Richard Ellis Talks

Not everybody believes the truth of the Bible. But anybody can see God's work in our lives if we allow ourselves to be transparent and let Him shine through us! Christians often get a reputation for being hypocrites because we say one thing and then turn around and do something completely different. If we want to win people over to Jesus, we've got to be real about the transformation He's caused in our own lives and the freedom we've been given from our sinful past.

Sometimes God answers, "Yes." Sometimes God answers, "No." Sometimes God answers, "Not right now." But whatever God's response, He always answers! That's why He wants us to communicate with Him and ask us for the things the Holy Spirit puts on our hearts. He might not always give us the answers we want, but He gives us the answers that are according to His will and His plan.

When we choose to follow Christ, love becomes the common denominator in all of our relationships. God's family doesn't differentiate by race, wealth, social status, or any other earthly measurement that our culture uses to divide people from one another. Salvation is a gift that is offered to all people -- and the greatest way we can show unbelievers the transforming power of Jesus Christ in our lives is in how we love each other.

God doesn't discipline us because He wants to beat us up over our sin. He does it because He loves us and wants to bring us back to Him. The Bible isn't a weapon for us to use against ourselves or other people -- it's the Good News that promises forgiveness for all who repent and believe!

The Bible describes eternity in Heaven with the Lord as being far better than anything we could even imagine. That's why no matter how good this earthly life might seem, none of it compares to how beautiful it will be to spend eternity with Jesus. Instead of wasting our time chasing the temporary things we think will make us happy, let's chase after God -- and look forward to the "forever" that awaits us!

How many times do we find ourselves in the middle of a battle, asking, "What am I going to do?" The problem with that approach is: we're asking the wrong question of the wrong person! God is our intercessor and He does the fighting for us. Our only job is to trust Him and worship Him, even in the midst of our battles, knowing He will overcome all that's before us.

How amazing is it that the same God who created the entire universe and everything in it, also cares about the minute details of our lives?! God is BIG -- but He's also God of the little things. He's numbered every hair on our heads, He watches over us and protects us from the enemy, and when we trust in Him, we can have peace knowing that we're safe in His hands.

When we start believing what Scripture tells us about God's love for us, instead of what the world thinks about us, it turns our lives upside down -- in the best way. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us and allows us to live a life filled with grace and free from condemnation. It's up to us to become fully convinced of God's love and good plans for us, His beloved children.

Scripture does not just call us to speak truth -- it calls us to speak truth in love. It's important that as Christians, we stand firm in what the Bible says about sin. But it's equally crucial that we proclaim that truth with the same love and grace that God shows all who repent and put their trust in Him.

To build our lives on anything other than Jesus Christ is to build our lives on a sham. Without a firm foundation, we'll crumble whenever trials come our way. Suffering is an inevitable part of this earthly life, but when Christ is our foundation, He gives us strength to stand firm against any storm we face.