Living Vertizontal
Religion & Spirituality
About
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.
Episodes
- Making Every Effort to Know and be Known (Luke 13:22-35)
This episode delves into Luke 13:22-35, examining Jesus's teaching on the narrow door and his lament for Jerusalem. It interprets the narrow door as a metaphor for entering the Kingdom of Heaven through personal relationship with God, caut…
- The Day Freedom Disrupted Religion (Luke 13:10-21)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Luke 13:10-21, focusing on Jesus' healing on the Sabbath and parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. It explores themes of freedom from binding forces, reliance on religious structures versus rela…
- Active God, Active Response (Luke 13:1-9)
This episode explores Luke 13:1-9, discussing Jesus' call to repentance and the parable of the fig tree. It examines God's nature and actions, and how individuals are invited to respond and identify God's work in the world.
- The Urgency of the Revival Within (Luke 12:49-59)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 12:49-59, focusing on Jesus' teachings regarding the cost of living within His Kingdom. The discussion covers Jesus' mission of refinement and revival, His distress over His Baptism of death…
- Be Ready, Always, EveryONE (Luke 12:35-48)
This episode marks the 10th season of the Living Vertizontal Podcast, continuing a journey through Luke. The discussion centers on Luke 12:35-48, exploring the importance of readiness in the Kingdom of God and serving in expectation of Chr…
- Lent 2026: The Unrequested King (Zechariah 9:9-12)
This episode of Living Vertizontal, presented during the sixth week of Lent, examines Zechariah 9:9-12, discussing the arrival of Zion's King and the importance of focusing on Christ amidst life's challenges.
- Lent 2026: Invitation and Opportunity to Dwell (Psalm 27)
This episode, part of the Lent 2026 series, explores Psalm 27, emphasizing confidence and trust in Jesus amidst chaotic situations. The discussion highlights looking to Jesus first, like David, as a response to uncertainty.
- Lent 2026: Choosing to Love, Listen, and Hold Fast to God (Deuteronomy 30:11-20)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Deuteronomy 30:11-20. The discussion focuses on Moses' final words to the people of Israel and the choice between choosing life or death, leading to a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Lent 2026: God’s Refinement, Our Obedience, Global Promise (Jeremiah 32:26-41)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Jeremiah 32:26-41, discussing misplaced desires and the importance of having a proper desire for God. The hosts explain how a refined desire for God leads to simpler obedience, regardless of rewa…
- Lent 2026: Desiring the Lord (Psalm 84)
This episode of Living Vertizontal continues the Lenten journey with a discussion of Psalm 84. The episode focuses on the importance of intentional worship and recognizing God, which helps distractions fade and counteracts complacency, by…
- Lent 2026: Listening in the Wilderness (Week 1: Psalm 95)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses the season of Lent 2026 and explores Psalm 95. The hosts talk about trusting Jesus' plan and provision and recognizing dependence on God during wilderness experiences.
- Faithful Focus On Jesus (Luke 12:22-34)
This episode of Living Vertizontal works through Luke 12:22-34 and explores Jesus' statement to His disciples to "not worry." It discusses misconceptions often associated with Jesus' message of God's provision and care.
- Living Richly Toward God (Luke 12:13-21)
This episode analyzes Luke 12:13-21, specifically the parable of the rich fool. It explores the rich fool's misplaced and self-focused perspective, contrasting it with a call to deeper dependence on God and humility in discerning how to us…
- He’s Got Our Back (Luke 12:1-12)
This episode of Living Vertizontal explores Luke 12:1-12. Topics include hypocrisy, fearing God, confessing Christ, and finding encouragement in Jesus's teachings.
- Warnings and Invitations to Abide (Luke 11:37-54)
This episode explores Luke 11:37-54, where Jesus dines at a Pharisee's house and speaks woes to the Pharisees and scribes. The discussion centers on how these woes reveal misconceptions and misrepresentations while extending an invitation…
- A Good Eye and the Humble Heart (Luke 11:29-36)
This episode explores Luke 11:29-36, discussing Jesus' teachings on the sign of Jonah and the lamp of the body. It emphasizes the humility of the Ninevites and the Queen of the South, and the importance of approaching Jesus humbly.
- Just Keep Swimming (Luke 11:14-28)
This episode of Living Vertizontal analyzes Luke 11:14-28. The discussion focuses on Jesus's teachings about a divided house, unclean spirits, and true blessedness. It also explores Jesus's identity and authority as presented in the passag…
- The Good Father (Luke 11:1-13)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 11:1-13 as Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. The discussion covers proper orientation in prayer, persistence, and God's response as a good Father who gives good gifts.
- Advent 2025: To the Heart of God (Advent Week 5: Christ - Jonah 4:1-11)
This episode finishes the Advent journey by examining Jonah 4:1-11. It covers Jonah’s resentment and God’s methods for his transformation, emphasizing focusing on Jesus for hope, peace, joy, and love amidst pain.
- Advent 2025: To the Heart of the Enemy (Advent Week 4: Love - Jonah 3:1-10)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Jonah 3:1-10, highlighting Jonah's obedience in Nineveh and the Ninevites' repentance. It reflects on the miracles of obedience, belief, and salvation, and God's loving nature as the God of seco…
- Advent 2025: In the Depths of the Sea (Advent Week 3: Joy - Jonah 1:9-17)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Jonah's prayer in Jonah chapter 2. It explores how focusing on God's unchanging character can lead to joy, even amidst challenging circumstances.
- Advent 2025: In the Chaos of the Storm (Advent Week 2: Peace - Jonah 1:9-17)
This episode of Living Vertizontal explores Jonah 1:9-17, focusing on the great storm and Jonah being cast into the sea. The discussion examines the theme of peace, highlighting how the satirical form of the passage reveals truths and how…
- Advent 2025: To the Ends of the Earth (Week 1: Hope - Jonah 1:1-8)
This episode discusses the Advent theme of Hope, focusing on Jonah 1:1-8. It explores Jonah's attempt to flee from God's call and the subsequent storm, highlighting God's omnipresence and pursuit of both Jonah and Nineveh.
- The Good Portion (Luke 10:38-42)
This episode examines Luke 10:38-42, discussing the hospitality of Mary, Martha, and Jesus. It contrasts cultural tendencies towards productivity with the Christian invitation to prioritize presence and time with Jesus and others.
- Open to Interruption (Luke 10:25-37)
This episode discusses Luke 10:25-37, specifically the parable of the Good Samaritan. It examines how Jesus used questions and parables to move understanding from intellectual to heartfelt, promoting life transformation and active particip…
- So Others May Live (Luke 10:21-24)
This episode examines Jesus’ prayer of thanksgiving in Luke 10:21-24, focusing on themes such as humility, the authority of Jesus, and the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. It explores living in a way that reflects the K…
- Our Kingdom Identity (Luke 10:13-20)
This episode delves into the interaction between Jesus and the 72 disciples as described in Luke 10:13-20. The discussion centers on the choice presented when the Kingdom of God approaches and the importance of grounding one's mission and…
- The Potential in the Not-Yet (Luke 10:1-12)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 10:1-12, where Jesus sends out 72 disciples. It explores the mission blueprint and encourages listeners to see potential in every encounter, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
- Kingdom Possibilities and Costs (Luke 9:51-62)
This episode examines Luke 9:51-62, discussing Jesus and His disciples being rejected by Samaritans and the cost of following Jesus. It explores prioritizing relationships and identifies common barriers to participating in God’s Kingdom, s…
- Patience Amidst Misconception (Luke 9:37-50)
This episode of Living Vertizontal reflects on Jesus’ patience with those who failed to grasp the kingdom of God. It highlights humility as the path to participation in His kingdom.
- Dynamic Listening to Jesus (Luke 9:28-36)
This episode of Living Vertizontal explores the Transfiguration event described in Luke 9:28-36. It discusses the difference between a static and dynamic message from God, emphasizing a dynamic relationship with Jesus over static dependenc…
- Titles, Meanings, and Implications (Luke 9:18-27)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Luke 9:18-27. It covers Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus' prediction of his death, and the explanation of the cost of following Jesus.
- Invitation, Not Interruption (Luke 9:10-17)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 9:10-17, including the feeding of the 5,000. It explores the idea of sabbath as dependence on Jesus rather than simply rest from activities.
- Missional Blueprint (Luke 9:1-9)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Luke 9:1-9, covering Jesus sending out the twelve apostles and King Herod's desire to see Jesus. The hosts reflect on the missional blueprint laid out by Jesus for both the apostles and contempo…
- Desperate for Jesus (Luke 8:40-56)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 8:40-56, focusing on the healing of the bleeding woman and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. The discussion centers on the implications of living a life oriented towards Jesus and dependence…
- Remaining Despite Resistance (Luke 8:26-39)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Luke 8:26-39, focusing on the story of the demon-possessed man in the Gerasenes. It explores the themes of following Jesus into challenging situations and meeting people where they are.
- Transformative Power of Obedience (Luke 8:16-25)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Luke 8:16-25, focusing on the lesson of the lamp, Jesus' interaction with his mother and brothers, and Jesus calming the storm. It examines themes of humility, receiving wisdom, and obedience to…
- Everyone, A Place to Belong and Serve (Luke 8:1-15)
This episode covers Luke 8:1-15, discussing the involvement of women in Jesus’ ministry and the parable of the sower. It explores themes of the kingdom welcoming everyone to participate and Jesus’ invitation to reflect on one's own recepti…
- Undivided Dependence (Luke 7:36-50)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 7:36-50, discussing the biblical passage where Jesus encounters a sinful woman at Simon the Pharisee’s house. The conversation focuses on the role of undivided dependence on Jesus for findin…
- This Kingdom is for You (Luke 7:24-35)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 7:24-35, focusing on Jesus' teachings about John the Baptist and the concept of an "upside-down kingdom" where individuals are encouraged to see others as they were created to be.
- Beauty of Ambiguity (Luke 7:18-23)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses Luke 7:18-23, focusing on John the Baptist sending his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah. The conversation explores various interpretations of John's actions and the role of ambiguity…
- Restorative Implications of the Inbreaking Upside Down Kingdom (Luke 7:1-17)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 7:1-17, focusing on two healing miracles involving a centurion and a widow. The discussion centers on Jesus' demonstration of His upside-down kingdom and its implications for living a life o…
- Hope of a Foundation in Christ (Luke 6:46-49)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Luke 6:46-49, exploring Jesus's emphasis on hearing His words and the warning from the wise and foolish builders. The discussion centers on the importance of having a foundation rooted in Christ.
- Dependent Like Our Teacher (Luke 6:37-45)
This episode of Living Vertizontal continues an exploration of the Sermon on the Plain, specifically Luke 6:37-45. The discussion centers on Jesus' instructions regarding judging others and the parable of the tree and its fruit, emphasizin…
- Radical Dependence and Trust (Luke 6:27-36)
This episode of Living Vertizontal continues the sermon on the plain, examining Luke 6:27-36. The discussion focuses on Jesus' instruction to love our enemies and the importance of radical obedience in daily life.
- The Cost … Blessing of Discipleship (Luke 6:12-26)
This episode of Living Vertizontal explores Luke 6:12-26, covering Jesus' calling of the 12, healing the multitudes, and the Beatitudes. The discussion centers on finding unity and blessing through focusing on Christ.
- Sabbath and Abiding in Jesus’ Kingdom (Luke 6:1-11)
This episode of Living Vertizontal discusses the Sabbath, focusing on interactions in Luke 6:1-11. It explores the idea of the Sabbath as an invitation to grow in dependence on Jesus rather than a set of protective laws.
- New Wine Skins (Luke 5:33-39)
This episode concludes the discussion of Luke 5, specifically verses 33-39. It explores Jesus's conversation with the Pharisees and scribes regarding fasting and His subsequent parable about new wine.
- Being the People Who See (Luke 5:27-32)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines the story of Levi's calling in Luke 5:27-32. The discussion centers on Jesus' ability to see individuals and His invitation to follow Him, as well as the opportunity for His followers to see othe…
- Seeing as He Sees (Luke 5:17-26)
This episode of Living Vertizontal examines Jesus healing a paralytic in Luke 5:17-26. The discussion focuses on Jesus seeing, knowing, and desiring to meet our needs, and how we can learn to perceive as He does to better help those around…