Conversations with Ray Martinez

Week after week we confess our sins in church, hopefully.  I'd like to think as Christians we do it on a daily basis, maybe even on a hourly basis. There are times I catch myself asking for forgiveness with confession from moment to moment.  Don't look at me as a bad person, but see that I have weak moments. There is a certain amount of trust that Christ hears our prayers and confessions, and yet it may seem like a mystery. We will take a deeper dive into this topic as we listen in.

Genesis 11:1-9, often referred to as the Tower of Babel narrative, describes a time when humanity was unified by a single language and sought to build a city with a tower reaching the heavens to "make a name" for themselves and avoid being scattered (v. 4, NIV). This act reflected human pride, self-reliance, and a desire for autonomy apart from God's purpose. God's response? Listen in as we take a deeper dive into what this means for us today.

Jesus prays for unity among all believers, present and future, mirroring the perfect unity between Him and the Father. This oneness is not just relational but spiritual, reflecting a shared purpose and love. He wants believers to be united so the world can see evidence of His divine mission. Listen in as we understand the difference between prayer and intercession. 

In Philippi, Paul encounters Lydia, a businesswoman from Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth, a luxury good associated with wealth and status in the ancient world.  Lydia is described as a “worshiper of God”. Listen to learn more about Lydia's conversion, a sign of Easter.

“In a little While” is our message. Let's also talk about the sorrow to joy and life lessons today. The transformation of sorrow into joy, a process rooted in God's redemptive plan and sustained by His presence is what we will learn today. Jesus continues, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16, NIV). This cryptic statement puzzles the disciples. Let's take a deep dive into understand the Word.

The Bible, particularly in the New Testament, addresses the practice of breaking bread and drinking wine, often called the Lord's Supper or Communion. To determine whether Jesus is present among believers during this act, according to Scripture rather than church doctrine, we will examine relevant passages and their implications, focusing on a direct, scripturally grounded interpretation. Listen in and we will take a deep dive into breaking bread.

Jesus' practice of giving his disciples names or nicknames, such as calling James and John the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), was deeply rooted in the cultural, spiritual, and relational dynamics of his ministry. This act of naming was not merely a casual or arbitrary decision but carried profound significance, reflecting the disciples' personalities, roles in the mission, or their spiritual transformation. It also aligned with Jewish and biblical traditions where names were often imbued with meaning, serving as a reflection of character, divine calling, or prophetic destiny. Listen in for a deeper understnding.

Our discussion today is to understand blood moons as divine signs in Scripture, their historical connection to significant events for Israel, and their relevance to the upcoming blood moons in 2025-2026. Listen in for a more detailed discussion.

Grace beats at the heart of the Gospel, embodying God's unmerited favor that breathes life into our souls. We neither earn nor deserve this gift; a loving God freely bestows it. Today, we explore what grace means in the Bible, how it transforms us, how we extend it to others, and what living it out looks like. Through Scripture, the poetic lens of the Psalms, and modern voices, we unpack this beautiful truth, including the distinct difference between grace and mercy. Listen in.

Philippians 2:5-11, often referred to as the Christ Hymn, is a cornerstone of Christian theology and ethics, encapsulating the nature, mission, and exaltation of Jesus Christ while offering a transformative model for believers. Its profound message resonates across time, challenging individuals and communities to embody Christ's humility, servanthood, and obedience in a world often driven by self-interest and division. Listen in so we can understand Paul's blueprint.

A false prophet is a person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God.  In the Bible, false prophets also spoke on behalf of false gods. False prophets functioned in their prophetic role illegitimately or for the purpose of deception. The Bible denounces false prophets for leading people astray. We will take a deep dive into this topic today.

Life is replete with unpredictabilities, often symbolized as storms—tumultuous periods marked by difficulty, confusion, and waiting.  The Bible, rich in metaphor and narrative, offers profound insights into facing such storms with faith and perseverance.  By examining scriptural references and analogies, believers are equipped with spiritual tools and perspectives to withstand and transcend these inevitable trials. Let's take a deep dive into the Word.

I am deeply saddened to hear about Wayne Shorteidge's passing. He was not just an honorable man; he was a true patriot who served our country with distinction as a Major in the United States Army. 

This story underscores the mercy and patience of God, highlighting the importance of bearing good fruit in one's life. Ultimately, the passage serves as a reminder that repentance is vital, and that God's grace provides opportunities for transformation, but also warns that neglecting this call can lead to dire consequences. Self-examination plays a crucial role in personal growth, offering several significant benefits.  Listen in as we take a deep dive into the vine.

Resisting temptation can be challenging, but many people adopt various practices to help them navigate daily struggles. Here are some common strategies. While the devil cannot read our minds, he observes us closely and takes advantage of what he sees. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into why, when, and how we defeat temptation.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 calls for a holistic approach to faith — one that touches every part of our existence. It reminds us that a vibrant relationship with God transforms not only our hearts but also our homes and communities. By living out these commandments daily, we create a lasting legacy of faithfulness for future generations.

One key takeaway from Luke 6:27-38 is the principle of unconditional love and mercy, particularly toward those who may not treat us well. This teaching challenges us to respond to negativity with love, reflecting God's character rather than our natural inclinations. Listen in as we take a deep dive into the characteristics of unconditional love.

“What if?” ...which are a lot of hypothetical events. What if this happens to me? What if I slide off the road while I'm driving? We all know the list can go on and on with "what if?" If want a real if, it would be, what if I didn't believe, and it turned out that I was wrong?  What a horrible situation that would be for me. Tune in if you want to learn more.

Arguing with God is our message....  Can we argue with God?.  Is arguing with God sinful?.  Does arguing with God demonstrate sinful pride?.   Does arguing with God demonstrate a lack of faith.   or does it illustrate ignorance?.  We are taught that anger is sinful. Didn't God become angry?  .  God's anger was righteous .  Can we not have a righteous argument?.  Did God argue?Listen in as we take a deep dive into those that argued with God.

Knowing is about experience—it's not just cognitive thinking.Sprinting is all about relaxation; the more you relax, the faster you can run. The Bible speaks of experiencing Jesus in various ways, emphasizing relationship, faith, and understanding. Today, we will explore key verses that illustrate this experience and discuss how we apply it in our lives.

The idea that simplicity equals transparency is reflected in various biblical principles and stories, emphasizing honesty, humility, and clarity in both actions and intentions. We will talk about some biblical references and stories that illustrate this concept. Listen in for a deeper dive. We'll keep it simple.

The Bible discusses dreams as a means through which God communicates with people. Dreams are seen as significant and can carry messages from God, provide guidance, or reveal future events. We will talk about some key points regarding dreams as mentioned in the Bible. Listen in for a deeper dive into dreams.

The phrase "sharing is caring" conveys the idea that when we share what we have—whether it's our time, resources, love, or knowledge—we demonstrate care and compassion for others. The concept encompasses several key themes. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into those key themes.

What is the purpose of our life? Do I count? The Bible tells us that this life is like a vapor, here for a moment and then gone (James 4:14). It is crystal clear about the brevity of our existence. We must ask ourselves: Are the things we focus on aligned with Christ? Strengthening one another in faith fosters unity and resilience in our mission to spread the Good News. Listen in as we take a deep dive into our lives.

The Bible does not directly address the concept of celebrating the New Year in the same way that many cultures do today. However, it contains several passages and principles that can relate to the themes of renewal, reflection, and the significance of time. Listen in for more context to our learning.

In the small town, nestled in the hills of Judea, a young couple was making their way to an inn. Joseph, a humble carpenter, and Mary, his betrothed wife, who was now very pregnant, were tired after a long journey from Nazareth. Listen in for the rest of the story.

God's silence appears in various parts of the Bible, often prompting questions about why God might choose not to respond or intervene in certain situations. I'll share a few instances and relevant verses that highlight this theme and necessity. Listen to God's silence in our lives.

Gideon expresses his feelings of inadequacy. This illustrates a common theme in biblical narratives where God chooses unlikely leaders to accomplish His plans, reminding us that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into our feelings and God's strength.

The world seems to question why anything would be different today than tomorrow or even since the beginning of time. However, we know that our time will come to an end.  Do we believe that Jesus is coming again? That's where we draw the line in the sand. Christians believe that the end is not the conclusion, but rather the beginning of His promises. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into getting ready and why we should...

In the Bible, the concept of smell is often linked to various symbolic meanings and spiritual significance rather than just physical scent. I'll provide you with a few reasons why smell is important in a biblical context.

In the Bible, the methodology by which God appoints leaders is often demonstrated through divine selection, guidance, and anointing, reflecting qualities of character and the purpose God has for His people. We will cover some key aspects along with relevant scripture references. Listen in for more insight for living.

The concept of holiness continues in the New Testament, where it is often linked to the life, teachings, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, as well as the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in believers. We will talk about several key references that illustrate how holiness is understood in the New Testament. Listen in about your holiness in this life.

Holiness, or  (kadosh), in the Hebrew Bible, means being set apart for God—distinct, sacred, and pure. It reflects God's own nature, as seen in Isaiah's vision: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.' To be holy is to embody moral integrity and live in a way that mirrors God's character, as commanded in Leviticus: 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' Holiness, then, is a call to live intentionally, separated from the profane, and dedicated to God's purposes. Listen in to learn about what Holiness means to each one of us.

We will talk about resting in Jesus and resting in peace. Today's verses encourage readers to pursue faith and obedience to experience the rest that God offers, while also highlighting the seriousness of heeding God's message. When God finished His work in creation, He rested—not because He was tired, but because His work was complete and good. Listen in as we take a deep dive into resting with the Lord.

The Bible not only provides direct teaching on balance, but it also offers examples of people who either lived balanced lives or struggled with it. I'll share some deeper reflections on balance with examples from biblical characters that help illustrate each point that we talk about. Listen in for a deeper dive into the word.

I would suggest to you that the Bible does not teach eternal salvation, although it sure would be nice if it did. The Bible warns Christians that they can "fall from grace", be "cut off" from salvation, have their names removed from the Lamb's Book of Life, by committing certain sins and not repenting of them.  In a chilling reminder of the possibility of losing salvation by separating oneself from Christ, Paul says, "I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." (1 Cor. 9:27). Listen in for a deeper dive into the word of God.

The concept of predestination in the Bible refers to God's foreordaining of certain events or individuals' destinies, particularly regarding salvation. There are several key passages that discuss predestination, and interpretations of them vary, especially among different Christian denominations. We will do an overview of the biblical passages and common themes. Listen in for a deep dive.

God not only sees our actions, but He knows our inner motives, desires, and the very thoughts that we think. This underscores His omniscience—nothing is hidden from God. God's Communicates His Will to Mankind. God reveals His own thoughts and will to humanity, often through prophets, scripture, or by putting specific thoughts into individuals to guide them according to His divine plan. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into God's message.

This message provides an exploration of the concept of expectancy, particularly in a biblical context. It highlights the importance of faith, hope, and trust in God's promises, emphasizing themes like waiting on the Lord, trusting in His promises, praying with expectation, and living with anticipation of Christ's return. It also draws on the story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate lessons of faith in God's timing, patient endurance, and God's faithfulness. Additionally, quotes by Bill McKibben and David Allen underscore the power of expectations in shaping one's reality. Listen in for an in-depth study.

Alan Lichtman's 13 keys to the White House is a system he developed to predict the presidential election since 1984, which is 10 out of 10 correct. We'll also explore Jim Rickard's prediction along with along with Brandon Biggs' insight. Finally, what does Betfair have to say? The betting favorite by them has only lost twice since 1866. Who is right and what do you think. Listen in for more details.

Let's talk about the End Times Revival in the Tribulation. The New Testament speaks of a coming revival among the Jews/Israel. Romans 11:25 says that now, for a time, Israel is “partially hardened . . . until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (ESV). Then, “all Israel will be saved,” which seems to indicate that the Jews will one day be “softened” to the gospel and receive it. Revelation mentions what seems to be a revival among Jews during the tribulation, led by 144,000 Jewish evangelists (see Revelation 7). listen in as we take a deeper dive in part 2 of this podcast.

Will there be a worldwide revival before the end times? This will be part 1 of our series. A revival is a spiritual reawakening in which a church or community is brought out of a state of dormancy or stagnation, resulting in changed lives and a renewed pursuit of personal righteousness. Does the Bible contain any prophecies about a worldwide revival breaking out? Yes and no. Listen in as we take a deep dive into the word about revivals. 

Psalms 34:1-8 is a passage that expresses themes of praise, deliverance, and trust in God. We'll breakdown the verses to understand the meaning and key takeaways. Overall, Psalms 34:1-8 inspires a deepened relationship with God through praise, trust, and the pursuit of His presence. Listen in for a deep dive of what King David was sharing.

Understanding the importance of reasoning can enhance your dialogue in relationships. Listening, understanding motives, being creative, showing compassion, and making wise decisions—we can foster more meaningful and respectful conversations in our relationships. Listen in as we talk more about the voice of reason.

The Bible discusses the concept of delegating authority in various instances, emphasizing the importance of sharing responsibilities to ensure effective leadership and management. Effective delegation, as illustrated in both biblical and modern contexts, is crucial for successful leadership and management. It ensures that responsibilities are shared, preventing burnout and allowing leaders to focus on their core duties. Listen in to learn more about delegated leadership.

The Bible outline specific examples about arguing and disputes in various passages, often emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflicts and promoting peace and understanding. Paul's exhortation in Philippians 2:14 encourages believers to cultivate a positive and Christ-like attitude in their daily lives, promoting unity, love, and a compelling witness to the world. Listen in for a more in-depth study.

The Bible addresses the concept of God saying "no" to people's requests in various passages. These instances can provide insight into why and how God might refuse a request or prayer. When God says no, it doesn't mean rejection; it means redirection. Trust that His plans for you are greater than you can imagine. Let's take a deeper dive into the word today.

If you fail to plan, then you're planning to fail. God establishes our plans by guiding us, aligning our desires with His will, providing wisdom, and ensuring His purposes prevail. We will talk about some biblical principles and references that illustrate how God establishes our plans. Listen in for a lively discussion and a voice of reason.

The Bible provides a multifaceted approach to understanding the stages of believing, growing, and knowing the Lord. We will dive into scriptures that talk about these stages and why they are imperative. Join us today for a great discussion.

The key takeaway from this verse is the importance of valuing and heeding God's word while it is available. The Israelites took God's messages for granted, leading to a severe consequence where they would no longer have access to His guidance. It serves as a reminder to remain receptive and responsive to divine teachings and not to neglect spiritual nourishment. Listen in for a deeper dive into the Word so we don't lose it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ray-martinez7/message

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and promises that He will draw near to those who seek Him. This concept is foundational to the Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of a personal relationship with God. We will dive deep into drawing closer to God. Billy Graham and Rick Warren certainly had something to say about this too. Listen in and learn about some great take-a-ways. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ray-martinez7/message