Shows
Better News PodcastEven If - Behold, The Waymaker and Warrior, Part 2The old prayer, “Lord, give me patience and give it now” has more truth than we would like to admit. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, learning to trust God requires a great deal of patience and waiting. We’re learning in Habakkuk that God is squarely in charge. Another word for that is sovereign. Pastor Ricky reminds us that as we acknowledge that, it requires us to let go of forcing our own path and agendas in order to see progress the way we prefer it. Trust in God always pays off.2025-06-1026 minBetter News PodcastEven If - When the World Seem Unjust, Part 2God has your best interest in mind. God's plan is for His glory and for your good. As Pastor Ricky teaches us today, God is about wholeness and restoration. The application from our scripture lesson is timely and relevant. Pastor Ricky reminds us that we might be confused with all of the bad things going on, and it seems to continue, and many seem to get away with it, so we're tempted to wonder, where is the justice? Habakkuk shows us that God is in charge. He hasn't lost control. He's not overwhelmed. He is big enough for what...2025-06-0626 minBetter News PodcastEven If - When the World Seem Unjust, Part 1God's ways are higher than our ways. How many times have we found that to be true? As Pastor Ricky teaches us today, God uses unlikely people even an unfaithful country to bring about His plan. What can really be confusing is when justice doesn't seem to come fast enough. Pastor Ricky reminds us that even though we might feel that God isn't bringing about justice swiftly enough, or harsh enough, His ways are still higher and better than ours. We’ll understand better one day but for now, we just have to trust Him.2025-06-0526 minBetter News PodcastEven If - Living When You Don't Understand, Part 1Have you ever thought about just how powerful faith is? Not just faith as a description of being religious but the deepest meaning of faith, trust and hope. As Pastor Ricky teaches us today, faith in Jesus brings salvation, receiving that gift, it's an amazing thing. Pastor Ricky reminds us that living a life in the power of the cross is crucial. Faith doesn't just end when you start your journey with Christ. You continue living, serving, and flourishing, in and through faith every single day.2025-06-0326 minBetter News PodcastAntioch - Message 3, Part 2Do you ever need a little extra motivation to go through something difficult? Even if it's just a reward at the end of a workout, or reaching a milestone towards a goal, a positive anticipation is good. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, the assurance that the Word of God increased and multiplied, was given before a difficult season as we’ll hear in our text. Pastor Ricky reminds us that through it all, the Lord reigns and is doing a great work to keep us and His message until Christ comes again.2025-06-0226 minBetter News PodcastAntioch - Message 3, Part 1Aren't you glad that someone found a way to share the message of God's love in a language and way that you can understand? As Pastor Ricky teaches today, the good news spread to Antioch in a way that they could understand and that understanding came from a place of honesty, relatability, and realness. Pastor Ricky reminds us that we have fallen short. We’ve blown it big time and are all in the same need of forgiveness. That universal need carries us to the throne of grace. Christ is the answer for all of us.2025-05-3026 minBetter News PodcastAntioch - Message 2, Part 2Often in the English language, we have words with multiple meanings. The word “church” is one of those words. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you’ll learn that we casually refer to the meeting place, the building, its committees, systems and programs as church. Others define church by what we do at worship service but Pastor Ricky reminds us that the church of Jesus Christ is so much more than just a building or a weekly gathering. It's a living organism, universal, and alive with unity following our Lord.2025-05-2926 minBetter News PodcastAntioch - Message 2, Part 1You aren't alone. Hopefully, you've heard that as a Christ-follower but do you really believe it? As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you learn that we're a part of a larger family of God. Unity, therefore, is so important to the mission at hand. Pastor Ricky reminds us that living in unity and understanding that we were never meant to do life on our own, not only gives us hope and reassurance to make it through another day, it can also make our impact on the world powerful.2025-05-2826 minBetter News PodcastAntioch - Message 1, Part 2Jesus came to earth and went from here to there, crisscrossing the land, bringing good news. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you’ll learn that Jesus has become our example. We're commanded to spread the Gospel, to go as Christ went. So often we like to program our lives and churches in such a way that we might feel good but aren’t really making disciples in all of the earth. Pastor Ricky reminds us that “go and tell” is a non-optional part of what it means to be God's church.2025-05-2726 minBetter News PodcastAntioch - Message 1, Part 1“Pick and choose” is the spirit of the age it seems. We love charting our own course. It’s common today to live a life of a la carte faith, where only the attractive parts of faith are lived out. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you'll learn how the commands of God, the plans that He has for you, aren’t “pick and choose”. To be the church of God in the world today, we can’t erase the true call that God has for us. Pastor Ricky reminds us that “go and tell others” is not optional.2025-05-2626 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - A Life Well Lived, Part 2Have you ever thought about what you would leave behind if you were to pass away today? For some, it might be a fortune. For others, it could be their family. However, Pastor Ricky invites you to reflect more deeply on that question. When you leave this world, what is the one thing that you can take with you? It's your salvation. Therefore, when you consider what you're leaving on this earth, remember that the most meaningful legacy you can leave isn't your possessions but the impact that you made during your life while walking with God.2025-05-2326 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - A Life Well Lived, Part 1What happens to us after we leave this world? Well, some believe that we simply cease to exist, while others think that we're reincarnated. However, the majority of people believe in an afterlife, a place of rest beyond this world, and they’re right. Heaven is real. Unfortunately, due to sin, everyone is on a path that leads away from it. But that's why Jesus paid the price for our sins. He gives us the choice to live eternally with Him or away from Him. Today, Pastor Ricky encourages you to pick Jesus.2025-05-2226 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Holding the Pen, Part 2Isn't it amazing to know that we serve a God who could take even the darkest circumstances and turn them into blessings? In today's message, Pastor Ricky emphasizes that the God of Creation and the King of Kings holds absolute control over every aspect of our lives. Because He's in command, you can confidently rely on His promises to protect you and to lead you towards prosperity. Even when this world throws every storm towards you, you can trust in God that He'll deliver you through it.2025-05-2126 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Holding the Pen, Part 1All of us encounter unexpected challenges in life. And in these moments that are beyond our control, it's crucial to remember that they're never beyond God's power. In today's message, Pastor Ricky reminds us that nothing in our lives occurs by mere coincidence. Everything falls within the divine purpose of God. Even when we struggle to understand His plan, we can hold tight to the faith that God would never allow us to face harm. His promise to prosper us remains steadfast no matter the circumstance.2025-05-2026 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Ready to Throw Down, Part 2Have you ever been on a road trip and found yourself lost in an unfamiliar city without a map or a guide? That journey can quickly become overwhelming. In the same way, many people are wandering through life unaware that they're on a spiritual journey. In today's message, Pastor Ricky urges you to recognize that you were never meant to navigate this journey alone. You were designed to walk alongside God. He created you out of love, desiring a deep connection with you. So, the question is, will you take that step and walk with Him?2025-05-1926 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Ready to Throw Down, Part 1Life is a journey filled with shifting seasons, moments of peace and times of trial, calm waters and raging storms, periods of rest and intense labor. No matter where you find yourself right now, Pastor Ricky wants you to understand that you can wholeheartedly trust in God. He is steadfast and will guide you through every storm and challenge. The key lies in the choice that you make regarding your faith. Will you place it in the fleeting assurances of the world or in the unshakable truth of Jesus Christ?2025-05-1626 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - The Age of Jubilee, Part 3Back in the Old Testament days, getting forgiveness for sins was quite the journey. They needed to make animal sacrifices with the help of priests. Have you ever stopped to think about how God flipped the script, just for you? Today, Pastor Ricky dives into the fascinating topic of the New Covenant. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, to be sacrificed on the cross just for you. When you acknowledge Jesus, it opens the door for you to ask God for forgiveness directly. Can you believe how much He loves you?2025-05-1526 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - The Age of Jubilee, Part 2Isn't it a bit silly to count the moments that we choose to forgive others? It's pretty wild to think about how often God would need to forgive our sins, isn't it? God's abundant grace and mercy are always wrapping around our lives like a warm hug. Just like God has wiped the slate clean for you time and again, why not extend that same grace to those around you? In today's message, Pastor Ricky shares a heartfelt reminder of the power of embracing a forgiving attitude toward those around you. He'll always be by your side, guiding you...2025-05-1426 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - The Age of Jubilee, Part 1As you dive into the stories of the Israelites in the Bible, you'll notice that God was always there for them, meeting their needs and showering them with love and guidance, even when they strayed from the path time and again. Have you ever wondered if God is still the same and that He's always there to answer your prayers just when you need them most? Well, today, Pastor Ricky tells you about the overflowing grace and love of God. He'll always be by your side, guiding you along the way, even if you mess up.2025-05-1326 minBetter News PodcastShall Reign - The Kind of Prayer God Always Answers, Part 2It's inevitable that sometimes, despite our best intentions, we can't always stick to the promises that we've made to others. Your focus on your own needs will always prioritize your interests over those of others. But have you ever thought about who always sticks to their promises? In today's message, Pastor Ricky shares some insights on the covenants that God has made. He's got a unique plan just for you, and you can bet that He'll definitely keep the promises that He's made along the way.2025-05-1226 minBetter News PodcastShall Reign - The Kind of Prayer God Always Answers, Part 1It's easy to believe that when you mess up with your spouse or your family, it's not going to really matter since it's not a sin against God. But let's dive into that thought a bit more. Have you ever thought about how the wrong you did to them is actually a wrong against God? After all, He's the one who brought your spouse into your life. Today, Pastor Ricky shares a heartfelt message encouraging you to turn to God with genuine repentance. Remember, there's always a chance to turn things around and find forgiveness through Jesus.2025-05-0926 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - When You Just Don't Understand, Part 2Sometimes a soldier finds themselves injured in the chaos of war. He'll need a little time to heal up, but soon enough he'll be ready to take on the enemy again. The journey of a Christian can be quite like that of a soldier, filled with challenges and battles to face. In today's message, Pastor Ricky encourages you to reconnect with the purpose that God has set for you. It'll help you feel better and provide the relaxation you need, but hey, it's time to jump back in and give it your all in serving Him.2025-05-0826 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - When You Just Don't Understand, Part 1Opening up to someone about your feelings can often feel like a real challenge, but holding on to those feelings can lead to anxiety and depression that creep into your life. So, what choices do you have? Well, today, Pastor Ricky pushes you to open up and share your sorrows with God. He gets what you’re going through. He's the only one who knows just how to lift your spirits when you're feeling down and to help you find your way back up. So, feel free to share anything and everything with your Creator.2025-05-0726 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Destroy All Monsters, Part 2If you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you have a profound hope that this world lacks. Like a beautiful violin solo floating over a tired and frustrated crowd, Jesus gives us peace. As Pastor Ricky illustrates in today's message, this is what sets us apart as believers. This world is headed towards destruction, with many people unaware of what's happening. Depression and anxiety are pervasive. Jesus alone offers hope, and it's our calling to share that with the world around us.2025-05-0626 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Destroy All Monsters, Part 1Conspiracy theories abound in our world. Corrupt governments and leaders have fostered an environment of distrust and paranoia. Some of those ideas are really far out there. The thing is, as Pastor Ricky clarifies in today's message, the truth is even more far out there than some of the wildest theories. Scripture tells us that there are dark spiritual forces that roam the world. Unseen creatures and beings that should make us shudder, and they're behind the chaos and the unrest that we see all around us. 2025-05-0526 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Watched, Watched, Weighed and Paid, Part 2Most of us don't want to be mean. As Christians, that should never be our intention. We should never take pleasure in pointing out the sins of others, and we need to be full of grace when we do. But, as Pastor Ricky clarifies in today's message, to ignore sin and pretend like it doesn't have any consequences at all, is the meanest thing that we could do. People need to know that God is a just and holy God, and living in sin and rejecting Him as Lord has eternal consequences.2025-05-0226 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Watched, Watched, Weighed and Paid, Part 1God sees everything you do, He hears everything you say, and He observes your heart on the deepest level. Apart from Jesus, that's a scary thought. If you take an honest look at yourself, you know the injustice that lives in your heart. As Pastor Ricky warns us in today's message, the frightening words that God wrote on the wall as Belshazzar and his nobles celebrated their national success serve as a warning for all of us. God is just and all-knowing, and the success of the wicked will come to an end.2025-05-0126 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Pride Comes Before Madness, Part 3It can be easy to live in your little world and not think of what other people think or say. Today, Pastor Ricky says we have hope because God was merciful to King Nebuchadnezzar, even though he was prideful. God is trying to show you something new within your own life. He wants to work through your heart and use you to show others just how great He is. You must run to Jesus daily. He alone will humble you and bring you to a place of dependence on Him. Allow God to work through you today.2025-04-3026 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Pride Comes Before Madness, Part 2Everyone has a little bit of pride hidden somewhere. Therefore, we must check every day to ensure that we're living for God's glory. Today, Pastor Ricky says no matter what, pride always makes its way out of our hearts and into our external lives. Is there something in your life that you're secretly prideful about? Maybe it's a tendency to look for compliments consistently, or maybe it's a project you're working on that’s for your glory and not for God. Give up your pride to the Lord and allow Him to work through your arrogance.2025-04-2926 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Pride Comes Before Madness, Part 1There is a God who is above all earthly authority. Today, Pastor Ricky says King Nebuchadnezzar had to face the reality that heaven ruled, and he didn't. You see, even when you can't see it, there's a God who's working all things out for His glory. Heaven rules. Now that's a hard concept for us to grasp sometimes, but one that is necessary for growth in Christ. When you recognize there's someone greater than you who has everything under control, it'll give you confidence as you go through your day-to-day life. 2025-04-2826 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - When You're Afraid to Look, Part 2If you turn towards secular sources, things begin to look upside-down and inside-out when you compare them to what God has to say. Today, Pastor Ricky teaches that what God says is wise; the world calls foolish. According to the world, when somebody cuts you off during rush hour, you're supposed to honk and scream. According to God, you're supposed to smile and go about your day. Now, who are you going to trust? Are you going to trust the one made up of fallen people, or are you going to trust God?2025-04-2526 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - When You're Afraid to Look, Part 1What lies at the bottom of the ocean? Well, we know a little bit about what's at the bottom - Angler fish, the Titanic, fallen satellites, but so much of it is still a mystery. In today's message, Pastor Ricky teaches that life's mysteries can make you scratch your head, but God knows the who, what, when, and where. Maybe the bottom of the sea really does have sea dragons, or maybe it's nothing but sand. Nevertheless, trust in God because He knows the answer to every mystery.2025-04-2426 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Uneasy the Head that Wears the Crown, Part 2How do you usually respond when you get told your project deadline is moved a week closer? What about when a family member ostracizes you for your faith? How about when your car battery dies after you just bought a bunch of cold groceries? Well, today Pastor Ricky teaches that you can respond with bitterness and anger, or you could respond with prayer and worship. Do your actions reflect your prayer life in the way that Daniel’s did? When the world is against you, do you choose to worship God?2025-04-2326 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Uneasy the Head that Wears the Crown, Part 3It seems like just yesterday the world was still out of control. In fact, the world has been out of control for the last week, month, year, millennium, and back until just after the first flower bloom. You can look at the news and try to make sense of it all, but just like Pastor Ricky, it will probably just raise your heart rate instead. Today, try something different. Instead of turning towards the chaos, try turning towards the peacemaker who makes sense of it all. Today, turn towards Jesus Christ. 2025-04-2326 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Uneasy the Head that Wears the Crown, Part 1The world as we know it is not the world it was designed to be in Genesis. Back then, God created a garden of peace and beauty. Today's world is engineered to bring stress, anxiety, and depression. In today's message, Pastor Ricky teaches that there's no magic pill. There’s nothing you can buy, watch, or do to make your uneasiness go away. Your only hope for peace is to turn to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Only Jesus and His work on the cross can give you peace that is going to last forever.2025-04-2126 min
(915) TALKThe Meaning of Easter: Pastor Ricky AlcantarThis Easter, we welcomed Pastor Ricky Alcantar, Lead Pastor of Cross of Grace Church in El Paso, to share the profound meaning of Easter. Tune in to hear his heartfelt insights on faith, hope, and the transformative power of the gospel. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation that celebrates the true essence of Easter! Share with friends and family, and let’s spread the good news together.
2025-04-1858 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Welcome to Babylon High, Part 2For people without the ability to see, they place their trust in many things to guide their day-to-day activities. They trust their cane to feel objects. They trust their ears for direction. They trust their touch to know when the glass is full. Today, Pastor Ricky challenges you to consider what you've placed your trust in. As you're walking through this crazy life, unable to see what the next step brings, will you trust the Lord of creation to guide each and every step? Will you trust that God will protect and provide?2025-04-1826 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - Welcome to Babylon High, Part 1In the business world, tech companies are faced with a major decision in the life of their products. Do they take an incremental approach to innovation, or a disruptive one? Disruptive innovation has its moments, but for many, incremental is the way to go. Today, Pastor Ricky teaches that each decision you make can either bring you closer to God or further from Him. If you want to innovate your spiritual life, allow every decision you make to develop you into a product that models Christ.2025-04-1726 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - God in the Waste Land, Part 3The Cross of Calvary, the most important, powerful, compelling and talked about story of all time. In today's message, Pastor Ricky teaches that this historical event, foretold by prophets like Daniel and Isaiah, would shake the earth for generations to come. Your whole life has been shaped by the events that happened between Jesus, the Romans, and the Jews outside of Jerusalem, whether you realize it or not. As you tune into the Word of God today, reflect on the power of the Cross and what Jesus did for you.2025-04-1726 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - God in the Waste Land, Part 2There's a phenomenon called “brain rot” that we've all experienced. It's the hyper fixation of something, usually online content, that is meaningless and not beneficial in any way. It grips our attention and causes our brains to rot away instead of doing something productive. Today, Pastor Ricky teaches that your walk with Christ ought to be apparent in all aspects of life. Have you experienced spiritual “brain rot” by placing the trivial things above Christ, or do you allow Him to be productive in your life?2025-04-1526 minBetter News PodcastAnd He Shall Reign - God in the Waste Land, Part 1Have you ever watched a movie and noticed how the director and cinematographers would focus on some seemingly random and meaningless detail, only to reveal the vast importance of that detail later in the plot? Well, in today's message, Pastor Ricky teaches that many details in your life might seem pointless, but God is going to use them as a part of your unique story. He works all things together for good, even when you don't notice. You only see the current scene, but God knows the whole plot. 2025-04-1426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Cross as the Dividing Line, Part 2We try, at all costs, to avoid the things that break our hearts. It's in our nature to run away from sorrow. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us just how amazing Jesus truly is. Not only did He not run away from being beaten and crucified but He pursued it His entire life. It wasn't something that He was looking forward to per se but He knew that it was necessary. So well a story about a man being falsely convicted and suffering for it breaks our hearts, we can also see that it was essential to our salvation and...2025-04-1126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Cross as the Dividing Line, Part 1Have you ever been truly forsaken? Sometimes we feel alone or unloved but feeling it and it being true are two different things. When you know love and lose it can shatter you. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us that that was exactly what Jesus went through by being crucified. His entire life, He knew the love of His father intimately but when the time came for Him to die, it required Jesus to take all of our sin that caused God so much wrath and take it on Himself. He knew the wrath of God so that you might...2025-04-1026 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - This Can't Be the Right Road, Can It? Part 3We often let society's narrative translate our actions in order to feel better about them. We think about sin as this big thing when in reality we all sin every day. Pastor Ricky reminds us today how important it is to not downplay our sin because it is a big deal and it's only when we recognize the weight of our sin that we can truly appreciate the weight of what Christ carried on our behalf. We have to see our sin through God's perspective in order to understand what He did for us and to be truly thankful.2025-04-0926 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - This Can't Be the Right Road, Can It? Part 2We don't always choose the wisest options in life. In fact, we often choose the option that we know isn't wise just because we're curious or because we don't think through the consequences. Pastor Ricky reminds us that even though Pilate tried to sway the crowd into releasing Jesus instead of a murderer, it was to no avail. They would rather see a dangerous man walk amongst them than an innocent one who threatened their way of life. And check your pride, because you would have done the same.2025-04-0826 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - This Can't Be the Right Road, Can It? Part 1We all know what it's like to mess up but we still think of ourselves as the protagonist. We may be self-critical but at the end of the day, we're still selfishly inclined. What Pastor Ricky is going to remind us of today, is to have a little perspective. If you'd lived in Jesus' day, you would have been shouting along with the rest of the crowd to crucify Him. Don't think that you would have been brave enough to stand up and defend Him. We're all responsible for His crucifixion, not just the people who were there.2025-04-0726 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - On Christ the Solid Rock, Part 2We don't always respond the way we should. When someone comes at us with harsh words, we feel the need to not only defend ourselves but often to strike back. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us of our Savior who endured everything for our sake and through it all, He never responded in sin. Not once did He speak biting words for the sake of hurting somebody. Instead, He responded only in calm silence and honesty. Don't doubt your Savior because He's proven His faithfulness to us a hundredfold.2025-04-0426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - On Christ the Solid Rock, Part 1There are people out there who don't mind going against the crowd but not everyone is comfortable with it. It can be a scary thing to speak out against so many voices. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us that going against the flow is essential to the Christian life. There are going to be times when you feel all alone in your principles. Remember that even the apostles couldn't always stand the pressure. But know that there are a sea of people that are clinging to the same rock as you, the solid rock of Christ.2025-04-0326 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - What is Jesus Worth to You, Part 2What would you do in order to save your most valued possession? We don't always realize what we hold most dear until we realize that we're terrified to give it up. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us just how valuable Jesus is to us, even if we don't realize it. We owe Him everything. If the thought of giving Him up doesn't terrify you, then you don't fully understand all that He's done for you. Without Him, there is no hope, no love, no peace. We need to check our hearts and be sure that we value Christ above all...2025-04-0226 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - What is Jesus Worth to You, Part 1Sometimes things are only valuable to certain people. We get sentimental and attached to objects because they're worth something to us, even if they don't mean anything to anyone else. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us that now and then, our values become skewed. We see a much smaller scope compared to God and our values aren't as selective as they should be. If you’re to see God for who He is, you’d realize that everything you have to give doesn't even begin to compare to all that He's given to you.2025-04-0126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Jesus Will Return, Part 2Many of us, knowing a deadline, wait until the last moment to do the important work that's necessary before the deadline. Jesus knew this about humanity and so clearly stated that we won't know the day or hour that He's coming. But as Pastor Ricky teaches us today, we do know that Jesus could come back at any time. Jesus encourages every believer to live like it could be at any moment. So don't waste your life in comfort or apathy. Live with an urgency to share the gospel with as many people as you can, while you can. 2025-03-3126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Jesus Will Return, Part 1That day. Jesus talks on His way to the cross of “that day”. The day when He returns to gather believers together. Today Pastor Ricky will encourage you to remember that when you're torn and battered as a believer in Christ in this world, you have a cherished hope. Don't despair and feel powerless in the world around you. Jesus, the almighty King, will come in great power and glory on “that day” to gather His church and to rescue all those who believe in Him forever. God's story doesn't end here in the evil chaos. It ends with Him reig...2025-03-2826 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Clinging to Christ at the End of the World, Part 2In the days that we're living in now, Jesus said that there would be difficult days and terrible circumstances that we must go through as believers in Him. Fear, anxiety, anger, they’re going to try and rise and fill your mind and heart. But as Pastor Ricky teaches today, God uses these hard times for a good purpose. God will use you as a witness, to share His goodness as you trust Him in difficulties. In all things, let the opposition turn into opportunities for the gospel witness. Let your faith and relationship to Christ shine through so th...2025-03-2726 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Clinging to Christ at the End of the World, Part 1The things that have been going on in our world in recent years are definitely troubling - wars, death, division, sickness, and poverty amongst many other evil things. It can seem like God has lost control and we're all doomed. But as Pastor Ricky teaches us today, Jesus said that these things would happen as His return draws nearer in order to prepare believers so that we wouldn’t fear. We’re in what He calls the “last days”. It's important in these turbulent last days to hold on tight to Him and confidently believe that God is still in contr2025-03-2626 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - What Are You Waiting For, Part 1The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day were experts of scripture. They should have always been on the lookout and the first to see and recognize Jesus was the Messiah. Yet as Pastor Ricky teaches us today, they didn't recognize, and they certainly didn't acknowledge Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. Sadly, most of us today are much like the scribes. We know about Jesus but so often we want to hold onto and build our own kingdom and power. Are you willing to surrender your life to God, in order that you might be saved?2025-03-2526 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - What Are You Waiting For, Part 1What if what you're hoping for from God isn't too big but is in fact too small? The religious leaders of the time were simply looking for a descendant of David to come and subdue their Roman oppressors. But as Pastor Ricky will teach us today, God had a much bigger and more spectacular plan than that. Human plans were far too narrow for the Messiah who is to come. God's plan was for the rescue and redemption of mankind from the enemy of sin and death. God’s plans are bigger and better than anything that you can im...2025-03-2426 min
(915) TALKStorytelling Matters: Pastor Ricky AlcantarRicky Alcantar is the pastor of Cross of Grace Church in El Paso and is featured on the program Better News Radio on KELP. In this episode of (915) TALK, Ricky discusses the importance of storytelling... and then cautions us about some of its dangers.
2025-03-2158 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Kingdom Around Us, The Kingdom Above Us, Part 2The way things are nowadays, it can be easy to despair about politicians and leaders in control of our country. Yet as Pastor Ricky will explain today, God will ultimately hold leaders accountable for the choices they make. God is the ultimate authority and is in control of all things, and He's worthy of our trust and faith. And when you do trust God in all things, you experience a greater sense of peace and rest in the difficult seasons. So don’t allow fear and despair to overtake you, rest in God. He's in control.2025-03-2126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Kingdom Around Us, The Kingdom Above Us, Part 1The political culture of today is divisive and full of conflict. Just about every earthly leader is full of pride and contempt and no one seems to want to obey authority anymore. But as Pastor Ricky teaches us today, all leaders, all circumstances, and all authority on earth is under the authority of God Almighty. The government isn't your god. God is God. You don't need to fear or idolize authority because ultimately God is in control and is above all things. No one can thwart His plans.2025-03-2026 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Cheering Jesus But Missing the Point, Part 2The crowds that cheered Jesus into Jerusalem wanted a powerful king who would rescue and save them from their Roman oppression. They wanted very specific things from this man that they assumed to be the Messiah. Today Pastor Ricky points out that the people were missing the fact that they had a much deeper need for salvation from sin, hell, and judgment than they did from Rome at the time. Jesus came to His people to give them a better and deeper, truer rescue and salvation than they were hoping for. Have you accepted that rescue yet?2025-03-1926 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Cheering Jesus But Missing the Point, Part 1People today have all sorts of different understandings and viewpoints as to who Jesus was - an old religious teacher, a good man, a prophet, a quack, or to some, a king and savior. The crowd at the gates of Jerusalem shouted “Hosanna!” because they wanted a powerful warrior king who would conquer the world for them. But as Pastor Ricky teaches today, Jesus did wear a crown but it was a crown of thorns. However, Jesus was a truer and better King than they could ever have imagined. Is He the king over your life?2025-03-1826 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Searching for Greatness in All the Wrong Places, Part 2It goes against every human instinct to admit that you can't do it, that you need help, that you're weak or incapable. Our proud hearts really struggle to admit those types of things. Yet as a sinner, you just can't work your way out of the judgment of God on your own. Today Pastor Ricky will explain how Jesus, the King of All, humbled Himself, came to earth to serve you, and give His life as a ransom for yours. You must bow your knee in humility and let Jesus serve you in this way. Let Him save you...2025-03-1726 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Searching for Greatness in All the Wrong Places, Part 1Those considered great in this world are the rich, the super talented, and the famous. They’re envied and admired. But as Pastor Ricky will explain today, society's definition isn't God's definition, nor is the pursuit of that type of greatness what God desires for you. Longing for worldly greatness leads only to ruin and God sees the posture of your heart. He knows if you want to be great in the eyes of the world. Instead, he longs for you to look to Jesus, to humble yourself, and to seek to serve others. That's what will make you gr...2025-03-1426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Design, Divorce, Direction, Part 2God designed marriage between man and woman in order to illustrate and display His love for His people. That's why He created marriages to last forever. But in our world, it doesn't always happen that way. Today Pastor Ricky will challenge you to examine how you view marriage. It requires a huge amount of humility and sacrifice for another and it needs a lot of grace demonstrated towards each other. Will you resolve today to show God's love for His bride, the church, in and through your marriage?2025-03-1326 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Design, Divorce, Direction, Part 1God's design for marriage was to be a beautiful union between a man and a woman, demonstrating the love that God has for His people but mankind has warped and changed the value of marriage so much so that divorce is commonplace today. God never intended marriage to end in divorce. This world is broken by sin and marriage has been greatly affected. Pastor Ricky will explain today that divorce shouldn’t be happily pursued but Jesus did outline how it's permissible in this fallen world, despite His desires for lifelong marriages.2025-03-1226 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Who Is Marriage For, Part 2The concept of marriage is quickly becoming viewed as out of date and restrictive in society today so culture tries to change it, redefine it, or swap out who it's for. But as Pastor Ricky teaches us today, God designed marriage and His design is good. It's radically countercultural. He created marriage to be a complete union between a man and a woman and no matter how much you change up or redefine marriage, you'll never get back to the goodness and blessing of God's design for this union.2025-03-1126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Who Is Marriage For, Part 1There's a lot of debate and some really high emotions around the issue of gender today. Culture shouts that anyone can be anything, any gender or even non-gender, and anything to the contrary isn’t just out of date but downright wrong. But as Pastor Ricky teaches today, God In His glorious wisdom created man and woman as two distinct beings. Men and women are designed to complement and improve each other in beautiful and unique ways. The way that God designed humanity is for our ultimate good and for His own glory.2025-03-1026 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - How to Be Great, Part 2The last time you were with us, Pastor Ricky began dismantling the idea that in order to be great we have to step on and over anyone in our way. We learned that Jesus set the supreme example by serving, not being served. So as you listen today you're going to be challenged to ask yourself, “Am I serving those around me? Am I serving my family? Am I serving my co-workers?”. Those are some difficult questions to answer as the answers themselves can be incriminating but nevertheless, Jesus says that in order to be great you must be the...2025-03-0726 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - How to Be Great, Part 1The American dream is fueled by a dog-eat-dog mentality. You just have to step on the person next to you to get ahead. Make sure that you get that promotion before anyone else. When it's raised like that it doesn't sound very nice but we all know that is true. Today Pastor Ricky flips this completely upside down as he shares with us just how different the kingdom economy actually is. Jesus says that if you want to be great in His kingdom you have to learn to serve, to be below, to be less than.2025-03-0626 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Hope for Insufficient People, Part 2How do you respond when faced with circumstances that seem impossible? Do you immediately begin to question the goodness of God and why He even allowed a struggle in your life to begin with? Well, today Pastor Ricky shares that learning to see your circumstances through the lens of an all-powerful God is key to seeing God move. It begins with believing that you, in and of yourself, are insufficient. You need God to move on your behalf. That kind of faith will move the heart of God.2025-03-0526 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Hope for Insufficient People, Part 1There's a really big difference between wondering whether God can do something and declaring that He can't do something. Today you learn that God has pretty broad shoulders. He can take your doubts. The important distinction is to not allow your doubts to turn into unbelief, where you simply believe that God can’t do something. Pastor Ricky will share that God is so, so sufficient while we are completely insufficient. This helps us to see our great need for God and to depend only on Him.2025-03-0426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Low Road to the High City, Part 2Sadly, pulpits all across America blur the message if you believe in God enough, you'll be healthy and wealthy. You’ll never have a bad day in your life. If you’ve been told this message, you've been told a lie. In fact, Jesus actually promised the exact opposite. He said that you would experience trouble in this life. Today Pastor Ricky brings some clarity to the murky waters of suffering. You’ll learn just because you're suffering doesn't mean that you're outside of God's will or being punished by God.2025-03-0326 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Low Road to the High City, Part 1There's no way around it. The creation reveals the glory of God. It's impossible to pierce through the lens of a telescope and see the vastness of the universe and not be drawn to the idea of a creator. It's impossible to dig your toes into the sand and gaze out into the ocean and not imagine that an intelligent creator made everything that we see. Today Pastor Ricky says that each of us has this longing inside to see God’s hand, we’re wired for it. The wonderful truth you’ll learn today is that Jesus made all of...2025-02-2826 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Who Do You Say Jesus Is, Part 2Stop and think about the last time that you had unexpected guests over. You might have gotten a call on the drive home from work that there's going to be some extra seats needed at the dinner table. You frantically race home and you clean up the house in a whirlwind and now as the friends arrive there are probably some places where you’ve crammed some of the mess that you don't want them to see. Today Pastor Ricky asks, are there places in your life and in your heart that you don't want Jesus to see?2025-02-2626 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Overlooked Gift of Sight, Part 2The core message, the bedrock of the Gospel, is admitting that you have a need. You see, you don't need a savior unless you need saving and you won't need your eyes opened to who God is unless you admit that you're spiritually blind. Pastor Ricky brings a humble message calling each of us to start there. Admit that you need Jesus to give you sight, that right now, you can't see anything clearly. You’ll learn today that when you do that, when you admit your need, Jesus is quick to swoop in and to open your blind ey...2025-02-2426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Overlooked Gift of Sight, Part 1For most of us, our eyesight is something that we take for granted. We wake up every morning, roll over, and look at the time on our alarm clocks as it blares out the call to get up. Then we open up the curtains and in comes the sunshine. Now pause for a moment and imagine waking up and not being able to see anything, just dark. For those listening who are blind or have impaired vision, you know very well what that feels like. Today Pastor Ricky helps us to appreciate more the spiritual clarity of sight that...2025-02-2126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - What Jesus Gives, Part 2It’s easy to forget about all that God has done in our lives. We go to church, we drop a few bucks in the offering plate as it passes us by, and then simply go on about our week. We can get into an unhealthy and unthankful routine. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us through the sacrament of communion just how much God has given to us. Have you ever considered the generosity of God and all that He's given? He gave His son for you and for me.2025-02-2026 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - What Jesus Gives, Part 1You’ve only heard part of the story. Pastor Ricky’s son began experiencing a severe health crisis and God's provision for Ricky and his family was miraculous. Maybe you’re listening today and you're in the same place that Ricky and his family were. You don't know how God is going to pay that bill, or how God is going to move on your behalf. Well, don't go anywhere. In today's message, Pastor Ricky tells us just how good Jesus is and how much Jesus provides.2025-02-1926 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Kind of People Welcomes, Part 2Did you hear that? It is by grace and through faith that everyone, yes even those folks covered in tattoos and those that are maybe a little rough around the edges, even them, everyone is able to approach God by faith in the finished work of Jesus. Today Pastor Ricky continues to challenge the notion that there are categories of people that are unfit for the kingdom. The blood of Jesus simply tears down these foolish walls that we built. Will you allow the Lord to tear down your walls?2025-02-1826 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Kind of People Welcomes, Part 1Othering is a practice we're all guilty of. We’ll look at “those” people and we immediately drop them into a category that we deem appropriate. Today Pastor Ricky tears down the walls of othering by showing us the door that each person walks through to have a relationship with God. It's the same door. There is no “other” door. So the challenge today will be for you to allow the Lord to expose those areas of othering in your own heart then, turn from that way of thinking and walk in the truth of the Gospel.2025-02-1726 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Heart of Darkness & The Hope of Christ, Part 2So much of what we read in the Old Testament points to the limited atonement that the first covenant provided. Animal sacrifice never removed sin, it only covered it. Thankfully, by faith, we can enter into a new and living covenant through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus removes sin, it doesn't just cover it or gloss over it, it completely removes it. Today Pastor Ricky will remind us that we need a new heart that has been cleansed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.2025-02-1426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Heart of Darkness & The Hope of Christ, Part 1Have you ever found yourself saying things like, “Well at least I'm not like so-and-so” or “I've never killed anyone” or maybe “I'm faithful to my spouse.” We use these sorts of comparative phrases to make ourselves feel better, to justify ourselves. Today Pastor Ricky is going to help us see more clearly that from the best to the worst of us, we all need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We all need to be delivered from sin. It doesn't matter how good you think you’ve been, you still need Jesus no matter what.2025-02-1326 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - The Ghost on the Sea, Part 1Maybe you're missing exactly who Jesus is. Maybe you think that He was just a good teacher or an advocate for moral life choices. Well, He definitely was and is both of those things, but He's so much more. Today Pastor Ricky will share a timely message. You see, at the time this message was taught, a storm rolled through El Paso, Texas where Cross of Grace Church is. This message speaks directly to the fact that Jesus can and should be trusted even in the midst of the storms of life.2025-02-1126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Moving on Mission, Part 2Maybe you're one of those people who love the rush of a high-risk adventure. Skydiving and bungee jumping are both things that get your blood pumping. Then, there are those of us who worry about whether our shirt matches our shoes and what other people will think. It could be risky to be out of style. Today Pastor Ricky encourages you to take the risks that seem wise in furthering the gospel, no more and no less.2025-02-1026 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Moving on Mission, Part 1Pastor Ricky shares that he recently joined the worship team and part of joining the team was learning how to play the melody for each song the worship team was leading. Then as he grew as a musician, he started experimenting with playing creatively. This works great for a musician who's capable but for those just starting out, it can quickly derail. Pastor Ricky shares with us today that we are receiving pressure from all sides to depart from the melody of the Gospel and to play a different song. We need to stick with the Gospel.2025-02-0726 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Jesus Movement, Part 2It feels virtually impossible to see unity in this divisive and broken world we live in but unity is possible. So how can you play a part in bringing unity? Today Pastor Ricky encourages you to begin looking past the categories and the stereotypes you might have grown up with. Step away from extreme opinions that have no basis in the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Make the Gospel the most important thing in your life.2025-02-0626 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Jesus Movement, Part 1Sometimes following the Holy Spirit's leading is as simple as crossing the street. We can get into the wrong mindset thinking that ministry is only done by paid professionals, pastors and staff members of our local church. Well, today Pastor Ricky reminds each one of us you, yes you, are called to the ministry. Now it might not look the same as your pastor's ministry but you are called nonetheless. So as you listen today, ask the Lord to speak to you about how He wants to use you right where you are.2025-02-0526 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Fighting the Right Enemy, Part 2Bookstore shelves are lined with books about spiritual warfare. Conference centers are packed full of people who want to learn how to defeat Satan and his minions. But could it be as simple as Pastor Ricky has said? Could it be that all we really need to do is declare the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ? Today Pastor Ricky says yes, it's that simple. If you want to win spiritual warfare and actually see victory, then just start sharing the gospel with those around you. Jesus will set them free.2025-02-0426 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Fighting the Right Enemy, Part 1Hate is a really strong word but we say things like, “I hate mayonnaise on my sandwich” or “I hate it when my team gets beat,” but is that really what hate means? Today Pastor Ricky reveals the dark and sinister nature of real hatred. Real hatred is the utter destruction intended by Satan himself. Satan hates God hates and hates God's people, that means that he'll do anything and everything to draw you away from Jesus. Be on your guard.2025-02-0326 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Theology of a Storm, Part 2When you're smack dab in the middle of a storm of life, it feels impossible to see past the waves and the wind that is howling right before your eyes. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that God is actually with you, right there in the midst of the storm. Pastor Ricky shares today that this is vitally important to remember as you walk through this life. God is with you and if God is with you, you need not be afraid.2025-01-3126 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Theology of a Storm, Part 1Fear reveals what we truly believe about God. You see if you're afraid of something, you're actually believing that that thing is greater than God. That it has power greater than God. Now that might seem a bit harsh but if you take time to unpack your fears, you'll find that it's true. Today Pastor Ricky shares with us a theology of the storms of life. You’ll learn how to navigate the turbulent waters with Jesus at the helm.2025-01-3026 minBetter News PodcastJesus Movement - Unexpected Smallness, Unexpected Triumph, Part 2Last time, Pastor Ricky started talking about the unassuming power of the Kingdom of God. In the world that we live in, it doesn't appear to have any power because evil seems to be reigning. Pastor Ricky will bring a word of comfort today. There's a coming day when all sickness will end. There will be no more death. Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes and we will be with Him forever. This is the glorious kingdom that we wait for.2025-01-2926 min
Ordinary Pastor PodcastS3E3 - SGC Publication And The SGC Pastor's Website, With Ricky AlcantarS3E3 - SGC Publication And The SGC Pastor's Website, With Ricky Alcantar by Sovereign Grace Churches2024-11-0430 min
(915) TALK“Are we going to talk about food for the next 20 minutes?” Pastor Ricky AlcantarHe brought Freddy the Moose to a national stage and then sent him to Canada.
Listen as Pastor Ricky Alcantar admits his preference for green over red, his rekindled passion for writing, how he prepares for sermons, and his love for our Borderland community.
2024-08-1457 min
Kitchen Table Theology117 Bonus Episode: Interview with Ricky AlcantarThree Reasons We Should Sing Sound Theology with Ricky AlcantarOur singing shapes our theology in many ways, and vice versa. In today’s special episode, pastor Jeff welcomes Ricky Alcantar, lead pastor at Cross of Grace Church, to discuss what our hymns tell us about our beliefs; It reveals, shapes, and doxologizes our theology. By understanding this connection, we can have a deeper understanding of our faith. Ricky also discusses that songs should be theologically sound, and they should appeal to us on an emotional level. The scripture is filled with songs, and it’s only appropriate for...2022-08-0725 min/uploads/ePmREJfsSD8n35TJFOt3luOxq67jWit1L1qF8L9V.png)
Center Church | Gilbert SermonsSunday Sermon: Guest Speaker Ricky AlcantarGuest Speaker Ricky Alcantar preaches from Isaiah 42, reminding us that in a world of empty hopes and empty saviors, we look to the Servant King Jesus.2020-03-0100 min