Quote:  “The Resurrection is the central theme in every Christian sermon reports in the Book of Acts. The resurrection, and its consequences were the Gospel or ‘Good News’ which the Christian brought.... The first fact in the history of Christendom is a number of people who say they have seen the resurrection.” 

-C.S. Lewis -British scholar, author   (1898-1963)

Commentary: From the Young Theologians Handbook (c) Darryl Riden 

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is a primary Christian doctrine. This event was the turning point in human history. It is this truth that sets Jesus apart from all previous and future religious figures. All other religious leaders have, or will, bow to death and lie in a grave, powerless and defeated. Jesus lives. The resurrection proved that He indeed was the only begotten Son of God and that everything He spoke and preached was the Word of God. Christianity hinges on the certainty of Christ rising from the dead. 

The New Testament writers of the Gospels proclaimed to the world that Jesus Christ left a tomb standing open wide. They were actual witnesses to the risen Christ, testifying that Jesus lives and He alone is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Jesus Himself proclaimed: “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raised the third day...if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:22-23

John the Baptist cried out when he saw Jesus walking towards him in the wilderness..” Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

It is a fact that Jesus died by crucifixion two thousand years ago, the sinless Son of God bearing the sins of all humanity. The day that Jesus hung on the cross the world became completely dark between the sixth and ninth hours. An earthquake and all-consuming darkness brought even the bravest Roman soldier trembling to his knees. Jesus described Hell to His disciples as “outer darkness,” meaning there is absolutely no light or hope. 

Jesus’ body was taken off the cross, and as far as the world was concerned He was just another executed criminal to be buried and left to rot and fade into obscurity. But redemption’s story was not yet complete. On the third day a stone was rolled away, and a tomb was left empty because the grave could not hold the risen Savior! Jesus, firstborn from the dead, has prepared the only way for us to live eternally. His resurrection from the dead demonstrated His absolute victory over Satan, Hell, and the last enemy, Death. 

His resurrection was a bodily resurrection. Without the bodily resurrection we have no hope and Christianity is meaningless. 

 “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (I Cor.15: 17-19). 

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron;

They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—

as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.

29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

The Dead Church

3 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” 

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Happy New Year!  Thank you for supporting this podcast in 2025. Please share it in 2026!

Rev. 2:8-17   “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ 

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

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(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Chapter 2:1-7 To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

Footnotes:

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Introduction, chapter one

Revelation: Greek, the "Apokalypsis", an Unveiling

4 main interpretation models:

Preterist: View that all events took place by AD 70

Histroical: View that John is only describing the main events of human history.

Spiritualizing: View that all the content of Revelation is symbolic and should be spiritualized.

Futurist: View that the prophetic events recorded are literal and will be fulfilled.

Revelation chapter One verses 1-8

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

In the past few decades, many books and films such as Zeitgeist, Religulous, and the Davinci Code made bold claims that Jesus Christ was a fabricated myth combining Eastern mythology and pagan gods. With great speed atheists and later, social media influencers spread these lies and stated them as FACT. 

The problem with these specific assertions is these atheist hollywood producers and authors were getting their information from biased researchers and not from the original source documents that speak of Horus, Mithra and Krishna- 

 when the movies came out Prof. Peter Brandt, Dept. of History, University of Memphis said “I have been asked by friends about the claims made. I did see the movie Religulous and they got it completely wrong comparing Horus to Jesus. None of their claims for Horus were true.” 

 Egyptologists and Eastern Ancient Text researchers debunked these false claims years ago when the first comparisons were made. 

-Prof. Ronald Leprohon, Egyptian Studies, University of Toronto stated, I quote: “I’m afraid that none of the claims made in these movies are true. There is not one shred of evidence for such a thing.”

Skeptics claim Horus and Jesus were born of a virgin named Mary: the Actual ancient source texts say that Horus was born from the Goddess Isis who was married to Osiris who was killed, dismembered, put back together by Isis, had sex with her and had Horus.

They claim that Horus and Jesus were both born in a cave, announced by angels and witnessed by shepherds:

The story of Horus says that he was born in a marsh or a swamp. No mention of angels or shepherds in the text.

They claim Jesus and Horus’ birth announced by stars and angels:

No stars in Horus text, no angels

Both were visited by 3 Kings

Horus text does not mention 3 kings. By the way neither do the Gospels. Wise men, not kings, from the East traveled and brought Jesus 3 types of gifts. We have no idea how many wise men visited Jesus. 

Horus and Jesus both taught in the temple at age 12, were baptized, and their baptizers executed:

In the Horus text there is no indication that he taught in any temple, he was depicted as a weakling and hid away by his mother. There is also no account of him being baptized, thus no executed baptizer.

Both Horus and Jesus walked on water:

In the Horus text there are some mentions of healing and magic when he was a child. No mention of walking on water.

Both had 12 disciples:

Simply a false claim.

Both raised a “Lazarus” from the dead.

Osiris was brought back to life by Isis. Horus avenged his father. No mention of any type of Lazarus figure

Both crucified and rose from the dead

Horus’ death is never mentioned in the texts.

Both were known as the Truth, the Light , the anointed son, good shepherd, etc.

Horus was known as a sun god, Horus the son of Isis, and the “god of the eastern sky and horizon.”

Both born on December 25th Egyptians did not record birth dates thus this is a total fabrication. Jesus was not born on Dec. 25th either. The idea that Jesus’ birth should be celebrated on Dec. 25th was a 4th century Catholic adoption to coincide with the pagan Winter Solstice festivals. Jesus was more than likely born in the Spring according to tradition outside of catholicism.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Theologically Saving Faith is the belief, on God’s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit and is accompanied by saving grace and leads to a life of holiness. Faith is a primary concept of Christianity. Without faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation one cannot be a Christian.

 Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. 

So Biblical Faith is an active confidence in God. Not ethereal wishful thinking but belief in the truth of Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. Faith is a response directed toward an object and defined by what is believed. Faith is only as good as its object. You can have faith that an old chair will hold you up as you are seated. When the chair breaks and you hit the floor you realize your faith in its stability was betrayed. Spiritually, the object of our faith must always be the sure foundation of the Person of Jesus Christ. 

Faith is the instrument by which a person is saved. We are justified before God by faith and by faith we live out our relationship with Christ (Romans 3:26). Jesus is the very real evidence of things not yet seen. Why? Because Christ has risen from the dead and in doing so has prepared the way for all believers to enter Heaven and enjoy eternal life in Him. Even though we do not see Heaven in this earthly life we are in fact citizens now if we are in Christ   Phil. 3:20-21

True Christianity is different than other religions. All other world religions ask you to perform works, rituals, or meet man made requirements and rules to achieve a reward. At the end of your life you may, or may not, go to “heaven” as the supreme deity decides your fate according to how you performed during your earthly existence. 

These religious systems offer no guarantee or hope of being loved by the specified deity or obtaining eternal life after death. So Faith in false religions produce hopelessness.

But With Christianity our salvation is settled at the beginning, not the end. Faith in Christ places us in a permanent, loving, righteous relationship with God. There is no question what will happen to us when we die. 

We are not bound by guilt, ritual, fear and disillusionment. At death Heaven is our eternal home and no power on earth can stop us from entering into the presence and security of Christ. 

When we are saved we place our faith in the lordship and power of Jesus. “We walk by faith, not by sight” II Cor.5:7  

 Christ and our relationship to Him determines our priorities. Faith in Jesus removes our sin and shifts our allegiance from worldly ambitions and relationships to Christ alone. Our faith in God will change our worldview. 

Charles Spurgeon once said, “When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust His heart.” Sometimes we do not see God working in our lives. We can feel isolated, fearful, and anxious. This is when walking by faith is crucial. Jesus is mighty to save and He is our solid, unshakable object of faith. 

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 the word for sin is Hamartia (ham-ar-tee’-ah) meaning an offense, or missing the mark.  an archer shooting an arrow that misses it’s target

the truth is we are all sinners. Not just people who do bad things. The reality is we ARE sin. It is in our very nature as humans because we are all part of Adam’s bloodline.

When Adam disobeyed God, Adam and the world were plunged into sin...as Ezekial 18:20 says, “The soul who sins shall die.”

Genesis chapter 3 and let’s see in context what God says about the origin of sin. 

V1. Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 

 Adam the first man, in Hebrew the word a-dam can mean a dustling, red man, “The blood man”- Adam, a real person, not a mythical figure, he is the first man representing all of mankind, which is called the Federal Headship of Adam theologically. Through him the curse of death and sin corrupted all of God’s creation that in its original state was perfect. 

Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

 God told Adam if “you eat thereof you will die”, the day Adam disobeyed the Lord in the Garden he died spiritually and then 900 years later he died physically. He died spiritually having no desire for God, alienated from God. And now that is the condition of the whole world, you and I, and why God would have to judge us then and now. 

But Jesus came to reconcile the world to God, to be the Bridge over that canyon of sin and death for fallen man to be made holy and righteous once again through His blood. The reconciliation is Jesus’ life. (Col. 1:20)

 This means the worst person on the planet can be saved because God has His arms outstretched saying “You can come to me” whoever you are, you can come to God – A Holy God that must judge us can now reach down and save us because of the cross of Jesus Christ. IF you will come to Him. Jesus has done it all - repent of your sin and believe and Follow Him. That’s why it’s called the Gospel, "Good News!"

Humanity can only be made alive in Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that God reconciles the world to Himself. How? By placing our faith and trust in Him as Lord and Savior, thus securing the forgiveness of all our sin, now being made righteous before God, and having eternal life. We are born again and made a new creation in Christ. Faith in the only One who has fulfilled the Law perfectly.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 LifeWay researchers found suicide impacts the local church greatly but few resources are available for those struggling-  poll revealed 76% of churchgoers believe leaders should address this issue more fully and offer better help to those struggling emotionally and with mental illness. 

Sadly, many Christians know of someone who has killed themselves within their family, work, or church circles.  

Suicide is a monstrous beast that seems to devour all aspects of the survivor’s lives. But Jesus is bigger than sorrow. Jesus is greater than death. He will make a path to healing and life for the Christian bereaved. Will life ever be the same? No, but it can still hold meaning and produce fruit. 

God understands why the deceased took their life and He is also aware of what it will take to bring hope to those left behind to deal with the tragedy, pain and grief. When the bereaved eventually come out of the grieving process they will find that God went with them and before them every step of the way.  

It is important for the Christian bereaved to live in community with the Lord and His people, the church. The Apostle Paul writes: 

 “Blessed be our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

  We know that suicides and suicidal ideation are a reality facing the American church. we must be prepared to meet this challenge. The enemy would have us throw up our hands in defeat and turn it over to limited secular solutions but we are the ones who actually have the answer to human hopelessness. 

As we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can provide resources for our communities to express deep pain, shame and guilt and despair. Trained Lay counselors and MH Coaches within a local church is a first step. 

Suicide does not have to tear relationships apart for the Christian bereaved. Families can pull together and their relationships can become stronger because they are holding on to one another within an environment of understanding and patience. Genuine community is a tremendous weapon against isolation, fear, shame and despair. 

Ultimately we must look to the Lord who is the Rock of our salvation, the Strong Tower and Fortress. He will get us home. If that loved one that took their life was in Christ, we will see them again. Nothing can separate us from the love of God once we are in Him. 

 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) 

That scriptural truth means that even I, cannot be against me. Trusting the Lord patiently and running to His Word is vital as we climb toward the light after such a profound loss. God knows our every need and He is faithful to meet those needs in His time and abiding love. 

If you would like to go through the Youth Mental Health Coach certification training with your church or school staff please contact Darryl at darrylriden@gmail.com or through cpmlife.org. We would be happy to bring this training to your organization.  Let us know how we can assist. 

 FEEDSPOT: Top 20 podcasts for 2025 in Youth Culture Category: CPM Sessions

https://podcast.feedspot.com/youth_culture_podcasts/

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

When the Bible declares that Jesus is the only way to heaven, because He alone is God- some church leaders and pastors deny this truth because they are deceived and would rather please people than preach the full counsel of the Word of God. 

  start with Colossians 1:14-19

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell. (NKJV)

The importance of this scripture is profound when viewing Jesus as God. This specific scripture passage under attack by cults and higher critics because it speaks directly to the deity of Jesus Christ, his sufficiency as the Atoning Lamb of God, and as the Creator of all things. 

The Bible study method I suggest using is the Authorial-Intention Approach. 

This interpretational approach uses exegesis (which allows the text to speak, while pulling out it’s meaning in context with surrounding scripture) this will not allow eisegesis (which puts in the readersinterpretation of scripture out of context and making it say something God never intended) eisegesis always distorts the Bible. 

When the reader inserts their bias with eisegesis it leads to the interpretation approach of the cultist and higher critic who subvert the text and thus control the meaning.

But by using the authorial-intention approach we understand that the reader does not create or control the meaning placed by the author. Holy Spirit inspiration and infallibility is what gives the Holy Bible it’s authority throughout history. Not a man’s or ministry board's aberrant or hostile interpretation.

 by reading Colossians 1 in context, is that Jesus Christ is God, not just “a god” somehow less than the Father. He is fully God. This confirms the orthodox Christian view of Christ and our Trinitarian view of the Godhead.

Theologian and pastor Charles Spurgeon on this specific verse “There can be no mistake, as to the Person concerning whom Paul is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; it is Jesus of Nazareth, the incarnate Son of God, who was crucified on Calvary; for, writing concerning the same Person in the 14th verse, the apostle says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

 Eph. 1   19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20. which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21. far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23. which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

1. Prayer: take your fears to the Lord and believe that He will bring hope and peace (Phil. 4:6-8)
2. Resolve personal conflict if it is in your power to do so (Psalm 34:14) (Romans 12:18)
3. Confront Spiritual strongholds and renounce them: (James 4:7-8) (1 Peter 5:6-9) 
4. State the problem clearly
5. Separate Fact from Fiction or assumptions
6. Determine what your responsibility is for your life and what is in your control- see also where you have no control and must release these areas to God.
7. List everything you control related to the core issue
8. Accomplish all on your list and commit to being responsible
9. Set short term goals to help you meet these responsibilities and have trusted people to hold you accountable if necessary.
10. Cast these cares on Jesus Christ and realize as a Christian He owns your life and even the smallest problem is of great concern to Him. Let His Word speak directly to your issue and trust the leading of the Holy Spirit to bring direction, hope and peace. (Isaiah 26:3) (Romans 15:13) (Col. 3:15) (Romans 8:6)
11. Keep an eternal mindset when facing earthly, temporary issues (Phil. 4:9) (2 Peter 3:9-15) 

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25

 Our ultimate Hope is Jesus Christ, His cross, resurrection and Life- The Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, will lead you to deliverance, holiness, strength, and a sound mind- Trust Jesus with everything!

 Matthew 11:28-30   2 Timothy 1:7      Romans 5:8         Romans 8:28

Ephesians 1:7-8       Isaiah 41:10          1 John 4:4            Luke 2:10

John 14:27           Philippians 4:13                1 John 4:18           Proverbs 1:1-7

1 Corinthians 3:11           2 Corinthians 1:3-4              2 Corinthians 4:7-10

2 Corinthians 5:17-21                 Galatians 2:20             Galatians 6:7-9 

Ephesians 3:13-21

Ephesians 4:26-27            John 10:10               John 3:16-17              James 4:14

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 Average family in the USA lives on 76,000 per year. Many make 45,000 The poverty level for a 4 person family in the USA is 25,000 

For comparison, the average family in India earns $2,300 ( exchange rate in US dollars) Afghanistan 360 per year, Philippines 3900. Pakistan 1500, Nigeria 2000 Mexico 10,000 -our ministry works with orphanages and ministries in these places and we know what they struggle with to put food on the table

American couples making 100,000  say they can no longer live on that amount

all that matters is our family, our friends, the lives we touch and hopefully make better, and our faith in Christ that brings us eternal life and peace. 

Solomon wasted so much of his wealth on earthly pursuits, madness and folly, at the end of his life he repented and acknowledged everything was vanity except to worship and follow the Lord. Read Eccl. ch. 12

Jean Paul Getty died in 1976 wealthiest man in the world then- he divorced 5 times and had 4 other women - he said at the end of his life, “I would have given all my money away for one good marriage and peace of mind.”
 This from a 20th century Solomon who had everything, but missed the best things-

Benjamin Franklin said: “discontentment makes rich men poor, while contentment makes poor men rich.”

  Solomon told his son’s -Proverbs 23: 4-5
Do not overwork to be rich;
 Because of your own understanding, cease!
 Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
 For riches certainly make themselves wings;
 They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

 we need to ask ourselves: Am I trying to please people or please God?

 In this day of  social media cult of comparison you better have some restraint and turn to Jesus with a heart of gratefulness because comparison is the thief of joy.

 1 Timothy 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 what is a tithe? means a 10th, isn’t that an OT law, not for NT believers?

The quick answer is the tithe was given as an example of dedication to the Lord long before Israel was a nation. Abraham in Gen 14 gave a tithe

 it is a Biblical principle- see it in light of 2 Corinthians 9:7 that says: Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
we are to give from our increase and the amount is not the issue-the attitude of our heart is

  Malachi 3:10  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

The same concept is found in the current goddess movement which came out of the radical side of the early women’s movement- by the 1970’s this faction embraced the occult through wicca and witchcraft--- called the female collective consciousness.

This homo noeticus vision of man evolving into god like beings, reaching the omega point of evolution, is a central theme of new age proponents- foe example, the tv show Heroes was all about promoting this concept, where various young people discover they have super human abilities- new enlightened super heroes can save the world when they accept their new found gifts and abilities.

 NAM promotes that All religions and religious teachings lead to the same goal. All are equally of merit- except historical biblical Christianity. They draw from numerous different sources as long as it is agreeable to their world view.

They say the ancient wisdom of Babylon, Egypt and Greece, not the Bible, is the basis of all truth. No one religion has the truth. One learns by experience, and then he receives a special gnosis (knowledge) leading him on his own path.

In the new age worldview Sin and evil do not exist. Peace and love are the ultimate realities. Man is not sinful but is a potential god since his true essence is divine and perfect. (this is opposed to true Bible teaching- read Roman chapter 1 and Romans chapter 7 for insight into the sin issue.

There are universal beliefs among New Ager's that are held in common. The Hindu concept of reincarnation which teaches that after death souls comes back in another body to continue their spiritual lessons of evolvement back to the source which is God. New Ager's consistently misrepresent church history, they argue without any verifiable proof that the early church suppressed the teaching of reincarnation and censored its teaching at the council of Nicea. Doctrines of Christianity are often distorted using Scripture out of context to support their occult ideas (by finding separate words or phrases to make it say what they would like it too)

New Age says to go inside your “self,” this is where all knowledge is found. If this were true then one would not have to read any books or learn from any educator, they would just go inside themselves and learn it all. We could dispense with all our education and teach people meditation and other occult techniques to learn everything we need to know. 

This belief of godhood for humanity has infiltrated every world religion and cult including some neo -pentecostal Christian denominations formed in the past 90 years that have turned away from Biblical accountability and authority- this idea in its basic form is trying to combine liberal Christianity and Hinduism knowingly or unknowingly.

Many of the occult practices and beliefs revived by the modern NAM were a part of very early pagan cultures such as witchcraft, sorcery, spiritism (contacting spirits from other worlds), divination, astrology (clairvoyance; seeing the future), necromancy (consulting the dead) mediums (channeling spirits) all of these and more are clearly and strongly condemned in Scripture (Deut. 18: 9-17; Lev.19, Isaiah 47: 9-15

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This postmodern theological deconstructionism was based largely on the works of the German philosopher Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) he was a Nazi party member who taught existentialism and what it really meant “to be.” The hippy movement of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s was all about this idea of re-defining human meaning and what it meant to exist beyond the so called establishment’s view of reality. “We are anti- establishment”  in the US that simply meant that they were against traditional Christianity morals and Western capitalism.

Heidegger said the Nazi movement was the physical representation of his philosophy. He claimed you must question all philosophies and religions, deconstruct them and find your own reality as he saw Hitler do.  For example, Hitler re-interpreted scripture and declared he was the Christ and would reign for 1,000 years. He was deeply involved in the occult and Babylonian mysticim.
Heidegger was, and is a key figure in the Emergent Church  (whether these false teachers realize it or not). People like Rob Bell. Doug Pagitt, and Brian McClaren to name a few. 

This is part of the earlier social experiment called Transformational Marxism that came out of a Hegelian Dialectic mindset- and in turn was picked up by the New age leaders that eventually influenced today’s mainstream and emergent church pastors. 

They encouraged doctrinal compromise to bring peace between liberals and conservatives within the Christian church. And now we see many western churches going as far as denying key historical doctrines in the name of preserving denominational and community unity.

The mantra of “let’s agree to disagree” came into fashion as leaders pushed the agenda to overlook biblical teaching for the sake of maintaining relationships above truth. Be Willing to compromise and then achieve consensus to resolve conflict. Combining Christian leaders with New Age change agents to embrace worldly philosophies in hopes of corrupting the true Gospel and affecting, in their words “social and global Change.” 

In John 15: 18 Jesus says, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. 

  verse 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

  The deconstruction of Biblical doctrine in the past 100 years has destroyed the foundation of former Gospel preaching denominations.

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(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

1. Take God and prayer out of the public school system.

2.Reduce parental control and influence over children.

3.Destroy the traditional Christian family structure.

4.Promote a free sex society and provide easy and legal abortions.

5.Make divorce easy legally, free people from the mindset that marriage is for life. 

6.Make homosexuality an accepted alternative lifestyle. (For reference she proposed this in the 1940’s when sodomy was illegal in all 50 states until 2003.) 

7. Debase all forms of art, make it embrace insanity, horror and perversion.

8.Use all media outlets to promote and change the public’s mindset.

9.Create an interfaith movement with all religions joining together for social change.

10. encourage and direct governments around the world to make all these things above law, while getting the church to endorse these changes as well.

For example: Their strategy to influence and direct the educational system was called Global 2000. That was the 40 year dream Bailey and her crew held out. It is obvious today in the year 2024 these 10 points have all been embraced in the West. They accomplished their Aquarian new age goals in our American society. Much of what is called “Being Woke” or “Wokeness” is simply this plan coming to fruition within society.

2 Cor. 6: 14-17 says 14.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? ...(this is a name for satan) ….or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel (an unbeliever). 16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17. Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, 18. And will be a Father unto you, And ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

excerpt from-Kay Wheeler, a new age author...she says, “Mother Earth is cleansing…it is all she knows how to do at this time to clear herself of the pollution that exists in her body. But you as lightbearers can help her not destroy everyone.” 

In the new age worldview, The pollution mother earth needs to clean out is Bible believers, born again Christians, the true church... the standard of the Word of God in all societies needs to be eradicated..because they view that Godly standard as intolerant, archaic, judgmental and mean spirited….get rid of it, do away with the preaching of Jesus and the holy standard of His Word... then, they believe, humanity is free to be their own gods with NO moral, sexual or spiritual boundaries.

 In 1 Timothy 4: Paul warns  Timothy that in the last days false teachers will leave the true faith and point people to a false gospel.
V1.  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…”

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Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

There is no single human founder of this system----although many claim it is Teilhard De Chardin who was an apostate French (Jeshuit) Catholic priest and Darwinist---He was born in 1881 and died in 1955….He taught that man is evolving spiritually to a race of supermen, that we would all become like Christ until we finally reach the ultimate goal, the omega point, becoming gods. The Omega Point theory and title has been used in movies and books since the 1970’s….the idea that universal unification will happen in a moment of universal cosmic enlightenment...and we will know we are gods.

He wrote in his book Christianity and Evolution p. 240.  “A 'religion of the future' (definable as a 'religion of evolution') cannot fail to appear before long: a new mysticism, the germ of which (as it happens when anything is born) must be recognizable somewhere in our environment here and now.”  

*Chardin was instrumental in bringing the theory of evolution into acceptance in the theological framework of the Roman Catholic Church as he developed an evolutionary model for man evolving into gods.

The New Age Movement is both a religious and a social movement. Western culture has currently experienced a spiritual and sociological shift; it is a religious world-view that is hostile to Christianity but has the ability to synthesize mystical religions and world religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Spiritism. It is the theosophy that has been practiced and hoped for by occultists for centuries. The only religion that cannot be mixed into its unity is orthodox Christianity.

DE CHARDIN also stated P. 130  “A general convergence of religions upon a universal Christ who fundamentally satisfies them all: that seems to me the only possible conversion of the world, and the only form in which a religion of the future can be conceived.” 

So he, along with other new age leaders now and in the past, believe that the Universal Christ consciousness – all religions becoming one, is the only hope for mankind- this movement has influenced countless churches- I call them New Christianity churches, and they come in all shapes, sizes and denominations that embrace new age philosophy and rituals. 

-Biblically we see theNew Age Church system heading to a one world religion prophesied in the Bible- this one world church will be led by the False Prophet for the purpose of global worship of the Antichrist…Read Revelation chapter 13 through chapter 20 for context.

CPMLIFE.Org

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 Part 2: Hinduism and Buddhism 

Hinduism 1.35 billion worldwide / USA 2.5 million followers

They follow various religious writings that were mainly orally transmitted generationally. Some, like the Vedas date back to 1500 BC to 900 BC.

Hindus worship approx. 330 million gods. 

Out of Vedic teachings the Caste System of Hinduism was instituted.  4 classes among people rooted in the dharmashastra 

Brahmins: The priestly class that perform the religious rites and are middle men between gods and men. According to Manu, the law maker, a Brahmin is a reincarnation of dharma (meaning sacred tradition). He is the highest being on earth and entitled to all things.

Kshatriyas: the warrior class who are commanded by tradition to protect the people and bestow gifts on the priestly class. They are allowed to study the Vedas and dispense justice.

Vaishyas: They are the merchant and peasant class. They can study the Vedas, offer sacrifices, trade, lend money but cannot marry women in the upper classes.

Shudras: the labor class who exist only to serve the upper classes. They are not to observe vedic rituals or even listen to the ritual chants. They are not allowed to eat in the presence of the upper class or marry upper caste women. The lowest of the Shudras, called Dalits, “the untouchables.” seen as impure and sub-human, having no rights within the society

The caste system is a spiritually constructed social system. The upper caste comprise  15% of the population but dominate the religious, political and business arenas.

 Hindus and Buddhist believe the individual identity is the source of all pain. Escape to Moksha or “self-realization” comes when the soul realizes the appearance of reality is an illusion.  through altered states of consciousness using Yoga, the enlightened one realizes they are identical to the Universal Soul, or Brahman. 

Then instructed in the path of knowledge  by spirit guides. They then may become One with the Universe

 Buddhism: 400 million worldwide-1.2 million USA- 

It is basically an atheistic branch of Hinduism- no Karma, etc ---btw karma is only bad results/ there is no such thing as good karma in the Hindu belief system. Good karma is a recent new age idea out of the 1960’s to the present---

This is the branch of Hinduism started by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century in China. He became the Buddha, the “enlightened one, or the awakened one.” 

later, Zen Buddhism was developed in Japan and seeks to discover the true self through meditation- and embracing existentialism...”being in the moment”.

the point of Zen is you realize that you are the One….and all the universe is connected –you are connected to everything living and non living. the ALL.

Gautama was so discouraged as a Hindu by asceticism, by the Wheel of Reincarnation and the Karma concept, that he began teaching his followers that there was no reincarnation, just the survival of consciousness, and that the universe is connected. 

His teaching is called “the middle way.” They believe you can manipulate objects around you with your mind if you empty yourself and become enlightened because everything in the universe is connected.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

1But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4.traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

v. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, andprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

He goes on and says….Preach the Word!

 Col. 2:6-8 “….beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, not according to Christ.”

_____________________________________
 Romans chapter 1 :18-25 : the root of where all false religions and antichrist belief systems originate.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen

 So we see that false religion begins in the rebellious heart of man. We would rather worship a created thing, rather than the Creator. Maybe a fallen angelic being, like Satan and demons, or a supposed enlightened man or woman  it may be the sun, moon, the stars, a tree or animal any idol, planet earth or you worship yourself

 “ In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, all things were created by Him     John 1:1 

Jesus Christ is God almighty- He is the Creator-worldly religions worship the creation, not the Creator. 

John 1:14   “ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”

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(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

British Methodist preacher and revivalist Samuel Chadwick- he was born in 1860- died in 1932.. once said

 “The church that multiplies committees and neglects prayer may be fussy, noisy, enterprising, but labors in vain and spends its strength for naught. It is possible to excel in mechanics and fail in dynamics. There is an abundance of machinery, what is wanting is power.” 

The modern USA church is weak because we hinder the Holy Spirit and have become dull, going through the motions, no longer able to stand and be salt and light to the world. 

so How do we begin the work of revival locally? We are talking about this issue of grieving the Holy Spirit---we Must take our mind and body to the Lord and confess our sins: that means you say the same thing God says about your specific sins. Deal with it- grow in Maturity and walk in the Spirit.

We are no longer servants to sin—sin’s power is broken by the blood of Jesus.

Satan comes as a thief to kill. Steal and destroy, Jesus says I have come to bring life abundantly. So regarding the sin issues of our lives, we need the remedy and that is understanding The grace of God restores: what is grace?  It is receiving something we do not deserve- namely our salvation from certain eternal death because of our sin. Grace is also the desire and ability to do the will of God. 

To grow in grace we must go to the Bible which reveals the true grace shed on us by the Lord. It is the power of the Word of God, Jesus is the Logos, You cannot grow and mature spiritually without the discipline of Bible study and Prayer.

As believers we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account. And there will be no where to hide for me or for you.

 2 cor. 5:9-10    Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

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Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

So What grieves the Holy Spirit?  All sin grieves the Lord- 

We like our laundry list of sins and categorize them.....lying is not as bad as sexual sin, and that’s not as bad as murder----you know the drill...but all sin is sin—God is Holy and He cannot be in the presence of it. 

 In this Ephesians passage we see specific sins that break the heart of God. In context chapter 4…. first speaks to the unity of all believers baptized in the Holy Spirit (it is clear that all believers are baptized in One body, one spirit.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in [c]you all.

 In this same passage in chapter 4 we see Paul lay out the issue, calling out specific sins that grieve the Holy Spirit--- let’s read these in Eph. 4:25-32--

 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Not only are there sins of commission, but we see in James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Our main struggle in this world is found in 1 John 2:15-17. 

“Do not love the world or the things in the world- if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is of the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world- and the world is passing away and the lust of it- but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

So we see there are 3 things that are always coming against humans in our sin nature...lust of flesh..lust of the eyes and pride of life.

This is not a salvation issue—-it is a sanctification issue.

 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins- in which you once walked according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” Eph. 2:2 

Eph 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

We do not lose our salvation but we lose our fellowship with Jesus. We lose the intimacy with our Father, now estranged, so to speak- but we are still His child. Our rebellion can bring far reaching consequences. 

We must repent and allow God to restore us.

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

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Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Greek: Baptizo (bap-tid’-zo) immerse, to submerge, to baptize

now let’s take a look at the 3 Governmental systems in place historically to bring more clarity to the baptism ordinance we will get back to in a minute…

...in no certain order, let’s start with

1. Episcopal: Episcapolis/Latin meaning Bishop—this is an Overseer model- one main head/ example, the Pope of the Roman Catholic church and the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Anglican church of England.. (they uphold Sacerdotalism: Priesthood as mediators between men and God.../ confessions/ Latin Liturgy.) 
2. Presbytery: Council elected as a ruling body---such as board of Elders, assigned pastorates.
3. Congregational-Baptist: autonomous structure with democratic congregational representation, congregation led with pastors, deacons, elders, being chosen by the congregation.

 the other ordinance (also called sacraments) of the church, the Lord’s Supper / also called communion. Here are the 4 main views...

Communion:

Transubstantiation: the elements actually become the body and blood of Christ. Roman Catholics hold to this view.

Consubstantiation: holds that the substance of the body and blood of Christ are present alongside the substance of the bread and wine, which remain physically bread and wine....Lutheran, Episcopal 

Spiritual Meal: there is a mystical presence and experience of Christ during communion. Methodist, Presbyterian, some pentecostal groups

Memorial Service- simply a symbolic memorial of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Most baptists, congregationalists, and non denominational groups have this view /and also of note, many will use grape juice instead of wine during the Lord’s Supper.

Our modern denominations take aspects from these categories and build their theology around these concepts, thus forming their individual structural formation. Numerous Non Denominational churches are all over the map with how they combine these governmental and ordinance structures today.

We see clearly in the book of Acts this process: 

The Gospel is proclaimed, The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin, people repent of sin, by faith they receive Jesus Christ, forgiveness and salvation are given by God, and the redeemed person follows up with a public baptism. 

Historically when a person receives Christ he or she follows the conversion event with water baptism. This is not a part of the regenerative salvation experience. It is not required for salvation (example: the thief on the cross).

Baptism: 3 views

1. Salvific- you must be baptized to have salvation.
2. Grace impartation- this is a mystical view that speaks to a supernatural grace impartation at baptism/sprinkling. 
3. Symbolic: water baptism is a symbolic public declaration of a Christian’s desire to follow Jesus Christ and that they have been raised to new life in Him.

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Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance [a]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been [b]grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not [c]seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1.(v. 3) Inheritance: Greek, teteremenen meaning reserved, it means the inheritance was made possible by Jesus Christ in the past ---and is now kept by Him until the time of delivery in the future.

(v.4) It is Incorruptible: never to decay ---- it is Undefiled: it is perfect and will never fade away. Being reserved in Heaven for you.

2. (V.5) We are Kept by God. This is a military term translated as “kept.” Phrouroumenous, meaning to mount a guard as a sentinel keeping watch which is in the present participle meaning we are guarded now while we, in faith, await our liberation from earthly death to the heavenly Kingdom. 

3. Salvation (v.5)  Soteria (rescue, safety, deliverance): is the same as Rom. 8:23, Rom. 13:11, speaking about the body being saved from corruption eternally. 

4. (there are biblically 3 tenses of salvation)

a. We are saved from the penalty of sin which is death and Hell/ eternal separation from God. The Second death.

b. We are being saved through the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit that indwells us, conforming us to be more like Jesus as we mature as Christians.

c. We will be saved from the very presence of sin when we are glorified with Christ in Heaven revealing the completion of our salvation: “Glorification of the Believer.”

Jesus will accomplish our salvation. He will complete it! Not us…Our salvation is a living hope fixed on Christ.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

God is pleased with me because He is pleased with His Son. 

Phil 1:6 : “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I cannot lose God because He cannot lose Me. 

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. " Gal. 2:20

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Fear is an issue everyone deals with, Christian or not... Through the years as a youth minister and pastoral counselor I have worked with many young people overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. 

Fear is mentioned in the Bible at least 500 times and we are instructed often to fear notbecause of the protection and power of the Holy Spirit that indwells us.….

Jesus said in John 6: 33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you  will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

*Injustice is at the core of the anger/ rage: also Betrayal unresolved- the offender does not take responsibility/ you carry the wound/ spend much time and energy seeking imagined or real revenge or justice. “I have been ripped off!”
*Unrealistic expectations occupy your thinking.
*Resentment ensues because of real trauma or perceived hurt.
*Bitterness takes root (now a spiritual issue)
*Disconnection: God and people – numbness
*Acting out: addictions – eventually leads to despair.

Let’s close today with this 10 step action to help with anxiety struggles:

1. Prayer: take your fears to the Lord and believe that He will bring hope and peace- set your faith on the sure foundation of Jesus, the Rock of your salvation. Make prayer a daily event- driving to work, taking a walk in the evening...just talk to the Lord.

2. Resolve personal conflict if it is in your power to do so, seek forgiveness if you wronged someone- etc. (Psalm 34:14) ”turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”

3.Confront Spiritual strongholds and renounce them:

(1 Peter 5:6-9) “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time- casting all your care upon him for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour...whom resist steadfast in the faith..”

4. State the problem clearly- what is the threat that builds tension in me...this is important to clarify when things seem so unfocused.

5. Separate Fact from Fiction or assumptions (true and false exercise) writing things down helps organize the mind.

6. Determine what your responsibility is for your life and what is in your control- see also where you have no control and must release these areas to God.

7. Then List everything you do control related to the core issue to carry those things out.

8. Accomplish all on your list and commit to being responsible.

9. Set short term goals to help you meet these responsibilities; have trusted people hold you accountable if necessary. connection is vital for healing. This is where support groups or small groups at your church come in. You do not have to be alone.

10. Cast these cares on Jesus Christ and realize as a Christian He owns your life and even the smallest problem is of great concern to Him. Read the Bible daily.

(Col. 3:15)  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

*All music written and performed by Darryl, Taylor and Caiti Riden (c) 2022

ChristPowered Ministries  www.cpmlife.org

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

Jude:16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are [i]sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 We see in our day a flood of apostasy washing over the church landscape, worldwide-- certainly in our nation it is evident. We need to wake up and see what is really happening in our local churches and how it affects young people and their worldview. 

 5 primary doctrines of the Christian Faith: These core doctrines have been upheld by the historical Christian Church throughout the world for 2000 years in defining the accepted, foundational beliefs that identify the true follower of Jesus Christ.

1. The Virgin Birth/Deity of Jesus Christ.

2. Sacrificial blood atonement of Christ on the cross.

3. The bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

4. The Holy Bible is the authoritative Word of God.

5. The Second coming of Christ.

Biblical theology matters because it brings a Christ centered worldview to the followers of Jesus.
How you think forms your world view: it will set forth parameters of how you deal with the 4 main questions of humanity: 

1. Origin: where did life come from ?

2. Morality: is there right and wrong?

3. Meaning: is there any rea;l purpose for me in this life-

4. Destiny: is there life after death?

Everyone has a worldview...how they see the world and act out in it. 

In an age of experiential religious pursuits, theology can be seen as a hindrance to “feeling” where God is leading the Church. Experience is never to be the foundation for theology, but rather sound theology should be the foundation for our experience. 

Young people today are so distracted by Social media...so damaging...no wonder depression and anxiety disorders are at epidemic levels...This cult of comparison.

Without biblical discipleship we will see this mass spiritual and mental immaturity and damage continue and wreck another generation. 

C.S. Lewis said, “If you do not listen to theology, that will not mean you have no ideas of God, but it will mean you will have a lot of wrong ones.” 

It is vital that Christians understand why we believe what we say we believe in. 

In my three decades of student ministry I have seen methods and philosophies of ministry towards youth outreach and discipleship shift and change drastically. The most troubling shift has been the current lack of doctrinal instruction. 

This doctrinal vacuum along with the intense attacks against Christianity and the authority of the Bible have crippled many of our American churches and the confidence of today’s young believers. 

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries

We have a new generation of young American church members (around the ages of 18 to 34) leaving the local church in record numbers. Many of these young people who grew up in the local church are no longer attending after they graduate from high school, or by their 2nd year of college--- you may be one of them..If so, welcome...I’m glad you’re here...

There are approx. 430K churches in the US- most pastors in these churches across the country do not have to read current polls to see that there is a mass exodus of young people from all denominations....all church leaders have to do is look out into their sanctuary on any given Sunday-- They know how difficult it is to find 20 and 30 something’s in church on any consistent basis.

Now about this term branding these young adults, “De-converts:” I would challenge this particular term. It may sound good on paper and serves the narrative of the secular humanist crowd, but its bad theology.
“De-conversion” assumes you can be“un-saved.” Nothing is further from scriptural truth. 

2 main questions we will look at in this session:
1. What kind of life does Jesus Christ give to those who follow Him?
2. Can I lose my salvation?

Scripture focus: Matthew 13: 1-23      The Parable of the Sower
The main thrust of Jesus’ teaching in the Parable of the Sower is that there are 4 kinds of people who hear the Gospel…theGood News! (The Gospel being the proclamation of the death (blood atonement), burial and (bodily) resurrection of Jesus Christ who has conquered death and sin, and as the Son of God and Savior brings eternal life to all who believe in Him.)

 if you don’t get this Scripture passage you will not understand what is happening with this so called de-convert issue in our generation.

The first hearer will hear the Gospel but because of satanic opposition and hardness of the human heart will not receive the Truth and stay in their sin, denying Christ. 

The second hearer will receive the truth (but not receive Jesus by faith), be super excited about Kingdom things for a while and then when tough times come they fall away and go back into their worldly desires, ambitions, goals, fears, still lost in their sin even though for a time they “walked and talked” like a believer, but eventually deny Christ. 

The third hearer will actually receive Christ as Savior but because they are overwhelmed with the things of life they will not produce much fruit for the Kingdom of God. They are saved, they do not deny Christ, but they are marginalized. 

The fourth hearer is one who is saved, walks with Christ daily, and even under pressure they will have seasons of fruitfulness and grow into a mature, faithful Christian.

Now back to those who are “leaving” the faith today and joining the ranks of the “De-converted.” It is absurd for these people to call themselves former Christians. They are simply the second hearers of the Word. The issue is denial vs. doubt.
 
*All music  content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden and Caiti Riden (c) 2022

Christ Powered Ministries, missions association  www.cpmlife.org

All music content written and performed by  Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden 

(c) 2026

Contact info: cpmlife.org   Christ Powered Ministries