Rick Manis Ministries Podcast

Rick explores the profound themes of salvation, identity, and the nature of God. He delves into the story of Zacchaeus to illustrate the transformative power of salvation and how it leads to a deeper understanding of one's true self. The message also addresses the misconceptions surrounding separation from God, the impact of fear and shame on human relationships, and the journey towards recognizing our inherent value and union...

Rick Manis shares a heartfelt message about the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the joy, healing, and universal love that comes with the birth of Christ. He explores the concept of Soteria, or salvation, as a restoration of identity and wholeness, breaking down barriers and burdens that separate humanity from experiencing God's love. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the joy of Christmas for all pe...

Rick explores the astonishing goodness of God, emphasizing how the true gospel continues to reveal this goodness over time. He delves into the parables of Jesus, particularly focusing on the themes of being called and chosen, the significance of the wedding feast, and the importance of being clothed in righteousness. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the grace and love of God, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity ...

Rick and Judi Manis reflect on the significance of love and relationships, particularly emphasizing the concept of the 'third cord'—a metaphor for the bond of love that includes God. They discuss how this bond can help navigate conflicts, foster understanding, and create a safe space for dialogue. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging the good in others, embracing diverse perspectives, and the transf...

In this message, Rick Manis explores the concept of a 'God box'—a limited understanding of God based on knowledge and tradition—and how breaking free from this box leads to a deeper, more profound relationship with the divine. Being astonished by God's goodness and His character, as we live out our personal experiences allows us to challenge the preconceived notions of faith. Rick highlights the mystery of God, encou...

Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when we feel the pain of the wrong done to us. Our bodies are created with a nervous system designed to protect us and keep us alive. When we hurt, our hearts can close up and we want to keep ourselves safe and away from the hurt. But Jesus came to provide us with the eternal life (quality not just quantity) that gives us the ability to do what only God in us can do. We're invited to ...

Rick Manis explores the significance of the incarnation of Jesus, the different types of life mentioned in the Bible, and the transformative power of Jesus' death and resurrection. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as new creations in Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out their faith. The discussion highlights the depth of God's love for humanity and the gift o...

In this message, Rick Manis explores the themes of salvation and transformation, emphasizing the biblical understanding of 'soteria' [greek word for salvation] as a restoration of identity rather than merely a rescue from hell. He discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit in unveiling Christ within us  and how this transformation leads to a deeper understanding of our true identity as children of God. Rick encourages ...

Rick explores the theme of rethinking our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding our union with God and the implications of the New Covenant. He discusses the significance of the law, the concept of heaven and earth as it was understood in the time/culture of Israel, and the idea of separation versus union with God. The message highlights the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and the importance o...

We celebrate Jesus' resurrection at Easter. His resurrection brought a verdict on the ruler of this world: death no longer reigns. Death no longer gets the last word. The resurrection says that a judgment has been made against death. It had its reign, beginning with Adam, but now the Life of Jesus reigns in us. God was never going to let death be permanent, nor would He ever let death be the last word on our existence. Jesus w...

"And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world" (John 12:47, NKJV) God’s justice is not retributive, it is redemptive. 

We often see God in light of a court room, a divine judge who is removed and far off, disengaged and solitary The balance of justice hangs in the balance, but we are never quite sure how He will rule. However, G...

Why did Jesus tell the three parables in Luke 15 to the Pharisees who were complaining of his association with notorious sinners? In these stories, we see Jesus helping the Pharisees see something about the heart of their Father. Something they were missing in their law/works-driven morality view. The lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son all describe the compassion God has for His children who are lost and don't know wh...

When we don't know who we are, we will act like someone else. French historian and social scientist Rene Girard developed a theory called "mimetic desire". It demonstrated how human beings imitate (mimic) each other's desires. They easily become rivals and reach for/want the same objects. When we reorient towards God and His love for us, we begin to see who we really are. Made in the image of God, loved by God, ...

There are two different ways of dealing with sin and shame. In Leviticus 16:7-10 we see two goats used as an example of this. One goat is a picture of Jesus, sacrificed for the remission of sin, wherein sin is fully dealt with. The other is a scapegoat where sin/shame is placed on it and sent out into the wilderness to die. We see Jesus repeatedly overcoming the scapegoat system, this idea of placing the blame on someone else so we...

People often think of salvation or "sozo" as simply an escape from Hell. However, Jesus' work is much greater—He restores us to wholeness and unity with God, as we were originally created to be. Salvation is about more than rescue; it's about restoring our oneness with the Father. Through Jesus, we are never alone. He bridged the separation, and now, we are in Him, and He is in us. We're forever included in...