Welcome to Delight in Grace, the teaching ministry of Rich Powell. Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Winston-Salem. Today is the final radio broadcast for Delight in Grace. In this segment, we'll be talking with Pastor Rich in an interview, getting his thoughts on teaching God's Word, church ministry. and the future of delight in grace.
Let's listen in. Good morning, Pastor Rich. Good morning, Adrian. The consistent teaching of God's Word has really been just truly formative in the Family of Grace Bible Church here in Winston-Salem. Could you share with us what you understand to be the priority of teaching the Bible?
Sure, Adrian, thank you. God has made himself known to us in writing and in person. God's word is what I like to call his self-disclosure. It is God, if you will, shining his light into our darkness, and thereby. we see life accurately.
The priority then for us is to know God and His purpose according to His revelation.
So the Bible is historical record as well as propositional truth. That includes everything from narrative to poetry, from prophecy to precepts, from Plain truth letters to prose laden with imagery. In all of that, what matters is that we understand God's self-disclosure, the Bible. To be one grand story of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Pursuant to that is what we call the systematic exposition of Scripture.
In other words, we take a whole book or a letter and we seek to understand it as best we can in its historical context, as well as the context of all Scripture, and then unpack it for its intended meaning to the original readers or listeners. From there, we apply it to our situation today. And we know we can do that because God is infinite and timeless in his understanding. His ways are far above our ways. His purposes transcend human lifespan, so we can have very high confidence that what was revealed and written so long ago has authoritative relevance To our lives today.
So, in saying all that, we understand God and His purpose. And then we understand ourselves and our purpose. for being alive Relative to him, our creator-redeemer. This is, I believe, Adrian, the priority of teaching the Bible. Hmm, that's that's good.
Powerful reminders for us. You've been teaching God's Word for many years now. Can you share a little bit about the opportunities? that you've enjoyed as you have faithfully taught God's Word.
Well, the main one, of course, would be in the church, and I've been a teaching pastor for almost 30 years now. The preparation and delivery of a sermon, unpacking God's Word, is truly my joy. I've had numerous other opportunities like teaching in Bible colleges and churches in various parts of the globe, India, Egypt, and Parts of the Caribbeans, Haiti, St. Vincent, St. Lucia.
Teaching on the radio has been a good experience. As I am out and about, I often encounter folks who listen and express their appreciation for biblical teaching. Yeah. Another format is having the privilege to publish, and it is just another means of teaching the Bible in writing. I love to hear how God takes our faithfulness and he multiplies it for his glory.
And I see that clearly in your own service to him. From your experience, what would you say is the greatest need for the church today?
Well, Adrian, I guess that would depend on where the church is in the world. Christ is growing his church as he promised, and there are places around the world where the church is flourishing. Yeah. Unfortunately, folks don't feel that way about the church in America. There are churches that are flourishing here in America, and I would say Grace Bible Church is one of those.
But in general, Biblical Christianity is in a struggle in our culture, and not so much for political reasons. but because there are so many distractions for us. We are a prosperous people by global standards. There is so much available to us from a glut of information and much of it inaccurate. to a labyrinth of entertainment, a maze of toys, a surplus of conveniences, A plethora of safety nets.
We are at a place where there is not much of a felt need for God. In other words, we think we're okay. with all of these distractions, and yet deep down we know or not. I believe there is still in all of us an itch for the transcendent. And with our sense of being okay, Being rather self-sufficient, we tend to make God in our image.
We think he's like us, only bigger and stronger. But without any captivating conviction that he is good. In other words, we in ourselves have become the final arbiters of truth, the self. Is our God, and unfortunately, this thinking has made its way into the church.
So I would say, Adrian, the greatest need for the church in America in particular and in the West in general. It is to truly know God in the way that He's made Himself known. Only then Can we truly and accurately understand ourselves and his purpose for us? Wow, that's that's powerful. In a culture that just focuses so much on finding self.
We really only find ourselves and our purpose in finding our Creator and our Saviour. You've been lead pastor at Grace for how many years now, Richard? For 22 years this month. Wow. Can you tell us a little bit about specifically the teaching ministry at Grace?
So at Grace Bible Church we have a saying, The Word of God sets the agenda at Grace. This church was founded 45 years ago with the chief MO of the Systematic Exposition of Scripture.
So, with the Bible as our final authority and understanding that the Word of God addresses our needs the best. All our endeavors are biblically based from our children's and youth ministries, our care groups. That some churches call small groups or community groups. We have Grace Counseling Ministry and our Music Ministry is has biblically rich lyrics. And we have Sunday night.
seminars that address current cultural concerns from the perspective of God's self disclosure. We also schedule Sunday night seminary courses for those interested in really digging deep into divine revelation. What has been so encouraging to me is the intentionality toward discipleship within the Grace Teaching ministry. What do you believe is ahead for Grace Bible Church?
Well, Adrian, the church is in a good place, and it is on a growth trajectory. I believe God is. Blessing the clear and faithful teaching of his word. And we are currently having to expand our facilities.
So That means things will be a bit chaotic in 2026 and require a measure of forbearance, but the church is very enthusiastic about it. But I would say that there's a strong sense of family and belonging united around Christ. And his truth, and that's what keeps people here and more coming in.
So we see God in the business of drawing people to Himself. and transforming their lives. What about Delight and Grace? What's next is the radio program moves to the online platform. I'm very grateful to the Truth Network for having us on their programming at ten o'clock each weekday morning.
It's been a good experience, and hopefully, many have appreciated the biblical teaching But in 2026, we will move exclusively to the podcast format, with whole sermons available in each podcast. They can be found at delightinggrace.com, and they are also available on Spotify. and Apple. Wonderful. Any last words for your radio audience?
I always like to say God is good. He is your benevolent sovereign. And I invite you to know him in the way that he's made himself known. You will find your greatest freedom in surrender to him, because he is your highest good and your deepest satisfaction.
Okay. Consume his word with solid biblical teaching. If you're looking for a spiritual home grounded in scriptural teaching, you may find your family at Grace Bible Church.
So look us up at gbcwinston.com. Also, you'll find our teaching at delightingrace.com. Wherever you fellowship, make sure God's self-disclosure is paramount. We close in prayer. Father, we are grateful for your love and for your goodness.
Thank you for making yourself known to us so that we can know you and walk with you and serve you with delight. Father, we recognize as we study the historic people of Israel that they're no different than we are. We are no different than they are. We are prone to wander. But Father, thank you for giving us the Lord Jesus Christ.
that we as we fix our gaze upon Him, The one who is the author and finisher of our faith. Father, the one who has done the work necessary for us to be reconciled to you. the one who has given us his righteousness. Thank you, Father, that we can celebrate. that the work is done.
So Father, find us living. In the outflow. of this finished work. Because you are good. In Jesus' name.
Amen. Thank you so much for tuning in to Delight in Grace for our final broadcast on the radio. If you've been listening consistently over the last couple of years, we are so glad you've joined us in this way. We hope you'll continue to tune in at delightingrace.com.
