Conversations with Ray Martinez

This is week seven of our continued study of the fruit of the Spirit. We’ll talk about what faithfulness is. Faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments.  In the Old Testament, for example, the concept of faithfulness is often linked with God's covenant with his people Israel, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and obedience. Listen for more insight for living.

The concept of goodness is fundamental in the Bible, reflecting attributes such as moral excellence, righteousness, and kindness. Jesus acknowledges the ultimate source of goodness as being God Himself. Listen in for a deeper conversation about goodness.

In the book of Ruth, Ruth's kindness and loyalty towards her mother-in-law, Naomi, are evident throughout the story. Ruth's selfless dedication and care for Naomi are exemplified in Ruth 1:16-17. In Hebrew, the word for kindness is "חֶסֶד" (chesed). Chesed encompasses a range of meanings beyond just kindness; it can also be translated as mercy, loving-kindness, or steadfast love. In the context of interpersonal relationships and moral behavior, chesed refers to acts of compassion, generosity, and loyalty towards others. Listen in as we take a deep dive into "kindness."

We are reminded of the importance of the reverent fear and worship of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom. It is through this fear and respect for God that we gain a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning in life. Those who follow the will of the Lord experience the enduring praise of Him. Let's focus on the concept of dynamic wisdom today. Listen in for a light discussion about Godly wisdom.

The Bible describes patience as the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset. It emphasizes attributes such as perseverance, long-suffering, and forbearance. Patience is often linked with trust in God's timing and wisdom. In this episode I talk about two of my former teachers, Dr. Gil Carbajal and Dr. Dennis Baker. Join me as we take a deep dive into the world of patience.

The Bible has much to say about "peace." Peace is often described as a state of tranquility, harmony, and freedom from conflict or turmoil. It goes beyond mere absence of strife and encompasses a deep sense of well-being, wholeness, and contentment that comes from being in a right relationship with God and others. Listen in for a deeper dive into "Peace."

Continuing on with our study about the fruit of the Spirit. Today it is about Joy! Joy is part of the Spirit that embodies all circumstances in our life. The Bible defines joy as a deep sense of delight, gladness, and happiness that comes from knowing and experiencing God's love, mercy, and blessings. Joy is a state of rejoicing and contentment that transcends circumstances. Let's take a deep dive today about your joy.

The Bible says that mankind is made in the image of God, and that God is love. Its pages are full of people driven by love, responding to love, and obeying God in love.  If Jesus Christ is the primary subject of the Bible, then love is the theme. The greatest act of love in history was when Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the world.

While we study this matter, the Holy Spirit develops these characteristics in us such as love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. These things take time to develop, but they come as we need it...we are in the developing stage.  Big companies have R&D departments (Research and Development)...they need these departments to perfect the product or improve it. We are researching, and the Holy Spirit is developing us. We will follow this topic for several weeks. Stay tuned and listen in for a deep dive.

Last week, we talk about thinking and acting independently…this week we will discuss what do you stand for? As a leader, it is important to know what you stand for. This means having a clear understanding of your values and principles and being willing to take a stand on important issues, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. Unfortunately, many leaders vacillate or waffle when faced with tough decisions. They may be swayed by outside pressures or fear of criticism, and as a result, fail to take decisive action. However, the most effective leaders are those who take a stand, regardless of the peer pressure, and are not afraid to stand behind their decisions. In the Bible, there are several illustrations that exemplify standing for one's beliefs, values, and principles. Listen in as we take a deep dive into the scriptures about this topic.

The Bible does address the concept of independent thinking, encouraging believers to exercise discernment and wisdom in their thoughts and actions. Listen in for a deeper dive!

As we navigate the wilderness of life, facing trials and temptations, we are reminded of God's presence and power to protect us. Despite the forces working against us, we can take refuge in the assurance that God's Word and His divine power can thwart any attack from the enemy. Listen in for more insight.

My notes and discussion emphasize the biblical teaching of "being of good cheer" or having courage and confidence despite facing trials and sorrows in the world. 

Jesus assures his disciples of his victory over the world, encouraging them to find peace in him. Despite impending persecution and suffering, believers are reminded that they are secure in God's love and that nothing can separate them from it. 

The key takeaways include the assurance of victory through Christ, the call to confidence and courage, and the promise of inner peace.

Evangelism isn't about a what, but a Who. Maybe that's why God has given us so many ways to evangelize? Because God's love in Jesus is something no one can adequately express, and no heart can fully fathom. We simply have to live with Him, not just for a season or a semester, but all eternity. Listen in for more insight.

The story of Jesus healing the blind man with mud is found in John 9:1-7. The story of Jesus healing the blind man with mud emphasizes divine healing through unconventional means, the importance of obedience and faith, God's sovereign mercy, spiritual transformation, the power of encountering Jesus, perseverance in the face of opposition, and Jesus as the Light of the World. Listen in so we can learn more about the difference of light and darkness.

Today, our main topic of discussion is teaching with authority. The synagogue served as a gathering place for the congregation, where Jesus spoke and amazed the people with His authoritative teaching. Unlike the rabbis who relied on previous teachings, Jesus spoke as the origin of the Word, with the authority of the Lord Himself. Listen to hear what happened in the synagogue.

Taking advice is essential for making wise decisions, as emphasized in Proverbs. Seeking counsel from multiple sources helps to avoid disappointment and achieve success. However, it is crucial to choose trustworthy and wise advisors. The Bible provides examples of the consequences of bad advice. Surrounding ourselves with diverse perspectives allows for a stronger foundation when forming opinions. Personal mentors who align with God's Word offer valuable guidance. Recognizing our nation's Christian foundation, the Supreme Court has affirmed our status as "one nation under God." Listen in for more advice.

What does "is mean in the bible? "Is", is present tense. In theology, the present moment represents a significant concept known as "the sacrament of the present moment." It emphasizes the belief that God is not only present in our past and future, but most importantly, in our present experiences. It teaches us to be fully aware and attentive to the present moment, recognizing that it is the time in which we can encounter God's presence and experience His grace, love, and transformative power. Let's take a deeper dive by listening in today.

John clarifies that he is not the Christ, but he points to the coming of another person, Jesus. Despite the people's anticipation of the Messiah, John emphasizes that he is not the one they are waiting for. He even denies being Elijah, although Jesus later confirms that John is the fulfillment of Elijah's role. John, aware of his purpose, declares that he is a voice calling in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Savior. He humbly acknowledges that he is not worthy even to tie Jesus' sandals. Listen in for more details...

So the question is…

How do we scan the unseen part of us—-the soul? That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. As we study our Bible, the Holy Spirit shows us our failures and weaknesses. Then He prescribes the needed treatments of repentance, faith, and obedience. There will always be some element in our lives that is in need of introspection and improvement. Don't be afraid to ask the Lord where and how to improve. When you ask Him to scan your heart, He will, and He will reveal the results to you. Then work to make those changes with His strength and power to guide you. Listen in for a deeper dive into what the Word says.

Christians the world over celebrate Christmas in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Various Christmas traditions have been associated with the celebration of Christmas, and different cultures celebrate different ways. The unifying factor is the historical fact that Jesus was born.  Listen in, and at the end of the podcast you will hear part of a special song for you.

We will be exploring the topic of relationships in the Roman Church, based on the passages from Romans 14:1-15:13 and 16:3-15. In these chapters, Paul addresses the issues and dynamics within the churches in Rome. In Romans 14, Paul discusses the matter of judging others based on what they eat. He emphasizes that it is not our place to judge others in such matters. Whether someone eats meat or not is not of utmost importance. We are called to live for the Lord and recognize that when we die, we die to the Lord. It is God who will judge each one of us, so we should not put stumbling blocks in the way of others. Listen in to learn more about relationships.

We learn that the coming of the Lord will be sudden and unexpected for those who do not believe. Jesus often emphasized that He is coming soon, and as Christians, we have been anticipating this for 2000 years. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul assures us that we who are alive will witness His coming. Therefore, we are called to live lives of faith and trust, not in fear. Listen in so as to alleviate your fears.

When we allow the devil to slither into some habit in our lives, it causes a loss of spiritual power. When we make excuses for stepping away from the truths and standards God has set for us, we open ourselves up to sin and the accompanying guilt that, comes with it. The best way to avoid spiritual blackouts is to keep sin from entering our lives. But the real question is how do we do it? How do we get rid of these bad habits— these evil things that infiltrate our life? The Bible offers guidance on staying vigilant in various aspects of life, emphasizing spiritual vigilance and watchfulness. Let's dive in to today's podcast and learn how not to do the very thing we don't want to do.

Though Jesus acknowledged that an after-death heaven existed, Jesus devoted his preaching, not to that heaven, but to a Kingdom of Heaven that he said was here and now, near, “at hand” (Mark 1:15). The principal message that Jesus brought to us was the Gospel or “Good News” of the Kingdom of Heaven. Listen in to our heavenly discussion.

The central message of today's podcast episode is encouragement. We are reminded of the interconnectedness we have as believers in Christ and the importance of gathering together. Paul's words encourage us to support one another, sharing the word of God and inspiring repentance and belief. Listen in for more insight.

The greatest challenge lies in the word "All." How do we truly give our all? It requires wholehearted commitment and dedication. We cannot approach our relationship with God in a halfhearted manner. We must ask ourselves how we can live in a way that truly counts, giving our all to God. Listen in for more insight for living.

On this All Saints' Day, it is important for us to remember who God is and the promise of life everlasting. It is a time to have faith and trust in God's shepherding presence in our lives. We can rest assured that our loved ones who have gone before us are now with God. Let us give thanks for their faith, and let us also look forward to the day when we will be reunited with them. Listen as to why you are chosen.

JESUS spoke often about angels, describing them as heavenly beings who carry out the will of God. In this podcast, we will explore what Jesus says about angels and their role in the spiritual realm. Angels are personal spiritual beings who have intelligence, emotions, and will. This is true of both the good and evil angels (demons). Listen in to learn more about Angels. This comes from my book, "The Teachings of Jesus".

JESUS speaks often about the dangers of worry, describing it as a hindrance to our spiritual growth and a sign of a lack of faith. Those who leave everything in God’s hands will eventually see God‘s hands in everything. In this podcast, we will explore what Jesus says about worry, its effects on our lives, and how we can overcome it. Listen in today on a great teaching and insight. This teaching comes from my book: "The teachings of Jesus."

Welcome to today's mini podcast episode! In today's scripture reading, we will explore three passages: Isaiah 45:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, and Matthew 22:15-22. These passages shed light on a common human behavior known as the "Gotcha" game, particularly prevalent among politicians, especially in the weeks leading up to an election.

FEAR is a natural human emotion that can be caused by various factors, including perceived danger, uncertainty, or the unknown. In this podcast, we will explore what Jesus says about fear, its effects on our lives, and how we can overcome it.  Listen in as we talk about the nature of fear, the effects of fear, and overcoming fear.

FASTING is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by many religions throughout history. In Christianity, fasting is often seen as a way to deepen one’s relationship with God and focus on spiritual growth. 

In this podcast, we will explore what Jesus says about fasting and its significance in His teaching.  Listen in today.

Welcome back to another episode of "Finding Peace in a Chaotic World." Today, we are delving into the topic of societal harmony and the pursuit of peace, inspired by Romans 12:14-21.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul offers us practical advice on how to navigate our interactions with others and maintain peace in society. He encourages us to bless those who persecute us and not curse them. This may seem counterintuitive, but it reflects the transformative power of love and forgiveness. Let's dive right in!

Having the mind of Christ doesn't mean thinking exactly like Jesus, but rather aligning our thoughts with His. It involves a change of mind, a new way of processing things. Paul encourages the Philippians to be of the same mind, in full accord, and to consider others more significant than themselves, showing humility and love. We are not only in need of a new heart, as Ezekiel mentions, but also a new mind. Listen in for insight for living.

JESUS is often questioned by the religious leaders of his time, who seek to trap him in His words. However, Jesus chooses to remain silent at times, much to the confusion of those around him.  In this podcast, we will explore why Jesus chooses to be silent when questioned and what we can learn from His example. Please, listen in.

Our daily lives as Christians, in our bodies and in our relationships with the world and our vocations, become the arena of worship. This is who we are and what we do in Christ. We are not to conform to the behavior and customs of this world but to be transformed. Transformation is a metamorphosis, a change from within. It involves having the mind of Christ, as Paul teaches that we do have the mind of Christ

We will be diving into the theme of "Not Fair but Just." Our scripture readings for today come from Isaiah 55:6-9, Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30, and Matthew 20:1-16.

In Isaiah 55:6-9, we are reminded to seek the Lord while He can be found, and to understand that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. This serves as a foundation for our exploration of the concept of fairness and justice. Listen in for more details.

COMPASSION is a fundamental aspect of Jesus’s teaching. He emphasizes the importance of showing love and kindness towards others, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. In this podcast, we will explore what Jesus says about compassion and its significance in our lives. This study comes from my book, "The Teachings of Jesus".

Jesus Christ is often revered as a revolutionary figure in His approach toward women. He challenged the patriarchal norms of His time and elevated the status of women in society. 

In a day when women were considered second-class, Jesus shattered prejudices and elevated the status of women to unprecedented heights. That value equalization continued with His apostles.  In this podcast, we will explore what Jesus says about women and their role in His ministry.  Listen in about how women help changed the world.

Welcome to the podcast on Personal Evangelism with Dr. Jerry Root’s teaching. In today's episode, we will delve into the importance of putting our faith into action and sharing the good news of Christ with others. 

Our scripture for today is Philemon 6, which reminds us of the generosity that comes from our faith and the good things we have in Christ. Dr. Jerry Root emphasizes that the gift of evangelism is not reserved for a select few; it is for every believer. It is not a skill to be learned, but rather a natural outpouring of our faith.

Today we'll be discussing the various ballot issues that will shape the future of our beloved city. Fort Collins voters will be faced with several crucial decisions when they head to the polls in 2023. In this episode, we'll break down the ballot issues that you need to know about. Let's dive right in.

September 11, 2021 was a horrific day that none of us will forget, at least those who were around then. The history of this tragedy can never be forgotten. What we did in our community was to pull together and do what we could for the moment.

In Christianity, we say, “in the name of Jesus” is a common practice used in prayer and spiritual activities. This phrase is not just a set of words, but a declaration of faith and dependence on Jesus’s power and authority. In this podcast, we will explore why we are taught to say “in the name of Jesus” and the power it holds. Listen in for a deeper dive.