Ring of Truth
815 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 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.
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Episodes
Thursday April 11, 2024
April 11, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBAre you often looking to deflect blame for your own sins? In today’s teaching, Pastor Dan will walk listeners through God’s Law given in Exodus 22, and how the core principle is taking responsibility for our actions. While we don’t live according to the Old Testament Law, it still provides valuable lessons for us to learn. The Lord knew back then, and knows now, that personal responsibility is a huge part of restoring what may have been broken. Where might you be able to confess and correct ...
Wednesday April 10, 2024
April 10, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBHave you ever lost something important to you? I know that for me… I have probably lost more things than I’m willing to admit. Whether it be your car keys, wedding ring, or wallet - we all know the feeling of finally finding that lost item… it’s one of the best in the world! In today’s message, Pastor Dan takes us through a familiar story of the prodigal son. Throughout today’s message, you will hear the characteristics of Jesus and how incredibly much his love is for you and me.
Tuesday April 9, 2024
April 09, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBWhen we hear the word “slave,” we usually think of it with a negative connotation; however, what if we thought of being a slave to Christ? You see, when we as Christians truly begin to understand and grasp just how Holy God is, we begin to want nothing for ourselves anymore. In today’s message, Pastor Dan reminds us that this life here on Earth is not our own - WE are not our own. We were bought with a price and should only live our lives for the purpose and mission of Jesus Christ!
Monday April 8, 2024
April 08, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBHave you ever attended a church service where you felt as though one of the leaders or something else was stealing the spotlight from what we were truly there to focus on? Unfortunately, there will be people in our lives and instances that we face where the significance of Jesus Christ will be replaced with something else. In today’s message, Pastor Dan reminds us of this and encourages us to be on guard for these things. The enemy is out to distract us in any way that he can!
Friday April 5, 2024
April 05, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBIt would be easy to be content if you had everything you wanted, right? Today, Pastor Dan shows that this isn’t the case at all. It’s not what you have or don’t have that allows you to be content and satisfied with your position in life. It starts with godliness. When you have God’s perspective on His goodness, and on His sovereign control over everything in the world, you will find contentment. It doesn’t matter what your neighbor has, or what you don’t have. You have God and His love, and ...
Thursday April 4, 2024
April 04, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBOf the Ten Commandments, which one is the most important? How would you organize them? Would you put the most important one first, or in the middle, or at the end? Today, Pastor Dan shares that the Tenth Commandment, “Thou shalt not covet” has a very important meaning at the end of the list. It casts its shadow over the other Nine. When you are grateful for the kindness that God has shown to you personally, you can be free from this most dangerous tendency to covet what other people have.
Wednesday April 3, 2024
April 03, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBHave you ever been given a task to do, perhaps at your work, but without much explanation? You can probably do an “okay” job, but you could do much better if you had more details. Today, Pastor Dan shares that God wanted to make sure we didn’t miss the “thou shalt not covet” commandment. He didn’t leave wiggle room for “what about this?”, “what about that?”. It’s important to your heart, and to your relationship with God, that you live a life of thanksgiving, and this commandment is your fir...
Tuesday April 2, 2024
April 02, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBHow popular is the Christian worldview today? How popular is it with your friends, at your job or school, or in your neighborhood? As Pastor Dan shares today, our culture is no friend of Biblical truth. Throughout the day, you may be almost completely surrounded by messages, values, and maybe expectations, that don’t align with right and wrong as it’s taught in the Bible. Therefore it’s crucial that you know the Word of God, and when challenges come, that you stand strong and remain faithful...
Monday April 1, 2024
April 01, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBIs the Bible “old-fashioned”? Is it “out of date”? Wouldn’t it be possible to build your life, or build a society, on some more “modern” foundation? As Pastor Dan shares today, the Ten Commandments are the bedrock foundation designed and communicated by God. Since God is our Designer, He is the only One qualified to tell us what that foundation is. You can be confident that if you build your life on God’s unchanging Word, you’ll be able to live a successful, Christ-honoring life.
Friday March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBWe all know: “Thou shalt not steal”. But other than driving off with someone’s car, or lifting their wallet out of their pocket, does it apply to anything else? Today, Pastor Dan shows that God is very specific about how we are to treat other people fairly. God’s Word goes into great detail about using honest weights and measures, and ultimately, treating others as you would want them to treat you. You can have a clear conscience, and good relationships with others when you thoroughly follow...
Thursday March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBHow terrible would it be to live in a world, or in a country, where anybody could take anything from anybody else, and nothing would be done about it? It’s hard to imagine how that could possibly work. Today, Pastor Dan shows that our laws, as well as our own moral consciences, incorporate that very short commandment: “Thou shalt not steal”. All of God’s laws are for your good and the good of others. By examining yourself, in the light of God’s Word, you can be honest with yourself, others, ...
Wednesday March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBWe live in a culture where pretty much anything goes when it comes to human sexuality. Things that used to be sins are now not only overlooked, they’re celebrated. But today, Pastor Dan shows that God defined human sexuality for the ultimate good of the individual, and of the human race. Your culture is not going to tell you to do the right thing, nor will your own desires. But by committing yourself totally to Christ, you can honor God, be at peace with yourself, and have right relationship...
Tuesday March 26, 2024
March 26, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBIt’s an age-old question: are all sins the same, or are some sins different from others? Today, Pastor Dan shares that both answers are true when you understand the context. From the standpoint of the forgiveness of Christ, His grace knows no limits. There is nothing you have ever done, and nothing you could ever do, that His death on the cross won’t cover. But there are different consequences to different sins. You can’t go by what our culture says – you must know and trust God’s Word.
Monday March 25, 2024
March 25, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBWhen 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 MBIf 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 MBIf 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 MBToday’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 MBToday 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 MBDo 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 MBHave 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 MBHow 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 MBNo 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 MBWhat 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 MBHave 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 MBSometimes 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 MBHow 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 MBHave 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 MBWhen 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 MBYou 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 MBYou 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 MBHow 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 MBHave 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 MBDo 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 MBHave 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 MBHave 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 MBHow 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 MBWhen 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 MBTo 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 MBHave 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 MBHave 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 MBWhen 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 MBMany 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 MBSometimes 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 MBHow 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 MBThere’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 MBIf 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 MBWhy 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 MBHave 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 MBWhen 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 MBModern 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...