life collecting scraps of personal stories that will explain my father to me.

Power in the Blood

By Donavon Riley 12/08/15

But I remember that that’s how it ended. Words. Wine. Blood. A sudden halt to the conversation.

Jesus Is Our Peace

By Donavon Riley 05/22/15

The kind of peace Jesus points to can't be achieved with words.