Sitting in the pews every Sunday, I looked the part of a devout Christian, but my weekdays told a different story. It was only after facing this uncomfortable truth that I began to turn sermons into action and truly embody the teachings of Christ. Our latest episode is a heartfelt call to examine the authenticity of our faith—a journey from being mere hearers of the Word to becoming its diligent doers. Reflecting on James 1:22, we discuss the immense gap between passive listening and transformative action, and how stepping out of self-deception can lead to a richer, more grounded spiritual life.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing and avoiding the 'big dumb mistake' of simply listening to the word of God without applying it in one's life.
• Understanding how growing up in church doesn't necessarily equate to living a Christian lifestyle.
• The spiritual and practical dangers of self-deception in the life of a believer.
• The importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, as instructed in James 1:19.
• Encouragement for Christians to avoid favoritism and to exercise control over their speech as elements of authentic faith.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Join us as we explore the transformative journey of faithfulness in God's righteousness, where commitment and growth intertwine in our spiritual lives. In this discussion, I share my thoughts on what it truly means to evolve in our personal and spiritual endeavors. We often hear people say they've been spared for a purpose after a near-death experience, yet do they really change? I take you through this profound question and relate it to the scriptural passage 2 Corinthians 5:21, contemplating the idea of 'becoming' the righteousness of God. It's not just about being labeled as righteous but growing into it, much like acquiring practical knowledge in a new job after being hired.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding righteousness through faithfulness and becoming what God intends for us is pivotal in a Christian's life.
• The concept of "imputed righteousness" is bestowed upon believers at the moment of faith, but 'becoming' faithful in practice is an ongoing journey.
• In times of turmoil, Steve Gray urges listeners to focus on three practical things: praise God, trust in Him, and live fearlessly.
• The reassuring message that God is close to us and His readiness to help in difficult times provides comfort and resolve.
• Living a faithful life is not just about "doing" but also about "becoming"—embodying the attributes that reflect God's righteousness.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Have you ever felt a twinge in your spirit when something just didn't sit right during a sermon? Or observed the lavish lifestyles of certain preachers and wondered, "Where's the line between God's blessings and exploitation?" In a journey to the heart of these pressing issues, we wade into the murky waters of religious manipulation and the quest for authenticity in our latest episode. I recount my encounter with a pivotal scripture in Acts 16:16, reflecting on a sermon by Pastor JD that unraveled the critical concept of 'right message, wrong spirit.' With raw honesty, I dissect the story of the slave girl with a spirit of divination, drawing parallels to the digital age, where true intentions often hide behind a veil of virtuous messages.

Key Takeaways:

• It's important to discern if a message, despite being theologically correct, is delivered with the wrong spirit.
• Religious systems often use manipulation instead of propaganda to influence believers.
• While manipulation and propaganda are prevalent in secular and religious contexts, Christians are called to be moved by the Spirit.
• Steve Gray admits manipulation does occur in churches, especially during offerings, but stresses following the Spirit in giving.
• Listeners are encouraged to discern and not be swayed by others' material success or criticisms of such; instead, focus on being moved by the Holy Spirit.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Facing life's turbulence head-on, I found that an unwavering faith was my anchor. Join me as we explore the intimate link between a robust faith and a life brimming with purpose, even as the world around us turns with uncertainty. In today's episode, we delve into the teachings of Jesus, promising an abundant life, and uncover how we can overcome the challenges that confront us. Drawing inspiration from both historical and contemporary global tensions, I discuss the pivotal role of Christians and the church in navigating through crises with prayer and transformative lifestyle shifts. Through heartfelt paternal guidance, I aim to arm you with resilience and divine wisdom, preparing you for any storm, be it conflict or economic strife.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite the troubles and challenges in the world, believers are called to see Jesus and trust in His authority over all things.
• The church is meant to be a gathering of like-minded individuals who have experienced the power and holiness of God.
• Faith in Jesus gives believers an advantage and favor in navigating through difficult times and experiencing the fullness of life.
• The ultimate goal is not just to survive but to thrive as humans, living life to the fullest measure.
• By focusing on Jesus and embracing their identity as children of God, believers can find hope, peace, and transformation in the midst of trouble.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Join us as Pastor JD King helps unravel the tangled threads of the rapture theory that have captured the imagination of many. Listen in as we reflect on the recent solar eclipse and its failure to usher in apocalyptic events, challenging the flurry of doomsday predictions that swarmed the internet. We trace the rapture's origins back to the 1830s, debunking the myth of its ancient heritage, and I confess my journey from once teaching this doctrine to now questioning its legitimacy. Our conversation navigates through the potential biases hidden within the original rapture theory, while scrutinizing biblical passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, often misinterpreted by enthusiasts. We advocate for an open-minded exploration of eschatology, rooted in scripture, evidence, and historical context.

Key Takeaways:

• The teaching of the rapture is a relatively recent development, originating in the 19th century with figures like John Nelson Darby.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, often cited as evidence for the rapture, is actually a passage about resurrection, assuring believers that both the living and the dead will be united with the Lord.
• Matthew 24:40-41, which mentions one person being taken and another left behind, is misunderstood as referring to the rapture. In its context, it actually signifies the survival and blessing of those who remain.
• The phrase "I go to prepare a place for you" in John 14:2 is often misinterpreted as a reference to going to heaven. However, it actually speaks of Jesus making a way for believers to have a close connection with the Father, not a physical location in heaven.
• The imagery of a conquering king returning to his city with a triumphant entry helps to understand the language used in passages about the second coming of Christ. It emphasizes the reception and celebration of the king's victory, rather than a literal ascent to heaven.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Resources by J.D. King >> https://www,cristospublishing.com/collections/all

Unlock the secrets to a life of both spiritual and material abundance as we navigate through the parable of the rich fool, challenging the deeply entrenched beliefs that equate material wealth with spiritual bankruptcy. This episode is an invitation to embrace a richer understanding of prosperity, one that harmonizes the quest for financial stability with a heart 'rich towards God.'

Key Takeaways:

• The gospel of prosperity is often misunderstood and wrongly criticized. God desires to prosper His followers in all areas of life, including finances.
• The parable of the rich fool teaches us the importance of being "double rich" – rich in both material wealth and in God. It is not wrong to desire riches, but it is crucial to use them to bless others and advance the Kingdom of God.
• Poverty does not make a person more spiritual, and being rich does not make a person less spiritual. The key is to be rich towards God and to align one's resources with His purposes.
• Taking life easy and indulging in self-centered pleasures is not the path to fulfillment. True fulfillment comes from being rich in God and using one's resources to make a positive impact in the world.
• The pursuit of riches should not be driven by a desire to take life easy, but rather by a desire to multiply one's impact and serve God and others more effectively.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Could everything you know about the Christian message be just the tip of the iceberg? Imagine peeling back layers of long-held beliefs to reveal a fresh, invigorating perspective on what Jesus truly meant by the good news. That's exactly the journey we're embarking on in our latest More Faith, More Life podcast. Grappling with this spiritual enigma, we navigate through the varied interpretations that could, believe it or not, be steering us away from the core of Jesus's teachings. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your faith ignited as we scrutinize what the good news is—and what it decidedly is not.

Key Takeaways:

• The traditional understanding of the good news as a means to secure a place in heaven after death has limited the true power and scope of the Gospel.
• The good news is not just about self-preservation or escaping hell, but it is about the power of restoration and the new creation that Jesus initiated through his resurrection.
• The power of the resurrection is not limited to the future, but it can be experienced in the present moment, bringing transformation and restoration to every area of life.
• Believing in Jesus means not only acknowledging his existence but also accepting the truth of everything he said about himself and everything the Bible says about him.
• The ultimate goal of the good news is the complete restoration of humanity and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products

Have you ever stopped to consider the real intentions behind spiritual teachings, and whether they align with the core truths of Christianity? This episode of More Faith, More Life challenges us to apply the biblical instruction of 'testing the spirits' to our modern religious landscape. We delve into 1 John chapter 4 to confront the essential truth that discerning the nature of Jesus Christ is about examining the doctrines of people, not just supernatural entities. By revisiting historical debates and the significance of Jesus being both fully human and divine, we set the stage to rethink our theology and its profound impact on our relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

• John encourages believers to test the spirits and discern whether they come from God by examining the teachings and representations of Jesus to ensure they align with the biblical truth.
• The spirit of Antichrist is not limited to a specific person but refers to a theology or teaching that opposes or distorts the true nature of Jesus. It seeks to enthroned humanity instead of Christ and diminishes His divinity.
• To experience the power and freedom of God, it is crucial to give Jesus the highest position in our lives. He is both fully human and fully God, and acknowledging and serving Him as such is essential for true transformation.
• Steve cautions against a form of religion that focuses solely on soothing individuals' hurts and needs without leading to genuine change. It is important to move beyond psychological comfort and embrace the transformative power of the Gospel.
• The mark of the beast, often associated with the Antichrist, symbolizes the enthronement of humanity instead of Christ. It represents a self-centered approach to life that opposes the lordship of Jesus.

Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

About the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

More resources by Steve Gray >> https://www.stevegrayministries.com/category/all-products