https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pastor-lonnie--3621146enReligion & SpiritualityCopyright Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardsonhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/17e7c031af318f402f2642e0fb8b6c57.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pastor-lonnie--3621146Sun, 02 Aug 2026 22:55:07 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonRev. Dr. Lonnie Richardsonlonnie@wi.rr.comRev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson (Pastor Lonnie) Is the founding and senior pastor of Fox River Congregational Church in Pewaukee Wisconsin.falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/overcoming-anxiety-and-fear--73354198
From a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul shows that joy is not determined by circumstances but by our relationship with Jesus Christ. He invites us to replace worry with prayer, cultivate gratitude even before answers arrive, and fill our minds with what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise. God’s promise is not a life without storms but His supernatural peace in the midst of them.

Pastor Lonnie's practical, hope-filled message reminds us that peace grows through daily spiritual practices of prayer, Scripture, gratitude, worship, and trusting God with what we cannot control. Whether you have walked with Christ for decades or are searching for peace in an anxious world, this sermon offers timeless encouragement: The Lord is near, and because He is near, we can face tomorrow with confidence rather than fear.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73354198Sun, 02 Aug 2026 22:37:21 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this passage from Philippians 4:4–9, we learn that God’s answer to anxiety is not merely to “try harder” but to trust more deeply. From a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul shows that joy is not determined by circumstances but by our relationship with...
From a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul shows that joy is not determined by circumstances but by our relationship with Jesus Christ. He invites us to replace worry with prayer, cultivate gratitude even before answers arrive, and fill our minds with what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise. God’s promise is not a life without storms but His supernatural peace in the midst of them.

Pastor Lonnie's practical, hope-filled message reminds us that peace grows through daily spiritual practices of prayer, Scripture, gratitude, worship, and trusting God with what we cannot control. Whether you have walked with Christ for decades or are searching for peace in an anxious world, this sermon offers timeless encouragement: The Lord is near, and because He is near, we can face tomorrow with confidence rather than fear.]]>1341anxiety,fear,peace,worryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/repairing-broken-relationships--73283305
Ultimately, the cross is the model for every restored relationship. Through Christ, God reconciled us to Himself, and those who have received His forgiveness are called to extend it. We are challenged to take the first step toward healing by refusing to let resentment shape our future and by letting the peace of Christ rule our hearts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73283305Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:54:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie’s message explores how unresolved hurts and minor offenses gradually erode relationships. It emphasizes that compassion asks, “What happened to this person?” rather than “What’s wrong with this person?” It also distinguishes forgiveness...
Ultimately, the cross is the model for every restored relationship. Through Christ, God reconciled us to Himself, and those who have received His forgiveness are called to extend it. We are challenged to take the first step toward healing by refusing to let resentment shape our future and by letting the peace of Christ rule our hearts.]]>1158caring,relationships,repairingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/discovering-purpose-and-meaning--73283122
The message highlights that every person is God’s workmanship and masterpiece, uniquely created with value and purpose, regardless of age, past mistakes, or life circumstances. God continues to shape us throughout our lives, inviting each of us to serve faithfully with our gifts.  

Rather than viewing purpose as a single dramatic calling, the message emphasizes that God’s purpose is often lived out in ordinary acts of love, kindness, service, encouragement, and faithfulness. Just as healthy trees naturally bear fruit, we naturally produce good works because we have been transformed by God’s grace.  

The message concludes by encouraging every generation to embrace their place in God’s Kingdom, reminding us that purpose begins with receiving God’s love and continues through daily acts of faithful service to others. Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes part of God’s greater story.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73283122Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:48:05 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDrawing on Ephesians 2:8-10, this message explores how purpose is found not in achievement but in God’s grace. Paul reminds us that salvation is God’s gift, freely given through faith, not earned by good works. Because grace comes first, we are free...
The message highlights that every person is God’s workmanship and masterpiece, uniquely created with value and purpose, regardless of age, past mistakes, or life circumstances. God continues to shape us throughout our lives, inviting each of us to serve faithfully with our gifts.  

Rather than viewing purpose as a single dramatic calling, the message emphasizes that God’s purpose is often lived out in ordinary acts of love, kindness, service, encouragement, and faithfulness. Just as healthy trees naturally bear fruit, we naturally produce good works because we have been transformed by God’s grace.  

The message concludes by encouraging every generation to embrace their place in God’s Kingdom, reminding us that purpose begins with receiving God’s love and continues through daily acts of faithful service to others. Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes part of God’s greater story.]]>1044faith,life,meaning,purposefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-hope-in-uncertain-times--73282795https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73282795Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:32:25 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonLife often forces us to recalibrate our plans as we face unexpected changes, losses, fears, and unanswered questions. In Romans 15:13, Paul reminds us that Christian hope does not depend on perfect circumstances or on having every answer. It is rooted...1705hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-heart-of-a-free-nation--72888437
The prophet Micah speaks to a people who had religious rituals but lacked justice, mercy, and humility. In response, God makes clear what faithful living requires: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.  

The sermon points to Jesus as the perfect example of Micah 6:8. Jesus did justice, loved kindness, and walked humbly with God, ultimately giving his life so that we might experience true freedom—freedom from shame, fear, and death, and freedom to love, serve, forgive, and live as children of God.  

The message concludes by encouraging our community of Christ followers to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with gratitude while committing to a deeper Christian freedom. A free nation begins with hearts freed by God’s grace, and the church is called to embody that freedom through justice, kindness, and humility.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72888437Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:52:36 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Micah 6:6–8 is used to explore the deeper meaning of freedom from a Christian perspective. While national freedom is a gift to be celebrated with gratitude, the sermon reminds us that true freedom is not only written into laws or...
The prophet Micah speaks to a people who had religious rituals but lacked justice, mercy, and humility. In response, God makes clear what faithful living requires: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.  

The sermon points to Jesus as the perfect example of Micah 6:8. Jesus did justice, loved kindness, and walked humbly with God, ultimately giving his life so that we might experience true freedom—freedom from shame, fear, and death, and freedom to love, serve, forgive, and live as children of God.  

The message concludes by encouraging our community of Christ followers to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with gratitude while committing to a deeper Christian freedom. A free nation begins with hearts freed by God’s grace, and the church is called to embody that freedom through justice, kindness, and humility.]]>1188250,america,anniversary,freedom,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-we-pray-for-healing--72740585
The central message is that God has more than one way to heal. Sometimes God gives the miracle of a triumphant crossing, in which one is healed through death and brought home to eternal life. Sometimes God gives the miracle of sufficient grace, granting strength to endure pain that is not immediately removed. Sometimes God leads us to a remedy through doctors, medicine, counseling, support, or other people. Sometimes healing comes through the body’s natural ability to recover. And sometimes we are given a mysterious healing, a powerful and unexplained restoration that goes beyond medical understanding.  

The sermon makes it clear that dramatic healing does not mean someone has greater faith, and the absence of such healing does not mean God has ignored us. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting God’s heart when we cannot understand God’s ways.  

The message calls us to pray boldly, ask the church for prayer, and bring sickness, fear, grief, pain, and questions to God. At the same time, it warns against measuring God’s love only by whether we receive the exact miracle we wanted.  

The sermon closes with hope: because Jesus died, rose again, and promises to wipe away every tear, sickness, and death, do not get the final word. The question is not only “Will God heal?” but also “Will we trust God with the miracle given?”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72740585Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:36:22 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis sermon asks a deeply personal question: What role does faith play when we’re sick? It begins with the promise in James 5:15, reminding us that God hears and helps when we pray. But it also acknowledges the hard reality that healing does not...
The central message is that God has more than one way to heal. Sometimes God gives the miracle of a triumphant crossing, in which one is healed through death and brought home to eternal life. Sometimes God gives the miracle of sufficient grace, granting strength to endure pain that is not immediately removed. Sometimes God leads us to a remedy through doctors, medicine, counseling, support, or other people. Sometimes healing comes through the body’s natural ability to recover. And sometimes we are given a mysterious healing, a powerful and unexplained restoration that goes beyond medical understanding.  

The sermon makes it clear that dramatic healing does not mean someone has greater faith, and the absence of such healing does not mean God has ignored us. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting God’s heart when we cannot understand God’s ways.  

The message calls us to pray boldly, ask the church for prayer, and bring sickness, fear, grief, pain, and questions to God. At the same time, it warns against measuring God’s love only by whether we receive the exact miracle we wanted.  

The sermon closes with hope: because Jesus died, rose again, and promises to wipe away every tear, sickness, and death, do not get the final word. The question is not only “Will God heal?” but also “Will we trust God with the miracle given?”]]>1728healing,health,hope,recoveryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-children-need-to-hear-from-us--72633266
These phrases convey love, humility, confidence, and spiritual care. They help children know they are treasured, teach the value of forgiveness, encourage them to face life with courage, and remind them that their lives matter to their parents and to God. The message challenges parents and all people of influence to use their words and actions to reflect the love of our Heavenly Father.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72633266Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:33:37 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie’s message reminds us that the words we speak to our children can shape their hearts for a lifetime. Four simple phrases, when spoken sincerely and backed by action, can make a lasting difference: “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I believe in...
These phrases convey love, humility, confidence, and spiritual care. They help children know they are treasured, teach the value of forgiveness, encourage them to face life with courage, and remind them that their lives matter to their parents and to God. The message challenges parents and all people of influence to use their words and actions to reflect the love of our Heavenly Father.]]>1338encouragement,father,instruction,love,mother,parent,parenting,support,teachersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-big-is-your-god--72443053https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72443053Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:49:57 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie’s sermon celebrates God’s faithfulness throughout the church’s life and history. It looks back to the early days, when the church was new, had no permanent home, and was unsure whether the city would approve land for church use. The...1393anniversary,big,church,god,pentecostfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/service-faith-that-moves--72161114https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72161114Tue, 26 May 2026 00:36:48 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message from Pastor Lonnie reflects on Matthew 25:31-40 and the call to live out our faith in love, compassion, and service. It reminds us that Congregational faith is not only something we believe but something we practice through everyday acts...1486action,love,outreach,service,vulnerablefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/voice-every-soul-matters--72090103https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72090103Wed, 20 May 2026 20:36:48 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message from Pastor Lonnie, we are reminded that a faithful community is built not on control or quick agreement, but on humble listening and shared discernment. Drawing on Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, the sermon explores how the early...1720belonging,caring,church,community,family,love,togetherfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/covenant-we-walk-together--71956919https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71956919Mon, 11 May 2026 13:25:22 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie’s message explores covenant as a lived promise rather than merely a church concept, inviting the congregation to see faith as a shared commitment to walk together in Christ. Drawing on the Mayflower Compact and the example of the early...1497church,covenant,mayflower,pilgrims,promisefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/freedom-a-faith-that-trusts-the-conscience--71905179https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71905179Thu, 07 May 2026 11:12:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie invites us to a deeper understanding of Christian freedom, not as license to believe anything or as blind obedience to authority, but as a Spirit-led journey of discernment. Rooted in the Congregational tradition, the...1342church,congregational,conscience,faaith,freedom,wordsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-silence-to-service--71675469https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71675469Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:01:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie concludes the “Something Happened” series, focusing on the transformation of Jesus’ followers from fearful, hidden individuals into those who actively serve others. After Jesus’ death, the disciples were afraid and...1481easter,evangelism,hope,love,resurrection,witnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/something-happened-on-the-road--71588834https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71588834Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:46:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this passage from Luke 24:13–35, two discouraged disciples walk away from Jerusalem, carrying fear, confusion, and shattered hope, yet on that ordinary road, the risen Christ comes alongside them, though they do not recognize Him at first. As He...1154belief,easter,emmaus,resurrectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thomas-from-doubt-to-faith--71291417https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71291417Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:22:45 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDoubt isn’t the end of faith but often the beginning of something deeper. After the disappointment of Jesus’ death, Thomas struggled to believe in the resurrection without seeing proof for himself. Instead of rejecting him, Jesus met Thomas in his...1428belief,doubt,easter,faith,fearfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-we-didn-t-expect--70997584
That same tension remains today. We often want a Jesus who aligns with our preferences and operates on our schedule. Like the crowd, we celebrate when things go right but struggle when they don’t. Their shift from “Hosanna” to rejection shows how fragile that kind of faith can be.

Jesus revealed a different kind of strength—choosing love over control, forgiveness over revenge, and sacrifice over status. His path led to the cross, addressing our deepest needs.

The question is simple: will we follow Jesus for who he is, or just for what we want from him? This message by Pastor Lonnie calls us to trust his character and believe his love brings lasting change.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70997584Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:42:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPalm Sunday highlights the gap between what people expected and what Jesus came to do. The crowd wanted a powerful king to fix their problems, but Jesus arrived humbly on a donkey, showing his mission was to change hearts, not take control. That same...
That same tension remains today. We often want a Jesus who aligns with our preferences and operates on our schedule. Like the crowd, we celebrate when things go right but struggle when they don’t. Their shift from “Hosanna” to rejection shows how fragile that kind of faith can be.

Jesus revealed a different kind of strength—choosing love over control, forgiveness over revenge, and sacrifice over status. His path led to the cross, addressing our deepest needs.

The question is simple: will we follow Jesus for who he is, or just for what we want from him? This message by Pastor Lonnie calls us to trust his character and believe his love brings lasting change.]]>1416easter,hope,king,palmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-life-tests-your-faith--70539166https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70539166Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:35:29 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe message centers on three temptations of Jesus. First, turning stones into bread represents the desire to fulfill important needs in the wrong way or on our own terms. We are tempted to address discomfort immediately rather than trust God’s timing....1616agape,temptation,testingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-quiet-space--70515037https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70515037Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:13:53 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie emphasizes how, in a world full of constant noise and distractions, Lent calls us to choose something different: silence. Not just the absence of sound, but a deeper stillness where we can listen to our own thoughts and...962discipleship,quiet,reflection,wildernessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-light-that-still-shines--69160195https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69160195Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:41:01 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe Light That Still Shines focuses on a simple truth: even a small light can dispel darkness. Through the familiar struggle of tangled Christmas lights, the message shows how hope doesn’t require everything to be perfect. One working bulb is enough...1090christmas,hope,light,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peace-in-the-middle-of-chaos--69083082https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69083082Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:08:59 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie reminds us how the first Christmas was marked by stress, uncertainty, and less-than-ideal conditions. Mary is exhausted and ready to give birth, Joseph is scrambling for a place to stay, and the only space available is a...780christmas,hope,jesus,love,namefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-hope-feels-far-away--68944280https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68944280Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:19:08 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message from Pastor Lonnie emphasizes that hope speaks louder than fear. Mary had many reasons to panic, but she chose to anchor her faith: she did not know the plan, but she trusted the One behind it. Mary faced risk, judgment, and the unknown,...1117believe,christmas,grace,hope,love,mary,messiah,peace,welcomefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/relearning-thanksgiving--68744045https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68744045Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:37:44 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie highlights the struggles of the Pilgrims and Abraham Lincoln's honesty to demonstrate how gratitude has always helped people endure hardship and find unity. It challenges us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we...893community,faith,family,hope,thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-go-of-the-dinosaur--68602843https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68602843Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:08:45 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message invites us to see stewardship in a different light, not just as a financial duty but as a spiritual opportunity. In Luke 12:15, we're reminded that life isn't about possessions but about purpose. The "dinosaur" symbolizes anything we...1187giving,legacy,stewardship,tithingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kostia-his-music-and-inspirational-life-interview-with-pastor-lonnie--68495614
His parents chose to live in St. Petersburg to be close to Igor's elderly mother.  In 1961, they signed a five-year contract with the Theater Group of the Soviet Army Force, performing in East Berlin.  KGB regulations, however, did not allow them to bring Kostia, then age 2-½ with them.  He stayed, as an "insurance policy," with his grandmother, Valya, living in a communal apartment that housed nine families (33 people) in 11 rooms, all sharing the same hallway, kitchen and bathroom.  "The bathtub was always filled with laundry," Kostia recalls.  "We took our baths twice a week in the community bathhouse."  

As a child, Kostia displayed a tremendous interest in music, spending much time in front of the radio in his grandmother's tiny room.  At age 4, a present was delivered to him from his parents -- a 1937 Wolkenhauer upright piano, upon which he soon learned to play hundreds of Russian folk songs.  "It became the center of life in our home," Kostia remembers.  "Even my pet rooster, Peter, used the lid as his favorite perch, and he would sit there and listen while I played."  

Kostia's parents returned from East Germany in July of 1965, when he was 7.  His grandmother died of a stroke the following month.  

The same year, Kostia was accepted into a special music preparatory school of the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.  For the next 11 years, each day involved four to six hours of piano practice.  At the school he met his first great influence, teacher Tamara Karetkina.  "I was her first student," Kostia recalls.  "She was a tremendous pianist and a beautiful woman, very much resembling Jacqueline Bisset.”  

Because of his talent, Kostia and other elite prodigies were forbidden to play sports, for fear of hand injuries.  At 14, Kostia, who loved basketball, broke a finger in his right hand during a clandestine pick-up game.  "I was so frightened," Kostia says. "The thought of not being able to play again was so horrifying!  It was worse than death for me.  I didn't tell my mother that I did it playing basketball; I told her I fell down carrying my briefcase."  While his right hand healed, Kostia passed the time mastering pieces written by Ravel and Scriabin for left hand.  Ravel's piece was composed in honor of a pianist who lost his right hand during World War I.  

At 18, Kostia entered the famed St. Petersburg Conservatory.  Here he met and studied under Vladimir Nielsen, one of the last great masters of Russian Romanticism.  He completed his Conservatory studies in 1982 with advanced graduate degrees in four disciplines:  concert (solo) pianist, pianist for chamber ensemble, accompanist, and piano teacher.  

Following graduation, Kostia performed throughout Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia as a soloist, with orchestras, with ethnic ensembles and his own jazz-fusion group.  Typically, Conservatory graduates move into teaching.  "I decided to go another way.  I was already involved with jazz and pop performances, and I was pretty well known as an arranger, so I wanted to explore new music.  Friends introduced me to Oscar Peterson, and modern jazz and progressive rock bands like Genesis, Yes and King Crimson.  It was very different, extremely energetic, and absolutely spontaneous, like myself.  I am definitely a free spirit, and playing this music allowed me a certain level of freedom that I wasn't able to explore in classical music."  

Kostia received a proposal from the St. Petersburg Cultural Center to start, essentially, an experimental music group.  "This was 1982," he says, "and things were warming up a little bit."  Kostia called the group “ARS” -- Latin for "art.”  While working with ARS, Kostia started composing and arranging music for movies, documentaries and theatrical productions.  He freelanced as an arranger, working on a number of soundtracks for the various stage productions.  His skills as a performer led him to work with some of the well-established Russian composers (i.e., Alfred Schnitke, Vladislav Uspensky, Vladislav Panchenko), and a number of Soviet pop stars, including Marina Kapuro and Aleksander Rosenbaum, among others.  

During a visit to the United States in 1989 with the Soviet-American Cultural Exchange project "Clay Stomp," Kostia had an opportunity to perform for his first American audience at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where he shared the stage with Narada artist David Lanz.  That day changed Kostia's life forever.  The next morning he received a call from Narada records offering him a recording contract.  

From 1989 until 1997, Kostia worked extensively on various Narada projects as a performer, arranger and producer, including David Arkenstone's Grammy-nominated In the Wake of the Wind, and Narada's most celebrated recording, Nutcracker.  Kostia's music appeared on more than a dozen of Narada's collections and compilation albums.  In 1992, Kostia and David Arkenstone collaborated on the first album ever endorsed by the United States Olympic Committee, Spirit of Olympia.  In 1994, Narada released Kostia's first piano solo album Suite St. Petersburg, which he describes as "a piano portrait of my beloved city."  1996 brought another critically acclaimed piano album, Ten Pebbles, where Kostia revisits some of his most cherished memories.  Both albums won him respect and recognition of his fellow musicians and the love of fans around the world.  

Beginning in 1997, Kostia started a series of recordings with North Sound Music Group dedicated to piano idols of pop music.  That year, he released Kostia's Interpretations of Billy Joel followed by Kostia's Interpretations of Elton John in 1998.  The success of these projects led to a number of tribute recordings completed with world renowned instrumentalists such as Daryl Stuermer, guitarist from Genesis and Phil Collins Band; Paul McCandless, Windham Hill artist and reed and saxophone player from the band Oregon; and Windham Hill guitarist, Alex De Grassi.  In 1999, Kostia composed the soundtrack for the motion picture Czar of Make Believe from Italian director Daniel Alegi, which won an award for Best Short Film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. In 2001, Kostia released Piano Ocean, an album of original music recorded in collaboration with ex-Narada star Spencer Brewer.  At the same time, he composed the soundtracks for a motion picture, The Play in the Modern Style, and a short film of Alex Boguslavsky entitled Blue Lamp.  

New Millennium also brought several other exciting projects to Kostia as well – a collaboration between LEGO and George Lucas Film, celebrated short animated film “Star Wars: “Revenge of the Brick.”; new Alex Boguslavsky’s film “My Little Philosopher”; a pilot for an independent motion picture “Slow Poison.”; a collaboration with legendary band Sweetbottom (original Indi fusion group) – “Sweetbottom Live”; several new albums with old band mate, Daryl Stuermer – “GO!”, “Rewired”, “Retrofit”; debut album of Carmen Nickerson “Tomorrow Is Another Day” etc. One of Kostia’s compositions made it to the world renown TV series “Sex and the City.”  

In addition to collaborations with well-established music groups and individual artists, Kostia has had his music performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, the internationally famed Veronica String Quartet, and Present Music cellist, Paul Gemainder, to name a few.  

Currently, Kostia is at work composing music for his next CD, performing solo piano concerts around the country, and recording and performing with the Daryl Stuermer Band.  Future plans?  "I am thinking about something I always wanted to do – a series of pieces for chorus, poem for string quartet, and six pictures for piano and orchestra," says Kostia.  His journey continues.  "Musical Columbus," as he is often called by journalists, is again on the way to discovering new worlds for himself and his fans. Kostia plays regularly at Fox River Congregational Church where he is a composer in residence.  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68495614Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:45:57 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonKonstantin Efimov was born in 1958 in St. Petersburg, Russia, the elder (by 10 years) of two sons born to Igor Efimov, well-established movie actor, and his wife, Irina, whom he met while attending Moscow's prestigious Maly Theater School.  Irina...
His parents chose to live in St. Petersburg to be close to Igor's elderly mother.  In 1961, they signed a five-year contract with the Theater Group of the Soviet Army Force, performing in East Berlin.  KGB regulations, however, did not allow them to bring Kostia, then age 2-½ with them.  He stayed, as an "insurance policy," with his grandmother, Valya, living in a communal apartment that housed nine families (33 people) in 11 rooms, all sharing the same hallway, kitchen and bathroom.  "The bathtub was always filled with laundry," Kostia recalls.  "We took our baths twice a week in the community bathhouse."  

As a child, Kostia displayed a tremendous interest in music, spending much time in front of the radio in his grandmother's tiny room.  At age 4, a present was delivered to him from his parents -- a 1937 Wolkenhauer upright piano, upon which he soon learned to play hundreds of Russian folk songs.  "It became the center of life in our home," Kostia remembers.  "Even my pet rooster, Peter, used the lid as his favorite perch, and he would sit there and listen while I played."  

Kostia's parents returned from East Germany in July of 1965, when he was 7.  His grandmother died of a stroke the following month.  

The same year, Kostia was accepted into a special music preparatory school of the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.  For the next 11 years, each day involved four to six hours of piano practice.  At the school he met his first great influence, teacher Tamara Karetkina.  "I was her first student," Kostia recalls.  "She was a tremendous pianist and a beautiful woman, very much resembling Jacqueline Bisset.”  

Because of his talent, Kostia and other elite prodigies were forbidden to play sports, for fear of hand injuries.  At 14, Kostia, who loved basketball, broke a finger in his right hand during a clandestine pick-up game.  "I was so frightened," Kostia says. "The thought of not being able to play again was so horrifying!  It was worse than death for me.  I didn't tell my mother that I did it playing basketball; I told her I fell down carrying my briefcase."  While his right hand healed, Kostia passed the time mastering pieces written by Ravel and Scriabin for left hand.  Ravel's piece was composed in honor of a pianist who lost his right hand during World War I.  

At 18, Kostia entered the famed St. Petersburg Conservatory.  Here he met and studied under Vladimir Nielsen, one of the last great masters of Russian Romanticism.  He completed his Conservatory studies in 1982 with advanced graduate degrees in four disciplines:  concert (solo) pianist, pianist for chamber ensemble, accompanist, and piano teacher.  

Following graduation, Kostia performed throughout Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia as a soloist, with orchestras, with ethnic ensembles and his own jazz-fusion group.  Typically, Conservatory graduates move into teaching.  "I decided to go another way.  I was already involved with jazz and pop performances, and I was pretty well known as an arranger, so I wanted to explore new music.  Friends introduced me to Oscar Peterson, and modern jazz and progressive rock bands like Genesis, Yes and King Crimson.  It was very different, extremely energetic, and absolutely spontaneous, like myself.  I am definitely a free spirit, and playing this music allowed me a certain level of freedom that I wasn't able to explore in classical music."  

Kostia received a proposal from the St. Petersburg Cultural Center to start, essentially, an...]]>3366falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/grateful-when-life-s-good-and-when-it-s-not--68389695https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68389695Sun, 02 Nov 2025 18:48:27 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message challenges the idea that gratitude is only for good times and instead calls us to practice thankfulness even when life gets tough. Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, it clearly distinguishes between being thankful for all circumstances and...1126falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-prayers-feel-like-voicemail--68111472https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68111472Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:51:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson1046falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/faith-that-works-when-like-feels-like-a-mess--68022161https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68022161Sun, 05 Oct 2025 18:04:45 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonLife can crash unexpectedly—plans fall apart, emotions spiral, and nothing seems to go right. But faith isn’t built in comfort; it’s shaped in chaos. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we’re reminded that God uses life’s messes to strengthen our faith....821belief,faith,hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/light-in-the-darkest-moments--67851235https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67851235Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:07:50 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe tragic death of Charlie Kirk has left many grieving, fearful, and overwhelmed. In his message, Pastor Lonnie urges the church to face this pain honestly while grounding our response in the gospel. In a world quick to speak and quick to divide, we...1290fear,light,peace,sinfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/built-to-last--67676519Built to Last: Storm-Proof Faith, Pastor Lonnie draws from Matthew 7:24-29 to show that resilience and the ability to withstand life’s storms come not from intentions or appearances, but from obedience to Jesus Christ. Like the wise and foolish builders who faced the same storm, our lives stand or fall depending on where we build: on the solid rock or shifting sand. Storms are inevitable, but they don’t have to be destructive. When our foundation is in Christ, we can endure with strength, recover with hope, and live with lasting faith that no trial can destroy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67676519Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:25:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn Built to Last: Storm-Proof Faith, Pastor Lonnie draws from Matthew 7:24-29 to show that resilience and the ability to withstand life’s storms come not from intentions or appearances, but from obedience to Jesus Christ. Like the wise and foolish...Built to Last: Storm-Proof Faith, Pastor Lonnie draws from Matthew 7:24-29 to show that resilience and the ability to withstand life’s storms come not from intentions or appearances, but from obedience to Jesus Christ. Like the wise and foolish builders who faced the same storm, our lives stand or fall depending on where we build: on the solid rock or shifting sand. Storms are inevitable, but they don’t have to be destructive. When our foundation is in Christ, we can endure with strength, recover with hope, and live with lasting faith that no trial can destroy.]]>940faith,fear,foundation,hope,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-go-of-worry--67523325https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67523325Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:50:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie's message addresses the common struggle with worry through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19–34. The sermon explains that worry stems from uncertainty—we only stress over what we don’t know. If we knew what the future held or trusted in...953falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-secret-place--67523313https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67523313Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:48:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie emphasizes how Jesus encourages us to redefine what spiritual authenticity means. While He calls us to let our light shine publicly through acts of service (Matthew 5), He also teaches that personal spiritual...1113falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judge-less-love-more--67523299https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67523299Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:45:48 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie's message reminds us that while it’s easy to notice flaws in others, Jesus calls us to approach people with humility and grace. His command in Matthew 7:1 isn’t about ignoring wrongdoing; it’s about avoiding judgment that isn’t ours to...1060falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/heart-work-not-hard-work--67523281https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67523281Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:43:44 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie challenges the idea that spiritual life is about simply following rules or performing religious duties. Jesus calls us to a righteousness that goes beyond outward appearances by not just doing more, but by transforming...1029falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pour-on-the-salt-and-turn-on-the-light--67057131https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67057131Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:33:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie explains Jesus’ call for his followers to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. It encourages us to live out our faith beyond the church walls—intentionally, relationally, and authentically. Salt represents our...1485evangelism,light,outreach,saltfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-we-can-be--66987434https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66987434Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:01:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie's message introduces a series on the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that Jesus’ main message is about spiritual transformation rather than just religious deeds. It urges us to move beyond feelings of defeat and despair into a life...1478beatitudes,blessed,happy,peace,teachingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jesus-dying-wish--66883176https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66883176Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:43:44 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie unpacks the often-overlooked “other prayer” of Jesus—the one He prayed the night before His crucifixion, found in John 17. Unlike the familiar Lord’s Prayer, this one is deeply personal and revealing. Jesus isn’t asking...1026jesus,one,oneness,prayer,wishfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-red-white-and-you--66803803https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66803803Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:21:19 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message reflects on America’s journey as a free nation, emphasizing how young the country still is in the scope of world history. The message illustrates how freedom is a fragile, hard-earned gift that is passed down through just a few lifetimes....984america,freedom,liberty,patriot,peace,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/four-powerful-words-that-shape-a-soul--66577943https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66577943Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:21:12 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis Father’s Day message speaks to all parents, grandparents, and influencers of the next generation—not just fathers, but anyone shaping young lives. The core idea is that simple, heartfelt words, accompanied by action, hold the power to form a...1290falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/comfort-zones-don-t-walk-on-water--66471398https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66471398Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:48:25 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message from Pastor Lonnie challenges us to trade safety for faith. Using vivid personal stories and Matthew 14:22-33, it illustrates that transformative faith requires risk, just like Peter stepping out of the boat into a raging storm to walk...1328brave,faith,fear,hope,riskfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/out-of-the-boat-my-san-diego-moment--66367255
The story explores his fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, while also highlighting his determination to step out in faith with his wife, Mercedes. It’s more than just a personal testimony; it’s a challenge for others to confront their comfort zones and have enough trust in God to take genuine risks. Through raw honesty, the author urges readers to stop spectating and start walking—because true faith begins when you leave the safety of the boat.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66367255Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:37:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this personal reflection, Pastor Lonnie sets aside a preplanned sermon to share a pivotal turning point in his spiritual journey—the moment he chose to leave behind comfort and control to follow a risky but divine calling. Sparked by an unexpected...
The story explores his fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, while also highlighting his determination to step out in faith with his wife, Mercedes. It’s more than just a personal testimony; it’s a challenge for others to confront their comfort zones and have enough trust in God to take genuine risks. Through raw honesty, the author urges readers to stop spectating and start walking—because true faith begins when you leave the safety of the boat.]]>1064boat,control,faith,fear,rick,walk,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/called-to-something-bigger--66276530https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66276530Mon, 26 May 2025 01:55:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie invites us to see our lives as more than a series of tasks or routines—we are chosen, sent, and deeply loved by God for a greater purpose. We are called to live with intention, courage, and compassion through everyday...1268dash,legacy,meaningful,missionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/to-the-edges-of-grace-walking-touching-and-speaking-like-jesus--66225354https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66225354Fri, 23 May 2025 12:14:28 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message by Pastor Lonnie challenges us to embody the life and love of Jesus in practical, tangible ways. Using the imagery of Jesus’ feet, hands, mouth, and spine, it highlights how He walked toward the outcast, touched the untouchable, spoke...1484discipleship,jesus,serving,speaking,touching,walkingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-heart-of-a-mother-the-heart-of-god--66052737https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66052737Mon, 12 May 2025 10:39:25 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie celebrates the sacred calling of motherhood by blending heartfelt truths with relatable stories. It reminds us that mothers—biological, spiritual, and even the Church—are God’s instruments of love, nurture, and grace....1072grace,love,mary,mother,motherhood,parentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-showing-up--65921892https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65921892Mon, 05 May 2025 13:43:35 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis sermon challenges the myth that ministry is only for pastors or spiritual “pros” and reminds every follower of Jesus they are called to serve. Drawing from Matthew 20 and Matthew 25 shows how Jesus’ most powerful moments often came from...1042caring,discipleship,evangelism,love,ministryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/doubters-welcome--65772861https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65772861Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:16:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, we celebrate the core truth of our faith: Christ is risen! We explore how the resurrection isn’t just a historical event but a life-changing reality for our modern, often skeptical lives. Through the story of Thomas —...1290community,doubt,faith,questionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-is-the-message--65745946https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65745946Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:08:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis Easter message centers on the foundational truth of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It opens with the global celebration of Easter, highlighting that the church’s power and reach aren’t rooted in tradition, behavior, or...960falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradox-and-power--65745786
Once a symbol of fear and shame, the cross became the doorway to salvation, love, and hope. The message emphasizes what God did through the cross, He longs to do within us. Our brokenness, weakness, and shame are not obstacles to God’s work but the canvas upon which He paints His redemptive power.

This is not a call to admire a decorative symbol of faith but to embrace the transforming reality of the rugged cross—a cross that confronts our pride, shatters our self-sufficiency, and calls us to surrender. When we do, God brings beauty from our brokenness and strength from our surrender. In this holy paradox, we find the path to true life. The cross still works, the cross still saves, and the cross still redeems.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65745786Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:55:57 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis Good Friday message invites us to stand in awe at the foot of the cross, where God turned the world’s understanding of power and wisdom upside down. Drawing from Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians, Pastor Lonnie reveals the paradox of the cross: what...
Once a symbol of fear and shame, the cross became the doorway to salvation, love, and hope. The message emphasizes what God did through the cross, He longs to do within us. Our brokenness, weakness, and shame are not obstacles to God’s work but the canvas upon which He paints His redemptive power.

This is not a call to admire a decorative symbol of faith but to embrace the transforming reality of the rugged cross—a cross that confronts our pride, shatters our self-sufficiency, and calls us to surrender. When we do, God brings beauty from our brokenness and strength from our surrender. In this holy paradox, we find the path to true life. The cross still works, the cross still saves, and the cross still redeems.]]>683falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-with-a-towel--65622680
The sermon by Pastor Lonnie unpacks this stunning reversal of expectations: the Teacher becomes the servant, the Master takes the lowest place, and love is expressed through humble action. It calls us not just to admire this moment but to live it out—serving others without thought of reward and embracing the towel as a symbol of Christlike love.

Through acts of kindness, compassion, and humility, we reveal Jesus to a watching world. The towel is more than a prop—it is an invitation. As Jesus washed feet, so we are called to embody His love, laying down control and stepping into the posture of a servant. The basin is still full. The towel is still waiting. Will you pick it up?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65622680Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:47:52 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis Holy Thursday message centers on the powerful and intimate moment when Jesus, knowing His death was near, chose not to grasp for power but to kneel in service. Instead of issuing a final command or performing a grand miracle, Jesus picked up a...
The sermon by Pastor Lonnie unpacks this stunning reversal of expectations: the Teacher becomes the servant, the Master takes the lowest place, and love is expressed through humble action. It calls us not just to admire this moment but to live it out—serving others without thought of reward and embracing the towel as a symbol of Christlike love.

Through acts of kindness, compassion, and humility, we reveal Jesus to a watching world. The towel is more than a prop—it is an invitation. As Jesus washed feet, so we are called to embody His love, laying down control and stepping into the posture of a servant. The basin is still full. The towel is still waiting. Will you pick it up?]]>609falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-day-the-palms-waved--65572525
Jesus wept, not for Himself, but for a people who could not see beyond their hopes for revolution to embrace the transforming power of love. The message challenges us to recognize Jesus in our midst today—not merely as a Savior we worship in joy, but as a humble King who calls us to peace, compassion, and sacrificial love. As we begin Holy Week, we are invited to follow Jesus—not just through the crowd, but to the cross and onward to resurrection life.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65572525Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:58:49 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis Palm Sunday message by Pastor Lonnie invites us to reflect on Jesus’ final, symbolic entrance into Jerusalem. As the crowd shouted “Hosanna!” and laid palm branches before Him, Jesus deliberately chose to ride a colt—fulfilling Zechariah’s...
Jesus wept, not for Himself, but for a people who could not see beyond their hopes for revolution to embrace the transforming power of love. The message challenges us to recognize Jesus in our midst today—not merely as a Savior we worship in joy, but as a humble King who calls us to peace, compassion, and sacrificial love. As we begin Holy Week, we are invited to follow Jesus—not just through the crowd, but to the cross and onward to resurrection life.]]>874cry,easter,hope,humility,peace,tearsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-give-up--65400219https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65400219Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:27:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPersistence is one of the most powerful expressions of faith. Life often challenges our resilience, tests our patience, and pushes us to the brink of despair. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, you will discover what it means to persist in faith,...1019community,faith,hope,persistencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-courageous-hope-when-we-wait--65255489https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65255489Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:16:19 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWaiting is one of life’s toughest challenges, especially when it extends beyond minor frustrations like traffic or long lines into deep, painful seasons of uncertainty—waiting for healing, purpose, restoration, or long-overdue answers. In this message...1309hope,patience,trust,waitingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-positive-power-of-problems--65078386https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65078386Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:30:52 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis message from Pastor Lonnie will examine the idea that problems and trials are unavoidable and often crucial for spiritual growth. Pastor Lonnie will highlight Bible passages that illustrate how circumstances, including suffering, can serve a...716discipleship,maturing,positive,power,problemsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-life-has-a-purpose--64954553https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64954553Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:15:05 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonJesus begins the Beatitudes with a profound truth: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). To be poor in spirit means recognizing our deep need for God, acknowledging our spiritual poverty, and fully...6156poor,purposefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/faith-and-the-cosmic-gift-exchange--63592868https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63592868Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:57:06 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEmbracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the...810christmas,faith,star,wisefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-light--63486751https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63486751Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:56:25 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEmbracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the...675candle,christmas,grace,jesus,light,love,mangerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peace-beyond-happiness--63443797https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63443797Mon, 23 Dec 2024 01:59:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEmbracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the...996christmas,happiness,joseph,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-the-need-for-a-savior--63227450https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63227450Sun, 08 Dec 2024 21:23:30 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEmbracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the...937bonhoeffner,christmas,hope,incarnationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thanks-living--62998881https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62998881Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:23:18 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonGenerosity is about far more than money. Generosity is about taking your entire life - everything you are and everything you own - and using it to bless the people around you. Generosity is for everyone. You don’t have to be rich to be a giver. You...958caring,charity,generosity,giving,thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/understanding-unanswered-prayer--62523758https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62523758Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:52:05 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhat prayer have you been praying that you fear God is not answering? Why are some prayers answered and others not? Is it just a roll of dice, luck, or coincidence? In this message, Pastor Lonnie will take us to a deeper understanding of the mystery...1277growth,hope,prayer,unansweredfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-christian-in-a-non-christian-wotld--62437021https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62437021Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:59:17 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonA profound challenge confronts us daily—how to live as Christians in a world that often feels anything but Christian. We live in times when society’s values frequently contradict biblical truths. So, how do we remain faithful to Jesus Christ when the...1148christian,livingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-hope-when-we-disagree--62269136https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62269136Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:42:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDisagreements are a normal part of life, whether in relationships, workplaces, or even within the church. How we handle disagreements says a lot about our Christian faith and character. In this message, Pastor Lonnie shows how the Bible gives us clear...1033disagree,grace,hope,love,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-uniqueness-of-christianity-in-a-religious-world--62269124https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62269124Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:38:36 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn a world filled with diverse religious beliefs, Christianity stands out through its distinctive message of grace, forgiveness, and relationship with God. This message by Pastor Lonnie will explore five key aspects that make Christianity unique,...1162faith,grace,jesus,relationship,religion,unityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-hope-when-discouraged--62075818https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62075818Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:40:31 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere are thousands of ways in which we are disappointed and discouraged in life. An expectation didn't happen, or something we hoped would happen didn't quite make it, and we get frustrated with others and ourselves and even discouraged with God. But...970disappointment,discourage,grace,hope,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-strength-in-weakness--61823636https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61823636Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:10:51 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn the Christian faith, human weakness reflects our vulnerability, limitations, and need for God’s grace. The Bible acknowledges that all humans have weaknesses, but it also offers guidance on how to respond to them in a way that glorifies God and...988faith,hope,syrength,weaknessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-church-reimagined--61326137https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61326137Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:36:18 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEach of us has a unique role, and every role is important for the church to reach its full potential. When we support one another and work together for the common good, we reflect the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, which brings glory to...1373church,imagination,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-hallelujah--61325692https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61325692Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:43:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonLonnie's talk at the new Center for Christian Learning, Leadership, and Fellowship dedication on September 8, 2024.1425building,hallalujah,ministry,outreach,praisefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-in-the-center--61075238https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61075238Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:54:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonLife can be full of challenges, distractions, and competing priorities, leading us far from God. However, the key to navigating these challenges with peace, purpose, and direction is to keep our Christian faith at the core of everything we do. This...1197born-again,salvationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lost-and-found--61005175https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61005175Mon, 12 Aug 2024 20:36:34 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does God allow pain, suffering, and human hurt in our world and lives? A perspective on this question can be found in three parables of Jesus that give us a glimpse of the value system that God is carrying on...1006found,freedom,freewill,grace,lostfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise--60919791https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60919791Sun, 04 Aug 2024 22:58:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhat will heaven be like? At his crucifixion, Jesus promised the criminal who was sentenced to death next to him that he would be with him in paradise. Picture this word. It is how we may imagine heaven and eternal life. We are not destined for some...1186cross,eternity,forgiveness,grace,heaven,paradisefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-midnight-mediator--60844956https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60844956Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:14:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson1300care,church,love,mission,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-persistent-prayer--60698138https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60698138Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:12:06 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie speaks on the power of prayer and how it establishes a deepening relationship with God. Ongoing prayer defines and refines significant issues we are praying for.1408persistenance,prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-good-of-the-good-samaritan--60633173https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60633173Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:05:29 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, you will learn how Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan is an example of how love is giving and caring.1369love,neighbor,samaritanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-reasons-why-you-can-trust-the-bible--60565398https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60565398Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:56:56 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhen you read the stories of Jesus, are you reading fairy tales or facts? Can the Bible be trusted? In this message, Pastor Lonnie gives three reasons why you can trust the Bible and offers seven action items you can do to integrate the inspiring...2053bible,trustfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/romantic-love-as-god-designed-it--60490293

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60490293Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:12:11 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonRomantic love is a gift from God to be cherished, pursued, and enjoyed in God-honoring ways. When we do that, it becomes a sacred means by which God meets us, blesses us into the couple God created us to be, and leads us into the relationship God has...

]]>1673agape,love,romance,romanticfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-grief-and-delight--60273077
The Bible clearly states that God is emotionally involved in our lives, just as loving parents are emotionally involved in their children's lives. This third message in the series aims to piece together the tapestry of what the Bible says about God by exploring God's feelings of grief and delight, and a compelling command of Jesus.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60273077Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:05:36 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe often talk about our feelings. Have you ever said, "There's something about this that just doesn't feel right?" or "I have a good feeling about this?" Our feelings bring our intuitions to light. Have you ever stopped to think that God has feelings,...
The Bible clearly states that God is emotionally involved in our lives, just as loving parents are emotionally involved in their children's lives. This third message in the series aims to piece together the tapestry of what the Bible says about God by exploring God's feelings of grief and delight, and a compelling command of Jesus.]]>1026command,delight,grief,hope,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-power-and-your-freedom--60186832https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60186832Mon, 27 May 2024 12:00:06 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDeep within, we long for a certain kind of God of love, mercy, compassion, and tenderness. Those longings find fulfillment in the God who created us and much more. These messages by Pastor Lonnie are about the God who cares and offer insight into the...1080falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-care-for-you--60186799https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60186799Mon, 27 May 2024 11:55:59 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDeep within, we long for a certain kind of God of love, mercy, compassion, and tenderness. Those longings find fulfillment in the God who created us and much more. These messages by Pastor Lonnie are about the God who cares and offer insight into the...1107falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-ways-to-honor-your-mother--60186784https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60186784Mon, 27 May 2024 11:50:28 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMother's Day message from Pastor Lonnie 1116falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-confirmation-sunday-message--59898844https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59898844Tue, 07 May 2024 13:39:08 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonA message for Confirmation Sunday to encourage young Christ-followers in their journey in the Christian faith.715believe,confession,confirmationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-a-light-by-connecting-to-others--59639429Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of our modern world. Through this series, we will explore the profound meaning of living with purpose and intentionality, even in the face of adversity. Despite our challenges, we can create a tangible impact in our communities, workplaces, and families. We will be reminded of the transformative power of love, kindness, and compassion, which can overcome even the greatest obstacles, making us instruments of God's peace and vessels of sacred love in a world that desperately needs it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59639429Wed, 24 Apr 2024 20:32:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this series of five talks, Pastor Lonnie will embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating...Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of our modern world. Through this series, we will explore the profound meaning of living with purpose and intentionality, even in the face of adversity. Despite our challenges, we can create a tangible impact in our communities, workplaces, and families. We will be reminded of the transformative power of love, kindness, and compassion, which can overcome even the greatest obstacles, making us instruments of God's peace and vessels of sacred love in a world that desperately needs it.]]>1762falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-a-light-by-serving-others--59468747https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59468747Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:02:49 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson1483care,caring,minister,ministry,pastor,servingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-a-light-in-a-world-of-doubt-and-questions--59363067https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59363067Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:05:51 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the second message by Pastor Lonnie in his series on Being a Light in a Dark World1164easter,hope,light,question,resurrectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/be-a-light-in-a-dark-world--59260347Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of our modern world. Through this series, we will explore the profound meaning of living with purpose and intentionality, even in the face of adversity. Despite our challenges, we can create a tangible impact in our communities, workplaces, and families. We will be reminded of the transformative power of love, kindness, and compassion, which can overcome even the greatest obstacles, making us instruments of God's peace and vessels of sacred love in a world that desperately needs it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59260347Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:52:41 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this series of five talks, Pastor Lonnie will embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating...Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of our modern world. Through this series, we will explore the profound meaning of living with purpose and intentionality, even in the face of adversity. Despite our challenges, we can create a tangible impact in our communities, workplaces, and families. We will be reminded of the transformative power of love, kindness, and compassion, which can overcome even the greatest obstacles, making us instruments of God's peace and vessels of sacred love in a world that desperately needs it.]]>1204belief,easter,eternity,heaven,hope,life,lightfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/supper-s-ready--59214958https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59214958Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:48:58 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is a Holy Thursday communion message by Pastor Lonnie581communionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jesus-surprise-agenda--59164035https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59164035Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:54:48 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere is a city we tend to think of as within us. It is the city of our inherited patterns and ways of doing things. It is the dead weight of our habits, our unreflective living, and our assumption that life is the way we see it and nothing else. Here...915falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-gospel-according-to-you--59124330https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59124330Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:43:59 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe often associate the gospel with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But there's another gospel being written every day—one that doesn't come from parchment or ink but in our daily choices, the relationships we nurture, and how we navigate the world...1191evangelism,gospel,love,witnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-wrapped-in-a-person--58121014https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58121014Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:29:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need...840baby,christ,christmas,jesus,mangerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/keeping-the-spirit-of-christmas-alive--58121009https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58121009Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:27:29 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need...915atonement,christmas,hope,incarnation,jesus,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/follow-the-dream--58049498https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58049498Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:05:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need...941father,joseph,nativityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trust-the-vision--57975263https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57975263Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:59:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need...963christmas,jesus,love,mary,savior,trust,virginfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-you-ready--57917734https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57917734Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:59:43 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need...954christmas,direction,hope,john,peace,readyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-thankful-spirit--57734837https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57734837Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:28:08 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonA Thanksgiving Message by Pastor Lonnie936thanks,thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-in-the-timing-and-will-of-god--57631310https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57631310Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:47:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie provides helpful insights on how we can discern the will of God for our lives.1052discernmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-s-who--57531495https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57531495Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:37:17 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonStewardship message by Pastor Lonnie based on Mark 12:41-441054money,resources,stewardship,talent,time,treasurefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-along-in-a-broken-world--57355045https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57355045Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:32:50 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThings are broken, but there is a way to peace. Jesus led the way by modeling peacemaking. Peacemaking is not a passive characteristic. The language Jesus uses is active. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, you will explore Jesus' method of making...1741grace,love,peace,shalom,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-disciple-in-action--57277925https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57277925Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:20:30 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDisciple-making is the mission of Jesus for the church. It involves establishing and equipping persons to enter into relationships to help people trust and follow Jesus. Disciple-making doesn’t just happen because a church exists and people show up....1487discipleship,ministry,missions,outreach,witnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stages-of-discipleship--57165558https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57165558Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:08:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDisciple-making is the mission of Jesus for the church. It involves establishing and equipping persons to enter into relationships to help people trust and follow Jesus. Disciple-making doesn’t just happen because a church exists and people show up....952falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-mission-of-the-church--57030213https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57030213Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:14:57 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDisciple-making is the mission of Jesus for the church. It involves establishing and equipping persons to enter into relationships to help people trust and follow Jesus. Disciple-making doesn’t just happen because a church exists and people show up....1076discipleshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-song-we-learn-in-sunday-school--56762954https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56762954Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:42:34 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie takes a popular children’s Sunday school song and applies it to the feet, hands, heart, mouth, and determination of Jesus. The message explores where Jesus went with his feet, how he used his hands to serve others, and...1368feet,hand,heart,jesus,mouth,spine,tonguefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/powerful-contradictions-navigating-the-hues-of-gray--56612276Powerful Contradictions, Pastor Lonnie shares some practical self-reflective questions to help you discern your path when confronted with a gray area of complicated decision-making.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56612276Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:58:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonNot all decisions in life are easy. In this concluding message from his series on Powerful Contradictions, Pastor Lonnie shares some practical self-reflective questions to help you discern your path when confronted with a gray area of complicated...Powerful Contradictions, Pastor Lonnie shares some practical self-reflective questions to help you discern your path when confronted with a gray area of complicated decision-making.]]>1035black,contradiction,decision,faith,gray,whitefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/powerful-contradictions-give-and-you-will-receive--56544743Give and you will receive. It is a reminder that we are interconnected and that our actions have far-reaching consequences. In giving, we open ourselves up to receive the blessings of a more abundant life and a more profound sense of purpose.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56544743Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:13:23 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie dives into the principle Jesus taught, Give and you will receive. It is a reminder that we are interconnected and that our actions have far-reaching consequences. In giving, we open ourselves up to receive the blessings...Give and you will receive. It is a reminder that we are interconnected and that our actions have far-reaching consequences. In giving, we open ourselves up to receive the blessings of a more abundant life and a more profound sense of purpose.]]>942compassion,give,stewrdshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/powerful-contradictions-lose-your-life-and-find-it--56480677Powerful Contradictions, Pastor Lonnie shows how Jesus is making a case that by letting go of self-centered desires and attachments and submitting to God’s higher purpose, there can be a deeper and more meaningful life experience.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56480677Tue, 15 Aug 2023 22:23:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message from his series on Powerful Contradictions, Pastor Lonnie shows how Jesus is making a case that by letting go of self-centered desires and attachments and submitting to God’s higher purpose, there can be a deeper and more meaningful...Powerful Contradictions, Pastor Lonnie shows how Jesus is making a case that by letting go of self-centered desires and attachments and submitting to God’s higher purpose, there can be a deeper and more meaningful life experience.]]>1010give,life,lose,savefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/powerful-contradictions-the-last-will-be-first--56392403
Powerful contradictions often invite critical thinking and introspection, challenging us to explore complex issues and make difficult decisions. Acknowledging and navigating these contradictions through the lens of the Christian faith can lead to growth, learning, and more nuanced perspectives.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56392403Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:01:21 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the second message in the series by Pastor Lonnie on Powerful Contradictions. In this message, Pastor Lonnie explores an understanding of fairness from the teaching of Jesus from the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the effect of the...
Powerful contradictions often invite critical thinking and introspection, challenging us to explore complex issues and make difficult decisions. Acknowledging and navigating these contradictions through the lens of the Christian faith can lead to growth, learning, and more nuanced perspectives.]]>1181contradictions,first,justice,last,winningfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/powerful-contradictions-to-lead-is-to-serve--56310541https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56310541Sun, 30 Jul 2023 18:13:43 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie discusses how powerful contradictions often invite critical thinking and introspection, challenging us to explore complex issues and make difficult decisions. Acknowledging and navigating these contradictions through the...1580contradiction,lead,leadership,servantfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-do-you-expect--56138724https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56138724Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:06:19 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, pastor Lonnie discusses the significance of expecting great things from God while we attempt great things for God. God is given room to work when we give ourselves to a humanly impossible cause.1415faith,groundbreaking,hope,trustfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-gracious-love-of-god--54521032https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54521032Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:35:31 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie continues his message series on Living Our Faith in this sermon about the gracious love of God we encounter through the actions and message of Jesus.1185faith,grace,gracious,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/connected-knowing-who-jesus-is--54283740https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54283740Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:05:24 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie shows how God’s power will not save you from tough times but how God’s power can get you through it.1002believe,faith,hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-good-sermon--53958117https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53958117Mon, 22 May 2023 13:31:34 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie will show how scripture doesn't just want to be understood. It longs to be put into action. We deceive ourselves into thinking we have done the faith when we merely listen, reflect, ponder, and agree. According to the...1045evangelism,gospel,sermon,servefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/honor-your-mother--53870957https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53870957Mon, 15 May 2023 13:22:57 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the Mother's Day message from Pastor Lonnie on May 14, 2023.818honor,mother,parentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-generation-to-generation--53781236https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53781236Mon, 08 May 2023 19:38:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson810belief,confirm,confirmation,generationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/teach-us-to-pray--53699935https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53699935Sun, 30 Apr 2023 21:55:42 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson1516prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/serve-somebody--53636055https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53636055Mon, 24 Apr 2023 22:58:03 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonServe Somebody was delivered on April 23, 20231415falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-we-doubt--53558428https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53558428Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:47:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonHealthy doubt can be the beginning of great faith because doubting is not the same as unbelief. Doubt is uncertainty. It's that murky area between belief and unbelief where nothing is decided and nothing is committed to. In this message, Pastor Lonnie...1052belief,doubt,faith,questionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/running-to-easter--53502194https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53502194Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:11:27 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEaster is God's guarantee that the values of life worth preserving will be preserved and cannot be perversely destroyed. That life has the last word over death. Love is the victor over hate. Truth lives in place of falsehood. Tenderness lives in place...1090easter,faithfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-city-within--53428464https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53428464Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:53:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonOn Palm Sunday, it becomes clear that when God enters our lives, he not only blesses, heals, teaches, and leads but also confronts and disturbs us. There is a city we tend to think of as within us. It is the city of our inherited patterns and ways...1263kingdon,love,palm,peace,processionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-wild-extravagance--53355129https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53355129Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:54:21 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDuring times of spiritual dryness, Pastor Lonnie shows why we must patiently rely on the promises of God and not on emotions to realize that God is taking us to a deeper level of maturity. In this message, you will learn how Job worked through times...1462anger,faith,fear,hope,lost,winterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/out-of-the-boat--53262443https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53262443Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:51:07 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe can get stuck in life, and there comes a time when we must take action and leave the secure comfort of the familiar. For Peter, it meant trusting Jesus to get out of the boat and walk on water. The challenge of leaving the boat, with all its...1365action,belief,faith,riskfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/voices-that-shape-the-story--53182203https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53182203Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:29:26 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonGod has taken an enormous risk entrusting the future church to us. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we will learn that through the power of the Holy Spirit and with confidence in God's provisions, the church will not just survive but will prevail....724faith,hope,storyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-song-for-a-new-year--52332970https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52332970Mon, 02 Jan 2023 13:34:30 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie shows how Psalm 96 encourages us to sing to the Lord a new song. When we sing a new song inspired by our walk following Jesus, our neighbors will see the Christian way of life that inspires faith and belief. The strength...966hope,music,psalm,songfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-things-we-can-learn-from-the-magi--52289666https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52289666Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:34:34 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie discusses things we can learn from the Magi and take into the new year.702christmas,hope,magifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-christmas-message-of-joy--52277727https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52277727Sun, 25 Dec 2022 14:11:40 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe Christmas message is a message of great Joy from something that has happened. We cannot create this sacred joy but can only receive it as a gift.971christmas,hope,joy,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trusting-god-when-we-are-hurt--52226433https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52226433Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:38:06 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonHow do you react when a wrong has been done to you? It is possible that this very trial could strengthen your faith. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, we learn how Joseph worked through the news of Mary’s pregnancy and trusted his future to God’s plan.867falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mary-and-the-fearful-foursome--52168727https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52168727Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:18:12 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMessage on Mary the mother of Jesus and the fears that confronted her1052falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conduit-or-container-what-are-you--52100986https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52100986Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:29:30 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis stewardship message from Pastor Lonnie emphasizes how we need live in a cycle of receiving and giving to be healthy.1070give,receive,stewardshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-we-are-thankful--51979087https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51979087Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:35:52 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThanksgiving message by Pastor Lonnie900thankful,thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-we-give--51911145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51911145Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:52:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonA stewardship message828giving,stewardshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-we-pray--51910897https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51910897Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:24:31 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie outlines three factors in our prayer life that determine how our prayers are answered.1262prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-we-live-by-faith--51756286https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51756286Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:46:36 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonFaith is not a possession; it is a decision. In this message, Pastor Lonnie shows how practical faith looks and where faith in Jesus can take you.1547faithfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-god-seems-silent--51671431https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51671431Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:33:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWaiting when God seems silent is the most challenging work of hope. It is more than something we must do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of becoming what God wants us to be. In this message, Pastor Lonnie shows how what God does in us while...1182faith,hope,prayer,silencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lord-s-prayer-revisited--51525493https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51525493Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:16:46 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this contemporary revisit to the most prayed Christian prayer, Pastor Lonnie will show how the true test of solitude and prayer is not whether a person gets what they ask for but the effect on life from a habit of talking with and trusting our...1132father,prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/maturity-in-christ--51479797https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51479797Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:37:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie speaks about three things that help us mature as followers of Jesus1139falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/highlights-and-learnings-from-my-early-faith-journey--51416782https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51416782Thu, 29 Sep 2022 13:42:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDr. Richardson continues his messages outlining a Congregational Church's essential characteristics. In this message, he gives a personal testimony of the journey that brought him to the Congregational Way.1492confirmation,faith,freedom,search,seekerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-kind-of-church-jesus-would-join--51386667https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51386667Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:40:53 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonAmid all the interest in contemporary models for worship and ministry, there’s a ministry style and strategy that dates back to the very beginning of the church. In this message, Pastor Lonnie will highlight three aspects of the early church that are...1562church,congregationalism,transformationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-hallmarks-of-the-congregational-way--51242287https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51242287Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:33:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie begins a series of messages outlining the essential characteristics of a Congregational Church and will show how the essential elements in the organization and practice of a Congregational Church parallel the faith life of the early church.1243church,congregational,pilgrimsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-prayer-really-work--51065525https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51065525Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:03:41 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie will show how prayer is not a matter of waking up God or making God pay attention to us. God is always with us. God’s presence pervades the universe, and that presence is personal. We will learn how the prayers that God...1154prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/courageous-prayer--50987435https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50987435Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:13:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie will talk about the power of prayers of courageous determination and the significance of implementing them into our spiritual disciplines. The sermon will explore this type of prayer and the necessity to do what is...1358courage,prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/his-face--50920952https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50920952Mon, 15 Aug 2022 17:23:34 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe phrase, His face, is used more than a dozen times in the New Testament. Matthew depicted the brightness of the face of Jesus, and Luke portrayed his determined look. The Bible describes how his face gave a vision of hope to those who would open...1289face,hope,image,jesusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/damaged-goods--50850930https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50850930Mon, 08 Aug 2022 11:55:05 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonSome people feel like damaged goods. Whatever the reason, things they've done or things beyond their control have made them feel bent out of shape and crushed. Pastor Lonnie contends that the Christian walk starts with a healthy sense of our...1213grace,healing,hope,sinfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-forgiveness--50774631https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50774631Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:44:27 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhen we experience God’s forgiveness, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. But what happens when someone has done a wrong against us? How do we respond when someone says something behind our back or when someone takes advantage of us? Even...1278forgive,forgiveness,love,reconci;iationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-can-be-happy--50711294https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50711294Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:46:32 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonSome think happiness is contingent on when something desired happens. We permit too many opportunities for happiness to slip by us because we labor under the delusion that we shall be happy when we arrive at a certain destination. In this message,...1276falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inreach-before-outreach--50611057https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50611057Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:24:14 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonBeing human is difficult because life is complex, and we are vulnerable and imperfect. We live best when we accept our humanity and come to terms that we are being made and are not complete. In this message, Pastor Lonnie explores the earthiness of...1270depression,evangelism,grace,hope,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/free-to-be--50459242https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50459242Mon, 04 Jul 2022 13:31:09 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this sermon, Pastor Lonnie discusses freedom as outlined in the message of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. We can be a part of the freedom by choosing to live the faith in the actions we take.1070freedom,patriotfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-is-christianity--50391131https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50391131Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:18:24 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie will discuss basic Christianity and the unique place it has in world religions. The essential characteristics of a Christian will be outlined, and why this fortress of faith has endured through the ebbs and flows of...1170christianity,hope,jesus,learnfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-important-things-we-can-say-to-our-children-and-youth--50264310https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50264310Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:30:13 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe parenting we experience does a lot to shape our lives. In this message, Pastor Lonnie outlines three powerful things gleaned from the Bible that we can say to our children and youth that will establish a positive impression on the next generation...1341belief,believe,coach,coaching,love,mentor,mentoring,parent,parenting,positive,prayer,teachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-bad-things-happen-mp3--50184486In this message, Pastor Lonnie outlines four popular responses to why bad things happen and how these responses often fall short of satisfying answers. Pastor Lonnie will explain how God’s power is not a power to protect us from all that might go wrong. Rather, it is a power that walks with us when things go wrong and is a power that meets us amid our suffering and tribulations.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50184486Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:17:07 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe live in a world of surprise and uncertainty. Sometimes pleasant, sometimes not. Thunderstorms happen. Accidents happen. Blizzards happen. Car wrecks happen. Thievery happens. Drought happens. And mass shootings happen. This pushes the question many...In this message, Pastor Lonnie outlines four popular responses to why bad things happen and how these responses often fall short of satisfying answers. Pastor Lonnie will explain how God’s power is not a power to protect us from all that might go wrong. Rather, it is a power that walks with us when things go wrong and is a power that meets us amid our suffering and tribulations.]]>1754bad,graace,hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-mighty-wind--50084557https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50084557Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:14:33 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie talks about Pentecost Sunday and the Holy Trinity.767pentecost,trinityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-memorial-day--49998876https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49998876Mon, 30 May 2022 14:05:26 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonHonoring loved ones and military heroes is about remembering. Memory! What a wonderful gift! Without it, we would stumble through a world of confusion, unable to profit from anything we had learned before. How will you be remembered? What memories are...1073memorialfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-let-failure-defeat-you--49895451https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49895451Sun, 22 May 2022 17:16:29 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, we learn how the Bible can teach us about difficult times and how to face life's devastating defeats. The message will contrast two biblical characters who experienced failure and came to different places from it. We...1288failure,faith,healing,hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-you--49629386https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49629386Mon, 02 May 2022 19:22:57 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, we learn of the difference between being an admirer of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus.808admire,christian,followerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/doubt-your-doubts--49546109https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49546109Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:29:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, we learn how doubt is not the same as unbelief. Doubt is uncertainty. It's that murky area between belief and unbelief where nothing is decided and nothing is committed to. Pastor Lonnie will uplift two tools to help...1690beileve,doubt,easter,faith,fear,witnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jesus-was-the-message--49466295https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49466295Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:41:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this Easter message by Pastor Lonnie, we learn how the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus motivated the early Christ community to share the good news of the gospel. Jesus was the message, and when he was resurrected, the church became alive.1463easter,hope,life,resurrectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-uncomfortable-cross--49452477https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49452477Sat, 16 Apr 2022 11:33:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie details how God took the cross, a symbol of weakness and death, and turned it into a symbol of strength. What God did for the cross, He can do for us if we trust God enough to let our weaknesses be His strength.1291cross,hope,strengthfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-jesus-makes-you-nervous--49388030https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49388030Sun, 10 Apr 2022 21:43:17 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the Palm Sunday message from Dr. Lonnie Richardson. The message was delivered on April 10, 2022.1415hope,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-ways-god-guides-you--49304823https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49304823Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:17:05 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie explores three primary ways to discern God’s guidance in your life.931guidancefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/winning-the-inner-war--49136387https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49136387Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:35:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWho is this God we long to connect to? While mortals may not know all there is about a holy God, one thing we do know is that God knows us and wants to connect to us. In his messages for Lent, Pastor Lonnie explores the dynamics of God’s reach in...1275happiness,peace,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-god-control-my-life--49059854https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49059854Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:08:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn his message this Sunday, Pastor Lonnie shows how we can be confident in knowing that even in difficult times, God is with us and cares about us so much that the tapestry of our lives, meaning all events - good and bad, are being woven together into...1456hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/serving-like-jesus--48515500https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48515500Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:53:49 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie details the significance of serving as Jesus served.1639serve,service,servingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jesus-the-amazing-savior--48057207https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48057207Sat, 25 Dec 2021 19:33:30 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe is the Christmas Eve message from Pastor Lonnie. The message was delivered on December 24, 20211116christmas,incarnation,jesusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-amazing-trust-of-mary--47894393https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47894393Sun, 12 Dec 2021 19:39:32 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, we see how God acts through ordinary human beings, everyday people who trust God to undertake extraordinary missions beyond their capabilities or imaginings. The Virgin Mary is a model of amazing trust that the...1106faith,hope,mary,trustfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-amazing-obedience-of-joseph--47797567https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47797567Sun, 05 Dec 2021 21:43:44 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Pastor Lonnie, we see how Joseph shows that we can encounter God amid the painful and challenging circumstances of life, and through obedience to the Word of God, we can live lives of trust. God does not give us dreams to torment...935christmas,fear,joseph,obediencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-thanksgiving-message--47599644https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47599644Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:30:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this Thanksgiving message by Pastor Lonnie, we are reminded of the power of giving thanks to God and to others;1021thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-you-in-line-for--47473312https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47473312Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:06:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhat Are You In Line For? is a Christian stewardship message from Pastor Lonnie. Included in this podcast is a solo by Carmen Nickerson titled, Closer1517generosity,giving,stewardshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-go-to-church--47372331https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47372331Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:24:33 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie explores the unique role of the church to provide spiritual care and the significance of giving as a means of growing in Christ.1632church,giving,spiritual,stewardshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-be-a-fool--47283472https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47283472Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:49:53 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie explores two illusions that can drive our lives to regret by losing sight of the importance of what really matters. By coming to terms with what matters most, our lives can be richer.1680contentment,heaven,mortality,wealthfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-can-be-a-difference-maker--47130812https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47130812Sun, 24 Oct 2021 21:39:26 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie talks about the challenge of making a positive difference in the world. Knowing the right thing to do can have nothing to do with doing the right thing. We will learn two vital questions to ask to help us make the...1768difference,love,samaritanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-provides-guest-speaker-rev-jacquie-quirk--47028280https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47028280Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:46:41 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by guest speaker Rev. Jacquie Quirk, we learn how to overcome worry in our lives by embracing the five ways God provides what we need most in our lives. Pastor Jacquie is the minister of congregational care at Fox River Congregational...1191falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-that-releases--46910829https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46910829Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:52:03 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie takes up the vital question of why God allows us the freedom to make unwise decisions that can cause pain and suffering and how this freedom teaches us something about the uniquely human condition and the love of God.1172freedom,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hal-blank-of-grace-on-wings-at-fox-river-congregational-church--46712336https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46712336Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:10:08 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonGuest speaker Hal Blank, the CEO and Chief Pilot of Grace on Wings, presents an update on the ministry of sharing the love of Christ through aviation.278gracefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-about-time--46712227https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46712227Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:59:01 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie talks about the value of the gift of time and offers ways to make the most of time by understanding how time is a gift from God, the difference between the important tasks and urgent tasks that consume our time.1044timefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conquering-the-fear-of-death--46601133https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46601133Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:07:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message, Pastor Lonnie talks about how our Christian faith can give us the strength to overcome our fears of death and dying. This is the fifth message in his series. Faith That Conquers Fearful Living. The messages are focused on working...1516death,dying,faith,fear,hopefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conquering-the-fear-of-loneliness--46397473https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46397473Mon, 06 Sep 2021 12:37:50 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the fourth message by Pastor Lonnie in his sermon series; Faith That Conquers Fearful Living. The messages are focused on working through the fears that keep us from realizing all we can become in Christ.1266faith,fear,hope,lonelinessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conquering-the-fear-of-failure--46297328https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46297328Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:12:46 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the third message by Pastor Lonnie in his sermon series; Faith That Conquers Fearful Living. The messages are focused on working through the fears that keep us from realizing all we can become in Christ.1375faith,fear,successfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conquering-the-fear-of-commitment--46202744https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46202744Mon, 23 Aug 2021 11:31:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the second message by Pastor Lonnie in his sermon series; Faith That Conquers Fearful Living. The messages are focused on working through the fears that keep us from realizing all we can become in Christ.1243commitment,faith,fearfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-faith-that-conquers-fearful-living--46113807https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46113807Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:04:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the first message by Pastor Lonnie in his sermon series; Faith That Conquers Fearful Living. The messages are focused on working through the fears that keep us from realizing all we can become in Christ.1709faith,fear,perspectivefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/facing-life-s-devastating-defeats--45935980https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45935980Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:00:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonSome failure is inevitable. We are human, and mistakes happen. We are going to fail at times. What we do with failure makes all the difference. No matter your sin or how bad you think you have failed God or others, you should know that God never gives...1078defeat,faith,hope,success,winningfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-in-small-things--45845247https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45845247Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:16:19 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonSmall things are a part of heaven’s bigger picture. Small things count! You count by the small things you do every day more than you know. Look for the opportunities already there; every day with the people you know and come across each day. Know that...1084faith,significancefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-s-walk-on-water--45755386https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45755386Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:58:10 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat. This is one of the most daunting statements you will ever hear. The challenge to leave the boat, with all its security and particular messiness, is terrifying. Still, if you don’t take the...2043falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-follow-this-jesus--45659382https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45659382Sun, 11 Jul 2021 18:44:17 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the final message in the Who Is This Jesus series by Dr. Lonnie Richardson1455falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-price-of-freedom--45571704https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45571704Sun, 04 Jul 2021 16:51:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the 4th of July message by Dr. Lonnie Richardson titled The Price of Freedom. The message was delivered on July 4, 2021.1116freedomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-method-and-model-of-jesus--45403692https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45403692Tue, 22 Jun 2021 22:39:10 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonJesus washed the feet of his disciples as a model of service. It is the method of service that Jesus invites us to engage in. Toward the end of his life, Albert Einstein removed the portraits of two scientists—Isaac Newton and James Clark...1597falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-message-of-jesus--45295058https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45295058Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:35:34 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThroughout his ministry, Jesus used simile, metaphor, and parable to interpret his astonishing proposal that the kingdom of God was at hand. Jesus saw it as a present reality and a future hope. What difference does it mean to us that the kingdom of...1249jesus,messagefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-mission-of-jesus--45198173https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45198173Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:55:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe mission of Jesus is for us to know God and to make God known. Because he is the way, the road is cleared to negotiate the challenges of life through the eyes of the possibilities of faith. As we come to know Jesus, we come to know God.1198jesus,missionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/making-sense-of-nonsense--44190899https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44190899Sun, 04 Apr 2021 10:38:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMaking Sense of Nonsense. This is the Easter message from Dr. Lonnie Richardson. April 4, 2021741easter,resurrectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hosanna-is-coming--44078145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44078145Sat, 27 Mar 2021 17:12:45 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe story of Palm Sunday reveals that Jesus didn't come to Jerusalem to sit on a throne but came to Jerusalem to hang on a cross. Bearing the cross is also a task for the Christ-follower. Jesus made this clear when he said, "Whoever wants to be my...565palmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-god-can-guide-you--43871758https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43871758Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:54:09 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEvery day of our lives, we face decisions, great and small. Should I take that job offer? Should I strike out and try to realize some dream I have always had? Should I go to college or back to school? Which college? What major? What should I do about...846direction,gps,guidancefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-a-transformed-mind--43775829https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43775829Sun, 07 Mar 2021 12:36:11 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonJesus talked about the problem with trying to put new wine in old wineskins. (Matthew 9:16-17) Sometimes we get stuck in an old wineskin way of thinking. Are you hindering something new and exciting that God wants to do in your life because you can't...668mind,renewal,transformationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/confidence-in-difficult-times--43664585https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43664585Sat, 27 Feb 2021 17:23:37 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonA diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure. We all go through the pressure of difficult times, but difficult times can be a diamond in the making. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we see how difficult times cannot separate us from...741confidence,faithfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-life-has-purpose--43562056https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43562056Sat, 20 Feb 2021 21:27:17 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMark Twain famously said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why. In other words, What is your why? Jesus is very clear that we are created for servanthood. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we...797purposefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/valentines-from-god--43459696https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43459696Sun, 14 Feb 2021 13:59:50 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe Bible is full of valentine messages from God to us. From the very beginning, God has expressed and manifested a great love. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, we will see that to love someone means to see them as God intended.722love,valentinefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/loving-difficult-people--43322880https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43322880Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:14:29 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonOne of the significant problems in our world is getting along with each other. Dealing with difficult people and overcoming resentment toward people we don't like is a challenge we all have. The Bible is not silent on this matter. Jesus suggests the...626peace,reconciliationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-live-on-top-of-your-worries--43211981
The Bible speaks about the vital present always before us. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we will learn how we can live on top of our worries and trust God with the unchangeable past and the uncontrollable future.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43211981Sun, 31 Jan 2021 13:21:12 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere is a difference between living on the past and living in the past. Those who live on the past build lesson upon lesson, utilizing former failures and successes, learning from trials and errors. Those who live in the past have no vital present....
The Bible speaks about the vital present always before us. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we will learn how we can live on top of our worries and trust God with the unchangeable past and the uncontrollable future.]]>668hope,security,worryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/did-you-get-what-you-wanted-for-christmas--42774936https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42774936Sun, 03 Jan 2021 20:44:50 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere’s something special about the first Sunday worship of the year. It evokes the prospects of a new beginning with renewed opportunities. It is an occasion of seeing things from a different perspective. In that light, we will explore what the bible...1260lightfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-the-fulness-of-time--42705288https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42705288Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:32:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEverything was in place to make the birth of Jesus happen and how the significance of his birth could be known. It was a fullness of time happening. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we will explore the importance of the setting for the birth of Jesus...777birth,christmas,timefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trust-like-mary--42705161https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42705161Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:16:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonEntrusting our lives to God can be difficult when the unexpected comes close to home. The Bible is filled with people who learned to trust God in rough times. One of them is Mary, the mother of Jesus. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, we will learn...675faithfulness,mary,trustfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-needs-you--42506275https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42506275Tue, 15 Dec 2020 20:30:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDr. Richardson discusses how we all matter to God and are called to serve others in the name of Jesus.932falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/get-ready--42359096https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42359096Mon, 07 Dec 2020 12:54:31 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf you keep going the way you are going, will you get too where you want to be? If you’re unsure, there is something you can do about it. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, we will be looking at how an announcement from John the Baptist can help us...1548advent,baptism,christmasfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thanks-giving--42225345https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42225345Sun, 29 Nov 2020 14:14:18 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonBe thankful there is the local church, your church, a community of Christ- followers who are dedicated to know Christ and to make Christ known. The quality of our Christian stewardship and thankful giving determines our ability to continue the pilgrim...1510caring,giving,sharing,syewardship,thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/turn-on-the-power--41991566https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41991566Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:02:55 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe ultimate test of Christian discipleship is what we do about Jesus. In concrete terms, how does our relationship with Jesus affect the way we conduct our lives? How does our relationship with Jesus affect our relationships with others? How do we...681powerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/family-connections--41773535https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41773535Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:33:08 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe maximize our effectiveness, our strength, and our worth from one another. Because we are connected to one another, we recognize that we are equals. In recognition of this equality, we strive for reconciliation while breaking down the barriers that...836church,familyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-grace-factor--41516458https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41516458Sun, 18 Oct 2020 02:53:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonOur lives are to be an authentic example of the goodness of God. In this message by Pastor Lonnie from Paul's writings in Ephesians, we will discover how the factor of grace can affect our lives in three significant areas to bring greater peace and...938gracefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/get-connected-live--41413099https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41413099Sun, 11 Oct 2020 22:38:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonNone of us are exempt from tough times. We all have seasons of emotional ups and downs but we are not hopeless. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we will learn how God's power will not save you from suffering, but God’s power will get you through it.1519grace,hope,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-had-a-choice--41289838https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41289838Sun, 04 Oct 2020 11:06:03 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIt has been said that life is not a problem to be solved but a story to be lived. We can either look at our existence through the lens of problems or opportunities. The opportunity before us in these times is to choose to live in harmony with God’s...894acceptance,grace,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judging-others-are-you-on-that-jury--41019384https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41019384Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:06:52 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonJesus gave a stern warning about condemning others. One of his most well-known sayings is: Do not judge, or you too will be judged (Matthew 7:1). This is also one of his most misunderstood sayings. We will look at the relational minefields in...627forgive,grace,jesus,judge,judging,lovefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-to-do-at-midnight--40895114
The inability or our unwillingness to make sharp distinctions is the cultural, religious, and moral situation in which we find ourselves right now in our society. There is a midnight of difficulty in discovering where the lines are to be drawn.

Jesus asks: "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight?"
You are between those who are hungry for the bread of life and the house of bread prescribed by Jesus Christ, our Lord, who said, "I am the bread of life." This message will explore being a mediator between the hungry and the source of supply.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40895114Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:43:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIt's midnight, and it's hard to make sharp distinctions. Colors do not stand out. Outlines are blurred. A path or even a roadway may be difficult to follow. It's midnight, and it isn't easy to make sharp distinctions. The inability or our...
The inability or our unwillingness to make sharp distinctions is the cultural, religious, and moral situation in which we find ourselves right now in our society. There is a midnight of difficulty in discovering where the lines are to be drawn.

Jesus asks: "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight?"
You are between those who are hungry for the bread of life and the house of bread prescribed by Jesus Christ, our Lord, who said, "I am the bread of life." This message will explore being a mediator between the hungry and the source of supply.]]>1778care,empathy,evangeliem,love,midnight,witnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-miracle-did-you-get--40752559https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40752559Mon, 07 Sep 2020 15:43:21 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPandemics affects our mental, spiritual, and physical health. What is the healing role of spirituality and hope? How can we have hope when faced with an illness? Pastor Lonnie will discuss five ways healing can come into our lives, and hope can be...1558faith,healing,jamesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-big-rocks--40569545https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40569545Sat, 29 Aug 2020 18:38:22 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPsalm 139 tells us that God knows us in a personal way. With him we are not a number or merely a face in the crowd. Our relationship with God is just as personal as our fingerprint--and we can know God in a personal way.603falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/while-we-wait--40548603https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40548603Fri, 28 Aug 2020 19:45:51 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWaiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be. The positive dynamics that can come when we wait with patience and expectancy will be explored in this message...1434waitfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/great-faith--40421683https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40421683Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:18:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere are two persons Jesus regarded as having great faith. What is the stuff of great faith? We will learn about the faith that impressed Jesus in this message from Pastor Lonnie.1538faithfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/just-ask--40247569https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40247569Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:45:10 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere is a difference between believing God can do something and believing God will do something. We all know that God can do anything because God is omnipotent, but the crucial question is: as you bring your requests to God, do you believe that God...1577prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/praying-when-it-s-hard-to-pray-live--40115794https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40115794Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:26:32 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this message by Dr. Richardson, we will visit the instructions from Jesus on praying in Matthew 6 and the tools we can use to develop a consistent prayer life.1443prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jesus-prayer-for-you--40078293https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40078293Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:46:19 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMost of us regularly pray the Lord's Prayer. It's interesting that this is not an actual prayer of Jesus. It is really the disciple's prayer because Jesus taught them this in answer to their request to teach them how to pray. There is another prayer...403prayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why--39857948https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39857948Mon, 20 Jul 2020 05:09:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson1714falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/caring-like-jesus--39014202https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39014202Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:03:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonGod wants us to be in this life for others. That's why we are alive. The Bible has a word for this, and it’s called ministry, and the Bible says every single believer is a minister. Not every believer is a pastor, but every believer is a minister....642carefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-s-will-for-you--37752298https://api.spreaker.com/episode/37752298Wed, 08 Jul 2020 19:21:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe idea of seeking God's will is an intimidating prospect because we’re not sure what to expect. The fact is that God's will is not all that mysterious, and it's not all that complicated. Simply put, God wants what is best for you. It's nothing to be...1327willfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/remembering--32664163https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32664163Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:01:06 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMemory! What a wonderful gift! Without it, we would stumble through a world of confusion, unable to profit from anything we had learned before. In this message, Pastor Lonnie details the importance of attitude when we remember.533attitude,memory,rememberingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-would-jesus-do-in-covid-19--32664027https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32664027Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:56:26 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe are a divided country. Politics is at war with science. Economic prosperity is contentious with who lives and who dies. Wearing a mask and physical distancing is at war with reason and rights. What would Jesus do and say in this pandemic of opinions?630caring,covid-19,helping,jesus,lovingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/romantic-love-what-s-god-got-to-do-with-it--32663935https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32663935Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:49:45 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonRomantic love is a gift from God. It was God’s idea—not Shakespeare's or Hollywood's. Romantic love is something to be cherished, to be pursued and enjoyed in God-honoring ways. In this message, Pastor Lonnie walks us through a biblical love letter...1711father,husband,love,mother,sex,wifefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-can-be-a-game-changer--32660817https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32660817Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:46:11 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonAs a youngster, we would play the board-game called Life. In many ways, life is a game, and how we play it makes a difference. Game rules matter, and without them, there could be no clear understanding of what it takes to win. The Bible talks about...590caring,evangeliem,gamechanger,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/doing-what-jesus-did-to-reach-others--32656813https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32656813Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:41:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere is a popular expression; “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This statement seems to be a conviction of Jesus. Imagine what it would look like to relate to others as Jesus did. We will explore some ways to do...502evangelism,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-when-we-disagree--27571421Jesus has a challenging and straightforward solution for this that Pastor Lonnie will be discussing in his message titled Hope When We Disagree.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27571421Sun, 17 May 2020 12:27:05 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonOne of the major problems in our world is getting along with each other. What is war, but the consequence of large groups of people who find it difficult to get along with each other? What is internal discord and strife but the consequences of...Jesus has a challenging and straightforward solution for this that Pastor Lonnie will be discussing in his message titled Hope When We Disagree.]]>480anger,conflict,disagree,hope,love,resolutionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-mother-s-love--26986896https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26986896Sat, 09 May 2020 21:06:21 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonMothers are special. It could be that they are the most obvious human example of the love of God. In this Mother's Day message from Pastor Lonnie, we will learn what the Bible says about the special love of a mother and how it relates to the kind of...626love,motherfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-when-we-are-disappointed--26696238https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26696238Mon, 04 May 2020 14:16:27 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson516falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-when-we-are-discouraged--26303575https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26303575Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:30:03 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonLife has its times of discouragement. We all have expectations that didn’t happen. But that doesn’t mean we should give up on tomorrow. Today, we will learn what the Bible has to say about maintaining a grip on hope when we are discouraged.740coronavirus,faith,grace,hope,lonnie,love,pandemicfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dealing-with-our-doubts-about-god--25821030Thomas wasn't afraid to ask questions when he didn't agree or understand something. Jesus never put him down for it or anyone with an honest doubt or question. For such a person is seeking to believe. They want integrity in their faith.

To be without any questions or doubts at all is to block us off from the blessings of growth and the discovery of truth and ideas. Thomas had questions. He asked them because he wanted to understand. Doubt, to Thomas, was simply faith seeking understanding.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25821030Tue, 21 Apr 2020 02:47:36 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDoubt is not the same as unbelief. Doubt is uncertainty. It's that murky area between belief and unbelief where nothing is decided, and nothing is committed to. Thomas wasn't afraid to ask questions when he didn't agree or understand something....Thomas wasn't afraid to ask questions when he didn't agree or understand something. Jesus never put him down for it or anyone with an honest doubt or question. For such a person is seeking to believe. They want integrity in their faith.

To be without any questions or doubts at all is to block us off from the blessings of growth and the discovery of truth and ideas. Thomas had questions. He asked them because he wanted to understand. Doubt, to Thomas, was simply faith seeking understanding.]]>831doubt,faith,lonnie,thomasfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/easter-message-hope-is-a-who--25412615https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25412615Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:31:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonHope is not a what, or a when, or a why. Hope is a who. Hope is always embodied in a person. Hope is a “who.” Somebody wise enough, strong enough, good enough, to get us to a better place. Hope is a who and the who to take us to God is Jesus.473easter,hope,love,resurrectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hosanna-the-king-is-coming--24830583https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24830583Sun, 05 Apr 2020 02:05:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere is a city within that cries for deliverance. Do we dare to enter this city as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? He enters triumphantly when we discover and hear that God has not entered our lives to help us do our work, but...649coronavirus,cross,hope,palm,sundayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/faith-that-conquers-fear--24522471https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24522471Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:09:51 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhenever something threatens our well-being, jeopardizes our normal existence, or thrusts us into an unexpected, unplanned, and unwanted direction, the natural result is fear. But we don’t have to reside there. God wants us to trust him not only with...952coronavirus,faith,fear,pandemicfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-you-give-him-a-drink--23904215https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23904215Sun, 15 Mar 2020 17:09:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe woman at the well thirsted for far more than the water of that well. She thirsted for the love, forgiveness, and friendship of God. Jesus initiates a conversation that changed her life. Her new life began by giving Jesus a drink. Will you give him...918drink,forgiveness,grace,salvation,sin,wellfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/born-again--23648373https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23648373Sun, 08 Mar 2020 17:49:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonTo be born again is to receive and trust what has been done for us by Jesus on the cross. It’s not about what we do but about what God has already done. Our spiritual selves become alive through this grace. Pastor Lonnie goes into detail about the...1434again,born,grace,nocodemus,salvationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/approaching-hope-when-temptations-come--23392877https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23392877Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:05:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonTemptations will come. They will always show us the barren wildernesses in our lives where love is thin or perhaps non-existent. The wilderness will always ask us to face reality and make our response. Often, the process will feel evil to us. It will...1145faith,hope,sin,temptationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-are-the-body-of-christ--22098781https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22098781Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:42:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn this talk, Pastor Lonnie shows how the body of Christ is dynamic, unified, and organic and how these attributes empower the church to make a positive difference in the world.1227body,church,differencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-greatest-love-story-ever--21059391https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21059391Wed, 25 Dec 2019 14:48:13 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThis is the night when God sent out a love letter of cosmic proportions. It was a night that changed everything. You could say Christmas is the beginning of a classic love story with all the right ingredients: infatuation, pursuit, risk, and...822birth,christmas,hope,jesus,love,salvationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/confidence-when-disappointment-comes--20986439https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20986439Sun, 22 Dec 2019 22:54:15 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhen a deep disappointment comes your way, remember how Joseph handled Mary's news that she was pregnant. Joseph took his hurt to God and allowed his walk with God to lead him to understand what was happening. Whatever it is that has your heart tied...1280confidence,disappointment,fear,joseph,trustfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-holy-child-to-be-born-in-you--20586468https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20586468Sun, 08 Dec 2019 23:57:30 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonGod acts through ordinary human beings like you and me, ordinary people that trust God enough to undertake extraordinary missions beyond their capabilities or imaginings. The Virgin Mary is a model and reminder that Christmas is a time to prepare for...1382born,magnificant,mary,virginfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-thanksgiving-message--20268624https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20268624Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:40:18 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonGod is hidden in the ordinary routine events of life – our practice of giving thanks will bring God into the center of our being and in so doing, bring to others and ourselves a better world.862encourage,gratitude,thank,thanksgivingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-giving-that-god-loves--20098002
I’m grateful that the church is here for my family. I’m grateful that we try to be of help to each other. I am grateful for the care our ministries provide. And I am grateful that we reach out beyond our immediate circle to others in need in the community and to the world through the opportunities provided by this church. The truth is, if we didn’t give, this church wouldn’t be here. It needs to be here. This kind of giving is joyful and it pleases God.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20098002Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:52:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWhen I’m searching for answers to the tough questions of how to give and whether my extra effort of giving will make a difference in this world, it always comes back to just this: I think of how grateful I am that this church is here. I’m grateful to...
I’m grateful that the church is here for my family. I’m grateful that we try to be of help to each other. I am grateful for the care our ministries provide. And I am grateful that we reach out beyond our immediate circle to others in need in the community and to the world through the opportunities provided by this church. The truth is, if we didn’t give, this church wouldn’t be here. It needs to be here. This kind of giving is joyful and it pleases God.]]>1375giving,money,stewardship,tithingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-be-a-fool--19971570https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19971570Mon, 11 Nov 2019 13:48:00 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonLife is not about possessions; it is about relationships. It doesn’t consist of what we have but who we are and what we have given to God and others.1574giving,money,posessions,stewardshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-sacred-challenge--19840386https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19840386Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:31:01 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonJesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be, also." notice that your heart follows your treasure, not the other way around. What we do with our money not only reveals the condition of our heart, it determines the condition of our...1840discipleship,giving,offering,stewardship,tithefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-the-case-for-christ--19489200https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19489200Sun, 13 Oct 2019 18:52:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe can live authentic lives of faith as sinners saved by grace. We can pray for others, dialogue about tough questions, and find ways to serve the people around us. When we do, we open the door to God’s unexpected adventures and the opportunities he...1312doubt,evangelism,grace,love,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/returning-home--19380321https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19380321Sun, 06 Oct 2019 22:46:26 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonHave you ever felt far from God or feel you’ve walked away from God emotionally? Some people have a strong sense of urgency that they desperately need to get back to God, but they’re not sure how to do it. In this podcast, Returning Home, we will see...1103communion,grace,hope,returning,salvationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-resurrection-of-jesus-what-is-your-verdict--19286096https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19286096Mon, 30 Sep 2019 02:43:38 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThe question of whether or not Jesus rose from the dead is the lynchpin of Christianity. If the evidence for the resurrection stands, then the Christian faith stands; but if the evidence falls, then so does Christianity. The evidence for the...1974crucifixion,evidence,life,resurrectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/unsticking-your-beliefs--19189794https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19189794Sun, 22 Sep 2019 20:01:47 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonAre there any facts to back up our faith? Can the Bible be trusted, or is it possible that the resurrection was only a myth, and the stories of the life of Jesus are filled with legends and tall-tales? This series takes a look at the evidence for the...1579become,belief,christ,doubt,faith,jesus,receivefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/invite-a-strategy-for-church-growth--19039865https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19039865Sun, 08 Sep 2019 18:06:18 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonInvite! Showing people that we care about them is the most effective way to reach them for Christ and grow His church. There is no record of Jesus walking up to someone and announcing: I am the messiah and then beginning to show his care for them. He...1691evangelism,grow,invite,lonnie,richardsonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-god-fair--18973271https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18973271Sun, 01 Sep 2019 19:56:44 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIs God fair? If so, what leads you to believe God is? If not, why? Could God be about something other than fairness? Pastor Lonnie explores this vital question in this podcast.782fair,justice,love,unfairfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-draws-people-to-church-and-keeps-them-there--18912612https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18912612Sun, 25 Aug 2019 19:10:27 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie continue his series of messages on the relevant and vital church in today’s challenging landscape. This message will reveal what research shows that draws people to church and keeps them there.1543acts,church,evangelism,grow,outreach,witnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-church-in-america-today--18850885https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18850885Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:30:49 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonPastor Lonnie will begin a series of messages for the church that wants to be relevant and vital in today’s challenging landscape. The first message is a snapshot on the Christian church in America. Who is and is not attending and why. The second...1980evangelism,grow,outreachfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dealing-with-our-anger--18721337https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18721337Sun, 04 Aug 2019 16:57:22 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonDealing with anger is tough work. Sometimes the right thing to do with our anger is to speak it and name what's wrong so it comes to light. Sometimes the right thing to do is to channel it into a positive and productive response to what's wrong....2000anger,forgiveness,justice,righteousnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-big-deal-of-small-things--18661769
I want to encourage you to look for the opportunities that are already there; everyday with the people you know and come across each day. Know that God is using you, your life, your words, your smile, your kindness. Ask God to help you see the opportunities and pray that God will help you to see the significance in what you often think is small and unimportant.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18661769Sun, 28 Jul 2019 19:45:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIt's amazing the long-term impact small things can make in our lives. Jesus used the mustard seed to illustrate how a little amount of faith can make a big difference. Small things, like a kind word to a friend, a helpful attitude with a colleague, a...
I want to encourage you to look for the opportunities that are already there; everyday with the people you know and come across each day. Know that God is using you, your life, your words, your smile, your kindness. Ask God to help you see the opportunities and pray that God will help you to see the significance in what you often think is small and unimportant.]]>1367big,deal,judging,small,tipping,witness,wordsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-are-the-light-of-the-world--18604754https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18604754Sun, 21 Jul 2019 18:35:20 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonAs Christians, we are to relate to people of other faiths as Jesus related to them: with respect and love, knowing that they are beloved children of God. From what I've seen, most people do not believe in Jesus, not because they think Jesus is a...1348christianity,light,religionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-does-your-name-mean--18566621https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18566621Tue, 16 Jul 2019 22:03:22 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonJabez was a living testimony to the goodness of God despite his birth and circumstances. His life contradicted his name. God heard the cry of this lone outcast and granted his prayers. His destiny was changed, his heart healed, and he stands as a...1188falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-other-incarnation-of-god-s-love--18566588
The church is the womb in which we are conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the water of holy baptism. The church nurses infant faith with the pure spiritual milk of the word. She cares for Christ's little ones and consoles them. She teaches and cares. She bandages wounds and gives hugs. She prays for her children.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18566588Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:58:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe tend to think of the church as an institution instead of a mother. That's because we don't take our teaching on baptism seriously enough. If baptism represents a new and heavenly birth, then in baptism we have God as our father and the church as...
The church is the womb in which we are conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the water of holy baptism. The church nurses infant faith with the pure spiritual milk of the word. She cares for Christ's little ones and consoles them. She teaches and cares. She bandages wounds and gives hugs. She prays for her children.]]>1207falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-we-take-our-children--18566577https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18566577Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:52:16 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIn the church we all are parenting. Each time a child is baptized, the church promises to nurture that child. We promise to surround them with a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow in service and love to God and others. Where we take...1321falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stuff-of-hope--18566411https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18566411Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:51:02 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonIf you should find yourself in a tough place right now, have the courage and honesty to stay in that place and invite Christ to meet you there. If you should know someone in such a place right now, someone who’s dealing with pain, disappointment, or...1584falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-city-within-do-we-dare-enter--18566372https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18566372Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:37:13 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonThere is another city. It is a city we tend to think of as within us. It is the city of our inherited patterns and ways of doing things. It is the dead weight of our habits, of our unreflective living; of our assumption that life is the way we see it...1278falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-persecuted--18565385https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18565385Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:40:42 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1550beatitude,blessed,happy,peace,persecuted,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-peacemakers--18565374https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18565374Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:39:18 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1927blessed,happy,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-pure-in-heart--18565362https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18565362Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:37:39 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1572falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-merciful--18565352https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18565352Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:36:03 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1273blessed,happy,mercyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-those-who-hunger-and-thirst-for-righteousness--18565288https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18565288Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:28:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1397blessed,hunger,righteousnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-meek--18565154https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18565154Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:18:59 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1470blessed,meek,mount,sermonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-those-who-mourn--18564947https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18564947Tue, 16 Jul 2019 18:46:54 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1140blessed,happyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-poor-in-spirit--18564786https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18564786Tue, 16 Jul 2019 18:20:52 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonWe do not have problems, we have decisions to make. In his collection of teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly presents the options we have to make decisions for the blessed life. The coming series of messages by Pastor Lonnie will...1830beatitudes,mount,poor,sermonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-are-the-salt-of-the-earth--18561654https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18561654Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:46:04 +0000Rev. Dr. Lonnie RichardsonSalt in a shaker can do no good. It can have all the flavor in the 
world, but if it never contacts food it doesn’t do any good. The same is true for the local church. A church that never gets out of their four walls can do no good. It has to get out...1969evangelism,matthew,outreach,saltfalsefull