Reaching For Real Life

Sean Azzaro is not only a teacher and pastor, he's also a gifted Worship Leader. Sean digs in deep today on what is worship, how should you prepare to worship, and has some ideas on how we should see worship differently in the church today.

As of this posting 50K have flocked to Kentucky to be a part of the "Asbury Revival". Should you go too? Sean says if you do, bring him back some nuggets from Buc-ee's...but that's not the question you should ask. You can ask God to revive your heart right here, right now. God's not "there", He's here.

Many agree...one of the greatest Super Bowl Games ever but there was a lot more cooking...from the patriotism demonstrated, an epic version of the Nation Anthem, to the drama of a "Black National Anthem" and again the division created. Sean shares something special that happened on Super Bowl Sunday when River City joined River City Espanol (the Spanish congregation) - and got a taste of Heavenly worship. Unity is good thing.

A ton of stuff on the table, Superbowl Weekend, Valentine's Day Week, The State of the Union...but it's Black History Month. How do we honor it in this divisive climate to reflect Christ? Pastor Sean has a dream! There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus - Unity!

Steve Arterburn is the founder of New Life Ministries and host of New Life Live on 200 stations including Sirius XM. His modern classic Every Man's Battle is followed up with something deeper in his latest release "Every Believers Thought Life. Pastor Sean's conversation with Steve Arterburn is one that will change the way you think about they way you think.

After the opening fun topics of Sean's new hat, football smack, and how to pick a church, Sean shares the story of Ivan Provorov - the Russian Hockey Player who said "no" to participating in the pre-game pride night activity which had all players to wear a rainbow jersey. His comment to the press was it was his desire "to stay true to myself and my religion...I respect everyone. I respect everybody's choices." Sean talks about as believers dealing with the issue, and also dealing with the person. There's a big difference.

Did you hear about the guy who was asked to leave the Mall of America for wearing a "Jesus Saves" T-Shirt? That was the headline...but did you read the story? There's a bigger one for you if you read between the lines and past the media's agenda. How are we supposed to witness, and share our faith? Pastor Sean has some advice for you that comes from the Word - and it's two words - Gentleness and Respect.

It's a new year, and Pastor Sean strongly encourages you to be in relationship with God, you must be in the Word to hear God's voice in your life. We present to you the plan!1) Where to Start: Use A Bible Reading Plan - https://reallife.org/get-involved/bible-reading/2) How To Study God's Word via REAP: Read, Examine, Apply, PrayRead -         Prayerfully read through your daily reading. Ask God to speak through His word!-         Make note of any sections or scriptures that particularly stand out to you, which may be the prompting of the Spirit – make note of these verses in your journal. (Keep a journal) Examine Look more deeply at the passages. Ask and answer some key questions:1.   Who was this passage written to? Who is being addressed?2.   What would they have understood this passage to mean? (Get a Study Bible)3.   What am I to understand this passage to mean? (What does God want me to know?)4.   What does God want me to do (How am I supposed to obey God’s voice in this passage?5.   What does this p

It's always great when Pastors Sean and Lauri Azzaro join in conversation together and hear how this couple does Real Life together. You'll hear an interview with them both as they talk about how they process the new year...what's the vision, what are the goals, how do they measure success/failure. And after you get the vision/set the goals, then what? Lots of great advice, wisdom, and practical take-aways for you for 2023! Happy New Year!

Freeze Navidad...the Cattle are Freezing...The Herald Angels Freeze! But Christmas is still coming so don't miss it. Pastor Sean has some ideas on how to slow down - get connected - listen and love this season. Plus how to let your faith shine when it's sometimes hard with Cousin Eddie in the house. Spend Christmas Eve in community at River City Community Church - Friday at 7pm / Saturday at 4:30pm and 6pm.

If you're in new ministry or business, growing pains are part of the plan when growth comes. How do you raise new leaders and how do you let go? Pastor Sean shares his personal experience and shows the model given to us in the Word.

LISTEN TO THIS ONE! Spiritual Warfare - more Christianese or is it real? Are there really battles happening over countries in the heavens? What's happening in the world today with wars, rumors of wars, scandal, deception, and corruption here on Earth, Sean says it's almost like a Frank Peretti novel...there is a war on...it's spiritual - there is evil - and we have a weapon...and that's prayer.

Pastor Sean has some fun breaking down some old-school "Christianese" and some of the truth behind it, followed by the Christian perspective on the Respect For Marriage Act and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.

You'll get a full podcast experience here with a Post-Casting Crowns Concert report, a Pre-Christmas LIVE Giving Exercise, and a Post-Midterm conversation on what it means, was the overturning of Roe v Wade worth the losses in the House, and what's really the bottom line...and we think you already know what it is...but listen anyway.

The day this was recorded (11/8/22) elections were happening all over the country. Picking a leader in politics is a privilege in our country, but surrounding yourself with leaders in your life is also a decision you can control. Pastor Sean shares his quick list of Biblical qualities to look for when picking a leader and not just in politics but in parenting, business, and life.

Halloween is behind us, and if you pop into Walmart or whatever retail space, Christmas is already here...but Pastor Sean says "Don't Forget Thanksgiving". And with that how do you prepare your heart if the holidays are not something you're looking forward too because of past hurts from family. Sean has a good word for you to experience Relational Health this holiday season.

Casting Crowns will be back at the Real Life Amphitheatre on November 11th. Tickets on sale at www.reallifeamp.com. Lead Singer/Youth Pastor Mark Hall takes time to reflect on 20+ years of music and pastoral ministry. While Casting Crowns has had huge success over the years, Sean asks the real life questions, and Mark gives the real life answers.

Early voting starts soon...the Midterms are here...Election Day is November 8th...and Pastor Sean Azzaro made a special list...not of the candidates but of issues that we seem to forget. Sean wants to remind you when you go to the polls, DON'T FORGET...(spoilers) politicians who were enjoying the control during COVID / who wanted to defund the police / who wanted to redefine racism...and he's just getting started. Take notes...and don't forget when you go to the polls.

10 years ago this month, River City Community Church's Pastor Jason Powers accepted the call to lead a new church plant in New Braunfels. He invited Pastor Sean to celebrate with them last Sunday as they talk about the importance of remembering what the Lord did, and what He's doing...it's important to pause because when you think about it, "it's worship".

If you think you're busy..."oh my life is so crazy...it's controlled chaos...I haven't had time to even think...if I don't get this done, no one else will do it...etc.." - yeah...we know who you are. Pastor Sean has word for you from the Bible. It fact its one of the 10 Commandments. Take time away from your "busy" life, rest...and enjoy this conversation.