Revelation chapter 2 verses 8 thru 11: In this episode We will look at the church of Smyrna and the church of Pergamos.

Happy New Year!  Thank you for supporting this podcast in 2025. Please share it in 2026!

Rev. 2:8-17   “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ 

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

Revelation v 11:“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Chapter 2:1-7 To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

Footnotes:

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

The Book of Revelation Bible study- author, the Apostle John, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit- John is writing from the Isle of Patmos where he is in exile under Roman government, AD 96.

Introduction, chapter one

Revelation: Greek, the "Apokalypsis", an Unveiling

4 main interpretation models:

Preterist: View that all events took place by AD 70

Histroical: View that John is only describing the main events of human history.

Spiritualizing: View that all the content of Revelation is symbolic and should be spiritualized.

Futurist: View that the prophetic events recorded are literal and will be fulfilled.

Revelation chapter One verses 1-8

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

Let's address the social media propaganda of some atheists and cultists that keep pushing  false assertions that Jesus Christ never existed and He is just another religious myth that followers blindly believe-

In the past few decades, many books and films such as Zeitgeist, Religulous, and the Davinci Code made bold claims that Jesus Christ was a fabricated myth combining Eastern mythology and pagan gods. With great speed atheists and later, social media influencers spread these lies and stated them as FACT. 

The problem with these specific assertions is these atheist hollywood producers and authors were getting their information from biased researchers and not from the original source documents that speak of Horus, Mithra and Krishna- 

 when the movies came out Prof. Peter Brandt, Dept. of History, University of Memphis said “I have been asked by friends about the claims made. I did see the movie Religulous and they got it completely wrong comparing Horus to Jesus. None of their claims for Horus were true.” 

 Egyptologists and Eastern Ancient Text researchers debunked these false claims years ago when the first comparisons were made. 

-Prof. Ronald Leprohon, Egyptian Studies, University of Toronto stated, I quote: “I’m afraid that none of the claims made in these movies are true. There is not one shred of evidence for such a thing.”

Skeptics claim Horus and Jesus were born of a virgin named Mary: the Actual ancient source texts say that Horus was born from the Goddess Isis who was married to Osiris who was killed, dismembered, put back together by Isis, had sex with her and had Horus.

They claim that Horus and Jesus were both born in a cave, announced by angels and witnessed by shepherds:

The story of Horus says that he was born in a marsh or a swamp. No mention of angels or shepherds in the text.

They claim Jesus and Horus’ birth announced by stars and angels:

No stars in Horus text, no angels

Both were visited by 3 Kings

Horus text does not mention 3 kings. By the way neither do the Gospels. Wise men, not kings, from the East traveled and brought Jesus 3 types of gifts. We have no idea how many wise men visited Jesus. 

Horus and Jesus both taught in the temple at age 12, were baptized, and their baptizers executed:

In the Horus text there is no indication that he taught in any temple, he was depicted as a weakling and hid away by his mother. There is also no account of him being baptized, thus no executed baptizer.

Both Horus and Jesus walked on water:

In the Horus text there are some mentions of healing and magic when he was a child. No mention of walking on water.

Both had 12 disciples:

Simply a false claim.

Both raised a “Lazarus” from the dead.

Osiris was brought back to life by Isis. Horus avenged his father. No mention of any type of Lazarus figure

Both crucified and rose from the dead

Horus’ death is never mentioned in the texts.

Both were known as the Truth, the Light , the anointed son, good shepherd, etc.

Horus was known as a sun god, Horus the son of Isis, and the “god of the eastern sky and horizon.”

Both born on December 25th Egyptians did not record birth dates thus this is a total fabrication. Jesus was not born on Dec. 25th either. The idea that Jesus’ birth should be celebrated on Dec. 25th was a 4th century Catholic adoption to coincide with the pagan Winter Solstice festivals. Jesus was more than likely born in the Spring according to tradition outside of catholicism.

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

Hebrews 11:1  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"

Theologically Saving Faith is the belief, on God’s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit and is accompanied by saving grace and leads to a life of holiness. Faith is a primary concept of Christianity. Without faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation one cannot be a Christian.

 Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. 

So Biblical Faith is an active confidence in God. Not ethereal wishful thinking but belief in the truth of Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. Faith is a response directed toward an object and defined by what is believed. Faith is only as good as its object. You can have faith that an old chair will hold you up as you are seated. When the chair breaks and you hit the floor you realize your faith in its stability was betrayed. Spiritually, the object of our faith must always be the sure foundation of the Person of Jesus Christ. 

Faith is the instrument by which a person is saved. We are justified before God by faith and by faith we live out our relationship with Christ (Romans 3:26). Jesus is the very real evidence of things not yet seen. Why? Because Christ has risen from the dead and in doing so has prepared the way for all believers to enter Heaven and enjoy eternal life in Him. Even though we do not see Heaven in this earthly life we are in fact citizens now if we are in Christ   Phil. 3:20-21

True Christianity is different than other religions. All other world religions ask you to perform works, rituals, or meet man made requirements and rules to achieve a reward. At the end of your life you may, or may not, go to “heaven” as the supreme deity decides your fate according to how you performed during your earthly existence. 

These religious systems offer no guarantee or hope of being loved by the specified deity or obtaining eternal life after death. So Faith in false religions produce hopelessness.

But With Christianity our salvation is settled at the beginning, not the end. Faith in Christ places us in a permanent, loving, righteous relationship with God. There is no question what will happen to us when we die. 

We are not bound by guilt, ritual, fear and disillusionment. At death Heaven is our eternal home and no power on earth can stop us from entering into the presence and security of Christ. 

When we are saved we place our faith in the lordship and power of Jesus. “We walk by faith, not by sight” II Cor.5:7  

 Christ and our relationship to Him determines our priorities. Faith in Jesus removes our sin and shifts our allegiance from worldly ambitions and relationships to Christ alone. Our faith in God will change our worldview. 

Charles Spurgeon once said, “When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust His heart.” Sometimes we do not see God working in our lives. We can feel isolated, fearful, and anxious. This is when walking by faith is crucial. Jesus is mighty to save and He is our solid, unshakable object of faith. 

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

let’s start this series with the doctrine of Sin and the Fall of Man. many religious systems don’t believe in the concept of sin. Today we see the rapid rise of Christian denominations that no longer preach against sinful behavior or teach the doctrine of original sin.

the word for sin is Hamartia (ham-ar-tee’-ah) meaning an offense, or missing the mark.  an archer shooting an arrow that misses it’s target

the truth is we are all sinners. Not just people who do bad things. The reality is we ARE sin. It is in our very nature as humans because we are all part of Adam’s bloodline.

When Adam disobeyed God, Adam and the world were plunged into sin...as Ezekial 18:20 says, “The soul who sins shall die.”

Genesis chapter 3 and let’s see in context what God says about the origin of sin. 

V1. Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 

 Adam the first man, in Hebrew the word a-dam can mean a dustling, red man, “The blood man”- Adam, a real person, not a mythical figure, he is the first man representing all of mankind, which is called the Federal Headship of Adam theologically. Through him the curse of death and sin corrupted all of God’s creation that in its original state was perfect. 

Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

 God told Adam if “you eat thereof you will die”, the day Adam disobeyed the Lord in the Garden he died spiritually and then 900 years later he died physically. He died spiritually having no desire for God, alienated from God. And now that is the condition of the whole world, you and I, and why God would have to judge us then and now. 

But Jesus came to reconcile the world to God, to be the Bridge over that canyon of sin and death for fallen man to be made holy and righteous once again through His blood. The reconciliation is Jesus’ life. (Col. 1:20)

 This means the worst person on the planet can be saved because God has His arms outstretched saying “You can come to me” whoever you are, you can come to God – A Holy God that must judge us can now reach down and save us because of the cross of Jesus Christ. IF you will come to Him. Jesus has done it all - repent of your sin and believe and Follow Him. That’s why it’s called the Gospel, "Good News!"

Humanity can only be made alive in Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that God reconciles the world to Himself. How? By placing our faith and trust in Him as Lord and Savior, thus securing the forgiveness of all our sin, now being made righteous before God, and having eternal life. We are born again and made a new creation in Christ. Faith in the only One who has fulfilled the Law perfectly.

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists declared a national health emergency for child and teen mental health. 

 LifeWay researchers found suicide impacts the local church greatly but few resources are available for those struggling-  poll revealed 76% of churchgoers believe leaders should address this issue more fully and offer better help to those struggling emotionally and with mental illness. 

Sadly, many Christians know of someone who has killed themselves within their family, work, or church circles.  

Suicide is a monstrous beast that seems to devour all aspects of the survivor’s lives. But Jesus is bigger than sorrow. Jesus is greater than death. He will make a path to healing and life for the Christian bereaved. Will life ever be the same? No, but it can still hold meaning and produce fruit. 

God understands why the deceased took their life and He is also aware of what it will take to bring hope to those left behind to deal with the tragedy, pain and grief. When the bereaved eventually come out of the grieving process they will find that God went with them and before them every step of the way.  

It is important for the Christian bereaved to live in community with the Lord and His people, the church. The Apostle Paul writes: 

 “Blessed be our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

  We know that suicides and suicidal ideation are a reality facing the American church. we must be prepared to meet this challenge. The enemy would have us throw up our hands in defeat and turn it over to limited secular solutions but we are the ones who actually have the answer to human hopelessness. 

As we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can provide resources for our communities to express deep pain, shame and guilt and despair. Trained Lay counselors and MH Coaches within a local church is a first step. 

Suicide does not have to tear relationships apart for the Christian bereaved. Families can pull together and their relationships can become stronger because they are holding on to one another within an environment of understanding and patience. Genuine community is a tremendous weapon against isolation, fear, shame and despair. 

Ultimately we must look to the Lord who is the Rock of our salvation, the Strong Tower and Fortress. He will get us home. If that loved one that took their life was in Christ, we will see them again. Nothing can separate us from the love of God once we are in Him. 

 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) 

That scriptural truth means that even I, cannot be against me. Trusting the Lord patiently and running to His Word is vital as we climb toward the light after such a profound loss. God knows our every need and He is faithful to meet those needs in His time and abiding love. 

If you would like to go through the Youth Mental Health Coach certification training with your church or school staff please contact Darryl at [email protected] or through cpmlife.org. We would be happy to bring this training to your organization.  Let us know how we can assist. 

 FEEDSPOT: Top 20 podcasts for 2025 in Youth Culture Category: CPM Sessions

https://podcast.feedspot.com/youth_culture_podcasts/

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ: why this core doctrine should matter to the local church.
This doctrine of Supremacy is a core historical doctrine for 2000 years, yet today it is being watered down in many of our seminaries and local churches in America. 

When the Bible declares that Jesus is the only way to heaven, because He alone is God- some church leaders and pastors deny this truth because they are deceived and would rather please people than preach the full counsel of the Word of God. 

  start with Colossians 1:14-19

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell. (NKJV)

The importance of this scripture is profound when viewing Jesus as God. This specific scripture passage under attack by cults and higher critics because it speaks directly to the deity of Jesus Christ, his sufficiency as the Atoning Lamb of God, and as the Creator of all things. 

The Bible study method I suggest using is the Authorial-Intention Approach. 

This interpretational approach uses exegesis (which allows the text to speak, while pulling out it’s meaning in context with surrounding scripture) this will not allow eisegesis (which puts in the readersinterpretation of scripture out of context and making it say something God never intended) eisegesis always distorts the Bible. 

When the reader inserts their bias with eisegesis it leads to the interpretation approach of the cultist and higher critic who subvert the text and thus control the meaning.

But by using the authorial-intention approach we understand that the reader does not create or control the meaning placed by the author. Holy Spirit inspiration and infallibility is what gives the Holy Bible it’s authority throughout history. Not a man’s or ministry board's aberrant or hostile interpretation.

 by reading Colossians 1 in context, is that Jesus Christ is God, not just “a god” somehow less than the Father. He is fully God. This confirms the orthodox Christian view of Christ and our Trinitarian view of the Godhead.

Theologian and pastor Charles Spurgeon on this specific verse “There can be no mistake, as to the Person concerning whom Paul is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; it is Jesus of Nazareth, the incarnate Son of God, who was crucified on Calvary; for, writing concerning the same Person in the 14th verse, the apostle says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

 Eph. 1   19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20. which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21. far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23. which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

Disclaimer: The use of this podcast is for informational purposes only and and does not substitute for professional health care. If you are having a medical issue or emergency please call your local health provider. Suicide hotline: dial 988

My guest today is my daughter, Caiti Riden who is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. We are discussing the national mental health crisis and how it is affecting the local church and our communities.

CPM Worksheet Anxiety: Steps to Peace

1. Prayer: take your fears to the Lord and believe that He will bring hope and peace (Phil. 4:6-8)
2. Resolve personal conflict if it is in your power to do so (Psalm 34:14) (Romans 12:18)
3. Confront Spiritual strongholds and renounce them: (James 4:7-8) (1 Peter 5:6-9) 
4. State the problem clearly
5. Separate Fact from Fiction or assumptions
6. Determine what your responsibility is for your life and what is in your control- see also where you have no control and must release these areas to God.
7. List everything you control related to the core issue
8. Accomplish all on your list and commit to being responsible
9. Set short term goals to help you meet these responsibilities and have trusted people to hold you accountable if necessary.
10. Cast these cares on Jesus Christ and realize as a Christian He owns your life and even the smallest problem is of great concern to Him. Let His Word speak directly to your issue and trust the leading of the Holy Spirit to bring direction, hope and peace. (Isaiah 26:3) (Romans 15:13) (Col. 3:15) (Romans 8:6)
11. Keep an eternal mindset when facing earthly, temporary issues (Phil. 4:9) (2 Peter 3:9-15) 

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25

 Our ultimate Hope is Jesus Christ, His cross, resurrection and Life- The Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, will lead you to deliverance, holiness, strength, and a sound mind- Trust Jesus with everything!

 Matthew 11:28-30   2 Timothy 1:7      Romans 5:8         Romans 8:28

Ephesians 1:7-8       Isaiah 41:10          1 John 4:4            Luke 2:10

John 14:27           Philippians 4:13                1 John 4:18           Proverbs 1:1-7

1 Corinthians 3:11           2 Corinthians 1:3-4              2 Corinthians 4:7-10

2 Corinthians 5:17-21                 Galatians 2:20             Galatians 6:7-9 

Ephesians 3:13-21

Ephesians 4:26-27            John 10:10               John 3:16-17              James 4:14

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries

In this episode we will look at money, tithing, stewardship, fame and personal value.

I’ve been reading through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes this past month which prompted me to do this episode- In Ecclesiastes  the main point Solomon is making is be wise in all areas of your life- seek wisdom from the Lord, in money matters, acclaim, relationships, worship. And wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and respect of the Word of God. 
 Let’s look at money-  so much of this vanity issue is tied up with our money and our stewardship of it.

 Average family in the USA lives on 76,000 per year. Many make 45,000 The poverty level for a 4 person family in the USA is 25,000 

For comparison, the average family in India earns $2,300 ( exchange rate in US dollars) Afghanistan 360 per year, Philippines 3900. Pakistan 1500, Nigeria 2000 Mexico 10,000 -our ministry works with orphanages and ministries in these places and we know what they struggle with to put food on the table

American couples making 100,000  say they can no longer live on that amount

all that matters is our family, our friends, the lives we touch and hopefully make better, and our faith in Christ that brings us eternal life and peace. 

Solomon wasted so much of his wealth on earthly pursuits, madness and folly, at the end of his life he repented and acknowledged everything was vanity except to worship and follow the Lord. Read Eccl. ch. 12

Jean Paul Getty died in 1976 wealthiest man in the world then- he divorced 5 times and had 4 other women - he said at the end of his life, “I would have given all my money away for one good marriage and peace of mind.”
 This from a 20th century Solomon who had everything, but missed the best things-

Benjamin Franklin said: “discontentment makes rich men poor, while contentment makes poor men rich.”

  Solomon told his son’s -Proverbs 23: 4-5
Do not overwork to be rich;
 Because of your own understanding, cease!
 Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
 For riches certainly make themselves wings;
 They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

 we need to ask ourselves: Am I trying to please people or please God?

 In this day of  social media cult of comparison you better have some restraint and turn to Jesus with a heart of gratefulness because comparison is the thief of joy.

 1 Timothy 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 what is a tithe? means a 10th, isn’t that an OT law, not for NT believers?

The quick answer is the tithe was given as an example of dedication to the Lord long before Israel was a nation. Abraham in Gen 14 gave a tithe

 it is a Biblical principle- see it in light of 2 Corinthians 9:7 that says: Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
we are to give from our increase and the amount is not the issue-the attitude of our heart is

  Malachi 3:10  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2025

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries