For most of us, our eyesight is something that we take for granted. We wake up every morning, roll over, and look at the time on our alarm clocks as it blares out the call to get up. Then we open up the curtains and in comes the sunshine. Now pause for a moment and imagine waking up and not being able to see anything, just dark. For those listening who are blind or have impaired vision, you know very well what that feels like. Today Pastor Ricky helps us to appreciate more the spiritual clarity of sight that Jesus provides.
Jesus Movement - What Jesus Gives, Part 2
It’s easy to forget about all that God has done in our lives. We go to church, we drop a few bucks in the offering plate as it passes us by, and then simply go on about our week. We can get into an unhealthy and unthankful routine. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us through the sacrament of communion just how much God has given to us. Have you ever considered the generosity of God and all that He's given? He gave His son for you and for me.
Jesus Movement - What Jesus Gives, Part 1
You’ve only heard part of the story. Pastor Ricky’s son began experiencing a severe health crisis and God's provision for Ricky and his family was miraculous. Maybe you’re listening today and you're in the same place that Ricky and his family were. You don't know how God is going to pay that bill, or how God is going to move on your behalf. Well, don't go anywhere. In today's message, Pastor Ricky tells us just how good Jesus is and how much Jesus provides.
Jesus Movement - The Kind of People Jesus Welcomes, Part 2
Did you hear that? It is by grace and through faith that everyone, yes even those folks covered in tattoos and those that are maybe a little rough around the edges, even them, everyone is able to approach God by faith in the finished work of Jesus. Today Pastor Ricky continues to challenge the notion that there are categories of people that are unfit for the kingdom. The blood of Jesus simply tears down these foolish walls that we built. Will you allow the Lord to tear down your walls?
Jesus Movement - The Kind of People Jesus Welcomes, Part 1
So much of what we read in the Old Testament points to the limited atonement that the first covenant provided. Animal sacrifice never removed sin, it only covered it. Thankfully, by faith, we can enter into a new and living covenant through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus removes sin, it doesn't just cover it or gloss over it, it completely removes it. Today Pastor Ricky will remind us that we need a new heart that has been cleansed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Movement - The Heart of Darkness & The Hope of Christ, Part 2
So much of what we read in the Old Testament points to the limited atonement that the first covenant provided. Animal sacrifice never removed sin, it only covered it. Thankfully, by faith, we can enter into a new and living covenant through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus removes sin, it doesn't just cover it or gloss over it, it completely removes it. Today Pastor Ricky will remind us that we need a new heart that has been cleansed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Movement - The Heart of Darkness & The Hope of Christ, Part 1
Have you ever found yourself saying things like, “Well at least I'm not like so-and-so” or “I've never killed anyone” or maybe “I'm faithful to my spouse.” We use these sorts of comparative phrases to make ourselves feel better, to justify ourselves. Today Pastor Ricky is going to help us see more clearly that from the best to the worst of us, we all need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We all need to be delivered from sin. It doesn't matter how good you think you’ve been, you still need Jesus no matter what.
Jesus Movement - The Ghost on the Sea, Part 2
Imagine for a moment a tight rope stretched tensely across the Grand Canyon. The trapeze artist slowly creeps out over the vast expanse and takes the first few steps. Now imagine on the other side of that rope, the tension begins to fail. The rope becomes more and more slack. What happens to the trapeze artist? Sadly, he falls to his death. See, the humanity and divinity of Jesus is the same. Tension has to be held on both sides in order for Jesus to be who He is.
Jesus Movement - The Ghost on the Sea, Part 1
Maybe you're missing exactly who Jesus is. Maybe you think that He was just a good teacher or an advocate for moral life choices. Well, He definitely was and is both of those things, but He's so much more. Today Pastor Ricky will share a timely message. You see, at the time this message was taught, a storm rolled through El Paso, Texas where Cross of Grace Church is. This message speaks directly to the fact that Jesus can and should be trusted even in the midst of the storms of life.
Jesus Movement - Moving on Mission, Part 2
Maybe you're one of those people who love the rush of a high-risk adventure. Skydiving and bungee jumping are both things that get your blood pumping. Then, there are those of us who worry about whether our shirt matches our shoes and what other people will think. It could be risky to be out of style. Today Pastor Ricky encourages you to take the risks that seem wise in furthering the gospel, no more and no less.
Jesus Movement - Moving on Mission, Part 1
Pastor Ricky shares that he recently joined the worship team and part of joining the team was learning how to play the melody for each song the worship team was leading. Then as he grew as a musician, he started experimenting with playing creatively. This works great for a musician who's capable but for those just starting out, it can quickly derail. Pastor Ricky shares with us today that we are receiving pressure from all sides to depart from the melody of the Gospel and to play a different song. We need to stick with the Gospel.
Jesus Movement - Jesus Movement, Part 2
It feels virtually impossible to see unity in this divisive and broken world we live in but unity is possible. So how can you play a part in bringing unity? Today Pastor Ricky encourages you to begin looking past the categories and the stereotypes you might have grown up with. Step away from extreme opinions that have no basis in the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Make the Gospel the most important thing in your life.
Jesus Movement - Jesus Movement, Part 1
Sometimes following the Holy Spirit's leading is as simple as crossing the street. We can get into the wrong mindset thinking that ministry is only done by paid professionals, pastors and staff members of our local church. Well, today Pastor Ricky reminds each one of us you, yes you, are called to the ministry. Now it might not look the same as your pastor's ministry but you are called nonetheless. So as you listen today, ask the Lord to speak to you about how He wants to use you right where you are.
Jesus Movement - Fighting the Right Enemy, Part 2
Bookstore shelves are lined with books about spiritual warfare. Conference centers are packed full of people who want to learn how to defeat Satan and his minions. But could it be as simple as Pastor Ricky has said? Could it be that all we really need to do is declare the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ? Today Pastor Ricky says yes, it's that simple. If you want to win spiritual warfare and actually see victory, then just start sharing the gospel with those around you. Jesus will set them free.
Jesus Movement - Fighting the Right Enemy, Part 1
Hate is a really strong word but we say things like, “I hate mayonnaise on my sandwich” or “I hate it when my team gets beat,” but is that really what hate means? Today Pastor Ricky reveals the dark and sinister nature of real hatred. Real hatred is the utter destruction intended by Satan himself. Satan hates God hates and hates God's people, that means that he'll do anything and everything to draw you away from Jesus. Be on your guard.
Jesus Movement - Theology of a Storm, Part 2
When you're smack dab in the middle of a storm of life, it feels impossible to see past the waves and the wind that is howling right before your eyes. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that God is actually with you, right there in the midst of the storm. Pastor Ricky shares today that this is vitally important to remember as you walk through this life. God is with you and if God is with you, you need not be afraid.
Jesus Movement - Theology of a Storm, Part 1
Fear reveals what we truly believe about God. You see if you're afraid of something, you're actually believing that that thing is greater than God. That it has power greater than God. Now that might seem a bit harsh but if you take time to unpack your fears, you'll find that it's true. Today Pastor Ricky shares with us a theology of the storms of life. You’ll learn how to navigate the turbulent waters with Jesus at the helm.
Jesus Movement - Unexpected Smallness, Unexpected Triumph, Part 2
Last time, Pastor Ricky started talking about the unassuming power of the Kingdom of God. In the world that we live in, it doesn't appear to have any power because evil seems to be reigning. Pastor Ricky will bring a word of comfort today. There's a coming day when all sickness will end. There will be no more death. Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes and we will be with Him forever. This is the glorious kingdom that we wait for.
Jesus Movement - Unexpected Smallness, Unexpected Triumph, Part 1
The world around us seems to be powerful and unrelenting. To those of us here in the US, we've been raised on the idea that the United States is the most powerful country on earth and for the most part, it's probably true. We're certainly the most blessed nation on earth but we aren't the first to experience it. Today Pastor Ricky shares how the Kingdom of God, though seemingly small and insignificant, towers in comparison to any and all countries that have ever existed.
Jesus Movement - One Change to Save the World
Maybe you're not quite sure that there's anything after this life, that you’ll just cease to exist when you die. Well, today Pastor Ricky will help us see a little more clearly just how much death has been changed through the work of Jesus Christ. You’ll learn today that death is not the end and that you are an eternal being. Right now, right where you are listening, you have the capacity to choose where you're going to spend eternity.