RG AUDIO 021619   Zechariah 7:1-14 Motivation, or the lack thereof, can be a powerful thing. The reason we do, or do not do, something affects our actions, thoughts, and words. Zechariah brought the word of the Lord to the Israelites: they have missed the mark. God set them apart to be a holy people, […]

RG AUDIO 021519   Amos 5:4-13 Amos was called from his long career as a shepherd and arborist to bring the word of God to the people. The Israelites had once again forgotten the grace of God, resorting back to allowing other things than him as first in their lives. When God was replaced, the […]

RG AUDIO 021419   Leviticus 19:1-10 We in the church often talk about holiness. Sermons are preached, Sunday School lessons are taught, inspirational quotes are shared, and friends debate about the nature of holiness. What does it mean to “be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (v. 2)? Leviticus is not the […]

RG AUDIO 021319   Exodus 23:1-9 Everyone wants to belong. Look at the local school playground and you see groups of kids clumped together. Some will do whatever it takes to be a part of a specific group. Anything to avoid being on the outside, alone. The Israelites have been freed from Egyptian oppression where […]

RG AUDIO 021219   Luke 16:16-31 Having a toddler in the house means there is a lot of learning about boundaries. You have to set limits for safety and conduct. No you may not touch the stove; yes use your manner words. Children may have heard your statements outlining the boundaries, but that doesn’t mean […]

RG AUDIO 021119   Luke 16:1-15 When I hear the word “master” sometimes a picture of a lowly servant, groveling at the feet of his overseer waiting to do his bidding comes to mind. The servant has to obey whatever command is given. The master dictates the direction of the servant’s life. Jesus introduced his […]

RG AUDIO 021019   Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt 6:19a-20). Things will wear out, bank accounts may empty out, […]

RG AUDIO 020919   Acts 5:41—6:7 They only chose seven men who were simple people of faith. Their credentials were simple, too: “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3b). Among the seven men was Stephen, the first martyr. His life along with the other six leaders were to make a difference in the lives […]

RG AUDIO 020819   Matthew 19:16-30 There is passion in following Christ. The passion of a steadfast faith is not like a first kiss but more like a wedding day: a sacred and unforgettable day. In the midst of beauty and blessings, sacred vows are made. By joining right hands and repeating a few words […]

RG AUDIO 020719   Matthew 6:19-34 Some people seem to be predisposed to be anxious and worry. Our daily news reports do not help. We hear about fake news, scary clowns, North Korea, mass shootings, a health care crisis, social ills, and a disregard for life. If you find that there are things going on […]