Right Start Radio with Pastor Jim Custer

Is Jesus the King of the Jews? Yes! And no. And yes. Yes, this itinerant preacher from Nazareth was the rightful ruler of Israel. But No, His subjects did not accept Him - which only expanded His dominion. And one day the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will crown Him as their Sovereign. Matthew chronicles everything for us in his Gospel. And today Jim will complete the sermon he began yesterday, Jesus: The King. 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. RS04172024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 1:1-21:22

Whaddya know? There's a forest here! Our study of the Bible can become very atomized - fragmented. We can easily focus on one verse, or even a single phrase, and miss the forest for the trees. From time to time it's good to be reminded that there are colossal issues and cosmic timelines under consideration in the Scriptures. Jim will do that for us in a series called, New Testament Insights. And we'll start at the beginning, in Matthew's Gospel. 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. RS04162024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 1:1-21:22

It all started with a random comment about architecture. When you're studying under a really wise teacher any small event, even a word, could open up a fountain of instruction. The Disciples had made some comments in passing about the beauty of the Temple buildings, and that was all it took to get Jesus going that day. He wanted to tell them about His return. And along with that lesson they got to know more about His plan, and His heart. Here's Jim with the conclusion of his sermon, Under the Shadow of His Coming. 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. RS04092024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 24:1-19

What kind of king is this? It's obvious to us, 2,000 years removed, that Jesus was not a political prince. But the Pharisees didn't read the Scriptures that way, and His followers didn't read the Scriptures that way. In the messianic prophecies they saw an earthly ruler. Today we see Christ as transcending things like national borders and armies. And that's our blind spot. Because one day He will be a political king. Here's Jim with Part 1 of, Under the Shadow of His Coming. 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. RS04082024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 24:1-19

Well, that's one way to solve the Samaritan problem! "Nuke 'em!" say James and John. "Lord, can we please just send these sinners straight to hell for You?" At the beginning of this chapter, Luke 9, Jesus had sent out the disciples to convey the good news, and to heal people. It's a stark contrast. What had gotten into James and John? Whatever it is, it's unfortunately still getting into Christians today. Here's Jim to conclude his message, Under the Shadow of His Correction. 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. RS04052024_0.mp3Scripture References: Luke 9:45-56

We've followed James to the mountain, and to the sea. Now we'll follow him to the woodshed! The Disciples needed an attitude adjustment - really 3 of them. And Jesus was ready in each case to "apply the board of education to the seat of learning," as we used to say. How had the Twelve gotten so twisted around? They had a lot to learn about the nature of the Kingdom, as we all do. But their false assumptions about greatness became fertile ground for the seed of pride. 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. RS04042024_0.mp3Scripture References: Luke 9:45-56

Jesus has a way of ministering to each of us, personally. We hope you had a great Easter celebration. We're going to bask in the afterglow of the Resurrection for a little while longer, as Jim has some more thoughts about the Lord inviting Himself to that "fishing trip" in John 21. This is a more informal talk, musing about the various men on that boat - since we have most of their names - and what this appearance may have meant to each one of them. We call this, Under the Shadow of His Celebration, Part 2. 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. RS04012024_0.mp3Scripture References: John 21

Jesus knows where the fish are... and He knew where Peter's heart was. The One who used to ask His disciples for information -"Who touched Me?" "Who do men say that I am?" - now knows everything. That's one of the four things that the resurrected Christ revealed to the men on that John 21 fishing trip. We'll talk about all four today, including the revelation that Jesus controls the revelations; He comes to you. 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. RS03292024_0.mp3Scripture References: John 21:1-15

Hey, didn't we have 7 names on the signup sheet for the men's fishing trip? I'm counting 8! As we move into an early Easter or Resurrection Sunday holiday, we'll look at an account that's well suited for the occasion. We're still tracking James, who's gone along on a fishing retreat with some of the guys. If you've read John's Gospel, you know the story: Jesus shows up. Jim will talk about four things that Christ came to reveal that morning. The sermon is, Under the Shadow of His Celebration. 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. RS03282024_0.mp3Scripture References: John 21:1-15

What's the agenda for this meeting? The purpose of the transfiguration of Christ on the mountain was clear: to reveal to Peter, James and John the true nature of their Lord. It was a way to open their eyes to reality. But Jesus would gain something from this event, as well. That seems to be why Moses and Elijah were invited to the meeting. And their discussion centered on, not eternal glory, but the imminent crisis. Today we'll complete Jim's sermon, Under the Shadow of the Cloud, Part 2. 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. RS03272024_0.mp3Scripture References: Various Scriptures

And then Jesus said something truly revolting. Cannibalism. Isn't that what the Lord was talking about? Only recently He was providing tasty fish sandwiches - and now He's telling us to eat His flesh and drink His blood? What in the world?! It would take an Israelite with a very strong stomach to even stick around to hear the explanation of that. And that reaction was exactly what Christ wanted. Let's join Jim in the Gospel of John, chapter 6. 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. RS03262024_0.mp3Scripture References: Various Scriptures

Before the Mountain, was the Meal. Last week we looked at the Mount of Transfiguration experience for Peter, John, and especially James. But it will help us appreciate that event if we'll flip back a few pages, and see what was happening just before. Yes, we'll hear from our old and true friend, Context. And the context was a confrontation between Jesus, and some folks He had just fed. Pastor Jim calls this sermon, Under the Shadow of the Cloud, Part 2. 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. RS03252024_0.mp3Scripture References: Various Scriptures

The Mount of Transfiguration changed everything for James - and for Jesus! As we try to gather any details we can about the life of James bar Zebedee, we climb with him up a mountain where the Lord will give him and two other disciples an unimaginable privilege - that of seeing His glory. And in many ways this was the beginning of the end. From that mountaintop it was a straight shot to Mount Calvary. Here's Jim with the finale of his sermon, Under the Shadow of the Cloud. 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. RS03222024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 16 & 17

If you want to hear a word from Jesus, you might have to stop talking! We've begun to tag along with the Apostle James, John's brother. In the previous sermon we witnessed the call that James got from the Lord. That call certainly changed his life, but maybe not as much as the scene we'll study next: the Mount of Transfiguration. As usual, Peter steals the scene. And he seems to be ad-libbing when he should be listening. Today and tomorrow Jim will take us Under the Shadow of the Cloud. 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. RS03212024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 16 & 17

Did Jesus have some kind of hypnotic power that drew people to follow Him? When we see the Lord walking by the sea and calling out to Peter and Andrew, and then to James and John, "Follow Me," and they just drop everything to follow Him, what's going on there? Did those men have a spontaneous realization about Him? Did He possess some personal magnetism? Or were they prepared for the call in some way that's not recorded in the Gospels? Most importantly, have we heard that call? 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. RS03202024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 4:1-22

What was so great about James the Greater? James, the son of Zebedee, was not only part of the "inner circle" of disciples, he was the first Apostle to be martyred. That's a high honor. But today Pastor Jim will show us that we may have a lot in common with this man. He's not the author of the Epistle of James; that's the Lord's half-brother. So who was he? In our new series, we'll search the New Testament for details about this Christian leader who lived Under the Shadow 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. RS03192024_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 4:1-22

Does my gift make God yawn - or worse? When we give our Father a present, we want Him to like it! And we want to avoid the example of Cain, with his offensive offering. The writer of Hebrews has said that God is not impressed with our good-doing and our law-keeping. Well, then, what does He take delight in, now that the key sacrifice has been made by Jesus? Today Jim will wrap up our Hebrews series with Part 2 of his sermon called, Sacrifices that Please God. 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. RS03182024_0.mp3Scripture References: Hebrews 13:15-21

Under Grace, what is the function of the Law? In a way, this question was bound to come up. It always arises when we try to think-through the full implications of the gospel. If, as we gladly proclaim, salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus; and if we insist that "by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified," can't we be accused of "nullifying the law?" What does the author of Hebrews mean when he writes that "a former commandment is set aside?" 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. RS03152024_0.mp3Scripture References: Hebrews 13:15-21

Was Jesus the "Passover Lamb," or a different beast altogether? The writer of Hebrews takes us beyond the easy comparison of Christ with the sacrifice made at Passover, and on to another sacrifice, another animal, another day. And this symbolism doesn't make some obscure theological point; the point is practical, and applies to us: We are to follow this Sacrifice "outside the camp." We're in Hebrews 13, about verse 9 and following, with Jim. 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. RS03142024_0.mp3Scripture References: Hebrews 12:25-13:13

Martin Luther wrote, "What comes by the works of the law is disgrace rather than grace." As pleased as we may be with our own accomplishments, to God they must seem like the scribbles of a child. Our puny efforts and flimsy trophies certainly won't give us anything to hold on to when things get rough. We'll see that clearly today, as we continue in the last part of Hebrews 12 and the first part of chapter 13. Here's Jim with more of his sermon, Hang on to Grace. 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. RS03132024_0.mp3Scripture References: Hebrews 12:25-13:13