Right Start Radio With Pastor Jim Custer

What does being filled with the Spirit look like? In Psychology class my instructors tried to teach me about "self-actualization." Supposedly it's the state of having reached one's full potential. To "make oneself real" would be a literal definition. That's nonsense, of course, and a pale imitation of what God offers us. We're back in Ephesians 5. We'll drop in around verse 19, as Jim will tell us about four results of being filled with the Spirit. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02142025_1.mp3Scripture References: Ephesians 2 & 4

Christians are in danger of becoming "comfortably numb." The very freedom and assurance we have in Christ can be misused to build a nice hideaway, insulated from the voice of God. When Paul warned the Ephesians about the hazards of living for pleasure, listening to worldly philosophers, and gradually closing their ears to God's instructions, he could hardly have imagined the scene today. Is our "comfortable" life what the Spirit calls, "futile?" Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02132025_1.mp3Scripture References: Ephesians 2 & 4

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...." Whether it's the King James version or a more recent translation, Jesus' meaning is clear: when the Holy Spirit shows up, He brings power! Power to do what? That's the question we'll answer on today's program. We'll find 4 great goals of the Spirit as we study the latter part of Ephesians 5, and into chapter 6. Here's Jim to finish out his sermon, Living Among the Intoxicated, Part 1. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02122025_1.mp3Scripture References: Ephesians 5-6

Dumb, drunk, or discerning - which kind of Christian are you? We talk about someone being "under the influence," but maybe everyone is under some kind of influence. It could be alcohol in one case, and the Holy Spirit in another. Some seem to live in a spiritual stupor, never really aware of what's going on. By the numbers, most American Christians are under the wrong influence. Paul warned the Ephesians not to be dumb, and not to be drunk! Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02112025_1.mp3Scripture References: Ephesians 5-6

The Ten Commandments, or the ninefold fruit? Too many professing Christians are trying to live by the Rules. And the Rules are good! But they can't regenerate us, and grow the life of God in us. We need to stop thinking about rocks (those stone tablets of Sinai), and start seeing ourselves as trees. Last time Jim gave us 4 "steps" into this new orchard. He'll remind us of those today, then he'll show us what this Tree metaphor looks like in practice. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02102025_1.mp3Scripture References: Psalm 1; Galatians 5

We know the desires of the flesh very well. What are the "desires of the spirit?" Flesh and spirit are at war with one another, according to Galatians 5:17. Yesterday Jim got us to thinking about 4 "steps" to a fruitful life. And they start with the idea of knowing that the Holy Spirit within us has an agenda! He's up to something! When we learn what it is, we can cooperate, and allow Him to do His work. Here's Jim to wrap up, Living in the Orchard, Part 1. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02072025_1.mp3Scripture References: Galatians 5:13-6

God does not want you to live the Christian life! For those of you doubting you ears or your radio reception right now, I'll repeat: God doesn't want -you- to live the Christian life! In fact, people trying to "be holy" and produce the fruit of the Spirit from their own resources are a huge problem. To extend the metaphor of trees that we just picked up from Psalm 1, the Father is growing an orchard. Some of the trees in that grove are struggling. And some are fake. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02062025_1.mp3Scripture References: Galatians

We can be a tree, or we can be trash. We all love trees, maybe except in Autumn. They're nice to look at, they give us shade and fruit, and finally, lumber or firewood. Life without trees would be a lot less pleasant. But chaff doesn't do any of that for us. It's like discarded packaging. Those are the life choices outlined for us in Psalm 1. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02052025_1.mp3Scripture References: Psalm 1

We all choose that which we desire. But could we choose to desire something else? And welcome to a new study that Jim calls, Be Rich. We know that there are "riches," and then there are riches. But many of us continue to struggle for the ephemeral kind, instead of the eternal kind. The world tells us that we can change our tactics for achieving what we want, but we can't change what we want. That's a lie. Here's Jim to open his sermon Success, or Blessing. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02042025_1.mp3Scripture References: Psalm 1

While waiting for mercy... show mercy! For those who are doubting, those who have been tricked by false teachers - for those who have just plain fallen back into sin, what do we do? Christianity is all about redemption, but there is a danger. The lifeguard knows that when he swims out to rescue a drowning man, he's putting his own life at risk. Overconfidence can be fatal. Here's Jim with Part 2 of the talk we began on Friday: Contending for the Faith, from the book of Jude. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02032025_1.mp3Scripture References: 

Apostles against apostasy! As we wrap up our study of 2 Timothy, we'll see that it wasn't just Paul who was worked up about liars infiltrating the church. Peter wrote about it, and Jude, as well. Jesus had warned us of wolves in sheep's clothing - well, they had arrived. And it would only get worse. The "eyewitness generation" was passing away just as a tsunami of falsehood was rushing in. Here's Jim to talk about, Contending for the Faith. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01312025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Jude

Time really is running out. When Paul exhorted Timothy to "preach the word," he told him there was a time limit! And it may not be the one you're thinking of. Before the Lord returns for His church, the window of opportunity for explaining the truth may close. "The time will come when they will not tolerate sound teaching," Paul wrote. If you're not selling pretty lies, they're not buying. Here's Part 2 of Jim's sermon, Preach the Message. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01302025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3 & 4

Heard any good fairy tales lately? I know you've heard some bad fairy tales lately. When divine truth is discarded, it isn't reason and logic that rush in to fill the void; it's superstition and nonsense. Our postmodern era is defined by its hostility to truth. This condition can't continue forever, of course. But while it does, what do we do? The Apostle Paul had some thoughts on that, in his second letter to Timothy. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01292025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3 & 4

Christians go off the rails when we forget. Paul was going home, but he wanted Timothy to stay on track. So he gave Tim, and us, four things to remember. Scripture will be one of those, of course; but there are also human examples who've walked this path before us. And there are a couple more that we'll think about in the next few minutes. Let's join Pastor Jim as he's musing on 2 Timothy 3:12, and the persecution we should expect, as followers of Jesus. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01282025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:1 - 4:2

Would you leave the Shepherd, to follow the Wolf? Jesus has brought all kinds of sheep into His flock, rescuing them from all sorts of lies and addictions and sins. But the Wolf promises them freedom from the sheep pen - plus hidden knowledge, and prestige in the world. And some of them jump. That's not an explanation of apostasy, but it is a little parable to illustrate Paul's concern. We're studying his 2nd letter to Timothy. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01272025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:1 - 4:2

Arguing is not one of the spiritual gifts! Imagine this: Some scoffer wants to debate you about the fine points of Deuteronomy - and by your demeanor in that discussion, you give him justification to reject the gospel. "Where's the grace?" "Where's the gentleness?" he wonders, self-satisfied. "Those Christians can be downright mean." How do we guard the truth while somehow living out the love? We're in 2 Timothy 2; Jim is looking at verse 24. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01242025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2 & 3

Flamed anyone on the internet lately? The temptation to put someone in his place - for the Kingdom, of course! - might be greater today than it was for Paul and Timothy. We can have opportunities to argue with people all day, every day. And when we take that bait we run afoul of a few instructions in 2 Timothy 2. We can wrangle about words and quarrel and chase empty chatter, all in a single tweet. Jim would like to help us with, Avoiding Satan's Trap. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01232025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2 & 3

Soldier, runner, farmer - they have one thing in common: focus! Actually, the symbols that Paul uses in 2 Timothy 2 have plenty of similarities: Honest effort, discipline, we would say a disdain for instant gratification, and an appreciation for the better, but later reward. And there's another picture that Paul wants his protege, Tim, to keep in view. Today we'll conclude the message called, Pictures of Courage Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01222025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2

Don't drop the baton! Paul's leg of the gospel relay was almost completed; he wanted to be sure that Timothy's hands were steady, and that he was ready to run! In 2 Timothy, chapter 2, we find the metaphor of an athlete, as well as comparisons to a farmer, and a soldier. In fact, Jim sees 7 "Pictures of Courage" - the title of the sermon we'll begin today. The Apostle's hourglass was almost empty, but his heart was full. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01212025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2

Was grace a secret? In the opening chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul writes, "This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus...." When we saw the Savior, we saw the grace - the unmerited favor of God. And that's only the beginning! But this "promise of life" we've been studying is tied back to promises God made to the children of Israel. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS01202025_1.mp3Scripture References: 2 Timothy 1