Word of Life

We'll never learn it all in this life. Scripture reveals this truth that most of us are well aware of: we don't know everything. There will come a day when all knowledge will be given to us, but that can only happen when we stand before God in eternity, with perfect bodies and souls, free from any hint of our sinful nature. As Pastor Richard will remind us today, even in our state of ignorance, we can find comfort and hope in God's Word. 

It's a true blessing to know that our God is a God of His Word! Can you name another God who would uphold His promises for thousands and thousands of years? Pastor Richard teaches you today about how the covenant that God established with Abraham has very generous terms, and has forgiven the Israelite people time and time again, even when they abandon the love of their Creator and choose to worship false idols instead.

Land is a valuable resource. You need land to build homes, you need soil to cultivate crops, and you need natural resources to not only sustain your own life, but to trade with others in exchange for other things you need. Pastor Richard teaches you today that the land God promised to Abraham in Genesis still belongs to his descendants all these years later, and the resources of that land are not to be exploited by other settlers.

It's easy to feel like no one cares about you. Over the last several years, there's been a noticeable shift in society becoming increasingly individualistic, and many people are left suffering in silence and isolation. But Pastor Richard wants you to know today that there is a God who loves you and cares about you! He knows everything that is going on in your life. You are a beloved child of God, and He is ready to hear your prayers and bless you.

Being a pastor isn't a role that should be taken lightly. Instead, God's Word teaches that those who take on this role are held to a higher standard, as they are responsible for the souls of the people under their care. Pastor Richard reminds you today that he is also a sheep in God's flock, but he has a responsibility to everyone listening to this program today to teach God's Word in its entirety. His job is to continually point people toward Jesus.

On our own, we are weak and vulnerable. It is impossible to follow God's commands under our own strength. But the deception that Pastor Richard warns against in today's message is the lie that there's no way to live a Godly life in this world. We have access to the Holy Spirit, and when you accept Jesus as your Savior, that Spirit will come to dwell in you. In Him, you can live a God-honoring life of obedience and wholeness. Not that you'll never fall into sin, but it will be the exception, not the rule.

We'll never learn it all in this life. Scripture reveals this truth that most of us are well aware of: we don't know everything. There will come a day when all knowledge will be given to us, but that can only happen when we stand before God in eternity, with perfect bodies and souls, free from any hint of our sinful nature. As Pastor Richard will remind us today, even in our state of ignorance, we can find comfort and hope in God's Word. 

Many of us are guilty of that in our lives. We try to fit God into our will for life. We search His Word and twist our interpretations to support who we want God to be instead of submitting ourselves to who He is. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, following God is a journey of discovery. As we seek His face and strive to live in a way that honors Him, we'll make mistakes, but as our faith grows, we keep moving forward. 

We must ensure that we don't lose sight of the urgency of our mission. If you believe in the message of the Gospel, that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that without His forgiveness, every human soul is destined for eternal torment apart from Him, you know that our calling is very consequential. As Pastor Richard will challenge us in today's message, while it doesn't require kicking any doors down, we cannot be shy about sharing the truth of who Jesus is.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. You could live 99.99% of your life in Biblical perfection, but even that 0.01% – that moment where you look in the mirror and pridefully admire how good you are – would contradict God's design and steal glory from Him. As Pastor Richard points out in today's message, sin is an offense to God, and you need His forgiveness and redemption to stand face-to-face with Him in His perfect Kingdom.

God doesn't act in malice or carry out any evil against His beloved Creation. Even in judgment, He acts in love. He is love, and He won't contradict that. Yet, so often in our brokenness, we interpret hardship, trials, or temptation as being a punishment or a sign of disapproval from Him. As Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, while God doesn't cause these things, He does allow us to experience them, while He quietly orchestrates His good and perfect will for us in the background.

We often envision Satan as a dark, sinister figure. He's portrayed as an ugly, red villain, with horns on his head and a pitchfork in hand. There's nothing scriptural about that. Satan is a fallen angel. He was created by God, and if we were to see him, we might be surprised by his beauty. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, the Prince of Darkness is not God's equal. He's strictly subordinate to God, and he knows it. While we should be wary of his methods, we do not need to fear him.   

Hold loosely to the things of this world. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy what you have while you're here. As Pastor Richard will point out in today's message, it's important that we maintain the perspective that we're foreigners traveling in a distant land. We know our journey will take us home to the perfection of God's eternal Kingdom, but it doesn't mean we can't enjoy moments of blessing in this current one. All good things point to our Creator, and we can glorify Him as we enjoy temporary blessings.

Many of us are guilty of that in our lives. We try to fit God into our will for life. We search His Word and twist our interpretations to support who we want God to be instead of submitting ourselves to who He is. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, following God is a journey of discovery. As we seek His face and strive to live in a way that honors Him, we'll make mistakes, but as our faith grows, we keep moving forward. 

Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough to come to God? Some churches might say you have to fix your life before coming to church or even getting to know Christ, but you don't wait to get better before going to the doctor, do you? You go to the doctor because you're sick and because you need help. And today, Pastor Richard invites you to come to Jesus just as you are, and let Him be the one to change your heart

Only God can know how the current conflict in Israel will play out. Could this be the beginning of the end, or is it just another brief moment of tension? As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, none of us can see the future. This is a moment to stand firm in our faith. Whether this comes to a peaceful resolution or results in all-out war in that region, our mission as Christ-followers is unchanged. We need to live as though He could return at any moment, sharing His love with urgency.

Israel is a small country, comparable in size to the state of New Jersey, yet it often finds itself as a major player on the world stage. Why is that? In this moment, all eyes have been on the conflict unfolding there, and it has been a matter of debate as to how we should respond. As Pastor Richard will point out in today's message, what we observe happening in the Middle East is not really surprising. As believers, we know that the Word of God prophesies of upheaval as Christ's return approaches.

Like a gardener who turns a field of burned soil into a place of new growth, God brings life out of what seems destroyed. The fire may leave scars, but it also clears the way for something beautiful to bloom. Pastor Richard will tell you today that God takes your deepest pain and redeems it. He restores what was lost and brings purpose from your suffering. What once looked like ruin becomes a testimony of His power to make beauty from ashes.

The other day, I told my teenage son it was time for a shower, but no matter how much I reminded, reasoned, or pleaded, I couldn't physically make him do it. He had to choose it for himself. Today, Pastor Richard will share with you that, in a way, that's how it is with God. He offers cleansing, grace, and new life through Jesus, but He won't force you to accept it. Love doesn't coerce; it invites. God's gift is free, but it's up to you to receive it.

I remember grabbing a bag of chips one night, telling myself I'd just eat a few. But before I knew it, the whole bag was gone, and I still wasn't satisfied. Pastor Richard will explain to you today how selfishness works. The more you feed it, the more it craves. It promises satisfaction but only leaves you emptier inside. Living for yourself never fills the hunger of the heart. True satisfaction comes when you align your desires with God's desires.

Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough to come to God? Some churches might say you have to fix your life before coming to church or even getting to know Christ, but you don't wait to get better before going to the doctor, do you? You go to the doctor because you're sick and because you need help. And today, Pastor Richard invites you to come to Jesus just as you are, and let Him be the one to change your heart

In the world we live in today, it's easy to look at others and think we have a better standing with God because of what we believe or how we live. But in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that we're not to look down on anyone, especially on those who haven't yet believed. The truth is, we've been grafted into God's promises by His grace alone. And that's not a reason for pride, but a reason to be thankful and give glory to God.

A compass always points north, no matter how lost we feel or how disoriented our surroundings become. But if we tried to find our way with a broken compass, one that points wherever it feels like, we'd be lost. Today, Pastor Richard will tell you that's what happens when you rely on politics, culture, or even your own reasoning to guide you. Those things shift with the wind. God's Word, though, is the true compass: steady, trustworthy, and unchanging.

Sometimes it feels like the world is spinning faster than we can keep up: chaos in the news, uncertainty in our lives, and fear about what's next. But even when everything seems out of control, it's not. Pastor Richard will remind you today that God hasn't stepped off the throne. He's still ruling and still holding all things together. What looks like disorder to you is never disorder to Him. You can rest knowing your unshakable God is still in complete control.

One of the greatest regrets we could ever have is wondering what might've been if we had fully surrendered to God's plan. We don't want to reach the end of our lives and realize we missed the purpose He had for us. God's plans are always better, overflowing with meaning, joy, and eternal impact. Today, Pastor Richard will challenge you to choose obedience over comfort, faith over fear, and devotion over distraction. Don't leave a “what if” behind.

Faith isn't something we inherit; it's something we choose. God doesn't save us because our parents followed Him, and He doesn't reject us because they didn't. Each heart stands alone before Him. Pastor Richard will remind you today that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. That means your story with God is personal, not passed down from your ancestry. No matter your family history, His invitation is open.

Imagine if every promise we made came with a reflection of who we truly are. When we say we'll do something, God calls us to follow through, because our word reflects His character. Today, Pastor Richard will remind you that scripture says, “Let your ‘yes' be yes and your ‘no' be no.” In a world full of broken promises, being a person of integrity shines brightly. When you keep your word, you reflect the One who always keeps His.

In the world we live in today, it's easy to look at others and think we have a better standing with God because of what we believe or how we live. But in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that we're not to look down on anyone, especially on those who haven't yet believed. The truth is, we've been grafted into God's promises by His grace alone. And that's not a reason for pride, but a reason to be thankful and give glory to God.

When we first come to God, there's a sense of curiosity and wonder as we discover who He is. But answering His call to go out and make disciples can feel daunting. That's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that Christians aren't just followers of Christ… we're called to be ministers to those around us. Ministers in our jobs, in our homes, in our marriages, in our relationships, as we live in the world, we are called to be the salt of the earth.

Sometimes when we get too comfortable, we start to take God's blessings for granted… and before we know it, we begin to drift. But God doesn't want that for us, just like He didn't want it for the Israelites. Time and time again, He sent prophets to call them back, to remind them of His faithfulness. And in today's message, Pastor Richard encourages you to remember God's promises and never take His goodness for granted

We all have those days when we forget to do something… like taking the food out of the freezer before mom gets home, or finishing that chore we promised our spouse weeks ago. But sometimes, in the busyness of life, we forget something even more important: God's promises. And that's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that Christians worship God not only because He deserves praise, but because He's worth it.

When you think about your life and the people you're closest to, who comes to mind? Maybe it's your friends, a loved one, or your spouse. Those kinds of relationships are rare, and that's what makes them special. That's the kind of relationship God wants with you. The Creator of the universe loves you so much that He wants to know you personally. And today, Pastor Richard invites you to come to Jesus and begin that relationship with Him.

Sometimes in life, we treat our relationship with God like something simmering on the back burner while we focus on everything else. But God doesn't want to be a side course in your life… He wants to be the main meal, the center of it all. He loves you so deeply that He sent His only Son to pay the price for your sin, just to be in a relationship with you. So today, Pastor Richard encourages you to make God the priority of your life.

When people hear things like ‘Jesus will return,' they often think, ‘It's been two thousand years… will He ever come back?' But the truth is, He will. God loves us so much that He's giving every moment of every day for people to receive His grace and turn back to Him. And today, Pastor Richard invites you to become part of God's family - because one day, Jesus will return. There will be no warning, only the fulfillment of His promise.

When we first come to God, there's a sense of curiosity and wonder as we discover who He is. But answering His call to go out and make disciples can feel daunting. That's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that Christians aren't just followers of Christ… we're called to be ministers to those around us. Ministers in our jobs, in our homes, in our marriages, in our relationships, as we live in the world, we are called to be the salt of the earth.

Sometimes, one of our biggest weaknesses as humans is pride. We want to do things on our own, and when we succeed, we feel unstoppable. But too often, we bring that same mindset into our faith, as if there's something we could do to earn salvation. The truth is, there's nothing we can do because Jesus already did it all. So today, Pastor Richard encourages you to seek Jesus, because when you look for Him, He'll meet you where you are.

For the last two thousand years, we've been given the task to share the Gospel with the world. But with that Gospel, there's a promise, and it's that Jesus will return. And this isn't empty words or just encouragement; it's a guarantee that Jesus will come back for His family, and that we will join Him. The question is, what do we do now? Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to hold on to God's Word and to share it with all who will listen.

Sometimes, when we look around the world and see the chaos ensuing, we can forget that there's someone who's in control. Someone who will use every bad situation for His glory and make something good and beautiful out of it. That's why in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds you that in the middle of all that hopelessness the world spreads, the real hope is coming soon, and His name is Jesus Christ.

When we look at God, it's easy to forget that He doesn't owe us anything. He created us in this world that we have messed up, and yet we often expect so much from Him. But that's what's amazing about God. He doesn't look at us the same way we look at Him. He looks at us with longing and a desire to be with us; that's why He sent His Son to save us. Today, Pastor Richard reminds us that Jesus will return for us and restore His creation.

There comes a point in every life when we have to make a choice: will we accept what Christ has given us, or keep living our own way? The temptation to see ourselves as good people is real. We say things like, ‘I've never killed anyone,' or ‘I serve my community.' But Scripture says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That's why people need Jesus. And today, Pastor Richard invites you to make the choice that leads to life.

In our walk with God, it can be frustrating when we ask for something and His answer is no. In those moments, it's easy to look for distractions or fall back into old habits to ease the pain. But in today's message, Pastor Richard urges you to stand firm in the face of hardship because going back to sin is like a dog returning to its vomit. It only makes you sicker. And as you walk with Christ, remember that sin is never the answer; faith and obedience are.

Sometimes, one of our biggest weaknesses as humans is pride. We want to do things on our own, and when we succeed, we feel unstoppable. But too often, we bring that same mindset into our faith, as if there's something we could do to earn salvation. The truth is, there's nothing we can do because Jesus already did it all. So today, Pastor Richard encourages you to seek Jesus, because when you look for Him, He'll meet you where you are.

When you look at the world and see the evil around you, does it ever leave you feeling worried? At times, it's hard not to feel anxious about the state of things. But just because sin runs rampant doesn't mean good is absent. Time and again, God has restored good from evil. Even back in the Garden of Eden, He promised a Redeemer. And in Jesus, that promise was fulfilled. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you: place your faith in Christ.

Sometimes the ground has to crumble out from under us before we realize how bad things are. We can just be cruising along, thinking that everything's sunshine and rainbows, when it really isn't. Sometimes, the only thing able to get our attention is a devastating storm. Pastor Richard warns you in today's message not to wait until everything's falling apart to hear God's Word. God wants to speak to you, so that you might know Him and escape His wrath.

There are some people who, when they behave poorly, no one is surprised. Then there are certain people who, it shocks the whole world when their sins become known. In today's message, Pastor Richard shares with you about how Ezekiel was called to tell God's Chosen people that their sins were about to be judged. Can you imagine being there for that? Can you think of what the response might be from those who thought that they had a free pass with God?

A lot of the time, we go through life looking for opportunities that will suit our own interests. The career we choose, the spouse we marry, the neighborhood we live in… These are all good things that we should choose carefully, but isn't there more to life than just pleasing ourselves? In today's message, Pastor Richard urges you, as a Christian, not to think of your life as not being your own, but belonging to Christ. After all, He paid for it with His life.

 Have you ever felt out of place? Maybe you were somewhere that was a little uncomfortable. But do you truly think that anything happens without a reason? There's always a reason and a purpose for the places you might find yourself in. In today's teaching, Pastor Richard wants you to consider the places you find yourself and the people you encounter as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus; To be a light.

If you've ever traveled to a foreign country, then you might know what it's like to deal with a language barrier. It can be difficult to try and communicate with people who don't speak the same language as you. But what is truly frustrating is when someone who does understand your language isn't getting it. In his message today, Pastor Richard encourages you to stand strong in your witness of Jesus, even when no one seems to be listening.

When you look at the world and see the evil around you, does it ever leave you feeling worried? At times, it's hard not to feel anxious about the state of things. But just because sin runs rampant doesn't mean good is absent. Time and again, God has restored good from evil. Even back in the Garden of Eden, He promised a Redeemer. And in Jesus, that promise was fulfilled. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you: place your faith in Christ.

If someone asked you what the most popular Bible verse is, what would you say? Most people would say John 3:16. But there's something in this verse that many overlook: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Today, Pastor Richard reminds you of this truth: God's promise is not for a few, not just for those already chosen, but for all who believe in Him will have eternal life.

We all have to admit that life can get a little rocky at times. Things don't always go as planned, and no, it doesn't always get better. Sometimes life is just plain rough, but does that mean there's no hope? Pastor Richard wants you to remember today that God is still seated on the throne of heaven. God hasn't gone anywhere. He still promises you eternal life through faith in His Son, Jesus. Isn't that the greatest hope ever?