Word of Life

We like to live easy lives, but aren't challenges sometimes a catalyst for good? Many great leaders throughout history didn't want to be leaders, but were just men who were willing to do what needed to be done. In Pastor Richard's message today, he shares with you that God will oftentimes use challenging circumstances in your life to bring about good. When you face challenges, look to God and ask Him to guide you through.

Think about a cake… You may have seen some beautiful and elaborate cakes before. And isn't it the biggest disappointment in the world when you bite into a slice of cake, and it's like eating cardboard? In today's message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that the Word of God has to be at the center of your walk with God. You can put on an outward display of being a “good Christian.” But do you spend time knowing God through His Word?

We're creatures of comfort, aren't we? We like the A/C in our homes set to the perfect temperature. We like our beds to be the right firmness to suit us individually. Even our cars have seat warmers and coolers and eight points of adjustment to achieve that perfect fit. In his message today, Pastor Richard urges you not to make comfort your top priority, but God's glory. Is that true of your life? Do you desire to see God glorified above all else?

Some people are always living in the past. They're always telling stories about the good old glory days. But what about today? Is the best of life all in the past? In today's message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that the filling of the Holy Spirit isn't a one-and-done in your life. You can be filled again in a fresh new way to do what needs to be done today. You don't have to live in the past; you can look forward to what God still wants to do in your life.

It's easy to think of church as just a place we go, a building we visit once or twice a week. But God has something much bigger in mind. Jesus is the foundation, and every believer is a part of what He's building. When we gather, we're not just attending a service; we're coming to meet with the living God. Today, Pastor Richard reminds us that God's presence is what makes the church the church. Without Him at the center, we've missed what it's all about.

Have you been striving to live a righteous life, but find yourself failing time and time again? It's a frustrating cycle. It's also completely unnecessary. Jesus didn't leave us on our own. He promised to be with us and to equip us with power to accomplish even greater things than He did. As Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, He provides this power through His Holy Spirit, and all we need to do is rely on Him.

Special events are great! Weddings, birthdays, graduations… But when the festivities are done and over with, life goes on. Yeah, those things are great to celebrate, but aren't lives being lived, marriage vows kept, and career paths followed the substance behind them? In his message today, Pastor Richard shares with you that miracles from God are AWESOME, but eternal life is even better! A restored relationship with God is the ultimate goal.

Sometimes we forget that old things were once new. For example, a rusty old pickup truck may have had a life of hauling heavy loads, with its engine roaring with power. In today's message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that the power of the Holy Spirit never grows old. Two thousand years after Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit is available to you today, just as fresh as it ever was. Have you experienced His power in your life?

There always seems to be that one shy, awkward kid in school who blooms in adulthood. I mean, you'd never guess that he'd be the kid killing it in life as an adult. No shy and awkward anymore… Now he's the guy that everybody wants to be. In his message today, Pastor Richard tells you that the Holy Spirit can empower you to do things that you never thought to be possible before. He'll give you the strength and power to be bold for Christ.

There are a lot of people who can pick up a guitar, sit down at a piano, or even turn on the radio and sing along. There are professional musicians who can sell out stadiums and put on a performance in front of thousands of people. Today in his message, Pastor Richard tells you that the Holy Spirit empowers you to sing praise and worship to God. It's about so much more than just singing; it's a spiritual act of giving god glory.

Do you remember the 90's sitcom Home Improvement? Remember Tim the Toolman Taylor and how he used to looove MORE POWER *WHOAH OH. In his message today, Pastor Richard shares with you about the power of the Holy Spirit that's available to you as a disciple of Jesus. This isn't just a little power; this is the power of God living in you!  This is the Holy Spirit empowering you to be a bold witness for Christ.

Have you been striving to live a righteous life, but find yourself failing time and time again? It's a frustrating cycle. It's also completely unnecessary. Jesus didn't leave us on our own. He promised to be with us and to equip us with power to accomplish even greater things than He did. As Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, He provides this power through His Holy Spirit, and all we need to do is rely on Him.

If you were blessed to have a good father, you know that they were always on your side. They may have disciplined you and had high expectations, but you knew they had your best interests in mind. Now, of course, no earthly parent is perfect. But as Pastor Richard will point out in today's message, God loves you as a Father, and He is perfect. You can trust Him with full confidence that He will provide for you and guide you. 

Have you ever been given the responsibility of purchasing something on the company's dime? Whether it was thousands of dollars of supplies or just a few bucks on a coffee run before a meeting… You may have made the purchase, but it was on behalf of, and paid for by, your employer. In today's message, Pastor Richard tells you that as a Christian, you've been sent out by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out Kingdom business.

Because of our sinful nature, none of us is worthy to stand before God. We often grade ourselves and each other on a curve, giving leniency for our own failures, but harshly judging those whose sins are more apparent or harder for us to understand. The truth is that we're all equally sinful in God's eyes. But, as Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, there is Good News. Jesus died for all of us to be made worthy in God's sight. 

Paul certainly isn't trying to tell us not to do those good works. But your motives matter. As Pastor Richard continues our study of Paul's letter to the Galatians, we'll be reminded that our only boast should be in Christ. As we live in gratitude for what He's done for us, our hearts should be driven to love and serve others. That should motivate our good works, not any effort to earn or maintain our place in God's Kingdom.

For some of us, that may be convicting. We live in a world and culture that has lost sight of what it means to be kind, and it's just as bad in the Church. We should be beacons of kindness and grace, but for many of us, put a camera in our car as we drive down the freeway, and you won't see a reflection of Christ. Today, Pastor Richard will challenge us to be intentional about sowing to the Spirit of Christ in us – living out His grace every day.

If you've ever had a garden, you can't just sit there and watch it happen. It's a slow process, and you'll go crazy waiting for those sprouts to pop through the soil. As Pastor Richard will illustrate in today's message, God's harvest is often gradual as well. Continue to feed into those souls through sharing the Word and praying, but you won't always see instant results. You'll need to let go and trust in God that He will do His work in time. 

If you were blessed to have a good father, you know that they were always on your side. They may have disciplined you and had high expectations, but you knew they had your best interests in mind. Now, of course, no earthly parent is perfect. But as Pastor Richard will point out in today's message, God loves you as a Father, and He is perfect. You can trust Him with full confidence that He will provide for you and guide you. 

What an encouraging word of truth. We have an everlasting source of hope and peace in Jesus! As you journey through this life, this world will try to take everything from you. They can take your job, your money, your comfort, even more precious things, like family and friends, but they cannot take Jesus from your heart. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, the hope Jesus brings can never be taken from us. 

In today's message, Pastor Richard says that the beauty of community is that when you're overwhelmed, there will be someone to support you. The same goes if someone else is overwhelmed; you may be able to support that person and walk with them through their struggles. Loving one another begins with being there for that person during a tough season, the same way Jesus was there for others when they were struggling as well.

I get it; sometimes, loving people can be very hard. But imagine the impact you would have if you loved someone no matter what happens. In today's message, Pastor Richard says that no matter what happened and where you're at in life, Jesus has always loved you, and He will continue to love you. So why should you hate someone else? Jesus demonstrated perfect love, and you have an opportunity to show everyone what that love looks like. 

Have you ever had so much pride that you swore you weren't wrong about someone but ended up just being dead wrong? It's humbling, and it's probably how the Pharisees felt after Jesus' death and resurrection. In today's message, Pastor Richard says that Jesus didn't come to earth with pride and with the agenda to prove everyone wrong. He came humbly and quietly. He wasn't trying to get any attention. In fact, He was hated by those who claimed to know Him. 

If you were to plant a flower in rocks, how well would it grow compared to a flower in soil? The soil gives it proper nourishment and is held in the water so that it can grow. The rocks would do the opposite, which would eventually kill the flower over time. In today's message, Pastor Richard says if a seed is planted in good soil, then it'll turn into good fruit. If your faith is rooted in Him, then your life will bear great fruit and be full of blessings.

Ever read a ridiculously long history of a long-standing business? Once a business owner starts a business, that person will forever be the owner. Like how Christ started the church. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds you that Jesus is the head of the church. No one else. There can be leaders within the church, but no one is above the King of all kings. No matter who started the church, and who runs the church, it all belongs to Jesus.

What an encouraging word of truth. We have an everlasting source of hope and peace in Jesus! As you journey through this life, this world will try to take everything from you. They can take your job, your money, your comfort, even more precious things, like family and friends, but they cannot take Jesus from your heart. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, the hope Jesus brings can never be taken from us. 

In the history of Christianity, as well as in many other world religions, people have gauged the favor of God in their lives by their earthly success. To be healthy, wealthy, or powerful has been seen as a sign of divine approval. But, as Pastor Richard examines the book of 1st Peter, we'll be reminded that following Jesus will often mean the opposite. It will bring hardship, but it's worth it for the spiritual abundance He promises us. 

If I were to stand next to someone shorter than me, what's the glaring difference between us? Well, I'm taller than that other person, but here's some news: God sees us all the same. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds you that as humans, we're all sinners. You may think that compared to the rest of the world, you're a good person, but you're still a sinner in need of a Savior. That's why Jesus came and saved us all now and forever!

Imagine getting invited to an event, and you only know one person, but that one person knows EVERYONE. It's pretty great; you get all of the same privileges as that person since you're the guest, and everyone welcomes you with open arms! In today's message, Pastor Richard says that the beauty of accepting Christ is that He clothes you in righteousness so that you can spend eternity in Heaven. What an honor it is to be so close to Him!

If someone told me that I'm unhealthy, what would I do? Well, I definitely wouldn't be eating the same diet. I can change my diet on my own, but I can't grow closer to God without Him. In today's message, Pastor Richard says that transformation doesn't occur because of what you do. Transformation occurs when you trust God to change you from the inside out. You can't do anything apart from Him; putting your faith in God says that you'll trust Him with everything.

I love, love. Love brings so much joy to my life. I love my family, friends, and my mom's cooking. We are naturally born to love things, and God calls us to love each other more than anything. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds you that above all else, love one another. Love is so important, especially as a Christian. Everything that God has created and structured for you is done in love. How can you exhibit God's love for you today?

When you become a Christian, your gratitude-driven passion can gradually morph into a form of religion. Instead of living a righteous life to glorify your Savior, you focus on good works to appear good to others and earn your place. It's no longer about the grace and freedom you've been given, but it becomes about the position you earn. Today, Pastor Richard will warn us to be on guard against this toxic mindset that easily infiltrates the Church.

In the history of Christianity, as well as in many other world religions, people have gauged the favor of God in their lives by their earthly success. To be healthy, wealthy, or powerful has been seen as a sign of divine approval. But, as Pastor Richard examines the book of 1st Peter, we'll be reminded that following Jesus will often mean the opposite. It will bring hardship, but it's worth it for the spiritual abundance He promises us. 

There's nothing wrong with saving money and making investments. It's a smart move to plan for the future. But, as Pastor Richard will warn in today's message, be careful not to place your hope and trust in your financial position. Banks can fail, and markets can crash, but we have a source of peace and security that never fails. In Jesus, we find the hope for eternal life, and the spiritual riches He offers far surpass those of this world.

Have you ever worked for a boss who seemed to enjoy their position of authority a little too much? When they had the chance to make your job a little harder in some way, you could be sure they would take it. As Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, sin and the Law are both harsh taskmasters, and neither will ever be satisfied. But Jesus is a gracious and kind leader, whose yoke is easy and burden light.

There's a reason the song Amazing Grace has been such a powerful and ubiquitous anthem for millions of believers over the 250-plus years since it was written. The grace God's extended to us in Christ is shocking in its contrast to the self-serving nature we're all born into. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today's message, when we fully rest in the grace we've been given, we can find true, lasting freedom. 

When you live in the freedom that Christ provided on the cross, you're going to make some enemies, even amongst fellow believers. We're challenged by Scripture to “live at peace” with everyone, and to rein in our freedom if it offends others, but there are some people who will be offended no matter what. Today, Pastor Richard will warn of this inevitable friction and encourage us to stand strong in the promise we've been given.

Have you experienced the transformative power of Christ's love? What did He free you from? How did He change your life and heart? If you have answers to those questions, you're ready to preach the Gospel. You don't need formal training or a degree. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, each one of us has a mission to spread the truth of the Gospel, and each one of us is equipped by the Holy Spirit to share it effectively.

If you survey your own heart and life, what's a driving factor or passion for you? How does it fit in your heart relative to Jesus? Is Jesus your main focus, and that thing is secondary? Even if it's a good thing, like family, for example, if it comes before Jesus, it's an idol. As Pastor Richard continues our study in Paul's letter to the believers in Galatia, we'll be challenged to put Christ at the center of everything we do. 

There's nothing wrong with saving money and making investments. It's a smart move to plan for the future. But, as Pastor Richard will warn in today's message, be careful not to place your hope and trust in your financial position. Banks can fail, and markets can crash, but we have a source of peace and security that never fails. In Jesus, we find the hope for eternal life, and the spiritual riches He offers far surpass those of this world.

If Jesus appointed you as His hiring manager and gave you some resumes to look over, Peter's likely wouldn't stand out. It would end up at the bottom of the pile. As a fisherman, he's likely an early riser and hard worker, but his ability to follow directions and understand complex concepts is lacking. But, as Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, it wasn't about who Peter had been, but about who Jesus would transform him into.

Your invitation into the family of God is not a reflection of your merit. That may feel offensive at first, but the same is true for every other believer in His family. None of us deserves what He offers us. We're all born into sin and only deserve to be separated from Him. As Pastor Richard will clarify in today's message, the broad inclusivity of God's family fully reflects God's goodness and should inspire us to live in gratitude.

If you're a parent, can you imagine if your own child refused to eat the food you offered, sleep in the house you provide, or accept any of your gifts? You'd be concerned, to say the least. You want to bless and provide for them, and it would be painful to watch them choose suffering instead. As Pastor Richard will remind you in today's message, you have access to all the blessings of our Heavenly Father. Are you choosing to suffer instead?

The Bible teaches us that righteousness is something that no amount of money can buy. When the rich young ruler comes to Jesus, he learns that none of his riches or good deeds are enough to buy his salvation. But Pastor Richard reminds us that the mystery of righteousness is that it is freely given! The righteousness that saves us isn't based on our own good deeds; it is based on our inheritance of the righteousness of Jesus.

Many of the most painful moments in our lives come from broken promises. If you're a child of divorced parents, you know just how much those broken promises not only hurt you, but also those around you. Well, Pastor Richard reminds you today that God's promises are more trustworthy than the promises of any man or woman who has ever lived! You can rely on God's faithfulness, just like you can rely on the sun rising every morning. 

Do you remember Jesus' parable about the wise man who built his house on the rock, and the foolish man who built on sand? Well, when you try to earn salvation through your own good works, you're not giving yourself a solid foundation! One act of sin can undo a lifetime of good deeds, but Pastor Richard reminds you today that the grace of God is a solid foundation to build your faith on! God's grace never runs out, and it won't let you down.

If Jesus appointed you as His hiring manager and gave you some resumes to look over, Peter's likely wouldn't stand out. It would end up at the bottom of the pile. As a fisherman, he's likely an early riser and hard worker, but his ability to follow directions and understand complex concepts is lacking. But, as Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, it wasn't about who Peter had been, but about who Jesus would transform him into.

As Pastor Richard expressed through that profound C.S. Lewis quote, this life, in this sinful world, leaves all of us wanting. We catch momentary glimpses of peace, joy, and contentment, but when we try to hold on to them, they slip away. God allows this discontent and suffering not because He's cruel, but because it draws our attention towards Him. He uses these experiences to show us that He is indeed the only source of hope and peace.

Have you ever gone through an important meeting with someone, only to realize after the fact that you had something stuck in your teeth? If you had looked in a mirror beforehand, you might have avoided that embarrassing situation! Well, Pastor Richard teaches you today that the Law of Moses is like a mirror for your soul. Its main purpose is to show you the grave nature of your sin, so that you recognize your need for a Savior.

When we read the story of Abraham's faith in God, we're not just looking back on a person who lived thousands of years ago. We're reading the story of someone who worshipped the same God that we do today, but without knowing the name or the story of Jesus! Pastor Richard wants us to understand that we aren't saved by how well we know God's Word, or how much money we give to the poor. We are saved by grace through our faith in Christ!

There is someone out there today tuning in to this program who has never heard the message of grace that we read about in God's Word! If that's you today, Pastor Richard wants you to know that following Jesus is the best decision you will ever make! Just ask Him to come into your life and purify you of your sin, and He will begin to transform you from the inside out! God wants to make you into the person you were created to be.