God created men and women equal, and both bear His image. But the mistake that's often made in today's culture is thinking that equal means that we're the same. From the beginning, God built us with clear and obvious differences, both on a physical level as well as on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. As Pastor Ricky warns us in today's message, when we disregard and even openly reject God's design, we invite destruction in the here and now, as well as eternally.
Gospel Culture - Why Can't I Just Do What I Want in Church, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky examines today's passage from 1 Corinthians, we're reminded of an important question that we need to ask in all sectors of church life, “Does the particular act, behavior, or event glorify God and edify our fellow believers?” Nobody can deny that tongues is a gift that the Bible describes. It's a real thing, and there's people who legitimately have this gift even today but does it belong in church services if it's not bringing benefit to others and glorifying God?
Gospel Culture - Why Are Christians Killing the American Church, Part 2
We normally like to do things our way, be it at work or in our daily lives. It happens so frequently that we begin to express our views about how churches are managed. People may advise the pastor on how to adjust some aspects to suit their own preferences, but have you ever realized that God has already set the boundaries in a church? In today's message, Pastor Ricky explains how to remain within your bounds. Instead of pushing your beliefs into the church, you can allow the Holy Spirit to take control.
Gospel Culture - Why Are Christians Killing the American Church, Part 1
Watching other believers doing amazing things might lead you to wonder if you have the same spirit as them. You may begin to wonder why you're unable to do what they can. You might even question whether God has any plans for your life. Today Pastor Ricky teaches how we can serve God. When you were lost to sin, Jesus came to bring you back to Himself and He gave you the same Holy Spirit as everyone else but with unique skills and talents that are tailored to you. All you need to do is seek God's direction.
Gospel Culture - What If I Don't Like the People At My Church?, Part 2
Quite often we race to prove to others that somehow, we're superior, whether it's physically or professionally, and even though that creates a divide amongst us, it's usually how the world operates. But do you wonder if it's the same way in the church? Today Pastor Ricky shows us how everyone is treated equally at church. When you come to God's house, you're reminded that God has blessed you and built you back up from nothing. How can you start maintaining that same mentality outside of the church?
Gospel Culture - What If I Don't Like the People At My Church?, Part 1
When you attend church, there might be parts of the service that you don't find to your liking. Maybe it's the worship music or the sermon. In fact, you might want to look for a church that's wonderful in every way. But in today's message, Pastor Ricky clarifies why we ought to drop our consumer mindset when it comes to church. We should always remember that we go to church to praise and honor God as a community. It's not about what we want but what God wants and what He wants us to be a part of.
Gospel Culture - Who Defines Gender and What Does It Mean?, Part 3
You might have observed on social media, or in your daily life, that there's a continuing feminism debate in which women argue that they don't need males and can live without them. Even guys claim to have no need for women. But is that the truth? Today Pastor Ricky discusses how men and women rely on one another. God created humans in such a way that they're interdependent in all situations. He's designed you and your spouse to function as a team. That's the only way you can both grow.
Gospel Culture - Who Defines Gender and What Does That Mean, Part 2
When God finished creating all of creation, He declared it good. Every single human being is a part of that creation. However, you might feel that God made a mistake in giving you a specific gender, but is that really the case? In today's message, Pastor Ricky talks about how God sees you as flawless. When He created you, He pronounced you perfect just as you were. Instead of trying to manipulate your appearance simply thank God for your life and consider how you can serve Him with all of your heart.
Gospel Culture - Who Defines Gender and What Does That Mean, Part 1
People tend to change their appearance and personality based on their preferences or, to fit into the society which they inhabit. But do you realize that by doing so, they're violating both natural laws and God’s standards? In the message today, Pastor Ricky describes how God has assigned specific roles and genders to each person on earth. You don't need to modify your appearance because your Creator has made you and declared you perfect in His sight. You are loved by God just as you are.
Carry the Fire - What About Spiritual Gifts, Part 3
Satan has this little game that he likes to play in people's minds. It's a really old game. In fact, it's quite literally one of the oldest tricks in the book, found in the earliest chapters of Genesis. It's a little game called comparison. Have you heard of it? Today, Pastor Ricky teaches that this game of comparison is especially rampant in the age of social media but we can't let it win. Your spiritual gifts might look different from somebody else’s, but the Holy Spirit has blessed you with a beautiful gift that is unique to you.
Gospel Culture - If I'm Free in Christ, Do I Just Do What I Want?, Part 2
Not everything you do is necessarily the right thing. You may have friends who are a bad influence on you, or maybe you're battling an addiction that's difficult to overcome. Today, Pastor Ricky tells you that staying close to other Christ followers will help you in your walk with God. Instead of hanging out with people that are indulging in sin, you can choose to seek out someone who has a strong relationship with God. That person can build up your faith in Jesus and help you get back on track.
Gospel Culture - If I'm Free in Christ, Do I Just Do What I Want?, Part 1
You've been given the freedom to do what you like. You can choose what you want to eat or what you want to watch. But have you ever thought about the fact that your actions create an influence on others as well? Do you ever wonder if a particular habit of yours glorifies God or not? In today's message, Pastor Ricky tells you how to create guidelines for your life. Instead of doing whatever you like, you can choose to do the things that would glorify God and help others around you to grow in their faith in God.
Gospel Culture - Why is My Heart an Idol Factory and How Do I Turn It Off, Part 2
When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God provided them with water and food along the journey. Similarly, in your life you might require certain necessities, but instead of relying on God, you look to alternative means of sustenance. Today, Pastor Ricky teaches how to strengthen your faith in God. Instead of relying on your own intuition, you can put your trust in Him to guide you in the right direction. Be confident knowing that the Creator of the world loves you and will provide for all of your needs.
Gospel Culture - Why is My Heart an Idol Factory and How Do I Turn It Off, Part 1
There's generally something in our lives that prevents us from developing our relationship with God. It could be a terrible habit or a specific relationship. You might strive to leave your temptations or your idols, but as soon as you do, the enemy may present you with another attraction. The effort to overcome temptations can be never-ending. Today, Pastor Ricky explains how to get rid of your idols. When you seek God with all of your heart, He can help you fight and overcome your weaknesses.
Gospel Culture - How Can I Keep From Wasting My Life, Part 2
We often become sidetracked from God and start wandering down a path that ultimately leads to our own destruction. The path that you're on might appear to be ideal in your own eyes, and it might even produce results for a while before revealing its true colors. Today, Pastor Ricky outlines why God's guidance is essential in all aspects of life. You never know what the future holds for you, but God does. He knows which way is best for you. You can see God's help in finding people that can point you in the right direction.
Gospel Culture - How Can I Keep From Wasting My Life, Part 1
You may believe that after receiving Jesus, you can just continue living your old lifestyle. But have you ever considered the possibility that Jesus has incredible plans for your life? Today, Pastor Ricky explains how to start serving God. Following salvation, God renews your life and gives it a new purpose. Jesus has called you to share the gospel with others instead of continuing to live your life as usual, you can begin to live for Jesus. He's already planned everything out. All you have to do is follow Him.
Gospel Culture - Should My Conscience Be My Guide, Part 2
Have you ever noticed how before you start doing anything bad, you often get that feeling that you shouldn't be doing it? Sometimes you can easily overpower and suppress that emotion before you continue. Well, today Pastor Ricky explains how your inner conscience works when you're going to do anything that opposes and dishonors God. Your conscience convicts you and helps you realize that it's wrong. It's up to you to decide whether you want to do what's right in God's eyes or do things your way.
Gospel Culture - Should My Conscience Be My Guide, Part 1
Our parents might advise us to make friends with intellectuals so that we can learn from them while also still growing personally. But does the same reasoning apply when it comes to being friends with individuals that follow Jesus? Today Pastor Ricky tells you how to look for the ideal friend. People with a lack of faith in God can often lead us astray, no matter how intelligent they might seem. You should constantly look for the folks who have a deep trust in Jesus so they can help you develop your faith.
Gospel Culture - Should I Get Married, When, How, Why, Part 2
When all of the people on a bus start telling the driver whose route they should take, it may sometimes result in complete chaos. Similarly, there are many areas of your life, such as your work and marriage, that can influence you to go on a particular path. But will this take you where God wants you or will it cause you to go off into the weeds? Well today Pastor Ricky shares how Jesus can help you in any situation. Instead of relying on other influences, you can always trust Jesus to guide you in the right direction.
Gospel Culture - Should I Get Married, When, How, Why, Part 1
You may claim to love God and be improving in your relationship with Him. However, your relationship with your spouse is often strained and runs out of steam. Sometimes you might wonder if you're progressing in relationships or regressing. Well today, Pastor Ricky explains why you must first improve your relationship with God. Instead of only striving to keep your marriage, you should focus on developing your connection with your Heavenly Father first and foremost. That way, you can strengthen other relationships too.