Uncover timeless biblical insights with the Richland Center Free Methodist Church Podcast. Each week, journey through scripture with Sunday sermons by Pastor Tim Ward and guests, reflecting our enduring mission to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples.
…
continue reading
Richland Center Free Methodist Church Podcasts
There are seasons when joy feels distant and peace seems hard to hold. Habakkuk knew that feeling well—facing loss, uncertainty, and grim forecasts for his people. Yet in the middle of that reality, he made a deliberate choice: “yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” His circumstances didn’t improve first; his trust in God did. Paul offers the same kind …
…
continue reading
When a church cared for Paul in his time of need it was partnership in the gospel. Their giving was an act of worship that reached heaven itself. Behind every gift was a heart moved by gratitude, trust, and obedience. True Christian giving is driven by joy in God’s provision, rather than guilt or pressure. Philippians 4 reminds us that contentment …
…
continue reading
1
How to Find Peace When Your World is Falling Apart
24:19
24:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:19When life unravels, even the smallest things can feel impossible. The news weighs heavy, relationships strain, and our plans fall through, leaving us searching for something steady to hold on to. From a prison cell, Paul wrote about joy and peace as daily realities, finding contentment in every situation when everything else is falling apart. This …
…
continue reading
A gold medal represents the highest achievement — the reward for discipline, perseverance, and commitment to a goal. Yet for the believer, the true prize isn’t made of metal but of faith that endures and a life shaped by Christ. In Philippians 3:10—4:1, Paul points us toward that eternal reward — knowing Christ fully and living faithfully in His ca…
…
continue reading
A dark tunnel, a stolen kiss, and a stinging slap—one quick moment, two bold moves, and a grinning soldier who “seized the day.” It’s a funny story, but it hits close to home: life moves fast, and opportunities can pass in a blink. Between bills, deadlines, and distractions, it’s easy to forget what it means to truly live life to the fullest. In Ph…
…
continue reading
When Paul wrote that nothing could separate us from the love of Christ, his next words were filled with grief for those who had rejected that same love. From celebration to sorrow, his heart broke for the lost — and in that sorrow, he revealed the very heart of Christ. Guest speaker **Pastor Boris Pena**, Youth Leader at the Platteville Free Method…
…
continue reading
Paul had everything—status, education, influence—but he came to see it all as loss compared to knowing Christ. His deepest desire wasn’t comfort or achievement, but a relationship so real that even suffering became a means of sharing in Christ’s life. In Philippians 3:7–14, Paul describes a faith that presses forward—forgetting what lies behind and…
…
continue reading
When faced with opposition, how do we respond—with fear or with faith? In this message, Thomas Ramundo shares the story of a young college freshman who dared to stand for prayer against ridicule—and witnessed a miracle that silenced unbelief. Drawing from **Acts 4** and the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, Pastor Ramundo reminds us that the same Hol…
…
continue reading
When people ask, “Do you care?”, they are looking for actions that prove love is real. In a world full of self-interest and distraction, genuine care can be hard to find. In Philippians 2:19–30, Paul lifts up Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of what it looks like to truly care for others. They were men whose lives reflected Christ’s selfless lo…
…
continue reading
Life often feels overwhelming when we think about changing the world. How could one person ever make a real difference? Yet God’s plan has always been to work through individuals—ordinary people who allow Him to shape their hearts and guide their steps. In Philippians 2:12–16, Paul reminds believers to “work out” their salvation, not by their own s…
…
continue reading
In Philippians 2:5–11, Paul reminds us that Jesus, though fully God, humbled Himself as a servant, even to death on a cross. Because of this, God has exalted Him and given Him the name above every name. This week, Pastor Tim Ward shares how the name of Jesus is saving, precious, comforting, conquering, and exalted. From stories of transformed lives…
…
continue reading
On this Labor Day weekend, our community gathered under the tent at Krouskop Park for the annual Community Worship Service. Churches from across Richland County came together in unity to lift up the name of Jesus in worship, prayer, and fellowship. This year’s guest speaker was Dave Gerry, a longtime Madison-area businessman, founder of The Princet…
…
continue reading
When music, lights, and activity fade away, what’s left at the center of worship? For the church in Philippi, Paul pointed them to the example of Christ Himself — humility, obedience, and self-giving love. Worship is not measured by performance or atmosphere but by a heart aligned with Jesus. This Sunday, Pastor Tim will remind us that true worship…
…
continue reading
Grace and peace. These two words, often paired together in Paul’s letters, hold deep meaning for how the church is called to live and grow together. In Philippians 1:2-6, Paul reminds the believers that what God begins in them, He is faithful to complete. Grace and peace go hand in hand, just as faith and good works, encouragement and perseverance,…
…
continue reading
1
God the Father, God the Son, and God the ?
17:53
17:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:53We know God the Father and God the Son—but for many, God the Spirit feels mysterious, even hard to understand. Yet it is through the Holy Spirit that we hear from God, receive His guidance, and experience His power. In Scripture, we see that the Spirit never forces His way in; He comes where He is welcomed. Dave Ewing takes us from the sending of t…
…
continue reading
Something sacred happens at the Lord’s Table—but what exactly? Is it just a symbol, a reminder, a ritual… or is there more going on than meets the eye? In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul passes along what he received directly from the Lord: that communion is more than bread and cup—it’s participation. It’s remembrance, yes, but also proclamation. It’s a mom…
…
continue reading
For some, the word tithe conjures up guilt, confusion, or even skepticism. Maybe it’s been used like a spiritual tax, or perhaps it’s been tangled up with flashy promises of blessing. Somewhere along the way, tithing got a reputation it was never meant to have. In Leviticus 27:30–32, God calls Israel to set apart a tenth as an act of recognition an…
…
continue reading
When we think about holiness, we often picture something distant—set apart, sacred, almost unreachable. But what if holiness was meant to be practiced in the everyday? What if it looked less like ritual perfection and more like walking faithfully with God, step by step? In Leviticus 26, God outlines the blessings that come from obedience and the co…
…
continue reading
1
In Case of Mildew — If Jesus Came to Your House
37:03
37:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:03What would happen if Jesus came to your house? Would He find evidence of a faithful life, or signs of something growing that shouldn’t be there? In Leviticus 14, God gives Israel instructions on how to deal with mildew found in their homes—guidelines that may seem obscure but carry deeper meaning. Consider what it means to examine our lives and hom…
…
continue reading
In a garden full of beauty, provision, and fellowship with God, one voice whispered a lie that changed everything: “You will be like God.” It was a promise of independence—freedom from authority, freedom from limits, freedom to decide good and evil for ourselves. But that promise was empty. Genesis 3 shows us the moment humanity tried to walk away …
…
continue reading
Everyone wants clean living—whether it’s our relationships, our habits, or our motivations. But there’s something deeper that shapes everything from the inside out: the heart. In Leviticus, we read many rules and statutes that the Israelites kept to remain set apart to God, but do external regulations lead to an internal purity? We’ll see how choic…
…
continue reading
In Proverbs 4, a father offers his children the kind of wisdom that shaped his own life. These are words meant to be remembered—calls to seek understanding, hold onto instruction, and walk with integrity. This passage reflects a tradition of teaching that is both personal and deeply rooted in God’s truth. As we mark Father’s Day, we’re reminded tha…
…
continue reading
Long before the cross, God painted a picture of redemption in blood, wilderness, and mercy. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place—alone, trembling, and covered in sacred linen—to make intercession for the sins of the people. Every movement was weighted with purpose, every detail a shadow of something greater still…
…
continue reading
In the center of Israel’s worship stood the altar—and on that altar, the blood of sacrifices served as a vivid reminder: sin brings death, and life must be given to restore what was broken. Leviticus 17:11 declares, “For the life of a creature is in the blood,” establishing a sacred truth that flows all the way to the foot of the cross. As we conti…
…
continue reading
When a moment changes everything, we mark it—etched in stone, remembered in silence, carried in story. From the blood-stained doorposts in Egypt to the folded flags on Memorial Day, some events shape not only our history but our identity. Exodus 12 tells the story of God’s people preparing to walk into freedom—but only after they remembered, obeyed…
…
continue reading
When an entire community stumbles into sin—unknowingly, unintentionally—what happens next? In ancient Israel, this wasn’t just an individual matter. Sin could affect the whole camp, corrupt the sacred space, and threaten the people’s standing before a holy God. The burden didn’t fall on a scapegoat, it fell on the community and its leaders to recog…
…
continue reading
From the moment a child is conceived, a mother begins juggling countless responsibilities—nurturing, teaching, protecting, and often sacrificing. But beneath all the day-to-day tasks lies something even more significant: the priorities that shape the heart of a mother and guide the path of her home. This Mother’s Day, consider the deeper calling of…
…
continue reading
“Come and See” — among the first words Jesus speaks to those who would become His disciples. Not a command, but an invitation. Two seekers begin to follow Him, unsure of what they’re walking into. Instead of giving answers, Jesus offers a simple response: “Come, and you will see.” Not long after, one of them passes the same invitation to someone el…
…
continue reading
Across Asia, doors are opening—sometimes quietly, sometimes suddenly—for the Gospel to be shared in powerful and life-changing ways. In places where Christian teaching is scarce or restricted, God is raising up leaders, opening hearts, and creating opportunities for discipleship and church planting. This Sunday, we welcome Thom and Sherry Cahill, c…
…
continue reading
1
Why Do You Seek the Living Among the Dead?
28:24
28:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:24The silence of the tomb was broken at dawn. The women came with spices, hearts heavy with grief, expecting to find a sealed grave and a lifeless body. Instead, they were met with a question that would echo through eternity: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” This Resurrection Sunday, we turn to Luke 23:50–24:12 as Pastor Tim brings us fac…
…
continue reading
The crowd was electric, the entrance unforgettable. It felt like the game was already won. But now, the cheering has died down—and the real challenge begins. In Mark 11:7–33, we follow Jesus through the gates of Jerusalem and into the heart of spiritual conflict. What happens when the expectations of victory meet the grind of reality? When faith is…
…
continue reading
Just like a coach rallies the team in the locker room, Jesus gathers His disciples for an important conversation before everything changes. It’s a quiet moment, full of meaning, in the middle of the action. In Mark 14:12–31, Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples. The room is quiet, but the weight is heavy—betrayal is named, loyalty is questi…
…
continue reading
In this week’s message, Dave Ewing speaks on “Breaking Down the Walls”, a powerful look at the barriers we face in our spiritual lives—and how God calls us to overcome them through His Spirit. Rooted in Galatians 5:16-23, this message also draws from Joshua 6:1-21, Matthew 18:8-9, and Psalm 139:23-24, showing how the walls in our lives—spiritual, e…
…
continue reading
As Jesus enters Jerusalem to the cheers of a crowd waving palm branches, the moment is filled with expectation, tension, and purpose. Just as athletes “take the floor” prepared for action, Jesus steps boldly into His mission—knowing full well what lies ahead. Are we ready when it’s our turn to take the floor? Are we stepping forward in faith, boldl…
…
continue reading
This Sunday, we welcome Dawn Young, Executive Director of Sky Lodge Christian Camp, as our special guest speaker! For decades, Sky Lodge has been a place of spiritual renewal, growth, and life-changing encounters with God. Whether through summer camps, retreats, or outdoor adventures, this ministry has impacted countless lives, creating space for p…
…
continue reading
March is here, bringing with it an air of madness—a season of intense competition, last-minute victories, and unexpected upsets. But when it comes to our faith, are we actively in the game, or are we just sitting on the sidelines? In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, a reminder that God has entrusted each of us with unique g…
…
continue reading
Why do we pray? Why do we fast? Throughout Scripture, prayer and fasting are acts of deep faith, dependence, and surrender to God. Prayer connects us to His presence, aligning our hearts and minds with His will, while fasting teaches us to deny ourselves, making room for His strength and guidance. From Moses on the mountain to Daniel in exile, from…
…
continue reading
Does prayer really make a difference? James 5:16 tells us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. But how do we pray in a way that truly works? Is there a difference between routine prayers and the kind that call down fire from heaven, bring healing, and transform lives? Scripture is filled with examples of prayer that move…
…
continue reading
This past week, many celebrated Valentine’s Day, a time focused on love and kindness toward those closest to us. But Jesus calls us to an even greater love— one that extends beyond friends and family to even our enemies. In Luke 6:27-38, He challenges us to love those who hurt us, bless those who curse us, and show mercy as God has shown mercy to u…
…
continue reading
Why do we take communion? Is it just another tradition, or is there something deeper that we sometimes take for granted? Too often, we go through the motions without truly stopping to reflect on its meaning. The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, a call to unity within the body of Christ, and an invitation to examine our hearts befo…
…
continue reading
What does it mean to love God with complete abandon? In 2 Samuel 6, King David danced before the Lord with all his might, undeterred by the opinions of others. His love for God was unrestrained, passionate, and, to some, even undignified. This week, Dave Ewing speaks about what it truly means to worship and love God with our whole heart—without fea…
…
continue reading
In a world filled with bad news, there’s one message of hope that remains unchanging—the grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all. This week, Jo Ann Krulatz brings us a powerful message based on Titus 2:11-14, reflecting on how God’s unmerited favor transforms lives. We’ll explore the depth of God’s grace: a grace that teaches us to tur…
…
continue reading
What is God’s will for humanity? It’s a question that has been asked throughout history and answered time and time again through Scripture. From the words of the prophets to the teachings of Jesus, God’s desire for all people has always been clear: reconciliation, redemption, and relationship with Him. In 1 Timothy 2:3-4, we’re reminded that God “w…
…
continue reading
1
The Local Church - God's Missionary People
30:32
30:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:32From the earliest days of the church in Acts, God has called His people to be participants in His mission. The local church is the living, breathing body of Christ, equipped and empowered to bring the good news to the world. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations,” a calling that begins right where we are, i…
…
continue reading
The account of the wise men traveling from afar to worship the newborn King continues to resonate deeply as a reflection of our heart’s longing for God. These magi, guided by a star, remind us that faith often begins with a small light—a glimpse of God’s presence breaking into our darkness. What “light” are we following today? The wise men were att…
…
continue reading
We all have expectations for the perfect gift, yet sometimes what we receive is far from what we imagined. In this week’s message, Pastor Tim reflects on the ultimate gift—Jesus Christ—and the truth that His brokenness brings us healing. Through Isaiah 53, we’ll explore how the suffering of Christ reveals the depth of God’s love and how His sacrifi…
…
continue reading
Why did God choose that specific time and place for Jesus to be born? In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Tim explores the significance of Christ’s birth and the perfect timing of God’s plan. Through Luke 2:1-7 and Galatians 4:4-7, we discover how Jesus came at just the right time and place to bring salvation, redemption, and hope to a lost world…
…
continue reading
1
The Wonder of Christ’s Birth - In the Fullness of Time
26:09
26:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:09Why did God choose that specific time and place for Jesus to be born? Pastor Tim explores the significance of Christ’s birth and the perfect timing of God’s plan. Through Luke 2:1-7 and Galatians 4:4-7, we discover how Jesus came at just the right time and place to bring salvation, redemption, and hope to a lost world. Recorded December 22nd, 2024 …
…
continue reading
In this sermon from December 18, 2016, Pastor Erik explores the incredible significance of Jesus’s birth and what it means for us today. He takes a closer look at the incarnation—God becoming human—and explains how it’s more than just a step toward salvation; it’s an invitation to experience a deeper relationship with God. Pastor Erik reflects on h…
…
continue reading
1
Home-Baked Happiness: Giving Christmas to Your Family
25:57
25:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:57What makes Christmas truly special? It’s not the decorations or the gifts—it’s Christ, our Savior and Redeemer! His gift is the foundation of the love, hope, and joy we experience as Christians. This week, Pastor Tim shares a message inspired by Luke 2, where the angels proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. Just as they were ca…
…
continue reading