Richard Ellis Talks

The Bible has a lot to say about humility -- because God knows our instinct is to be anything but! If we hold the attitude that we know everything and have nothing to learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ, it will only stunt our spiritual growth. But when we remain teachable and allow for other godly men and women to pour into our lives, we not only grow as individuals, but we equip ourselves to give back to the body of Christ by teaching others, in turn.

As Americans, we're well-acquainted with the idea that human beings have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Yet chasing after those things from a worldly standpoint inevitably leads to death, despair, and slavery to our sin. Only in Jesus will we find abundant life, true freedom, and indescribable joy.

Life as a follower of Jesus is about more than just existing from now until God calls us home to Heaven -- it's about actively leaning into His power to carry out our purpose in the "in-between". And if the light hasn't yet turned on for us to be able to see that power that He offers us, all we have to do is ask!

The devil can read. He's seen what the Bible says about how Jesus will win the final battle, and he knows he's done for. That's why he's been on a mission since the fall of creation to take as many people as he can down with him. God wants us to join Him in His mission to share the saving power of the Gospel with the world -- and to spare as many people as possible from an eternity of hell.

Have you ever noticed that Psalm 23 doesn't say "He makes me lie down in brown pastures"? The green pastures we read about in Scripture represent abundant life. When we choose to live on the side of "lush" that comes from seeking worldly things, it only brings about temptation and destruction -- but when we choose the life that God offers us, we experience the lushness of His blessings.

Someone once said, "The fact that there's a 'highway to Hell' and a 'stairway to Heaven' says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers." Unless we make a conscious decision to choose Jesus and to choose Heaven, the alternative is that we choose Hell. God's given each one of us the option to spend eternity with Him -- but it's up to us to decide whether we're going to accept His offer.

God has no limits to what He can do! And yet He chooses, in His infinite glory and grace, to love us just as we are. When we make the choice to follow Jesus, He takes us beyond our own human limits to serve and love others -- even those the world might deem undeserving, unworthy, or unlovable.

There are some people walking around in the world who are only here today because someone else prayed for God to be merciful and spare their lives. When we follow the Holy Spirit's leading, we're given the opportunity to intercede on behalf of others, even when they didn't ask for our help. God desires for all to turn to Him and it's our responsibility to speak truth into their lives and point them to Jesus.

God tests our obedience -- and He does it often! Sometimes it's in big ways, but other times, it's through small, everyday "pop quizzes". If we aren't walking in the Spirit, we'll fail to hear His promptings and do what He says. And when it comes to being obedient about sharing the hope of the Gospel, our only two options are pass or fail.

Do you know what it's called when you throw seeds out on the ground in order to plant crops? Broadcasting! So it's only fitting that as Christians, we're called to broadcast the Gospel to everyone we meet. It's our job to sow seeds of truth for others, not just for ourselves -- and when we hit fertile soil, we get the privilege of being part of the transformative work that God does in their lives and hearts.