Vanguard Tri-Lakes

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You've found the weekly sermon podcast of Vanguard Tri-Lakes in Monument, CO. Our Pastor, Richie Fike, delivers the Word with passion, purpose and poignancy each week. Email us at TLPOD@vanguardchurch.org, and feel free to give to the ministry by texting the amount you wish to donate to 84321. God bless you!

Richie Fike


    • Sep 27, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 94 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Vanguard Tri-Lakes podcast, hosted by Richie Fike, is a refreshing and insightful source of spiritual guidance. Fike humbly admits his own flaws and imperfections, positioning himself as an obedient messenger rather than a perfect authority figure. This transparency immediately creates a relatable and authentic atmosphere that draws listeners in. Fike's teaching style is compelling and effective, as he skillfully uses meaningful connections to the world, media, and his own life to communicate the hope of Jesus. The result? Smart, funny, and impactful messages that always hit home.

    One of the best aspects of The Vanguard Tri-Lakes podcast is Richie Fike's ability to bridge the gap between biblical teachings and everyday life. He recognizes that spirituality is not confined to the walls of a church but permeates every aspect of our lives. By making meaningful connections to the world and media, Fike brings relevance to his messages. Whether it's through analyzing current events or using examples from popular culture, he shows how Scripture can inform and guide us in our daily lives. This approach allows listeners to see that their faith is not isolated from the real world but deeply intertwined with it.

    Another strength of this podcast lies in Richie Fike's unique blend of humor and sincerity. His messages are not only enlightening but also entertaining. With his wit and relatability, he effortlessly engages his audience, ensuring they remain attentive throughout each episode. This combination of smart delivery and lightheartedness makes for an enjoyable listening experience.

    As for potential drawbacks, one could argue that The Vanguard Tri-Lakes podcast may not delve deep enough into certain theological topics for those seeking more in-depth discussions or scholarly insights. While Fike's teachings are impactful and effective for a broad audience seeking spiritual guidance in their everyday lives, individuals looking for deep theological analysis might find themselves wanting more.

    In conclusion, The Vanguard Tri-Lakes podcast is highly recommended to anyone eager to hear something from and about God. Richie Fike's humility, relatability, and ability to make meaningful connections create a podcast that is both engaging and enlightening. Listeners can expect to be entertained, inspired, and challenged by his smart, funny, and relatable messages. Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance or simply looking for a podcast that integrates faith into everyday life in an accessible way, The Vanguard Tri-Lakes podcast is a must-listen.



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    Latest episodes from Vanguard Tri-Lakes

    Ephesians // 2:1-10 // What's God Doing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 40:40


    One of the great questions that all of humanity is asking on some level or another is this one: What is God doing?What's He up to? How does He fill up His time? What keeps Him busy? f it's true that you can measure a person's values by how they spend their time, then, paying attention to what God does is a great way to get to know His heart.

    Ephesians // 1:15-23 // Jeff Rudder

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 53:34


    Paul was a master at cultural contextualization, and even from a prison cell, he was able to identify 3 crucial questions for the Christ-follower to consider as we attempt to share the Gospel in our world. Jeff Rudder is one of our Strategic Leaders at VTL. He's been on staff at Young Life for years, and we're so blessed to have him as a part of our teaching team. You'll want to stick around after the bumper for Jeremiah's one-of-a-kind Fike-inspired Lead-Shepping. You're welcome.

    Ephesians // Fill In The Blank // 1:1-14

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 46:57


    Life if filled with ways complet the phrase: I am _________. As we launch into this Ephesians series together, the Apostle Paul is going to give us 7 questions to steer us towards the right answer.

    Unusual Suspects // VTL

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2023 46:57


    We've covered lots of unusual characters from the pages of our Bible in this UNUSUAL SUSPECTS sermon series. Perhaps none is more unusual than this week's highlight.When Jesus had a mountainside's attention, and the opportunity to announce what would distinguish his leadership, he chose to speak about this week's Unusual Suspect.Spoiler Alert… You are intimately acquainted.

    Unusual Suspects // Saul of Tarsus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 45:19


    Who would imagine that one of the greatest enemies of the early church could become one of its greatest advocates? In the words of DJ Khaled... GOD DID!

    Unusual Suspects // Asaph the Levite

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 43:13


    King David was not anyone's first pick for King of Israel. Maybe the fact that he was an unusual suspect himself made him all the more collaborative in his leadership.One of David's great collaboraters was a Levite named Asaph. He was really quite something...

    Unusual Suspects // The Woman at the Well // Melissa Janish

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 48:27


    It's hard, sometimes, to put ourselves in the sandals of the human beings that walked alongside of Jesus in His day... to make sense of the cultural, political, and social landscape that they were traversing. But, Jesus wasn't living in obeyance to any of the cultural norms of His day. And, it freaked a lot of people out. Maybe none moreso than "the woman at the well", this week's Unusual Suspect.

    Unusual Suspects // Jesus' Draft Picks // Jeff Rudder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 41:32


    We're blessed to have Jeff Rudder continue in our UNUSUAL SUSPECTS series… filled with characters most of us would never have chosen to play such significant roles in the narrative of the Bible. Jeff's eyes were drawn to the guys Jesus chose to be His disciples. What did He see in them? Why did He call them in, up and out? What does that have to do with you?

    Unusual Suspects // A Roman Centurion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 43:34


    Anyone Jesus pays attention to... we should pay attention to.Anyone Jesus shines light on... we should shine light on.Even if they are an unusual suspect. This week, we'll talk about how Jesus made a meal of a moment when a person who shouldn't have any faith in Him at all exhibits the most faith Jesus has ever seen... and we'll have to ask ourselves if we have faith like the Roman Centurion.

    Unusual Suspects // What Judas Wasn't

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 40:07


    Most of us know the story of Judas Iscariot, the traitor who traded His relationship with Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. We know what Judas was... but, have we ever stopped to consider what he wasn't? In this UNUSUAL SUSPECTS series, we're taking hard looks at some of the ordinary people that did some extraordinary things. Judas fits that description perfectly.

    Unusual Suspects // A Thief On A Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 38:08


    The God of the Bible is not enamored with the same kinds of people that the people of the world are. He seems much more fascinated by the people just below the surface. The people none of us would have selected to have played major roles in the telling of the Gospel story. Unusual Suspects... One of those such people happened to be hanging right next to Jesus on the hill of Calvary. This week, in our UNUSUAL SUSPECTS series, we'll talk about "A Thief on A Cross", and how his experience with Jesus has shaped our perspective on salvation and life.

    You Asked For It // Christian Marriage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 41:01


    We asked you to tell us what you wanted to hear a sermon about, and we ended up with 4 terrific topics… the last of which is an examination of what makes a Christian Marriage a Christian Marriage. In a world where marriage is expendable and cheap, what could be more important than that Christian Marriages stand out as the actual high ground God always intended for it to be? You asked for it! Here it is…

    You Asked For It // Parenting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 47:17


    We asked you to tell us what you wanted to hear sermons about. So far, we've covered "the Bible" and "sexuality". This week... Parenting. There's no question that raising a child in 2023 is a nuanced, complicated, and sometimes frustrating experience. But, what would it look like if Mom & Dad had a battle plan? Find out in today's sermon from Pastor Richie Fike, a self-admitted imperfect parent himself.

    You Asked For It // Sexuality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 44:34


    We asked you to tell us what you wanted to hear sermons about. One of the top answers was “sexuality” and “homosexuality”.What does God have to say about this issue?What does God have to say about your issue?What should Christians have to say to those who disagree with us? You asked for it… so here it is!

    You Asked For It // The Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 40:29


    We asked you to tell us what you wanted to hear a sermon about, and we ended up with 4 terrific topics… the first of which is an examination of the weight, the worth and the wielding of the Word of God.The Bible… YOU ASKED FOR IT.

    Ezekiel 47 // We are the River

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 52:32


    As we close the door on our months-long Ezekiel series, we have come to one of the most beautiful, pivotal, hopeful moments in the entire book. Ezekiel 47 is the picture of what happens when God's people take what happens in the holiest of holy places into the world with them. Our Pastor, Richie Fike, took this opportunity to give us a bit of a state-of-the-union address, replete with a brand new song, “We are the River”, included on this podcast. We pray you share this particular message with anyone you think might want to participate with us in being a church that says to its community: “God is for you… and so are we.”Verse1: There is a river, it flows from the sanctuary Everything it touches turns to good There is a people, growing in love and sharing Everything the father gives to us Chorus:And the further we get The deeper it flows And the more that we give The more we grow And with every step, The more we behold This is the river of the grace of God Verse 2:There is a reason we did not fly to Heaven At the very moment we believed As long as we're breathing, we'll give you every breath and Offer up our hearts, our hands, our feet Bridge:Oh let us be a people of your presence Lord let them see a God who's not against us Let mercy and peace flow through us from Heaven We are the river, Lord make us the river…

    Ezekiel 37 // Dry Bones

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 44:41


    As we near the end of this sprawling Ezekiel series, we arrive at the most famous passage from the book… the Dry Bones. God is revealing to Ezekiel a problem, a prognosis, a process and a promised product through the analogy of the Dry bones. That's great and all, but, what do these dry bones have to do with you and with me? What is the analogy God is speaking to us today?

    Truthful Parenting in a World Full of Lies // Melissa Janish

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 52:58


    One of the most important jobs on the planet is the job of a parent. To lead, to love, to guide, to protect, and to teach young souls how to discern the difference between the truth and a lie. But, in order to do that, parents have to first distinguish the difference between the lies they're told in regards to parenting. Melissa Janish's sermon aims to do that. To juxtapose worldly lies against Scriptural truth. Happy Mother's Day!

    Ezekiel 43 // Sanctuary // Tosha Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 36:05


    We were blessed to have the first lady of Vanguard Church with us at VTL to speak to us about something we all want, we all need, and only God can provide... SANCTUARY.

    Ezekiel 25-32 // God's Animus For Our Enemies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 44:22


    There are 3 major sections in the book of Ezekiel. The first one is all about Israel's past, and why God did what He did. The third one is all about Israel's future, and what God is preparing. This middle one, which we cover in one sermon, (so you should do yourself a favor and go read it all comprehensively... ch. 25-32) is all about: “God's Animus for Our Enemies”.

    Ezekiel 24 // Six Questions // Jeff Rudder

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 44:44


    One thing God is really good at is pushing past the fluff and getting right to the heart of the matter. In one of the strangest passages in the book of Ezekiel, God does just that. He utilizes the death of Ezekiel's wife to make a point about what matters most to Him.Jeff Rudder is our guest communicator this week, but, he's far from a “guest”. A VTL'er himself, Jeff brought to this passage a passionate and inquisitive spirit that yields for us SIX QUESTIONS that Ezekiel had to wrestle with, God's people had to wrestle with, and YOU need to wrestle with.This is a powerful message.

    Ezekiel 18 // Generational Curses?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 45:46


    Do you believe in Generational Curses? Do you believe that the sins of the father flow through his bloodline, like it or not? What does God have to say about it? What if it's not at all about Generational Curses… What if the truth is that it's always only ever about Personal Choices?

    The Road // Jesus Making Appearances/Witnesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 47:53


    He is Risen!Now what? The Resurrection, while incredibly distinctive in the identity of a Christ-Follower, is not how any of the Gospel writers end their telling of the Gospel story. What some might consider the Epilogue of each Gospel narrative may actually be the point of the story.

    The Road // Jesus Taking Sentencing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 42:15


    As we walk the road to Easter Sunday together, it's important that we take note of how the Lord Jesus interacted with and invited the worst treatment any innocent man has ever gotten. Yes, Jesus made enemies with darkness. And, yes, this week, Jesus is sentenced to death. How does He respond? And how does His response set the example for His followers?

    Ezekiel // True or False // Ez. 12-14

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 42:41


    One thing we keep running up against in our study through the book of Ezekiel is the theme of falseness. There was more than one reason God chose to send His chosen people into Babylonian exile. We'll cover three components of the Christian life that must be true and not false, and we'll have some fun along the way!

    Ezekiel // The Question Game // Ezekiel 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 45:51


    You can tell a lot about a person by the questions they ask. This sermon series through the book of Ezekiel prompts all sorts of questions for the Christ-follower. The same things that irked God in the time of Ezekiel irks Him now. And, He's got a few questions for you to wrestle with today…

    Ezekiel // Human Idolatry-Holy Wrath // Ezekiel 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 54:08


    God is angry. Ezekiel is available. The message is clear. Human Idolatry demands Holy Wrath. So, what does that mean for us, today?

    Ezekiel // For Yourself // Ezekiel 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 52:32


    The book of Ezekiel is a one-of-a-kind fantastical ride through sprawling prophecy and spurning elocution. We're going to take this ride together and try to find ourselves, both in the objects of God's frustration, and in the vehicle for His communication. This week, we'll ask ourselves a crucial question: How do you hear from God for yourself?

    Serve in Sincerity (Together) // Matthew 5 // In & Out Churches

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 43:17


    We certainly haven't covered this topic comprehensively, which is to say that there are, of course, other reasons why people are “out” on church, but, in this final sermon from out “In & Out Churchers” series, we're going to do our best to give you one last good reason to be “in”.

    Give in Generosity (Together) // 2 Cor. 8-9 // In & Out Churchers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 46:15


    One of the loudest skepticisms about “church” is the issue of money. Financial malfeasance, irresponsibility and lack of transparency have all made us skeptical and suspicious of organized religion. (Fair). And yet, the topic of generosity in your Bible populates discussion over 10x more than prayer, and 3x more than love. God loves a cheerful giver. Is that you?

    Grow In Groups (Together) // Matt.22 & John13 // In & Out Churcher's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 40:57


    One of the reasons most commonly offered for why “godward” people are less than enthused about participating in CHURCH is, well, God's people. People are a problem. But, that's not how it was ever supposed to be. What would it take for God's People to reclaim the High Ground?

    Live On Mission (Together) // Ephesians 4 // In & Out Churchers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 49:29


    Why are so many people "in" on God and "out" on Church?We're diving into this question for the next 4 weeks with a way to take the high ground on this deep issue. There is simply no Biblical model for independent Christianity. God's plan for each "me" is to find a "we" that's built on "HE".

    Resiliency in '23 // Ephesians 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 38:10


    We're starting our year off talking about “resiliency in '23”. Towards the end of the sermon, Pastor Fike shared a new poem with us. Here it is: 2023 The dawn of days march ceaselessly, So Often without ponder.As one more year increases we Do stop to think of squander. What have I done? Who've I become? Our minds give space to thought. And, should we choose to silence these, Our questions are for nought. In, '23, dear '23, let fullness fill this soul Let love and life and family and faith affix me whole When morning breaks a year from now, I pray I've no regretsIn ‘23, resiliently it was my best year yet.

    The Preparation // Rev. 19 // Worth The Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 42:34


    What do New Testament Christ-Followers have in common with Old Covenant Judaic believers? Hope in Messiah. They were waiting for Him to come, and we're waiting for Him to come back. But, is “waiting” the right word for the posture of the Bride?

    The Prophecies // Isaiah 9 & 53 // Worth The Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 45:49


    What do you do when you don't like what you've been waiting for once you get it? What if it's not what you wanted, after all? Almost 1800 years after the promise of MESSIAH was made, it was kept. But, what could be so objectionable about Jesus? 
Find out today in week 3 of our WORTH THE WAIT series.

    The Process // Matthew 1&2 // Worth The Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 45:49


    We human beings are a people prone to pronouncement. We love an entrance. We love pomp. We love a show. But, the King of kings and the Lord of lords didn't arrive with a parade or a fireworks display. He came on a silent night from the throneroom of Heaven to the stench of the earth. What does “The Process” of the birth of Jesus tell us about what the Lord is doing in our lives? With a little help from the Chicago Bulls and Steve Harvey, we continue our WORTH THE WAIT series with “The Process”.

    The Promise // Genesis 22 // Worth The Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 47:15


    What do New Covenant Christians have in common with Old Covenant believers? Waiting. Every Christmas, we purpose to remember the miraculous story of the fulfillment of the most important promise ever made… Jesus. But, that promise almost never got out of the gates. In this series, we'll cover the Promise, the Process, the Prophecies and the Preparation.

    The Power of Participation // Ephesians 2 // POWER

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 50:34


    Have you ever wondered why Christians, upon making a profession of faith, aren't teleported into Heaven immediately?Have you ever wrestled with the exist-ential questions of life? Why are we here? What is our purpose?Jim Carrey has. Maybe you should too…

    The Power of Decision // Acts 8 // POWER

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 48:03


    The average human being makes:A) 15 bad decisions a dayB) 35,000 decisions each dayC) two good decisions for every knuckle-headed oneD) 122 Informed decisions per dayFind out which is the right answer in this POWERFUL (get it?) message, “The Power of Decision”. Pastor Fike is going to spell out 5 decisions that, at the least, every human being should make once, and at best every believer should make on a daily basis. There is incredible power in ‘decision'. **Stick Around Past the Bumper to hear a special moment with Chuck McKenzie**

    The Power of Invitation // Luke 19 // POWER

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 43:41


    Find out how simply being NICE can make an eternal impact on the world around you. Sound too sweet? Too easy? Too simplistic? A vertically challenged tax collector would beg to differ.

    7 Myths About the Value of Life // Rich Bennett

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 39:08


    In America this year, there has risen to the surface a renewed interest in the debate between “life” and “choice”. Our church's name, “Vanguard” is a military term that signifies the fact that our job as believers in and follower of Jesus Christ is to take the field of battle with vigor and passion, knowing full-well that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but powers and principalities. Rich Bennett is a true Vanguardian. He is on the very bleeding edge of the front-lines of the battle between life and death; literally. You'll learn a lot and garner a greater perspective listening to the stories of a man who loves people well and fights for life every day of his own.

    Trust Jesus // Mark 5 // Thomas Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2022 41:39


    Sometimes, the best advice can come across as the most trite and insincere. When you're walking through a tough season of life, and some well-meaning believer encourages you to “Trust Jesus”, though the advice is sound, the path may remain unclear. How? What does it really mean? What does it require? What does it look like to trust Jesus? We were joined by Mr. THOMAS THOMPSON today hear one perspective on this age-old question.

    NOW HEAR THIS // Good News > Good Advice //Micah 6(&5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 42:16


    (Forgive our static this week)There is a huge difference between Good Advice and Good News. Find out what it is as we study the most famous verse from the book of Micah, 6:8. It turns out that that verse isn't exactly what we think it is.

    NOW HEAR THIS // The Lord Will Refine Us // Micah 3 & 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 48:15


    In Part 2 of our Micah series, the minor prophet speaks a major declaration to the leaders of Israel. "Corruption of the Best is the Worst." Find out just how relevant this passage is to 2022 Christianity.

    NOW HEAR THIS // The Lord Will Discipline You // Micah 1-2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 46:22


    As we enter into this 3-week Sermon Series from the Book of Micah, we will hear 3 clarion calls from the Prophet himself. NOW HEAR THIS… The first message that Micah communicates to God's people is that God is faithful to discipline the ones He loves. Are you willing to invite your Father to bring Holy discipline into your life? Buckle up, Butter-cup… it's coming either way.

    Book of Joel // The Valley of Decision // Chapter 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 42:53


    As we conclude this series in the Book of Joel, we will be confronted with “The Valley of Decision”, an apocalyptic final-boss-battle for the souls of mankind. As Joel prophecies the details of what happens in the “VOD”, we are, all of us, face-to-face with the decisions we must make to be ready for what will happen on that fateful occasion. Are you ready for the Valley of Decision?

    Book of Joel // Chiastic Prophecy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 45:01


    834 years after Joel spoke his prophecy, the Apostle Peter name-checked and quoted him verbatim in order to help to make sense of the birth of the Church and the falling of the Holy Spirit. This is just a small window into how the God of the Bible LOVES to communicate... through Prophecies Spoken and Fulfilled. What does that have to do with you? What does that have to do with today? Could it be that God's not done speaking? (And, what does DJ Khaled have to do with any of this?)

    Book of Joel // Right Relationship

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2022 47:01


    Joel is a book about returning to Right Relationship with God. Choosing not to worship God when things are hard is not ok.Choosing not to give God glory when things are great is not ok. Joel's message to God's people is simple… Turn back to God. Astute listeners to the 9.11.22 podcast might notice that the first 7-8 minutes of today's sermon sound awfully different than the last 30. That's because we had a “board crash”, and Pastor Fike had to re-record the intro. Ah, technology. One more thing… a message to Lucas Laney. Please, oh, please take Pastor Fike up on his offer, and reach out. Our whole church is praying that you choose to let Jesus pay your debt.

    Book of Joel // 3 Crucial Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 45:01


    The book of Joel is a cautionary, (and gruesome), tale of outright devastation and the lessons that can be learned from it. In Chapter One, as Joel lays out the picture of what's left after the locusts swept through Judah, He is also asking us 3 Crucial Questions we'd do well to pay to attention to.

    "Bookends" // CREED // John 1:1-5,14

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 40:32


    In the final sermon from the Series, “Creed”, we'll talk about the most dangerous phrase in “The Sending”. God himself could have chosen to be known as majestic, powerful, intimidating, and removed. He could have instructed us to call Him, “Great Majestic Leader”, or “Grand Pub”, or some other such title. Instead, through the life of Jesus, we see clearly that we are to understand Him through the lens of FATHER. That's dangerous, especially since so many of us have a distorted definition of what that word means.

    Send Me & Spend Me // CREED // Isaiah 6 & Genesis 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2022 44:25


    So far, in this Sending Series, we've dealt with issues of identity. But, as we make the turn to home base, it's important that we talk about our part in the Sending, and the 5 hardest words in the entire poem: "I give you my all". ALL is a big number, and one worth examining on a daily basis.

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