Encounter Life

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the "royal paradox" of Jesus. He explains how Jesus serves as the Prince of Peace through His earthly sacrifice and the King of Kings through His eternal authority. This episode bridges the gap between the cross and the throne, offering a deep dive into Isaiah 9:6. Also, there are some exciting announcements about the new Encounter Life studio and the upcoming launch of The Chaplain’s Desk podcast. Thanks for faithfully listening!

On this episode, Pastor Kurt discusses the challenge of proclaiming Jesus as King, given modern skepticism toward royalty. Inspired by King David's warriors whose mission was "to make David King," he asserts that while Jesus is already King, believers "make Jesus King" personally through their profession of faith. This act is a spiritual revolution, granting authority and privileges. Pastor Kurt encourages listeners to make Jesus the King and Lord of their lives and serve His Kingdom, especially as Christmas approaches.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt examines how "ordinary outliers" like athletes Cliff Young and John Daly parallel the apostles Peter and John, who were known simply for having "been with Jesus." While discussing the coming technological shifts, including the rise of AI and the potential for AI Persona Preachers, Richey delivers his core message: the effectiveness of the Gospel ministry will always depend on ordinary people filled with the Holy Spirit, a vital, spiritual component that technology and algorithms can never replicate.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be thankful for. Join Pastor Kurt and his family as they share what they are thankful for this year. And how God works through our act of giving thanks.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt stresses that although "you can't unring a bell," it is vital to recognize that "some bells only ring once," referring to unique life events that must not be missed due to bitterness or pride. Drawing on the Western command to "Circle the wagons," he argues that family gatherings, especially in times of sorrow, are not optional, but an essential obligation that creates a crucial, God-designed circle of defense, loyalty, and refuge against the troubles of life.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt shares a pre-Thanksgiving message, "The Attitude of Gratitude." He encourages us to live a life overflowing with joyful thanksgiving. Drawing from Colossians 2:6-7, he stresses the importance of trusting Christ daily and allowing faith to deepen. Pastor Kurt challenges Americans to recognize their immense, often-overlooked, prosperity and freedom, urging them to measure their gratitude by a global standard, especially for the blessing of hearing the Gospel, which remains inaccessible to billions worldwide.

Check Out This Link:

Alpha News - Thoughts From a Hipster Coffee Shop

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the Christian doctrine of redemption. He defines redemption through three lenses: exchange (paying a price), convertibility (worthlessness converted to value), and most importantly, relational restoration (being ransomed and reclaimed). He explains that on Calvary, Jesus paid the full ransom for humanity's sin, conquering death and reconciling believers with God the Father. This act transforms spiritual darkness into light and restores the lost relationship.

Check out this song link:

Gold City Redeemed

In this episode, Pastor Kurt challenges the typical use of the phrase, "God loves a cheerful giver," arguing that God's love is unconditional and doesn't depend on how happily we give. He explains that the Apostle Paul's true point in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is about a deep-seated generosity that flows from a heart's decision to serve others. This giving unlocks "surpassing grace," enabling believers to be abundantly blessed so they can "abound in every good work" and increase Kingdom righteousness.

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Until Then (LIVE) | Joseph Larson

In this episode, Pastor Kurt interviews Dr. Steve Hall. Dr. Steve is the Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He led this team in El Salvador. And Dr. Steve is the executive director of Thirst Initiative. The Thirst Initiative is working to "help communities break the cycle of generational poverty by taking a holistic, relational, and long-term approach, and it all starts with access to clean water".

Check out these links:

https://www.ctgfoundation.org/

Thirst Initiative Video

In this episode, we get to Celebrate 51 years of marriage with Kurt Richey and his wife, Joni, on this special episode of Encounter Life, "Marriage Beyond 50 Years." The couple shares their hard-earned wisdom, including their top three pieces of advice for a successful, long-term marriage, such as the power of commitment with "no exit" and the wealth of a compounding "relationship fortune."