RG AUDIO 052218   John 4:13-27 People put a lot of time, thought, and energy into external parts of worship such as music, lighting, liturgy, décor, and personal appearance. While each of these things is good, they are not enough by themselves. What God wants from us is true worship that involves our hearts, minds, […]

RG AUDIO 052118   John 4:1-12 Most Christians want to reach out to people perishing apart from God’s grace. In fact, Jesus commands it in Matthew 28: 19-20. But where are the lost? They are everywhere. People who need to know Jesus and His promise of living water are in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, shopping […]

RG AUDIO 052018   Philippians 4:1-19 One of my most favorite places in creation is the ocean. Once we visited a beach new to us with some friends. Although we did not realize it at the time, the shore dropped off rapidly which made for some powerful waves. As one of our friends entered the […]

RG AUDIO 051918   2 Corinthians 13:1-14 Differences are a part of life. Without differences we would all be the same: conformed to one single standard of what God’s creation looks like and acts like. In our fallen world, these differences often erupt into conflict on some scale: at home, in a local community, on […]

RG AUDIO 051818   Romans 16:1-12 In some areas of the world, October has become the month to recognize the work of pastors and ministers of the Word. Congregations may participate in a variety of activities, depending on what they deem fit. Often during a part of these activities, laypeople make a point of encouraging […]

RG AUDIO 051718   Acts 18:18-28 Paul was a busy apostle. He was on the move—reaching out to people that many of the Jewish followers of Christ did not. From his extreme persecution of the Church to his radical transformation as an apostle of Christ, Paul challenged the way the Church functioned. Jesus also challenged […]

RG AUDIO 051618   Acts 16:1-15 Moved by the Spirit of God to go preach in Macedonia, Paul and Silas left Traos. On their travels they found themselves in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. Seeking a place of worship on the Sabbath, they go outside the city gate to the river. It is there […]

RG AUDIO 051518   Acts 2:14-21 The world had been turned upside down for the disciples. Failing to understand just how Jesus fit into their world before his death, they were trying to wrap their minds around what the Resurrection meant for their lives. After listening to the Resurrected Jesus, they witnessed his return to […]

RG AUDIO 051418   Mark 15:33-41 This was the lowest point in Jesus’ ministry: suffering and death on the cross. Mark tells the story in his characteristic, precise way. They wait in anticipation for something, or nothing, to happen. Despite the horrific events unfolding, those who followed Jesus and cared for him were there. They […]

RG AUDIO 051318   Psalm 37:23-34 As I write this, our daughter Beatrice is learning to walk. She can crawl at light speed, stand on her own, and has taken her first few timid steps. At this point in her journey, she does really well when one of us is behind her, holding her up […]