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Ring of Truth

802 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -

Ring of Truth is the radio and podcast ministry of Pastor Dan Sexton of Calvary Chapel Ellicott City. In each episode Pastor Dan teaches verse by verse through the Word of God.

Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes

Monday March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

When people think about “The Ten Commandments”, they mostly think of negatives: don’t do this, don’t do that. It can seem like a bunch of rules to stop us from doing things we’d like to do. But as Pastor Dan shares today, God’s commandments are given for our good. Everything that God made is good and has its proper use. And it’s improper use. You can be confident that by living in harmony with God’s Word, your life, your relationships with others, and your relationship with God, will be God’...

Friday March 22, 2024

March 22, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

If you were asked how much society values God as an example to help shape policy and worldly values, what would you say? Is there a high priority placed on God’s will, or is it ignored completely and replaced with worldly preferences instead? If you need help with this question, then today Pastor Dan will provide a crystal clear response. And not only about this question of value but also how it translates to the sixth commandment and illustrates a complete disregard for the blessing and fra...

Thursday March 21, 2024

March 21, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

If you ever needed proof of the Bible being a perfect handbook for practical life application then today’s lesson is for you. Pastor Dan speaks to an undeniable relationship between scripture and current issues that you face as a Christian in the 21st century. How could God have gotten it so right concerning how little we value life you ask? He’s God! He knew before the dawn of man that the gift of life would be beyond your ability to understand and value, and so He included this commandment...

Wednesday March 20, 2024

March 20, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Today’s subject is not an easy one. The consequences of something as serious as murder are not just difficult to discuss, it seems obvious to most. But Pastor Dan is going to do something interesting as he teaches through this chapter to help you better understand the context of this commandment in a way that is more relatable to our modern time. Self-defense, for example, has become a gray area in the law that can be exploited to help defend someone’s actions, but man’s law is not God’s law!

Tuesday March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Today Pastor Dan helps to provide clarity to those of you who don’t know your biological parents. He is teaching about the expectations God has for all His children to obey their parents, but admittedly some will never meet their real mom or dad. So, if this is true, then who should those children obey? Of course, everyone is to obey God, but more specifically, some of you will be blessed as mentors, leaders, role models, and guardians in the lives of those who are displaced from their famil...

Monday March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Do you find yourself asking your children how you should parent them? Maybe in the name of helping them grow and make better decisions you have taken a backseat and given them control they are not yet ready for. How is that working out? Today Pastor Dan speaks sternly to those of you who have, quite accidentally, become hostages to your children. You don’t have to let this be your reality. Even if you don’t feel like it, you are in charge and responsible for them. Leading isn’t going to be e...

Friday March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever disagreed with your parents? Of course, you have, but did you know that God expects you to obey them no matter what? Today Pastor Dan shares this well-known verse and helps unpack all the relevant details that make this scripture applicable to your life. If you’re still living with your parents and starting to think you should skip this episode - don’t! The applications you will hear are equally as valuable for you as they are for your parents. After all, we are all children of...

Thursday March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

How do you grow as a Christian? Is reading your bible and having a daily prayer routine enough? Certainly, those aren’t bad habits, but today Pastor Dan adds one more critical ingredient to the growing and becoming a strong Christian recipe. He says you must be active in church life. You will benefit from regular reading of scripture and prayer, but without the reinforcement of other Christians and the opportunity to be led and to lead, you will be missing out on a necessary part of the Chri...

Wednesday March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

No matter how you feel about your job, or just work and manual labor in general, it is not part of the penance we pay for the fall of man. Yes, the life of man is imperfect because of the original sin committed by Adam and Eve in the garden, however, work is something God admires. Today Pastor Dan shares God’s words as they relate to work, and how it is viewed through His eyes. When you think about the work you are doing, no matter how great or how small, know that God favors those who choos...

Tuesday March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

What day of the week do you identify as Sabbath Day? Today Pastor Dan says there are a few ways to view this. Many people believe that Sunday is the biblically accurate Sabbath day. Others have differing opinions on this, and still others say there is no specific day, just the need for one day every week to be dedicated to rest and God. There may never be a generally accepted answer to this question, but whatever day you choose, Pastor Dan says God is pleased that you have chosen to obey His...

Monday March 11, 2024

March 11, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t? You may have called someone a name or made a promise you know you can’t keep. Maybe you’ve used the Lord’s name in vain. In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains that using God’s name in vain has some very serious consequences. Just like any of the other commandments, saying God’s name in vain could land you in hell when you die. Luckily you can repent and confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to help you control your tongue. 

Friday March 8, 2024

March 08, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Sometimes people will do something with great kindness, with no expectation of reward or accolades. They possess the character to be kind and love others. On the other hand, some people are mean and wouldn’t ever lift a finger to help. Someone’s character is so much a part of them that you can predict how they will act solely based on it. Today Pastor Dan explains how you can expect kindness and protection from Jesus simply because of His character and who He is! 

Thursday March 7, 2024

March 07, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

How do you show your love for others? There could be several different ways to show your love, you might give gifts, or maybe you clean the house for your spouse. It could be as simple as just sitting in the room with someone. How can you show Jesus love? Luckily in today’s message, Pastor Dan addresses just that. Jesus says if you love Him you will keep His word. To do that you must learn and study the Bible so you know how God wants you to live your life, which in turn shows your love for ...

Wednesday March 6, 2024

March 06, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever been judged or punished for something a family member did? Many times people assume that children will do the same things the parents have done, or have the same issues. Sometimes simply having the same last name will make you guilty by association. Today Pastor Dan explains that the Bible says you are not to be judged or punished for the actions of anyone but yourself. There may be some consequences of your parent’s decisions that carry into your life, but there is no lasting ...

Tuesday March 5, 2024

March 05, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

When you read a book, do you picture what you think the characters look like? If you watch a movie based on a book you’ve read, do the actors match what you imagined the characters to look like? Does it change your thoughts about the characters? In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains why God doesn’t describe His appearance in the Bible. God does not want anyone to worship any particular physical form, but to listen and obey His voice and worship Him in Spirit. 

Monday March 4, 2024

March 04, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

You have probably heard that you should not make any images of God or other creatures, but do you know what that means? In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains what is meant by the statement to not make any images of any living creatures or God. He explains art is fine, and it is fine to admire art, the problem comes when you start to bow down to a piece of what should just be art. When the painting or sculpture becomes a physical representation of God that is when it becomes a problem.

Friday March 1, 2024

March 01, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

You have heard that the Bible says you are to have no other gods than Jehova or the God of the Bible, but have you considered what is meant by “other gods”? There is the obvious like Baal from the Bible, or maybe even the Greek gods, however as Pastor Dan points out, anything can become a god to you. Anything or anyone that you give your time and devotion to. If you aren’t careful the things you are passionate about could take the place of God in your life. It’s ok to have passions, just mak...

Thursday February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

How do you show someone you love them? The way you show love to your spouse is probably not the same way you show love to your parents or friends. Some people show love by giving gifts, or through acts of service. In today’s message, Pastor Dan suggests the way you show God love is through obedience. Because keeping the commandments is not required for salvation, being obedient to them is the way you show your love and gratitude for what Jesus has done for you.

Wednesday February 28, 2024

February 28, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever tried to live up to someone else’s high standards and failed miserably? Maybe you fell short of the standard and expectation because you didn’t know what the standard was. If only you had someone who could explain the expectations and then help you reach them. In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains how The Law helps to drive you towards Christ. It does that by giving you the standards and expectations required, but then also helping you realize you cannot meet the standards al...

Tuesday February 27, 2024

February 27, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Do you remember when you learned how to properly act as a decent person? Probably not, you would have watched your parents and other adults as you grew up. Many people believe Christians do not have to give The Law of the Old Testament a second thought, however as Pastor Dan points out, The Law acts as a “Tudor” to teach you how to get to know Jesus. Without first learning and understanding God’s Law, you might never know how to develop a relationship with Jesus.

Monday February 26, 2024

February 26, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever taken the time to think about how you know what is morally right versus what is morally wrong? Can you remember a time before you just knew when something was “wrong”? In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains you have a general understanding of right and wrong because God has written His moral law on the hearts of all people. This is what most people know as their conscience. That small voice in the back of your head that tells you when you are about to do something wrong.

Friday February 23, 2024

February 23, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever given any thought to why you follow laws? The obvious reason is so you don’t go to jail, but is that all there is to it? What about God’s laws, or commandments, do you follow those laws, or do you only focus on the laws concerning other people? In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains you should follow God’s commandments out of reverence for who God is. You cannot properly follow laws concerning your fellow man without also following the ones that concern your relationship with ...

Thursday February 22, 2024

February 22, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

How do you prepare when you know you have an important meeting, like an interview, or maybe a date? You probably prepare very differently for those two scenarios, but either way, you prepare in some way, you don’t just “wing it”. In today’s message, Pastor Dan challenges you to take some time to prepare yourself for church. Don’t just phone it in and show up to check off a box. Actually, take some time and prepare your mind and heart to come to church and hear from God.

Wednesday February 21, 2024

February 21, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

When you’re out in your neighborhood, do you talk to the people you see? What about when you are out shopping going to school, or even at work? Would you warn people you see of a potentially bad storm, or maybe to be careful of a bee’s nest? Would you share about God? In today’s message, Pastor Dan reminds you that your mission is to share about the Lord. If you would warn people about potential bad weather, or bees, you must share The Gospel, it is so much more important! 

Tuesday February 20, 2024

February 20, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

To get a degree or certification, there is a process you must follow. If you don’t follow each step correctly, you won’t pass, or become certified. The way the world works, you always have to do something before you receive compensation. Sure you could be paid upfront for a job, but you still have very specific criteria to follow. Today, Pastor Dan will point out, that God gives His grace without any prerequisites, it is given freely. It is implied that because you’ve received grace you will...

Monday February 19, 2024

February 19, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever tried your hardest to accomplish a difficult task, and no matter how much you tried you couldn’t get it done? You may have created a plan of attack and organized everyone you could find to help you, but you just couldn’t reach your goal. As Pastor Dan will remind you in today’s message, no amount of planning or effort can even come close to the power of the Holy Spirit. The key to accomplishing your goals is to pray and ask that God give you the Holy Spirit as your guide and st...

Friday February 16, 2024

February 16, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever had a job where you were asked to do something that you were not qualified to do? How did you handle it? Sometimes when that happens the company will provide the training you need to do whatever it is. In most cases, an employer will only hire you if you possess the right qualifications. As Pastor Dan explains, when God calls you to do, or be, something, He will equip you to be successful. It is your weakness, or lack of qualifications, that allows God’s true power to shine thr...

Thursday February 15, 2024

February 15, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

When you have accomplished something meaningful in your life, do you take sole credit for it, or do you acknowledge others who may have helped you along the way? As Pastor Dan points out in today’s message, most people tend to give credit to those who helped in a way that boasts of their abilities. That is one thing Moses did not do, he gave glory, honor, and thanks to God for keeping him from danger. Although Moses could have bragged about his part in delivering them from the Egyptians, he ...

Wednesday February 14, 2024

February 14, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Many times you may try to handle things on your own because you don’t want to burden others with your struggles. That only works so many times before you realize you can’t always do it on your own, you need people who will support you. Today Pastor Dan will show you how even Moses needed the support of his brothers to hold him up during a long tough battle. You need at least one person to hold you up in times when your strength is failing, be it literally holding your arms up, or through pra...

Tuesday February 13, 2024

February 13, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Sometimes God will lead you to a place where you must learn to depend on Him for even the basic necessities. In today’s message, Pastor Dan explains how God did just that with the Israelites. God leads them to a dry place so they will begin to thirst for the “water” that only He can provide. Often times that is what God will do in your life even if you don’t realize it. He will lead you to a place where the only way to survive is to learn to stop depending on yourself and learn to lean on Hi...

Monday February 12, 2024

February 12, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

How do you handle people complaining to you… what about when they are complaining about you? For most people the response is not pleasant, even if they give the complainers what they want, they do so sarcastically or begrudgingly. Now think of all the times you complained to God, aren’t you glad He doesn’t respond that way? In today’s message Pastor Dan tells of a time when, even though the people were complaining to and about God, God showed grace and provided what they were asking for.

Friday February 9, 2024

February 09, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

There’s one in every bunch. That one friend that never seems to be happy with anything, no matter how good they have it. There are a lot of names that are associated with these folks - Grinch, Scrooge, and SpoilSport to name a few. But today pastor Dan is talking about a different kind of skeptic. This variety views the worldly offerings to be superior to those of God. They look for anything they can find to cover the taste of God’s Word with the spices of the world, but that temporary pleas...

Thursday February 8, 2024

February 08, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

If you opened the fridge in your home right now, how many items would you find that are expired? It’s important to check those dates now and again to make sure you’re replacing them with safe food to eat. Today Pastor Dan compares this to your faith. How many expired goods are there in your spiritual refrigerator? When was the last time you spent quality time in God’s word and stocked up on the day’s supply of nourishment? Take some time today to refill your tank and refuel your soul with th...

Wednesday February 7, 2024

February 07, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Why is it that when things get hard we have a propensity to develop selective amnesia? Think back to when you were first saved and very eager to begin this new life. Everything seemed better. Then a few years later you find yourself tempted to go back to a habit you had before you found Christ. Today Pastor Dan says this isn’t uncommon, but it’s also not acceptable to God. You must exercise discipline to continue to walk in faith each and every day. It won’t always be easy, but it is always ...

Tuesday February 6, 2024

February 06, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever had to learn something the hard way? It can be very humbling to be the only one in the group that struggles with an assignment or an activity. Sometimes you’ll go years without a bump in the road and then, like a light switch, nothing seems to go right. Well, today Pastor Dan says this is normal, and it's all part of God’s plan for your life. Everyone needs to be reminded of their limits and that they are not in charge. Humility will go a long way to soften your heart toward ot...

Monday February 5, 2024

February 05, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

When you hear or read through the book of Exodus, do you think about where you are in your 40-year journey through the desert? Are you still following God’s lead in steadfast faithfulness, or is there doubt? Do you look to your Moses for guidance, or have you started to question his judgment? Today Pastor Dan reveals something extremely important about God’s plan for His children. You will see the story of the Exodus through a renewed lens once you accept the truth that God is leading you th...

Friday February 2, 2024

February 02, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Modern worship has certainly changed over the years. What was once simply voices and rudimentary instruments is now a fully rehearsed performance. In many cases produced by professional paid musicians. It has transformed the worship experience. Today Pastor Dan reminds you who to focus on when you participate in worship. It’s tempting to get lost in the amazing sounds and skill of the band, or the story being told by the pastor. But don’t forget that when you worship, you worship God above a...

Thursday February 1, 2024

February 01, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Do you believe in a BIG God? Today Pastor Dan defends God against those who try to dispute His existence. God has left us clues and breadcrumbs throughout time to demonstrate His power. There is no doubt that He is truly a powerful God. So when you hear mention of the facts in the Bible being something that can easily be explained away, have confidence in your God! For He is Bigger, and powerful enough to outlast all the critics and attempts to disprove Him throughout history and in the futu...

Wednesday January 31, 2024

January 31, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever been in the midst of something and asked God to just take it away, or fast forward you to the other side? It could be something as simple as running late for work, and you wish that you could simply ask God to teleport you to your office so you wouldn’t have to face the consequences. But today Pastor Dan reminds you that there are things that can only be taught, and learned the long way - no shortcuts. God knows you and is faithful to provide everything you need in His perfect ...

Tuesday January 30, 2024

January 30, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

When was the last time you tried to learn a new skill? How long did it take? If you’re still using your new skill, how has it evolved? Are you better at it now than you were when you started? Today Pastor Dan says that God understands you and knows that sometimes you need to take the long road. There is always another way to get there, wherever there is, but God has a purpose in everything. So when you see a shortcut remember that God has placed you on this path for a very specific reason. 

Monday January 29, 2024

January 29, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

What does it mean to be free? Depending on the context, this could mean many different things. In some cases, it could mean the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of a democracy. It could have a financial meaning like ‘free from debt’ for some. But today, Pastor Dan offers another meaning with some additional context from scripture. Freedom doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. It means you can do what you should! You’re free to live a life that pleases God because of the promise of redempti...

Friday January 26, 2024

January 26, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Do you believe that one day you will stand next to Jesus and enter into an eternal life with Him in Heaven? Most believers would have no trouble answering this question with a resounding “YES”. But what if that wasn’t the whole question? Today Pastor Dan introduces the conditions that are in place for anyone who chooses a life with Christ and wishes to receive the promise of Heaven. So the second part of this question, which is more convicting than the first, is “Are you ready for Him to com...

Thursday January 25, 2024

January 25, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see all your faults and failures, or do you see the promise of Jesus and the sacrifice God made for you? When you look at others, do you see them through a lens of judgment or one of mercy and forgiveness? Today Pastor Dan encourages you to start training your eyes to see yourself and others as God does. To remember the sacrifice and the blood that was shed for you! Only then can you begin to appreciate the gift of life given to you and all...

Wednesday January 24, 2024

January 24, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you given much thought to the significance of the periods of time in history that B.C. and A.D. designate? It’s no secret that there has been a consistent effort to disprove the very existence of God and the accuracy of the Bible since the beginning, but these date codes are somehow accepted worldwide. Today Pastor Dan makes a bold statement about how you should view time in both of these date ranges. Your very existence is significant because of these designations and is only possible ...

Tuesday January 23, 2024

January 23, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Are you worshiping Jesus with your whole life or do you hold anything back? Sometimes we don’t even realize that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. “You can have my life God, but I’ll keep control over my finances, thank you.” In his message today, Pastor Dan will challenge you to store up treasures in heaven. God wants you to be focused on Him completely, and you can’t do that when you’re concerned about how much money you have in your bank account. Let him take over.

Monday January 22, 2023

January 22, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Are you sharing your story of redemption with your children? Teaching kids about all the Bible stories is important, but we can sometimes forget to share our own stories with them. In today’s message, Pastor Dan will encourage you to tell the next generation about how God transformed your life. Your story has power, and it can connect the truth of Jesus and what He’s done with a person your kids see every day. They don’t know what you were like before Christ. Let them know how He’s changed y...

Friday January 19, 2024

January 19, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

We sometimes think the God of the Old Testament is an unforgiving God of judgment, but God is the same yesterday as He is today. If we look closer we can see the evidence of His grace and mercy all throughout the Bible. In his message today, Pastor Dan will show you how, even in God pouring out the plagues on Egypt, His desire was to give opportunity for repentance. Remember that God could have wiped you out for your sin, but He gave you the opportunity to repent and be saved.

Thursday January 18, 2024

January 18, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

The world is a tempting place, isn’t it? When we become Christians, it’s tempting to engage in the pleasures of the world, but the Bible says that we are not of this world. In today’s message, Pastor Dan will remind you that if you are in Christ, you are a new creation. You still need to engage with the world, but your lifestyle should be different. Does your life look different from a non-believer’s life? If the only difference between you and a non-believer is you go to church, there’s som...

Wednesday January 17, 2024

January 17, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

We can get tricked into thinking our sin problem isn’t a big problem. Just a little bit of sin can be pleasing. What’s wrong with that? But sin never stops at a small amount. Like yeast, it continues to multiply and grow, taking over our lives. In his message today, Pastor Dan will compare the sin in your life with the plagues of Egypt in the book of Exodus. Don’t let sin get a foothold in your life even on a small scale. It will grow into a plague and invade your life. Stop sin as soon as i...

Tuesday January 16, 2024

January 16, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MB

Have you ever heard a pastor or even a friend try to explain a miracle in the Bible by giving it a natural explanation? It can be tempting to imagine how those miracles could be explained through science, but that’s a dangerous road. In today’s message, Pastor Dan will warn you to not listen to those interpretations. When you believe that God’s miracles have scientific explanations, you are robbing Him of His power. God’s Word is true, and you can trust that His miracles really happened.