Something More Powerful than Pain and Death
Jesus doesn’t talk about God’s love for us; he embodies it.
Contributors
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley is a Lutheran pastor, conference speaker, author, and contributing writer for 1517, Christ Hold Fast, and LOGIA. He is also a co-host of The Banned Books, As Lutheran As It Gets, and Warrior Priest podcasts. He is a contributing author to "The Sinner/Saint Devotional: 60 Days in the Psalms" and "Theology of the Cross". He is also the author of the forthcoming book, "Crucifying Religion."
Banned Books
Robert Capon - The Mystery of Christ, and why we don’t get it... pt. 2
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
We confuse our success and failures with God’s judgment of us.
Donavon Riley - Blatant Self-Promotion of "Crucifying Religion"
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
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...
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
Pain is our birthright, but Jesus’ resurrection is our irrevocable end.
Q&A with Donavon Riley for "Crucifying Religion"
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"
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...
Death can make us feel like tourists or strangers traveling across the landscape of someone else’s life.
John of Damascus, Arius, Ariana
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
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
The following is an excerpt from “Crucifying Religion” written by Donavon Riley (1517 Publishing, 2019).
John of Damascus - Critique of Islam, pt. 2
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
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
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
Original sin produces violent fruit.
Sin is Boring
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
The following is an excerpt from “Crucifying Religion” written by Donavon Riley (1517 Publishing, 2019).
Chad Bird - "The Infant Priest Was Holy Born"
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
Our past, present, and future receive healing from Jesus’ wounds.
Thomas O. Chisholm - “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father”
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
When we brag about what Jesus does for us, we win the battle.
Joseph Scrivener - What a Friend We Have in Jesus
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jesus has won the battle. The war is over. In His death, the victory’s sure.
For the Baptized, this is How it Goes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
Riley and Gillespie dig into the Doctor Angelicus and his catechism on Baptism.
The Seed Does it All
When the Bible talks about bearing fruit, it’s not talking about what we must do to produce fruit.
Beth Moore - Christian Communicators
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
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
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"
This week, Gillespie and Riley interview David Zahl about his forthcoming book, “Seculosity.”
Come to Me...and I Will Give You Rest
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
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?"
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
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
I am the Resurrection,’ says Jesus, not an abstract miracle or idea
Gillespie and Riley - Q&A The Sequel
This week, Gillespie and Riley answer your questions and respond to your comments.
Take Up Your Cross and Follow
In March of 2019 Christ Hold Fast held a one day event in Austin, Texas focused on The Christ, The Cross And The Christian. Speakers from around the country came together to speak to this topic.
Flannery O’Connor - Good Country People, part 2
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
All this disciplined living is to be done in freedom.
Jesus' New Exodus
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
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
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
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
When we say “forgiveness,” we mean, “Jesus.” When we say, “righteousness,” we mean, “Jesus.”
Bo Giertz - "Jesus Only"
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?
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
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
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
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?
This week, Gillespie and Riley read from William Barclay's spiritual biography, whether all people go to heaven.
Jesus Increases People's Gladness
He comes to fill our old, stony heart with the new wine of his forgiveness.
We Go to God with Bold Confidence
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?
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
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
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
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.
The Old Testament Roots of the Lord's Supper: Part 1
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
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
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
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?
He who created the heavens and the earth is adored by angels, shepherds, magi, and cows.
Why Jesus Isn’t Santa
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
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
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?
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
It's hard wired into our brain. We can't help ourselves.
"Shipwrecked At The Stable" by Brennan Manning
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!
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
Where Jesus says, “She’s not dead, she’s sleeping,” death dies.
There is Only One Who is Permanent
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”
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
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
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
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 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)
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
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
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
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
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
Jesus’ forgiveness will not collapse. Jesus’ forgiveness will take us places our legs can’t take us.
The Offense of the Cross
Here We Still Stand is an annual three-day event, designed to center your faith in Christ for you, based in the Scriptural truths rediscovered in the Reformation. It's an invitation to celebrate the gospel truths reclaimed in the Reformation and a call to incite a modern Reformation under the banner of the finished work of Christ. It is a three…
Ordinary Joy
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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
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"
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
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
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
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”
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
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.
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
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)
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
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
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)
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
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
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)
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"
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Without the “simul” distinction, theology lapses into moralism.
"The Astonished Heart" by Robert Farrar Capon pt. 2
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
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
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
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
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?
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]"
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
If we get past Sunday School moralizing what do we discover in the Old Testament?
Athanasius' "On the Incarnation" pt. 2
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
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
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
Jesus is the end of religion.
Getting Out from Under the Law
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.”
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
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
Dr. Keith travels to Minnesota and has a wild conversation with Donovan Riley.
Holy Math and The Divine Foxiness
God’s grace and freedom announces the truth to us about ourselves. We need a real Savior.
Clumsy, Messy, Children of the Promise
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
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
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
Only Jesus’ absolute absolution can satisfy a troubled conscience.
The Weak Bridegroom and His Disreputable Bride
“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
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
“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
Jesus is our food and drink, our home and property, our all in all.
Comfort for Troubled Christians
Jesus is our food and drink, our home and property, our all in all.
When a Christian Is Pushed Into Atheism, Who Will Bring Him Back?
Who will bring a Christian back to church when he's pushed into atheism?
The Joy of Being A Sinner
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
I’m a drug addict. Specifically, a recovering drug addict. More specific, a grateful recovering drug addict.
Love That Never Goes Cold
\When we talk about love then, let us not talk about ourselves.
God's Strange Way of Relating to Us
God goes to work on us through His Word like a woodcarver chisels a block of wood.
The Unforgivable, Forgiven
The pastor declares it. We receive it. The forgiveness of sins. It’s a simple thing.
That is Good
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?
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?
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
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
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
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
Blessedness comes to us camouflaged as simple earthly words, water, bread and wine.
Where To Begin
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
For God, the only way He acts as Judge and Justifier for us is through Christ Jesus Who dies for sinners.
Sin Is Boring
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?
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
In Christ, the Word become flesh, this is a concrete, real fact. It is the bedrock foundation of the Gospel.
The Promise
The promise is trustworthy because God has proven Himself to be trustworthy.
True Reformation
Where Jesus speaks to us, takes ahold of us, and gives Himself to us.
The Scariest Word in the Bible
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
We are forgiven for Christ’s sake. Losers set free to trust in God’s promises.
The Bondage of The Will
Here We Still Stand is an annual three-day event, designed to center your faith in Christ for you, based in the Scriptural truths rediscovered in the Reformation. It's an invitation to celebrate the gospel truths reclaimed in the Reformation and a call to incite a modern Reformation under the banner of the finished work of Christ. It is a three…
The Aim and Goal of the Law
Jesus’ life and work is now ours through faith.
Cursing in Defense of The Gospel
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
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
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
This is why a Christian must keep learning to forget himself so long as he lives.
Not The What, But The Who...
Jesus is the "because" and "therefore" of our salvation because He died for our sin
God's Doing For Us That Gets Done
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
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
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
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
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
We were created by our heavenly Father to receive all things from Him as free gift.
When Jesus Stands Center Stage
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
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
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
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
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
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
Christianity isn’t about our faith. It’s about God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Our Strength and Song
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
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
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
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
The angriest people I meet are former Christians.
Bare, Naked Faith
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
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!
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?
Apart from bare, naked faith in Jesus' atoning work for us, no sinner is, or ever can be, holy.
The Worrisome Gospel
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
The God who's lifted up above Calvary, abandoned and forsaken, should draw a more discerning crowd of followers.
A Christian Looks to Christ
Forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and eternal life aren't handed out by God because we deserve it.
When We Hear Grace And Peace
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
We just can't stop ourselves from putting the brakes on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Getting What We Don't Deserve
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
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
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
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
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
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
The truth is, a Christian's holiness is hidden outside himself in Christ through faith.
God's New Year Resolution
Are our resolutions righteous? Is our commitment to self-improvement a selfless act motivated by love for the neighbor?
Where There Is No Gospel...
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
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
Jesus isn't Superman. He's not from another planet. He's from Earth.
Isn't There Anywhere A Person Can Be Still?
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
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
"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
Every Christian is abundantly rich through baptism.
The Hard Reset: Rediscovering God's Word
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
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
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.
The Lost Sheep & Coin
In the Fall of 2016, Christ Hold Fast held a one day event in Dallas, Texas focused on the 'Parables: Grace & Storytelling'. Speakers from Dallas and from around the country came together to speak to this topic. We were thrilled to have many amazing speakers share wisdom throughout the day and we are continually thrilled that we can make…
But What If I Don't Believe The Gospel Is For Me?
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!
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?
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?
Can God forgive friends who abandoned Him in His hour of greatest need?
The End of "As If" Christianity
“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...
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
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
“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
Believe in God, belong to a church, and behave yourself isn’t the Gospel.
Reconnecting Through My Father's Ghosts
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
But I remember that that’s how it ended. Words. Wine. Blood. A sudden halt to the conversation.
Is Christ in the Old Testament?
Theology Unscripted videos answer our most important questions in easy to digest five minute or less packages.
Is Faith a Gift?
Theology Unscripted videos answer our most important questions in easy to digest five minute or less packages.
Jesus Is Our Peace
The kind of peace Jesus points to can't be achieved with words.