The Riddle of Faith

Dale and Tamson discuss Dale's song "Playing in the Sand" and the story behind the song. YouTube Lyrics Video (with photos): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywVkYWazjoQ Playing in the Sand Verse 1: I see children playing in the sand, And it reminds me of before I was a man. For my happiness was always right at hand As I searched out life there among the sand. Chorus: Oh to find such...

Dale and Tamson discuss Dale's song "Heaven Bound."  There's also a clip and some discussion about Tamson's first recording at age 5. YouTube lyrics video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozcwIktOELY Heaven Bound Verse 1: I’m heaven bound I’m going to glory Eternal life  Is mine today I’ll see my Jesus And I’ll sing his story How Jesus saved my soul  And he took all m...

Dale and Tamson discuss Dale's song "Heaven's Now" (lyrics below).  This song was also briefly featured on the podcast about the end times (Season 2 - Episode 2). Heaven’s Now  Verse 1: Some people are waiting for that better day  When the Lord’s gonna come again. They walk that straight and narrow way They’re trying so hard not to sin. “Why, look at all the signs” the people s...

Season 3 is all about music!  Dale and Tamson kick off the new season by talking about Dale's first original song that he recorded (lyrics below), the importance of music in the ministry of the Riddle Evangelistic Association, and how Dale began songwriting.  To The Glory Of God Verse 1: We have not come to entertain you Or to show you how good we can sing.  We have not come to gain your prai...

Tamson and Dale revisit an old sermon, "Why Sit Here Until We Die?" to talk about Dale's inspiration for the sermon and the relevance of the message today.

Dale and Tamson interview Tom Bos who was involved in the ministry from the very start.  Dale and Tom reminisce about the early days and how God used Tom's expertise in music, electronics and technology.  

Dale, Tamson and Morgan sit down with Mark Howell for a look back at the one year that Mark traveled with us as our sound man.  Mark took a gap year after high school and opted for a very different type of education . . . life on the road with an evangelist.  This was such a fun interview and I love hearing all the stories and laughter, especially now that we are older and can look back with a dif...

Tamson discusses Dale's recent mission trip with he and guest, Matt Fallaw.   Dale and Matt have traveled to Cuba together several times and the Cuban people hold a special place in their hearts.  It's Dale's favorite place that he has ever traveled and he and Matt tell stories about some of their favorite memories and reflect on what they have learned through the years.

Dale and Tamson discuss evangelism (witnessing) and how it has changed for them through the years.  Are we required to try to convert people?  How can sharing our faith become a scorecard instead of a joyful overflow of faith?

Tamson asks Dale about a number of mysterious encounters.

A few extra questions for both Dale and Gilda about the most evil presence they've ever experienced, the most divine presence and then more discussion about death.

Tamson discusses questions about prayer with Dale and Gilda. 

I had another opportunity to be a party-crasher and interview Dad and his friends!  Ronny Russell and Charles Howell join us again on the podcast to address the topic of mental health.  We discuss why depression can carry a stigma in the Christian world and Charles and Ronny tell personal stories about their experiences.  I think their transparency will be an inspiration, and maybe even a relief,...

 Are we really free to be our authentic selves if we have to worry about other people?  Dale and Tamson discuss an old sermon and some truths that can be confusing.  Can another person inhibit your freedom in Christ?  Can your freedom in Christ be used as an excuse to push your beliefs on someone else?  Just a few of the questions that are addressed in this podcast.  

Gilda joins Dale and Tamson on the podcast to revisit a painful experience that required forgiveness.  This is a follow up to the previous podcast "Lord Have Mercy" where we explored our obligations as recipients of God's mercy and forgiveness.  I ask Gilda how she was able to forgive when the church broke her heart, and heard insights and stories from she and Dale about anger, merc...

Tamson revisits an old sermon  to discuss some lingering questions about whether we forfeit God's mercy when we refuse to be merciful.  Dale tells a story about the most merciful person he has ever experienced.  As always, lots of laughter (especially toward the end) as Dale and Tamson commiserate about mercy not being a "gift" and Dale tells stories of how that has played out in hi...

Are there certain stories in the Bible that have lost their mystery and meaning because they are viewed and defended as historical facts?  Dale and Tamson discuss how something can be true without being factual.  They start with the first five chapters of Genesis and then talk about the Bible in general  - a mystical and holy book about God, but the Bible is not God.  

Part 2 - Dale tells stories about the eight years he spent in the rock 'n' roll band, "Billy and the King Bees."  He doesn't like to name-drop so he rarely talks about the famous people he met, but love hearing all these stories, so I had to "nudge" him a little.   And I'm grateful for yet another example of how God can use every part of our lives for a grea...

Dale tells stories about the eight years he spent in the rock 'n' roll band, "Billy and the King Bees."  He doesn't like to name-drop so he rarely talks about the famous people he met, but love hearing all these stories, so I had to "nudge" him a little.   And I'm grateful for yet another example of how God can use every part of our lives for a greater purpo...

It's a common and vexing question without an easy answer.  Tamson talks to Dale and Gilda to get their perspectives and hear their stories about why they trust their lives to a God who allows injustice and suffering.  Tamson talks about times she has struggled (and sometimes still struggles) with this question and  also asks questions about the different theologies that have emerged from the...

For Dad's 78th birthday, we revisit some favorite memories (of birthdays, of Mom, of being a Dad) and favorite things (song, Bible verse, author, etc). 

Dale and Tamson discuss the fascination with eschatology (the study of the end times or last things), the benefit and/or harm of our beliefs about the end times, and why Dale has always focused on the here and now instead of wishing and waiting for (or fearing and dreading) the rapture.

Dad and his buddies (Ronny Russell and Charles Howell) were having a "guys night" and I called to see if I could ask them some questions.  They were happy to share stories and I was grateful for the opportunity to talk with them!   

Dale and Tamson discuss their experiences and theology regarding the LGBTQ+ community.

Dale and Tamson discuss crisis of faith (also referred to as "deconstruction") as part of the faith journey.