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Word of Life

173 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Word of Life is the radio and podcast ministry of Richard Schork. Richard is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Monrovia in Monrovia California.

Christianity Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes

Acts 12 - Part 2

March 24, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Everyone loves a good testimony of God coming through. We read incredible stories in the Bible where God comes through and saves His people, or someone gets healed, delivered, or saved! However, there are times when we stay in the trial a little longer than we would like to. In these moments, we lean closer to God. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will be sharing about how we can contend for God to move in impossible situations. 

Acts 12 - Part 1

March 17, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

How often do you see the same kind of power displayed in the Bible in your life? Are you seeing God move in, around, and through your life? When we read through the Bible we see that big moves of God are usually prompted by His people praying. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will be going through the power of Prayer. If we want to see the power of the Gospel in our lives we have to bring everything to the Lord in Prayer!

Acts 11:19-30 - Part 2

March 10, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Do you know the story of Barnabus? A man who constantly and quietly moved people closer to God. Maybe you know a Barnabus in your life. Maybe that's who encouraged you to put your faith in God. Today Pastor Richard describes him as an incredible man of God. Someone to model your behavior after. He created a community that is so foundational to your faith. After all, God is clear throughout the Bible that this life is not to be lived alone.

Acts 11:19-30 - Part 1

March 03, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

How do you know that God is there when you need Him? One way is simply by your faith, but today Pastor Richard offers several specific examples of how Peter and the church of Jeruselum saw God at work and how you can see His hand on your life every day. Knowing this, you can start to look for Him and seek Him in your daily routine, whether at work, the gym, or at church. God is everywhere and is paving the way for His will in your life.

Acts 11:1-18 Part 2

February 25, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Do you believe that you’re good enough for God? Did you know that He knows you better than you know yourself? Once you accept that, and ask God to lead your life, you will find that He’s been right there waiting patiently for you the whole time. Today Pastor Richard says you can’t prepare yourself for God. He prepared you! He created you! You are exactly as you should be. But once you begin your walk with Christ get ready to leave the old you behind.

Acts 11:1-18 Part 1

February 18, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Have you ever been thrown into a situation where you knew you had to lead by example? It’s never easy, but if you do it enough, you will find it more familiar in time. Today Pastor Richard talks about leading in your Christian walk and being an example to others. It can feel difficult or even repetitive, and your excitement can start to fade. That is why it’s so important to listen to how God wants to use you. His plan for your life is anything but dull or repetitive.

Acts 10 Part 2

February 11, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

How good is your spiritual radar? Today Pastor Richard says you need to have it, but be careful not to overuse it. Not everything is a sign from God. But you should be aware of, and even looking for, the things that are. When you aren’t sure, there are two ways to fact-check your intuition - read your bible and ask God for clarity during prayer. You will find your answer when you are spending regular time in The Word and in constant prayer with Him.

Acts 10 Part 1

February 04, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

If there’s one consistent message in the Bible, it's that God loves all His children! Everything and everyone has been created with a divine purpose. Today Pastor Richard reminds you to be encouraged by this fact. He adds some perspective to this by comparing God’s love of even the smallest creatures to how He loves you. You should find comfort in the knowledge that God loves you for you and isn’t keeping score or handing out points based on effort.

Acts 9 - Religion Meets Jesus - Part 2

January 28, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

How do you define the word religion? If you grew up in a Christian home, or have accepted Christ into your heart, then you probably use religion and faith interchangeably, but beware! Today Pastor Richard explains how religion can be applied to anything. Your work, family, hobbies, and addictions, can all become religions if you’re not careful. With so many religions in the world today, you must be diligent in the pursuit of a relationship with God!

Acts 9 - Religion Meets Jesus - Part 1

January 21, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

How many times have you been tempted to impose your will for God, instead of God’s will for you? It happens all the time, and today Pastor Richard says it could even be happening when you don’t realize it! Like Paul, you may be proud of the efforts you’ve made and the things you’ve done in the name of God, but it’s possible that it's all been for you. You have disguised your efforts unintentionally as the will of God while living out your will instead.

Acts 8 Part 2

January 14, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

We all have difficulties with obedience. We tend to ignore what the other person has to say and do what we want, whether at work or in a relationship. Even as believers, we have a tendency to disregard God's commands in favor of doing what we want. Pastor Richard explains today, how you can begin listening to and obeying God. God only wants the best for your life, and He intends to guide you through it. You only need to learn to listen to Him.

Acts 8 Part 1

January 07, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Nobody ever wishes for a difficult life. We all want everything to be simple. Even as believers, we want to spread the Gospel easily. But is that how God operates? Pastor Richard discusses in today's message, why God allows trials in your life. When things start to go wrong in your life as a believer, you start making excuses. But God uses those difficulties and trials to show you the right path and to spread the Gospel through your life.

Acts 6:7-15 - 7:1-60 Part 3

December 31, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

You may have thought about what the law does in your life. Pastor Richard clarifies in today’s message, how God created law in order to save you. We considered ourselves to be perfect in the absence of law. However, God created law to expose our flaws. He assisted us in recognizing our sins, and sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to this world to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus washed away all of our sins, making us whole again!

Acts 6:7-15 - 7:1-60 Part 2

December 24, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Have you ever purchased something that you have wanted for a long time? You tend to lose interest in it after a certain period of time. Even as believers, we have a tendency to lose faith in God from time to time. We may pretend to love God, but our hearts are already far apart from Him. Pastor Richard describes today, how you can love God with all of your heart. You can begin to cultivate a relationship with God, as that is all He desires from you. 

Acts 6:7-15 - 7:1-60 Part 1

December 17, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Selfishness is a problem that we all face. We are frequently self-centered, putting our own interests ahead of those of others. But is that how God intends for you to live? Today, Pastor Richard explains how to overcome your self-centeredness. God has an agenda for your life. Instead of making your own plans, you can surrender your life to God and ask Him to be your guide. God only wants the best for your life. All you need to do is be humble and obey Him.

Acts 6:1-7 Part 2

December 10, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

We humans are always in a hurry to make decisions. We frequently make the wrong decision as a result of our haste. Even as believers, we can misinterpret what God says to us and start doing the opposite. Pastor Richard explains in today’s message, how you can begin focusing on what God wants to tell you. Instead of rushing, you can slow down and take your time, meditating on God's Word. When He gives you the confirmation, you can begin working.

Acts 6:1-7 Part 1

December 03, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

You may feel a strong desire to be greatly used by God. You can pray to God to work in your life and provide everything you need to serve Him, but you may not always get what you want. Pastor Richard clarifies in today’s message, how you can serve God with whatever you have. We are all called to serve God, but He has a unique path for each of us. You can even begin serving God by assisting someone in need, trusting God every step of the way.

Acts 5:12-42 Part 2

November 26, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

We are all stubborn in our own ways. We refuse to listen to others and prefer to do our own thing. And most of the time, our lone decision is a disaster. But did you know there's someone you can always count on? Today, Pastor Richard explains how to start listening to God. You may prefer your decision to what God wishes to do in your life. Instead, you can put your trust in His ways and submit to His will, because He knows what's best for you!

Acts 5:12-42 Part 1

November 19, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

We all face challenges in our lives. It deteriorates to the point where we require a miracle. However, rather than relying on God, we tend to rely on ourselves. Pastor Richard tells you in today's message, how you can always rely on God. When you put your faith in Christ, God begins to work in your life. You may feel alone at times, but God never leaves you. He works in your life to get you back on the right track. God performs miracles when you least expect it.

Acts 5:1-11 - Part 2

November 12, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

I don’t know about you, but I know I want to live in the light! The light that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice made for us to live! The Lord had a plan when He sacrificed His son, Jesus, It was to change our lives, wash away our sins, and give us the Holy Spirit! In today’s message, Pastor Richard will remind you of that sacrifice and to never take it for granted. God truly sacrificed everything so YOU could live a free and joyous life here on earth.

Acts 5:1-11 - Part 1

November 05, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Everyone can be an encourager! Everyone has something they can share and bring to the church to lift up the body of Christ. God made each and every single one of us to be different and to work together to spread the Good News of Jesus in our everyday lives! In today’s message, Pastor Richard will encourage you to step out in faith and share the gift or gifts that the Lord has given you to use to edify the Church. So, what is your spiritual gift?

Acts 4 - Part 2

October 29, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Our number one priority as Followers of Christ should be to share our passion for Jesus! Which in turn shares Jesus’ passion for His people reaching His lost people. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will share how there is a HUGE significance in sharing Jesus with others, especially if those people are family. Family is such an important thing in really, any religion and culture, so we must be sharing the love and joy that is Jesus every single day!

Acts 4 - Part 1

October 22, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

“The Gospel will always be resisted”... I think as Christians, we should take that as a challenge. Every single second of every single day trying to share the beautiful message of Jesus Christ. In today’s teaching, Pastor Richard will encourage you to be willing to share your story, share how God has changed your life, and share in detail His amazing works! There are people you come into contact with every day who need YOU to share Jesus with them! 

Acts 3 - Part 2

October 15, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

God loves you and He wants to bless you and your family and all people. He created us and went to incredible lengths to restore His relationship with us after sin broke it. He sees the destruction sin causes in all of us and He loves us too much to leave us in it. He gave His Word to lead us into repentance. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, when we invest our time in studying this book, it brings blessing in our hearts and to those around us.

Acts 3 - Part 1

October 08, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

If you honestly consider that question, it can reveal depths of your heart that are easy to cover or ignore. “What does God think about you, right now?” Pastor Richard will challenge us to ask this question of ourselves in today’s message, and he’ll offer us an answer based on Scripture. Often, our assumptions about how God sees us are far from true. He’s a loving Father, but we often see Him as an angry God, disgusted by our weakness. 

Acts 2 - Part 2

October 01, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

The men who crucified Jesus thought they were taking control. Jesus was challenging the status quo. He was going directly against the cultural norms they’d established. He was challenging the power they had established over those they saw as lesser. As Jesus hung on the cross, they felt like they’d won. But, as Pastor Richard will explain in today’s message, God had already prepared to turn their evil work into something good.

Acts 2 - Part 1

September 24, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Often we associate revival movements with a specific leader in the Church. If it’s not happening, it’s easy to blame the pastor or other members of the congregation, but revival starts in your heart. As Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, if you’re putting the responsibility on everyone else and you’re distracted by their lack of passion, you’ll never personally experience the revival you’re longing to see come to the Church.

Acts 1 - Part 2

September 17, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

No one’s expecting you to be Billy Graham or even as articulate as your pastor when it comes to sharing the Gospel. If you’ve experienced Christ in your own heart and life, you have everything you need to be an effective evangelist. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, we need to be ready and open about what Jesus has done and continues to do in our own hearts - that’s the most effective way to witness. 

Acts 1 - Part 1

September 10, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

When you accept Christ’s invitation to follow Him, your life moves from being focused on serving yourself to serving Him and His purpose in this world. As Pastor Richard begins our study of the book of Acts in today’s message, he’ll remind you that you’re called into something so much bigger and greater than your personal goals and ambitions. You’re called to take the life-giving Gospel to the lost and broken souls all around you. 

1 Samuel 14 - Johnathan - Part 2

September 03, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Even against an army more equipped and with more men than they had, Jonathan was a man who completely depended on God for protection and for victory. No matter how the odds were stacked, he knew that what God wanted would be done. Nothing can stand in His way, and Jonathan knew it. Today, Pastor Richard’s going to encourage you to look at the example of Jonathan’s faith so you can have the same confidence in God, too.

1 Samuel 14 - Johnathan - Part 1

August 27, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Are you confident that God will always act for you when He needs to? Do you know for certain that He’s always watching out for you? Jonathan in the Old Testament did. He even went out to find God’s will when he didn’t hear anything from God, to see if God wanted him to make a move with the Israelite army. Today, Pastor Richard’s going to encourage you to have the same kind of absolute faith that just knows that God’s always there beside you.

1 Samuel 1:1-28 - Hannah - Part 2

August 20, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

God always fulfills the promises He makes to you, even in seasons where life is uncertain, unstable, or terrifying. But, as Pastor Richard will point out for you today, sometimes the most challenging times you go through are only to prepare your heart for the great things God has planned for you next. That’s what He did for Hannah in The Bible. He made a promise to her that she held on to, even to the point of tears and pouring her heart out to Him.

1 Samuel 1:1-28 - Hannah - Part 1

August 13, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Sometimes the hardest times in your life will turn out for good in the end. Even when there’s no hope in sight. Have you ever been in a season of spiritual “winter,” where it seems there’s no way out of the hole you’re in? Today, Pastor Richard has some encouragement for you. As you’ll see from the example of Hannah in The Bible, sometimes God is letting you go through those times to prepare you for something much greater that’s coming.

Judges 6 - Gideon - Part 2

August 06, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

It’s all too easy to grow proud when you accomplish goals and get through challenges in life. Even if you sensed God’s presence, you can frequently come back to your own fortitude and effort. Yet, as Pastor Richard teaches today, it’s essential to remain humble and glorify God for your victories and blessings. When you recognize that God is with you, guiding you, and working through you, it’s easy to give Him glory and trust Him all the more.  

Judges 6 - Gideon - Part 1

July 30, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

When God called you out of sin and darkness and you believed in Him through faith, you were brought into light and life and joy. Yet, as Pastor Richard teaches today, it’s all too easy to drift back to where you were before the Lord. Compromise and complacency can slowly creep back into your life, and you’ll find yourself far from the Lord. Stay close to God. Walk faithfully and obediently with Him. Don’t be content living with less than God intends for you! 

Numbers 13 - Caleb Part 2

July 23, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

When life is good, when it feels like you’re receiving God’s blessings, it’s easy to follow Him and obey. Yet, when God calls you to take a step of faith, to walk in difficulty and challenge, it’s harder to believe and obey. Pastor Richard teaches today that it’s important in those moments, when God is calling you out, to remember Him - His character, His faithfulness, His provision in the past and trust Him to lead you to the place He wants to take you next.  

Numbers 13 - Caleb - Part 1

July 16, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Often times God will place a call in your heart, that you desperately want to follow. But the path toward that future is full of struggle and risk. Today, Pastor Richard will explain how the life God is calling you to is the best life you can live despite any struggle or sacrifice. You’ll be gaining blessing and God’s favor. But, you must trust through the struggle. You must walk toward that future in faith that God will be with you and do the impossible for you.  

Judges 13-16 Part 2

July 09, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

The story of Samson is pretty disappointing. When you imagine what God could have done through him if he hadn’t compromised with Delilah, his life seems like a major failure. Maybe you’re in a similar place in your life… you’ve heard God’s call and know He has great things for you, but the allure of sin has pulled you down. As Pastor Ben will encourage us through the story of Samson, you don’t have to stay down. Return to Jesus and surrender to Him and He will redeem and use you. 

Judges 13-16 Part 1

July 02, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Samson is a cautionary story for all of us. This man was blessed by God – a hero for the people who God endowed with superhuman strength and courage. He lost it all because of compromise. He allowed the feelings he had for a wicked woman to lead him into mistakes that would take years to reconcile and ultimately result in his death. In today’s message, Pastor Ben will challenge us to do better. Don’t compromise on God’s calling. He can accomplish great things in you when you remain faithful.

Joshua 2 - Rahab - Part 2

June 25, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

As the Israelites endured their final days as slaves in Egypt, one of their final acts was one of faith. They were asked to perform a grisly task – to spread the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their homes. This blood would spare them from the judgment God was bringing on their oppressors. As Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, faithful acts would be celebrated the same night that Jesus was arrested and ultimately sentenced to the cross to shed His blood for all our freedom.

Joshua 2 - Rahab - Part 1

June 18, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

There are certainly times when God’s call is immediate and seems irrational, but as Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, God works just as much or even more through methodical times of seeking His will in prayer, study, and consultation with other believers. It still may lead us to seemingly irrational actions – the Israelite army marching around the walls of Jericho is a prime example – but it doesn’t have to be something done on a whim without any critical thinking. 

Joshua 1 Part 2

June 11, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Are you living the life that God wants for you? Are you believing and living in His promises to you? Joshua was told to be strong and courageous, not because of his own ability, but because of who his God was. If you’re a believer then the God of Joshua is your God too, which means that you should walk with bold faith that God will fulfill His promises to you. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will help you to bravely move forward in your life.

Joshua 1 Part 1

June 04, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, but the crossing of the wilderness into the promised land was only supposed to take a couple of days. Their lack of faith caused them to lose sight of God which left them in the wilderness. Does your relationship with God feel like you spend most of your time in the wilderness? In today’s message, Pastor Richard will show you how to move forward into the life that God wants for you.

Genesis 37:1-11 - Joseph - Part 2

May 28, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

There will be many tests of faith as you seek to live the life that God has called you to. Joseph was given a vision that he’d be a ruler, but it wasn’t until after he’d been enslaved, falsely accused, and imprisoned that his vision became a reality. In today’s message, Pastor Bryan will teach you that while it’s important to persevere, the end goal only matters if your heart is able to forgive and love like Jesus. Is your heart full of bitterness, or love?

Genesis 37:1-11 - Joseph - Part 1

May 21, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Man, isn’t that SO true? Whether you’re willing to admit it or not, most people can relate to feeling discouraged from chasing a dream that God’s put in their hearts. As you look at the story of Joseph, you’ll see that there will always be opposition when it comes to trying to live the life that God is calling you to, but the biggest mistake you can make is giving up. In today’s message, Pastor Bryan will show you how to persevere like Joseph.

Genesis 32 - Jacob - Part 2

May 14, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

In today’s message, Pastor Richard focuses on one of the most profound, and even bizarre, accounts in the Bible. Jacob was a man who struggled with trusting God. He often took matters into his own hands which resulted in more harm than good. Can you relate? He encounters God in an amazing way, which changes him. It’s an encounter that I’m sure you’d never expect. Keep listening to hear how God changed someone, much like you.

Genesis 32 - Jacob - Part 1

May 07, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

One of Jacob’s greatest struggles is one that I’m sure everyone can relate to today. It’s the struggle to trust God enough to stop relying on your own striving. How often do you pray a prayer of dependence and then immediately find yourself putting together an action plan out of fear and anxiety? In today’s message, Pastor Richard will show you that God will do whatever it takes to prove his faithfulness, even if it means wrestling with you.

Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham - Part 2

April 30, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

In today’s message, Pastor Richard will teach you about the incredible faith of Abraham. God made an enormous promise to Abraham. He promised him that he would be the father of many generations, the father of God’s people. There was only one issue, they were way too old to have children! The story doesn’t end there though. You’ll see that God is a man of His word. Do you believe that God will fulfill His promises to you?

Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham - Part 1

April 23, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

When Abraham encountered God it changed his whole life. He could’ve complained that he was too old to raise a kid, that he didn’t have the energy. But that wasn’t His response. He realized that God’s purpose for His life was more important than his own desires, and as a result of His obedience, he became an integral part of God’s plan. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will teach you how to have faith and obedience like Abraham.

Nehemiah 13 Part 2

April 16, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

When was the last time you truly experienced joy in your life? Even if you consider yourself a happy person, have you ever truly experienced joy in the fullest sense? Today, Pastor Richard explains to us that there is a huge difference between happiness and joy. It’s easy to experience happiness in our lives, but many of us forget what it feels like to experience joy. It’s not just a moment that passes by, but instead, something that we produce inside of us.