Have you ever been mistreated and persecuted simply because you're a Christian? Today Pastor Ricky will be explaining that there's absolutely nothing abnormal about being persecuted for your faith in Jesus. The Lord Himself said that if the world hated Him first, the world will hate you as well. No servant is greater than his master. If the world persecuted Him, the world will persecute His followers. If you are discouraged just remember that you have the ultimate hope of salvation and eternity with the Lord.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Missions, Part 2
Being pulled to and fro is part of our battle today as Christians. It's a struggle to keep Jesus at the center of our lives, to die to ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. He literally wants us to follow Him, in ministry, in marriage, in child-raising, in work ethic, and even in the little things. Where He is where so we should be too. This is how the victory is won. We don't allow the things of this world to draw us away from our love of Christ. We will bring people to Jesus by showing our love towards Him.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Missions, Part 1
In today's message, Pastor Ricky asks us what we delight ourselves in. You may be listening today and thinking there's nothing you put above God. It's easy though to be fooled. Do you love your home, car, money, spouse, children, job, or sports so much that you think of them before God? Check yourself today as you listen so you can be sure not to hug yourself to death. Be encouraged and keep things at the right distance as you keep Jesus closer than anything or anyone else.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Relationships, Part 2
In today's message Pastor Ricky teaches about how the Jews and Gentiles were separated in physical distance. They literally worshiped the Lord from different places. The Jews were higher in the building, the Gentiles were to stay down on lower levels, separated by many steps. This was to picture the Jews as closer to God. Pastor Ricky points out that all are lost without Christ. With Christ, we're all in the same family, Jew or Gentile. Like it or not we are. We need to love one another the same.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Relationships, Part 1
In today's teaching on religion, Pastor Ricky covers the areas of sin that are easy to fall into. Some people were very sinful in that their sin was public. Other people try to work for their salvation and think that in some way they've earned it and that they may deserve it more than others. That brings pride and it's just as sinful. He points out that we are saved by grace through faith. This is a safeguard for us. It makes it so none of us can boast. Say no to religion, just have a relationship with Jesus.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Church, Part 2
In today’s teaching, Pastor Ricky speaks about doing things in our own power. You may be listening today and thinking yes, I am struggling with that. Well, Pastor Ricky reminds and encourages you that you are given a mighty power, a real heavenly gospel power. The Holy Spirit dwells in you to be your helper. Ironically some people say faith in Christianity is a crutch but we are sinners who need help. So to all who can humbly admit they need it, come to Jesus.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Church, Part 1
In today's teaching, Pastor Ricky talks about religions and cults. He shares why and how they start. As people, we generally want to be around like-minded people. That can end up being somewhat of a trap. For example, some groups believe they're good people, then they start a church that is for good people wanting to do the right thing but that's contrary to the Bible. We are sinners saved by grace. So church must start with sinners who know their sinful and in need of a savior.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Response, Part 1
In today's teaching, Pastor Ricky walks us through people's tendency to use works to earn their salvation. You may be one of those people who doesn't feel close to God unless you're serving in a certain capacity, reading the right books, etc…You're sure to have the boxes checked on your list of things to do to be a good Christian. The reality is you don't need to do anything. Faith is it. While having the desire and serving the Lord isn’t wrong, making it about works is.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Christ, Part 2
As we continue our study on religion, the Gospel, and Christ, Pastor Ricky points us to the cross. Jesus' death and resurrection calls us to lay religion down at the foot of the cross. They free us up so we can take hold of the gospel of grace. We don't need religion to try to earn our salvation from Christ. Nothing we can do can make Him love us any more than He already does. Likewise, nothing we do can make Him love us any less either.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Christ, Part 1
Pastor Ricky teaches today about the difference between religion and Jesus. Religion takes what Jesus did and adds to it with works as if we could earn our salvation, as if Jesus needed more convincing to die on the cross for us. Jesus died because He loves us. He was the creator of the universe. He was fully man and He was also fully God. Maybe today you're trying to earn what Christ did on the cross for you, no need. He already saved you from your past, present, and future sins.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Man, Part 2
Today Pastor Ricky compares the two sons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. There is the irreligious that is shown to us in the prodigal son, the type of person who says they don't care what's right, they're going to do and get what they want. Then there is the religious, shown to us by the son who stayed with His father. He did what he thought he should do to earn the father's wealth but like the Lord, the father wanted to give his wealth to them both. They didn't have to earn or deserve it.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - Man, Part 1
Today we cover the simplicity of what it takes to be saved. You need nothing more than to come to Christ. We don't need religion or idols. You may be thinking to yourself that you don't have a little wooden statue that you daily pray to, that you're free from religion or idols but is there something that you would allow first in your life before Christ? Anything that you place above Christ in your life is an idol. Christ laid it all down for us when He died on the cross. He wants the same in return.
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - God, Part 2
Have you ever been outside and just looked around? Everything you see God has created. God is not boring. For someone to create all of this, how could He be? Today Pastor Ricky reminds us from the book of Ezekiel that everything started with God. He's merciful, gracious, and loving. We live inside His universe that He created, and God is beyond what we could imagine, He's better than we can imagine. He's not a boring God. The question is, do you know Him?
Why Religion is Not The Gospel - God, Part 1
The Bible is a story about God. The very beginning of everything started with Him. God's people in the book of Ezekiel thought that He was powerless and distant. As they were in exile, they wondered where and what God was doing. Pastor Ricky will remind us that we can't put God in a box. He's not a tamed God. He's living and active whether you can see Him working or not. He's all-powerful and all-knowing. This is the God of the Bible and the God of today. Are you following Him?
Vision - Witnesses, Part 2
Have you ever been corrected about something you were doing and instead of being gently redirected the person blasts you for doing it wrong? It turns your heart away from that person because their manner towards you was distasteful. In today's teaching, Pastor Ricky mentions that people can have a similar reaction to you if you tell them about God in a way that's belligerent or offensive but there's a better way to tell about Jesus. Let your message be inviting, not inciting.
Vision - Witnesses, Part 1
Just think of all the things that it takes to qualify for a loan. You need to have good credit and have proof of who you are and where you live, who you’re dependents are, etc… There's paperwork and some red tape that you have to cut through to get qualified. What do you think it takes to qualify for the kind of witness that God wants you to be? Pastor Rickys informs you today that it's simpler than you might think. The typical resume that the world requires is inconsequential as a Christian witness.
Vision - Family, Part 2
The underlying message of so many movies out there is a so-called empowering agenda of rising above the community that you've been a part of. You’re departing from your past to find yourself and own it, regardless of the ones you left. This message is slightly misguided but what should the message be? Today Pastor Ricky expresses the type of heart that's good to have when you're a part of a community or family of believers. It’s essential to embrace, love, and serve your spiritual family.
Against The World For the World - Holiness is a Result of Hope, Part 2
All throughout the Bible, there is an emphasis on having an eternal perspective and living in light of eternity. Some have said that you can be too heavenly-minded to be any earthly good. The Bible teaches however that the more heavenly-minded you are, the more focused you'll be in furthering God's kingdom on earth. Pastor Ricky will be exhorting us today to live our life as though we can come face-to-face with God at any moment. Go into eternity without having any regrets.
Vision - Family, Part 1
Just about everyone can relate to some dysfunction in their family, right? There are different personalities that are forced to come together and somehow get along. But then there's inevitably some kind of family drama because there's no way everyone gets along without any conflict. So how does this fit in the context of a church family? Today Pastor Ricky explores the various facets of what it means to have community with other people in a way that proves you're in it together for God's purposes.
Vision - Disciples, Part 2
When you choose to vote for someone you identify with them in some way. You publicly proclaim that you're backing them up, enough to endorse them as someone you want in leadership. But if you don't buy into the message they're expressing, you're not going to sign your name to that person being in a position of authority over you. What about when it comes to God? Today Pastor Rickys asks if you're prepared to follow God in a way that you could support and even imitate His way of living.