Word of Life
175 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsWord of Life is the radio and podcast ministry of Richard Schork. Richard is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Monrovia in Monrovia California.
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Episodes
Grace Series - Culmination of Grace Part 1
May 07, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBMany of us can scarce imagine what it'll be like to experience the full-blown glory of God. In fact, Scripture actually teaches that it's impossible to experience God's glory in a sinful state. This of course is where our new glorified bodies come into play. As Pastor Bryan discusses in his message today, experiencing God's glory to its fullest requires a new state of existence. In his study, you'll learn what it means to truly experience God's presence.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 - Abounding More and More Part 2
May 07, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIf you haven’t kept a vineyard, you may not easily grasp the metaphor of pruning the grape vine. When you’re the one being pruned, it’s hard to see the end results in a positive way. As Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, you may feel a sense of success when you start to see the fruit of God’s work in your life – and that is a reason for joy - but God knows He can bring even more fruit by cutting away at some of the things that hold you back.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 - Abounding More and More Part 1
May 01, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThink about the extreme lengths God went to out of love for you. He sent His only Son, Jesus – in whom everything exists – to take on flesh and subject himself to the unimaginable suffering of the cross. God took on our humble form and made Himself lower than the least amongst us because of His love. As Pastor Richard will ask in today’s message when you give in to sin, do you really think you’ve removed yourself from the scope of that love?
1 Thessalonians 4 - Living to Please God Part 2
April 24, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBAs a Christian, you are an ambassador of Jesus to the world- to those who don't know him. What message are you sharing about him through the way you conduct yourself around others? In today's message, Pastor Richard teaches that you are to love people the way that Jesus does. Loving God and your neighbor are the two most important commandments that Jesus taught. When you live a life full of love, you are representing Jesus well.
1 Thessalonians 4 - Living to Please God Part 1
April 17, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPerhaps one of the most common misconceptions regarding coming to Christ is that you need to clean up so to speak before you do so. However, Scripture makes it very clear that all the cleaning in the world can't make us presentable before God. As Pastor Bryan will teach you in his message today, this is where the gift of new creation from God comes into play. In his study, you'll be reminded that there isn't a single part of the old you that God uses.
1 Thessalonians 4 - Grace and Works Part 1
April 17, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPerhaps one of the most common misconceptions regarding coming to Christ is that you need to clean up so to speak before you do so. However, Scripture makes it very clear that all the cleaning in the world can't make us presentable before God. As Pastor Bryan will teach you in his message today, this is where the gift of new creation from God comes into play. In his study, you'll be reminded that there isn't a single part of the old you that God uses.
1 Thessalonians - Perfecting Faith Part 7
April 10, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhat is the will of the Lord for you? In today's message from Pastor Richard, he shares with you that God's will for you is your sanctification. This is the living and the working out of your faith. How do you demonstrate this within your own circles of the community? Pastor Richard encourages you to train, pray, and lead those around you to Christ. Live out well the Gospel Message and demonstrate to others what it means to follow Christ.
1 Thessalonians - Perfecting Faith Part 6
April 03, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhat is your motivation for trying to please the Lord? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Richard, he asks you to consider this question. Is your motivation to receive something from the Lord? Or is your motivation simply because of your love for Him? Pastor Richard encourages you, to let the love for God be your aim and motivating factor. Let the love and reverence you have for God propel you forward to living for Him.
1 Thessalonians 3 - Perfecting Faith Part 5
March 27, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn today's message, Pastor Richard will share with you that you're a temple of the Most High God. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in you. Where you go, God is with you, comforting and guiding... This should give us the confidence to know that no matter what, God is with us! And it should give us pause to ensure that we're properly representing Christ and caring for the temple He is in.
1 Thessalonians 3 - Perfecting Faith Part 4
March 20, 2022 10:00 - 22.9 MBIn today's message, Pastor Richard will remind you that life won't always be perfect but that the Lord is always with us in the imperfect. The Bible tells us that Christians will have struggles and trials in this life, that's a guarantee. We've all had those relationship hardships, those financial struggles, or health concerns... And they can all feel so overwhelming and lonely... But we must remember that God is always with us in our times of need.
1 Thessalonians 3 - Perfecting Faith Part 3
March 13, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn today's message, Pastor Richard will encourage you to lead by example. For some Christians, you've been walking with the Lord for many years, several decades even. And for some other Christians, you're very new to your relationship with Jesus... And as brothers and sisters in Christ, we can come alongside one another and lead by example. For those of you that have been with the Lord longer, make yourself available to those who are new.
1 Thessalonians 3 - Perfecting Faith Part 2
March 06, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe Apostle Paul speaks of our faith journey as a race that we need to finish. Today, Pastor Richard wants you to know, that the supernatural event of being born again, is just the beginning of the work of the Spirit in your life. You just began your race, and Paul writes, that you are to run so as to win the prize. But, the amazing part, is how God does it all in us, and all we have to do is believe, and submit to His authority to cause it to happen.
Grace Series - The Culmination of Grace Part 2
March 05, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIt's easy to get into the mindset that we are really bringing something special to God when we come into a relationship with Him through Jesus. When you hear it said that way...it's laughable, right :-)!?!?!? We brought nothing but our sinfulness to the LORD. And thankfully, He provided complete forgiveness for us. Today Pastor Bryan will continue to focus on the culmination of grace...how grace truly changes us and makes us more like Jesus day by day.
1 Thessalonians 3 - Perfecting Faith Part 1
February 27, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBSatan has tried, from the beginning, to thwart God's plan for His creation. Pastor Richard reminds us that no one, not even Satan, can stop God's plans for His church, and for you. What He has promised will come to pass. He will never leave you alone to fend for yourself. Jesus is like your big brother, standing in between you and Satan. All you need to do is believe in Him, trust Him, and pray. Jesus will do the rest.
Grace Series - The Culmination of Grace Part 1
February 26, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThis fast-paced culture that we live in is constantly pulling us in different directions. From the dings and rings on your phone to the relentless pressure of our schedules...it's nearly impossible to slow down. Today Pastor Bryan shows us that patiently waiting in faith for God to move is the right move. Naomi and Ruth had to carefully walk by faith to see the LORD's will unfold before them. As you listen today, ask the LORD to guide and lead your life.
1 Thessalonians The Joy of Bearing Fruit Part 2
February 20, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBEvery believer is called to bear fruit in the kingdom of God. Today Pastor Richard is encouraging you to submit to the Spirit, who bears the fruit in your life. You may not be called to be a pastor, or in any official capacity, but God's rescue mission, that He sent Jesus on, is not complete, yet. There are souls to be saved, disciples to be made, and as members of His body, you are called to be a part of that mission.
Grace Series - Grace and Works Part 2
February 19, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIf you're pastor called you right now and asked if you could fill in for him this Sunday...what would your response be? You'd probably be humbled and honored to receive such a request to serve. Now, consider what your response would be if your pastor called and said that there was a large labor-intensive service project at the church that you could serve in. What would your response be? As Pastor Bryan just shared...there's a difference between serving and having the nature of a servant like...
1 Thessalonians 3 The Joy of Bearing Fruit Part 1
February 13, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you're faced with circumstances that rock your seemingly well-ordered world, you begin to realize what really matters. Today, Pastor Richard wants to encourage you, that God doesn't allow these things to happen to destroy you. Sometimes, we forget that His perspective is an eternal one, and He wants us to gain His perspective. When we do that, we can rejoice in the trial with the expectation of receiving His promise.
Grace Series - Grace and Works Part 1
February 12, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBSo many people ask the question, “What am I supposed to be doing for the LORD? What am I called to do?” Stop and ask yourself, “What do I enjoy and where has the LORD gifted me?” As we just heard from Pastor Bryan, this is probably the exact way that God is calling you to serve Him. Maybe it's time to connect with someone at your church and find out where you can serve the LORD with the gifts and talents that you've been given.
1 Thessalonians 3 To Establish and Encourage Part 2
February 06, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn today's message Pastor Richard reminds you of this foundational Truth, God loves you. You can't earn His love. He is love. A love that would die for you, when you couldn't care less about Him! That kind of love, when you receive it, will cause you to fall in love with Him. And when you are assured of His love, you can stand, and press on, no matter what the world, the flesh, and the devil throws at you.
Grace Series - Our Position in Christ Part 3
February 05, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBOne of the easiest ways that the enemy wins against us is when we agree with the fiery darts that he hurls at us. He is constantly trying to condemn us. Those awful thoughts about yourself didn't originate from you...they came from the enemy of your soul. Pastor Bryan will help you identify and combat that questioning voice that causes you to question your position in Christ. By faith, your position in Christ is 100% secure.
1 Thessalonians 3 To Establish and Encourage Part 1
January 30, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBLife can be hard. Sometimes you feel like you're swimming upstream. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to press on in your faith in Jesus Christ, despite the obstacles. The Bible teaches you, that in your weakness Christ is made strong, and that His grace is sufficient for you. When you humble yourself to His sovereignty in your life, He gives more grace to walk pleasingly before Him, by faith.
Grace Series - Our Position in Christ Part 2
January 29, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhat Pastor Bryan just said deserves repeating, “The degree that you understand the deity of Christ is the degree that your salvation is full, you add nothing to it.” So, stop and ask yourself what you believe about the deity of Christ? Is Jesus God? If He is...then you are secure in your salvation. If Jesus isn't God, then Who is He and what did He do when He gave His life on the cross? He's either God or He isn't.
1 Thessalonians 2 The Desires of Your Heart Part 2
January 23, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBGod sovereignly brings you victory when you're His! In today's message from Pastor Richard, he explains that in this life you will go through times of difficulty. However, what the enemy means for evil in your life, God turns it around for your good. Pastor Richard shares, that no matter the bitter or hard things that you've had to go through, God can redeem it. He can take even what seems like shattered pieces and make a masterpiece.
Grace Series - Our Position in Christ Part 1
January 22, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIt's easy to slip into the mindset of justification by works. What does this look like? This looks like experiencing feelings and emotions, both good and bad, that are directly related to our works. When I'm struggling with sin...I feel as if God loves me less and that my salvation is in jeopardy. When I'm victorious and attending church and doing other churchy things...I feel closer to God. It's important to keep in mind that your salvation is not related to your works...it's based upon the...
1 Thessalonians 2 The Desires of your Heart Part 1
January 16, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, your whole life changes! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Richard, he shares with you that when you receive Christ into your life, you become a new creation. God changes the desires and passions of your heart, because you're no longer seeking to live for yourself. Pastor Richard explains, that the closer that you become to Jesus, the more like Him you are.
Grace Series - The Foundations of Grace Part 3
January 15, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBEven though we don't realize it...many of us treat our relationship with God like a giant slot machine in the sky...if I just drop enough in the coin slot, God HAS TO love me then. If I just read my Bible enough...give enough...volunteer enough time...THEN God will love me. Friends, Pastor Bryan will obliterate that notion today. There is absolutely NOTHING you can do to earn the grace and love of God.
1 Thessalonians 2 Jesus Is My Worldview Part 2
January 09, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPersecution and Prosperity aren't usually words that we would link together. But as Pastor Richard shares today, Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians that the persecution that they, and other believers in the area were facing, was causing them to prosper spiritually. Is that how you see the struggles in your own life? Are you rising above your situation with a spiritual perspective or is your worldview being dictated by your circumstances?
Grace Series - The Foundations of Grace Part 2
January 08, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBYou may be listening right now and feel that you've gone too far and that God could never forgive you for what you've done. And this is one of the main ways that we become confused about grace actually is. Grace isn't temporary or limited. Pastor Bryan will help you understand today that grace can be extended to you BECAUSE you are righteous. Jesus has made you righteous and therefore God extends grace to you.
1 Thessalonians 2 Jesus Is My Worldview Part 1
January 02, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe trials of the World can often grab our focus. What we hear on the news or from other people can make it difficult for us to know how to make decisions and live our lives. That's why it’s SO important to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. He doesn't waver in the midst of the chaos because He sees everything with perfect perspective. Pastor Richard will show us today that trusting Jesus is our best hope for making our way through all the turmoil.
Grace Series - The Foundations of Grace Part 1
January 01, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBToday Pastor Bryan begins unpacking grace. Now, many of you listening right now have heard the acronym: “God's riches at Christ's expense.” And while that's a very good way to look at grace...you'll learn today that there's so much more. Jesus didn't just die for you...He actually died IN YOUR PLACE...HE took the penalty that you and I deserved. This means that the death that you WOULD HAVE died...you won't have to because of His sacrifice.
1Thessalonians 2:1-12 Spiritually Significant Life Part 2
December 26, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBJesus defied every expectation people had for him as the Messiah and one very significant thing he did that truly upset the religious leaders was that he spent his time with sinners. Pastor Richard points out that this giving of his life to the sick and sinners was how Jesus lived a spiritually significant life. We have the awesome privilege of following him and doing life the way he did—a way that was unpopular yet deeply significant.
1Thessalonians 2:1-12 Spiritually Significant Life Part 1
December 19, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBI'm so grateful that God knows things far beyond what I know, and that he can see the future he has planned for me. When it's too easy to think I'm forgotten or left behind, or even that I have missed the mark and no longer qualify to serve the Lord, this reminder from Pastor Richard is so important! God has significant spiritual life for me, planned in advance for me. And all he needs is my “yes” in order to bring that plan to fulfillment.
1Thessalonians 1:9-10 A New Hope for Change Part 3
December 12, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you think about storing up treasures, what pictures does that bring to mind? Do you see dragons? Pirates? Imagine pursuing heavenly treasure with as much passion and dedication as a pirate pursues gold. A pirate would leave his home and family—if he had one—to sail the seas and find hidden treasure. Think of being that dedicated to your treasure stash in heaven, where the treasure never tarnishes or fades!
1Thessalonians 1:9-10 A New Hope for Change Part 2
December 05, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBToday Pastor Richard discusses the early church and the way they lived with an intense expectation of Christ's imminent return. Maybe for us, the 2,000 years since then has dulled that fervor. If we kept the reality of Jesus' return in front of us all the time, would it change the way we make decisions? I think we would become fearless. We would not be looking for what makes us comfortable. We would be free to follow the crucified Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 A New Hope for Change Part 1
November 28, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPastor Richard will go through some major elements of the Christian life today: faith, hope, love, and the expectation of Christ's return. Does your life truly reflect that hope? Today's message will encourage you to take one more step in the direction of joyful expectation! As you listen today, use this chance to take a moment to evaluate your own life, and ask yourself this question; what would the Spirit write to you?
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 The Power of God Part 2
November 21, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPastor Richard is working his way through 1 Thessalonians and discussing all the ways that the testimony about the church there has spread through the area. The power of God has been so active in the church, and it's producing the joy of salvation in the believers' lives. That same power is at work in our lives today and we have the ability to share that joy! The world around us is crying out for everything that we have found in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 The Power of God Part 1
November 14, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIsn't it exciting that the power of God is woven into the words you speak when you share the gospel? Doesn't it make you want to tell as many people as you possibly can about the good news so that the power of God can spread through your world? You have the power of God inside of you and you have the ability to share that power with a world that is in desperate need. Bring the good news to whoever you can and release the power of God!
1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Introduction Part 3
November 07, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPerhaps the most precious commodity in our world today is peace. When you look around it's hard to find! Wars, disasters, diseases, and civil unrest all threaten our peace. But Pastor Richard will tell us today that there is one way to find that peace that transcends our understanding and works in our hearts despite all the tragedy and noise around us, and that's the peace that comes from Christ. He brings peace that cannot be stolen.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Introduction Part 2
November 06, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe church at Thessalonica only had Paul there to teach them for a short time, yet they become a thriving, exemplary early church. Today, Pastor Richard will look at the church and how it was their sincerity in following Christ that created such an extraordinary place. What can we learn from watching this young church? Just like them, when we seek him with all our hearts we will find him and he will lead us into righteousness.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Introduction Part 1
October 31, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBI don't know about you, but I have run into more closed doors than I can count. It's so comforting to know that we're not alone when we run into an obstacle we just can't seem to get around. Pastor Richard dives into the life of the apostle Paul today. There were many times the apostle Paul tried to go different places but the Spirit kept him from it. This life of following Jesus means we listen for the leading of the Spirit to guide us every step.
Mark 16:15-20 Your Mission should you choose to accept it Part 2
October 24, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBJesus IS alive. He didn’t stay in the grave – He rose again. He’s no longer here on earth with us, but this is due to the fact that He ascended into Heaven. He’s with His Heavenly Father – sitting on the throne! Pastor Richard reminds you today that Jesus isn’t passively letting the world do whatever it wants – not at all! As he wraps up this study in Mark today, you’ll discover that Jesus is very much aware of all that happens and is in complete control. And one day, maybe soon, He’ll be ba...
Mark 16:15-20 Your Mission Should You Choose to Accept It Part 1
October 17, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBGuess what – if you know Jesus, you get to talk about Him! Through the instruction of Pastor Richard today, you’ll be challenged to do just that! In fact, Jesus Himself tells you to go into the world, telling the good news of the Gospel message! Now – of course – traveling the world isn’t part of God’s plan for everyone, and that’s ok – there’s plenty of people right in your own neighborhood who need to know the truth and have the chance at a relationship with Jesus!
Mark 16:1-14 Faith For Living Part 3
October 10, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhat would it have been like to see Jesus after His death? Jesus told His followers He’d be back – but they still were surprised to see Him! Today Pastor Richard reminds you that faith sounds easier than it is. Just look at the disciples and their time with Jesus! Now, while faith may not be easy, it doesn’t give you the license to stop believing and expecting God to move. If He’s promised something, He WILL come through! You can ALWAYS count on your Creator – and that’s something that helps...
Mark 16:1-14 Faith For Living Part 2
October 03, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPicture this – you come home after dark and walk into an unlit home. What’s one of the first things you do? You turn on the light so that it will outshine the presently dark room. Your life sometimes can be like that darkness as Pastor Richard shares today. You need to turn on a light to chase it away – and that light is JESUS! Let Him into the deepest parts of your heart, the places that the enemy wants to keep for himself. It may not be easy, but it’s worth the time spent letting Him in. L...
Mark 16:1-14 Faith For Living Part 1
September 26, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBGrowing up did you ever have a friend that you loved very much suddenly pass away? Did it make you stop and wonder about your own life and how fragile, important, and short life is? The truth is that all lives are moving toward a certain end with no guaranteed tomorrow. Now, don’t let that depress you – there’s hope to be found in Jesus! And today is a great day to find out all about it! Pastor Richard will share the truth of what Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection mean for you in any sit...
Mark 15:1-47 Tears in the Darkness Part 2
September 19, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBFaith can be hard, especially in the darkest times of your life. So how do you continue to be faithful to the Lord, and to even have hope that it will all work out in the end? Today, Pastor Richard will tell you more about this as he shares a dark time in Jesus's life – the trial leading to His death on the cross. This was a situation that seemed utterly hopeless – yet God turned it around for the good of everyone. Don’t lose hope – even in the darkness!
Mark 15:1-47 Tears in the Darkness Part 1
September 12, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPastor Richard today speaks about the trial of Jesus, and how easily crowds can influence a person's decision. When you have thousands of people yelling and demanding a certain way, a certain outcome, isn’t it easier to just give in? But, if you’re a follower of Christ, you need to ask yourself a different question – what does the Lord have to say about the situation? God’s way may not be the easier way, but it will always be the BETTER way!
Mark 14:53-72 Saving and Sifting Part 2
September 05, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBSin in your life isn’t always apparent to you – it may be a habit or a thoughtless word that you don’t see yet as wrong. But that’s why you need the Holy Spirit – to open your eyes to the problem! Pastor Richard reminds you today that just like Peter, you need to be made useful for the work of the Kingdom. You need to have those sinful areas of your life exposed so that you can change! Let the Holy Spirit do the work to make you more like Jesus!
Mark 14:53-72 Saving and Sifting Part 1
August 29, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWithout Jesus, who are you? Would you be the same as you are now? Chances are, the answer to that question is no. Today Pastor Richard will talk with you about Peter, a man who stumbled more than once during his time with Jesus – but when Jesus truly entered Peter’s heart and changed his life, Peter was transformed! And Jesus is transforming you too – let Peter’s story remind you what the Lord is doing for you!