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Ever feel like life's hardships are a sign of God's anger? Pastor Richard explores today how God's discipline isn't about destruction. It's not about judgment or condemnation, especially for those in Christ. The cross already settled that score; Jesus' blood paid it all. Yet God may chasten you, not to harm but to shape you for good works. Nobody enjoys discipline, especially when it stings, but it's a pathway to something better.
Ever wonder how God can work through imperfect people? Pastor Richard shares a powerful insight today, drawing from the Babylonians. They were used by God to fulfill His purposes, yet their ungodly actions weren't excused. It's a reminder that God can use anyone, even in their flaws, to accomplish His plans. You might be a vessel for His work, but being used by God doesn't give a free pass to live without righteousness.
10-26-25
Pastor Richard shows us that obedience to God's commandments and rules reveals our hearts; it shows whether our hearts are in line with Him, or if we need to correct our path.
Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? It feels like everything that could go wrong actually does. And in the middle of a storm like that, you wonder, “Will it ever end?” When the road ahead is unclear, life can feel very dark. But today, Pastor Richard reminds you of this truth: you are a child of God. And when you invite Him into your life, Jesus will be with you through every difficult moment and see you through the other side.
As we walk through life with Jesus, we can sometimes forget the blessings we already have while chasing after what we want. When we become so focused on our own desires and needs, we may overlook the many gifts God has given us. That's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard encourages us to stay rooted in the Word of God and always remember that, although God doesn't grant us everything we ask for, He will always provide what we truly need.
God's work in your life can be like a gentle nudge to stir you from stillness. Today, Pastor Richard describes how the visual of tipping jars in Scripture shows God shaking things up. You might settle into comfort, risking a stagnant or unfruitful life. He might send moments or people to push you forward. This keeps you from growing slothful or sour. His actions aren't random; they're purposeful for your spiritual growth.
10-22-25
Have you ever felt that someone was being patient with you despite your missteps? Pastor Richard reveals today how God's mercy towards you isn't approval of disobedience. You might think He overlooks your thoughts or actions because He doesn't care. But His patience, despite your sin, reflects His deep love for you. He can guide you to repentance, offering forgiveness to set your heart right. You're not meant to stay in sin but to receive His grace.
Sin's impact is like a wildfire, spreading ruin through every part of your life. Today, Pastor Richard unveils how sin's destructive consequences go further than just being God's judgment. You see it wreck relationships, harm physical health, and tear families apart. The lifestyle of sin and selfishness breeds corruption, hurting those God loves, including you. It's not just punishment; it's the chaos sin naturally creates.
Have you ever had one of those moments when you knew you were doing something wrong? Sometimes, as we navigate through life with Jesus, we are tempted to do something we know we have no business doing, and at times, we even try to justify it. But today, Pastor Richard urges you to stay strong in your walk with Christ. Stay strong in the Word of God and allow Jesus to help guide you through every situation.
Sometimes, when we've been walking in our sin for too long, we forget that we don't have to wear these shackles. And when we give our lives to Christ, we still willingly put them back on and hope for the best, even though our breaker of chains is right in front of us. That's why in today's message, Pastor Richard urges you to come to Jesus and allow Him to free you of any bondage that holds you back. Don't stay in your chains; Let Jesus break you free.
Speaker: Pastor Richard Salazar Date: 10.19.25
Part two of the "The Lord Our Rock" series. Pastor Richard reminds us of the HOLINESS of GOD. He also shows how you get HONEY and OIL which is God's blessings and anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT to come from the ROCK.
To view the video of this message please click here.
Pastor Richard reminds us to get in God's Word and to be obedient to ALL that He says, to not only obey half of His commandments, but there is also grace and mercy for us because we are not perfect, because only Jesus was perfect.
As we walk through life with Jesus, we can sometimes forget the blessings we already have while chasing after what we want. When we become so focused on our own desires and needs, we may overlook the many gifts God has given us. That's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard encourages us to stay rooted in the Word of God and always remember that, although God doesn't grant us everything we ask for, He will always provide what we truly need.
Our weaknesses can expose the fault lines of self-reliance, reminding us how quickly confidence crumbles under pressure. And in today's message, Pastor Richard will help you discover that those very cracks become conduits for Christ's strength. As you confess sin, His grace fortifies resolve and endurance far beyond natural capacity. Your failures can transform into testimonies, proving that God's power shines brightest through surrender to His perfect plan.
When we turn on the news and see the destruction and global chaos that is happening, we sometimes forget that God is working. While political leaders play chicken with one another, Jesus is making His presence known to people who need a savior. That's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard doesn't want you to be discouraged by the state of the world, but rather to be encouraged by the number of people coming to know Jesus Christ.
Have you ever turned on the TV and thought, “Wow… I can't believe they allow this.” This world lets hate speech and corruption run freely… and many even agree with it. But this isn't new. The Bible foretold a time when hearts would grow so wicked that people could no longer see the truth already given to them. Today, Pastor Richard warns you: this world will only grow harder for believers… now is the time to stand strong in the Word of God.
Sometimes, in our walk with God, we can get caught up in the world. At times, we may find ourselves living with one foot in the world and the other with Jesus. And when we do pick up the Word of God, it's often only to find things that we approve of. This should not be how we walk with God. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to change your desires… to walk fully with Christ and allow His will to transform your life.
Do you remember when Jesus told the rich man to sell all his possessions and follow Him? That story leaves many people confused, and it even saddened the man Jesus was speaking to… but it shows exactly what Jesus is after. He doesn't care about your land, your money, or your possessions. He cares about your heart and what it truly desires. Today, Pastor Richard reminds you that nothing in your heart should be cherished more than Jesus.
One of the first things people notice in the Bible is God's promises… promises to bless and protect us and keep us from harm. But too often, people cling to prosperity preaching and forget that God doesn't call us to live however we please. That's why today, Pastor Richard reminds us: God gave us His Word to guide our steps. It keeps us from what pulls us away from God and assures us that He will always be there to lead us.
Part one of the "The Lord Our Rock" series. Pastor Richard begins the series showing how GOD IS OUR SOLID ROCK. The single most determinate factor regarding IDENTITY for a believer is found in two words...IN CHRIST.
10-12-25
Pastor Richard encourages us to get into the Word of God and know what he wants for our lives, for how can we follow and obey what we do not know?
Our weaknesses can expose the fault lines of self-reliance, reminding us how quickly confidence crumbles under pressure. And in today's message, Pastor Richard will help you discover that those very cracks become conduits for Christ's strength. As you confess sin, His grace fortifies resolve and endurance far beyond natural capacity. Your failures can transform into testimonies, proving that God's power shines brightest through surrender to His perfect plan.
Eternity isn't a distant myth; believers can anchor hope in a future where time's limits dissolve into endless fellowship with their Savior—no more tears, barriers, or goodbyes. Anticipating that joyful reunion fuels perseverance, generosity, and courage to share the good news now. And in today's message, Pastor Richard will encourage you to lift your eyes beyond any temporary struggles to the radiant horizon of heaven.
When you're walking with Christ, you can forget that sin is still in the world. Often, believers in Jesus will give in to temptations, thinking, “Well, I'm already saved, so I can do whatever I want now, right?” But this couldn't be further from the truth. Today, Pastor Richard wants you to understand that when you give your life to God, you're not just letting Him into your life; you're turning away from everything that would keep you from Him.
10-8-25
One of the best things about being a Christian is seeing the different people from around the world come together in the name of one person: Jesus Christ. In the Bible, God used many distinct nations to bring about His will, even in the book of Jeremiah. So in today's message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that it doesn't matter where you come from or where you've been; what matters is who you place your faith in.
Have you ever gone through a rough period in your life when you don't tell anyone that you're struggling, even when they ask if you're okay? There are times when the struggle feels overwhelming or the burden too heavy. That's when it's time to give it to God. He wants you to come to Him with everything, no matter how big or small. So today, Pastor Richard reminds you that when you bring your struggles to God, He will deliver you.
When you're walking with God, you experience seasons of hardship that feel like the world is coming to an end. And it's in these moments when you truly reveal who you are and what you depend on. That's why in today's message, Pastor Richard encourages you to place your faith and trust in God. Lean on Him, so when the big moments come and hardship reveals itself, you know you aren't alone and that you can always rely on God.
When you're a baby Christian, all you want to do is learn what it means to follow Jesus. To others, it might seem like you're searching for loopholes, but in reality, you just want to know more. And it's okay to ask questions. The next time something weighs on your heart, Pastor Richard encourages you to bring it to God. Pray to Jesus and ask that He reveal the answer to you through His Word. All you have to do is seek and ask God.
Speaker: Pastor Richard Salazar Date: 10.5.25
10-5-25
Pastor Richard talks about getting the Word of God in us by reading it and applying it to our lives.
Eternity isn't a distant myth; believers can anchor hope in a future where time's limits dissolve into endless fellowship with their Savior—no more tears, barriers, or goodbyes. Anticipating that joyful reunion fuels perseverance, generosity, and courage to share the good news now. And in today's message, Pastor Richard will encourage you to lift your eyes beyond any temporary struggles to the radiant horizon of heaven.
Quiet moments of study build reservoirs of truth before crises rage. And in today's message, Pastor Richard will urge you to memorize, meditate, and sing Scripture, weaving verses into routines—commutes, workouts, and even lullabies. Like sandbags stacked before the flood, rehearsed promises hold back fear when thunder rolls. Post them, pray them aloud, discuss them with friends, and watch peace rise when storms strike.
When you look back on who you were before giving your life to Jesus, isn't it incredible to see where God has brought you from? His sacrifice was irreplaceable; Jesus was the only one who was sinless and blameless, and He died on the cross for you and me. In today's message, Pastor Richard encourages you to allow Him into your heart and to allow Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life. All you have to do is reach out, and He will find you.
Philippians 4:4
In this sermon on James 1:18-27, Pastor Jared Richard explores how God works through His Word to both save and sanctify believers. The passage reveals that God "brought us forth by the Word of truth" (James 1:18), emphasizing that salvation comes through the gospel message being proclaimed and received through the Spirit's work. However, this new birth is only the beginning; God intends believers to become "a kind of firstfruits of his creatures," living testimonies of His redemptive work. Pastor Richard explains that while salvation is entirely God's work, sanctification requires our participation. Christians must position themselves before Scripture by hearing the Word (being "quick to hear"), receiving it with meekness, and obeying it rather than merely hearing it. True reception of God's Word manifests in three key areas: controlled speech that reflects Christ, putting away worldliness and sinful behaviors, and demonstrating "pure and undefiled religion" by caring for orphans and widows. The sermon concludes with the challenge that if we've been saved by the Word of truth, we must also be shaped by it. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you. ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613 SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)! CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Speaker: Pastor Richard Salazar Date: 9.28.25
Part four of the "Our Time To Fly" series. Pastor Richard finishes the series showing that the HOLY SPIRIT IS ON THE MOVE. There are unusual things happening all over the world. He gives 7 SIGNS YOU'RE FLYING LIKE AN EAGLE.
Matthew 24:4
9-28-25
Judges 6:11
Part three of the "Our Time To Fly" series. Pastor Richard talks about how there is a SHAKING in the earth in this time. He shows the importance of us FLYING TOGETHER in UNITY to NEW ALTITUDES with NEW ATTITUDES.
9-21-25
