Advertise on podcast: Ray Bentley

Pastor Ray Bentley urges us to put our faith into action, to put feet to our faith, much as the Magi did at the birth of Jesus Christ. Salvation is not just knowing, but salvation is when you activate your faith. It's a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. So let's follow the example of the Magi who activated their faith. They traveled a great distance, and they bowed down. And they worshiped the king.

Pastor Ray Bentley points out how Mary's supernatural pregnancy was fodder for town gossip. Matthew seems to indicate that Mary, the mother of Jesus, though seemingly scandalous, is a worthy vessel of the Messiah and the fulfillment of the dividing line. But how many in that community murmured, You heard about Mary? Everyone who murmured about Mary was wrong, and she had the Messiah spread.

The Bible tells the stories of its heroes, warts and all. Pastor Ray Bentley says that should bring comfort to imperfect believers. If all our stories were known, it seems that the heart of God is underlining the fact that he takes pleasure in including the scandalous in his kingdom, because he gets all the praise and all the honor and all the glory toward him who saves us.

In a world of 7 billion people. It's amazing how alone we can feel at times. But pastor Ray Bentley says we don't have to feel that way. As believers, we are never alone. Today, he explains why we are not alone in this world because we belong to a world wide family and we are not alone in this world. Because wherever we go, there is God. You've heard the saying, wherever you go, there you are. Well, wherever you go, there is God.

How should believers conduct themselves? Pastor Ray Bentley says we can learn a lot from the life of the Apostle Paul. He was a leader, but also a servant. Now there are some of you that have authority. You have people that you have authority over. Jesus said, do not be like the Gentiles who lord it over others. But your calling and your ministry is to serve them. No task is too small for the servant of God who has the mind of Christ

Jesus told us that in this world we would have tribulation. But he also said, My peace I give unto you today. Pastor Ray Bentley points out this dichotomy of the Christian life, peace that makes sense to our understanding is taking the storm away. Then I'll have peace. God says, I'll give you peace that's beyond understanding, and that is to have peace in the midst of a storm. But you will be going to another level when you know the presence of God in the midst of the storms spreading.

Today, from the account of Paul's shipwreck, pastor Ray Bentley addresses a tough issue. Why does God, who controls the wind and the waves, allow violent forces of nature? When he could have made it easy for Paul? And why does God allow storms in our lives when we're doing the best that we can to seek him and love him and follow him?

Today from the testimony of the Apostle Paul. Pastor Ray Bentley highlights the transformation Christ brings to a life. The lost sinner is like a blind prisoner in a dark dungeon, and only Christ can open your eyes, Paul said, and give you light and freedom. And once you're set free, he washes away your record of wrong. He then takes us into his own family and gives us the privilege to be called his children.

Today on Maranatha radio. From the Apostle Paul's testimony, pastor Ray Bentley points out how we each can be open to hearing God's voice. I think it's interesting to note in Paul's testimony, while his companions saw the light, only Paul saw the Lord calling him by name. Salvation is not just coming into the experiential presence of God, but it is the opening of your heart and hearing His Word personally spreading.

Pastor Ray Bentley says the truth of the Bible can pierce our hearts. Ultimately, it can actually give us new hearts through regeneration. When God's Word goes deep into the deepest part of your heart and convicts you by the power of the Holy Spirit, never put off responding. Truth not acted upon can harden us so that we cannot understand it or receive it.

The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren. Today on Maranatha radio, pastor Ray Bentley points out how to deal with his accusations. Is it your first instinct when somebody accuses you, you want to defend? But that's not the way to work with the devil. There is a real problem because when he makes an accusation, he's right. We're guilty. But I stand pleading the blood of Jesus Christ who washes me as white as snow, as white as wool.

Running this race for Christ can be an exhausting experience. Today on Maranatha Radio. Pastor Ray Bentley says, take heart. Have you ever said these words, Lord, I can't take it. And I just can't do it. I quit. If you've ever felt that the Lord is right next to you. Saying, that's what I've been waiting for. The only hope that you have is that I live in you. And I live and relive my life through you. That's the gospel

When we face trials, when we face persecution, when we face disillusionment. Pastor Ray Bentley says the Lord will meet our need to the Palsied man tormented with his physical ailment, Jesus said, be of good cheer. Cheer up. To the woman who had suffered years of a bleeding hemorrhage. Jesus first words to her were cheer up, daughter! To the disciples in the midst of a storm where they thought they would die. Cheer up. I am with you.

From the testimony of the Apostle Paul today, pastor Ray Bentley shows us God's will may not be what we think it is. His will is that we know him. We think the will of God is some itinerary. It's a list on a bulletin. And if only some pastor would lay it out and explain it. Give me a checklist and I'll do it. And God says, That's not my will. My will is that you see me. My will is that you made me.

How can we share our faith most effectively? Pastor Ray Bentley says it isn't about debating more effectively. It's about telling our own story of what Jesus has done for us. When you share your personal testimony, not one argument is given. Why? Nobody can argue with what you saw, what you heard, what happened to you. So the question then that I want to ask all of us is, do you have a testimony spread?