Conversations with Ray Martinez

What Things Are Hard for the Lord? What are the things God cannot do? The Bible doesn’t describe anything as inherently “hard” for God in the sense of being beyond His ability.  The rhetorical nature of the question in Genesis and Jeremiah implies that nothing is too difficult for God, as He is omnipotent (all-powerful). However, certain theological concepts or actions are described as challenging...

The question asks whether these—heart, soul, strength, and mind—are distinct parts of a person according to the Bible, and if so, what the Greek words are and their specific meanings. Are These Distinct Parts? The Bible often uses such terms to describe the whole person, emphasizing the totality of one’s being in loving God, rather than strictly delineating separate components.  In this context, h...

This title reflects the central themes of the disciples being sent out with divine authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God, heal, and confront evil, while remaining dependent on God’s provision and focused on eternal priorities. This authority is not their own but derives from Jesus, who is sent by God (Luke 10:16). The act of sending reflects a divine mandate, and the authority given empowers th...

Years ago, Rodney Smith, a fellow police officer with whom I served, and I attended a lecture at Colorado State University. The speaker, a woman addressing a topic that intrigued us, frequently cited others’ opinions and perspectives but shared little of her own insight. Frustrated, I turned to Rodney and remarked, “I wish she’d share her own thoughts on this issue, not just what everyone else thi...

The concept of "mysteries" in the Bible refers to truths or plans of God that were hidden or partially revealed in the past but are now disclosed, particularly through divine revelation in the New Testament. These mysteries often relate to God's redemptive plan, His nature, or His purposes for humanity.  We will talk about the key mysteries of God in the Old and New Testaments, and a...

Week after week we confess our sins in church, hopefully.  I’d like to think as Christians we do it on a daily basis, maybe even on a hourly basis. There are times I catch myself asking for forgiveness with confession from moment to moment.  Don’t look at me as a bad person, but see that I have weak moments. There is a certain amount of trust that Christ hears our prayers and confessions, and yet...

Genesis 11:1-9, often referred to as the Tower of Babel narrative, describes a time when humanity was unified by a single language and sought to build a city with a tower reaching the heavens to "make a name" for themselves and avoid being scattered (v. 4, NIV). This act reflected human pride, self-reliance, and a desire for autonomy apart from God’s purpose. God’s response? Listen in as...

Jesus prays for unity among all believers, present and future, mirroring the perfect unity between Him and the Father. This oneness is not just relational but spiritual, reflecting a shared purpose and love. He wants believers to be united so the world can see evidence of His divine mission. Listen in as we understand the difference between prayer and intercession. 

In Philippi, Paul encounters Lydia, a businesswoman from Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth, a luxury good associated with wealth and status in the ancient world.  Lydia is described as a “worshiper of God”. Listen to learn more about Lydia's conversion, a sign of Easter.

“In a little While” is our message. Let’s also talk about the sorrow to joy and life lessons today. The transformation of sorrow into joy, a process rooted in God’s redemptive plan and sustained by His presence is what we will learn today. Jesus continues, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16, NIV). This cryptic statement puzzles th...

The Bible, particularly in the New Testament, addresses the practice of breaking bread and drinking wine, often called the Lord’s Supper or Communion. To determine whether Jesus is present among believers during this act, according to Scripture rather than church doctrine, we will examine relevant passages and their implications, focusing on a direct, scripturally grounded interpretation. Listen i...

Jesus’ practice of giving his disciples names or nicknames, such as calling James and John the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), was deeply rooted in the cultural, spiritual, and relational dynamics of his ministry. This act of naming was not merely a casual or arbitrary decision but carried profound significance, reflecting the disciples’ personalities, roles in the mission, or their spiritual trans...

Our discussion today is to understand blood moons as divine signs in Scripture, their historical connection to significant events for Israel, and their relevance to the upcoming blood moons in 2025-2026. Listen in for a more detailed discussion.

Grace beats at the heart of the Gospel, embodying God’s unmerited favor that breathes life into our souls. We neither earn nor deserve this gift; a loving God freely bestows it. Today, we explore what grace means in the Bible, how it transforms us, how we extend it to others, and what living it out looks like. Through Scripture, the poetic lens of the Psalms, and modern voices, we unpack this beau...

Philippians 2:5-11, often referred to as the Christ Hymn, is a cornerstone of Christian theology and ethics, encapsulating the nature, mission, and exaltation of Jesus Christ while offering a transformative model for believers. Its profound message resonates across time, challenging individuals and communities to embody Christ’s humility, servanthood, and obedience in a world often driven by self-...

A false prophet is a person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God.  In the Bible, false prophets also spoke on behalf of false gods. False prophets functioned in their prophetic role illegitimately or for the purpose of deception. The Bible denounces false prophets for leading people astray. We will take a deep dive into this topic today.

Life is replete with unpredictabilities, often symbolized as storms—tumultuous periods marked by difficulty, confusion, and waiting.  The Bible, rich in metaphor and narrative, offers profound insights into facing such storms with faith and perseverance.  By examining scriptural references and analogies, believers are equipped with spiritual tools and perspectives to withstand and transcend these...

I am deeply saddened to hear about Wayne Shorteidge's passing. He was not just an honorable man; he was a true patriot who served our country with distinction as a Major in the United States Army. 

This story underscores the mercy and patience of God, highlighting the importance of bearing good fruit in one’s life. Ultimately, the passage serves as a reminder that repentance is vital, and that God’s grace provides opportunities for transformation, but also warns that neglecting this call can lead to dire consequences. Self-examination plays a crucial role in personal growth, offering several...

Resisting temptation can be challenging, but many people adopt various practices to help them navigate daily struggles. Here are some common strategies. While the devil cannot read our minds, he observes us closely and takes advantage of what he sees. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into why, when, and how we defeat temptation.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 calls for a holistic approach to faith — one that touches every part of our existence. It reminds us that a vibrant relationship with God transforms not only our hearts but also our homes and communities. By living out these commandments daily, we create a lasting legacy of faithfulness for future generations.

One key takeaway from Luke 6:27-38 is the principle of unconditional love and mercy, particularly toward those who may not treat us well. This teaching challenges us to respond to negativity with love, reflecting God’s character rather than our natural inclinations. Listen in as we take a deep dive into the characteristics of unconditional love.

“What if?” ...which are a lot of hypothetical events. What if this happens to me? What if I slide off the road while I’m driving? We all know the list can go on and on with "what if?" If want a real if, it would be, what if I didn’t believe, and it turned out that I was wrong?  What a horrible situation that would be for me. Tune in if you want to learn more.

Arguing with God is our message... .  Can we argue with God? .  Is arguing with God sinful? .  Does arguing with God demonstrate sinful pride? .   Does arguing with God demonstrate a lack of faith .   or does it illustrate ignorance? .  We are taught that anger is sinful. Didn’t God become angry?   .  God’s anger was righteous  .  Can we not have a righteous argument? .  Did God argue? Listen in a...

Knowing is about experience—it’s not just cognitive thinking. Sprinting is all about relaxation; the more you relax, the faster you can run. The Bible speaks of experiencing Jesus in various ways, emphasizing relationship, faith, and understanding. Today, we will explore key verses that illustrate this experience and discuss how we apply it in our lives.