In a world of immediate gratification and instant results, self-control seems like such a foreign concept. Yet, the power of God works in our lives to bring self-control. So how do we get there? How do we deny the reckless indulgence of the world around us, and reflect God's selfless and others-focussed attitude? Aimee and Jo talk to Jonquil Burn, Riverlife's LifeCentre Co-ordinator, about how to anchor our lives in the power of God to let self-control bear its fruit. Connecting the fruit of the...
Jan 24, 2024•32 min•Season 11Ep. 11
Outrage is the stock in trade of our modern communication channels, yet the Kingdom of God presents us with gentleness as provided by the Holy Spirit. But how do we navigate our reactions of outrage when everyone around us acts that way? Only with God's help! Aimee and Jo talk with Joel Kelder and Dave Scarlett, two men who live their lives demonstrating the power of gentleness. Connecting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 with Jay Kim's book "Analogue Christian", Jo Leutton and Aimee Cowan...
Jan 17, 2024•35 min•Season 11Ep. 10
The sheer scale of need in the world is almost unimaginable, and yet the faithfulness of God speaks to His provision to each person who has a need. How does that happen? Quite often, through faithful people being faithful with their resources as they live in relationship with our faithful God! Jo talks with Rod Callanan, one of the founders of Droplets in a Stream, about the faithfulness of God and the way that can be expressed to people who are often forgotten. Connecting the fruit of the Spiri...
Jan 10, 2024•31 min•Season 11Ep. 9
Goodness is one of those fruits of the Spirit that never seems to draw much attention. It can feel a little beige, a little underwhelming, even boring. but goodness - when we really dig into it - is a whole lot more than just being okay. It's the expression of God's nature in our lived reality! Jo and Aimee talk with Barry Klopper, who's a family lawyer, and he sees the lack of goodness in people's lives every day and has first-hand experience of what goodness can do when people are in chaos Con...
Jan 03, 2024•29 min•Season 11Ep. 8
Peace is an often-talked-about commodity that is constantly sought and seemingly hard to find. Biblical peace goes beyond an absence of conflict, towards the state where people flourish in relationship with God and others. Bailey Meyers joins Aimee and Jo to discuss how peace addresses the contempt of our current culture and the power of taking the time to think before we react. Connecting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 with Jay Kim's book "Analogue Christian", Jo Leutton and Aimee Cowan...
Dec 20, 2023•28 min•Season 11Ep. 7
Kindness is one of the Spirit's antidotes to hostility in our world. See the needs of others and using all that God has given us to meet those needs breaks the cycles of brokenness that the world offers so many. Shélagh Walton and Hannah Row join Aimee and Jo to talk about the fruit of kindness. Connecting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 with Jay Kim's book "Analogue Christian", Jo Leutton and Aimee Cowan journey through each of the Fruit of the Spirit, talking with people who live out th...
Dec 13, 2023•29 min•Season 11Ep. 6
Lynn Anstey has worked alongside people with physical and mental disabilities for much of her professional life, and when her faith and her deep compassion met in a ministry to adults with disabilities in a faith context, it seemed like the best use of her 'retirement' years that she could imagine. And it turns out, she's more busy now than in her professional life, as she ministers to and walks alongside people that are often forgotten and overlooked in the mainstream church. Connecting the fru...
Dec 06, 2023•30 min•Season 11Ep. 5
Join Jo as he talks with Sarah McIntosh and Jeremy Veenstra about Enter the Light, Riverlife's Christmas production. Join them as they explore the power of artistic expressions of biblical truths, the power of place and impact of stepping into the Christmas story in a different way. Then, stay tuned for a portion of Jo's conversation with Mike Bird about the historical Jesus, and why he's the best thing in the world to talk about! Enter the Light runs live on December 14, 15 & 16 at 7pm at R...
Nov 29, 2023•29 min
Choosing joy in our everyday life can be challenging. Some days it's easy, some days it's hard. Add to that the current cultural emphasis in comparison, and it becomes downright toxic! Yet, in the middle of this, Holy Spirit offers us joy that overcomes. Jess Dickson and Sarah McIntosh share their journies into joy in the midst of family, sickness and comparison, and encourage us that it is possible! Connecting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 with Jay Kim's book "Analogue Christian", Jo L...
Nov 22, 2023•32 min•Season 11Ep. 4
The Fruit of the Spirit start with love. Aimee Cowan and Jo Leutton talk with Sandy Meyers about her life, ministry, and Helping Hands - a ministry to the disadvantaged on the streets and hostels of Ipswich, Australia. Connecting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 with Jay Kim's book "Analogue Christian", Jo Leutton and Aimee Cowan journey through each of the Fruit of the Spirit, talking with people who live out these fruit in their everyday lives and ministries. You'll hear from people from...
Nov 15, 2023•30 min•Season 11Ep. 3
The Fruit of the Spirit are the perfect antidote to the chaos and challenges of modern life. Jo Leutton talks with Jay Kim, author of 'Analog Christian', about the challenge of living faithfully to God in the midst of modern culture. It turns out that much of what we face is the same as people have faced throughout history! Links from this episode/helpful links: "Analogue Christian" by Jay Y. Kim (Amazon) Jay's website - Jay Kim Thinks... Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra productio...
Nov 08, 2023•29 min•Season 11Ep. 2
We begin a new season with a new series on the Fruit of the Spirit, and the way they are powerful antidotes to the challenges and pressures of our present life. Connecting the passage from Galatians 5 with Jay Kim's book "Analogue Christian", Jo Leutton and Aimee Cowan begin a journey through each of the Fruit of the Spirit, talking with people who live out these fruit in their everyday lives and ministries. You'll hear form people from all walks of life sharing their success and challenges as t...
Nov 01, 2023•27 min•Season 11Ep. 1
Alongside this podcast series, there is encouraging content on the Riverlife Women Instagram and Facebook pages. Connect with us online and add your voice into the conversation. Let’s spur each other on! Facebook: Riverlife Women Brisbane Instagram: Riverlife Women (@riverlife_women) Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church , and find us on Facebook and Instagram . Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon , 'Revive'. Subscribe ...
Mar 14, 2023•40 min•Season 10Ep. 5
Alongside this podcast series, there is encouraging content on the Riverlife Women Instagram and Facebook pages. Connect with us online and add your voice into the conversation. Let’s spur each other on! Facebook: Riverlife Women Brisbane Instagram: Riverlife Women (@riverlife_women) Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church , and find us on Facebook and Instagram . Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon , 'Revive'. Subscribe ...
Feb 28, 2023•46 min•Season 10Ep. 4
Alongside this podcast series, there is encouraging content on the Riverlife Women Instagram and Facebook pages. Connect with us online and add your voice into the conversation. Let’s spur each other on! Facebook: Riverlife Women Brisbane Instagram: Riverlife Women (@riverlife_women) Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church , and find us on Facebook and Instagram . Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon , 'Revive'. Subscribe ...
Feb 14, 2023•34 min•Season 10Ep. 3
Alongside this podcast series, there is encouraging content on the Riverlife Women Instagram and Facebook pages. Connect with us online and add your voice to the conversation. Let’s spur each other on! Facebook: Riverlife Women Brisbane Instagram: Riverlife Women (@riverlife_women) Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church , and find us on Facebook and Instagram . Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon , 'Revive'. Subscribe on...
Jan 31, 2023•35 min•Season 10Ep. 2
Alongside this podcast series, there is encouraging content on the Riverlife Women Instagram and Facebook pages. Connect with us online and add your voice into the conversation. Let’s spur each other on! Facebook: Riverlife Women Brisbane Instagram: Riverlife Women (@riverlife_women) Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church , and find us on Facebook and Instagram . Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon , 'Revive'. Subscribe ...
Jan 24, 2023•14 min•Season 10Ep. 1
While content has been limited this year, there has still been a lot to talk about in 2021 across the three podcasts across the Riverlife network. We've heard from some incredible guests and discussed a range of topics across theology, scripture, justice, and community! Join our producer, Tim, as he sits down with Jo to talk about all the highlights from 2021 and to look ahead to 2022. As is now a yearly tradition with Riverlife Podcasts, there will also be bloopers and outtakes. Here's to anoth...
Dec 31, 2021•57 min
Have you ever thought about the differences between biblical justice and secular theories of social justice? How are believers to actually take part in efforts against injustice in our society, nation and world? How can we maintain a clear witness when working ‘with’ others engaged in the justice landscape? Join us as we hear from a range of prominent Christian voices ‘talking justice’, including: Tim Costello, Executive Director of Micah Australia, Amy Smith, Chief Advocate of International Jus...
Sep 15, 2021•2 hr 14 min
In a world of differences and divisions, the good news of Jesus can give those who follow Him the posture of patience and listening before jumping to judgement and separation. Tim Fawssett oversees Cross-Cultural Innovation for Scripture Union has experienced first-hand the power of seeing the person behind the beliefs, and the power of genuinely stopping and taking the time to hear someone else's story. Tim spoke with Ps Robyn and Ps Jo in this final episode of our Talking Justice series. More ...
Jun 30, 2021•53 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Matters of faith, justice and first nations people have historically been neglected conversations. But God is restoring the voice of Australia's indigenous Christian apostolic leaders and prophetic voices, as a part of the move of God that is stirring. Pastor Ada Boland from the Indigenous Apostolic and Prophetic Voice, and Pastor Di (part of Ps Ada's Visionary Elders Groups) join Ps Robyn and Ps Jo to discuss their faith journey, and the invitation to all people to join into a unified church. M...
Jun 23, 2021•56 min•Season 9Ep. 8
When we want to connect with people about the Christian faith, the questions of God's existence, justice and the way the world around us seems to work against a vision of flourishing, the questions can be insurmountable. But with compassion, a little insight, and an emphasis on loving others well, we can help bridge those gaps. Dan Patterson, from Questioning Christianity, talks to Ps Jo & Ps Robyn about how we can best talk about justice with those around us. More Information about Dan Patt...
Jun 16, 2021•40 min•Season 9Ep. 7
When something is lost, when someone is in trouble, the Bible tells us that we should turn to God for the answers. But the lived experience of many Christians is not that way. Rob Spurr and the Prophetic Finders ministry do exactly that - they ask God where people and things are. Seem overly simple, or an excuse to not do anything practical? That might be, until you hear from the Lord on people smuggling and break up human trafficking rings! In this next episode of our Talking Justice series, Ro...
Jun 09, 2021•48 min•Season 9Ep. 6
The Oceania/Pacific region covers such a diverse range of cultures, ethnic heritage and spiritual expression. In the midst of that, Elissa MacPherson has the task of uniting women around the truth of Jesus within their common stories. Elissa is the President of the Baptist Women of the Pacific, and Ps Jo Leutton and Ps Robyn Robertson from Riverlife Church talk with her about the blessings and challenges of uniting such a diverse community, as she seeks to walk together with people to unlock dee...
Jun 02, 2021•34 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Rod Callanan felt the call of God to invest in the people and future of his home continent of Africa. Small steps of obedience from Rob, then the bigger team including Jen Barker, has resulted in a decade and a half of growth, lives set free, and now influencing changes for justice national legislation changed in Uganda. Ps Robyn Robertson and Ps Jo Leutton spoke to Rod and Jen following the Talking Justice event at Riverlife Church in April 2021. More Information about Droplets In A Stream (DIA...
May 26, 2021•44 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Dave Andrews' life has been one marked by responding to opportunities to see what God might do if someone is willing to respond. From Afghanistan to India to the West End of Brisbane, Dave and his wife Angie have spent their life loving everyone God brings into their lives, most often the poorest and most maligned in the places God takes them to. From the disadvantaged, the misunderstood, the marginalised and those who have lost their way, Dave has practised what Jesus taught no matter the cost....
May 19, 2021•52 min•Season 9Ep. 3
God plants seeds throughout our lives that call our hearts to His. Amy Smith is no different: through a childhood exposed to the missional heart of God, through politics, to the International Justice mission, God has been calling her to be a voice for the voiceless. Jo chats with Amy about her journey, and her work as Chief Advocacy Officer at IJM. Continuing our series 'Talking Justice', hosts Jo Leutton and Robyn Robertson are joined by Amy Smith, the Chief Advocacy Officer for International J...
May 12, 2021•34 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Advocacy - speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves - is part of Jesus's example to us. But should all believer's be advocates? In the first episode of our series 'Talking Justice', hosts Jo Leutton and Robyn Robertson are joined by the Rev. Tim Costello and Beck Wilesmith from Micah Australia and talk about the importance of advocacy for disciples of Jesus. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Web: Micah Australia Web: End COVID for all Big thanks t...
May 05, 2021•39 min•Season 9Ep. 1
This episode, we are taking a look at Pete Greig's "How to Pray: a simple Guide for Normal People". Jo is joined by Claudine Hawkins and Ryan Vallee, as they unpack the book, what they learned, and why the book is an essential read for every Christian! Our next book club book will be "Healing the Orphan Spirit" by Leif Hetland. The episode will air on July 29, 2021. Why not read it and join in the conversation? Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Purchase: Pete...
Apr 21, 2021•47 min•Season 8Ep. 33
As we spend the start of 2021 focussing on Jesus, we're taking the time on Going Deeper to talk to people about their stories of encountering Jesus, and the difference that has made in their lives. Today, Jo chats with Ps Petrea Taylor, the new Children's Pastor at Riverlife, about her journey to being on staff, and her own encounters with Jesus that have profoundly changed her life. Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. For more info and how you can help, p...
Mar 24, 2021•29 min•Season 8Ep. 32
