Until you look at a specimen under the microscope, you might overlook something that initially seemed insignificant. Once you make a concerted effort to really see the object for what it is, you start to appreciate its intricate details and functions. In the same way, God wants you to truly look at people and see them, see their hurt, their circumstances and not just look past it as if it doesn't exist. Pastor Ricky encourages you today to be effective right where you are, with the people who are right in front of you.
Vision - Gospel Renewal, Part 1
When you have some kind of sickness it can be easier to treat the symptoms but not rid yourself of the disease. It's frustrating because even though you're curing some of the immediate discomforts, you know that there's a deeper issue at the root of it all. This is how it is with the world around you too. There are many grievous hurts and struggles amongst the people that you're around but today Pastor Ricky mentions how important it is to have a heart for people and their deeper need for Jesus. Jesus is the cure.
Vision - Strength in Weakness, Part 2
How many self-help books or programs are out there seeking to have you buy into what they're selling? It's not wrong to want to believe in yourself or to have a more positive view of yourself but what Pastor Ricky gets at today is that the greatest treasure to find is when you come to the end of yourself. This is so countercultural to today's way of thinking but it's actually what makes you stand out in contrast to the world around you. When you're acknowledging God's power in you, you're strong.
Vision - Strength in Weakness, Part 1
Wouldn't it be odd if someone made their platform about something they were weak and incapable in? This would be the opposite of anything that's successful in the world's mindset. What are some of your greatest weaknesses? Would you be willing to brag about those weaknesses to the world at large? As preposterous as this sounds, Pastor Ricky explains today that this was the mindset that Paul had when approaching ministry because he knew his tendency of being proud in his abilities.
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 2
Do you have the tendency to want to do things in your own power? In today’s teaching, Pastor Ricky encourages you to check your motives. We often get caught up in trying to do the right things like developing a system of things to do that keep us “churchy”. Being sure to go on dates with our spouse, or read books on dating, or attending every service that is available can become what drives us. It can become religion. Check your motives today as you listen in and let the Gospel be the answer.
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?
A Meal with Jesus - A Meal with a Friend Turned Traitor, Part 3
There are a couple of guarantees that people jokingly make, death and taxes. And while that's true, Pastor Ricky will remind us of another guarantee in relation to reconciliation in this message. You see, just when you think that all the conflicts in your life have been resolved and everything is going well, the next hurdle magically appears before you. You see, we can be sure that we will sin again and the people around us will sin again and thus we will have conflict and the need for reconciliation throughout our lives.
A Meal with Jesus - A Meal with a Friend Turned Traitor, Part 2
It's so easy to lose focus on what God has done in our lives. It’s easy to forget just where we’ve come from, especially when it comes to conflict in the body of Christ. The pain that comes from being betrayed by a close friend, or the discovery of infidelity by a church leader, reconciliation can be the farthest thing from our minds. Today Pastor Ricky will remind us to always keep our own cleansing front and center in the midst of conflict. When we remember what Jesus forgave us of, it becomes much easier to forgive and be reconciled to others.