Podcast Summary: Times Square Church — Sermons

Episode: The Rare Red Letter Moments
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: March 8, 2026

Overview

This episode centers on the theme of the “rare red letter moments” — instances in Scripture where Jesus speaks directly, often highlighted in red in printed Bibles. Pastor Tim Dilena explores how these moments provide believers with timely encouragement and guidance during life’s most difficult seasons, emphasizing that Jesus still speaks today. Drawing from Acts 18, 23, and 2 Corinthians 12, Pastor Tim relates these scriptural red letter moments to contemporary challenges, urging listeners to seek God's living word in their battles, failures, and times of overwhelming opposition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Current State of the Church and Need for God’s Voice

• [04:00-11:00]
  Pastor Tim reflects on the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, describing modern parallels: loss of first love, lukewarmness, tolerance of false teaching, immorality, and focus on the stage over true worship.

  “You lose a first love when it’s all about what’s happening on a stage… You can’t shout or clap when you’re drinking a macchiato.”
  — Pastor Tim [06:20]

• He emphasizes the urgency for authentic worship and hearing God’s voice in a time when cultural influences threaten to dilute true faith.

2. Introduction to Red Letter Moments

• [12:00-14:30]
  Pastor Tim introduces “red letter moments” as Jesus’ direct words in Scripture, often appearing unexpectedly outside the Gospels.

  “The rare red letter moments: it’s when I need a word from heaven during my most difficult times… just when you think the red letters are done, Jesus still speaks today.” — Pastor Tim [13:30]

• He contrasts Christianity’s living, present-tense Savior with other religions’ past-tense founders.

3. Paul’s Trials and Perseverance in Corinth

• [15:00–30:00]
  Pastor Tim recounts Paul’s difficult missionary journey, focusing on his time in Corinth and the humiliation before the Bema Seat (judgment seat).

  "The world never persecuted a casual Christian. The world never persecutes a Sunday morning Christian. The world persecutes those that go all in with God."
  — Pastor Tim [22:30]

• Paul’s steadfastness is linked to his deep devotion to God’s word and a special encouragement—his own red letter moment.

4. Paul’s Red Letter Encounter—Acts 18

• [31:00–45:00]
  Amidst anxiety and threats, Paul receives a vision:

  “Do not be afraid any longer; go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you. No man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
  — (Quoting Jesus to Paul, Acts 18:9-10) [43:35]

• Pastor Tim applies this promise to the church and specifically to Elder Jerry and Glenda, referencing their current health crisis and praying for peace and healing (44:00).

  “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking… for God is with you.”
  — Pastor Tim (to Jerry & Glenda, and the congregation) [44:50]

5. Handling Fear and the Unknown

• [46:00–50:00]
  Encouragement not to let fear forecast the future; sharing an anecdote about Abraham Lincoln and a preacher’s advice:

  “I never cross [the river] until I reach it… when you get there, God will make a way.”
  — Methodist preacher (via Pastor Tim) [47:30]

• The key message: stop worrying about potential future crises; trust God’s presence and promises for today.

6. Speaking God’s Word Unapologetically

• [51:00–56:00]
  Addressing questions on social and moral issues, Pastor Tim affirms:

  “We shall speak what the Word of God speaks. It’s that simple. There won’t be a vote, there won’t be a verdict that will deter us from what God has said in His word.”
  — Pastor Tim [53:15]

• He emphasizes that identity as believers supersedes ethnicity and culture when the Bible commands a response.

7. God’s Comfort at the Brink—‘The Gap’ Story

• [57:00–1:01:30]
  Sharing the story of Don and Moya Richie, an Australian couple who saved people from suicide by offering a listening ear and alternatives, Pastor Tim likens God to the Richies, reaching out to those standing on spiritual edges, pulling them back with His word and community.

  “You may think you're the only one there at NYU, but God has an army there. You're not alone.”
  — Pastor Tim [59:40]

8. Red Letters in Moments of Failure and Battle

• [1:02:00–1:10:00]
  Examining three crises in Paul’s life where red letters appear:

  • Acts 18: When tempted to give up.

  • Acts 23: After failing before the Sanhedrin.

    “On the night immediately following, not even an angel, the Lord stood at his side and said… Take courage…”
    — (Quoting Acts 23:11) [1:07:58]

  • 2 Corinthians 12: When the battle is relentless.

    “My grace is sufficient for you.”
    — (Quoting Jesus, 2 Corinthians 12:9) [1:10:05]

  When Paul made mistakes or felt overwhelmed, Jesus redirected and reassured, never condemning for his failures.

9. Standing on Firm Ground—Pilgrim’s Progress Allegory

• [1:10:30–1:18:00]
  Drawing from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Pastor Tim narrates “Christian” and "Hopeful" crossing a dark, deep river, finding the river’s bottom firm only through trust in the King (Jesus).

  “Be of good cheer, said Hopeful. I feel the bottom and it’s firm.”
  — John Bunyan, quoted [1:15:00]

• He charges the congregation to “praise His promises” — finding solid ground on God’s word in stormy times.

  “God’s people live on promises, not on explanations… Praise His promises.”
  — Pastor Tim [1:17:20]

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “You lose a first love when it’s all about what’s happening on a stage.” — Pastor Tim [06:15]
• “Once in a while, as you’re reading the Scriptures, red letters show up out of nowhere… Jesus still speaks today.” — Pastor Tim [13:30]
• “The world never persecuted a casual Christian… The world persecutes those that go all in with God.” — Pastor Tim [22:30]
• “Do not be afraid any longer; go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.” — Quoting Jesus to Paul, Acts 18:9-10 [43:35]
• “We shall speak what the word of God speaks.” — Pastor Tim [53:15]
• “I never cross [the river] until I reach it.” — Methodist preacher (via Pastor Tim, quoting Lincoln’s story) [47:30]
• “Be of good cheer… I feel the bottom and it’s firm.” — John Bunyan (Pilgrim’s Progress) [1:15:00]
• “God’s people live on promises, not on explanations.” — Warren Wiersbe (as quoted by Pastor Tim) [1:17:20]
• “He never let me down. He’s faithful every season. So why would He fail now?” — Worship chorus, altar call [end]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:00] – Application of Revelation’s warnings to the present-day church.
• [12:00] – Introduction of “red letter moments” and why they matter today.
• [20:00] – Paul's devotion and opposition in Corinth.
• [31:00] – Paul’s vision at Corinth: Jesus speaks.
• [44:50] – Prayer for sick church members (Jerry & Glenda); personal application of Paul’s red letter moment.
• [53:15] – “We shall speak what the word of God speaks” — stance on moral/cultural issues.
• [59:40] – “You’re not alone” — encouragement for lonely Christians.
• [1:07:58] – Paul’s mistake and Jesus’ reassurance (Acts 23).
• [1:10:05] – Jesus’ reply to Paul’s thorn (2 Corinthians 12).
• [1:15:00] – “I feel the bottom and it’s firm.” Pilgrim’s Progress illustration.
• [1:17:20] – “God’s people live on promises, not explanations.”
• [conclusion] – Call to confess Christ and an open invitation to salvation.

Tone and Style

Pastor Tim’s message is energetic, heartfelt, and marked by pastoral warmth. He blends scriptural exposition, personal stories, humor, and well-timed literary and historical references. There is an undercurrent of encouragement for the weary or struggling, and frequent exhortations for the congregation to praise God’s promises, trust in Christ, and to persevere in faith despite difficulty, opposition, or failure.

Conclusion

The Rare Red Letter Moments is an uplifting and deeply practical message. Listeners are reminded to expect and seek “red letter” intervention—those timely words from Jesus that speak precisely into the mess, battle, or confusion of our lives. Whether experiencing failure, relentless spiritual assault, or the urge to quit, it is God’s living word and His presence that offer solid ground beneath our feet. Listeners are called not just to survive but to “praise His promises,” knowing God still speaks, acts, and leads His people today.