Pastor Rich's Blog

Encounter #38: “ The Church Needs to Come Out of the Closet” a Message about LBGTQ+ and Marriage Read: Mark 10:1-12 The Pharisees (religious leaders) tried to tempt Jesus again by questioning whether a man can divorce his wife for any reason (Deut. 24:1). Jesus taught His disciple again. Jesus said because of man's hard heart Moses wrote this mandate. But it wasn't the case since the beginning of Creation. God created them male and female. Several facts are presented here from Jesus. Creation, not evolution is a fact. There was no type of humans (“cave men”) before Adam and Eve were made. God made Adam, a male, and Eve, a female. There is no other genders. God's original plan and intent was for one male to marry one female, for life. Marriage is God's plan. But sin came into the world. Therefore, sin corrupts manners, minds and marriages. Jesus said the two will be one flesh (body). Those whom God joins together in marriage no one is to separate. The on...

Encounter # 37: Have Some Salt Read: Mark 9:38-50 John told Jesus that there were other people , not from their own group, casting out demons in Jesus' Name. This “fringe” group wasn't following the “discipleship” group. Therefore, they were told to “cease and desist” by John's group. But Jesus said to leave them alone because they were using His Name and therefore were not mocking or resisting Him. Those who are not against Jesus, are for Him. Just because someone doesn't follow your group, denomination, church, fellowship or “clique,” doesn't mean they are not following Jesus. As long as they are Christians and attend at Bible- believing-Christ centered-Church they are not against you. And we should not have an “exclusive spirit” as did the disciples. The Corinthian Church had splits, cliques and groups (see 1 Corin. 1:12-17). If someone isn't against Jesus, then they are for Him. Even if we give a cup of cold water to someone thirsty, we ar...

Encounter #36 : Who is the Greatest? Read: Mark 9:30-37 Jesus told His disciples that He would have to suffer, be killed, but rise from the dead in three days. They did not understand what He said. They believed that the Messiah (the Son of Man) would rule over the Roman Empire; not be killed. But Jesus came first to die for our sins, and will come back again to rule and reign as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. While they went into the house Jesus asked them about the argument that they just had among themselves. They were quiet. But Jesus knew that they were debating about who would be the greatest. Jesus gave the qualifications of greatness. They were to be “last of all,” not the “first of all.” And they were to be a servant of all. They were to volunteer to be a servant. As an illustration, Jesus picked up a young child and put him in His arms. They were to be childlike, not childish. A child is innocent, teachable, simple, humble, loving and willing to serv...