Hosted by The Church at Riverstone
Episodes
191
Latest episode
Aug 2026
Language
EN
Living Vertizontal is a weekly podcast from The Church at Riverstone, A Fellowship of the Church of the Nazarene in Madera, CA. Living Vertizontal explores Scripture and celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit in our world.
In this episode we continue on with Luke 18:9-17. In this passage, Jesus tells us another story, this one about a Pharisee and a tax collector, followed by a look at an interaction involving Jesus, His disciples, and children. From this passage we talk about the importance of coming to Jesus dependent and empty, like little children, that we may be filled with His Spirit and used for His.
In this episode we move into Luke 18:1-8 where Jesus tells a parable of the persistent widow. From this passage we address the importance of remaining dependent on our good Heavenly Father through every trial. We discuss what it means to pray with persistence, trust God's character, and continue believing that He will ultimately bring His justice to the world.
In this episode we continue on in Luke 17:20-37 where Jesus is questioned by some Pharisees about the coming of the Kingdom of God. From this passage we discus the existence of the Kingdom here and now and the Kingdom yet to come. While we wait in the gap of what is yet to come, Jesus has invited us to be prepared through active participation in His Kingdom here and now. The most important question we can be asking of Jesus on a moment by moment basis is, how? How would You like me to participate in Your right here, right now Kingdom?
In this episode, we look to Luke 17:5-19, where Jesus continues to address His disciples about the power of faith, and we also see Jesus interact with 10 lepers. As we work through this passage, we recognize how in Christ, we have everything we need to carry out His Kingdom work. The invitation is to keep our eyes fixed on Him and to be prepared for what He has next.
In this episode, we explore Luke 17:1–4, where Jesus teaches His disciples about stumbling blocks and forgiveness. Together, we discuss the importance of bringing our thoughts, feelings, and emotions under the lordship of King Jesus because of the influence we have on those around us. As we do, we learn to recognize the stumbling blocks that can arise both within us and through us. Since Jesus reminds us that these obstacles are inevitable, we also consider the essential role of forgiveness in displaying the kingdom of God and removing barriers that might keep others from Him.
In this episode we work through the remainder of Luke 16, exploring Luke 16:19-31. In this passage we read the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. From this passage we discussed both the importance of listening to the God who speaks in every circumstance and situation, as well as recognizing each and every single opportunity in front of us to participate in, and speak about, the Kingdom of God.
In this episode, we move into Luke 16:1-18, reading yet another of Jesus' parables, the parable of the shrewd manager. Together, we talk about the importance of living intentionally and strategically for His kingdom, being willing to surrender what is easy, and embracing the difficult, yet simple, pursuit of Jesus as Lord in our lives.
In this episode, we push on to Luke 15:11-32, where we read the parable of the prodigal son. As we work through the parable we identify the different individuals within the story, the repentant son, the reckless father, and the resentful son, and talk through how each of them resonate with us. As we discuss the older son, we identify our propensity to reflect him rather than the father in our willingness to forgive and seek restoration with those around us. Our invitation and challenge is to forgive and restore extravagantly, just as the father of the parable does, just as Jesus does.
In today’s episode, we continue our journey through Luke 15:1–10, where Jesus shares two more parables with the crowds. Together, we explore the consistent response of both the shepherd and the woman: in the face of loss, they set everything else aside to pursue what is missing. And when the lost sheep and coin are found, their response is one of abundant celebration. As people invited to participate in the Kingdom of God, we are likewise called to recognize the immense value of every person around us. These parables challenge us to pursue the lost with intentionality and to celebrate joyfully whenever someone experiences the grace and life of God’s kingdom.
In this episode we turn to Luke 14:25-35, shifting from the sabbath encounters, to an interaction that Jesus has with the crowds surrounding Him. From this passage we talk about honestly evaluating the cost of following Jesus, from relationships, to security, and identity. When we follow Jesus, we are invited to bid farewell to all those things that we often cling to.
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