The Pastor Rich Show
Clarkstown Reformed Church
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Each episode is an understanding how of people from different walks of life find Christ during their life long journey.
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1 day ago
Episode 115: Faith Unscripted Episode 63 - Hatred can only be defeated by Faith and Love
Recently, there has been terrible violence in the U.S., much of it racially or politically motivated. What can we do to counteract this hateful trend? First, we must recognize that God created all the people in his image. Then, we can reject the voices of division and acknowledge that we are all one: brothers and sisters of the God Jesus called Father. Finally, we can pray for peace, especially for the people whose hearts are so full of hatred that they kill innocent strangers in the service of their warped ideas.
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2 days ago
Episode 114: Love One Another as I Have Loved You
Jesus gives his disciples more than just a new commandment in John 13; he gives them an example of how love in practice looks. He loves His own, loves them to the end, and loves them no matter what. He loves them by serving; he loves them by feeding; he loves them by preparing them for life when he has been "Glorified" and is no longer with them. The love Jesus requires of his disciples (us) is a healing, life-giving share in the life of God Himself.
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4 days ago
Episode 113: Only when we know who Jesus is can we truly know who we are
In John 2:22-30, Jesus is in the Temple during the Dedication celebration (we know it as Hanukkah). Those who surround Jeusu ask him to tell them plainly whether he is the Messiah. He responds by telling them that he has ALREADY been quite clear about who he is, but they haven't believed him because those around him are "not of My sheep." What does this exchange mean for us today? Who are among "His sheep?" Are we, and if so, so what? When we are His sheep, we know who we are because we understand who He is. Believing in Jesus has ramifications for how we live our lives and see the world.
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5 days ago
Episode 112: Faith Unscripted Episode 62 - Mother's Day; Roe v. Wade, and Christian Involvement in the Public Square
This episode discusses Mothers' Day and the importance of our mothers. Then we discuss the possibility that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade and its significance. Finally, the show considers how important it is for Christians to be engaged in the community's life, politically and otherwise.
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6 days ago
Episode 111: On Having the Courage to Feed His Lambs; Tend to His Sheep -
At the end of John's Gospel, Jesus again shows himself to his disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. At first, those disciples had difficulty recognizing him - they were fishing, and he was about a hundred yards away on shore, cooking. When they came ashore, they were afraid to ask him who he was; they KNEW it was the Lord but somehow needed to be reassured. Then Jesus took Simon aside and three times asked him: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" After Simon answered yes to each question, the Lord said, "Feed my lambs;" Tend to my sheep;" Feed my lambs and my sheep." What was Jesus asking of Simon in this exchange, and what does he ask of us? ,
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May 11, 2022
Episode 110: Faith Unscripted Episode is 61: on healing and faith filled engagement in civil society
This episode discusses the importance of people of faith in the public square. What is the relationship between religion and political debate and action?
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Apr 29, 2022
Episode 109: Peace be with you ... as the father has sent me, so I send you.
* A reflection on John 20: 19-29. On the evening of the first day of the week after Jesus' death, his disciples, such of them who hadn't gotten out of town yet, were huddled in a locked upper room, hiding for fear that the ones who killed Jesus would come after them next. Suddenly he is in their midst: not the broken body of a resuscitated corpse, but the glorious body of the one who Lives. And he tells them to be at peace - he brings them peace: not the world's peace, but God's. And he sends them to do what he did; he tells them that they MUST forgive lest unforgiveness prevail on earth. What does all that mean for us? I hope this reflection from the first Sunday after Easter will shed some light on the answer to that question,
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Apr 27, 2022
Episode 108: Faith Unscripted Episode 60: Healing prayer, our Animal friends, and the Holocaust
Today we discuss healing prayer, the love of God as manifest in our pets, and the second half of the program discusses the Holocaust as we prepare to celebrate Holocaust Remembrance Day. Where was God? And what can we learn as we look back and remember? And remember we must, lest history repeats itself!
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Apr 26, 2022
Episode 107: Faith Unscripted Episode 59
Special Holy Week Edition
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Apr 20, 2022
Episode 106: Faith Unscripted Episode 58
The meaning of Easter for Jesus and us. How the experience of the risen Lord on the first day of the week after his Crucifixion changed the lives of his small band of followers, and how they changed the world. By risking their lives and everything, they had to proclaim that the One who died is also the One who now lives.
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Apr 12, 2022
Episode 105: Faith Unscripted Episode 57 - Holy Week and Why It Should Matter To Us
A discussion of the meaning of Holy Week to Christians
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Apr 8, 2022
Episode 104: Faith Unscripted Episode 56. Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Us.
What is the meaning of Holy Week for us today? As we celebrate the last week of Jesus' life, the Church invites us to reflect on the Passion of the Christ. Our salvation comes at an enormous price! What can we learn from the story of the Lord's suffering and death? We may want to avert our eyes, but the story of Christ's passion is at the heart of the Gospels. It reveals God's love for us while also reminding us of our value in God's eyes and the importance of each moment of life.
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Apr 5, 2022
Episode 103: Wasteful Love: Babette;s Feast and Mary of Bethany's aromatic perfume. Wasteful or Wise?
In John's Gospel, the week before Jesus' death, we hear about a dinner held in his honor at the home of His friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. At the dinner, Mary took a pound of aromatic nard perfume worth a year's wages (in today's dollars, it was worth more than $100,000) and poured it over Jesus' feet, anointing him and drying his feet with her hair. That was a fantastic display of love, but was it wasteful? Jesus didn't think so, and neither do I. That gift of love challenges us to be extravagant in our love of Jesus.
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Mar 29, 2022
Episode 102: Faith Unscripted Episode 55 - Healing and Prayer; Time and its value; ; and the importance of real community
In this wide-ranging show, we discuss how to handle a fender-bender, the efficacy of healing prayer, and the importance of using time well (it is, after all, precious).
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Mar 28, 2022
Episode 101: The Prodigal Sons - Jesus' beautiful parable of God's love challenges us to be prodigal lovers ourselves
Parables are action stories - Jesus doesn't expect us merely to listen to them; he expects them to change us. So what is the challenge of Jesus' beautiful parable about the man who had two sons? What does it ask of us today?
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Mar 22, 2022
Episode 100: Faith Unscripted Episode 54: The Clash of Two Worldviews. Faith vs. Fear
There is a clash between two worldviews: one rooted in faith in the creator God who gives us every good gift and who has made us in his image, brothers and sisters to each other; the second rooted in fear in which man, not God, is the master of the world. This second view leads to what Thomas Hobbs called the "war of all against all." Pastor Rich discusses this and more in today's episode of Faith Unscripted.
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Mar 21, 2022
Episode 99: Repentance and Hope.
Repent or perish! Jesus tells his disciples that suffering and death are not punishments for sin, but they can come suddenly and catch us unaware. Violence and natural disasters will be with us, but should they touch our lives, will we be prepared. In this reflection on Luke 13:1-9, Pastor Rich reflects on Jesus' urgent call to repentance and the hope-filled parable of the barren fig tree.
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Mar 16, 2022
Episode 98: Faith Unscripted Episode 53
This episode is a wide-ranging interview with Steve Possell, a legend on Rockland County radio for over 50 years. Steve is a devout Catholic, and he and Pastor Rich discuss the Catholic Church and the importance of faith in an increasingly faithless world.
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Mar 15, 2022
Episode 97: Faith Unscripted Episode 52 (updated)
Pastor Rich's thoughts on the conflict in Eastern Europe and other matters are all discussed on today's Faith Unscripted.
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Mar 14, 2022
Episode 96: Christian Courage: Challenging the evil and deceit in our world today
Even though danger lurked in Jerusalem, even though some Pharisees warned him that Herod was plotting to kill him, even though he could have saved himself, Jesus wouldn't abandon his God-given mission. His work was to go to Jerusalem and conquer death on the cross. We, like our Lord, have a divine mission, and we must accomplish it, no matter what, even in the face of death. As disciples, we must strive to be like Christ.
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Mar 10, 2022
Episode 95: Hudson Valley Freedom Coalition: Prayer opening the March 5th conference at Clarkstown Reformed Church
Opening Prayer at the Hudson Valley Freedom Coalition - March 5th conference at Clarkstown Reformed Church, West Nyack, NY
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Mar 9, 2022
Episode 94: Faith Unscripted Episode 52
Lent, turning to God, and Ukraine - all topics touched on in today's episode of Faith Unscripted.
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Mar 8, 2022
Episode 93: Education and Faith: Pastor Rich's remarks at the Hudson Valley Freedom Coalition's Seminar held Saturday March 5, 2022
Our Christianity doesn't mean we should escape from the world and its cares. On the contrary, as followers of Christ, we must be lovingly engaged. Pastor Rich reflects on the importance of being involved in the education of our children.
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Mar 7, 2022
Episode 92: Temptations in the Wilderness: On the Importance of Knowing Who You Are (Luke 4:1-13)
At his Baptism the Spirit descended on Jesus in the Jordan and the Father spoke: "This is my son, my beloved, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus then led into the wilderness knowing who he was and what he must be about. He was the beloved, the Son of God. Nevertheless, while Jesus fasted 40 days, the Satan tempted him. What does this time of temptation for Jesus mean for us in our time of temptation?
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Mar 3, 2022
Episode 91: Dust and Ashes
In this reflection, on Ash Wednesday and Lent, Pastor Rich considers the paradox that "you are but dust and ashes," insignificant as we stand before the creator God, but "for you, the world was made." Lent celebrates both realities: we stand humbly before the God who loves us with eternal love and who gives His only Son so that we might live eternally with him.
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Mar 2, 2022
Episode 90: Faith Unscripted Episode 51: Lent, Ukraine, and Christian Involvement
Recorded on "Fat Tuesday" or Mardi Gras, the show discusses the importance of Lent as a time of preparation, repentance, and return to faithfulness and God. The word Lent comes from an old English word meaning "springtime." If we make a good lent, we can experience a new springtime in our spiritual life.
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Mar 1, 2022
Episode 89: This is my Son, My Chosen One, LISTEN TO HIM
On a mountain, Jesus was "transfigured." His face was shining, his clothes sparkling white, and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him to discuss his "departure," which was to take place in Jerusalem. However, a cloud overshadowed them, and the voice of the father spoke, "This is my beloved Son, my Chosen One, LISTEN TO HIM." What was Jesus saying to his disciples, and us, that we MUST hear? Pastor Rich reflects on this question in his sermon on the last Sunday before Lent.
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Feb 23, 2022
Episode 88: Faith Unscripted Episode 50: Public Christianity and Praying Constantly
How can we be a blessing to everyone we meet? Well, we can pray for them, and we can speak a word of blessing into their lives. That can be as simple as saying "God bless you" to a waitress or a colleague at work. Christians must be active and involved in our world as servants of the Crucified Christ. He saves through his self-giving love. He gave His all on the cross so that we might live. As His disciples, we too must give of ourselves lovingly to share in his saving mission.
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Feb 22, 2022
Episode 87: Jesus wants us to do WHAT? On Loving Your Enemies ... and Doing Good for Our Persecutors. Luke 6: 27 -38
According to Joseph Campbell, Jesus' teaching that we should love our enemies is the high point of ethical teaching in world history. Love here is not a warm feeling of affection; it is the hard choice to act in the best interest of those who do not have our best interest at heart. When we love, in this sense, we forgive, and we do what is compassionate for those who have been (and may continue to be) hostile to us.
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Feb 16, 2022
Episode 86: Faith Unscripted Episode 49 - the "Catholic" church, Unity in Diversity and the Courage of the Canadian Truckers
In a wide-ranging program, Pastor Rich explains what it means to be "Catholic," the importance of getting involved, as believers, in the world, and the courage of the Canadian Truckers.
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Feb 15, 2022
Episode 85: Being Blessed in God's Eyes
Jesus often tells us what we don't want to hear but what we need to know. For example, in the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6), Jesus tells his disciples that the poor, hungry, grieving, and derided are blessed. Why? Perhaps because in our moments of emptiness, we realize what is always true: we need God every second of every hour of every day of our lives. Today Pastor Rich reflects on Jesus' Sermon on the Plain.
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Feb 10, 2022
Episode 84: Gone Fishing! Jesus calls Peter and his partners from fishing for fish to fishing for men. He also calls us ...
Exhausted after a night of fishing and coming up empty, Peter and his partners were ashore, cleaning their nets and looking forward to a good night's sleep. After preaching to a crowd by the lakeshore, Jesus told Peter to sail to deep waters and put out those newly cleaned nets. Against his better judgment, since he and his companions had fished all night and come up empty, Peter did as Jesus suggested and hauled in a miraculously abundant catch. Awed and afraid in the presence of the Holy, Peter acknowledges his sinfulness. "Do not be afraid," Jesus told him, "from now on, you will be fishing for men," At once, Peter left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus calls us, as he called Peter, to leave worldliness behind, follow Him, and go fishing!
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Feb 8, 2022
Episode 83: Faith Unscripted Episode 48 - what does the call story of Isaiah the prophet mean for us today?
Pastor Rich, with help from Rabbi Paul Kurland, reflects on the call of Isaiah. What does God mean when he tells Isaiah that he is going to a people who "hear but do not understand and see but do not perceive?" Does God harden our hearts, or does our hardness of heart deafen us to God's word? Learn about that and more in this episode of Fatih Unscripted.
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Feb 2, 2022
Episode 82: Jesus' sermon disturbed his hearers in Nazareth - and hopefully it will also disturb us!
Jesus' sermon in Nazareth enraged the congregation. How could he possibly suggest that God cared about outsiders when the Jews were God's chosen people? Jesus challenges his disciples, then and now, let go of all preconceptions and prejudices and to follow God's love to whatever surprising places it might lead us,
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Feb 1, 2022
Episode 81: Faith Unscripted Episode 47 - Living in the present: It's really the only time we get to live.
Pastor Rich reflects on the importance of being present in the moment. Now is the only time in which we live. The past is a memory; the future is a possibility. Now is the moment of life; it is "grace-filled time." Therefore, it's crucial to live aware of its beauty and its potential.
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Jan 27, 2022
Episode 80: Jesus' sermon in Nazareth is His "mission statement:" He has come to bring good news to the destitute. What does that good news have to say to us, and how does it challenge us?
Jesus' opens the scroll of Isaiah and reads "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor ..." Jesus' mission is filled with the spirit, anointed with the spirit. led by the spirit, and it is a mission to lift up the downcast, and to proclaim God's favor. Jesus continues this mission through the church, through US. What does his mission statement mean to us? Well, it's our mission too, isn't it, if we are to be his disciples (his students). Learn more in this week's sermon from Clarkstown Reformed Church.
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Jan 26, 2022
Episode 79: Faith Unscripted Episode 46 - Openness to God means emptying ourselves of our ego - listen to the parable of the overflowing teacup and more on today's episode
A healing prayer - and openness to God in prayer are just some of the subjects discussed on today's episode of Faith Unscripted.
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Jan 18, 2022
Episode 78: Faith Unscripted Episode 45 - Sabbath Observance - what we can ALL do to keep the Lord's Day holy
The Sabbath is a day spent in heaven, or so our Jewish brothers and sisters believe. Pastor Rich's guest today, Rabbi BenZion Klatzko, shares the Orthodox Jewish traditions of Sabbath-keeping and shows us all a way to deepen our relationship with God, with our families, and with others.
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Jan 12, 2022
Episode 77: Faith Unscirpted Episode 44 - Mary, Prayer, and the wedding at Cana (John 2)
When Jesus and his mother attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2), Mary spotted a problem: the bride and groom ran out of wine during the celebration - an embarrassing faux pas. So Mary went to Jesus and said: "they have no wine." She didn't tell him what to do, but she trusted that he would address the problem somehow. Here we see Mary as a model of the church at prayer. What can we learn from this story? Pastor Rich addresses all this and more in this episode of Faith Unscripted. We hope it will bless you.
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Jan 11, 2022
Episode 76: Jesus' Baptism and why it's important for us.
Luke's Gospel tells us that John the Baptist, the great prophetic voice preparing the way for the Lord, yet he was just the preliminary act of God's great revelatory moment when the Word who became flesh would walk among us. John knows who he is - the one who prepares the way for one mightier than himself. Yet when Jesus comes, he comes humbly, as one of the throngs of people being baptized in the Jordan. In doing so he reveals the nature of God to us, and he reveals to us who we are meant to be. Pastor Rich reflects on Luke 3:15-19.
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Jan 4, 2022
Episode 75: Faith Unscripted Episode 43 - reflecting on the hidden meaning of The 12 Days of Christmas.
God's cherished gifts to us: the incarnation, revelation in the Old and New Testaments, the three theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity), the four Gospels, The five books of the Torah, the six days of creation - each could be a meditation in itself. Today's program further explores the gifts of God to believers. All that and listener phone calls too on today's Faith Unscripted show. Enjoy!
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Jan 3, 2022
Episode 74: New Year's resolutions - and knowing who we are
In the Prologue (John 1:1-18), the evangelist gives us his version of Jesus' origins. Matthew and Luke tell of his infancy; John speaks of Jesus as the Eternal Word with God "in the beginning." To know who WE are, we must first know who Jesus is. He shows us the potential of our humanity and invites us to be what we were created to be: image-bearers of God.
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Jan 1, 2022
Episode 73: Faith Unscripted Episode 42 - The 12 Days of Christmas Explained (at least the first five of them)
Ever wonder what the song The Twelve Days of Christmas means? Why would anyone give a partridge in a pear tree as a Christmas present? And seven swimming swans - who would even want that? But there's a deeper meaning, and we begin to explore it in this episode of Faith Unscripted, along with taking some interesting listener calls and questions.
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Dec 31, 2021
Episode 72: Home Alone - as told by Luke's Gospel
Long before little Kevin McAllister was left home alone in Chicago by his family, which was rushing to catch a plane and, well, just forgot him, Jesus was "home alone" in Jerusalem in His father's house. While Jesus didn't have to fend off the "Wet Bandits" or worry about a frightening old next-door neighbor, He did engage with the teachers in the Temple. He explained himself to a worried Mary and Joseph, who returned to Jerusalem when they realized their son wasn't with them or their relatives in the caravan home to Nazareth. So why was it "necessary" for Jesus to be in his Father's house? What does this story teach us about our own walk with God? And where is OUR Father's house? This is a reflection on Luke 2:41-52.
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Dec 30, 2021
Episode 71: Do Not Be Afraid: we have good news of great joy for ALL
What is the REAL meaning of Christmas? Is it lost amid all the shopping and decorating and wrapping and partying? That's what Charlie Brown sets out to discover in the 1965 special, Charlie Brown's Christmas. The secret, he finds out, is in the story told by Luke about shepherds visited by angels singing Glory to God and Peace on Earth. The angels are still singing, and we still need to hear them. Enjoy the Christmas Message at Clarkstown Reformed Chuirch.
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Dec 29, 2021
Episode 70: John the Baptist and the coming of the Messiah (the Christ)
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea during the reign of Tiberius (in Rome), while Caiaphas was the High Priest in Jerusalem. His message was simple - repent and be ready. That same message applies to us today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and wait for his return.
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Dec 23, 2021
Episode 69: Mary's "yes" to God's will and word. How an illiterate teenage girl in a remote province of the Roman Empire changed the world and became, forever, the "Blessed Mother."
How an illiterate teenage girl in a remote province of the Roman Empire changed the world and became, forever, the "Blessed Mother." Mary is an image of the Church and of all of the faithful who are invited to give birth to the Lord, daily, in our lives and world.
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Dec 21, 2021
Episode 68: Faith Unscripted Episode 41 - A lifelong walk of faith: an interview with musician and composer Shelton Becton
Shelton Becton grew up in the Carolinas, the child of a farmer/pastor. He grew up in the church, and his first love was the music of faith. That faith has formed his life and his life's journey. Enjoy this fascinating interview with a giant in the music world who has walked with Christ for his whole life.
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Dec 20, 2021
Episode 67: Faith Unscripted Episode 40
Advent is a time of waiting and remembering. We remember the birth, in Bethlehem, of the long awaited Messiah, and we wait for His return in Glory. What will that return look like. Do we see any signs of Him coming as He has promised to come. This episode discusses all these topics.
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Dec 7, 2021
Episode 66: Faith Unscripted Episode 39 - Advent: What/Who are we waiting for as we anticipate Christmas?
In today's episode, Pastor Rich discusses Advent: a time to look back to the time of the birth of the Messiah as we look forward to His return in glory to usher in a new Heaven and a new earth. In the mean time we wait for his coming every day in the Spirit.
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Dec 1, 2021
Episode 65: Faith Unscripted Episode 38 - Hope through difficult times - Hanukkah, Advent and Salvation drawing near
Rabbi Hirshel Jaffe is a five-time cancer survivor who has completed the NYC Marathon. He was part of the delegation of clergy who visited the hostages in Iran in 1980, and he was on hand at the White House to welcome them home in 1981. Rabbi Jaffe was honored by President Reagan as an American hero. In today's broadcast, he talks with Pastor Rich about hope and the importance of spirituality, prayer, and helping others. Pastor Rich also talks about Advent, a season of hope and expectation.
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Nov 30, 2021
Episode 64: Hope in frightening times -
In Luke 21:25-36 Jesus speaks to his disciples about difficult times ahead. The temple, sign of the majesty of the God of Israel and of the Jewish people, will be tterly destroyed, and the world itself will end with portentous signs in the heavens and frightening events on earth. When that happens Jesus says we should not fear, rather sand up, lift our eyes and know that our redemption is near. As we remember Jesus' coming in history in Bethlehem, we look forward to his return to complete the work of redemption and usher in God's complete victory. While we wait, though, God still comes to us every day - so keep watchful and don't despair.
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Nov 23, 2021
Episode 63: Faith Unscripted Episode 37 - Special Thanksgiving Show with Rabbi Paul Kurland
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving and it's important to remember to whom we must, first and foremost, give thanks. The psalmist says "give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his mercy is everlasting." And so it is. Give thanks for everything - absolutely everything - each day and I guarantee you'll be so much happier. Give thanks to people too - the ones who help you, serve you, love you ... This year make a resolution to live a year of gratitude. Finally true thanksgiving means not only saying thanks, but doing acts of kindness and generosity for others. Let's make this the best Thanksgiving ever. Today's special guests are Rabbi Paul Kurland and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoelmann.
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Nov 22, 2021
Episode 62: The Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Man? We have to choose - choose wisely.
When Jesus stands before Pilate to be judged on trumped up charges of sedition (John 18: 33-38) we see the confrontation of two kingdoms: The kingdom of this world (the cosmos), and the kingdom of God. One is ruled over by those who seek to control by force and intimidation, the other seeks to transform through loving kindness. One is a kingdom of lies, the other of the Truth. We must choose between these two realms - and we must choose NOW. Who will reign in our hearts, and in our lives? It's up to you ... Choose wisely
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Nov 16, 2021
Episode 61: Faith Unscripted Episode 36 - The things we need to do to allow God to work in our lives
Yesterday evening Pastor Rich attended a lecture and exposition of relics curated by Father Carlos Martins. The presentation, held at the Marian Center in Stony Point, NY, featured a talk by Father Martins, last week's guest on Faith Unscripted, followed by time to be in the presence of the relics Father brought from the Vatican. Almost 500 people came to listen to the lecture and see the relics. They came for various reasons, but all came looking to somehow connect to the Holiness of God. What can we do to allow God to act in our lives - that is part of the Pastor's reflection: to enable God to room in our lives to work, we must live grateful lives, worship in a faith community, know our sinfulness and confess it, turn back to God, and, Most IMportantly, FORGIVE! I hope you enjoy the show.
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Nov 15, 2021
Episode 60: Birthpangs
Beginning what is sometimes called the "little apocalypse," Jesus tells his amazed disciples that the mighty Temple of Herod, which was a wonder of the ancient world, would one day be destroyed with "not stone resting upon another." What is the Lord telling his disciples? What is he telling us? Pastor Rich reflects on this passage in his sermon entitled "Birthpangs."
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Nov 10, 2021
Episode 59: Doing the right thing - for the right reason: integrity and generosity. A reflection on Mark 12:38-44
Beware, Jesus tells us, of hypocrisy - doing the right thing, but for the wrong reasons (such as self-aggrandizement or honor in the eyes of others). Do not prey on the weak and vulnerable, rather care for them as you can. Generosity means using what we have in the service of those who may be in need. Jesus asks us to have compassionate hearts and to ACT compassionately.
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Nov 9, 2021
Episode 58: Faith Unscripted episode 35: Prayer, healing, and the place of relics in Christian Spirituality
Pastor Rich interviews Fr. Carlos Martin, the curator of relics at the Vatican, who is currently taking an exhibit of over 150 relics on a tour of the United States. Fr. Martin explains what relics are, the scriptural basis for using them as part of one's spiritual life, the connection between relics, the holy ones of every age, and the healing power of God. A fascinating exploration of a not well-known aspect of Christian spiritality.
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Nov 8, 2021
Episode 57: True Greatness and genuine leadership - a reflection on Mark 10: 35-45
Jesus' disciples James and John want to share in the Lord's majesty when he becomes King of the Jews. Jesus teaches them that genuine greatness requires a willingness to be "the slave of all." What is the difference between those who would command, and those who genuinely lead? Pastor Rich reflects on true Christian greatness and genuine Christian leadership.
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Nov 2, 2021
Episode 56: Faith Unscripted - special Election Day edition
On Election Day Christians have an obligation to pray that God's will be done, to know the issues and the candidates well eanough to make a good choice, and we must act consistent with our Biblical faith by voting for candidates and on issues carefully and prayerful. Pastor Rich also discussed Rev. David Jeremias' new book, Where Do We Go From Here, The book is a brilliant discussion of the evil of Marxism and the Scientific Socialism that Marx' theories spawned. We must be careful today as Marxism makes inroads into our society through movements like the "cancel culture," alienation of parents from having influence in the education of their children, "gender fluidity," and hostility to people of faith and their engagement in the public square.
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Oct 28, 2021
Episode 55: Faith Unscripted Episode 33: There is no conflict between faith and science - when both are understood correctly; and the importance of repentance in our (and every) age
Pastor Rich discusses the relationship between faith and other disciplines in our increasingly diverse and pluralistic world. And in an age where things seem to be coming unglued, Pastor discusses how God DOES act powerfullly in our world, and the importane of repentance and turning back to God in our (and every) age.
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Oct 25, 2021
Episode 54: The religious origins of Halloween - The Eve of the Feast of All Saints (All Hallows). Faith Unscirpted Episode 32
Halloween has become all about ghosts and goblins and witches and the like, but in its origins, it was a holy day in its own right - the eve of the feast of all saints. So it is worth remembering the sacred origins of Halloween and how it is connected to the Saints who have gone before us - our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and beloved friends who have gone before us in death and are now numbered among the saints!
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Oct 15, 2021
Episode 53: Love Does - Faith Unscripted Episode 31
Love does, and our faith in the God who IS love invites us to love actively and generously. In this episoce we talk about what looks like.
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Oct 14, 2021
Episode 52: Crossroads a reflection on Mark 10:17-32 (Episode 20
When the young man comes to Jesus at a crossroads in his life, seeking direction, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus gives him a clear and loving response: keep the commandments, sell what you have, give to the poor, and then follow me on the Way. The young man went away despondent; he was wealthy and couldn't give up his riches; he was clinging to this world. What about us?
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Oct 13, 2021
Episode 51: Faith Unscripted Episode 31 The Book of Revelation and our lives today.
What does the Book of Revelation teach us about what is happening NOW? The purpose of the book is to give us hope for the future - no matter how bad it looks, Jesus wins in the end, and we who are faithful to him and his Way will win with him. But the book also tells us what we need to do in the meantime while we wait for the end-time. That's what the letters to the seven churches tell us - they speak of what we must do, as people of faith, while we wait for the return of the King.
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Oct 12, 2021
Episode 50: Jesus teaching on Divorce: Message from October 2, 2021 (Pentecost 19) - Episode 19:
A reflection on Jesus' teaching on divorce and faithfulness to covenant in Mark 10: 1-16. Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? Jesus points us to the creation story in Genesis and God's plan for His creation to multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. What can we learn from His teaching? Listen and learn ...
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Sep 28, 2021
Episode 49: Faith Unscripted Episode 30
As we wait for the end times, what do we do in the meantime? In the second show on the theme of the Book of Revelation, Pastor Rich discusses the importance for Christians to live into their discipleship. What does the message of Jesus to the 7 churches of Asia Minor mean for churches today. We begin to explore these questions in this broadcastn
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Sep 27, 2021
Episode 48: Weekly Message to #18 - a reflection on Mark 9:38-50
How do we welcome strangers? Are we open to them, or do we fear and become suspicious when the "other" enters our world. If we do the latter we are not unlike Jesus' disciples who wanted to stop a stranger casting out demons in Christ's name because "he isn't one of us." Jesus' message, to them and to us, is clear. Those not against the Lord are for him - and we must be grateful for the smallest thing done by others in the name of Christ.
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Sep 22, 2021
Episode 47: Faith Unscripted Episode 29 - Beginning a study on the Revelation of Jesus to John (the Apocalypse)
Are we in "end times?" Lots of people think so, but what does the Bible say? Today we discuss the last book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation. What does it tell us about what's happening now, what will happen in the future/end times, and why we should have confidence in The One who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to come. This is the first in a series on Revelation and what we can learn from it today.
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Sep 14, 2021
Episode 46: Faith Unscripted Episode 28
Ordinary Christians do extraordinary things in their work and family life. Today Pastor Rich interviews Diane Holland, a Physical Therapist and wound care specialist, about her work with patients, and how the healing work of therapists is an extension of the healing work of Christ himself.
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Sep 13, 2021
Episode 45: Weekly Message 17 - Where was God on 9/11
Where was God when the Twin Towers were attacked 20 years ago? Pastor Rich reflects on Mark 8:27-38. To be. disciple, we must take up our cross. What light can that shed on the tragedy of September 11, 2001?
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Sep 13, 2021
Episode 45: Weekly Message 17 - Where was God on 9/11
Where was God when the Twin Towers were attacked 20 years ago? Pastor Rich reflects on Mark 8:27-38. To be. disciple, we must take up our cross. What light can that shed on the tragedy of September 11, 2001?
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Sep 13, 2021
Episode 45: Weekly Message 17 - Where was God on 9/11
Where was God when the Twin Towers were attacked 20 years ago? Pastor Rich reflects on Mark 8:27-38. To be. disciple, we must take up our cross. What light can that shed on the tragedy of September 11, 2001?
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Sep 8, 2021
Episode 44: Faith Unscripted Episode 27
An interview with Anna Kobelka, Executive Director of Helping Hands Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless about the work her organization does among the homeless of Rockland County, and how her work is "faith in action"
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Sep 2, 2021
Episode 43: Weekly Message | Episode 16: "What Defies and What Uplifts"
A reading of Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 and reflection on the text. Jesus tells us that it is now what goes into someone that defiles someone, but that which comes from the heart. Jesus challenges us to focus on what really matters - and life lives of loving attention.
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Aug 31, 2021
Episode 42: Faith Unscripted Episode 26
Today Pastor Rich and Rabbi Paul Kurland of Congregation Shir Shalom in New City NY discuss the loss of 13 brave members young service men and women at the Kabul Airport. We must remember and learn. The pastor and the Rabbi also discussed the upcoming Jewish holy days.
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Aug 30, 2021
Episode 41: Faith Unscripted: Episode 25
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Aug 19, 2021
Episode 40: Faith Unscripted: Episode 24
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Aug 11, 2021
Episode 39: Faith Unscripted: Episode 23
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Aug 9, 2021
Episode 38: Weekly Message | Episode 15: "The bread of life"
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on August 8, 2021. The theme this week is "The bread of life."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Aug 5, 2021
Episode 37: Faith Unscripted: Episode 22
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 28, 2021
Episode 36: Faith Unscripted: Episode 21
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 22, 2021
Episode 35: Faith Unscripted: Episode 20
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 14, 2021
Episode 34: Faith Unscripted: Episode 19
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 7, 2021
Episode 33: Faith Unscripted: Episode 18
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 7, 2021
Episode 32: Weekly Message | Episode 14: Blessed are those who take no offense in Jesus
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on July 4, 2021. The theme this week is "Blessed are those who take no offense in Jesus."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 2, 2021
Episode 31: Weekly Message | Episode 13: The Touch of the Master
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on June 27, 2021. The theme this week is "The Touch of the Master."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jul 2, 2021
Episode 30: Faith Unscripted: Episode 17
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jun 24, 2021
Episode 29: Faith Unscripted: Episode 16
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jun 16, 2021
Episode 28: Faith Unscripted: Episode 15
aith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jun 15, 2021
Episode 27: Weekly Message | Episode 12: The Kingdom of Heaven is Like... What?
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on June 13, 2021. The theme this week is "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like... What? ."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jun 12, 2021
Episode 26: Faith Unscripted: Episode 14
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jun 6, 2021
Episode 25: Weekly Message | Episode 11: Doing the Will of the Father - and Being Family
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on June 6, 2021. The theme this week is "Doing the Will of the Father - and Being Family."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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Jun 3, 2021
Episode 24: Faith Unscripted: Episode 13
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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May 31, 2021
Episode 23: Weekly Message | Episode 10: Entering the Kingdom of God
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on May 30, 2021. The theme this week is "Entering the Kingdom of God."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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May 25, 2021
Episode 22: Weekly Message | Episode 9: The Advocate Continues to Glorify Christ - In US!
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May 21, 2021
Episode 21: Faith Unscripted: Episode 12
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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May 17, 2021
Episode 20: Weekly Message | Episode 8: We Are Witnesses To These Things
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on May 16, 2021. The theme this week is "We Are Witnesses To These Things."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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May 12, 2021
Episode 19: Faith Unscripted: Episode 11
Faith Unscripted is a weekly radio show hosted by Pastor Rich every Tuesday at 10:10am on WRCR (AM 1700).
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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May 11, 2021
Episode 18: Weekly Message | Episode 7: Abide in His Love
Listen to Pastor Rich's weekly sermon recorded live at Clarkstown Reformed Church on May 9, 2021. The theme this week is "Abide in His Love."
Rev. Richard E. Hasselbach, PhD, JD is the pastor of Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack, NY. Visit our website at www.crcwestnyack.org to learn more.
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