CPM Sessions with Darryl Riden

Today: Episode 11 looks at Mormonism and Scientology

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Today: Episode # 10 takes a look at Islam, Wicca, and Witchcraft

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 Part 2: Hinduism and Buddhism 

Hinduism 1.35 billion worldwide / USA 2.5 million followers

They follow various religious writings that were mainly orally transmitted generationally. Some, like the Vedas date back to 1500 BC to 900 BC.

Hindus worship approx. 330 million gods. 

Out of Vedic teachings the Caste System of Hinduism was instituted.  4 classes among people rooted in the dharmashastra 

Brahmins: The priestly class that perform the religious rites and are middle men between gods and men. According to Manu, the law maker, a Brahmin is a reincarnation of dharma (meaning sacred tradition). He is the highest being on earth and entitled to all things.

Kshatriyas: the warrior class who are commanded by tradition to protect the people and bestow gifts on the priestly class. They are allowed to study the Vedas and dispense justice.

Vaishyas: They are the merchant and peasant class. They can study the Vedas, offer sacrifices, trade, lend money but cannot marry women in the upper classes.

Shudras: the labor class who exist only to serve the upper classes. They are not to observe vedic rituals or even listen to the ritual chants. They are not allowed to eat in the presence of the upper class or marry upper caste women. The lowest of the Shudras, called Dalits, “the untouchables.” seen as impure and sub-human, having no rights within the society

The caste system is a spiritually constructed social system. The upper caste comprise  15% of the population but dominate the religious, political and business arenas.

 Hindus and Buddhist believe the individual identity is the source of all pain. Escape to Moksha or “self-realization” comes when the soul realizes the appearance of reality is an illusion.  through altered states of consciousness using Yoga, the enlightened one realizes they are identical to the Universal Soul, or Brahman. 

Then instructed in the path of knowledge  by spirit guides. They then may become One with the Universe

 Buddhism: 400 million worldwide-1.2 million USA- 

It is basically an atheistic branch of Hinduism- no Karma, etc ---btw karma is only bad results/ there is no such thing as good karma in the Hindu belief system. Good karma is a recent new age idea out of the 1960’s to the present---

This is the branch of Hinduism started by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century in China. He became the Buddha, the “enlightened one, or the awakened one.” 

later, Zen Buddhism was developed in Japan and seeks to discover the true self through meditation- and embracing existentialism...”being in the moment”.

the point of Zen is you realize that you are the One….and all the universe is connected –you are connected to everything living and non living. the ALL.

Gautama was so discouraged as a Hindu by asceticism, by the Wheel of Reincarnation and the Karma concept, that he began teaching his followers that there was no reincarnation, just the survival of consciousness, and that the universe is connected. 

His teaching is called “the middle way.” They believe you can manipulate objects around you with your mind if you empty yourself and become enlightened because everything in the universe is connected.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 Part One: Secular Humanism/ Atheism / Jehovah's Witnesses

II TIMOTHY 3

1But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4.traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

v. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, andprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

He goes on and says….Preach the Word!

 Col. 2:6-8 “….beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, not according to Christ.”

_____________________________________
 Romans chapter 1 :18-25 : the root of where all false religions and antichrist belief systems originate.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen

 So we see that false religion begins in the rebellious heart of man. We would rather worship a created thing, rather than the Creator. Maybe a fallen angelic being, like Satan and demons, or a supposed enlightened man or woman  it may be the sun, moon, the stars, a tree or animal any idol, planet earth or you worship yourself

 “ In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, all things were created by Him     John 1:1 

Jesus Christ is God almighty- He is the Creator-worldly religions worship the creation, not the Creator. 

John 1:14   “ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

We are not seeing much power in the American church in light of this serious issue of Christians grieving the Holy Spirit...I believe it is directly related to the fact that there is seemingly little, or no fear of God within the average Christian today…again….Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” For example, we see so much sexual sin, porn addiction, adultery, bitterness, divisiveness-

All this within our local churches quenching the work of the Holy Spirit- now, no doubt there is much activity in our fellowships and denominations, lots of events, music, charity work, pomp and circumstance, looks like we are really doing great things for God-and of course there are tremendous things going on in some local churches nationwide-I hope your church is doing great-but when we look at the decline of the church in the USA we have to be honest about our situation-the numbers show there actually is little life- changing, transforming work of the Holy Spirit being produced. 

Hundreds of churches close their doors every month in the USA...according to the Barna research group 65% of the 430,000 churches in our nation are in decline. And most churches that do have growth in numbers are growing only because of transfer growth as people leave their old church and go across town to the new church. A recent Gallup poll revealed that few Millennials (people born between 1981 and 1996) few of them attend local churches and are members of any denominations. 

British Methodist preacher and revivalist Samuel Chadwick- he was born in 1860- died in 1932.. once said

 “The church that multiplies committees and neglects prayer may be fussy, noisy, enterprising, but labors in vain and spends its strength for naught. It is possible to excel in mechanics and fail in dynamics. There is an abundance of machinery, what is wanting is power.” 

The modern USA church is weak because we hinder the Holy Spirit and have become dull, going through the motions, no longer able to stand and be salt and light to the world. 

so How do we begin the work of revival locally? We are talking about this issue of grieving the Holy Spirit---we Must take our mind and body to the Lord and confess our sins: that means you say the same thing God says about your specific sins. Deal with it- grow in Maturity and walk in the Spirit.

We are no longer servants to sin—sin’s power is broken by the blood of Jesus.

Satan comes as a thief to kill. Steal and destroy, Jesus says I have come to bring life abundantly. So regarding the sin issues of our lives, we need the remedy and that is understanding The grace of God restores: what is grace?  It is receiving something we do not deserve- namely our salvation from certain eternal death because of our sin. Grace is also the desire and ability to do the will of God. 

To grow in grace we must go to the Bible which reveals the true grace shed on us by the Lord. It is the power of the Word of God, Jesus is the Logos, You cannot grow and mature spiritually without the discipline of Bible study and Prayer.

As believers we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account. And there will be no where to hide for me or for you.

 2 cor. 5:9-10    Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

As Christians we need to take seriously the issue of sin and how it grieves the Holy Spirit of God that indwells us.

Ephesians 4:30 we see this warning 

 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

So What grieves the Holy Spirit?  All sin grieves the Lord- 

We like our laundry list of sins and categorize them.....lying is not as bad as sexual sin, and that’s not as bad as murder----you know the drill...but all sin is sin—God is Holy and He cannot be in the presence of it. 

 In this Ephesians passage we see specific sins that break the heart of God. In context chapter 4…. first speaks to the unity of all believers baptized in the Holy Spirit (it is clear that all believers are baptized in One body, one spirit.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in [c]you all.

 In this same passage in chapter 4 we see Paul lay out the issue, calling out specific sins that grieve the Holy Spirit--- let’s read these in Eph. 4:25-32--

 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Not only are there sins of commission, but we see in James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Our main struggle in this world is found in 1 John 2:15-17. 

“Do not love the world or the things in the world- if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is of the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world- and the world is passing away and the lust of it- but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

So we see there are 3 things that are always coming against humans in our sin nature...lust of flesh..lust of the eyes and pride of life.

This is not a salvation issue—-it is a sanctification issue.

 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins- in which you once walked according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” Eph. 2:2 

Eph 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

We do not lose our salvation but we lose our fellowship with Jesus. We lose the intimacy with our Father, now estranged, so to speak- but we are still His child. Our rebellion can bring far reaching consequences. 

We must repent and allow God to restore us.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all. -Ephesians 4: 4-6

Greek: Baptizo (bap-tid’-zo) immerse, to submerge, to baptize

now let’s take a look at the 3 Governmental systems in place historically to bring more clarity to the baptism ordinance we will get back to in a minute…

...in no certain order, let’s start with

1. Episcopal: Episcapolis/Latin meaning Bishop—this is an Overseer model- one main head/ example, the Pope of the Roman Catholic church and the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Anglican church of England.. (they uphold Sacerdotalism: Priesthood as mediators between men and God.../ confessions/ Latin Liturgy.) 
2. Presbytery: Council elected as a ruling body---such as board of Elders, assigned pastorates.
3. Congregational-Baptist: autonomous structure with democratic congregational representation, congregation led with pastors, deacons, elders, being chosen by the congregation.

 the other ordinance (also called sacraments) of the church, the Lord’s Supper / also called communion. Here are the 4 main views...

Communion:

Transubstantiation: the elements actually become the body and blood of Christ. Roman Catholics hold to this view.

Consubstantiation: holds that the substance of the body and blood of Christ are present alongside the substance of the bread and wine, which remain physically bread and wine....Lutheran, Episcopal 

Spiritual Meal: there is a mystical presence and experience of Christ during communion. Methodist, Presbyterian, some pentecostal groups

Memorial Service- simply a symbolic memorial of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Most baptists, congregationalists, and non denominational groups have this view /and also of note, many will use grape juice instead of wine during the Lord’s Supper.

Our modern denominations take aspects from these categories and build their theology around these concepts, thus forming their individual structural formation. Numerous Non Denominational churches are all over the map with how they combine these governmental and ordinance structures today.

We see clearly in the book of Acts this process: 

The Gospel is proclaimed, The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin, people repent of sin, by faith they receive Jesus Christ, forgiveness and salvation are given by God, and the redeemed person follows up with a public baptism. 

Historically when a person receives Christ he or she follows the conversion event with water baptism. This is not a part of the regenerative salvation experience. It is not required for salvation (example: the thief on the cross).

Baptism: 3 views

1. Salvific- you must be baptized to have salvation.
2. Grace impartation- this is a mystical view that speaks to a supernatural grace impartation at baptism/sprinkling. 
3. Symbolic: water baptism is a symbolic public declaration of a Christian’s desire to follow Jesus Christ and that they have been raised to new life in Him.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

1 Peter 1:3-9: we see 4 statements of eternal security: A Living Hope!

 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance [a]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been [b]grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not [c]seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1.(v. 3) Inheritance: Greek, teteremenen meaning reserved, it means the inheritance was made possible by Jesus Christ in the past ---and is now kept by Him until the time of delivery in the future.

(v.4) It is Incorruptible: never to decay ---- it is Undefiled: it is perfect and will never fade away. Being reserved in Heaven for you.

2. (V.5) We are Kept by God. This is a military term translated as “kept.” Phrouroumenous, meaning to mount a guard as a sentinel keeping watch which is in the present participle meaning we are guarded now while we, in faith, await our liberation from earthly death to the heavenly Kingdom. 

3. Salvation (v.5)  Soteria (rescue, safety, deliverance): is the same as Rom. 8:23, Rom. 13:11, speaking about the body being saved from corruption eternally. 

4. (there are biblically 3 tenses of salvation)

a. We are saved from the penalty of sin which is death and Hell/ eternal separation from God. The Second death.

b. We are being saved through the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit that indwells us, conforming us to be more like Jesus as we mature as Christians.

c. We will be saved from the very presence of sin when we are glorified with Christ in Heaven revealing the completion of our salvation: “Glorification of the Believer.”

Jesus will accomplish our salvation. He will complete it! Not us…Our salvation is a living hope fixed on Christ.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

God is pleased with me because He is pleased with His Son. 

Phil 1:6 : “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I cannot lose God because He cannot lose Me. 

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. " Gal. 2:20

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” ~ Psalm 27:1

Fear is an issue everyone deals with, Christian or not... Through the years as a youth minister and pastoral counselor I have worked with many young people overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. 

Fear is mentioned in the Bible at least 500 times and we are instructed often to fear notbecause of the protection and power of the Holy Spirit that indwells us.….

Jesus said in John 6: 33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you  will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

*Injustice is at the core of the anger/ rage: also Betrayal unresolved- the offender does not take responsibility/ you carry the wound/ spend much time and energy seeking imagined or real revenge or justice. “I have been ripped off!”
*Unrealistic expectations occupy your thinking.
*Resentment ensues because of real trauma or perceived hurt.
*Bitterness takes root (now a spiritual issue)
*Disconnection: God and people – numbness
*Acting out: addictions – eventually leads to despair.

Let’s close today with this 10 step action to help with anxiety struggles:

1. Prayer: take your fears to the Lord and believe that He will bring hope and peace- set your faith on the sure foundation of Jesus, the Rock of your salvation. Make prayer a daily event- driving to work, taking a walk in the evening...just talk to the Lord.

2. Resolve personal conflict if it is in your power to do so, seek forgiveness if you wronged someone- etc. (Psalm 34:14) ”turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”

3.Confront Spiritual strongholds and renounce them:

(1 Peter 5:6-9) “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time- casting all your care upon him for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour...whom resist steadfast in the faith..”

4. State the problem clearly- what is the threat that builds tension in me...this is important to clarify when things seem so unfocused.

5. Separate Fact from Fiction or assumptions (true and false exercise) writing things down helps organize the mind.

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. Then List everything you do control related to the core issue to carry those things out.

8. Accomplish all on your list and commit to being responsible.

9. Set short term goals to help you meet these responsibilities; have trusted people hold you accountable if necessary. connection is vital for healing. This is where support groups or small groups at your church come in. You do not have to be alone.

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. Read the Bible daily.

(Col. 3:15)  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

*All music written and performed by Darryl, Taylor and Caiti Riden (c) 2022

ChristPowered Ministries  www.cpmlife.org

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

www.cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Worldviews and Theology- why Biblical doctrine is important to your local church and student ministry.

Jude is warning that the true Church will be under attack by false teachers, apostates coming into the local Body of Christ and trying to destroy it from the inside out.

Jude:16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are [i]sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 We see in our day a flood of apostasy washing over the church landscape, worldwide-- certainly in our nation it is evident. We need to wake up and see what is really happening in our local churches and how it affects young people and their worldview. 

 5 primary doctrines of the Christian Faith: These core doctrines have been upheld by the historical Christian Church throughout the world for 2000 years in defining the accepted, foundational beliefs that identify the true follower of Jesus Christ.

1. The Virgin Birth/Deity of Jesus Christ.

2. Sacrificial blood atonement of Christ on the cross.

3. The bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

4. The Holy Bible is the authoritative Word of God.

5. The Second coming of Christ.

Biblical theology matters because it brings a Christ centered worldview to the followers of Jesus.
How you think forms your world view: it will set forth parameters of how you deal with the 4 main questions of humanity: 

1. Origin: where did life come from ?

2. Morality: is there right and wrong?

3. Meaning: is there any rea;l purpose for me in this life-

4. Destiny: is there life after death?

Everyone has a worldview...how they see the world and act out in it. 

In an age of experiential religious pursuits, theology can be seen as a hindrance to “feeling” where God is leading the Church. Experience is never to be the foundation for theology, but rather sound theology should be the foundation for our experience. 

Young people today are so distracted by Social media...so damaging...no wonder depression and anxiety disorders are at epidemic levels...This cult of comparison.

Without biblical discipleship we will see this mass spiritual and mental immaturity and damage continue and wreck another generation. 

C.S. Lewis said, “If you do not listen to theology, that will not mean you have no ideas of God, but it will mean you will have a lot of wrong ones.” 

It is vital that Christians understand why we believe what we say we believe in. 

In my three decades of student ministry I have seen methods and philosophies of ministry towards youth outreach and discipleship shift and change drastically. The most troubling shift has been the current lack of doctrinal instruction. 

This doctrinal vacuum along with the intense attacks against Christianity and the authority of the Bible have crippled many of our American churches and the confidence of today’s young believers. 

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries