Encounter Life

My Redeemer Lives

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the Christian doctrine of redemption. He defines redemption through three lenses: exchange (paying a price), convertibility (worthlessness converted to value), and most importantly, relational restoration (being ransomed and reclaimed). He explains that on Calvary, Jesus paid the full ransom for humanity's sin, conquering death and reconciling believers with God the Father. This act transforms spiritual darkness into light and restores the lost relationship.

Check out this song link:

Gold City Redeemed

 

Cheerful Generosity

In this episode, Pastor Kurt challenges the typical use of the phrase, "God loves a cheerful giver," arguing that God's love is unconditional and doesn't depend on how happily we give. He explains that the Apostle Paul's true point in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is about a deep-seated generosity that flows from a heart's decision to serve others. This giving unlocks "surpassing grace," enabling believers to be abundantly blessed so they can "abound in every good work" and increase Kingdom righteousness.

Check out this link mentioned:

Until Then (LIVE) | Joseph Larson

The Thirst Initiative in El Salvador (Feat. Dr. Steve Hall)

In this episode, Pastor Kurt interviews Dr. Steve Hall. Dr. Steve is the Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He led this team in El Salvador. And Dr. Steve is the executive director of Thirst Initiative. The Thirst Initiative is working to "help communities break the cycle of generational poverty by taking a holistic, relational, and long-term approach, and it all starts with access to clean water".

Check out these links:

https://www.ctgfoundation.org/

Thirst Initiative Video

Marriage Beyond 50 Years (Feat. Joni Richey)

In this episode, we get to Celebrate 51 years of marriage with Kurt Richey and his wife, Joni, on this special episode of Encounter Life, "Marriage Beyond 50 Years." The couple shares their hard-earned wisdom, including their top three pieces of advice for a successful, long-term marriage, such as the power of commitment with "no exit" and the wealth of a compounding "relationship fortune."

Your Yes to God is Greater Than Your No to the Devil (Feat. Dale Clayton) Part 2

Christian Apologetics for the Common Man Series Part 2

In this episode Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale discussing the transformative power of saying "yes" to God. The discussion contrasts the Christian and secular worldviews, exploring how Christians should handle conflict and debate. Pastor Dale emphasizes that a commitment to saying "yes" to the Lord is a powerful life mission that is much greater than merely saying "no to sin," but it is a "yes" that comes with consequences and may lead to difficulties or suffering, especially in some parts of the world. They conclude that a commitment to God carries a real cost, but historically, the advance of the Gospel is often accelerated following moments of persecution.

Your Yes to God is Greater Than Your No to the Devil (Feat. Dale Clayton) Part 1

Christian Apologetics for the Common Man Series

In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale, discuss the powerful theological premise: "Your yes to God is more powerful than your no to sin." The conversation explores how a focus on a single, positive "yes" to God can be more transformative than a life dedicated to saying "no" to sin, examining the tension between grace and holiness, and how this dynamic shapes both personal faith and church theology.

Revival - Encounter Life

Encounter Life Series | Episode 14

In this episode, Pastor Kurt argues that revival is a sovereign work of God, not something humans can orchestrate. He uses a "chocolate omelette" analogy to explain how churches often mistake their own man-made efforts for true spiritual change. The episode concludes with a prayer for genuine revival, emphasizing that Jesus will build His church, and nothing can stop Him.

Lord, Do Whatever It Takes - Encounter Life

Encounter Life Series | Episode 13

In this episode, Pastor Kurt addresses the heartache of believers who worry about their unsaved loved ones. He offers a three-step prayer strategy to help listeners find renewed hope and trust in God.

1. Pray for softened hearts and open minds. Ask God to remove spiritual blindness so your loved one can understand and receive the Gospel.

2. Pray for a credible witness. Trust God to send the right person, a trusted friend or even a stranger, to share the Gospel at the perfect time.

3. Pray, "Lord, do whatever it takes." This is the hardest step—surrendering your loved one to God and trusting that He will use any circumstances necessary to bring them to a "Damascus Road" moment and full surrender.