Connecting Columbia Union Seventh-day Adventists

Release: Keys to Practical Christian Living

Interview by Anna Bartlett

“A lot of the time we think blessings are only those things that make us feel good, but the key to walkng with God is to understand that the blessing comes in whatever God sends our way that draws us closer to Him,” says Charles Tapp, senior pastor of Potomac Conference’s Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. He shares similar practical applications in Keys to Practical Living, a CD of short messages from Sligo’s radio ministry, Simple Truths for Life, on WGTS 91.9.

Read our interview with Pastor Tapp below:

Visitor: What was your inspiration for creating Keys to Practical Christian Living Vol 1?

Tapp: I wanted folk to have something that was short, but still had some depth to it. Especially individuals who don’t have time to listen to a sermon and just needed something to inspire them. The messages are simple and straight to the point. The average message is 3.5 minutes in length.

Visitor: What are some of the keys that you share in this CD?

Tapp: The keys are contained in the messages. For example, one of the messages is titled “Blessings in Disguise.” A lot of the time we think blessings are only those things that make us feel good, but the key to walking with God is to understand that the blessing comes in whatever God sends our way that draws us closer to Him. If you understand that key, then even the bad things, the unfortunate things, can work together for your good. So in the end it’s a blessing, but it is disguised in many instances.

Visitor: What impact has simplifying Bible truths down to practical application had on your life?

Tapp: This is what my entire ministry has always been about. When I study God’s word it has to make sense to me and it has to be practical. I love to gain deep truths from God and break them down so people can understand them and see how these truths can apply in their lives. I always look for the practical side. How can I use this to better my life and strengthen my walk with God? If I can’t put it to use, what good is it?

Visitor: What is the most surprising thing about simplifying God’s word to you?

Tapp: If you spend time in God’s word, the truths will come. I think too many of us are not willing to spend the kind of time in God’s word that we should. We think it is too deep, the messages too hidden. Regardless of how deep it is, if you spend time with it the truth will come, but you have to spend the time with it.

Visitor: What do you most want people to learn through this CD?

Tapp: I want them to see how real God’s word is, that it does make an impact, and it can make an impact on our day to day lives. It’s not just this ethereal idea out there. If I really take God at His word, I can apply these things to my day to day life.

Visitor: How is this CD helping support your ministry?

Tapp: It lets people know about the ministry. We’ve given it away several times at different events and at church. It’s an easy way to connect people to the ministry and a less intrusive way to share the gospel. It’s something members can give as gifts to their friends. Some people will listen to the CD and also give financially to the ministry.

Keys to Practical Christian Living, volume 1 can be found online here, or by attending upcoming events posted on simpletruthsforlife.org. Volume 2 will be released Spring 2019.

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