The Verdict with Pastor John Munro Podcast

We all love a happy ending. But sometimes, our lives look as though we're heading for nothing but pain and despair. Where is God's helping hand when life's a mess? Pastor John Munro explains why we can always trust in God's good plan as he concludes our study in the book of Ruth with a lesson about God's Hidden Hand.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “play the hand you're dealt'?  That usually describes situations that don't have a good start.  But on this episode of THE VERDICT Pastor John Munro helps us see how God's Hand is the only hand that truly matters, even when His purposes seem unclear.

When you hear that Jesus Christ died for your sins, so that you could be redeemed, do you understand what that means?  Or are you a little hazy about what redemption is all about?  Pastor John Munro continues a fascinating lesson on what it means to be Redeemed.

Life can get complicated. It can be painful, sad, and confusing. But there's a simple and powerful truth that we find in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that can help us find peace and hope for all time. Pastor John Munro discusses what it really means to be Redeemed by God.

It can be easy to define ourselves based on our race or background. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is offered to everyone. How can that be reflected in our worship and relationships? Join John as he reflects on the implications for worship and ministry.

Whether you're single or married, God cares deeply about your relationships.  Followers of Christ can't settle for just going through the motions or following the culture. Our relationships must be built upon the truth and guidance of God's Word. Pastor John Munro shares some invaluable principles from the book of Ruth that will help us all.

Marriage is one of the most important and life-changing decisions two people can make. And yet, so many people today are jumping into this holy commitment with nothing more than a feeling. Pastor John Munro continues our study in the book of Ruth with a pivotal lesson about the timeless, biblical principles for a godly marriage.

We all love a good love story, whether it's a timeless novel like Pride and Prejudice, or a Disney classic like Beauty and the Beast. But as enchanting as these fictional tales may be, there's one love story that's as powerful as it is true—and that's the tale of Ruth and Boaz! Pastor John Munro explores the beautiful lessons to be found in this biblical love story.

Too many marriages today end in the bitter and painful process of divorce. And so many new relationships are struggling to find hope and clarity on how to build a love that lasts. But out of all the books and studies available on this topic, Pastor John Munro points us to the profound truths already provided in the Word of God.

Have you noticed recently that kindness seems to be in short supply? Many of today's political and social leaders have been sowing more hostility than generosity, and even the church can get caught up in all the tension. But on this episode of The Verdict Pastor John Munro encourages us to be givers of kindness by recognizing the grace we have received, from God.

It's fascinating how God selected the piece of real estate for Israel at the very center of the world. For centuries it has been at the heart of human history. So what does the Bible say about this elusive goal of "peace in the Middle East"?

When life gets messy, we can sometimes get fixated on our problems. But when we do that, we forget something vitally important—that our good God is still in control. Pastor John Munro has an encouraging lesson from the book of Ruth about discovering and focusing on The Kindness of God.

We all want to feel prepared and have a sense of security when things go wrong, and we know it's best to have emergency measures already in place before crisis strikes. But Pastor John Munro explains why the greatest security we can ever find is in trusting God and knowing that He is our refuge.

Many of the struggles that come our way can often seem too big for us to handle.  When those moments come, God wants us to find shelter and strength in Him. Not quite sure what that means? Pastor John Munro deals with how to trust God as our refuge in the storms of life.

Pastor John Munro continues an important lesson about trusting in God's good plan, even when life turns bitter. Sometimes our circumstances seem bleak, our hopes seem dashed, but even in these moments When God's Smile is Hidden, His plans and purposes are still in motion.

Have you ever felt cut off from the goodness of God? Perhaps you received some unexpected bad news, or maybe you've been stuck in a difficult situation for some time. When life gets hard, and God seems far away, what should you do? Pastor John Munro explores the answer in the book of Ruth.

No Christian minimizes the importance of prayer, yet this is an area where most of us struggle. While an incredible privilege, prayer is also a discipline, so listen as John offers insight and shares a simple guide for prayers.

Are you trusting in God's plan for your life, even if you don't understand His purposes right now? Pastor John Munro discusses this difficult challenge as Ruth and Naomi arrive at a significant crossroads. How do we trust God in the hard times? How do we demonstrate radical faith?

God is active in the lives of His people all over the world, and He wants to do great things in your own community, through believers just like you! So, how can we position ourselves to be ready for God's mighty purposes? Pastor John Munro reveals what kind of faith it takes to be used by God.

Some Christians think if they just have enough faith, they'll be able to escape the problems of this world. But when we look in the Bible, we see clearly that even the most faithful men and women suffer and have to deal with crisis. Pastor John Munro discusses what to do When Life Hits a Brick Wall.

Sometimes, things don't go the way we planned. And despite our good intentions, exciting new opportunities can end up in disaster and shake our confidence in God's goodness. How can we trust in God's plans when things fall apart? Pastor John Munro explores this important question, as he begins a study in the book of Ruth.

There's a big difference between knowing God intellectually, and knowing Him personally. And when your life gets truly out of control, you need more than facts—you need a personal relationship with God. Pastor John Munro teaches how important the presence of Jesus is, especially in the middle of life's storms.

If asked, we would all likely agree that what is important is not our outward appearance but what is in our hearts. However, John was recently surprised by an objection to his wearing a tie to preach! Why are these personal choices important? (And why does he like wearing ties?)

When life seems dark or trouble seems to be looming, it's natural to look for a way out, a way of escape. But Pastor John Munro reminds us that followers of Christ can weather any storm—even though we may forget or falter.  Find and follow the guiding light of Jesus in the middle of life's storms!

What are we to make of the miracles we read about in the Bible? Did Jesus really heal the sick? Make a blind man see? If these accounts are true (and they are), what does that mean for you and me today? Pastor John Munro discusses the implications that should encourage us and change our lives.

Is there something in your life you've been trying to improve or trying to overcome, but no matter how hard you try, nothing changes? Well, perhaps you're in need of a miracle. Pastor John Munro reveals the only way to change the unchangeable.

The message of Jesus Christ is in fact a supernatural one—to believe in Him is to believe in miracles. But so-called ‘rational' thinking has led many believers to forget the supernatural power of God. Pasto John Munro unveils the miraculous possibilities that come when we encounter Jesus Christ.

Some people dedicate their entire life to a single goal or a special dream, hoping that in the end it will satisfy the longing they carry in their heart. But Pastor John Munro shows that there's only one way to find true fulfillment in this life.

Disagreements are a part of life. But too often in today's climate, we see arguments escalate with no real effort put into resolving the conflict and preserving the relationship. What guidance does the Bible give us on conflict resolution?

The world offers us a never-ending catalogue of answers on how to find fulfillment. We're told that if we buy enough things, travel to enough places, or win enough trophies, then we'll be satisfied. Pastor John Munro cuts through all the lies to help us discover how we can truly be fulfilled.

The Bible makes it clear that in order to get to heaven, you don't have to have a perfect record, or leave some great legacy. Pastor John Munro explores the one condition for reaching God's Kingdom and what exactly that means for you.

At the core of Christianity, the astounding and marvelous truth is that Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins, buried, and then rose from the dead. And because of this powerful truth, we are offered new life. Pastor John Munro explains how to accept that offer and to be born again.

Some people view Christianity as an imaginary escape, a religion of rules and rituals to distract from the pains of life. Pastor John Munro helps us see that the Lord Jesus isn't offering us a religion, but the opportunity for relationship and a completely new life.

Have you ever been working towards a dream or a special goal, but just before you reached it, everything fell apart? Broken dreams can be crushing, but sometimes there's more to see. Pastor John Munro helps us discover that even in the middle of life's disasters, God has a plan.

One of the dimensions of being made in the image of God is our ability to reason, though sin has impacted our thinking. Still, followers of Christ are called to be transformed and to have the mind of Christ. But often we allow the viewpoints of the world to shape our perspective.

The Christian journey isn't just paying lip service, thanking God for what He's done as we continue in our old ways. It's a journey of change! Pastor John Munro shows that with Christ we have somewhere to go, someone to follow, and something to see.

Although many people claim to follow Jesus, far too many of them are just following rules. But faith is far more than a code of conduct. Pastor John Munro shows that Christ is calling us to action, to adventure, and most importantly, He's calling us to follow Him!

The Bible gives us all kinds of information on the life of Jesus. But if you want to understand who He is and why He came, there's one verse that's a great place to start. Pastor John Munro highlights this special verse from the Gospel of John on the identity and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

People often think of greatness as simply having more. The person with more money, more fame, more power is the one we usually call great—but is that really how God measures greatness? Pastor John Munro explains how the biblical model of greatness is actually quite different from our own.

Winston Churchill once said, “Good and great are seldom in the same man.” But the deeper question should be what are the marks of true greatness? Pastor John Munro takes us beyond man's definition of greatness to find out what God has to say about it.

As we mourn the brutal killings of Iryna Zarutska and Charlie Kirk, why is there all this hate? And how are we to respond and function in what seems to be a growing culture of hate?

You can know all the Bible history you want, and you can memorize scripture and go to church every day of the week, but if you don't personally know Jesus, it's all for naught. Pastor John Munro unpacks what it means to know Jesus personally.

What does it really mean to have a relationship with Jesus Christ? You hear people say it, and you may know who Jesus is, but you wonder about this idea of relationship. Pastor John Munro begins a series called Encountering Jesus dealing with those who personally encountered Jesus…and were never the same again.

The life of King David is a powerful example of what it looks like for the Lord to be our Shepherd. Pastor John Munro helps us to see through the eyes of David himself, as David reflects on the incredible story of his life, sharing insight and wisdom in Psalm 23.

Pastor John Munro nears the end of his study on The Life of David by turning to one of the most famous and most loved Psalms written by David. Discover rich life lessons and great spiritual truths as we focus on Psalm 23.

When you think of how God used the life of David, you probably think of David's victory against the giant Goliath, or how he conquered the enemies of Israel. But on this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro highlights the inspiring legacy David left as a worshipper of God.

Much of our Bible reading is often limited to a few verses which are read and discussed without regard to the overall context. But the context is critical to accurate understanding. Join John as he discusses the all-important practice of reading the Bible extensively as well as intensively.

David served God faithfully throughout his life as a warrior, poet, musician, and king, and is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible. Pastor John Munro teaches from the inspiring example of David on how to be a worshipper of God, in spirit and in truth.

Pastor John Munro continues his study on The Life of David by considering his role as king. Explore key moments of David's reign, and the qualities of his faith which led this mere shepherd boy to become Israel's greatest king and a man after God's own heart.

There have been many fascinating rulers and kings, some great and some terrible. Pastor John Munro looks at the legacy of Israel's greatest king, King David, and discusses how God used David's reign to accomplish His purposes in David's life and continues His work in our lives today.

Do you think of yourself or others in terms of the mistakes you've made? Are you sometimes unable to forgive? Pastor John Munro explores the reality of spiritual restoration and the faithfulness of God's grace and forgiveness as he continues our study on The Life of David.