Clarity Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ruben and Rich
Rich and Ruben explore the relationship between ideas, culture and religion, and how they connect to Christian life.
I’m this episode, Rich and Ruben conclude their series on freedom in Christ and tie their whole freedom discussion together as they show what freedom has to do with the sins we may still commit once we are free. Tune in as they share a refreshing picture of how Jesus sees us.
For too many of us, shame and doubt have been the starting point of our spiritual experience. In this episode Rich and Ruben discuss the role of confession in the lives of those who claim freedom in Christ.
Rich and Ruben have spent several episodes discussing concepts, but in this episode they invite you to join them as they focus on what receiving God’s reality ( actual reality) looks like in our thought life.
Is Faith a muscle? A creed? In this episode Rich and Ruben will discuss Faith as an acceptance of reality.
I’m this episode, Rich and Ruben build off our last episode, sharing examples of issues that they see differently now that they see salvation, God, and ourselves differently. Feel free to join us for the journey.
“ People don’t change.” Responding to that statement with “but Jesus can” is helpful, but not the whole story. In this episode we discuss the motivation and process that scripture shows us will lead to a new heart, and not just “better” performance.
The word “sin” has a lot of baggage. Join Rich and Ruben as they seek a biblically informed and relationally appropriate understanding of sin and forgiveness.
What is the goal of Christianity? Is it going to heaven, and not hell? Is it to stop sinning and start winning? In this episode we discuss how things changed for us when we gave God’s love and reunion with him a more central role in our faith motivations.
A lot has changed since the last episode of Clarity. Tune in as Rich and Ruben update you on what has been going on in their lives and an idea that has transformed them in the last year: freedom.
This week, Rich and Ruben define “anxiety”, discuss their emotional health journeys, and bust a myth or two about “being anxious” that they previously thought the Bible taught.
Bible prophecy can often come across as a point of interest for easily enthused tin-foil hat wearers. This week, Ruben and Rich discuss how that association has come to be, while sharing an interpretation of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 that has given them hope in these end times.
In this episode we discuss the mental transitions that have helped us better embrace the exciting and boring aspects of being a “grown up”.
Much of Christianity today fails to represent the character, way, and teaching of it’s namesake. This betrayal by a majority of the “faith” was predicted in Scripture. If you don’t like the result of this falling away, it’s not just you, Jesus agrees. Join us this week as we talk about how this idea has shaped how we think and live.
We’re back! After a long hiatus Rich and Ruben discuss nostalgia, change aversion, and more. This week, we realize that while we face changes that we have no choice in, we have the opportunity out to choose the change we have needed all along.
“Judgement.” Yikes! Not the kind of thing you likely look forward to, or talk about over supper. Yet David begged God for Him to judge him?! Join Rich and Ruben and encounter a picture of God as judge that is worth believing in every way.
“God”. What did you picture or think of when you read that three letter word? A building where people worship Him? A single, old, white bearded man on an ornate throne all alone? Join Rich and Ruben as they share about the kind of God who made male and female in His image.
Our “Clear Truths” series kicks off as Ruben and Rich discuss the realization that everyone has a picture of God that’s shapes how they see things and a way of seeing things that shapes their picture of God.
In this follow up to their purpose episode, Rich and Ruben process what it means to have an individual meaning and life purpose. Here are the six questions they talk through in order to develop a personal calling statement, for your own personal reflection:
Take these question and use 30 minutes to discover what Jesus is calling you to do
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What would you take a 50% salary cut and still do? OR What would you do for free?
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What did you love to do as a child?[it can look more grown up now]
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Think back in your life to the last time your day flew by and you lost track of time?
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What breaks your heart the most? 5. What barriers are currently stopping you from living out your calling? [or getting in the way]
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What changes do you have to make to use the gifts God has given you to their maximum impact?
Kaleb Eisele built a huge ministry from just spare time and his cell phone. How? Asking good questions and listening. Today we listen to him as he shares how God led him from the true rock bottom of his life to do something he had never truly done before: take a leap of faith. Come encounter God’s goodness with us. Check out what Kaleb is doing on https://www.adventisthumans.com/ or HoA’s various social media accounts.
Rich and Ruben have their FIRST remote episode recording and talk about the social-spiritual implications of a pandemic and how that shows our true colors.
FINALLY we have our friend and colleague Ryan Hodgins on to talk leadership, spirituality, and more. Moments of Clarity abound.
20th episode, 2020, second month, Rich’s Birthday was on the 20th . . . Rich and Ruben are back talk and talking about why we do what we do: purpose. Does your life work towards what you were born to do? Let’s talk!
Rich and Ruben talk about the last decade and how various events affected and shaped their lives, beliefs, and very being.
While still at Pastor’s meetings Rich and Ruben finally got to sit down with friend and colleague Joe Pieretti. After defining the “Billy Graham Rule” they discuss it’s implications in their busy ministry lives. Gender, boundaries, professionalism, and equality all play in.
In light of pastors appreciation month, Rich, Ruben, and Josias Flores discuss what it’s like to live and work as Pastors in today’s world. Where is the balance between going the extra mile and not burning out?
Rich and Ruben start a conversation on Purpose and Motivation in life.
Are we thriving or surviving? Do our intentions behind what we do matter? Why we are talking about Apple in this episode (lol)? Are we in this world "for ourselves" (narcissism) or "for others" (altruism)?... This and more in this episode!
Pastors and philosophers can go on about the concept of suffering and it’s purpose within a worldview. As They discuss an incident that left Rich completely helpless, things get practical. Links to pictures of Rich’s wounds :
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face bandages: https://www.facebook.com/1424695944/posts/10220094340175161?sfns=mo
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Very Graphic Images of Skin Grafts: https://www.facebook.com/1424695944/posts/10220094289093884?sfns=mo
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Slightly less graphic images of his new skin https://www.facebook.com/1424695944/posts/10220094289093884?sfns=mo
Rich and Ruben embark into a deep conversation about Self Validation. (A topic that needs no introduction)
CHECK out our identical shorts PICTURE (lol): https://bit.ly/2zo7FjU
if you’ve ever been frustrated by “Us v.s. Them” rhetoric at work, home, church, family gatherings, or Social Media, this episode is for you. Ruben and Rich talk with colleague and friend Ross Knight about how to “ substantively “agree to disagree.” Ross gives solid tips about about building deep relational ties with those on the opposite side of your favorite hot button issue.
In this Awesome conversation with Pastor Dexter Richardson we discuss various perspectives on the connection between Social Justice and the Gospel. We explore the concept behind the term “Social Justice,” and question whether advocating for it is too political for church work.
Matt was a successful defense attorney, serving as an elder in a large church. As he chats with Rich and Ruben he shares how God called him to give up his conventional career and church paths in order to serve an under-reached demographic in his community. Insights abound for those of all backgrounds and theological persuasions. Check out Matt’s church: https://www.triadadventistfellowship.com/
Our interview with Marcos Bernal has been a longtime coming. After answering for a grave injustice he perpetrated on Rich, Marcos shares how he found meaning in the lengthy gap between the completion of his degree, and getting hired in the field he studied for. As he reflects on the disappoint of paying loans for a degree he wasn’t using, a moment of clarity arises!
Rich and Ruben grill their friend and colleague, Josias Flores, on the compatibility of popular movies with Christian living, and how he justifies discussing them on his weekly podcast.
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Link to Josias’ Podcast: https://anchor.fm/cinematheology
Our Twitter: @clarity_podcast.
Our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Claritypodcast/.
Rich will share his experience as an ex "Spiritual Policeman".
Show Notes—————————
The Different Levels of “truth”:
1. Universal moral issues,
2. Christian issues,
3. Fundamental Doctrines(Aka 28 Fundamental beliefs,
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Teachings(Lifestyle positions the church has adopted that are not a test of faith 1. like Vegtarianism 2. avoiding caffine use 3. allowing the use of the wedding ring
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Majority or Minority View 1. Nature of Christ 2. Necessity of Vegan Lifestyle
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Regional Views 1. No swimming on sabbath, hiking misunderstood on sabbath in Pohnpei 2. Hair length for ministers in South America 3. Wedding Ring in MI (lols)
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Local or Individual Position, Remember, we’re not trying to lower standards, just uphold the true standard, and set aside the difference between truth and opinion! 3-7. Taken from p29-30 MERLIN Burt's Issues in EGW Studies notes.
Rich and Ruben question whether a preoccupation with controversy has affected our priorities and sense of morality.
Rich and Ruben discuss the reality of "Post-Christianity", how "Traditional Christianity" is currently unable to relate with most of our current postmodern society, and how we can better align ourselves to the Christ of Christianity.
Rich asks Ruben about his recent trip to Israel and Jordan, uncovering how the experience has impacted how he lives and thinks.
“Is Islam an inherently violent religion? Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? Rich and Ruben discuss a Christian approach to interacting with the world’s fastest growing religion and its adherents.”
What makes "young people" stay in Church? Rich and Ruben will talk about the experiences, challenges and opportunities that Christian churches are currently facing.
Rich and Ruben introduce themselves and the concepts behind Clarity Podcast. Are you ready?