Agape Radio: Recent Episodes
Pastor Terry Reynolds
Agape Chapel OC is committed to teaching the Bible - chapter by chapter, verse by verse - until the coming of the Lord. Pastor Terry Reynolds takes a deep-dive into the Word in each episode of Agape Radio.
Is there a part of your house that you usually only see in dim light? What happens when you’re there and there’s more sunlight? You probably see how much dust and dirt is covering things. You think, “Wow, I need to clean this place!” In today’s message, Pastor Terry will challenge you to let the light of Jesus shine all over your life. You may expose some dirt and dust in your life, but that’s good. God will come in and clean you up. Then you can live a clean, fresh, light, and joy-filled life.
We all have to get over that picture we have of God up in heaven marking down our good deeds and bad deeds, don’t we? When we mess up we think we have to be on our best behavior and do some acts of kindness to make up for it, but that’s not how it works. Nothing we do could ever measure up to God’s standard. In his message today, Pastor Terry will remind you that God isn’t keeping score. Jesus met God’s standard, and if you put your faith in Jesus, God won’t condemn you. All He has is love for you.
Sometimes it seems we hope for just a taste of God’s goodness, don’t we? We hope He will provide a little bit of His presence to sustain us, so we can just get by. God wants you to have so much more than that. In today’s message, Pastor Terry will encourage you with the truth that God pours out living water for you. His Spirit is gushing out. There is abundant life available to you. All you have to do is make yourself available to receive it. Expect and know that God wants to fill you with His presence.
We all know what it feels like to be thirsty, don’t we? It can come to a point where we are almost desperate for water, and when we take a drink, it’s so satisfying. In his message today, Pastor Terry will teach that you were designed to have that same thirst for a relationship with God. Are you thirsting for God? Do you wake up with a desire to hear from Him and know Him more? He is available. Jesus says He is the living water. You can come and take a drink from Him. Come and be satisfied in relationship with God.
The great thing about the love of Jesus is that He doesn’t care about the sins of your past. You have already been forgiven and absolved of the things you did before you came to faith in Christ. He sees you as a child who He bought and paid for with His blood. You don’t have to fear judgment or rejection from God; He already gave up His own Son to restore a relationship with you. Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that you’re not just another speck in the face of eternity; you are a beloved child of God.
There is power in sharing your testimony! In today’s message from Pastor Terry, he explains that testimony is simply sharing with others the work that God has done in your life. It’s re-counting all the ways God has been faithful and good in your life. Pastor Terry shares that often it’s the sharing of your faith that leads someone else to faith. Don’t be afraid to share with others how you were led to faith in Jesus. And through having that faith in Jesus, the difference that He’s made in your life.
Faith in the Lord makes you free! As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Terry, he shares with you the beautiful truth that pursuing and actively walking out your faith in Jesus extends liberty. You’re not bound to the chains and guilt that religion can bring. No, you are free by your belief in Jesus as your Savior. Pastor Terry explains that a relationship with Jesus brings light, life, and freedom! Jesus said in His Scriptures that His yolk is easy and His burden is light. He wants you to live fruitfully!
Do you really know God – the God revealed in Scripture? There are many who claim to know Him but have fashioned a god to their own liking – a god who embraces their sin and selfishness instead of trying to restore them to their original, perfect design. As Pastor Terry will warn in today’s message, this is why we must rely on the Bible and get to know what it says about God; It’s essential for recognizing when false gods are put before us or misleading doctrine tries to implant in our hearts.
God thought up and created this world we live in just by uttering the words. We’re living in His universe. Everything that is, exists because of Him. Yet, as humans, we’ve been deceived into thinking that our reason and our desires are more important than God’s. As Pastor Terry continues our study of the book of John, we’ll be reminded of God’s sovereignty and our need to submit to it. Not in an effort to earn His favor or love – but in gratitude for the love and grace He’s already extended to us.
When you allow complacency to take hold in your Christian journey, it’s easy to only do the bare minimum… Go to church most Sunday mornings and avoid certain activities that disagree with your convictions – at least most of the time. As Pastor Terry will challenge us in today’s message, following Jesus can be so much more than that. It can be a life of purpose as you take His message of hope and peace to the broken world all around you, letting the change He’s made in you light up the darkness.
We tend to think that God will love us if we can just be good enough. This way of thinking is at the core of religion; The idea that if you follow all the rules and do good enough works, you can earn the favor and acceptance of God. But, as Pastor Terry will point out in today’s message, Jesus turned that idea on its head. He died on the cross for us while we were still sinners. He loved us before we were saved, and He did all the work necessary to bring us into a right relationship with God.
Have you ever noticed how the sheep are kept on a farm? They would simply stand there eating grass, appearing passive to the observer. However, once they hear the shepherd's voice, they become proactive and begin to move in response to the shepherd's call. Have you considered the possibility that your life has been static for a while? Today, Pastor Terry will explain why you need God in your life. Your soul longs for the Creator. When you accept Jesus into your heart, your life will finally be complete!
You may have noticed that performing two tasks at once usually impacts both of them. Similarly, on your journey of faith, you may feel compelled to partake in earthly pleasures. In today's message, Pastor Terry outlines how you can focus solely on God. Getting caught up in materialistic pleasures can sour your relationship with God and cause you to drift away from Him. The only way to progress in your spiritual journey with God is to leave behind worldly practices and walk in God’s intended path.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites offered animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. God tested Abraham's faith and love for Him by seeking Isaac's sacrifice. But are you aware that God, the Father, sacrificed His only Son for your sins? In today's message, Pastor Terry describes how Jesus saved you. When He came into this world, Jesus died on the cross for your sins, becoming the sacrificial Lamb, paving the way for you to be reunited with your heavenly Father again. Now all your sins can be forgiven!
When we are finished dealing with a difficult circumstance, our minds prefer to deflect our attention away from the reality that it was a difficult journey, and instead focus on the positive moments and short-term joys that we experienced. Thinking about the positive sides of the challenge might often take you down the same route again. Today, Pastor Terry explains how God helps you focus on the positive aspects of life. Even when the enemy throws distractions at you, God can help you see clearly!
Have you ever gone into a restaurant and had such an amazing entrée or dessert that you decided you want to try to make it at home next time? It never fails that something is missing… it has enough salt and pepper. What’s the secret ingredient?! There’s a similar phenomenon in life. No matter what kind of thrills you chase, there’s always something missing. Today, Pastor Terry reveals this secret ingredient – Jesus. When you encounter the God of the universe, that void left by futile attempts will be filled.
Many people think the ticket to Heaven is simply being a nice person. Some people think it’s about how much you tithe. Others believe it’s how many weeks they checked church off their to-do list. These aren’t bad things to do… but they aren’t the ticket to Heaven. Today, Pastor Terry reveals the true ticket to Heaven… believing and following Jesus. If you want to spend eternity with your creator, you can’t just know about Him. You need to know Him. Do you? Or have you just been trying to check off boxes?
You’ve likely heard someone say, “How can there be a God with all the evil going on?” Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “How could God love someone like me?” In today’s message, Pastor Terry shatters these thoughts by teaching how much God loves you. Jesus came and died to allow anyone who would come to Him to be rescued from evil in the next life. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’ve done… God still loves you enough to die for even just a chance that you’d join Him.
Isn’t the Lord good? Sometimes, it can be easy to get caught up in the flashy attractions of the world. We have so much fun being entertained by the sports or music industry that we are constantly seeking to top that experience. Today, Pastor Terry explains that if you’re looking to attend church for the fun of it, you might leave feeling a little lacking. If you are looking to attend church to encounter the Lord of all creation, then you’re in the right place. Don’t seek thrills… seek the King of kings.
Have you ever had a great mentor or coach in your life? There’s something incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring about someone directing you and guiding you to become better in a given field. Part of walking the Christian walk is to become a coach or mentor for younger believers. Today, Pastor Terry encourages you to become like the disciple Andrew. The Great Commission says to go out and make disciples… so who in your life can you mentor and disciple so that they can grow closer to Jesus?
Has the Lord ever provided in your life? Sure He has! Think about the roof over your head… the meal you last ate… the social and familial relationships you have that keep your mind sharp. The Lord will always provide. Pastor Terry doubles down on this thought today as he teaches that the Lord provided a sacrificial Lamb to cover the sins of mankind. This Lamb was announced by John the Baptist, and He came for you. Today, thank God for His provision and thank Him for what Jesus did.
Aren’t you so glad that God is with you every single day? It doesn’t matter if you’re having a good day, a bad day, or a day that seems unremarkable. If you’re alive in Christ, then God is with you. Today, Pastor Terry will talk more about what it took for Jesus to be with you. As you listen, consider your day so far. What evidence can you see that God’s been with you? If it hasn’t been smooth sailing, how has He kept you from sinking? If your day’s been amazing so far, how has He blessed you?
Have you ever met someone so bundled with positivity and optimism that you are just drawn to them? Something about their smile and charisma keeps you wanting to be around them. It’s almost as if you are a moth drawn to their flame. In today’s message, Pastor Terry encourages you to be that light for society. The world is full of darkness and it will be looking to you because of the joy you claim to have in Christ. Show them your flame. Remember… moths are drawn to light, not to darkness.
In our world today, one of the most notorious issues is false truth. Whether it’s under the guise of Christianity, tarot readings, or fact-based science, we are constantly consuming lies about what we need to believe. In today’s message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that if you want to be assured in who you are and where you’re headed, give your heart to Jesus. The only promise that will never be broken is His promise of eternal life. Pull yourself out of the fray and experience truth like never before.
In your faith journey, have you ever been sidetracked by the world? Have you ever felt yourself gravitating toward the world’s promises and drifting away from God’s perfect truths? Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that no matter what, you need to remain committed to the promises of God’s Word. The whims of the world will always be inviting, but will never compare to God’s plan. Experience a fresh renewal in your faith by turning your back to the world and fixing your eyes on Heaven.
Do you know where you stand in Christ? Do you know who you are through His gift of grace? In today’s message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that even before you gave your life to Jesus, He had you on His heart and was waiting for you to join Him. You are saved by grace and must never forget the power that comes with that. All of the glorious wonders that you see around you were made by God’s immaculate design. Step into His boundless glories and be a difference-maker for the sake of His gospel.
Have you ever felt unworthy of the church? Have you ever felt pressure to dust yourself off before entering a worship service? In today’s message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that there is nothing you could ever do to separate yourself from God’s love. Everyone has made mistakes and the point isn’t to be perfect, but instead, it's to accept that you need help…God’s help. Stop trying to fix everything on your own and give it to God. You’ll never be the person you want to be by your own power.
Do you live life with urgency? Are you focused on what’s next? Or are you too preoccupied with the rat race of life? Today in his message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that if you want to invest in something that matters, give your heart to Jesus. This world is deteriorating every hour of every day and whether you want to believe it or not, someday it’ll all collapse. Don’t wait until it’s too late and give your heart to the Lord. He wants nothing more than to save you by way of His free gift of grace.
In your faith journey, how do you approach God’s Word? Do you pick and choose what sounds best in today’s political climate? Or do you cling to every period, comma, and exclamation point it has to offer? In today’s message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that no matter how much guff the world gives you, God’s Word will always deliver on its truths. The promises of the world will fade away, but God’s Word never will. Stand by what has always remained the same and be set free by His perfect grace.
Have you ever been called by God to a greater purpose? Have you ever been convicted by His distinct direction for your life? Today in his message, Pastor Terry lets you know that when God comes knocking at the door to your heart, you need to get up and answer. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel prepared or don’t see the logic in it, God’s plan will always serve to bless your life more than you could ever imagine. Stop trying to fix everything on your own and be energized by following God’s perfect plan.
Have you ever tried to one-up God? Have you ever grown so impatient that you decide to take matters into your own hands? In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds you that there is nothing you could ever do to have a better plan than God. The more you try to do it all on your own, the further you’ll be from the divine plan that God has put into place. Remain patient and wait eagerly on the Lord’s soft, still voice. He has nothing but beautiful things in store and all He asks is that you win hearts for His kingdom.
Watch the news or browse the headlines for a few minutes, and you’ll be bombarded by all the pain and brokenness in this world, from natural disasters and accidents to crime and man-made problems. In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds us that Jesus Christ came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again, to give us hope, and to heal our broken hearts. If you’re struggling with hopelessness and hurt, invite Jesus into your life today, and allow Him to heal you and give you an everlasting hope.
Are you at the end of your rope, and too far down to grab God’s lifeline of grace? Pastor Terry comforts us today, with the promise that Jesus can reach us, to heal our broken hearts. Bring your cares to the feet of Jesus. The Bible says to cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Jesus understands our pain, because He was tempted in all ways, just as we are, but was without sin. The One who conquered sin and the grave can save your crushed spirit, and make you whole again.
The truth can be a medicine that’s hard to take. Today in Pastor Terry’s message, he warns us that sin is pleasurable for a time, but in the end, it leads to death. What truth do you believe? We can’t keep on sinning and expect to have God’s blessings. We must give up what separates us from our heavenly Father. God can’t have anything to do with sin. Quit making idols of the things of this world. Give up what comes between you and God, and gain an eternal home with Him. His love is the remedy we need.
Would you sell your soul to gain the whole world? Listen today, as Pastor Terry alerts us to the danger of trading our eternity in heaven for the temporary things of this earth. The world’s pleasures might look attractive but are worthless compared to what you will receive in heaven. Would you give up paradise forever for temporary gratification? Your soul is worth more than anything you could possibly receive in the flesh. Put away sin that leads to death, and choose the things of God that last forever.
God is faithful. Isn’t it amazing to see His hand in our lives? He is God Almighty, and willing and able to take care of us. Pastor Terry urges us today, to trust that the Lord can look after all our needs. His shoulders are big and strong enough to bear the weight of our burdens. Nothing is too massive for His might, and nothing too insignificant for Him to notice. God has a deep regard for us as His creation. He is a good Father who watches over His children. When we cry out to Him for help, He loves to rescue us.
If we concentrate on the things of this world and the chaos that surrounds us, we can become anxious and without hope. Today, Pastor Terry encourages us with the good news of Jesus and His everlasting kingdom. He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. We can put our confidence in Him. The Word of the Lord stands forever, and His promises never fail. Our future is bright if we belong to Christ. Hold on to the Rock through life’s uncertainties, and look forward to the promises that await us.
So often, it can feel like the Lord doesn’t listen and doesn’t hear you in your need. But, as pastor Terry teaches today, God hears all, knows every word spoken to Him, and then speaks to His children. When you pray to the Lord, then truly tune your heart to Him, and wait quietly, He will speak to you. If you’re a believer, you can hear your Savior’s voice. He is with you and will speak to you. You must earnestly seek Him and listen for His voice. It will help you through your most difficult moments.
There’ll be times in your walk of faith with the Lord that you may feel like you’re failing as a believer. You may be wrestling with sin in your life, and feel like God will just give up on you. Well, today, Pastor Terry will encourage you to remember that God loves you deeply and will never forsake those who are His. Even when He corrects and convicts you, or brings consequences for your sin, He still loves you and won’t abandon you. So, turn boldly and wholeheartedly back to God! He’ll welcome you home like a good Father.
National pride and honoring your country are not necessarily bad things. But when you begin to trust your nation above all else and rest in the strength you perceive in it, you’re opening yourself up to devastation. Babylon was a strong and powerful nation. It seemed invincible. Yet, since it rested on its own strength, rejected God, and became prideful, it eventually was destroyed. Today, Pastor Terry will explain how important it is to never forget God and as a nation trust in Him. No nation can outlast Almighty God!
Nations like Babylon were powerful, strong, scary, and seemingly invincible. They had numerous gods and worthless things they worshiped. Yet, when they were in need, no god responded. No one came to help in their need. Today, Pastor Terry will describe the tendency mankind has to create, trust, and worship false gods that they look to instead of the One God Almighty. Don’t allow yourself to give your heart or allegiance to anything but God. Everything else is empty and worthless.
Have you heard about what is waiting for you after your life ends here on Earth? Today Pastor Terry says that for those who believe in God their future is bright, and it will be exciting! There are many references in the Bible to what Heaven will be like, and the new earth that will be created once God defeats evil once and for all. The truth is that no one really knows what to expect, but for those who accept Christ, and live a life in pursuit of His likeness, there is a place for them for eternity in a place like no other!
Today Pastor Terry is going to add a word to your vocabulary. The word isn’t important by itself, but the meaning behind it is more valuable than anything you will find on Earth. Do you remember your first day of school, or at a new job? Do you remember the nerves that came with you as you were preparing to start something new? They eventually go away because someone helps you get through it. In Life, only God can prepare you for your purpose and arm you with the tools and talents that you’ll need!
The Bible is full of warnings about what will happen in the end to those who do not find faith in God! It seems like there is a reference in almost every book with this reminder. Today Pastor Terry shares yet one more example of the fall that awaits those who worship their own gods. This warning is repeated so much that it should be obvious to you how important it is to God that you are not lost to the temptations of the world. What false gods do you have in your life today that you need to turn away from?
Today Pastor Terry reminds you of something extremely important about prayer. Not only is it necessary to pray over one another, and to pray for God’s hand to be on you, but as a Christian, you are receiving unceasing prayer from Jesus to God on your behalf! If that doesn’t put life into perspective for you, then nothing will! Jesus constantly prays over your successes and failures and receives your prayers of forgiveness always. There is no better mentor than Jesus for a healthy prayer life!
Today Pastor Terry brings one of the shortest but most powerful words of encouragement that you can ever hear! He reads from a favorite Bible verse and reminds you of the promise that once you have accepted God as your savior He is always with you! That promise comes with a lifetime guarantee and a free gift - that with God on your side there is nothing that could ever stand against you! The next time you’re facing something that feels too big to do alone, remember that God stands with you through it all!
Do you have distractions in your life that are getting in the way of prayer? For many, it can be a struggle to keep prayer as a priority. It may come and go with the seasons of life, but today pastor Terry says there is nothing more important than prayer! He reflects back to how he came to know Christ, and credits prayer on his behalf for that reality. He says that without those prayers over him, he would never have come to find faith in the one true God! Who do you know that is lost and needs your prayers today?
If you’ve ever thought to yourself that you needed redemption for your actions or sins of the past, and you could earn your way back to God, then listen to what Pastor Terry has to say today! Every time you try to earn God’s forgiveness, you are undermining the gift of salvation that God gave you when He sacrificed His only son. Forgiveness can not be earned - it can only be given! If you haven’t already, then let go of your past sins and accept God’s uncompromising forgiveness today!
Do you know how God feels about you? How He sees you when He looks at you? No matter what you see when you look in the mirror, or what you think about yourself for the mistakes in your past, today Pastor Terry reminds you that you are precious in His sight! You may think that you have gone too far, or made too big many mistakes to still be one of God’s precious children, but that’s the wonderful thing about God’s love - He knows you better than you know yourself and He loves you anyway!
Uh oh! Pastor Terry shares some personal testimony today that he might have to pay for later. He does make a good point though! You see, when you follow your path and the influence of the world around you then you will always be left empty and filled with regret. But God’s path is different, and never on the timeline that you’d expect. Many times your patience will wear thin, but the blessings of God await you around each and every corner as you pursue His will for your life and become a modern disciple of God.
Who do you know that you can trust? Is it a best friend, or a family member that will keep your secrets, or help you out in a time of need? But is that that kind of trust that is unconditional and forever? Today Pastor Terry says there is only one who offers a trust that “lasts”! He says God’s love is forever! There is no beginning and end to His love for you! How could anything of earth or of man ever compete with that? If you put your trust in those around you and in the things you own, then they will inevitably fail you!
How would you answer this question, “Do you believe God still performs miracles?” If your answer is “yes”, then there is a part B, “Does your prayer life confirm it?” Today Pastor Terry says he believes God is still in the business of healing. The medical community from time to time continues to be baffled. Children who have a full recovery from a terminal illness, or someone who wakes up from a coma for no apparent reason. He goes on to encourage you to pray for “miraculous things” that only God can do!
Have you heard the phrase, “The things of this world are temporary”? If not, then you need to get out more, but chances are good you’ve heard a version of it. But have you applied it to everything of this world? Today Pastor Terry takes this idea a step further with an example from Isaiah that illustrates how man built and worshiped his own gods. They were made of scraps and leftover materials and did not last. The religions of man are temporary! There is only one God, one religion, and one promise!
Who do you turn to when you need advice or help? If you always turn to God in prayer, then you’re ahead of the pack! It would be nice if that were always the case, but how often do you look to your own ability or reach out to a friend to help? All too often prayer seems to be the last thing on the list. Today Pastor Terry even challenges those in leadership to seek God first and ask for direction. Can you imagine a world where everyone was encouraged to pray for guidance and wisdom before taking action?
Have you ever been challenged or criticized for your faith? Some people will use the tiniest things against you as if the smallest detail can somehow disprove the overwhelming evidence of God. Today Pastor Terry describes what it was like for the early church and its believers. It was even more common then to belittle and refuse the word of God. Much like today, the people wanted proof! They seemed unwilling to accept anything they didn’t see firsthand. Isn’t it funny how some things never change?
Today Pastor Terry teaches on the sensitive subject of death. It’s never an easy topic to discuss, but hopefully, you will find his commentary uplifting. Really…he explains that what is waiting for you is so much better - there is nothing to mourn. Almost everyone has experienced loss in some way, and many have even dealt with death. For those who can truly say they believe in the one true God, they have peace in the knowledge that the eternal life God promised was given and is waiting for them as well.
Have you ever thought about what it will be like as your soul moves from death to new life in Heaven someday? Maybe you have an idea of what that will be like, but today Pastor Terry offers a second opinion. He describes a highway that requires a ticket to enter. He says the highway takes you to your place in Heaven, but without a validated ticket, you will be sent back in the other direction. He goes on to explain how to get your ticket validated. Hopefully, the answer doesn’t surprise you.
Where do you get your news from? There is no shortage of media outlets these days, and it seems everyone is trying new and interesting ways to deliver information to you. It’s harder now than ever before to know what you can trust and what’s being broadcast just for ratings. Today Pastor Terry reads scripture that speaks to this very problem. Not only are you called to be discerning in what you believe, but the “nations of the world” are called to align on a single source of truth. Truth in our Living God.
Do you know anyone that thinks being a Christian is too hard? If you know anyone like that or have found yourself feeling that way in the past, then today’s message from Pastor Terry is for you! You see, it all comes down to one simple rule - the golden rule, that you learned as a child. That rule has never changed, even though it may have gotten harder to follow over the years. Learn to see through the problems you face each day to reveal the people who are on the other side who need to receive your kindness.
“Let the ways of the world and the things of the world die!” Pastor Terry is speaking plainly and from the heart today. He brings truth from God’s word that might hit a little too close to home for some of you. If you find yourself feeling convicted by these words, then use that as a reminder to stop whatever you’re doing and spend some time in prayer. You will find that as you pay more attention to these nudges in your life, your relationship with God, and everyone else, will grow deeper and stronger.
You know that moment when you go from total confusion to a clear understanding of something? You probably know it as an “ah-ha” moment. You go from looking at a situation or a project in distorted low-resolution to seeing it in full HD in the blink of an eye. Today Pastor Terry speaks about your growth in faith this way. When you accepted Christ you were not only born again, but your eyes were opened to God’s grace and mercy. You were no longer seeing His goodness distorted but rather in full HD and brilliant color!
There has been a lot of discussion about heaven and hell for many years. Most people, whether they attend church or not, have heard a ‘fire and brimstone’ message in their lifetime. If you were to ask some of the people you work with and those in your social circles, many of them would say they do not believe in a literal heaven or a literal hell. In his message today, Pastor Terry gives several explanations of what happens to us when we die, and what the Bible says about heaven and a literal hell.
Our society has developed its own set of rules and values, based on what makes a person ‘feel good.’ We have churches and places of worship that have adopted this same persuasive style, by preaching and teaching what they think people want to hear, not a message driven by the Spirit of God. Today, Pastor Terry talks about how Old Testament people didn’t want to hear the things of the Spirit, much like people in our society today. Their ‘itching ears’ wanted to hear what they wanted to hear.
There has been a popular trend in our society to live life with a mentality of, “I follow my own rules, and make my own set of values.” That’s much like the attitude of the Israelites in Old Testament times. They made up their own philosophies and rules, rather than seeking the standard of God’s ways. Today, Pastor Terry uses several examples to demonstrate the downfall of disregarding God’s standards, as a guide for our lives. By ignoring His ways, the outcome is that you’ll have all kinds of serious problems.
When we hear the word peace used in a statement, many different things pop into our minds. There’s a statement about, “I just want world peace.” We hear about having “peace of mind.” There are several other statements about “peace.” However, real peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and it’s a peace that is beyond anything we know how to express. Today, Pastor Terry explains how God has ordained peace for all of us. He wants us to walk in peace. Jesus said, “I came to give life more abundantly.”
Everyone wonders about the future and what lies ahead. What will happen tomorrow, next week, next month? What will tomorrow bring? Is there anything after death, or just a big emptiness? Is what we have and know today all there is? Man has come up with all sorts of answers to these questions. But, nothing he has created turns out to be a solution. Today, Pastor Terry explains to us what the Scriptures say about what tomorrow brings, and the fact that Jesus took away the sting of death.
Oftentimes as Christians, we regularly face giants and obstacles in life that feel huge and impossible to face alone. But take heart, because as believers in the Lord, we can stand in the power and authority of the omnipotent God! In today’s message, Pastor Terry will encourage you to remember that with God all things are possible! When things get difficult in your life all you must do is turn to the Father and He’ll welcome you with open arms! When we stand with God, who can stand against us?
Have you ever done something or accomplished some big task and everyone wanted to celebrate you? It makes us feel good when people acknowledge our accomplishment, though our pride can make us feel too good, and can put God on the sidelines of our lives. In today’s message, Pastor Terry will share what the Bible says about this. Being humble in the eyes of God is the balance of pride. The Lord will honor and strengthen you when you give Him all the glory that He rightfully deserves!
There are many different seasons in our lives that are difficult for us. These things that we battle on a daily basis burden us and make us feel far from God. As you face these challenging moments, you should consider that God may be using them to teach you… maybe to bring you closer to the Father than ever before. In today’s message, Pastor Terry will encourage you to pursue the Lord in those troubling moments. When life feels impossible, look to the Lord and seek His peace through prayer and worship.
Sometimes in our lives, it’s easy to get distracted from God and the path he has set out for us. As Christians, it is SO important to remember why God set His laws in place and why He wants us to follow them. The Lord not only knows what’s best for us, but He wants us to have a good life… fully dedicated to Him! In today’s message, Pastor Terry will encourage you to remember the weight of the Word of God. Living a life devoted to walking in the way of Jesus can only come through following His Word.
When we turn to God, we find the peace that exceeds all understanding. In God, we see a joy that cannot be found nor taken away. But how can we hear what God is telling us when the noise of this world is loud? Through His word the Bible. We find unconditional love through Jesus Christ when we heed what His Word says. Today, Pastor Terry continues through the book of Isaiah. Pastor Terry reminds us that when we want to hear God, we must turn to His Word and listen to what God has to Say.
Do you go through struggles that leave you feeling lost or uncertain? Perhaps you’re running away from your past or a situation that you’d rather avoid. There’s an answer to that feeling. In the Bible, the book of Isaiah says in chapter 45 verse 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other”. Today, Pastor Terry speaks from the Book of Isaiah and he reflects on today’s world- reminding you, that you should turn to God now in a time of peace, not just in times of peril.
God speaks to us in many different ways. Sometimes, we may convince ourselves that we are doing what God desires but in reality, we are deviating from His path. In the book of Isaiah, we see the nations of Moab and Damascus make this very mistake. How can we avoid deviating from God’s path when we’re surrounded by worldly distractions? Today, Pastor Terry reminds us that we can let God’s voice in our lives and steer clear away from the confusion of this world. Let us not wait until it’s too late.
Sometimes we look around the world we live in and it feels like the kingdom of Moab. It’s so easy to get caught up in the sorrow and despair of this world, but we must remember to trust in the Lord. In today’s message, Pastor Terry speaks from the book of Isaiah and reflects on the world around us. He speaks about the prophet Isaiah and he reminds us that the Lord is a stronghold in times of peril and a refuge for those oppressed. Maybe it’s time we trust in the Lord God and pray in times of prosperity, not just hardship.
In your faith, when you think about others who don’t know Jesus, does your heart break? Do you have a hunger to bring the whole world to the feet of the Lord? In today’s message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that you need to be actively bringing God’s gospel to the masses. Even when it may be difficult and people don’t seem to be responding to the message, keep up your persistence because God will always open a door. Never cease sharing God’s good news until the whole world hears.
Have you ever felt powerless over your sin? Have you ever been working to move on from the mistakes that are holding you back, but try as you might, you can’t get over the hump? Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know if you want to change who you are and be transformed, you need to surrender to the Lord. He has the power to wash you clean of your past and help you move past your hang-ups. Let Jesus take your burdens and be set free. Be the person you’ve always wanted to be by way of God’s free gift of grace.
When Jesus finally comes back, He'll be making a dramatic entrance! While what Pastor Terry just described may seem terrifying, I say that it's a magnificent display of God's power over the universe. I mean, we're talking about the same Jesus that lived a sinless life only to be crucified on our behalf. So, as you go through your life today, take a few moments to pause and praise God for His unequaled grace and mercy, and then spend some time marveling at the splendor of His divinity.
Jesus is coming very, very soon! Doesn't that excite you? Isaiah Chapter 13 talks a lot about Jesus and His second coming; the crazy thing here is that, when this book was written, Jesus hadn't even been born yet! In fact, Jesus wouldn't be born for another 700 years! But, wouldn't you know it, when he joined the scene, He fulfilled those prophecies! In today's message, join Pastor Terry as he guides you through this book of prophetic words. In reading it, may you grow increasingly eager for the return of Jesus?
What brought you to Jesus? Today, Pastor Terry talks about how at the end of the day, we are Christians because God is good. God is good, all the time! No matter what life throws our way, God is always there to help us through it. He knows our story, our struggles, and our pain, and He will never leave us alone. We can always turn to Him in prayer and trust that He will be our strength, our comfort, and our guide. He is the ultimate judge, and He will always look out for us and guide us in the right direction.
Have you ever thought about how the Lord is the final and perfect judge? Today, Pastor Terry talks about how we must answer to the Lord about our entire lives. He is the one who will ultimately decide our fate, and therefore it is essential that we turn to Him in prayer, asking for His guidance and mercy. He is our only hope, the one who will see us through to the end, no matter what may come. We should not take any chances with our lives, and instead, follow the Lord's path and make Him the final judge of our life.
What is the best thing that can happen in your life? In today’s edition of Agape Radio, Pastor Terry talks about how the best thing that can happen in our lives is being an instrument of Christ. We can find joy in being a vessel of His love, and we can be blessed with His strength when we allow God to use us. We are called to bring His love and grace to the world. He is the ultimate source and strength, and through His love and grace, we will find true joy and purpose in life. He has a great plan for each of us.
Do you deal with pride? In today’s edition of Agape Radio, Pastor Terry talks about how God hates pride. We must always remember that everything we have and everything we are comes from Him. Our lives should be a reflection of His love and grace. So, don’t be proud and let your ego get in the way of God’s plan. Instead, give thanks to God and give Him the credit He deserves. He has given us so much, and we must show our appreciation by living our lives according to His teachings.
I don't know about you, but for me, I can think back on countless times when I did something as a kid that I now realize wasn't the smartest move (slight laughter). I think the same is true in our walks with God. Often times He is nudging us to turn away from something or to take another direction. In today's message, Pastor Terry is going to be giving an example of this. God was prompting the nation in Isaiah to turn away from their flesh and to turn to Him; however, that's not how the story ended.
Don't you love that one friend, family member, or spouse that you know you can always go to when you need advice or help? Let's face it, we can't do life on our own! In today's message, Pastor Terry will be talking about the ultimate source of advice and help in our times of need – JESUS! The Lord tells us that He is our Savior and our Refuge, and when we come to Him with true faith that He will do what He says He will do, we will find rest in all of our troubles.
If you've read even just a glimpse of the Bible, there is a good chance that you will see how all throughout scripture God constantly shows his plans being fulfilled. This gives the people hope in what is to come, and a stronger belief in who Jesus is. In today's message, Pastor Terry is going to be showing how God did just that in the book of Isaiah. He does this to show the prophets that God is their help and that God is with them through their trial. This gives us comfort that He is also with us.
In life, there will always be trials. There will be times in which we question God. There may even be a time when we walk away from our faith and fall into sin. That's what happens in the story today from Pastor Terry. However, as we dive into this story from Isaiah we are reminded that, as Christians, because of the death and resurrection on the cross, we are COMPLETELY forgiven. This forgiveness doesn't just cover the small mistakes we've made, but all of our sins from our past, present, and our future.
Woahh.. what a statement from Pastor Terry! We all have this attitude of knowing everything, whether we admit it or not. Whether in our workplace or in the field in which you appear to excel. It's not a bad attitude to have, but what does the Bible say about it? In today's message, Pastor Terry tells you how pride can sometimes take over your life and ruin everything. How are you going to save yourself? It is by becoming humble in God's eyes and listening to his word. God knows what's best for you.
Don't we all want to be fruitful in life? We want to see the results of our efforts, whether in our jobs or in our daily lives. But have you ever considered whether you are also fruitful in God's eyes? Are you paying attention to what he has to say? In today's message, Pastor Terry tells you how to listen to God and be fruitful in your life. God has given you his gifts. You must use your gifts wisely or they will be taken away from you. Be a witness for God in this world, and you will see the fruit of his blessings.
We have a tendency to believe that if we live a Godly life, we will reap the benefits of doing good, whether to ourselves or to others. There is nothing wrong with thinking in that manner. God, in fact, sees our good works and rewards us accordingly. But, what about our flaws? How can we live a Godly life? In today’s message, Pastor Terry tells you about the consequences of your sin. Is your life for God or for yourself? The earthly mind is evil, but listening to the mind of God's spirit in you is love and peace.
What a powerful statement from Pastor Terry! We all have someone or a group of people who we look up to as role models or idols. We admire them and aspire to be like them. However, as humans, we all have flaws. Nobody is perfect, not even the people we admire. We are even disappointed by those we admire. But do you know who is flawless? In today's message, Pastor Terry tells you how Jesus is a perfect inspiration and how we can look to him for all of our needs. Jesus never fails to disappoint!
We all give thanks and praise to the Lord for who he is and what he has done in our lives. We enjoy participating in various Christian activities. We all have different ways of praising God, which is perfectly fine. But, is God pleased with our praise and worship? Are we doing everything right? Today, Pastor Terry explains how sin created a barrier between God and the people of Israel. Even though they worshipped God, he did not want it because they were soiled. To worship the Lord, you must let go of your sin!
Ouch… What a harsh statement from Pastor Terry! We are all sinners- not just our generation, but all generations! But, as we can see, there are consequences to our sins. It enrages the Lord.
The result of that rage is sickness, either physical or mental, which enters our lives. Isaiah urged the people of Israel to return to God in order to be healed of their illnesses. In today’s message, Pastor Terry tells you how you can get rid of your afflictions by asking forgiveness from God for your sins.
It’s safe to say that at least once, you’ve been let down by someone you love and trust the most. Even the reliable people in our lives can’t always be depended on. Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that Jesus will never leave your side if you choose to follow Him. You have always been in His heart and He wants to welcome you into His kingdom. Experience unconditional love through Jesus and be welcomed into a family that will pray for you, be there for you, and love you just as He does.
In our current culture, religion is often linked to people who judge, are exclusive, or think they’re better than everyone else. This perception can become so negative that people choose to avoid church completely, or decide to leave. Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that the body of Christ welcomes anyone and everyone into His kingdom. Ignore the false negativity that surrounds the church, follow Jesus, and be saved. Be set free from your burdens and let Him guide your life to extraordinary heights.
Every day we are bombarded by the world telling us how we should live our lives and what religion should look like. We are constantly told what’s right and wrong, what’s outdated, and what we should do to live as Christians in our modern society. In today’s message, Pastor Terry wants you to know that you can’t get soft in your faith. The world wants to slowly chip away at what you believe and let sin creep into your life, but you can’t back down. Even when it seems like God isn’t there, don’t grow weary.
As Christians, it’s easy to lose sight of what the Bible should truly mean to us. In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds us that we need to treat the Bible as if it’s a living organism, working through us just as Jesus does. Don’t compromise and let the world tell you it’s just some old book that doesn’t apply to us in today’s culture. Instead, study His word, take it to heart, and never lose the joy of letting it bear fruit in your life. God’s Word has always been true and will never falter.
Calling yourself a Christian isn’t enough to get you into heaven. Being a believer in Jesus requires more than just going to church or giving tithes and offerings. Being a believer is having a personal relationship with Jesus. Today, Pastor Terry is going to encourage you to seek out that relationship with Jesus. Spending time in the bible, praying, and meditating on God’s words are all ways you can grow your relationship. It’s time to not only call yourself a Christian but to live like one.
Sin can easily blind you from the things that God has in store for you. Maybe you are struggling with an addiction, a divorce, or worshipping false idols. These are all real struggles that anyone can face. They may seem fun at the moment but will ultimately leave you feeling empty and without purpose. You are called to turn away from those sins and to turn toward God. Today, Pastor Terry will remind you that sin can become a blindfold that blocks your ability to see God. It’s time for you to remove the blindfold.
Are you facing a battle today? Maybe it’s a battle with your significant other. Or maybe it’s a battle with cancer. Whatever battle you are facing there is a weapon that God equips you with. It’s a weapon that is stronger than anything man has made, it’s prayer. Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of spiritual leaders using the power of prayer to overcome physical and spiritual battles. Today. Pastor Terry is going to empower you to use prayer to win the battles that you are facing in life.
Are you being faithful to what God has called you to do in your life? Today, Pastor Terry will remind you that one of the most important things you can do as a follower of Christ is to walk in faithfulness to God. No matter your circumstance you can express your faithfulness to God. Whether you’re at work, school, or church there is always a place where God can use your faithfulness. You don’t have to seek out ways to serve God. If you ask, he will open doors and bring you opportunities that you couldn’t imagine.
How do you keep God near? Is there something you can do to keep God from feeling so distant? As Pastor Terry teaches today, you'll learn that a basic law of God seen throughout scripture is the guarantee to “draw near to God and you will find Him draw near to you.” It has been said that if you don't feel God's presence close by, it's you who has drifted, not the other way around. Pastor Terry reminds us that if you seek the Lord, you will find Him!
Would you rather give because you were forced to give, such as your taxes – or would you rather give to a grateful, thankful person who receives it as such a blessing? As Pastor Terry teaches today, you'll learn that obviously the latter is preferred. It all starts in the heart of the giver. Think right now how your attitude towards generosity would change if your mind and heart were aligned as a cheerful giver. Pastor Terry reminds us that the blessings of God flow to the giver with that kind of attitude!
Don't you feel refreshed and like a new person when you are able to “clean out” old clutter? Think about the time when you had your room completely clean and all your toys organized as a child. Or maybe your office and desk recently had a complete overhaul. As Pastor Terry teaches today, you'll learn the same kind of feeling can be experienced in your spiritual life. Clear out the old, dingy, sinful habits to experience the fresh feeling all over again! Pastor Terry reminds us that a “holy purge” can be a good thing!
Are you fighting in your own power? Right now, at this moment, remember that it's GOD'S BATTLE - just stand in His power! As Pastor Terry teaches today, you'll learn to find victory in Jesus Christ and never leave His protection. When you deal with situations and remain under Him, you'll discover wisdom comes your way, knowing when to speak and when to stay quiet - Pastor Terry reminds us that it'll come so naturally, but you'll know it's from Him. It's the way God provides at just the right time!
Do you feel like your life is spinning like crazy with no good coming from it? Friend, there is nothing more comforting to me than knowing God is in control. As Pastor Terry teaches today, you'll learn to never forget that truth. God is over all things. When life seems overwhelming, be comforted that He hasn't gone away on vacation! Seek Him, and lean into His word. Pastor Terry reminds us that you can count on Him to show up in your life with wisdom, an answer, and victory. It's His good promise!
There is a track record with God. And it's handed down through generations. In fact, As Pastor Terry teaches today, stories of the Lord's work have spread throughout history and continue to spread! Meditate on the Word of the Lord and know it comes with this promise: if you delight in the law of the Lord and teach it, you will discover that God will bring forth fruit in your life. Pastor Terry reminds us that God will flourish and prosper you in His way and time. You can depend on it!
Do you ever wonder if anyone cares what you're doing? The Lord sees your good works. As Pastor Terry teaches today, you'll learn how much God cares and rewards. Your payment comes from the Lord. It's HIS economy. Blessings come from HIM. Don't count on being "rewarded, repaid, or given accolades” here on Earth. The Lord will know – and that's all that matters. Pastor Terry reminds us to Look for Him in All things. Have anticipation that He will show up in your life!
Is there something in your life that is holding you back in your relationship with God? In today’s edition of Agape Radio, Pastor Terry talks about creating space for God in your life. In today’s world, it is so easy to become distracted. For example, we are surrounded by technology. Now, technology isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but is it becoming a divider between us and our time with God? God commands us to remove all things that take His place in our lives. That isn’t easy, but when we do this, we more clearly hear God.
As Christians, we are called to be a part of a Biblical community, which means that we may have to call people out if they are living in sin. Why does God tell us to do something that can come off offensive? In today’s edition of Agape Radio, Pastor Terry talks about confronting other believers and their sins in love. Look, we are human. We will make mistakes, and sometimes it takes the people around us to help us see those mistakes. We are called to point out others’ sins, but we are to do it in love.
Where do you go once life gets tough? Do you retreat to the love of money? Alcohol? Food? Pastor Terry talks about placing Christ as our foundation through life in today's edition of Agape Radio. Christ is seated at the right-hand throne of God. He is in control of everything. When we get anxious and when life gets tough, we need to place our trust in the Lord. He will never forsake us, and He will always provide for us. We must put our faith in Christ because He has already won our battles.
Do you seek the Lord in everything you do? Pastor Terry discusses the requirement of seeking the Lord in today's edition of Agape Radio. Christians are called to follow God and agree with His plan. In today’s world, it is so easy to become distracted. But how can we understand His plan if we do not look for Him and actively work toward Him? Reading our Bible and spending time in the Biblical community makes it easier to hear the Lord. He will always provide for us if we put our trust in Him.
Older, mature trees don’t fall over very quickly. They spend years deepening their roots, anchoring themselves into the ground. That’s why they can withstand droughts, storms, disease, and whatever else comes their way. Well, it’s the same with you and me. Today, Pastor Terry shares that you can stand firm in life when you’re secure in God, rooted in Him and His wisdom. No matter what’s happening to you or around you, you’ll have His strength, joy, and hope when you set your mind on the things above.
When you look back on the highlights of your life, what do you see? Probably a mix of highs and lows, good times and hard times. You likely focus on the people who are important to you. You may think about your regrets. And then maybe also the times you got it right. Well, today’s passage is an overview of all the things that King Solomon accomplished over the course of his life. And Pastor Terry will help you see that all the success he experienced started with seeking out God’s wisdom.
You can probably think of things that just seem too broken to be fixed. Maybe it’s a fractured relationship or a destructive habit. Maybe it’s the hatred and unkindness you see online or in your neighborhood. It could be brokenness in your church community. Whatever it is, it’s not a hopeless case. Today, Pastor Terry encourages you to turn to God and pray. When you walk in step with Him and invite Him into those situations, He will do amazing things, beyond what you can even imagine. With God, there’s always hope.
Isn’t that great news?! You don’t have to wait for someone to make you right with God. Jesus has already done it! And because of His work on the cross, you now have total access to God. What a mind-blowing reality! Once you have a relationship with God you can talk to Him about anything, at any time. In fact, that’s what He wants you to do. Today, Pastor Terry will encourage you to go to God with your struggles, your joys, and your hurts. He loves you and cares about the details of your life.
How many times have you said you’d do something but then didn’t do it? Even when you have the best intentions, sometimes you don’t make good on your promises. But that’s not how God works. When He says He’ll do something, you can count on it happening. It might not be in the timeframe or the way you expect, but it will come to pass. Today, Pastor Terry invites you to see how God proved His faithfulness when the temple was built. Like King Solomon and the Israelites, you can trust in God’s promises.
God has placed a calling on the lives of every person in this world. It may not be the calling of a pastor or church worker, and some may not even accept that calling. However, your calling is unique to you and requires faith that only you can grow. In 2 Chronicles, Solomon knew his calling came only through staying connected to the almighty God. In today's teaching, Pastor Terry continues his study into the initial records of the noble life of Solomon and how we can adopt these principles into our daily lives.
Unlike the story of Aladdin's genie, God does not appear out of a rusty lamp and eagerly waits for us to initiate our three wishes. If that were the case, would we still lean upon an omnipotent God after satisfying those numerous carnal requests? Instead, God is wanting us to consistently seek a daily relationship with Him. Today, Pastor Terry introduces us to a man in 2 Chronicles that seeks the heart of God and gains the wisdom to lead a kingdom.
Some of the best ideas in life come from just waiting on the Lord. In scripture, God said he would hear our prayers and give us that insight into some of life's biggest challenges we face. It's exactly what he did for Solomon, one of the wisest men in the Bible, as he begins his work on the temple. In today's study, Pastor Terry continues in 2 Chronicles as Solomon begins his construction and what would be one of the biggest undertakings in the Old Testament, and ultimately in God's bigger plan for redemption.
How close is your relationship with God? Would you say it is intertwined with God's heart and desire for your life? Committing our lives in service to God is a modern-day consecration unto Him. We are making a commitment to keep our days and weeks dedicated to His will. Consecration to God is declaring something to be sacred as an offering to Him. In today's teaching, Pastor Terry begins his study into Solomon's consecration and the plans set in motion for Solomon's Temple.
God isn’t surprised by our wicked acts or our good deeds. He knows our hearts and our thoughts and plans before we do. As Jesus illustrated through the example of the poor widow giving her small offering and the rich man giving a small fortune, the rich man had an excess and gave a relatively small portion - mostly for the show - while the poor widow gave everything she had with joy and gratitude. As Pastor Terry will point out, her gift reflected a heart that was rich in faith and close to God.
Every good thing we have is from God. He created this world and everything in it. Every breath you take is a gift from Him. Every minute, every meal, every relationship – all of this is from Him. All too often we try to give God as little as we can, clinging to our time, energy, and resources. As Pastor Terry will explain in today’s message, our approach should be to give back as much as we can to God – not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for His redeeming grace and the love He demonstrated in Christ.
God wants your best. He doesn’t want the leftovers of your energy, time, or resources. When the Bible talks about bringing your “first fruits” to God that’s what it means. So often in our world, it’s exactly the opposite. We put ourselves first. The first question we ask when we get a paycheck or have a day off is “what do I want to do with this?” As Pastor Terry will challenge us in today’s message, you should bring those things before God and ask what He wants to do with them.
There are some gifts that put people in the spotlight, and there are some that keep people behind the scenes. While some are totally okay with that, we get jealous of other people’s gifts at times. We wish we could sing or preach or lead in some capacity. As Pastor Terry will remind us in today’s message, God gifts us and places us where He wants. When you try to step outside of that, seeking glory or praise for yourself, you may get what you want, but you’ll miss your God-given purpose.
We have lots of stuff in this world. God blessed us with an amazing gift of creativity and a desire to make things. Sadly, like with so many good things that God gives, we easily turn these blessings into idols that come between us and God. Ultimately, the stuff we have doesn’t matter that much. It won’t last that long. That new device, outfit, car, house, or whatever it may be, will be outdated and old before you know it. Today, Pastor Terry will encourage us to focus our energy on serving God, not stuff.
When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses didn’t feel like the right man for the job. He told God that He wasn’t a good speaker – kind of an essential for a leader, right? According to human reason, yes, but God loves to use seemingly hopeless situations or incapable people to accomplish His will. It draws our attention to Him. As Pastor Terry will explain in today’s message, the only thing you need to be used greatly by God is a humble, willing heart.
Many of us have a preconceived notion that in order to be a Christian we have to follow rules and be perfect all time. Society tells us that being Christian is about being a good person and doing good things. Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that all God requires of us as believers are to simply follow Him and do our best. All we are asked of is to have faith and try our best to live for Christ. Don’t be discouraged and give up when you live the way you don’t want to live. Instead, simply give God your best.
Many of us take kindness for granted. Whether it’s being kind to someone we don’t like or being able to show kindness in a tough situation, it often gets lost by the wayside. Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that as Christians we need to be kind to those around us. Instead of falling prey to reactions that are unkind, we need to follow Jesus and let Him show us true kindness. Stop being kind only when you want to be kind, and let Jesus work through you to become a beacon of kindness to those around you.
We love receiving recognition for achievements in our lives. Whether it’s for being a “good Christian” or a good person, we like to be praised and start to lose sight of our humbleness. In today’s message, Pastor Terry explains that just like David, we need to humble ourselves before the Lord and lose our pride. If we truly want to improve our character and be as strong of a Godly leader as David was, we need to put all of our faithfulness in Him, even when we are at our weakest.
We all have people in our lives that we know we can rely on, but even still, those people don’t always deliver. Today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that God will never fail you and is always by your side if you simply put your trust in him. Even when you’re at the weakest and losing sight of your faithfulness, He will never abandon you. Find restoration, peace, and someone you can always rely on by following God to a life full of promises kept and blessings received.
Learning the basics of sharing the Gospel can be beneficial. But what Pastor Terry finds more practical is sharing how God has directly impacted your life. People want to have something to hope in, victory over their struggles, and joy in their life. Your account will speak to the benefits of a relationship with the Father. After today's message, take some time and craft your journey with the Lord. What are the highs and lows you can share with someone who needs hope, joy, or peace?
Worshiping the Lord at church with inspiring music is easy. But as Pastor Terry shares in today's study, going out into the real world and praising the Lord is hard! You can grow and encourage this skill. Start by directing your thoughts and energy towards the Lord. Remove as many distractions as you can and ask the Spirit to open your heart to His prompting. With practice and patience, you'll find yourself being able to praise His name in the most stressful situations. It's during these times you'll receive His unmatched peace and joy.
It is evil in this world – it’s a fact, and we all are well aware of it. But there’s also good – God has given us many blessings and continues to show Himself in situations that seem hopeless. God is in control! Pastor Terry reminds you today that you don’t have to be afraid of the evil that has such a hold on this world. Instead, pray! Run to the Lord with all your worry, your fear, your anxiety – let Him hold you and strengthen you. Let him reveal His goodness to you! And watch for the day He’ll rid the world of evil, forever!
When you pray, is it to get something from God? Sadly, that’s many people’s plan – pray to God, and He’ll give me what I want. But as you just heard Pastor Terry say, God doesn’t exist to do what YOU want! God loves you deeply and has a plan for you – and it might not look like you think it should. He has work to be done, and He’s given you unique abilities to accomplish it. So how can you know His will for you? Pastor Terry will tell you the answer to that today too – pray about it!
If you are sharing the love of Jesus with others, how long is acceptable to keep praying for them? A few weeks, a few months, or years? You can’t put a timeline on someone to accept Christ as their savior. That’s not up to you. Today, Pastor Terry teaches you how some will hear and believe and how others will hear and scoff at you. Don’t take offense, their hearts are just not ready. This is where you dig in, love them as Jesus did, and pray for them. One day they will see the truth.
Adam and Eve were commanded to not do one specific thing. To eat from the tree of life. The moment they chose to disobey, evil entered this world. As you listen to Pastor Terry today, he will remind you how it doesn’t matter how much time has passed, sin is still rampant all over this world. Malice is here because of the choice that was made back then. There is only one way to overcome a sinful heart: by giving your life over to Christ. Only He can set you free from the wickedness you feel held in.
Can you imagine it? You have it all… power, prestige, education, and money. And you decide to give it all up. Well, that’s exactly what Moses did. He left his life in Egypt behind. But why did he do it? Today, Pastor Terry explains that letting go of what the world can offer requires that you count the cost. It means that you weigh what you’re giving up so that you can gain all that the Lord is offering you. You’ll be reminded that the temporal things of the world pale in comparison to the eternal riches that God gives you.
Can you imagine it? You have it all… power, prestige, education, and money. And you decide to give it all up. Well, that’s exactly what Moses did. He left his life in Egypt behind. But why did he do it? Today, Pastor Terry explains that letting go of what the world can offer requires that you count the cost. It means that you weigh what you’re giving up so that you can gain all that the Lord is offering you. You’ll be reminded that the temporal things of the world pale in comparison to the eternal riches that God gives you.
The saying goes that history repeats itself. And, while it’s true that you can learn a lot from looking at the past, you’re not locked into doing the same things as those who came before you. Today, Pastor Terry invites you to join him in studying Stephen’s speech from the book of Acts. You’ll notice that Stephen is using the history of the Israelites to build a case for Jesus. And, while many of his listeners rejected Jesus, you don’t have to do the same. You can choose differently and give Him your heart.
You’ve probably experienced times in your life when you were worried about what you would say to someone before you talked with them. Well, in today’s message, Pastor Terry takes a look at how Stephen responded when he was brought before the Jewish ruling body. You’ll be reminded that God promises to give you the words to say when you’re talking about Him to others. Like Stephen, you don’t need to worry. God wants to use you to share the truth of His tremendous love and grace with the people in your life.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will ask you to look back on your life before Christ and remind yourself of how many times God offered Himself to you... Most of us can remember what it felt like when we knew that we needed something in our lives... A change. Many of us have tried everything to help ourselves... But eventually, Christ became the only one that could bring true restoration... As people who have already accepted the call of Christ in our lives, we can help others to accept their call.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will remind you that Jesus wasn't exactly what you would call conventional. The religious norm of Jesus' time on Earth was one of legalism and control. If you followed all the right rules and did what you were told, you were in good standing with God... But Jesus came and flipped all of that on its head. Jesus said that we don't need to work for righteousness, we only need to accept Him and live our lives for Him. Jesus was countercultural and we're called to be the same.
Faith is more than just believing. It’s about putting what you know to be true into action. This happens all the time in your everyday life. When you sit down in a chair, you’re trusting that it will hold you. You eat food believing that it’ll fill you up. But this also applies to your spiritual life. Today, Pastor Terry encourages you to have an active faith, to step out and do what God is asking. Like with the lame man who picked up his mat and stood, God, will do incredible things in and through you when you take action.
We all know that some poor choices we make can leave a bigger mark than others. Hypocrisy- saying one thing while doing another- is a prime example of this. Whether it’s obvious or hidden, Jesus says hypocrisy is incredibly destructive. It damages relationships, ruins reputations, and hinders the work that God wants to do. Today, Pastor Terry looks at God’s response to the hypocrisy that started to sprout up in the early Church. He asks you to consider if there are ways it’s sneaking into your life.
Let’s be honest. No one has it all together. We’re all a bit of a train wreck. We all need Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Terry invites you to embrace the reality that you’re a work in progress. You’re not perfect and you never will be. God is working on you and He’ll keep at it until you’re with Him in eternity. But there’s hope and joy in this truth because you’ll have the privilege of seeing God show up and change you from the inside out for the rest of your life as you walk in step with Him.
When something great happens to someone you know, you celebrate with them. You share their joy and excitement. Well, as Pastor Terry explains today, that’s exactly what happens in this passage. People saw the work that God was doing and it caused them to rejoice and give Him glory. The lame man could walk again! How amazing! But this isn’t just a story for the past. God is still at work today. You’ll be encouraged to allow the Lord to work through you so that others will see and know that He’s real.
As believers and followers of Christ, we-have-been-forgiven! Unfortunately, many of us can go through seasons where we revisit the sins we've already been forgiven of, and end up feeling condemnation. More often than not, this leads to all sorts of problems. In today's message, Pastor Terry will encourage you to reflect on what it means for your sinful past to have been blotted out. In his study, you'll learn the importance of regularly remembering the mercies of God, and regularly practicing repentance.
Chances are you've probably heard that at some point in your life. That each and every person has a God-shaped hole in their heart, that only God can fill. The tragedy is that mankind will go to great lengths to try and fill that hole with everything but God. In today's message, Pastor Terry reflects on the life-giving Son of God, who bridges the gap between man and God, thus filling that hole. In his study, you'll be encouraged to reflect on this truth regularly, and to look to God when you feel your desires are astray.
Whether we care to admit it or not, many of us have a tendency to let our doubts and uncertainties get the better of us. Unfortunately, we can just as easily let these tendencies carry over to our faith, which can have an even bigger impact. However, as Pastor Terry will remind you in his message today, not even death could keep The Lord Jesus Christ down! In his study, you'll be reminded of the hope you have in Christ, who never falters, lets down, or disappoints. All you need to do is believe!
Today's culture emphasizes positive self-talk. Like the little red engine...I can make it to the top of the mountain. How many of you direct your day? Pastor Terry talks today about the importance of having a prayerful conversation with God. He will tell you what needs to be done day in and day out. THAT, my friends, will be time well spent because you see how purposeful Jesus is. The disciples from ancient times had to learn that just because Jesus was leaving for the second time, didn't mean it was the end.
Just like children tell their parents that they can do something by themselves when they can't is the same as you and I telling God we can shine His love for others to see WITHOUT Him. Today Pastor Terry outlines five areas in which Jesus could work through us IF allowed. BUT FIRST, we need that change to happen WITHIN us by accepting the gift of forgiveness and life that Jesus offered when he died on the cross! ONLY THEN, can His power come out. Everything you do and say has some kind of influence!
You know those discouraging thoughts that sabotage any kind of motivation to do good? Those aren't from Jesus and have no place in anyone who's accepted Him as their Savior! BECAUSE once you've accepted Jesus, His spirit lives in YOU! Now, you've got this great gift of His power to do what you thought you couldn't. Christian or not, you can't bring any kind of hope or healing to this hurting world. ONLY Jesus can through His Spirit and your willingness. This is what Pastor Terry talks about in today's message.
Have you ever missed something that was right in front of your face? How about when you're teaching a lesson to your child, and their focus is elsewhere? Today Pastor Terry begins a journey with you through the book of Acts where Jesus is encouraging men to keep their intentions and focus on what they can learn instead of sitting around waiting to be saved from the Roman empire that they lived under. Just as Jesus was a teacher to the disciples so is the Holy Spirit to us. God promises to help us and it comes through the Holy Spirit!
Who's right there in the middle of all your muck besides YOU? Jesus! Doesn't matter how mucky the muck is, He REALLY IS there with you! In today's message, Pastor Terry explains that when the disciples and others didn't put their faith in Jesus, they missed out...A LOT! Remember Peter? He always lived in fear, UNTIL he saw the presence of Jesus. His life was totally changed after he experienced God's power! Are you aware of God's companionship in your life? Are YOU ready to experience life like never before?
I'm going to name him...because it means... Any parent out there has probably had these thoughts or something similar. The importance of a name is what Pastor Terry begins to tell us today. The writer of Acts addresses all those who love God. Besides naming one person specifically, we're also reminded of the name Jesus. He sets a standard. In His words and actions. In what He teaches. AND it's endless. People, we learn from Acts that we are to continue sharing His love, caring for the sick, encouraging the weak.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will encourage you to keep the Bible as a guiding light in your life. While the Bible may be a book from many years ago and a different culture, its lessons are still completely invaluable to us today. When we run into issues with strangers, friends, or spouses, the Bible is full of wisdom that we can use in our lives... We can pray and ask God to give us the insight to read and learn from the Bible. We can pray for God to help us integrate what we learn into our daily lives.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will share with you about intentional prayer. Prayer is one of the ways that God has given us to communicate with Him. We can talk to Him and listen to Him just like we would a friend, and through that, there is power. Through prayer to God, we can ask for anything in His name. We can ask for healing for loved ones, we can ask for help in difficult situations, and we can pray for those in leadership. Prayer is not just something that we do, prayer is something that enacts change.
God has a purpose for each and every life. No life on earth is an accident, God allowed for the circumstances of every life for a reason because He has a plan for each of His creations. As some of us begin to advance in age, questions about the beginning of life with Jesus become a more dominant thought... And in today's message, Pastor Terry will remind you that God will keep you here as long as He still has work for you to do. When your service for the kingdom is done, He'll take you to be with Him forever.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will share with you about glorifying God in all that you do. Some people will live their lives in service of themselves. They'll work to make their name well known and make themselves happy with the things of the world... But happiness in life from the world is fleeting. Long-lasting joy only comes from the Lord and serving Him. When we wake up each morning and ask the Lord how we can best glorify His name and honor Him, we're living into His plan for our lives.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will share with you about glorifying God in all that you do. Some people will live their lives in service of themselves. They'll work to make their name well known and make themselves happy with the things of the world... But happiness in life from the world is fleeting. Long-lasting joy only comes from the Lord and serving Him. When we wake up each morning and ask the Lord how we can best glorify His name and honor Him, we're living into His plan for our lives.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will share with you about eternity and the sacrifices made so that we might be able to enter into it. Since the fall of humanity in the garden of Eden, sin has been a part of the narrative. Our sin places us at odds with God... But God sent His son Jesus to be the perfect and final sacrifice for all sin so that we might be saved for eternity. This gift of eternity with Christ is freely given to all who will accept it... But many will sacrifice eternity for a few moments of earthly pleasure.
In today's message, Pastor Terry will encourage you to always find thankfulness in every area of your life. In this fallen world, there will always be some kind of struggle, trial, or temptation in life. But no matter what kind of heartbreak or storm you're going through, thankfulness can always be found. Thankfulness is a choice that must be made each and every day. The Lord has blessed each and every one of us differently and immensely. Take some time today to thank God for one of His many blessings.
If God is for you, who can be against you? In today's message from Pastor Terry, he explains to you that as a disciple, you are to be in this world but not of it. The world will often be against you if you belong to Christ. But you don't need to worry, because your life is in God's hands. Pastor Terry reminds you, that you serve a wonderful and mighty God. And greater is He who is in you than he who is in this world. Rejoice in that truth today. God is with you, He is for you, and He loves you more than you could imagine.
Have you ever heard of the saying “you can be so heavenly minded, that you're no earthly good?” As you listen to today's message from Pastor Terry, he shares with you that he doesn't believe this saying to be true. He explains that if you're heavenly-minded, it's going to help you while you're here on earth. You will have more of a mindset on eternity, that you will share more of the love of Christ. Pastor Terry goes on to say, that you will be able to share more love and compassion with the world because of this mindset.
As you go into this day, don't forget to put on the whole armor of God! In today's message from Pastor Terry, he teaches you that as a disciple of Jesus, you're going to have hard days. The enemy has come to kill, steal, and destroy. Every day, you are in a spiritual battle. You need to be equipped with God's armor in order to withstand the fiery darts the enemy throws your way. Pastor Terry encourages you, to stay rooted in the Word of God. Armor up with God's Truth and be encouraged through prayer.
Be encouraged that the Lord's mercies are new every single morning! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Terry, he lets you know that legalism says you must earn your way to be in right standing with God. However, if you had to earn your way to salvation, then what would've been the purpose of Christ's death? Pastor Terry reminds you, that there's nothing you can do to earn God's love for you. You will never be more loved by the Lord than you are at this moment. Embrace that beautiful truth.
When hard things happen in your life and in the world around you, it’s all too easy to lose your faith. Paul understood the struggles believers would face, as he experienced every trial imaginable. Today, Pastor Terry will encourage you to take Paul’s exhortations to heart. Remember that God’s love for you is so great and completely unshakable. So, in difficult moments, choose to trust Him and rely on the Holy Spirit who helps and encourages you. Hold onto God and don’t lose faith!
Paul experienced so much suffering in His life. He was arrested, rejected, mocked, beaten all because He was proclaiming God’s good news. And all of this pain and torment could’ve served to make him bitter and frustrated with God. Instead, as Pastor Terry teaches today, Paul saw these afflictions as worth it in order to share the gospel. He rejoiced in the ways he suffered. You, too, may experience suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul wants you to know your pain has a purpose – to proclaim and glorify God.
God calls all believers to serve Him in some way. And this may cause some to fear. The job may seem too big or the burden too heavy. Or you may feel like you’re entirely unqualified. However, as Pastor Terry will teach you today, God won’t just leave you to figure it all out on your own. He gives you His word and His Holy Spirit to guide you, strengthen you and give you ALL you need to do the work He’s called you to. The fear you feel isn’t from God. It’s from an enemy who wants you to stop going forth in God’s will.
In the mundane of life, it’s pretty easy to feel discouraged and wonder how on earth the Lord could use you in this season. Today, Pastor Terry teaches that the Lord has you where you are for a purpose. God will use you no matter where you are and what you’re doing if you surrender your life to Him. It’s His will to have you where you are in this time of your life. So, in the midst of the mundane or difficult seasons, allow the Lord to lead and use you. Do your best where you’re at and shine His light to everyone around you.
Whether you’ve experienced prejudice or whether you’ve shown prejudice to someone else, God loves us all equally the same. Democrat or Republican, short or tall, God is not a respecter of persons. He pours out His love on us unconditionally, and just as He did that for us by sending Jesus so that we might receive salvation, we are charged to show God’s love to every man. Today, Pastor Terry reminds us to not misrepresent God by showing partiality but to share God’s love with others.
Have you ever experienced prejudice? Whether it was politically driven, or something personal regarding your beliefs, or even with the friends you have, we have all experienced prejudice at some time in our lives. Even the Church itself has experienced prejudice within. During Paul’s ministry after Jesus died, he wrote to Timothy to encourage him to ward off prejudice in multiple ways. Today, Pastor Terry explains we should conduct ourselves as the church body to not be prejudice.
Lifting weights can be challenging, but when you start to see the results, it doesn’t seem as difficult as you go along. Maybe you lift a bit heavier weight a few months down the road because your muscles have strengthened enough to handle that kind of pressure. Well today, Pastor Terry wants you to know that as you grow in your knowledge and understanding of who God is, you’re working your spiritual muscles and strengthening them in a very real and powerful way. Be strong in the things that matter most!
Usually, you think when someone’s on your side that they’ll be behind you all the way. Until you realize someone within your camp has gone rogue and has become a spy for the enemy. When you’re in a war, this could be a huge twist in the plot of what the outcome of the battle will be. Well in today’s teaching, Pastor Terry mentions how at times, an enemy might come from within the church, spreading lies, or believing something that simply isn’t true and isn’t in the Bible. So be on your guard!
If you know how to speak a foreign language, there’s no need for an interpreter to translate the information between the two languages. But when you don’t understand a language, it’s necessary to have someone who intercedes for you, to help you out. Well today, Pastor Terry gives a message about how Jesus came to be the One who intervenes for you! You don’t have to speak some kind of Christian-ese language to follow God. He wants your heart and He fills the gap that once was there.
You might do someone a favor because they’re you’re friend, or because you’ve known them for a long time. But what about a complete stranger that you don’t care to help? Would you do something for them, showing you have a concern about them? Today, Pastor Terry talks about how important prayer is…even for people that you don’t agree with, or that you may not want to pray for. But as you’ll hear…the more you pray for someone, the more your heart is softened, and you start to care for that person.
If you’re like most people, you’ve had times when you felt inadequate, when you didn’t know how to do what you were supposed to do. That can be an unsettling place to be. Today, on Agape Radio, Pastor Terry explains that God always gives you what you need to do the things He’s asked you to do. No matter how big the task might seem at the beginning, He’ll enable you to do your part. And, you’ll learn what God wants for you as you follow His lead and walk out in faith, step by step.
When you’re hiking in the forest, you have to pay attention to where you are so that you can stay on the correct path. Getting off track could quickly lead you into a dangerous situation. Today, Pastor Terry shares that the same is true when it comes to what you believe about God and how to follow Him. Just like in Paul’s time, there are people out there that say you have to do certain things to be good enough for God. But the Bible is clear…God’s grace is all you need. So, be alert and keep walking in His grace.
Each person on this earth is unique. Yes, there may be similar looks, personalities, or interests, but no two people are exactly the same. In today’s edition of Agape Radio, Pastor Terry begins a new series in the book of 1 Timothy. You’ll learn that God has a unique vision for what your life could look like. He created you with a special blend of giftings, talents, and interests because He has a particular role, or a calling, in mind for you. Just as Paul was called by God to be an apostle, there’s a calling that’s perfect for you.
As a small child did you dream about what you wanted to be when you grew up? Maybe what you thought changed from time to time. Pause for a moment and consider your identity then and now. Are you stuck in the past...maybe of who you used to be? Today, Pastor Terry continues to invite you to BELIEVE that your identity is in Jesus. HIS SON. HIS DAUGHTER. True repentance will free you from the past! Saying "I'm sorry" is not repentance, but the heart change that comes through the Lord's power....is.
As a small child did you dream about what you wanted to be when you grew up? Maybe what you thought changed from time to time. Pause for a moment and consider your identity then and now. Are you stuck in the past...maybe of who you used to be? Today, Pastor Terry continues to invite you to BELIEVE that your identity is in Jesus. HIS SON. HIS DAUGHTER. True repentance will free you from the past! Saying 'I'm sorry' is not repentance, but the heart change that comes through the Lord's power is.
You’re walking through the fruit aisle of the grocery store, picking and choosing the fruit you want, dismissing the ones you don't care for. Is this how you see God's Word and His promises? Today, Pastor Terry gives us glimpses of people that missed out on the miraculous because they had certain expectations that were not met how they thought it would be. They were short-sighted. Dear one, don't miss this...Jesus is the one that opens your eyes to see Himself, not you.
Throughout the Bible, you find Jesus! You discover God’s plan for Salvation in the pages of the Old Testament. And even Jesus talked about the cross before anyone knew that’s where He was heading. In today’s message, Pastor Terry will share how incredible it is that God had planned from the start how to save the world. Carrying out this plan wouldn’t be easy for Jesus, as you’ll find out today. But Jesus was willing to submit to the will of His Heavenly Father, all to save us from death!
There was strife among the disciples as they argued about which disciple would be considered the greatest in Heaven. As Pastor Terry will share in today’s message, Jesus tries to teach them the principle of love rather than ranking. Jesus was the greatest example of how to live a life of service – He was humble and loving toward all! This is the example He asked His followers to live by, and what He’s asking of you as well! Be willing to set your happiness aside, and serve others!
Jesus came to rescue us from sin! What an amazing thing – and it was talked about long before He actually entered the world! Today Pastor Terry will share some passages from the Old Testament that point directly to Jesus – the Messiah! Jesus Himself even talked about these prophecies and referred to Himself by names given long ago. Jesus IS who He says He is, who the Bible says He is! And today, you can know Him as YOUR Savior. The Son of God came to rescue you too!
We often feel guilty about our actions or a poor word choice, but are these offenses ones that we repeat? Feeling bad or guilty doesn’t change anything at all; you can feel remorse and continue doing whatever it is that makes you feel that way. Pastor Terry reminds us today the true repentance, means turning away from what you once did and redirecting your path. When you repent, you not only feel bad about your actions, but you feel bad enough to want to change them in the future.
How often have you fallen for false information? We live in a day and age where everyone is convinced they know the truth and everyone else is confused. But how can you be sure that your truth is THE truth? Pastor Terry reminds us today that we need to have a plumbline: something in which to measure against. For followers of Christ, the Bible should be your plumbline. No matter the information or claim, line it up with the Bible and see how it compares. Don’t fall prey to the ruses that Satan presents.
We all make decisions every day; some of them are weightier than others, but they all determine outcomes. Today, Pastor Terry reminds us that everyone has a choice to make concerning Christ: you either believe or reject Him. What you choose affects your future decision and how you choose to live your life. If you believe the Bible, however, then you know that there will come a day when every single person will accept Him as God almighty, regardless of what they accepted or rejected in their lifetime.
Intentions don’t mean much when compared to the outcome. If you have intentions of spending time with God but you never do, what good is that? Pastor Terry reminds us today that God’s intentions for us are good and for our benefit. Even though God intended for Jerusalem to be His light in the world, He knew it would never be so. He taught them all they knew and when they still didn’t follow Him, God brought up the church so His light would shine; even though the intention shifted, the outcome never changed.
When somebody burns you, how many second chances will you give them? If they consistently let you down with the task appointed to them, you’re not going to entrust to them another on top of the first. Pastor Terry reminds us today how God gives to us according to our faithfulness. When you handle the mission well, more will be entrusted. Strive to take care of the things that have been delegated to you. God’s called you for a specific purpose and you’ll never grow if you don’t take that purpose seriously.
We often think that curiosity is dangerous; that it leads us into treacherous territory. But for our own sake, it’s important to ask questions. Pastor Terry reminds us today that being curious can be so fruitful, especially when we ask the right questions. Don’t mull over the same doubts in your head without seeking the answer. Don’t be afraid of the skepticism you have; instead, let it drive you towards figuring out what you really believe. The Bible has answers that you’ve probably been asking for a long time – dig in.
We all serve an invaluable purpose in the body of Christ. That’s not cause for misplaced pride – our pride should only be in what Jesus has done in us – but it should give you confidence as you live out this Christian life. As Pastor Terry will explain in today’s message, even the greatest evangelists and saints that we hold in high esteem were all immature believers at one point. They started where you started, but they trusted God and He used them to do what seemed impossible, just like He wants to do with you.
All the signs say we’re living in the last days. Gluttony, greed, lust, anger, and dishonesty are running rampant, among so many other things that God detests. If we examine Scripture’s description of the culture that Noah lived in, or that of Sodom and Gomorrah, you’ll find a lot of similarities. As Pastor Terry will warn in today’s message, things will only get worse as we grow closer to Christ’s return. We need to keep our focus on serving Christ and spreading His message of grace while we have time.
If you’ve been forgiven and transformed by Jesus, some of your strongest characteristics should be your humility and your quickness to forgive. Think of your sins – how filthy and selfish you were. You were rotten inside. But Christ looked at you and loved you enough to take all of your sinfulness on Himself and die an unimaginable death for you. That’s a humbling thought. As Pastor Terry will encourage us in today’s message, we should become conduits of that grace to everyone we encounter.
Jesus is often depicted as soft… constantly smiling, warm and welcoming. While there are moments that He is all of those things – He was strong and firm about the truth and His purpose in this world. He came to seek and save the lost and bring healing and restoration to the broken and vulnerable. As Pastor Terry will point out in today’s message, while Jesus was tender and compassionate, if you were hurting others, Jesus wouldn’t mince words or back down from calling you out.
There's only one gate into the entrance of Heaven! In today's message from Pastor Terry, he teaches you that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. No one can access the Father except through believing and receiving Jesus as Lord. Any other so called “way,” is a thief and a robber. Pastor Terry encourages you, to not wait to receive the gift of salvation. Know for sure you will enter into Heaven, by receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior today. Then and only then, will you receive eternal life!