A note from Ralph...

Hello,

Funny thing, we see life influenced through the colored glasses of our own lives. God shapes us in certain ways. I hear people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences sing one familiar chorus: I could never be like the people in the Bible.

The insinuation - they were special.

Though we know better, this thought can creep into our minds, take up residence and slowly defeat any effort to think of ourselves as useful to God.

Not So.

The people in the Bible were not Super-Saints. How freeing is it to know God can use flawed people, everyday people like us, to extend His offer of redemption?

We don’t need to have all the answers.

We don’t need to perform.

We don’t need to know all the right words.

None of us knows all there is to know about God or the Bible. We don’t need to know all the terms or all the names. It’s ok, because God doesn’t look for perfection. Rather, He allows us in everyday, natural conversations to nudge our family, children, relatives and strangers a little closer toward Himself.

It is our hope to be allowed to share this simple message with members or groups in your church.

Ralph

AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS:

Broken Lives

God began His story with Adam and Eve, who failed miserably. Hero after hero came and went, not one of them perfect - broken just as we are. Then came Jesus, God on earth, rejected. Today God has us - flawed individuals like the people in the Bible. Can God possibly use us to continue His story of redemption?

Paul - Sin is Everywhere

Saul was the best rule-follower, defender of the law of Moses. But trying to earn righteousness following any set of rules only ends in defeat. Sin's companion - brokenness - is no surprise to God. Using the analogy of wood scraps from my former woodshop, this session focuses on God's ability to create beauty out of pieces destined for the burn pile.

Adam & Eve - God's Ridiculous Mercy

When you have it all - when is enough, enough? People struggle due to poverty and yearn for more, while others enjoy overt comforts of life and are still not satisfied. Does God's love reach people in both scenarios? Does His love stand in contradiction of most things we know to be true? Is He sinister or all-loving?

Abraham - Learning to Trust God

Faith married to doubt. Trust married to mistrust. Most of us live through a cycle of failure and victory - vacillating between fragile faith and rational logic. Does (or can) God use failure-prone people ... then? Now?

Power of Forgiveness (Part 1) - Onesimus

Receiving Forgiveness. When I look over my shoulder and see my life, I just want to run away and start over. A fresh start with no history of all the wrong. But running away is an illusion. Forgiveness is a new beginning.

Power of Forgiveness (Part 2) - Philemon

Offering Forgiveness. Wrong must be punished, right? How difficult is it for us to forgive? It cost God, so why do we think it should come easy to us? God did not go through a nonchalant motion to offer us forgiveness. So why did He do it?

A thoughtful presentation using music and God's word. Ralph shares his testimony that is inspiring and encouraging. I would highly recommend him to any church or group who wants to experience God's Word in a unique way. ~ Rhonda C.

He provided interactive stories mixed with music and humor and much needed information. His teaching brought the Bible to life. Some parts challenged me to go home and study more. Very interesting and relatable, helped participants grow in their faith and relationship with Christ. ~ Pam P.

It was uplifting, kept us involved and excited to hear and learn about our Patriarchs in the Bible. The music was uplifting and encouraging. ~ Jerry B.

Ralph is always positive about the goodness and love of God. Through a unique combination of music and speaking, Ralph's teaching encourages all to accept God's mercy without at all minimizing the hurts and challenges of living in this world. ~ Dave S.