The Implanted Word Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The Implanted Word is the teaching ministry of Pastor Bill Gehm. Pastor Bill is the senior pastor of Grace Church in Amarillo, Texas. Grace Church is a Calvary Chapel, and pastor Bill takes a verse by verse approach to preaching the Bible. We pray that you are encouraged in your faith as you listen to God's Word.
Do you remember the day you gave your life to the Lord? For some, it may have been an instant change. But for others, it’s a long process of failing one day and succeeding the other. And if that’s you struggling with keeping your eyes on the Lord then today’s message is for you! Pastor Bill encourages you to read from the Book of Proverbs. When you first come to Christ, ask God for His wisdom; pray to Him and read from His Word. Let Jesus Christ come into your life and let Him change you from within.
When you go to college to study a specific field, you aim to use the knowledge you gain to secure a job in that area. So when you come to God and learn from His Word, will you continue to do wrong or apply what you've learned? In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to use the wisdom that comes from God and allow Him to use your life for His will. And if you find yourself asking where to read and learn from God’s Word, all you have to do is open the Bible and allow God to speak to you!
What does trusting the Lord in all of your ways look like? Is it letting Jesus take the wheel at night? No, but it does mean that you’re allowing Jesus into every area of your life. Most people give their hearts to the Lord but don’t trust Him with their finances. Other people allow God to fix their problems but don’t remember Him when things are going well or vice versa. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to allow Jesus into every area of your life, not just the areas you’re willing to surrender.
Have you ever seen those videos on the internet of people doing a trust fall and their friends don’t catch them? Talk about anxiety, and that’s only a game. Could you imagine if that were a life-and-death scenario? It is when it comes to your faith. Living life without God is like letting nothing catch you after a trust fall. But in today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that when you place your faith in Jesus Christ, you can rest knowing that He will always be there to catch you. All you have to do is believe!
If you’re a parent, you know that when your child is born, there are certain things you don't give them access to. That’s why you baby-proof your whole house! But whose responsibility is it to protect the child? It’s yours! Your common sense tells you that your baby isn’t ready for these things. And like your knowledge, God gives you the wisdom to tell helpful from harmful. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that wisdom isn’t just knowing right from wrong, but a way to deliver you from evil.
When you fill up your car, you understand that the gas will run out eventually. And like those who drive past the gas station, some see God but choose something else. They believe that they can get to their destination without stopping to refuel. So in today's message, Pastor Bill warns you to stop neglecting your spiritual needs and slow down; STOP! When you come into this world, you go down a path many will spend their lives on, but God offers you another road that leads to everlasting life.
What do you look for in a Sunday service? Are you looking to be spiritually fed, or are you looking to be successful? Do you want God to make Himself present in your life, or are you looking for a quick fix? If you’re looking to fix a broken life with something more than yourself, then today Pastor Bill encourages you to keep Jesus and His Word at the center of your life. When you let Jesus into your heart, He will do great things through you but you have to let Him in and live by His Word daily.
As believers, it can be hard to know what to do and when to do it. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that you must live within the law of the Lord. When you do that you’ll be living within the will of the Lord, when you live within God’s will, you’ll find that you’ll have joy that’s unexplainable. A joy that’s only found in Him. To understand the will of God you must read the Bible. Living within God’s will isn’t something that’s confining but something that’s meant to give freedom through His love. Choose God’s will today!
Sometimes it can be hard to focus on Jesus when there are things around us that take us away from Him. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about how even when Jesus is in the room, we still ignore Him and choose things over Him. Do you trust in Jesus? He alone can save you from the darkness that enthralls this world. He loves you and wants you to have a relationship with Him. His love always wins out. Pursue a relationship with the Lord today and find victory in His love!
What does it mean to have the spirit of Christ? In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that if you don’t believe you can’t have the spirit of Christ in you and you aren’t saved. Being a follower of Jesus allows you to have the spirit of Christ in you. This means that you can have victory in this world from the things that would tear you down. When you trust in Him, you’ll find comfort in His arms. Trust in Jesus today, invite the Holy Spirit into your life and you’ll be free from the chains of this world.
The thought of Jesus returning can be a confusing subject to talk about. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about Jesus’s return on the Mount of Olive. Are you prepared for Jesus’s return? Do you believe in Jesus’s death and resurrection? If you don’t, choose to trust Him today! He loves you and wants you to be with Him in eternity. God sent His son Jesus to die for your sin. He’s pursuing you and desires a relationship with you. Choosing Jesus is the best decision you could ever make!
The things of this world always fail, we see it all around us! From the government to our day-to-day lives, something always fails us. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that the only way to life is Jesus. Though the things of this world will fail us, Jesus promises eternal life through Himself. Do you trust Jesus? He died on a cross for you and me. He’s given you a chance for eternal life. How awesome is that! Trust in Jesus’s eternal love today and you won’t be disappointed. He’s waiting for you!
Have you ever gone to a test and not studied? When you walk into those spaces, it usually leads to disaster. Today, Pastor Bill says that we all have a book available to us with the answers. It’s the Bible. When you read the Bible you’ll find the answer to life’s questions. Do you trust God with your whole heart? It’s hard to understand the Bible when you don’t trust Him. He may be trying to teach you something today! Trust Him with all your heart and watch as God teaches you new things through His word.
A crazy fact is that the Bible all points back to one person, Jesus. He is within all of scripture and it all points back to His death and resurrection. Today, Pastor Bill tells us that because there’s Israel, it means that Jesus can, and He will return to save this Earth. Jesus is the only one who can save us from our brokenness. Do you believe in Jesus? If not, He’s pursuing you every day and wants a relationship. Today’s the day to trust Him. He’ll take you from this world’s brokenness and into eternity with Him.
Do you have faith in Christ? In today’s message, Pastor Bill says once the rapture happens, those who don’t believe will believe false doctrine because they won’t know the truth. If you don’t believe in God, today’s the day to trust Him. He loves you and wants a relationship with you so that you can live freely through His son. He loves you so much that He sent His son so you can have a chance at eternal life with Him. Trusting in God is far better than trusting in things of this world. Trust in Him today!
With the way the internet is made, anyone can say anything, and people will start believing it. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that we must always check and make sure what people are saying about scripture is from the Bible. It doesn’t matter what they’re saying as long as it’s full of truth. When you hear someone preaching, double-check it with the word of God. You must make sure you’re not listening to a false teacher but rather someone who’s in the word daily and loves the Lord wholly.
In the end times, there will be someone who comes to deceive everyone. Their purpose is to make people believe in anything other than God. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says we must be alert. You must be ready for when this time comes because it’s coming faster than we think. There’s only one name that can help you discern what’s right from wrong. His name’s Jesus. He came for your sins and came so you could have a relationship with God. Choose to trust God today because He loves you!
When we’re betrayed, it can. Make us feel all sorts of emotions. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that when the tribulation comes there will be betrayal. People will turn on each other. Here’s the thing, you can be protected from this. You’ll be protected if you trust in God. He’s the one who will save you from your sins. He sent His son because He loves you and wants to give you a way to have a relationship with Him. Trust in God today and find the hope that’s only found through Him!
The words anti-Christ can be really scary. Today, Pastor Bill says that we must know where the Anti-Christ comes from so we can look greater and more quickly toward Christ. Do you have a relationship with Christ so you can look forward to Him? If you don’t today’s the day to choose Him. He’s seeking a relationship with you and wants you! God’s love is far greater than any Earthly love. He sent His son so that you could have a relationship with Him. Trust in God today and live freely through Him!
It can be easy to take the Bible out of context. Today, Pastor Bill says that when we can’t take verses out of scripture because they can be taken the wrong way. When you read the Bible, it’s important to have the full context of what you’re reading. Without it, there’s a chance you misread it. Because the Bible is a story, all of it is intertwined. Every verse is connected or leads to another verse. It’s hard to listen to God if you don’t have the full context, therefore you must read the Bible in its entirety.
Can I let you into a secret? There’s a book with all the answers you need available to you. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that the Bible gives you all the answers you need. God loves you so much that He gave a book with the answers you’re seeking. If you don’t trust God, trust in Him today! Trusting in God will allow you to read scripture in a new light. When you trust God He'll reveal to you things that He can only reveal through your faith in Him. God loves you, put your trust in Him today!
When a light is lit in darkness, it’s the only thing everyone can see. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that if we’re a light for God’s kingdom, He’ll reveal things that are revealed only because we trust Him. Do you trust Jesus with your whole heart? If you don’t, today’s your chance to trust Him fully. He loves you and is seeking you out. The God who sent his son for your sins wants a relationship with you because of His love. Trust in God and you’ll find freedom and joy that can only be found through Him.
There’s only one person who can save you, His name’s Jesus and He wants a relationship with you. Today, Pastor Bill says that when scripture talks about the stone that was rejected, the stone is Jesus. He’s the one who saved everyone from their sin. Your natural choice since birth has been to choose things other than God. Though you reject Him, Jesus chooses to pursue you. He chose to be the sacrifice so you could have a relationship with God. If you haven’t put your faith in Christ, choose Christ today!
Has something ever happened to you that was unexplainable? Today, in his message, Pastor Bill says that sometimes things are unexplainable because God’s at the center of it. Something extremely unexplainable is God’s love for you. God sent His son so you could have freedom in Him. He loves you so much that He wanted to provide a way for you to have a relationship with Him. If you don’t have a relationship with God, trust in Him today!
It can be easy to take things for granted, especially if we get something undeservedly. Today, in his message, Pastor Bill says that when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, we’ll know when to pray and when to give God praise. Do you know that everything you have was bought with a price? God sent His son Jesus, to die for your sins. His love is far greater than anything you could ever imagine. To give God the praise He deserves, you must first recognize the cost that it took so you could live in freedom.
Life is a battle in and of itself. Let alone all the extra pressures from society or anxiety for our friends and families. It is a never-ending battle that we’re called to fight daily with our Heavenly Father. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you that wherever you are in life, God has you there for a specific reason. Whether it’s where you work, live, or play, God has YOU there to be a strong person representing God and being Jesus in a place that may or may not have Jesus.
There is a reason why we have every single book in the Bible, no more and no less. Every part has a purpose and that purpose is to point us to Jesus! So, we need to make sure that we’re taking in every aspect of the Bible and not just a few random sections here and there. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that without ALL the parts of the Bible, you would be completely confused and misguided in your walk with Christ. There are special reasons for YOU to study every single book, chapter, and verse of the Bible!
No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God wants a relationship with you! He wants to redeem your life, and give you a brand new life full of joy, peace, and love! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will invite you to finally surrender your life! It doesn’t matter what season you’re in, God is waiting specifically for YOU! So, whether you’re a Christian or not, who is God to you? Is He your king, your savior, your master? God has a place in your life, and He’s just patiently waiting for YOU to invite Him in!
Running a marathon is easy. No, really! Anyone can do it. I mean, think about it. Taking a single step is almost as autonomous as breathing. Now, all you have to do is take one step after the other… forty-five thousand, seven hundred si… okay… maybe it’s not that easy. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that it may not be easy, but you can do it. Today, your marathon’s finish line ends at Jesus’s feet. It will be tough, but you can do it. All you need to do is focus on one step at a time.
There’s a fierce howling wind. Water is beginning to run under the doors. The windows are completely blurred by the rain. You’ve lost track of the time, and you can’t tell if it is day anymore, or if the light you see is from the deafening thunder. This image might seem terrifying and fill you with hopelessness, but in today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you that hope in Jesus will fill you with joy instead. Life will have storms, but the storms will pass. Find peace beyond the storms.
In life, you are running a race. Sometimes you may feel like you are in first place, and sometimes you may feel like you are having to crawl inch-by-inch as the pavement digs into your hands and knees. In today’s message, you’ll learn from Pastor Bill that the fight to finish is worth the blood and tears… because the Great I Am – Jesus Christ – is waiting for you at the finish line. If you’re in a crawl, get on your feet. If you’re having to walk, begin to jog. Run your race with grit and determination.
Every day, you come into contact with tens, hundreds… even thousands of people. As a follower of Christ, you are called to share the Good News of Jesus’s death and resurrection with them. Not only that, Pastor Bill will teach that you are called to compel them to come to know Jesus. Sometimes, it may be uncomfortable. You may not want to step on any toes or trap people in a corner. As you’ll learn today, sometimes kicking the nest is required. Get a little uncomfortable. Their soul is at stake.
It doesn’t take very long to look around on city streets or social media to discover that there are many self-conscious people. You’ll find people altering their appearance, burying their emotions, or yelling at others as a way of portraying how they view themselves. We all do this in one form or another. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that, regardless of what you’ve done, there’s still someone who wants you. There’s still a way for you to get to Heaven. This way… this someone… His name is Jesus.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of Jesus is His humility. He is a perfect example of someone worthy of everything this world and heaven has to offer, yet He went out of His way to humble Himself to serve others. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to take on this trait… Don’t think of yourself as a VIP when you walk into a room. Think of yourself as someone there to serve the VIP. Not only will you impact someone else’s life, but the Father will reward your humility.
The world will always worry and worry…just about everything! The difficult thing for us is that the world tries to convince us that we need to be anxious as well. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will tell you that you DO NOT have to worry or doubt because you only live in the world…you don’t have to depend on the world to provide for you! Thankfully you can depend on a much more powerful and worthy God! One that never lets you down and ALWAYS provides what you need, when you need it!
The Lord wants us to be fruitful! What does that mean? What is fruit and what does that look like for our personal day-to-day lives? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you precisely what that means and can look like for YOU! As an individual, not just for the broad spectrum of fruit for Christians. God has a special purpose for your life and He is going to do amazing things in and through you. The impact that God makes in your life is your fruit! What you create and leave behind is your fruit!
A true and real encounter with our powerful God is like nothing you have ever or will ever experience! It is literally out of this world! A supernatural experience that has no explanation except that it was clearly our God! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you how in the Bible we see other people had experiences with Him and now we have stories upon stories of God’s greatness all over the Scriptures! When was the last time YOU had an incomprehensible experience with YOUR Heavenly Father?!
We find that in this world we NEED Jesus! We also find that we still indulge in the world daily, which in turn makes us need Jesus more…it’s a never-ending cycle of sin, and then seeking Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to seek God first! Leave the world in the rearview mirror, deny yourself of what your flesh wants, and run after God FULL heartedly! If you truly want to hear God and be in a meaningful relationship with Him then you must pick up your cross every single day!
There are a lot of different voices practically yelling at us trying to get our attention in this world. Maybe it’s just society, our finances, our relationships, whatever it may be for you, there is always something desperately trying to pull our attention off of God and onto the world. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will bring to your attention all those various voices and their not-so-good intentions. In a distracting world, try and focus on the ONE true voice that matters….Jesus’ voice!
As called men and women of the Lord, we are meant to share the Word every single chance we get! We’re called to plant seeds of Jesus in ALL those around us! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will challenge you to dig deeper into the Word and spread it generously amongst those you know…and don’t know! When we can truly understand what God has for us in each story in the Bible, we will find ourselves sharing that truth in the most unlikely of places! So today, where can YOU share the love of Jesus?!
No matter who you are, what you’ve done, or even what you’re going to do, God calls all His people to be fishermen of men and women… of ALL people! We’re all called to seek the lost and tell them the good news of Jesus Christ! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will suggest to you that reading stories in the Bible is SO important! But, the better you can understand and truly absorb what God has for you in those stories, the better Christian you’ll be… and therefore the better fisher-man you’ll be!
Over time as we live for God, we slowly start looking more and more like Him! As Christians, our main goal IS to look like Jesus, and the only way to do that is to live as Jesus lived. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will share that as you find your life less and less hectic, you will realize that that is because God is covering you with His love! That is because God is transforming you and creating you to look like Him! When you see more of God in your life, you will find a lack of sin and pain, and you will find love and joy!
Being dogmatic on certain subjects is important. But, when it comes to spiritual things there is one very important factor that we must consider…Jesus! If we’re just being stubborn because we think we’re right, then we’re wrong. We can only be sure when Jesus tells us what’s right and wrong we can stand firm. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you to ask for God’s guidance on what to stand strong on! Stop and ask yourself if it’s God’s will or your own as you advocate for what you believe!
When it comes to what the Bible is actually saying and what our faith truly means to us, it is crucial that we’re dogmatic! We need to stand up and be immovable on the things that really matter in our lives! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will actually encourage you to be stubborn! There are times and places where it IS important that we don’t just roll over and let other’s opinions change our view of God! The Lord has changed our lives forever, so it only makes sense that we stand up for that new life!
The only type of jealousy that really matters and could possibly be ok, is spiritual jealousy. Meaning you want what others have with Jesus. Not in a way that makes you blind to what God has done, is doing, and will do in your own life, but in a way that makes you want to strive to be closer to God. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you just how to do that! Look at what others have with Jesus and actively work towards that so you too can have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ!
You can do all the traditional Christian things, like going to church, reading your Bible, and praying, but unless you’re saved by Jesus Christ…you will still be stuck in a never-ending circle of sin. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will challenge you to seek Jesus, not just the actions of a Christian life. Having a relationship with your heavenly Father is what REALLY matters! Being connected to Jesus and allowing HIM to guide you is the difference between not being saved and being saved!
No matter what we do, good or bad, our lives are constantly communicating and producing something…as Christians, we want to be producing good and healthy fruit! We want God to nurture us and allow us to grow! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will invite YOU to invite GOD to work in and through you to cultivate a life that is full of healthy fruit that honors God and His will for your life! So, no matter what you do, you bear fruit, it is up to you to ask God to make it good fruit!
Loving one another is a very simple thing…yet SO difficult! If you think back to the last person who hurt you, maybe it was a friend, a family member, or even a coworker…it’s really hard to try and show them God’s love after everything. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to seek God in those day-to-day struggles of trying to find some love for even your enemies! God tells you in the Bible that if you ask, He will answer. So, don’t be afraid to ask for a little help doing the one thing God told us to do.
Being a Christian is SO much more than just words and actions. We see God tell and show us in the Bible that being a Christian is an inward heart posture, not an outward personality. Now it is still important to do those outward actions to show what’s really inside, but that comes after our hearts have changed. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will challenge you to look at your life and really ask yourself what your actions are communicating. Are they expressing a humble heart toward your heavenly Father?!
To truly know whether we’re saved from our sins and going to heaven, is to truly know our savior! We can’t trust and rely on someone we don’t know… or worse, they don’t know us. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will share how you must fully know God and allow Him to fully know you in order to be saved from your sins. For you to completely understand ALL that God has for you in this lifetime is for you to completely and faithfully seek after the Lord’s will and His word!
A Christian's life should produce fruit. It should have clear evidence of God working in it and reaching others. Today, Pastor Bill's going to ask you if that's what your life looks like. Do other people see Jesus when they see you? Is it so evident by how you treat others that there must be something giving you such joy and inspiring so much love? If you're in God's Word and living submitted to Christ, there should be fruits showing it. There should be evidence of God moving in your life.
When you give your life over to Christ, there's no more room left to live for sin. You can't serve two masters. It's time to let the sins go, and commit to following God's Word wholeheartedly and going wherever The Holy Spirit leads you. Today, Pastor Bill's going to encourage you to dig deep in The Bible: to study it, meditate on it, and ask God to make it clear what the purpose is of each passage. He'll make you understand what you couldn't before, and make it clear what the lessons are within.
Everywhere you go, it should be evident to those around you that you're a Christian. Your actions and how you interact with people should leave them feeling God's love for them. It should point them to Him. Today, Pastor Bill's going to remind you that every Christian's life should bear the fruits of The Spirit working in them. There's no limit to what God can do through you when you're fully surrendered to Him, but you need to be in His Word and ask Him to make it clear to you what it means.
If someone looked at your life and didn't know you, would they be sure that you were a Christian? Is what you focus on, spend your money on, or talk about more important to you than spending time in God's Word or telling others about God? Today, Pastor Bill's going to remind you to keep your focus up. Everything you do should be in light of eternity and according to how God's Word instructs us to live. We need to be in His Word and ask Him to make it clear to us so we can understand it.
No matter what's happened in your life, no matter how bad of a past you have, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was enough for you. God can still forgive you and give you eternal life. In Him, as Pastor Bill's going to show you today, is a hope for salvation and a peace that passes understanding. It's a peace you can have today, and it's a peace that the world and its sorrows and trials can't take away. It's yours if you want it, and all you have to do is come to God in humility, turn from your sins, and accept it.
Only God can give true peace that the world can't take away. His peace is forever because He gives true rest for eternity for your soul. Today, Pastor Bill is going to point out that Jesus is The Prince of Peace Himself. To be totally transformed and be saved and to find the strength to keep running the Christian race afterward, you don't have to look any farther than Him. Ask Him to change you. Let Him have control in your life. Spend time in His Word, and let His peace flow over your life.
There's never an end to all of the work that can be done for God's Kingdom while you're still here on earth. You can always be growing in your walk with Him by spending time in His Word and doing what it says. You can always be reaching the lost with the same hope for eternity that you have. Today, Pastor Bill's going to remind you that once your life on earth is over, that's when those opportunities will be no more. That's when you'll be judged for all the things you did on earth, both good and bad.
Who you spend time with matters to God. He calls you to live like Jesus and to go into all the world to preach The Kingdom of God. While there are moments you need to be reaching the lost to lead more to Christ, you need to be careful who you spend your other time with. Today, Pastor Bill's going to warn you against other believers who don't live according to what God's Word says. They affect others, but not in a positive way. Be on your guard against those that are close to you that can hurt your faith.
The church serves many different functions. It's a great place to find fellowship with others and has become a community where people can enjoy food together. In today's message, Pastor Bill talks about how we can use our gifts and talents to serve and 'feed' others. Service always involves work. As the scripture says, 'He who won't work, won't eat', and this holds true even in the church. By getting involved in the lives of others, we 'feed' them God's love, which is the most satisfying meal they'll ever have.
A group of people who endured the hardships of the Great Depression and WW II are commonly known as "The Greatest Generation." They worked tirelessly to overcome and are respected for their resilience. In today's society, there seems to be a sense of entitlement where people believe they deserve things simply because they exist. Today, Pastor Bill refers to these people as 'slackers' and emphasizes the importance of welcoming them. Through Bible teaching, they can learn to become 'trackers.'
Society constantly bombards us to ‘live out loud’ on almost every level. Do everything you can to get noticed and make a name for yourself. However, scripture commands us to do just the opposite of that. We are to live quiet, proper, and orderly lives. Today, in his message, Pastor Bill has developed a name for those who try to live according to God’s word. He calls them Trackers - when we are ‘on track’ with living a well-ordered life as described in the word of God and displaying Christian values.
A recent survey revealed that while 45% of Evangelicals read the Bible at least once a week, only about 11% read it daily. The majority of people only read it a couple of times a year or never read it at all. In his message today, Pastor Bill underscores the significance of developing a regular reading habit, even daily. He acknowledges it may seem impossible to get started, but he also assures us that the transformative power of consistent Bible reading is worth the effort. Reading it will change our lives.
There are various reasons why people attend church, and the same can be said for those who don't attend. Some people go because of tradition, “that’s where my family has always gone.” While others might have family members serving in the church. In his message today, Pastor Bill draws attention to how this has been a common practice since the early days of the church. However, he stresses the main reason for attending church should be to maybe receive from God through His Word.
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t see a way out that made you feel helpless? Many people face those types of situations on a daily basis, and sadly many people continue in hopelessness assuming that’s just the way it is. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you if you are a follower of Christ you have an everlasting love that you can turn to in times that feel like there is no way out. Stay focused on Jesus and He will share the love and hope to help you get through.
When you learn a martial art you are told to practice through repetitious movements. The idea is that when in a competition or a self-defense situation, you don’t have to think muscle memory takes over. Much like the repetition of martial arts training, Pastor Bill reminds you to hold onto the Word found in the Bible. That is you, should know what the Bible says so much that when you get in a tough situation “muscle memory” kicks in and you just know what the Word says to do.
For those non-believers, one bad story or experience can shake them to a point of no return. Without the foundation of Christ in their life, they have no anchor to hold onto. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that no matter your past experiences, or current circumstances, as a follower of Christ you can stand fast and anchor yourself in God’s love. You may still be shaken, but you must remind yourself that you haven’t missed God, and He hasn’t missed you, there’s nothing you can’t handle.
Has anyone ever asked you to help them with something but they didn’t say where they needed help? Many times doing what is asked of you requires you to go somewhere else. Well in today’s message, Pastor Bill has good news, you can obey God right where you are! You don’t have to wait until you get to a new or different city, and you don’t have to wait until a specific time. You can stand fast and serve God right where you are. You may feel called to go somewhere else, well then that’s where you serve Him.
Why do you go to work? You may say for a paycheck, but why do you need a paycheck,? Well, to take care of your family. Everybody knows why you go to work without having to ask. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you to follow the teachings in the Bible because God loves you. When someone loves you and you love them back you naturally want to do things that make them happy. When it comes to God the best way to show appreciation for His love is to follow His commandments.
Sometimes people will say things so much that you stop believing them. Eventually, they will say something and you respond with a “prove it!” In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that love is not just what you say, but it’s what you do. You may say you love the Lord and believe what the Bible says, but your actions may say something completely different. If you say you are a follower of Christ but you continue to live a life of sin, do you really love Him, or is it just lip service?
Do you remember when you first met your spouse? Did you initiate the first conversation? Maybe you waited for them to come up to you. Either way one of you pursued the other. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that God loves you and He is pursuing you, you just have to love Him back. Even if you aren’t sure, come to Jesus and He will reveal His perfect love for you. You have the free will to decide to reciprocate the love that God has for you, come and accept Him!
Do you ever feel like you missed something? You’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, but your experiences don’t reflect that decision. Other believers appear to be experiencing blessing after blessing, but you continue to struggle. You may start to think that not only did you miss something, but that Jesus missed you! In today’s message, Pastor Bill challenges you to look at the bigger picture and reminds you that you haven’t missed Jesus nor did He miss you.
When you are around a group of people do you adapt your personality to the group? Maybe it’s not as obvious as your whole personality, it's just small things; like you talk a certain way around some people and another way around others. In today’s message, Pastor Bill challenges you to let your light shine. Don’t be afraid to let it be known that you are a follower of Christ! Let your presence be a witness so others can see Jesus through you. You may be the only representation of Christ some people see.
Have you ever mistaken someone for a friend because from a distance they looked like that friend? Sometimes you have friends you haven’t seen for a while so it’s easy to mistake other people for them, but the friends you have a close relationship with aren’t as easily mistaken. Today, Pastor Bill points out that if all you have is a head knowledge of Christ, when the anti-Christ comes you won’t be able to tell the difference. That is why you must have a relationship with Christ beyond just knowing why He is!
Have you ever tried to get into a place that had specific criteria in some way other than meeting that criteria? Too often people will try to come up with their way to do things even when they know there is a certain way to do it. It’s no different when it comes to heaven. In today’s message, Pastor Bill warns that just because you can get into heaven doesn’t mean you will. It doesn’t matter how much you pray or how good of a person you are, the only way to get into heaven is to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill challenges you with a message of tough love. Many people still don’t know about the return of Christ and that He may be coming sooner than you think. The Bible teaches that there will be signs of the return of Christ called birth pains, including rumors of wars, famines, and natural disasters. And if you look at the world around you, isn’t that happening today? Today, Pastor Bill urges you to give your life to Christ because He could return anytime.
In the Bible, false teachers led the church to believe that the rapture had already happened and that they had missed Jesus's return. However, in his second letter, Paul reassures them that they did not miss the second coming and are not to be deterred by false prophets who would come and speak lies. And much like their time, isn’t that happening today? People online speak false teachings and spread misinformation to the masses. That’s why today, Pastor Bill warns you of those who’d turn you away from the Word of God.
Do you ever wonder why God allows you to go through challenging moments? In life, God lets you go through seasons of hardships to make you into the person He needs you to be. The Bible teaches that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. And it’s because God loves you that He allows you to go through tough times so that, during those moments, you can give God all the glory. Today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that God loves you through thick and thin.
If you’re new to Christianity, you might wonder why Christians pray to God. The truth is that Christianity is a relationship with Jesus. And like most relationships, you need steady communication to make it work. You see, prayer is the best way to speak to God, and when you read His Word, He talks to you. So, today, Pastor Bill tells you that if you’re serious about starting a relationship with Jesus, you need to communicate. When you begin your relationship with Christ, He will make Himself present.
Have you ever been to a church where the whole gospel is not preached? It's a serious matter. There are churches worldwide that choose to omit teachings about hell or same-sex relationships, despite the Bible's clear stance on these subjects. Today, Pastor Bill urgently warns about those who teach outside God's Word. Hell is a real place, and it's a destination for those who don’t have Christ in their heart. This is why it's crucial to understand the importance of the whole gospel.
Have you ever heard of John 3:16? It says that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of everyone so that whoever believes in Him would not die but have everlasting life. As Christians, you should know that Jesus already paid your price, but what about those who don’t know about Him? That’s why, in today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to share the gospel and let the world know that Jesus already paid the price for your sin; all you have to do is accept Him.
Do you remember when you were a kid, and when you’d do well on a test, your parents would say they were proud of you? Your heavenly Father feels the same when you place your faith in Him, even during trials and tribulations. So today, Pastor Bill wants to remind you that when you continue to trust God and build your spiritual endurance, God finds you worthy of His Kingdom. Even when the things in life continue to knock you down, know that God will always be there to pick you back up.
Do you ever feel like the world's weight rests on your shoulders? If that’s you today, Pastor Bill encourages you to keep listening. You might feel like your life is just one bad season after another. And at times, you may even feel like giving up. But today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that when you place your faith in Christ, you can do anything through Him. Jesus gives you all the strength you need to endure the world. Remember that God will always be with you when you feel abandoned and alone.
Are you new to Christianity? If so, Pastor Bill wants you to stick around because today, you’ll learn about the importance of love. Now, I think it’s safe to say that everyone has that one person in their life that can be hard to care for. Whether it’s your family or someone you work with, showing love to someone who doesn’t reciprocate it can be challenging. So today, if you struggle with loving everyone, know that Jesus loved you first, and when you allow Him to work through you, loving everyone becomes easier.
Today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you’re in the body of Christ, you have bragging rights! Now, what does that mean? In the Bible, Paul writes to the church of Thessalonica and commends them for their faith and longsuffering. In fact, Paul tells the church that because of their growing faith during those trials, God’s judgment has proven them worthy of His Kingdom. So today, you should know that when you stand behind your faith, Christ judges you worthy of His Kingdom, and that’s something to brag about!
How careful are you when you interpret the Word of God? There are countless examples in the history of the church where people found a cause and tried to support their cause through incorrectly interpreted scripture. Don’t make that mistake. In his message today, Pastor Tom uses the example of taking up your sword. That’s something we have to be careful with. The Bible is not calling you toward violence against your enemies. You need to realize that you should be putting on the full armor of God for a spiritual battle.
Are you living off the fire of a spiritual experience of the past, or are you seeking to have a new and fresh encounter with God? It’s easy to get stuck in the past. We all have had those times when we were inspired by God or a movement of His people, and we felt alive. In today’s message, Pastor Tom will challenge you to move on. Don’t live in the past. God wants you to sing a new song as the Psalms says. Remember the past, but don’t stay there. Seek to find where God is moving now and be a part of it.
Do you feel like singing and praising God when you’re going through a difficult time in life? It can be hard to thank God when we’re going through a trial. In his message today, Pastor Tom will encourage you to sing and praise God because God deserves it. God is good all the time. God is faithful all the time. Even when you can’t see it, God is faithful. Your emotions and how you “feel” on a particular day shouldn’t dictate whether you should be thanking God or not. He deserves your worship every day.
God can, has, and will pour out blessings on believers who commit completely to following Him and doing His will with their lives. No matter your past, and no matter your skillset, God can use you where you’re at with what you have. There’s no limit to the amount of hallelujah-inspiring works God can do through you, and today Pastor Bill is going to take you to Psalms to show you praises to God you can use yourself! He alone is worthy of all the praise and honor we could ever give Him.
God’s love is so grand because it reaches us in such a low place. God’s love made a way for us to have eternal life through Jesus by the forgiveness of sins. God’s love is perfect and He has much of it for you. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to remind you that God is love. You’ll get to be reminded of what God’s love looks like and what He did because of His love for you. If just eternal life isn’t enough to justify singing hallelujah for as long as you live, then what is? Only God is worthy of our continual praise.
Happy is the person who trusts in The Lord! Who other than God’s anointed have such a reason to sing Hallelujah! Today, Pastor Bill’s going to remind you that The God we serve as Christians is a mighty God, but a loving God. He is perfect, and provides a way for everyone on earth to have eternal life! There’s truly nothing to fear when God’s on your side: not man, not life, not death. Great is The Lord and worthy to be praised! He can erase every mistake you’ve ever made and make you new!
You might be on a journey to where God wants you to be for years before you see fruit from your work in Him. It may seem like too much time has passed since you last heard from Him. But, as Pastor Bill’s going to point out today, His joy can still be yours. Your life can be content and happy in the process of going through lessons or spiritually barren periods. Remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you to be made new and set apart from the world. Endless joy, love, and happiness abound in Him.
Happy should the countenance be of anyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ! His sacrifice on the cross to give us all eternal life should inspire joy and happiness in anyone who’s accepted that gift as their own and put their faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to encourage you to be happy! Remember what Christ has done for you, and go spread that Good News and joy with others who need it, too! God’s Word isn’t meant to not be spread or to not spread joy.
Regardless of outward appearances, regardless of reputation, and regardless of income, love is the foundation of the Christian’s life. God loved the world so much in the first place that He sent His only Son here to die on the cross for all of our sins, so we could have eternal life. Today, Pastor Bill is going to remind you that this is good news! It’s news to be happy about! Christians have been set apart from the world as inheritors of eternal life. Our lives should look like it from our joy!
Do you let The LORD have His way in your life? When you hear Him knocking, do you open the door? He’s waiting for you to say yes to Him so He can begin His miraculous work in you. He has amazing plans for you, and there’s no limit to what He can do through you for His Kingdom. But, as you’ll get to see today with Pastor Bill, it remains your choice to make. No one can force you to choose to follow God, but the decision is worth it. No one can force you to choose His ways over the world, but the choice is worth it.
How you look at any particular situation determines how you’ll react to it, too. Your perspective on the same topic can shift and change your whole outlook on it. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that your reaction to those things that happen around you, no matter how they seem, is your choice. And when you make an effort to react in ways pleasing to God in all of those situations, you’ll find contentment waiting, the closer and closer you keep growing to God. But it’s your choice to make.
The circumstances of what’s going on around you can change and even be unpredictable. Trials and tribulations can come your way. Temptation can keep coming back. But, as Pastor Bill’s going to point out today, one thing is true through anything you face: How you respond to it is your choice. Do you want to use the hard times to learn lessons and grow, or do you want to only look at the suffering and hope for the day it ends? How you react to anything is your choice, and your responsibility to choose what’s right.
God is a forgiving God. He alone can offer forgiveness of sins and eternal life, and He gives it freely. No matter what you’ve done or how badly you may have messed up in the past, God can restore you and get you through it. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that it’s that forgiveness that makes people new, and it’s good news that’s meant to be shared with anyone who can hear it! Revival can’t start if no one hears about Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross so we can have eternal life with Him.
Revival happens when people hear about the good news of The Gospels: eternal life through Jesus Christ through the forgiveness of sins. It’s the news that the world tries to suppress, that Christians need to share. Today, Pastor Bill is going to encourage you to remember God’s Word throughout your day, to keep the desire going for revival again. Christians living their life as an example of how to live for God and sharing His Word with everyone they can are important for revival to spread.
Christians shouldn’t be afraid to step out in faith and tell others about the hope they have for eternity: salvation through Jesus Christ! Today, Pastor Bill’s going to remind you that if you want to be a part of God moving and see Him work in His amazing ways through you, you have to be ready. He’s looking for your heart to be humbly submitted to Him and desiring Him to touch the hurting people around you. Revival will happen when God wills it. Do you want to be a part of it when it does?
You don’t need to be ashamed of the joy or laughter that may come from being set free from the captivity of sin! Today, Pastor Bill will encourage listeners to join the Psalmist in praise and excitement for the Truth of what the Lord brings! Are you laboring through life, with little to look forward to, and the challenges of sin? Jesus came to set you free from this! As you pursue Him daily, watch Him overtake you with joy! There is no greater fulfillment, than experiencing the freedom that comes following Christ.
There is not a “playbook” to spark revival. Like most things, the Lord is not in the business of giving us boxes to check, as much as He cares about our hearts. The way that He inspires personal change in your life, may look different than it did a year ago! He simply desires your devotion to Him, and then to allow the Holy Spirit to lead. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will call on the need for a revival but encourage listeners to prioritize relationship over ritual. How can your heart for God be used for change?
Are your eyes fixed on the Lord? There is so much to distract your eyes away from Him, but there is no better “star” to follow than Jesus Christ! In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill will show listeners why it is so important to remain focused on God, and God alone. Nothing and no one else can provide the peace and satisfaction that comes from God. He loves you more than anyone ever could! What has stolen your vision lately? Ask the Lord to protect you from distraction as you stay fixed on Him.
What does the Bible say about Jesus’ second coming? Today, as Pastor Bill continues to walk through the book of Psalms, he teaches listeners about the significance of end-times prophecy in relation to current events. As Christ-followers, we should be waiting with anticipation for the Lord to return and rescue His church from this weary world! It is important to be aware of what is happening, and reference everything with Scripture. Will you lean on the Word of God for your source of truth in the last days?
How is it that Jerusalem has been at the center of so much throughout history? In today’s message, Pastor Bill enlightens listeners about the significance of Jerusalem, and how current events continue to prove that God’s eyes are always on Israel. This world is in opposition with the Lord, so if Jerusalem is His favorite city, no wonder it is the epicenter for so much chaos! How can you grow your knowledge of history and current events, so you can be a light of truth as the end times approach?
It is not uncommon for believers to regularly face opposition in the form of lies, both from people around us and from the enemy himself. In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill will acknowledge this sad reality but offer hope in the form of Jesus. Beware of lies about the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and one of his primary methods is deceit. If you are wondering what is true, the only place to turn is God’s Word - for He will never lie to you!
There is no more pure root source of Truth than God’s Word, and thank the Lord that we have it as a resource to turn to! Today, Pastor Bill will teach listeners not only of the beauty of God’s Word but also the amazing ways that it has been preserved over the years. Containing so many books and letters from so many years, it is incredible how the Lord made a way to deliver His Word to mankind. Do you have a healthy respect for the Word of God? There is no greater resource for your life!
We have been set free, not only from the penalty of sin but also from the power of sin! In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages listeners that they no longer need to walk in the ways of the flesh, justifying sin. Too many people say the prayer of Salvation, but continue in sin while labeling it as “that is just who I am.” As a follower of Christ, no you are not! You have been set free, and you can walk in victory! Have you made the commitment to give up the desires of your flesh and follow the Lord?
Do you have a genuine love for the Lord and His Word? In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill points out that God cares more about your heart than he does about any specific deeds you can do for Him. Perhaps you feel like you are not doing enough for the Lord. Your desire to serve Him should come from a heart that loves Him! If God cared about your works, He would have given you a checklist to “please” Him. He just loves you and longs for a deeper relationship with you. Do you believe that today?
Thank You, Lord, for loving us, and choosing us even when we fall short! What comfort it brings to know that the God of the Universe calls us His own, and we can call out to Him as our Father. Today, as Pastor Bill continues to teach through Psalms 119, he reflects on the peace that comes with following God. The world will offer every challenge and distraction our way, but nothing can stand up to our God! Is Jesus your God today? Only He can bring the comfort and joy that the world falsely promises.
Jesus is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, and the ONLY Life. The enemy will tease you with every other possible route but Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill exhorts listeners to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Every path of this world always leads to death and eternal separation from God. Choosing Jesus means spending eternity with Him, and experiencing fullness of life on this earth. Have you been searching for “truth” and “life” in all of the wrong places? Call out to Jesus today, and follow Him!
Are there things we are called to hate as Christ's followers? In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill will answer this difficult question by referencing the only source of Truth - God’s Word. Psalms 119 shows a genuine love for the Word of God, but it also points out the hate that we must have for wrongdoing. We should abhor evil. When we see it in the world, it should disgust us as believers! As your love and fondness for God’s Word grows, so will your “hate” for the evil things you see that are not of God.
Does the Lord reveal His faithfulness to us, even when we are enduring difficult times? Today, Pastor Bill answers this question with an emphatic “YES” as he highlights the ways that God grows His followers. We should keep our eyes open to how the Lord might be stretching us because we can always trust that His judgments are perfect. Whatever the Lord might be carrying you through today, it is for your good. How can you deepen your relationship with Him, so you might sense when He is moving?
Your decision to commit your life to Jesus will not always be received warmly by those in your life. Scripture states that the proud resist the ways of God. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will prepare listeners for this reality and will challenge them to remain close to the Lord. God knows what you are going through, and is not surprised by the challenges you face. He wants to fill you with His Spirit and sustain you through life! Do you walk in the belief that He cares for and knows what’s best for you?
The truth of walking as a follower of Jesus is that we will face afflictions, but can that be a good thing? In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill will encourage listeners to not be disheartened by the challenges they face, but to embrace the opportunities to grow in faith! Any message that preaches perfect lives for believers is just not true. Yes, we are more equipped to navigate the trials of life, but we are not immune from hardship. How can you grow your perspective and trust in the Lord in the midst of difficulty?
There is nothing else we need in life, but Jesus - for He is our portion! The Psalmist knew this, but do you? Today, Pastor Bill will teach on the satisfaction and contentment that come with resting in Jesus. Are you battling temptations from all angles some days? Speak the truth of Scripture into your life. You are my portion, O Lord! In Jesus, you will find ultimate comfort and peace. He came and sacrificed to deliver you from Sin, and now He wants to give you life abundantly through Him alone!
The Lord’s love for you is so deep, and He wants to experience a relationship with you on a personal level! What a humbling truth that is. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will challenge listeners to take their eyes off the distractions of this world, and fall in love with the God who loves them! The enemy presents so many alternatives to lure our minds away from the Truth of God’s Love. The Lord’s plans for you are always good! How can you grow your relationship with the One who loves you most?
Did you know that the entire Old Testament points to Jesus? In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill will show listeners how ALL Scripture is about Jesus. Perhaps you have always viewed the Bible as disconnected, featuring two different books with various stories. The reality is that the entirety of God’s Word was given so that we might know God’s Love for us - ultimately revealed through Jesus! How can you study portions of Scripture with an open mind, and a heart that is looking for Jesus?
Do you remember your life before Christianity? You probably thought you had life figured out… until you realized that you weren’t supposed to go through it alone. In other words; without God, life is HARD! But the Bible tells you that you can do all things through Christ who gives YOU strength. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you to come to God in all areas of your life - not just the bad, but the good! And when you invite God into your life, He will guide you according to His will.
Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to hit you at once? Do you ever feel stressed out to the point of not knowing what to do? If you can relate to that, then this message from Pastor Bill is for you! Today, you’ll learn that when you feel anxious, there’s only one you can turn to: Jesus Christ. The Bible says to seek the Lord in all that you do, and He will show you what path to take. That’s why Pastor Bill wants to let you know that through all seasons of your life, God wants you to come to Him.
Every day, people will watch TV, listen to music, or consume anything the world shows them. But what happens when you live your life according to God’s Word? The Bible teaches that every Word of God is pure and that He is a shield to those who trust Him. What this means is that when you place your faith in God, you can rest knowing that His promises are real and will protect you. So, if you’re new to Christianity, then keep listening! Today, Pastor Bill shows you how to keep God in your heart.
Have you ever wondered why God made you the way you are? I know that when I was younger, I had a hard time finding who I was. But when I accepted Christ as my Savior, I realized that He made me a purpose. And if you are wondering what God’s plan for you is, then keep listening! In today’s message, Pastor Bill tells you that God makes no mistakes and that He has a desire for your life! The Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”
If you’re new to Christianity, then you know that there can be a lot of pressure from other Christians. Some people will tell you that you HAVE to do this and you NEED to do that to be accepted into their church or fellowship. But Pastor Bill is here to remind you that you are not earning your way into heaven! When you come to Christ, the Holy Spirit floods your body. The seed that was planted has sprouted. And the more time you spend in the presence of God, the more you grow. So today, let God pave the way.
Let’s be honest; if you live in America, you know that a lot of people aren’t Christian. Every day, many people will be ridiculed for their faith in Jesus Christ. And you know that one day, Jesus will return for His family. But what happens if you don’t give your life to Christ? Won’t there be many opportunities to accept Jesus later on in life? In today’s message, Pastor Bill gives you a reality check; if you don’t accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will experience eternal separation from Him. Repent before it’s too late.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill shares a message of tough love. The reality is that everyone should give their lives to Christ. But some keep pushing God away until it’s too late. The Bible reminds you that all your days are numbered and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. So today, Pastor Bill reminds you to repent while you have the chance. Jesus Christ already died for your sins and the sins of everyone who believes in Him. The price has already been paid for you, will you accept Jesus before it’s too late?
Did you hear what Pastor Bill just said? He said, “You think you have a lot of time, but you ain’t got NO time.” What does that mean? The Bible teaches that all your days are numbered. Right now, you’re probably thinking, “Am I going to die soon?” And the answer is that no one knows…only God. The application to your life should be that life is too short to spend it on anything that doesn’t align with God’s will. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you to give your life to Jesus Christ before it’s too late.
Jesus tells us in the Book of John that in this world, we will have trouble. But to take heart! He has overcome the world. Jesus died for the sins of everyone who believed in Him and rose again three days later. Jesus, who was blameless and perfect, sacrificed His life and paid the debt that we could never repay. And after we pass away, we will be in His presence again. So, in today’s message, Pastor Bill tells you that you and I will face challenges in this life, but the reward is far worth the wait.
If there’s one thing Pastor Bill wants you to remember in today’s message, it’s this, “Fight the good fight!” In everything that you accomplish, do it for Christ. In every moment where the Word of God can be shared, do it for Jesus. And in the moments of your life where you can be the salt of the earth and a light for others, remember to fight the good fight and do it for Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! No other has died for the sins of everyone who believed in Him and rose again!
We live in a world where people would rather acknowledge the existence of a “higher being.” They’ll say it’s the universe, or Muhammad, or any other false idol on earth. But the reality is that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings. Jesus is the Lord of Lords, and He came to earth to save you from your sins. Why? Because He loves you so much that He would take the punishment for the sins of everyone who believes in Him. So, today, Pastor Bill shares with you the characteristics of Jesus Christ that make Him Lord and Saviour.
Have you ever been to the point in your life where you feel like you’re going crazy? The same thing happened to David in the Bible. While David was on the run from King Saul, he fled to the city where he killed Goliath and found himself having a breakdown. Just as David felt like he was hitting rock bottom, God spoke to him and guided Him to safety. And when you feel like you have nowhere to turn to, Pastor Bill wants you to know that God will always be there for you. Today is a new day; let God guide you.
I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s gone down a rabbit hole of emotions. People tend to overthink and be anxious. They start wondering why their life gets harder and start talking to God. “Why are you doing this? What have I done to deserve this? Why me?” And just when it gets bad, they start to lose their faith in the Lord. But God never loses faith in you. You can be down on your worst luck, straying away from God, but the second you seek Him, He will find you! So today, Pastor Bill reminds you to rest in God.
A common misconception about Christianity is the belief in Hell. Some people believe in a place that only bad people go to, and others don’t believe in it at all. But the truth is that it’s real and that everyone deserves to go. You’re probably thinking, “That’s a little harsh. I haven’t done anything bad, so why am I so deserving of Hell?” Because everyone sins, and the punishment for sin is eternal separation from God. But God doesn’t want to be without you, so He offers His Grace and mercy. So today, Pastor Bill shares the truth.
If you’ve ever run a race, you know that you want to get the best time possible. So you’ll work your way up to your goal. You work out, eat right, and drink lots of water, but sometimes, you can forget to rest - an absence of rest can sometimes lead to burnout. And just like running a race, you need rest in the Lord. Sometimes, you end up running on fumes before you realize that your tank is empty. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill advises you to rest with and in the Lord because you may need it more than you think.
If you’re a parent, you know that you would do anything for your child. A parent’s love for their son or daughter is stronger than any bond, so you know that your Father in Heaven loves you. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins. What love can be greater than that? So in today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that God loves you so much that He can’t stand losing you. That’s why He gave you His Son. Like a shepherd who cares for His flock - like a Father who loves His children.
When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they broke God’s only rule to them. Since then, humanity has had sin in their hearts. Sin is what ultimately separates us from God, but God still loves us. God loves us so much that He sent His blameless and perfect Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. All we would have to do is accept Christ into our hearts. So today, Pastor Bill shares with you an opportunity to join God’s family and encourages you to let Him be your Shepherd.
Would you rather be a tree planted by the water and firmly rooted, or a piece of chaff blowing through the wind, with no use? That’s the difference between following Christ or choosing not to. The two lives should look completely different. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that choosing God is what plants those roots of the tree, so you can stand firm against the storms that Satan tries to throw your way and make you forget about God and stumble into sin. And the choice is completely yours.
There are more blessings than you can even comprehend in following God. But, they aren’t where your focus should be. Yes, those good things can come, but without a solid foundation in Christ, the trials that come your way can quickly distract you from all the goodness of God. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to encourage you to spend time with God daily to know Him more, so you can see God move in and through your life more. True joy is found in knowing The Father more and more every day.
There’s no value in anything on this earth if you don’t get the most important thing right. Salvation through Jesus Christ is free, and it only takes a decision on your part to accept it, be forgiven of your sins, and turn from them. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that the best foundation you can give to anything else in your life is to first have your relationship with God and to have it alive and growing. He can provide you with everything else you need along the way if you remain faithful to Him.
Job suffered probably the worst loss of anyone else in The Bible, and yet he still chose to follow God. He persevered through the hard times, choosing actively to keep his eyes on God. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to encourage you to have the same kind of perseverance to do God’s will. It’s through God you have eternal life, and His hand is the hand that deals out all blessings and all good gifts on His children. Is He Who your hope and faith trust in, or is your focus somewhere else, in the world and its pleasures?
One thing that’s clear in learning about Job’s trials when he lost everything is that God is the answer. No matter what you’re going through, going to God is always good. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you how Job demanded answers from God for his hard times, but quickly realized through the answer he got that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. It may be in this life or the next, but Christians will be rewarded for what they endure here on earth for the sake of Christ and The Gospels.
A lot happened to Job in The Bible, and that is an understatement. He lost everything because God let him be tested by Satan to see if he would remain faithful. Today, Pastor Bill is going to show you what happened to Job when he demanded dialogue with God. Job gets the answers that he was asking for. But you can see his perseverance in coming before God because he knew where to turn in hard times. He remained faithful to God through it all, despite being confused for a while in the process.
God is so far above man’s ability to comprehend or understand that we can never truly know Him in His fullness. We can just learn about what He says about Himself and us, and the world around us, but never fully comprehending His ways. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you the questions God asked Job to prove that truly no one is greater than God. No creature that exists or law in place or planet in space can compare with God. It’s because of Him that it all has existence in the first place.
Science continues to give us more and more research and data to explain all possible things in the physical world. Technology makes volumes of information accessible to almost anyone. But no matter how much we learn and achieve, it never will end in us fully comprehending God and His ways. Pastor Bill’s going to encourage you today to keep that sense of wonder for God. Remember that you can’t know all there is to know about Him. That’s why He’s God. He is good, and He is higher than us.
When things got hard for Job, he knew where to go to get the strength and encouragement he needed. He looked up. He knew God was the source of all of his fortune already. On his own, he would have had nothing, but, as Pastor Bill’s going to point out in today’s message, Job actually had everything. He kept his eyes on God and trusted in Him to get him through the trials he was facing. He knew, like we should, too, that God won’t put us through anything that He can’t get us through in the first place.
Looking back at the times in the past when God has moved through you or came through for you or blessed you is important to remember when you’re facing new trials in the present. He’s more to Christians than just a means to material wealth or fame. In fact, as Pastor Bill’s going to point out today, it’s usually quite the opposite. Following God can be hard, and even bring hard times to you, but there’s always good to be found in any situation in God’s timing if you keep your focus on Him.
How do you live your life for Christ? Is it evident that He’s Who your hope is in for eternity? Does your life look different than those around you that haven’t been touched by Jesus yet? Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that Job’s life looked a lot different, even when his blessings were taken away. He continued to praise God and showed that He was much more to Job than just a way to acquire material blessings here on earth. Job had complete faith and trust in God for everything, including eternity.
While you’re living on the earth, there’s one thing your focus should be on. There’s one place you should keep in mind in every decision you make. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to remind you that God is so much more than just the blessing you can get out of Him. He’s the ultimate source of joy and peace in your heart, and He alone can give you eternal life with Him in Heaven. He should be a part of all areas of your life, not just when times get hard or you need His help to afford that next vacation.
Always be looking for Jesus. He’s there, in the Scriptures, throughout the entire Word of God. You just have to look. Remember Him when you’re reading, no matter where, and see if you can connect it to Jesus. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you how Jesus is the central focus of not only The Gospels but the entire Bible! Everything before Him foreshadows His coming, and everything after talks about what He did and about Him coming back to earth someday. He’s there, and He’s everywhere.
You can’t put a price on wisdom. Through wisdom, you can discern The Bible and find the application for each part of your life: wisdom to seek God when you face anything you’re unsure of or need more wisdom for. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to remind you to use wisdom in reading The Bible to see all of the ways it points to Jesus. It points to Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross how He lived and the fulfilled prophecies about Him, and it’s through wisdom you can fully understand and apply it all.
Everything in The Bible backs itself up, and everything points to Jesus, from the Old Testament to the New. When you go through The Bible yourself, remember to keep Jesus in mind. Remember how He lived, what His sacrifice was about, and the compassion He had for others. As Pastor Bill’s going to show you today, it’s the best way to understand what you’re reading. Jesus should be your focus all day long: when you read Scriptures, when you’re at work, school, at home, and anywhere else.
Have you ever tried to counsel a friend going through a tough time, and quoted a bit of Scripture that maybe only seemed slightly relevant? Pastor Bill warns you to be careful in those kinds of situations. If you begin to take Scripture out of context and apply it to situations where it doesn’t belong or make sense, you can do more harm than good, even though you’re using good tools. Instead, use the wisdom that you have gained from Scripture, and ask the Lord to give you the words to say.
Have you met a Christian leader who is always trying to come up with logical explanations for your problems? Although they have good intentions, they are glossing over the most important influence in Christian life: God. The Lord sustains His people through means that are only sometimes understandable by humans. Pastor Bill advises you to seek a leader who recognizes the works of God in your life and encourages you to seek the Lord for the provision and answers you need to make it through.
Do you wish that you could have an easy, carefree life? Well, following Jesus may not be the best choice for you. You have the promise of an eternal reward once you reach the end of your life, but following Jesus almost guarantees that you’ll face more challenges in life. If those challenges don’t come from people around you, they will often come in the form of spiritual attacks from the enemy. However, Pastor Bill reminds you to praise God always and allow Him to raise you up and carry you through.
There are so many spiritual forces waging war around us, but we don’t even notice. Angels and demons are fighting for influence over your life, and that can contribute to why you may feel overwhelmed or confused by the circumstances of your life. However, Pastor Bill encourages you in today’s message to keep the faith and be courageous. Don’t let your testimony be harmed by the negative things going on around you, but instead let them refine your story, and increase the power of your testimony.
Did you know that the devil is jealous of you? Because of your faith in Jesus, you have become a target of the armies of Hell, because you have what they will never have: the hope of salvation. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches about how Satan knew about Job’s blessings and was set free to torture Job and try to strip away his faith. Just like Job, you will face times when the enemy tempts you to turn away from God. Take those challenges as opportunities to renew your faith in Him.
Have you ever thought that you could be at the start of an amazing story? In the book of Job chapter 1, Job had no idea of what he was about to go through, or that his testimony would become a key part of Scripture for billions of believers. Pastor Bill reminds you today that you may not know how your story ends, but God already has a plan for how your story ends, and how your story will be used to bless future generations. Don’t worry about the present, because He knows the end.
Aren’t you excited to be living right in the middle of the story of the Bible? While we await Jesus’ return, we are right in the middle of the story of creation, sin, redemption, and fruition. Pastor Bill reminds us today that we don’t know when Jesus will return and fulfill the prophecies of Revelation, but we do know that He reigns sovereign over the world regardless. As Christians, we live under His authority, and we will soon live with Him forever. Aren’t you excited to see how the story ends?
Where does the nation of Israel fit into God’s plan now that the Church exists? Well, in today’s message, Pastor Bill warns against having the mindset that the Church has replaced Israel. Rather, Jesus’ death and resurrection serve as a bridge for humanity as a whole to be reunited with God, both Jew and Gentile. Instead of having rivalries with our Jewish brothers and sisters, we can look at each other as brothers and sisters in Christ! We are part of God’s family and are equally loved by Him.
Do you struggle to see how God’s will is going to be fulfilled in your current moment? Well, sometimes God’s plan takes longer to come to fruition than we expect. In fact, there are parts of God’s promises to Abraham about the nation of Israel that sometimes seem to have never come true. But in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to remain patient and hold fast to your faith. Even if you can’t see the way through right now, God will make good on every promise He has made to you.
Do you feel useless in your current position? Like the Lord can’t use you unless your external circumstances change? Well, Pastor Bill reminds you today that God used Esther and Mordecai, in their unusual sets of circumstances, to save the whole people of Israel from the wrath of a wicked servant. Never doubt that God can’t use you where you are, but rather take those concerns before God, and ask Him for the patience to wait until your purpose is revealed, or you are called to move.
Have you dared to ask for more favor from God? In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches about how Esther not only received grace from King Xerxes, but she asked for a repeat of that same grace the next day, and it was granted. Even when you think God’s blessings won’t extend till the next day, why not ask Him? Give Him a chance to surprise you, use that faith the size of a mustard seed, and see how He can work in your life. Ask big questions and dream big dreams, God is listening.
The world is full of things to be worried about. If you spend even a small amount of time on the internet, listening to the radio, or watching TV, you’re certain to hear of some possible doomsday or some new crisis on the other side of the world. However, Pastor Bill reminds you today that Jesus is your source of hope. When you are feeling overwhelmed by what is going on in the world, bring those burdens to Jesus. He will ease your anxiety, and remind you of who He is, and of His power to provide.
All you have to do is choose. That’s the simplicity and beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He’s done everything necessary for you to become a pure, justified Child of God. That is the source of true, eternal joy. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, when you abide in this truth, nothing this world throws at you can hold you down. It’s not that it won’t be a challenge, but the hope you have in Christ fills your heart and the worries of this world no longer bear the weight they once did.
Reading your Bible is wonderful - but it doesn’t earn you anything. The Pharisees knew Scripture like the back of their hands - but they didn’t really know it. They missed the entire point of it and they couldn’t recognize the Messiah that it foretold when He stood right in front of them performing miracles and speaking truth. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to read this book to get to know your Loving Father more, not because it’s what Christians are supposed to do.
Where are you looking for joy? Money? Family? Or romance? We have many avenues we can take in this life in our quest for fulfillment and meaning, but they all end up back at the same place - broken and empty. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, if you want your story to be defined by joy and contentment, there’s only one place to look. Jesus wants to provide that joy for you, and when you center your story around Him, He brings meaning and focus to all your other pursuits.
Has Jesus found you? He’s looking and longing for the moment you’ll look back and see the love He has for you. In today’s message, as Pastor Bill examines the story of Jesus’ resurrection and first encounters with His followers, he’ll help us understand the “holy heartburn” that they experienced when they saw Him. Encountering Jesus will take you so much deeper than just a feeling, He transforms us, but when He touches our hearts, there is an overwhelming feeling that wells up inside all of us.
Sometimes we analyze and criticize the disciples' reaction to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion with an unfair amount of cynicism. As Pastor Bill examines the account of this monumental event in today’s message, he’ll help us understand the position these men were in. They were human and they’d given up a lot to follow Jesus. Things hadn’t gone how they expected at all. They’d misunderstood His mission and the way He was going about it seemed all wrong from a human perspective.
If you’ve ever received news that really rocked your world, then you can relate to the way that the disciples felt. Perhaps it was when you learned you were going to be a parent, or maybe you got a job offer that would change your life. Or maybe it was bad news like a serious health diagnosis or the news of the death of a loved one. In today’s message, Pastor Bill tells the story of Jesus inviting His disciples to be part of a wedding feast. This wasn’t just any wedding feast, it was the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Imagine you received an invitation to a prestigious wedding. This wedding will be the biggest event of your lifetime. There will be amazing food and drinks. There will be a live orchestra. You get put up in a five-star hotel… and you know, the whole works. A once in a lifetime opportunity. How would you RSVP? Pastor Bill tells you in today’s message that you would be CRAZY to refuse. In reality, God has given you an invitation to heaven. Have you accepted that invitation? Will you receive His offer?
If you won an all-expense paid vacation to the destination of your choice, would you take it? Of course, you would! There’s no way you’d turn down that sort of opportunity. Whether you like mountains and lakes, lush forests or tropical beaches, it doesn’t matter, it’s all-expense paid!!! Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that God has offered you an invitation to His Kingdom to Participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Whatever vacation you would have picked, this feast is going to be infinitely better!!!
You know, if your ice cream sits in the freezer too long it can get too frozen. It’ll end up like a brick of solid ice. If you’re not careful, you can break the spoon trying to get it out. At that point what you’ve got to do is wait for it to melt so that it becomes soft again. Today in His message, Pastor Bill teaches you that your heart is as hard as stone until Jesus comes in and gives you a new heart of flesh. When Jesus comes into your life He will melt away that heart of stone and give you a heart that’s alive.
Remember back before Netflix? When you had to wait a whole week for the next episode of your TV show? Those cliffhangers always really left you “hanging”… “What will happen next? “DUN DUN DUN.” In today’s episode of The Implanted Word, Pastor Bill gives you a sneak peek into the future of the world. As we look at the first Triumphal Entry of Jesus on a donkey – as the suffering servant, we’re reminded of His future Triumphal Entry as He comes back on a white horse – as the conquering King!
Have you ever had to buy a gift for someone who was the type of person who goes out and buys all the stuff they want for themself? It’s like, so what do you get them? Will they even like what you pick out for them? It’s tough to shop for someone like that. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that even though Jesus is God and the creator of all – He still has need of you! It’s not that He “needs” you, but He wants to use you. Sure, He could get the job done another way, But He wants to use YOU!
The world we live in is a pretty messed up place. All you gotta do is turn on the news or scroll through social media to see that. Things seem to be snowballing out of control and evil is taking place everywhere you turn. It really makes you want to do something, but what can you do? Today in his message, Pastor Bill teaches you that before you do anything, you should spend with the Lord fasting and praying. Then, when He calls you to take action you can do it with boldness and confidence.
When we want something, we want it NOW! We know what we want and we’re not gonna settle. But isn’t there a benefit that comes from not always getting what we want right away? We may like to get what we want when we want it, but that’s not always for our good. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches you that when you fast, when you sacrifice what you want for time with Jesus, you’ll benefit greatly. When you give up what you want now, you’ll get something so much better instead…. Jesus!
Do you like food? Some of you are probably thinking, “Hmmph, what kind of question is that?” Of course, you like food. We all do! Some of us more than others, and sometimes to the point where we’re always thinking about it, even when we’re not hungry. That’s why, as Pastor Bill points out in today’s message, it’s hard for us to spend time fasting. Do you have a hard time giving up food and spending time in prayer? Pastor Bill encourages you today to consider what Jesus would have you do.
Some things in life are tiring even when you think about doing them. Like going to the dentist, doing your taxes, or doing your spring cleaning. Just to name a few. They’re all good things to do and probably feel really great when you get them done, but making the time to do them can be a big challenge. Pastor Bill encourages you in his message today, that you must take the time to spend in prayer in order to grow closer to Jesus. Whatever you’ve got to do to make time… it will be worth it.
Have you ever been so excited about something that you didn’t know what to do with yourself while you were waiting? Think back to when you were a kid, whether it was your birthday, Christmas, or a trip to Disneyland. What did you do to pass the time while you were excitedly waiting for that day? In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that while you’re waiting for Jesus to return, you should be preparing your heart for Him. That way when He comes, You’ll be ready for Him.
Do you know anyone who’s consumed by their pursuit of something? Everything else in their life is secondary to the value placed on this one thing. Have you ever found yourself becoming so fixated on something that everything else seemed unimportant? Today Pastor Bill introduces you to Haman. If you’ve ever heard the reference to the love of money being the root of evil, then you know this man. He spent his entire life accumulating as much as he could and ultimately died with nothing.
Everyone loves a good cliffhanger. So pay close attention to Pastor Bill today as he gives you more insight into the story of Esther than you might have thought existed. The Bible is full of good storylines that have everything from comedy to wisdom and even action, adventure, and drama. The story of Esther is no exception. Today you will meet several more characters from the text that often fade into Esther’s shadow. But make no mistake, without every detail in the Bible, there is no story left to tell.
What is the purpose of the church? Have you ever considered that? Especially in today’s modern places of worship where businesses rent space, departments of staff run day-to-day operations to ensure continued support of the ministry, and Sundays are planned and rehearsed to offer the best experiences possible, it's easy to lose sight of the purpose. But today Pastor Bill says no matter how crazy it all gets, God’s in charge. He’s always been in charge, and will always be there to help guide you.
What do you put your trust in? Short-term examples could be trusting your car to get to work on time and safely, or trusting that your water heater will produce warm water for your next shower. While those are nice - what about your long-term trust? Today Pastor Bill gives you some perspective on trusting God with your soul for all of eternity. God has created something for you that can’t be described here on earth. It’s called Heaven, and no matter how fantastic you have ever imagined it to be, it's better still!
Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong decade? Maybe you’re a 90’s baby wishing you were born in the 60’s, or vice versa. Well, Pastor Bill reminds you today that God has placed you in the time you are in, especially to face the challenges that He has placed before you today. You can daydream about living in a different time period. But remember to be obedient and be a good steward of what God has for you right now. That will always supersede whatever you could possibly daydream.
Esther really is a suspenseful story in the Bible. It is a prime example of the lengths the Lord will go to in order to protect the Israelite people from those who would seek to destroy them. It is because of that fact that we must be careful to respect their people and their culture, and not make light of them. Pastor Bill reminds you today that throughout history, God has intervened on behalf of His chosen people, and He will do it again in the End Times. Stay on the right side of history and stand with God.
Have you been waiting for years for the Lord to reveal to you why He has you in the place you are in right now? Well, Pastor Bill teaches you today that Esther was in her position as queen for nearly ten years before her purpose there was made known. It required patience from both her and her cousin Mordecai to obey God, and because of their obedience, the people of Israel were saved. If you continue to trust God and obey Him in the place where you are waiting, He will bless your life abundantly.
Do you ever struggle with discouragement or bitterness as you try to walk this narrow path with the Lord? If so, you're in good company because almost everyone mentioned in the Bible has gone through extreme hardships and discouragements, yet God always brought them up and out of it. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the book of Esther, he’ll be encouraging you to look through the lens of eternity and realize that God works all things out for good to those who love Him!
Esther is one of the most fascinating books of the Old Testament, especially in today's day and age. God raised up this godly woman to take on extremely powerful people in one of the most powerful kingdoms on Earth. Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining how no matter what the world looks like around you, God still wants to use you to further His Kingdom. Just as Esther was placed in that location and position “for such a time as this”, you too have been placed by God to be a light in this dark world.
The same way the enemy was trying to distract Nehemiah and the Jewish people from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, is the same exact thing the enemy is trying to do to you and your walk with the Lord. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the book of Nehemiah, he’ll be challenging you to put your hand to the plow and not look back! Don’t allow your flesh, the world, or the devil to distract you from your main purpose here on Earth, which is to preach the Gospel and to make disciples.
There is a spiritual battle going on all around you, all the time! While you're still here on this Earth, there’s an enemy that's trying to discourage you from walking with the Lord and trying to take you out. Today, Pastor Bill will be reminding you that you need to put on the whole armor of God every day. You don’t battle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and demonic forces, this is why prayer is extremely important. You need to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit in order to be victorious.
Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you literally thought that there couldn’t be anything worse? At those times we become desperate for something to come in and change our situation, but often times what God is doing is not changing our situation so we can handle it, but changing us so we can handle the situation. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that God's Sovereignty and Grace have no end. Just when we think that things couldn’t get worse, He reminds us that He is always in control.
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads in life? I don’t know about you, but almost 100% of the time I find myself in that situation, the Lord begins doing a drastic thing in my life. Because of this, sometimes as believers, we simply need to sit still, get in His Word, and pray. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that there is nobody beyond the sovereignty and grace of God. No matter how “good” of a Christian we may think we are, we will always face hard times and need to turn to the Father.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt as if you deserved something for doing good? I know for me, it’s easy to “expect” God to bless me when I am tithing more than enough, helping people, or anything of that nature. In today’s message, Pastor Bill is going to remind us that actually… we don’t deserve anything, and if we do deserve something - it’s death! You see, the Gospel doesn’t say that because we do this, we get that, but that because HE died, we have LIFE!
Have you ever found yourself getting angry? Or what about finding yourself greedy… or envious of something? Of course! In fact, these are things that we likely face almost every single day. In today’s message, Pastor Bill is going to be talking about what a life with Jesus looks like. In this, we are reminded that things such as anger, greed, and envy are blockages in our hearts and relationship with Christ; however, if we stay constant in our devotion and dedication to Jesus, He promises us victory!
Have you ever experienced true joy in your life? I know for some of us, it’s hard to think about the last time we felt that way. Whether it be time with family, new purchases, or even your favorite meal… nothing will ever bring you more joy than Jesus Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Bill is going to be sharing a message with us about our lives with Jesus. You see, when we have Jesus in our hearts, we should live with the hope and joy that is found in Him alone! Jesus is our joy!
Have you ever considered the countless ways we strive for a slice of paradise here on Earth? In today's message, Pastor Bill points us toward a great wedding feast, the one we’re looking forward to with the return of Christ. Let’s challenge ourselves to reflect on our earthly pursuits and ask ourselves do they lead us closer to or further from our heavenly Bridegroom? Stay tuned to explore how every aspect of our lives, from our marriages to our messes, fits into God's grand plan of redemption, preparing us for our reunion with Him.
Isn’t marriage a special thing? Did you get to participate in the wedding? That joyous day when two worlds collided into one. In today’s message, Pastor Bill shows you the great joy you should be experiencing every day that goes by! You’re one day closer to that day when you’ll be joined to Him for all eternity. The creator of all, the majestic King of Kings and Lords is going to be your husband forever. How lucky you are to be chosen by him, to be His bride. Yes, this is a dressing room for eternity!
If you've been following Christ for a significant period, you may have noticed that the fervor you once had has diminished. In today's message, Pastor Bill addresses this issue, describing it as 'spiritual amnesia.' You may have forgotten what there is to look forward to. Remember, you're getting married to the Lord! When He paid that great price for us, it wasn't because of the immense sorrow that lay before Him; rather, the Bible tells us that for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. Amen!
As you know people communicate and perceive things differently. In today’s message, Pastor Bill highlights the diverse groups we are called to lead toward the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus. He emphasizes that we must show mercy to everyone, just as the Lord has shown mercy to us. Isn't mercy a beautiful concept? Considering the mercy the Lord extended to us, we should be even more eager to offer mercy and compassion to those who are struggling in their faith. Stay tuned for this powerful message!
Have you ever been told that you need to bear fruit and grow in your faith, yet found yourself wondering exactly what that means? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will unravel the mysteries of spiritual maturity. You'll gain insights into how to actively contend for your faith, understand the practical manifestations of your faith, and recognize the tactics the enemy uses to diminish your faith and lead you astray. Most importantly, you'll learn what steps to take in response to these challenges. Stay tuned to discover all this and more!
So how exactly do you keep yourself in the love of God? In today’s message Pastor Bill, lays out the battle plan of the Lord Himself laid out for you to execute here on earth. You’ll hear good tidings of great joy in the person of the Holy Spirit. You know, the one the master left for you; to be your helper, and comforter in times of need. He could have given you anything, or he could have even stayed here if he chose to, but He said, it’s better that I go or He won’t come. Learn to embrace this great gift!
You’ve probably heard the phrase build yourself up in the Lord, but have you ever wondered exactly how to do that? In today’s message, Pastor Bill reveals the Lord’s plan to grow you up in your most holy faith; by the Word. It’s the only answer you need for all life’s challenges. Like a mature saint in the Lord is intended to walk; by the word, through the word, being a doer of the word and not a listener only. Friend, let's remember to always keep first things first; loving god, loving people, and staying in the word.
You’ve grown in the knowledge and stature of the Lord since you got saved, haven’t you? In today’s message Pastor Bill, reminds us to stay in the word to grow up into who we were created to be. Putting aside the passing pleasures of sin for the joy set before us; in the full maturity of grace. Remember to keep yourself in the word to continue your spiritual growth, and ultimately bear the fruit of righteousness in due season. As a child of love, there is no greater calling on your life than to represent your creator with honor.
As Pastor Bill will illustrate in today’s message, when you go skydiving for the first time, you go with an experienced skydiver. You’re strapped to them and you have to trust in and submit to their knowledge and experience. That’s the kind of faith we need to have in Jesus. When we step out into what He’s calling us to, it may be every bit as scary as taking that step out of an airplane. So many things could go wrong - and they really might - but Jesus has a purpose and He’ll bring you in for a safe landing.
The book of Jude contains a clear warning about false prophets influencing the Church. It’s not a coincidence that it comes right before the book of Revelation. Revelation tells us about the end times and warns that false teachers will be numerous. As Pastor Bill will warn in today’s message, these false teachers are in every church. Some are aware of their role while others have convinced themselves that they’re right. The only way to recognize their falsehoods is to know the Truth in an intimate way.
When we stumble in sin we have a tendency to blame God for the circumstances that led to our failure. If God had blessed us with the things we wanted or needed in a better environment, we wouldn’t have fallen into those sins. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, living in a perfect environment wasn’t enough to keep Lucifer or the angels who followed him from falling and it wasn’t enough to keep Adam and Eve from sinning. Sin is not God’s fault - He is only good and just.
Who’s your enemy? Is it people in far-flung parts of the world who have a vendetta against America? Or a neighbor who likes to party loud and into late hours? Maybe it’s someone at work who subscribes to a different political party than you? As a follower of Jesus and a child of God, none of those people are really an enemy, as hard as they may try. As Pastor Bill will challenge us in today’s message, we’re wrestling against powerful, spiritual forces who seek to destroy you as well as your human antagonists.
People are trying so hard to figure out who they are. We’ve all known those people, and some of us have been those people, that move from identity to identity, just trying to find fulfillment. We see this happening in many ways today. All of these temporary, surface-level identities will wear out and before long, we find ourselves looking elsewhere. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, real fulfillment, and value can only be found when we take on and accept our identity in Christ.
Your walk with Jesus will look much different in year twenty than it does in year one. Just like a healthy marriage, as you get to know God better you learn more about what He likes and doesn’t like and you’ll try to please Him out of a love that isn’t based on feelings but faith. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, that’s how holiness works. It’s not a list of rules and regulations we comply with to avoid punishment or reap a reward - it’s a way of living we want to do because our hearts have been changed.
Have you been made new on the inside? Every one of us is born into sin and death. As soon as we’re capable of making decisions, we start choosing to serve ourselves at the expense of our Creator. This rebellion is natural and it’s destructive. But, as Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, God didn’t leave us in this position without any remedy. He loved us too much. He sent Jesus to take the punishment for your sin and when you let Him in He will transform you from the inside out through His grace.
We have countless examples we can choose to follow in this world. Whether you’re looking at Scripture or contemporary members of the Church, Pastor JD will encourage you to practice Holy Spirit-led discernment concerning their spiritual leadership. We’ve seen many bad examples of how to follow Christ. While it’s not our place to judge their standing before God, it is our place to test their words and actions against the truth of Scripture when it comes to how we let them influence our spiritual journey.
The idea that God will fulfill all of your prayers simply based on whether your faith hits a certain level isn’t Scriptural. As Pastor Bill examines the short, impactful book of 3rd John in today’s message, he’ll draw our attention to this common misinterpretation. By itself, it’s understandable that people would pull a “name it, claim it” approach to prayer from this verse, but in the context of the whole letter, as well as the rest of God’s inspired Word, we know that this isn’t how God works.
The stable of television evangelists seems to grow on a daily basis. Several have introduced some ‘new’ gospel teachings. They exclaim there is no real hell, and everyone is already saved and will ultimately go to heaven if they live good lives. No one is really accountable and the God of love would never send an innocent person to hell. Their messages are not based on the scriptures but are taken from a book they wrote. Today, Pastor Bill talks about the importance of teaching the Jesus of the Bible.
There are so many new “gospels” that have appeared in our society proclaiming a new, simpler path to Heaven. Saying, “If you lead a good life…help those less fortunate, and be friendly to everyone you’ll make it.” This new version of religion only recognizes Jesus as a great philosopher with good suggestions. These versions say we can become our own gods and our works will determine our eternity. Today, Pastor Bill explains how Jesus IS the only way. He IS the Christ, the Son of the living God.
There have been several surveys taken in recent years about Christian beliefs and church attendance. Much of the results reflect a downturn in attendance and a softening of belief in Biblical teaching. Many don’t believe the Bible is the written Word of God. They don’t understand very much of what the Bible says and therefore, don’t really believe it is valid for living life. Today, Pastor Bill encourages us to submit to believing what the Bible says and trust the understanding that comes in time.
What really is Christian love? Do we ever extend true love to those who are ‘unlovable?’ Most people use the excuse of, “I just don’t feel like it.” Or, “I’m just too busy to get involved right now.” Real Christian love is not based on our feelings or our schedules. Real love is an act of our will. It is more something we do and less of a feeling. In his message today, Pastor Bill encourages us to act out our love every day, even to those we don’t like. In the same way, God has given His love to us.
Most everyone has been told by their parents or someone they’ve respected, ‘Don’t believe everything you hear.’ Our society reflects that statement and more. In fact, we are encouraged to question everything that we hear. We are told there is no absolute ‘truth.’ And more recently, real truth is now labeled ‘misinformation.’ You decide your truth. Our world accepts the false as truth, and the truth becomes false. Today, Pastor Bill explains “The Truth” that binds all believers together.
We have all heard about the ‘command’ to love each other and your neighbor as yourself. After all, it is directly from Jesus. But, sometimes we are around people who are very difficult to love – they’re even more difficult to like. They may not look or dress like we do, or may not even smell very pleasant. It’s not like we don’t ‘know’ we are supposed to extend love to them, we just choose to not do it. In his message today, Pastor Bill takes us through many examples of how to truly love the unlovable.
Is there a sin unto death? Can we pray for our fellow believers who are in the midst of that sin? All sin leads to death so we are admonished to pray for those in sin. The Lord can give them life when we pray diligently. Before you preach to them, or quote a Bible verse, stop and pray. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages us to pray with confidence for those in sin. He gives examples from the Bible of people who died because of their sins. We often neglect the very thing, prayer… that can save a life.
Do you ever wonder where you will go when you die? Do you know for sure that you are going to heaven? God does not want us to live in uncertainty. We should never complain about our lives when we have the confidence of our salvation. Today, Pastor Bill admonishes us to know for sure that we have eternal life. He says we should know for certain that we are a born-again believer. He encourages us to live in the knowledge of His Word and know our salvation is secured every day of our lives.
Are you looking for truth and real meaning in life? Do you want your life to have a purpose? Many people look for satisfaction in the wrong places and end up in addiction and failure. They waste their lives chasing false narratives, possessions, and desires. Truth is found In Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches us that real life, eternal life, is found in Jesus. He reminds us that when we have the understanding of Christ, we are sensitive to real truth and find real purpose and lasting fulfillment in life.
Prayer is a truly amazing thing. It is one of the greatest privileges we have in life. However, many people ask, “Are our prayers really heard? If they are heard, who hears them and do they get answered? Why would God pay any attention to my prayers? I'm nobody.” Scripture has much to say about prayer. Jesus even gave an example of how to pray. In his message today, Pastor Bill encourages us to continue abiding in the knowledge of Jesus and our prayers will become more aligned with His will.
What does it mean to be confident? Confidence means feeling sure of yourself – not in an arrogant way, but in a secure way. Confidence isn’t about feeling superior to others. It’s a quiet inner knowledge of being secure in your belief. If we are dwelling in Christ, abiding in Christ, and living in Christ, we have the confidence to know we will be with Him in eternity. In his message today, Pastor Bill encourages us to be bold in our confidence in Jesus and be looking forward to His return.
We have all known people who we consider radicals. They always operated outside of the ‘norm’ and even outside the law sometimes. Some statements they would make would sound so outrageous that we thought maybe they were just not all mentally there. There were times when Jesus was thought to be a type of radical because he referred to God as Father. In his message today, Pastor Bill explains how God IS our Father. He is our God; Yahweh Elohim, and we are adopted into His family.
Following Jesus. The one thing it should be clear to everyone that you’re doing with every opportunity you have is following Jesus. It’s the only way to experience fully the joys God has for you in this life and maybe what other believers need to see to encourage them in their own walks with Christ, too. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to encourage you to always be sensitive to The Holy Spirit to guide you in the ways you need and to show you new ways to grow closer to God and to share Him with others.
Every part of your life should reflect Jesus living in you if you’re a Christian. There’s no limit to what God can do through a life that’s completely surrendered to Him in humility and that’s ready to serve. Pastor Bill’s going to show you today that your life should overflow with love towards others, with a passion to tell people about Christ. Even your death, if you’re prepared for it when it comes, can point people to Christ. In death, you have nothing to fear, because leaving earth only means entering Heaven.
The Good News of The Gospels isn’t news that’s supposed to be kept to yourself. It’s the news of eternal life; of salvation! There’s a whole world of lost people who desperately need to hear about Jesus and His sacrifice for them, so they can be saved, too. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that Peter was trusted to build the church after Jesus was crucified, by teaching others about Him! It was and still is news for everyone, old to young, no matter the language, race, past sins or failures. It’s for everyone.
God wants you to serve Him and to let Him work through you wherever you go. As you see God use you as a vessel for His Holy Spirit to work, it’s important to remember to not ever think that it’s because of anything you possess that God’s working in you. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that if you want your relationship with God to be as good as it can be, you have to serve God in humility. It’s through His power and might that you have anything, and He wants you to always depend on Him.
Do you love Christ? Do you want to know Him more? Do you spend time with Him on a daily basis so you can know Him more and nurture the love you have for Him to be stronger? That’s what Jesus cares about. He wants your love. He wants your heart to be focused on Him and the Father. Pastor Bill’s going to remind you today that it’s through Jesus that you have eternal life. It’s in God that you can trust for what you need, and He’s waiting for you to commit to growing in Him and knowing Him more.
Jesus wants your heart to long for Him and to love Him. His love for you is so great that He gave up His own life on earth to die for your sins so you could be forgiven. And when you accept His gift, that’s not the end. As you’ll get to see in the life of Peter today with Pastor Bill, Jesus wants one-on-one time with you. He wants you to come to Him with your worries joys and experiences. He wants time with you and wants you to make the time to spend with Him. He wants communion with you.
God’s love for you is more than you can ever comprehend. Just like the other indescribable attributes of God, His love for you is impossible to fully know. His Son died as a sacrifice for your sins so you could be forgiven of them and have eternal life with God. As you look at His love for you through Jesus’ life today, Pastor Bill’s going to remind you that His love can reach you wherever you are, no matter how far away you’ve strayed from God. He can always forgive you and make you new in Him.
Jesus isn’t obligated to do anything for people here on earth. He could have stayed in Heaven with The Father and left man to a hopeless end, but He didn’t. In His love for you, He came to die for your sins so you could be forgiven and have eternal life. Pastor Bill is going to remind you today that all of it was a gift for you. All the suffering that Jesus endured was for you, so you can be made new and experience the joy of Him in your life; and He can revive you whenever you grow weary and need it.
Jesus’ disciples gave up everything they knew to follow Jesus, all the way up to Jesus being sacrificed and raised from the dead. He showed them how to live, and constantly looked to The Father for strength when He needed it. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to show you that you can have the same dependence on Jesus as the disciples, and lean on the Father in Heaven like Jesus did while He was here. He can revive your faith when you’re struggling, and comfort you when you need it if you’re faithful to Him.
Your walk with God should be a constant process every day. He wants your faith in Him to be strong so He can work in and through you fully. Every hour of every day should bring your mind back to God somehow, whether it’s learning something about Him, spending time in prayer with Him, or applying His Word to your life. Pastor Bill’s going to encourage you today to get to know God on a new level: to grow in Him so you can face any opposition to your faith and overcome it in Christ.
Do you bask in all of God’s glorious promises? Do you live your life rejoicing in His blessings that ring true in your life? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you want to experience the fullness of everything that God has planned for you, proclaim His promises to the world. The story of Christmas represents the opportunity for anyone to experience eternal life with Jesus. Go out and tell the whole world of God’s perfect gospel. Make a difference for the Glory of God and live out your true purpose.
Do you know Jesus as your personal savior? Do you believe He was the Son of God who came down to die for your sins so you could be forgiven? It’s through Christ alone that you can be saved from sin and redeemed from everything you’ve ever done. As Pastor Bill’s going to show you today, that’s the message of the Bible. It’s about Jesus. God wants to bless you and move in your life, but it takes faith on your part: faith in Jesus as your Savior and continually growing that faith in Him.
Being right with Jesus Christ is the most important decision you can make in your life. Being forgiven of your sins and made new through Him. Today, Pastor Bill’s going to point you to nowhere other than God’s Word for all the information you need on growing closer to God. To know God more and to grow in Him, it takes time spent with Him, time growing in and with Him, and time in His Word, meditating on what it says. Through Christ and Christ alone is eternal life and redemption from your past.
Have you ever seen signs in your house that there might be a problem with your foundation? Cracks in your walls or an uneven floor? You have to get under your house and check the foundation. In his message today, Pastor Bill will remind you to make sure you have built your life on the most trustworthy foundation of all, Jesus Christ. Doubt can happen in your life. Instead of ignoring it, you can take a good look at your life. Really dig deep and make sure your life is standing on the Rock of Christ.
Have you ever wondered if you can be sure that Jesus really lived, died, and rose again? Is it all just made up? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach through the reasons you can trust the Bible accounts of Jesus. The gospels are eyewitness accounts of Jesus. They really saw those things happen. More than that, they went to their deaths, because they believed Jesus died and rose again. If it hadn’t really happened, they would have said they made it up rather than die. You can know the Bible is true.
Have you ever doubted whether you’ve really accepted Jesus as Your Savior? You’re not alone. Many people want to be sure that they are saved. In his message today, Pastor Bill will help give you assurance of your salvation. Talk to someone in your church about your doubts. Talk to God about it. God doesn’t want you to have to question whether you are saved. It’s not about whether you’ve prayed the prayer just right or if you have a dramatic salvation story. If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, you are saved.
Do you ever feel alone? Do you feel like no one understands you and your pain? We all feel that way sometimes, but we are never alone. In his message today, Pastor Bill will comfort you with the truth that God is always with you. Your suffering is real. You live in a sinful, fallen world with hardship, pain, and death around you, but God has conquered the world. You have victory over this world as you put your faith in Jesus, who died and rose again and defeated death and sin. Trust in Jesus, your Savior.
Do you have fresh faith? You prayed a prayer and got saved, so you’re going to heaven. Was that where your faith ended? There’s a lot more to faith in Jesus than that. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you that you can put your hope in Jesus every day to guide you. If you think Christ is only useful for salvation, you’re missing out. When hard times and struggles come your way, God is there. When it’s a day of laughter and celebration, God is there. Let your faith in Jesus shine every day.
Do you have a hard time with relationships at church? Relationships are difficult. The Bible is clear that we are to love one another, and we are to speak the truth. That’s a hard tightrope to walk at times. In his message today, Pastor Bill will teach about embodying spirit and truth in our relationships. On one hand, you can’t be all about love and ignore it when the truth is violated. On the other hand, you shouldn’t go around blasting everyone with truth without caring about them. You need a spirit of love.
Isn’t that a comforting thought? God knows how you feel. He came to earth and became human, so He would understand at a ground level everything we go through. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you that Jesus didn’t just come to die on the cross for you. He also came to walk in your shoes. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it. It’s touching that anyone would want to understand your joys and pains, but the Creator of the universe became flesh and blood to better love you.
When people look at you, do they see Jesus? It should be our goal as Christians. Our lives should reflect the love and character of Christ. In his message today, Pastor Bill will remind you that you should be becoming more like Jesus as you mature as a Christian. You can’t just work at becoming like Jesus. It’s not through your own power. God is working on you. He is transforming you. Draw close to God every day, through prayer and His Word, and His Spirit will change you into a Jesus person.
What are you afraid of? Maybe it’s spiders or snakes. Or are you afraid of something less tangible like losing your job or your house? We all struggle with some kind of fear in our lives. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach that God’s love casts out fear. When you know that God loves you, you know that He will take care of you. You don’t have to worry about what will happen today or tomorrow. God is greater than your fears. There’s nothing that can eternally harm you when you have God by your side.
Have you received the gift of Jesus Christ? Jesus is the gift given to us all, but have you taken advantage of that gift? It’s one thing to hear that Jesus died for you. Maybe you even believe that, but you have to give Him access to your life. You have to receive Him into your heart. In his message today, Pastor Bill will challenge you to accept Jesus as your Savior and open yourself up to all He has to offer you. Don’t leave the gift wrapped under the tree. Open it up, and let Jesus fill your life with His love.
Sometimes when it comes to God’s love we try to minimize it to justify our feelings. We are called to Love people the same way Jesus loved us. But it’s a lot harder for us to do that than Jesus. When we look at a situation that would be hard to show love in, it should inflate our view of how big God’s love is. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about the magnitude of God's Love. It surpasses any kind of evil that we can think of. do you think you need to increase your view of God’s Love?
Did you know that God has actually displayed His Love for us in the most amazing way? God showed us His love by sending His one and only son Jesus to live here on earth. Jesus lived the perfect life that we never could. Then He took our punishment that He didn't deserve. Because of His sacrifice and resurrection, we can now have eternal life with God. That's a demonstration of Love. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing more about this gospel and the Love that wrote this story for us!
Have you ever stopped to consider what God's Love is for people? The Agape Love that He shows us is something that we could never earn or deserve. God even decides to show this kind of Love to people who will end up rejecting Him. The Bible says “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This unconditional love is referred to as Agape love. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing more about what this Agape love looks like in the life of a follower of Jesus.
Have you ever become discouraged when you look at the circumstances surrounding your life? We have all been there at some point. Feeling beat down and weary from the world. Luckily Jesus is able to empathize with us. God sees us in our hard circumstances and He made a promise. The Bible says “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world!” In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about relying on the power of the He who is within us, whenever life gets hard!
There is responsibility in knowing the truth. As Christians, we know the truth of the Gospel and realize what it means to this world! There is a responsibility to share this truth with the world, but we can’t do that in our own strength. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about sharing this truth through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is referred to as our helper. He is the one who can give us the strength, boldness, and courage to fulfill the great commission. We need Him daily!
Where do you find your source of truth? Nowadays whenever we read something on social media we can’t trust it at first glance. Everyone out there is looking for the truth whether it pertains to something big or small. We value the truth as humans because no one wants to be following a lie. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be speaking about the ultimate truth. We can find God's truth through His Word, The Holy Spirit, and The person of Jesus! This is the kind of truth we can build our lives on.
Have you ever felt like you had to work to please God? He will Love us regardless of anything we do, but when we are seen in Christ's righteousness, it pleases God. The Bible even says that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Righteousness and faith both actually come from God. In today’s message, Pastor Bill is going to be sharing about what it looks like to have God be pleased with us. The reality is there is nothing that we can do to make Him Love us anymore or any less!
Have you ever had someone do something and you knew that you would have to return the favor? That’s not a bad thing, but it's not how God's Love works. We can’t view God’s love as a “back-and-forth” exchange of favors. God’s Love is something that doesn’t operate based on what He can get in return. He Loved us before we did anything that made us worthy of being Loved. In today’s message, Pastor Bill is going to be sharing about the incredible Agape Love that God shows us every day.
Do you remember where you were before you met Jesus? Maybe you were saved for years, but maybe it’s only been a few weeks! The beautiful thing about a relationship with Jesus is that He loves us enough to meet us where we’re at, but too much to have us stay there. A life lived with Jesus is a life that is being transformed by the power of His Gospel! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about the transformed life of a believer. Our whole purpose is to become more like Jesus.
When you think of grace what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it positive or negative? Does your experience with the grace of God spur you to action? When we see people in the Bible come face to face with God’s Grace they are left with a decision. Jesus showed the Grace and Mercy so that people would leave that encounter changing their lives. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about our proper response to God’s Grace. How different is your life because of Grace?
Some people will claim to be Christians, but, then their life does not reflect the teachings of Christ at all. There are many people in the Bible who claimed to follow the Lord, but then their actions spoke otherwise! In today’s message, Pastor Bill is going to be sharing about what it looks like to actually follow Jesus. Jesus is not a “Get-out-of-Hell” free card. He is the God who spoke creation into existence. Jesus expects us to live Holy and righteous lives if we are going to be following him!
In the Book of Genesis, it says that man and woman were created in the image of God. This is true in design, but not quite in nature. It wasn't until Jesus came and brought salvation that we are actually said to become more like Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about the journey that we all go on toward becoming more like Christ. This journey looks different for all of us, but God is faithful to finish what he starts in us. What is your next step when it comes to being more like Jesus?
As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the book of 1 John, he’ll be explaining how a child of God has an eternity in heaven guaranteed. Jesus has already paid the entry fee for every person who trusts in His death and resurrection. Children of God live in the hope of seeing Jesus face to face, and so they “purify themselves, just as he is pure”. A child of God is eager to do good works because saving faith is a faith that changes you from the inside out! Jesus said, if you love Me, obey My commands.
When the Apostle John speaks about a child of God, he is describing the life of someone who has truly received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The life of a child of God will be radically different from the life of an unbeliever. Today, Pastor Bill will be reminding you that a true child of God has a desire to live in a way that pleases the heavenly Father, a life characterized by love. Jesus said, by this, all will know you are My disciples, for the love you have for one another.
As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series, he’ll be explaining how the spirit of the antichrist is currently at work. The word antichrist means “against Christ.” People who say that Jesus is not from God are controlled by the spirit of the antichrist. Satan opposes Christ, and he desires to deceive people into a false view of who Jesus is. The spirit of the antichrist teaches against Christ. To twist the truth about Jesus Christ is to pervert the gospel. Satan works to spread lies about Christ and keep people in the dark!
The Bible is quite clear that the Holy Spirit is very active in our world. The book of Acts, which sometimes goes by the longer title of “The Acts of the Apostles,” could just as accurately be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.” Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining to you how the Holy Spirit desires to work in and through your life just like He worked through the lives of the believers in the New Testament! Purpose not to grieve or quench the work that the Spirit wants to do in you!
You’ve heard of too much of a good thing, right? God has created things that are good, but Satan and the world want to twist those things and make them evil. Don’t let him! In his message today, Pastor Bill will warn you to be on the lookout for the things of this world that can lead you down the wrong path. God wants you to enjoy things like sex, food, and drink as He intended them because He knows what’s good for you. When you follow His guidelines, you can enjoy life and abundance.
What do you need to get by in your everyday life? Do you really need your smartphone, social media, and a fancy car? How about your TV? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you that all you really need is Jesus. He is the Living Water. Come to Him and you don’t need to thirst for the things of this world. Of course, it’s not something that happens overnight. Year after year, as your relationship with Christ develops, you fall in love with Him more, and you realize that Jesus is all you really need.
Do you ever read the Bible and it feels like it’s speaking directly to you? That’s exactly what should happen. We shouldn’t be reading the Bible and just thinking about how other people are falling short. In his message today, Pastor Bill reminds you to apply scripture to your own life. Don’t judge your neighbor when you have the same problem. It’s really amazing how the Bible speaks to you in a timely way. Whether you need encouragement or a kick in the pants. God’s Word gives you what you need.
Do you act like Jesus in your everyday life? Do you act like Jesus in your relationships? That’s a challenging question, isn’t it? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will ask if you are seeking to be like Jesus. Are you loving people the way Jesus would? Are you laying your life down for your friends? It’s an extremely high bar that Jesus set. You’ll fail sometimes, but every day the Holy Spirit is making you more like Jesus. When people watch how you act, they should see the light of Christ shining from you.
What is your relationship with sin like? We all still sin even though we have accepted Christ, but, as Pastor Bill will tell you in His message today, our relationship with sin should change. The power of sin has been defeated in your life. Where you were once imprisoned and powerless against sin, Jesus has freed you from sin’s hold on you. Jesus broke the shackles of sin when He died on the cross. Do you look at sin in your life with the understanding that you can defeat it? Jesus gave you that power.
How many really close friends do you have? You might have plenty of friends and acquaintances, but really close friends are hard to come by. In his message today, Pastor Bill will ask if Jesus is your best friend. The offer is there if you just accept it. Jesus wants to be your best friend, isn’t that amazing? You can be best friends with the Author of Life. Jesus is someone you can talk to, someone you can tell your fears, your joys, and your struggles to. You don’t have to be lonely with Jesus by your side.
Have you ever gone to a courtroom? A court has two parties: a plaintiff and a defendant. And the judge casts the sentence. Our sin breaks the law. And as a result, our broken law of sin is repaid in death. But because God couldn’t stand to lose us, He gave us Jesus Christ. And Jesus is our defense lawyer. He will argue, speak for us, and even die for us. But because He’s our lawyer, He fights tooth and nail for us. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that you're in good hands when you have Jesus as your lawyer.
Have you ever felt the guilt of your sins? Today, Pastor Bill needs you to know that we are not only born of sin, but we pay the price for our sins without God. In today’s message, you’ll learn that when you repent of your sin, you are forgiven because of the Grace of Jesus. When you are born into this world, you are born into sin. But if you die with sin still in your heart, the price for your sin is eternal separation from God. So God sent His Son to die on the cross because only His Son, Jesus Christ, was worthy.
Do you find yourself lost in the world? Sometimes, you may go through your life in and out of church and forget your identity in Christ. In case you forgot, Pastor Bill reminds you that you are the Light of the World. In today’s message, Pastor Bill tells you that when you forget who you are and where you’re supposed to be, look to God, and He will reveal that you are a LIGHT WALKER. Before we come to Christ, we walk in darkness. But because of the Grace of Christ, we are cleansed of our sins and step into God’s Light.
If you’ve been a loner your whole life and are coming to Christ, Pastor Bill tells you to STOP! It’s not good for Christians to be alone in their walk with Jesus. But let’s back up a bit… why isn’t it good for Christians to be alone? Pastor Bill reminds you that you are joyful when you walk with Christ and share that with others. Part of being a Christian is joining other Christians to indulge in fellowship. Just like the disciples broke bread with each other, you should have that with other Christians.
Imagine yourself in Apostle John's shoes. You witnessed every miracle. Jesus did every healing and teaching; you got to see it all. Now, if it was your job to make other disciples in Christ, wouldn’t you want the world to see what you saw? To hear what you heard? And to believe everything you believed? In Today’s message from Pastor Bill, He dives right into 1 John to drive in a single point: We saw Him. John and the other disciples witnessed Jesus Christ perform miracles, die, and resurrect.
If there’s one thing Pastor Bill wants you to take home today, it’s that your relationship with God is the most intimate kind of relationship you can have. To nurture any relationship, you have to spend an appropriate amount of time in the presence of the other. As the disciples had with Jesus, everything they witnessed led to them having the most intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. So, in today’s message, Pastor Bill speaks on Apostle John's message to the people. If you had ears to hear, would you listen?
Have you ever bought a new car? Or got something you’ve always wanted? You worked, saved, and sacrificed and you finally got it! Whatever “it” that was. And then after a few months or possibly years, the excitement fades…that new car smell wears off. Well, Pastor Bill shares that you often search for “things” to fill that hole in your heart that only God can fill. Feeling that the things of this world will make you whole. But there is only one person who can do that…Jesus.
Imagine playing a sport and the coach calls you into the game for the first time! Or you win a prestigious award and they call you up to the stage to receive it! What an adrenaline rush! Well, imagine the King of Kings and Lord of Lords calling you by name. Pastor Bill shares that Jesus is calling your name whether you hear it or not…He is calling you into a relationship with Him. A relationship with Jesus as your Risen Savior, friend, counselor, and brother…for all eternity.
Do you have a best friend? Someone who has been there through thick and thin? Well, Pastor Bill shares that Jesus is a friend like that and much more. He’s your friend, Savior and Redeemer. He gave His life so that, as Romans 10:9 states when you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved from your sin. So, say those words and believe them! The forgiveness of your sins and an eternity in Heaven is waiting.
Would you rather read about a concert or attend the concert? How about, listening to someone describe an awesome restaurant to you and then deciding to never dine there? Obviously, attending the concert and dining at the restaurant is far better than just hearing or reading about them. Well, as Pastor Bill shares, it’s one thing to read the Bible and to hear Christians talk about Jesus, but you should also pursue a personal relationship and encounter with the Risen Savior.
If someone close to you passes away, you will always remember the heartbreak and the deep sense of loss you felt. And as Pastor Bill shares, Mary and the disciples all felt the shock and pain that their teacher, friend, and Savior was now gone…along with all their hopes and dreams for the future. They were, at that moment, in a panic. How could this be a good thing? Well, thankfully, you know how it turns out. And they eventually come to know that it wasn’t only a good thing but the best thing ever.
When you give your life to Jesus and accept Him as your Saviour, everything changes. But do you wonder how it affects your approach to Bible reading? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how the Word of God impacts the life of a believer. When you read your Bible after receiving salvation, it comes to life. It begins communicating with you and guides you through your daily life. It not only tells you about God's character, but it also helps you develop yourself in accordance with what God expects of you.
Many people regard the Bible as merely a historical book. It means nothing to them. But do you know what the Bible means to a Christian? Today, Pastor Bill discusses the importance of God's Word in your life. The Old Testament foretold the birth and death of Jesus down to the smallest detail, and it was fulfilled in the New Testament. The Bible is an instruction manual for your life, as well as a forecast for our future. You can ask God to guide you in your daily life through His word and show you the right path.
You may be aware of how God created Adam and Eve. He literally instilled life in them. In His eyes, we were pure and innocent. But do you know what went wrong? Pastor Bill explains today, how sin affects your relationship with God. We were no longer perfect in God's eyes after Adam and Eve sinned. Sin entered our lives and corrupted us. But when Jesus died on the cross, He took all of our sins upon Himself and made us whole. He reestablished our relationship with our Heavenly Father!
How do you feel when you realize someone genuinely cares about you? Being treasured by someone is a feeling we all want. Do you know there is indeed someone who genuinely cares about you? Today, Pastor Bill describes Jesus' love for us. Jesus loved you so much that He willingly gave His life on the cross, bearing all the pain and shame, so you could have eternal life, and be reunited with our heavenly Father. You can show Jesus your love, by surrendering to His will and sharing the Gospel with others.
For us, life is full of challenges. When you accept Jesus as your Saviour and surrender to His will, you are met with even more trials. The adversary is constantly attempting to put you in peril. You might also begin to doubt your decision to follow Christ. Today, Pastor Bill tells you how to win every difficult situation that comes your way. When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He defeated death and thus won us all. As a follower of Jesus, you can be confident, that you will triumph over every trial sent by the enemy!
We all make difficult decisions from time to time. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and we make poor decisions. Pastor Bill defines in today's message, how to make wise decisions in every aspect of your life. Despite knowing that Jesus was innocent, Pilate decided to crucify him. Similarly, when confronted with a difficult situation, we tend to rely on our own wisdom, which ends up being a disaster in our lives. But you can choose Jesus and seek His guidance, at every step of the way.
Have you ever considered what Jesus had to go through, in order to save us? Pastor Bill tells you today, how Jesus endured every pain in order to unite you with Father. No one in this world can ever match what Jesus did for you. Despite having to endure unbearable pain and suffering, He chose to die on the cross for you, in order for your sins to be forgiven. God forsake His son Jesus because He bore our sins. He cleansed us and made us whole again. The greatness of His love for us is beyond measure.
We all encounter difficult situations in our lives. The enemy continually attempts to bring us trials in order to bring us down, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We have a tendency to make poor decisions during difficult times. Pastor Bill discusses today, how you can overcome any difficulty with the help of Jesus. Instead of relying on yourself, you can trust Jesus in any situation. You can surrender your life unto Him and ask Him to make decisions for you. All you need to do is choose Jesus over yourself!
When we face a challenge and no one is around to assist us, we tend to help ourselves by talking to our inner selves. But you may be wondering how is it bad. Pastor Bill explains today, how self-talk leads to bad situations. When you start relying on yourself instead of God, your perception shifts. You may begin to relate to Bible verses that are irrelevant to your situation and thus make a poor decision. However, you can change that by always communicating with God and relying on His guidance.
Peter was far from perfect. He wasn’t qualified to be a leader of the biggest religious movement in history. In one of Jesus’ darkest moments in his earthly ministry, Peter couldn’t stand with Him. He faltered and fell. But, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, this didn’t change Jesus’ love for Peter. He had great plans for him and because Peter humbled himself in repentance, God was able to use him to establish the first church and reach thousands, and ultimately millions of people with the Gospel.
We weren’t there to see it, and Scripture only offers a certain level of detail, but I think Pastor Bill’s right… Some may imagine Jesus looking at Peter with disappointment or even disgust after he denied him three times, but more likely, with what we know about Jesus, it was a look of sadness for Peter. He wasn’t sad for Himself as his friend denied their relationship. Peter’s heart broke in repentance realizing that he had put his own safety and comfort over his faithfulness to his rabbi and friend in this dark moment.
As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, Peter’s actions at Jesus’ arrest would be considered heroic by many. He wanted to protect his rabbi from harm. He swung for the head and caught the ear of Malchus in his effort to save Jesus from him. What he misunderstood is that Jesus was allowing all of this to happen to save Malchus along with every single one of the people who called for His death. As you approach your own persecutors, it’s important to remember that Jesus’ mission is to save those people.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney were closer to the Gospel than they likely realized when they penned the words to the song “All You Need is Love”. The major difference lies in the definition and source of that love. The world sees love as the warm fuzzy feelings you get from a particular person - it’s all about how it makes you feel. God’s love is all about serving others and giving yourself for them. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, if we all had that kind of Love, this world would be transformed.
People go to great lengths and expense to secure the future for themselves and their loved ones. Whether it’s your health or wealth - they both can easily become an idol as you seek ways to extend your life or make it more comfortable and safe. It’s not that you should neglect your physical or financial health… both are tools you can use for God’s glory - but, as Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, ultimately you have no control over tomorrow, and only Jesus can give you security for eternity.
Jesus wasn’t surprised by anything He encountered in His earthly ministry and He isn’t surprised by anything you experience in this life. It’s hard to fathom that level of knowledge and awareness from our perspective. We live in temporary bodies, limited by the continuous march of time. Jesus has existed since before time began and will continue to exist long after it ends. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, our Savior knows what’s coming and He’ll carry you through it if you trust in Him.
How do we understand “the love of God”? What does it mean to be loved by God? How much does God love you? You may be surprised to hear what Jesus prayed about that. He actually prayed that the same love that exists between Himself and His Father would be shared with you. Today, Pastor Bill shares how the love of God can transform your life into a life of love. And that love can bring you not only into a close personal relationship with God but also into a genuine loving community of God’s people.
What does it mean to be in unity with others? Is it the same as uniformity? Does it mean to dress the same, think the same, … vote the same? Today, Pastor Bill shows that unity in Christ is one of His most beautiful gifts. It was the prayer of Jesus: that all of His followers would be united in His love. And just as He prayed for His immediate followers, He also prayed for His followers today. Jesus is asking His Father, on your behalf, for His gift of unity to be present in your life, in every way.
We know that Jesus frequently prayed to His Father for His closest disciples. He prayed for their joy, for their strength, and for their devotion. Wouldn’t it be great if Jesus prayed for you like that? Today, Pastor Bill shares that Jesus did indeed pray for you. Just as Jesus prayed for his immediate followers, He also prayed for everyone who would become His followers after them. Jesus is always praying to His Father on your behalf. He is praying for your joy, for your strength, and for your devotion.
We call the Bible the Word of God. And as such, there is nothing more important to know thoroughly and accurately than the Bible! But… why do we study the Bible? Is it primarily to learn facts, theology, or history? Today, Pastor Bill shows that the most important reason to study the Bible is to learn more and more about Jesus. The more you learn about Jesus, the more you’ll understand His great love for you. The more you learn about His love, the more united you’ll be with His heart for people.
What would you say is the purpose of your life? Why are you here? Today, Pastor Bill shares that Jesus spelled out exactly why each of us is here. Just as God the Father sent Jesus on the mission to rescue people, Jesus has sent us on that same mission. When you are living your life focused on Jesus’s mission, it puts everything else into place. God has put you into your own specific situation and surrounded you with your own specific people. You have a message that they need to know!
What would you say is the joy of your life? People everywhere are searching for meaning, purpose, and happiness. They may be looking to a person, a job, a possession, a pleasure... But, as Pastor Bill shares today, there is ONE SURE SOURCE of true and reliable joy, and that is the person of Jesus. It starts with faith. But it goes beyond that. Jesus has sent us on a mission, just as His Father sent Him on a mission. And when we are fully engaged in that mission, He promises us the full measure of His joy.
Have you ever experienced the joy of successfully completing a difficult task? When Jesus arrived in this world, He had a mission to complete. When Jesus died on the cross, He took all of our sins upon Himself and delivered us from the clutches of sin. Do you realize that you, as a believer, have a mission given to you by Jesus? Pastor Bill explains today, how God has a plan for your life. In the same way that Jesus had the mission of saving us from eternal death, Jesus has given you the mission of sharing the Gospel.
We, as humans, are always in need of something in our lives. You may aspire to own a flashy car or feel compelled to purchase a home. And many times, we take our dreams and needs and present them to the Lord, asking Him to fulfill them. But God only allows you to do certain things. Pastor Bill discusses in today's message, how God desires glory in all that He gives you. You can be confident that your creator will meet all of your daily needs and desires, and He wants nothing but glory from it all.
The most important aspect of our lives is prayer. However, we tend to pretend in our prayers. We feel compelled to demonstrate how we pray in order to make an impression on others. Is this, however, the correct approach? Pastor Bill demonstrates today, the proper way to pray. The only reason you should pray to God is to connect with your heavenly Father. You don't have to show how you pray to others; instead, you can show God how much you love Him by developing a relationship with Him through prayer.
Someone is always there to guide us at every stage of our lives. Be it at school, where your teacher is in charge and guides you accordingly, or at work, where your boss is in charge and directs you in accordance. But do you know who controls your life? Pastor Bill discusses in today's message, how Jesus is in charge of your life. Jesus guides and protects you at every stage of your life. You can ask Him to show you the way in every step you take. All you have to do is put your trust in Jesus and obey His will.
What a powerful statement from Pastor Bill! Do you ever wish you knew everything there was to know about everyone? You may recognize people by their names or through social media. You can get any information on the Internet, but there are some limitations. But did you know that someone knows everything? Pastor Bill explains today, how Jesus is all-knowing. Jesus has known you since before you were born. He knows which path is best for you and which is not. He always leads you in the right direction!
You may have heard about ongoing tensions between various countries. In today's world, war is waged under the guise of terrorism. As a result, hostility between the two countries persists. But do you know what the most important war was? Pastor Bill tells you today, how Jesus fought the greatest war in history. When it was time for Jesus to be carried to the cross, He fought the pain, mockery, and Satan. He took all our sins and gave His life on the cross so, that we could be saved and have eternal life.
The Bible says that God is our father, or in other words, our dad. What is your dad here on Earth like? Your relationship with him can taint your view of God as a father. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that God is a perfect father. You don’t have to earn his love. He will ALWAYS be there for you. And unlike your earthly father, God doesn’t mess up. It’s for this very reason that you can have abounding joy in ALL circumstances. Keep listening to learn how you can claim your joy.
Are you living in the joy that Jesus made a way for you to have? The world often gets joy and happiness confused. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on circumstances, but joy is a deeply rooted state of being that cannot be uprooted by circumstances. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you that Jesus’s death and resurrection have made a way for you to have everlasting joy in all seasons of life. Keep listening to learn how to take hold of the joy that God has for you right here, right now.
Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection were God’s way of being undeniably clear that He loves us. God is a God of truth, not confusion. One thing that He is clear on in scripture is that your sorrows WILL be turned to joy. That’s a big promise to keep, but after all, if He can defeat death, I think that we can take him at his word. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that YOU can have lasting joy in all circumstances. Keep listening to learn how to discover the joy that God wants you to live with.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that it’s through the power of the Holy Spirit that you’re able to see the glory of God. In order to love someone, you have to know them. Pastor Bill uses the example of how his love for his wife has grown over their many years together. The more that he sees his wife's character, the more he falls in love with her. Do you love God? Or is that a hard concept to imagine? Ask the Holy Spirit today to show you the glory of God so that you can truly love him.
Are you open to the moving of the Holy Spirit in your life? What does that mean? Well, if you’re a believer, God has given you HIS spirit to live in you and make you more like Jesus. The spirit empowers you to do things that you can’t do on your own. He also tells you to do things at the moment, like pray with someone or share the Gospel with them. Have you experienced this before? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that you don’t want to ignore the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Did you know that scripture is dead without the power of the Holy Spirit? If you’re a believer today, do you ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate God’s word as you read it? In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about the difference between information and illumination. Information alone doesn’t have the power to change your heart, but the Holy Spirit can take information, illuminate it, and make it take hold of your heart and your life. Keep listening to learn about your new best friend and teacher, the Holy Spirit.
When the disciples received the Holy Spirit, they were given the power and boldness to preach the Gospel and minister to others with authority. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be exhorting you to step out of your comfort zone preach the Gospel, and make disciples. God didn’t keep you alive on Earth after saving you just so you can spend time living for yourself. He wants to work in you and work through you by the power of the Holy Spirit to reach the lost.
It’s not always easy living for the Lord, especially in the extremely ungodly cultural climate going on these days. Being a child of God comes with the most amazing benefits, but unfortunately being persecuted comes with the territory as well. Today, Pastor Bill will be reminding you that it’s perfectly normal for you to feel like an alien here on Earth because your citizenship is in Heaven! When you feel like you don’t fit in, it’s because you don’t anymore, and you’ve been called to a higher purpose.
If you want to live a godly life, you will be persecuted. This is a promise in the Bible, maybe not the most quoted and warm promise, but a promise nonetheless. This is because the world, the flesh, and the devil hate God and constantly try to sway you to live for yourself. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be encouraging you to remain bold for the Lord and not allow the demonic forces of this age to discourage you from living a victorious Christian life.
As a Christian, you’ve been commanded to obey the Great Commission, to preach the Gospel, and to make disciples. One of the biggest hesitations for believers when it comes to preaching the Gospel and ministering to others is their fear of man and being rejected. In Western society, if this is the worst thing that can happen to you, consider yourself blessed. There are many extremely hostile countries towards Christianity, and the persecution is more severe than here. Be bold, and obey God.
As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be explaining how love is the main fruit of the Holy Spirit that gets produced in your life when you abide in Jesus. Jesus is the Vine and you are the branches, apart from Him you can do nothing. It takes a supernatural power to have unconditional love and to love your enemies. The purpose is to spend a quantity amount of time and also a quality amount of time reading the Word and spending time communing with the Lord.
Jesus desires you to not just bear good fruit, but He wants you to bear much fruit! Jesus came for you to live life more abundantly, not for you to just remain the same way He found you. Being forgiven of your sins is just the beginning, you now need to abide in the Lord so that you can bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself lacking love, peace, joy, gentleness, and self-control, it’s because you're not staying connected to Jesus. Make the Lord your priority!
God didn’t save you from the penalty of your sins, for you to simply continue living in it. The Lord loves you too much to save you and then just leave you in that same condition. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be challenging you to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in and through your life. The number one evidence that someone has truly received the Lord, is a transformed life. If you look and act the same as always, there’s a major problem.
Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining why Jesus specifically called Himself the True Vine. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life, and no one comes to the Father, except through Him! Jesus is making sure everyone understands that there is no other way for your sins to be forgiven apart from His sacrifice on the cross. Not all religions lead to Heaven, because there is only one way you can be saved, and that’s by receiving Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins by grace through faith alone.
Life is full of things that can leave you discouraged. It can be easy sometimes to walk around with a little rain cloud over your head, especially if you watch the news too much. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you how to have the supernatural peace of God, in every circumstance. So that even when things get hard, your heart doesn’t have to be troubled. It can be rooted in the eternal truth that Jesus has made possible. Keep listening to learn how you can claim this peace and joy that’s free for all.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill shows us the significance of what it means to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. In the Scriptures, we are told that our bodies are not just vessels of flesh and bone, but sacred dwelling places for the Spirit of God. The same God who created the heavens and the earth, the God who spoke the universe into existence, has chosen to make His dwelling place within you and me. It means that wherever we go, whatever we do, God is with us, strengthening us to do God’s will.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill shows us that the answer to fear is the peace that only Jesus can give. Not only that, but God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us walk in that peace. The Holy Spirit is a personal and living presence within us. This divine friendship illuminates our minds, reveals the truth, and ignites our hearts with a burning passion for the Kingdom of God. When we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we invite God to transform our lives, enabling us to walk in peace, no matter the circumstances.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches us what it means for the Holy Spirit to live in us. If you ever thought that God was someone who liked to keep his distance, maybe someone who passively watches from above, well think again. God has given us his spirit to literally dwell in us as we go through life. What does that mean? Well for one, we never have to be alone. God cares enough about us, that he wants to help us every step of the way. Keep listening to learn how much he cares for you.
Do you know what it’s like to hear the Holy Spirit speak to you? In today’s message, Pastor Bill tells some funny stories that explain what the Holy Spirit’s voice sounds like in his life. If you’re not sure what the Holy Spirit is, He’s the actual living spirit of God that lives inside of followers of Jesus. He helps us know what is right and wrong, comforts us in hard times, and even gives guidance when we have to make hard decisions. Keep listening to to see why you never have to be alone.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill helps us discover how to overcome the struggles of this life by drawing close to God. Life is full of really hard things. Whether it’s loss, loneliness, financial stress, or an infinite number of things, we are going to face situations that will try and discourage our hearts. In today’s message, Pastor Bill shows us that as we focus on and continue to get to know God, He will help us set our gaze on things that are eternal so that no trial in this life can leave us defeated.
When Jesus died and rose again, He paid the price for anyone to have a relationship with God. So if you’re saved, then your eternity is secured! However, there is still work to be done! Jesus commissioned the disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations! That charge is still being carried out today! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about the works that Jesus has for us to do. If we lean in and ask Him for the opportunities and the strength to do them, He’ll answer that prayer!
Much of the controversy around Jesus’ teaching during His day was the claims that He was making. On different occasions, to different people, He claimed to be God, God being His Father, and having all authority over heaven and earth. Those are some pretty lofty claims, and many people didn’t like it. However, Jesus was able to back up all His claims when He defeated Sin and Death on the cross! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing how Jesus isn’t just connected to God, but He IS God!
There are many people in the world, and even throughout the Bible, that know about God. They know the stories, maybe they used to go to church or heard their friends talk about God. While they might know about God, they don’t have a personal relationship with Him. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing the difference between knowing about God and having a personal relationship with God. Jesus is God, and He came down to earth to walk among us and to be known by us!
Jesus rose from the Grave and spent another forty days with His disciples before he ascended. Where did he go? Well, He answered this question to His disciples. He said that He was going to prepare a place for us in His father's house. He was going to make us a Home. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about what home means and represents in the Kingdom of God. As hard as life may be, we can be at peace knowing that there’s a place Jesus is preparing that will be everything we’ll ever need.
How much time a day on average do you think a person spends worrying? In the age of information, it seems like the amount of information consumed directly correlates to the amount of stress people have. When Jesus was explaining things to His disciples, they would immediately be filled with worry and uncertainty. When there is uncertainty it feels natural to have a sense of worry. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing Jesus’ encouragement to not let our hearts get in trouble with the world. He has overcome it!
When the disciples were with Jesus, they had three years' worth of conversation, teachings, and lessons. During those times, they had questions, they were confused, and they had to deal with issues of Sin in their heart. Jesus will help them address those issues, but it’s important to realize that Jesus was the reason they came up! He stirred the pot of their heart so they could be made whole. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be talking more about Jesus’ heart in being the agitator of their beliefs!
Sometimes we may think that, “If Jesus was here in person I would have so much faith and always believe in Him!” Judas lived with Jesus for three years. Judas saw Him do miracles, listened to His teaching, and even went out to spread Jesus’ message. However, Judas allowed Satan to have a place in his mind and heart and he eventually betrayed Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about the danger of entertaining the enemy's voice. There’s only room for God's truth in our hearts.
Jesus was fully God and fully man. So if Jesus was fully man, He must have experienced all of the same emotions that you and I experience throughout life. There were probably many times where He was Happy, Angry, Lonely, Sad, or Hurt. When Jesus was betrayed, it wasn’t just a random person who betrayed him, but His friend Judas. He loved Judas, washed his feet, and Judas loved even Him at one Point. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about the heartbreak Jesus must have felt at His friend's betrayal.
Have you ever met someone who was so loving to people? It didn't matter where they would go or what they would do, it just seems like they can’t help but love people. Jesus is constantly raising the bar for what it looks like to love people. As we grow in our walk with Christ, He will continue to show us newer and deeper ways of loving people! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will give us another example of where Jesus is raising the bar when it comes to loving people! He is our example of love!
During Jesus’ three years of ministry, He never criticized people based on their appearance. He would touch the lepers and minister to the orphans and widows. Oftentimes the world will determine someone's value based on what they can do or how they appear. Jesus is able to see the value and worth in people despite their current situation. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing about how we can be like Jesus and look to serve and love people regardless of how they might appear or behave.
Jesus was the best model for what it looked like to live a full and happy life. There were definitely times when things were hard, but He showed us how to rely on the Father at all times! One of the things that Jesus modeled for us, is how we are to serve others. When Jesus was serving people, there was no alternative motive or desire for him to be prideful. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing how we can be like Jesus when we serve other people. Jesus came to serve, not to be served!
The Bible gives us a lot of revelation when it comes to the spiritual aspects of our lives. However, the Bible can also be very practical. Have you ever wondered what the Bible has to say about general happiness or things that we go through on the day-to-day? Well, in today’s message, Pastor Bill will be sharing one of the ways that the Bible instructs us on how to be “Happy.” When we “wash the feet” of other people and serve them it does something to us. There is a sense of Happiness and fulfillment in serving others!
God is love. Let me repeat that, God is love. Today, Pastor Bill says that Jesus didn’t come to judge us, but came to save us. God wants you to be saved. Because of God’s love, He is able to look at you and see not a sinner, but a child of His. Jesus died on the cross for you. He chose to go through with his death even though he knew the pain it would bring because He knew it was the only way for you to have a chance at Heaven. God is calling you to trust Him today, He wants to give you freedom only found in Him.
Have you ever been given something that you know you didn’t deserve? Today, Pastor Bill talks about how the death and resurrection of Christ are enough for us. In order to believe in Christ you must believe in the whole story of the gospel. God sent His son for a sinner like you. His son went on the cross to take the penalty of your sins and give you a chance to be with the Father. If you do not believe in Christ, God wants you to. He is offering you freedom in Him that can’t come from anything else.
There is no news that has more power than the power of the cross of Christ. Today, Pastor Bill says that the cross has the power to draw people in. When you use the cross in conversation, people will come to know Him. The great commission is to share the gospel with all people. The best way to do that is to use the power of the cross to cause intrigue. If you do not believe in the death and resurrection of Christ, God wants you to have faith in Him. Choose Christ today, you won’t regret it.
When we live for the world, it becomes all that we hold our value towards. Today, Pastor Bill says that there is no value in what the world offers. True value comes from believing in Christ. When you have hope in Christ you will find that life on Earth only has one purpose, to share the gospel with all nations. Without belief in Christ, your hope is based on things that have no value in eternity. Trust in God today and He promises eternal life through Him.
When we are faced with an exam, it is pretty simple, we either know the answers or we don’t. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says that Christianity is the same way. If you get the gospel, you will know it, the people around you will see it, and your life will be changed forever. If you haven’t taken your next step with Christ, today is the perfect day to do so. You will see a drastic change in the way you view your life and the world around you. Trust in God today and He will guide you to a life of freedom and joy.
Do you remember going on vacation as a kid and asking “Are we there yet? Over and over again? Well Pastor Bill shares, just like the disciples, you often ask God the same question in different ways. When is Jesus coming back? Are we as believers at the end of our time on earth yet? How long Lord!? And God’s response to you is much like that of your parents on that vacation road trip in a loving voice…you’ll know when we get there or I’m driving, we’ll get there when we get there.
Have you ever thought about how amazing it was to land astronauts on the moon? The mathematical calculations, the design of the rocket, and how do you get them back to earth safely? Incredible! Well as Pastor Bill shares, God's timing of the events of the coming Messiah, Jesus, and His death, burial, and resurrection are truly out of this world. How God fits all the pieces together from the beginning of time to the end of this world is breathtaking and worthy of praise.
If someone offered you the most incredible, life-changing gift that would last forever, would you say no? Well Pastor Bill shares, the gift of salvation is what Jesus has offered all of us. But you have to say yes. And you must say yes before it’s too late. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, the Apostle Paul says that “Today is the day of salvation”. So, if you haven’t said yes to Jesus and accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, today is the today. Your life will be forever changed and there may not be a tomorrow.
Imagine all the advertising you see and hear. Thousands and thousands of impressions are made on your eyes, ears, and ultimately your brain every week! It can be hard to tune out those voices and forget about those powerful images. But Pastor Bill shares, despite all the noise around you, there is one person who deserves your full attention…24-7…Jesus. Jesus deserves your praise, devotion, and love because, without Him and His death and resurrection, you would be dead in sin…forever.
As you’re hearing this imagine the smell of popcorn at the movie theater. Do you get a whiff of the aroma of melted butter? What about the smell of a campfire on a chilly fall night? Pretty incredible, isn’t it? How powerful your senses are…even in your imagination. Now imagine, as Pastor Bill describes the fragrance that filled that house as Mary anointed Jesus from head to toe. That sweet aroma of the Savior, your Savior, being blessed, cared for, and honored before He paid the ultimate price for you.
As he was plotting Jesus’ death, the high priest Caiaphas stated that it would be better for this one man to die so they could save the people. Although he didn’t intend to be a prophet, he declared God’s ultimate plan to save the people. As Pastor Bill teaches today, with the death and resurrection of Jesus, all men can be saved. God replaced the system of sacrificing lambs for the forgiveness of sins with the death of His Son, forever abolishing the need for those sacrifices. Believing this saves anyone!
Our nation, our world is in crisis. And it feels like it’s only growing bigger each day. It’s tempting to believe it has grown out of God’s control. Yet, as Pastor Bill will illustrate today, nothing is out of God’s sovereign control. Even when His Son was facing betrayal and death, God was in control. Everything happened according to God’s will. God is still sovereign over every detail of your life, and of all that’s happening in the world today. Don’t despair! Instead, trust God, worship Him, and glorify Him with your life!
Before Jesus called you, you were dead in sin. Like Lazarus in the grave, you were bound, dead, and beyond help. Yet, Jesus, with supreme power and love, called your name. And when you heard and answered that call, you were made alive again. Your sins were forgiven and you were given eternal life with Him. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to answer that call from Jesus. Let Him save you. Truly, you’ll never be the same. Only He can give you new life from death. You’ll be alive and free and forgiven!
There were many witnesses to the death of Lazarus. Those bystanders knew of Jesus and His power to heal. Yet what they experienced was death and grief. Yet, they also saw a greater miracle. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how these witnesses experienced the true power of God. They saw Lazarus resurrected. They saw his new life. And they were changed. Will witnesses around you see your new life as a born-again believer in Christ? Let others experience your peace, joy, and hope as a child of God.
When one of Jesus’ closest friends was sick to death, He was summoned to heal him. Everyone knew of Jesus’ power to heal. Mary and Martha knew and believed Jesus could do a miracle for Lazarus. But, Jesus delayed. He didn’t rush to his bedside. He waited 4 days. And for Mary and Martha, those days were filled with despair. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how Jesus’ time and plan will often not align with yours, but His will is so much better than your own. It’s important to trust Him even when you don’t understand.
There are so many things going on in our world today that cause anxiety, despair, and a great fear of death. From disease to war to natural disasters, most people are living in deep distress. However, despite all of this, Pastor Bill will challenge you today to live in light of the good news of Jesus. He came not only to forgive and save you after death, but He also came to bring you abundant life NOW. You should have peace and contentment that the world simply can’t understand.
One thing is for certain: eventually, your time on Earth will end. Whether by rapture or by physical death, there will be a day when you are no longer here. Another thing is certain: God has work for you to complete. Will you complete it before your days come to an end? Today Pastor Bill encourages you to accomplish those things that God has set out for you to do. Don’t let the cares of this world and the worries of your heart distract you from the work that is to be done. The days on Earth are numbered and limited.
It doesn’t do a lot of good to only ask why. Have you been around a little kid who constantly asks “why” to everything you say? Sometimes we can be like that with God when we encounter troubles. We ask “Why me,” “Why now,” and “Why this”. But what we really should be asking is “What”. Ask the Lord “What do You want to accomplish through this?” As Pastor Bill shows you today, the answer is always the same. It’s all for the glory of God. Trials and tribulations aren’t just to make us suffer, they point others to God.
If you are out on a boat in the middle of a storm, you would want to know exactly how to operate that particular boat. You wouldn’t really care what anyone’s opinion was on how to steer it. You wouldn’t rely on your own gut feeling. You would consult what you know from the manual. You would operate the boat as it was intended. When you encounter storms in your own life, you have to operate according to the manual, that is, the Bible. Today Pastor Bill encourages you to live life according to what God says.
We often want to be the person on the stage, the one lighting up a room and making huge advances for the kingdom. Even if you are a behind-the-scenes kind of person, it’s easy to feel inadequate when you look at those who have a very public gifting from God. But as Pastor Bill reminds you today, you have no reason to feel less than others. John the Baptist had a huge role in bringing people to Jesus, and he never performed even one miracle. You don’t have to perform miracles to be used by God. Simply point others to Him.
Love is the best motivation for action. It’s hard to be patient without having love first. Kindness and goodness come easier when love is strong. True peace can’t be attained without first having love. So how is God able to perfectly show all these attributes to us? He loves first. Everything He does is motivated by love. Pastor Bill shows you today that Jesus really loves you. He’s patient with you because He wants you to be saved. He is long-suffering with your questions and doubts because He loves you.
I can't wait for that day when we're all in heaven together looking back at the “great ride” that was this life. When we will see God's glorious tapestry in full, instead of the pieces that may feel disjointed or dark. Thank you, Lord, that you are working all of this out for my good and your glory! I can't wait to see it all one day! But in the meantime, when things are getting discouraging or downright frightening, you're going to want to have today's message from Pastor Bill tucked away for that rainy day!
Are you circling Jesus like a boxer in the ring? You haven't dismissed Him yet, but you're treating Him more like an adversary than a Savior. You poke and prod and ask questions just to tear apart Christianity. But if you're asking who Jesus is, He has already made it clear. He is the Savior, the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. And He's ready to take your sin, too. Pastor Bill is going to show you today who Jesus is and how much He loves you. Do you want to believe it?
What's your problem today? Whatever your answer, Pastor Bill is here to tell you, just like Jesus did, that that is not your problem. Your problem is hell. When you come to Jesus, He's not going to be the physical savior you think He is. It's not about making this life on earth more comfortable. Jesus came to save your soul from hell. He came to bring your dead soul back to life! So whatever problem you're facing today, that's not your problem. Run to Jesus to solve the real problem—that you're separated from God.
Do you have a pet? A cat or a dog or maybe a bird? How much do you love that animal? Is it a member of your family? You might run into a burning building to pull it out, but would you voluntarily give up your life for that pet? Praise the Lord you and I are worth so much more than a pet! Because Jesus did voluntarily give up His life to save you—even though you're a sheep! Take a minute and thank Him for being the Good Shepherd, and then stay with us so we can thank Him together!
How many times have you wandered away from God and His plan for you? We're all just like sheep, wandering from God's protective care. We run away and fall into a ditch, sometimes the same ditch over and over! But He will never leave us in our wandering. Pastor Bill is going to share the heart of the Shepherd today—how he keeps coming after us every time we wander, again and again, and again. Don't you want to hear more about the One who loves you enough to keep coming after you?
What kind of animal would you choose to be? Which one do you feel most reflects who you are? I would love to be an eagle, soaring majestically above the trees. Or like Pastor Bill, I'd like to think I would be a stallion! In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to remind you and me that we are all really just sheep. Without the loving hand of our Shepherd to guide and protect us, we are helpless and hopeless. Aren't you grateful for Shepherd's love? Stick around to hear more about Him!
If you’re fortunate enough to be comfortable economically – that doesn’t have to mean wealthy, but if you’re not worried about where your next meal is coming from or that you’ll have a place to lay your head – you’re wealthier than a significant portion of the world population. If you’re in that position of comfort and modern convenience, you’ll find it harder to see your need for a Savior. But, as Pastor Bill will warn in today’s message, those comforts have blinded you to your desperate need.
There are a lot of people in that same place today. People who think they’ve arrived at a spiritual plateau, with the rest of Christendom residing somewhere below in their personal righteousness and theology. When you’re in that place, it’s hard to recognize it. Pride will blind you to your misplaced confidence. In today’s message from Pastor Bill, we’ll be reminded to remain humble. You always will have room to grow in this life, and you are no better than anyone else.
For those who haven’t encountered Jesus personally, faith seems like foolishness. The world appeals to our pride and misplaced confidence in our own emotions and reason. We are easily deceived into thinking only weak or crazy people become religious fanatics. While there certainly is evidence all around us that supports the existence of God and reinforces the truth of His Word, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, it’s hard to grasp until you’ve experienced Jesus personally.
Jesus gives sight where there was blindness, peace where there was uncertainty and freedom where there was oppression. He’s a healer and an indiscriminate Savior who desires all men to come to Him in repentance. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, when you find salvation in Jesus, you won’t stay the same. The changes will be apparent to you and to the people around you. If you don’t see changes, it begs the question of whether it’s Jesus you’re following.
Jesus rarely healed a person the same way He healed another. He spits and made mud to heal this blind man. Another He touched His eyes. He has no formulas. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how Jesus works in and through one believer in a completely different way than He’ll work in and through you. Don’t compare yourself to another. Instead, look to Jesus. Follow obediently where He’s leading you. And trust Him as He guides you and empowers you in His work. He’s a personal and intimate savior and shepherd!
There are many people suffering and hurting in the world today. And it can be tempting to try to pinpoint why others are suffering. Maybe it was a particular sin that led to this. This thinking leads to pride and arrogance in your own heart and mind. However, as Pastor Bill teaches today, there’s often a much deeper purpose to suffering that we simply can’t understand. It’s so important to compassionately love others who’re struggling and point them to Jesus as you both trust in Him in the midst of suffering.
When you’re misunderstood, when your message is rejected for terrible reasons, how do you react? Does it rattle you? Frustrate and anger you? Today, Pastor Bill will explain how unique Jesus is when His adversaries won’t open their minds or hearts to the truth of His message. He didn’t get angry and rebuke them. He didn’t cry in a corner. Instead, He simply left them and carried on with His mission. When the Pharisees wanted to kill Him for his statements, Jesus turned and saw a blind man to help and heal and prove His words true.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Son of man. Yet, He is the creator God, Almighty God, Yahwe. He gave no stronger affirmation of His deity than when He said “I AM”. And the moment you trust and believe this truth, Jesus saves you. You finally see the light and you rejoice. You’re glad about that. Today, Pastor Bill will describe how the Pharisees rejected Jesus because He claimed to be God. But you can believe it, receive it, and trust in Jesus for salvation. Jesus, God Almighty died on the cross for you.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time built their whole lives around their claims of faith and knowing and following God Almighty. They said they knew scripture well. They elevated themselves above others with this status. Yet, as Pastor Bill explains today, Jesus dismantled their man-made faith in a moment. To know and love God, you must know and love Jesus. He is the Son of God. He came to save and rescue humanity. You must believe in Him to be a child of God!
Our world is dark and full of trouble. As humans, we struggle and strain and fight each day to make it through and try to make things better for ourselves in the darkness. As Pastor Bill teaches today, Jesus offers Himself to you to not only light up the darkness but to guide and direct you through it to the joy of eternity. It’s hard to even know what your problems are without the light of Jesus. But in His goodness, He illuminates everything and brings peace to your struggles.
How about it? Are you in love with Jesus Christ? Do you wake up with Jesus on your mind? Do you spend every moment that you can with Him throughout your day? And when you go to sleep at night, do you dream of Him? When you're in love, you want the whole world to know it. When is the last time you talked about Jesus with someone else? These are all signs of being a child of God. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to share the words of Jesus with you—are you ready and excited?
In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to lay out the universal problem of sin that dominates all of humanity. And then! He's going to bring you the best news you've ever heard. You don't have to be mastered by sin for one moment longer. There is someone who mastered sin and death in your place! Jesus died on the cross to rescue you. Today you're going to find out what it means to have the right love for the right master. But when you do, you will have to make a choice—who will you serve?
Are you abiding in God's word? I'll be the first to admit, I had to think about where I left my Bible last when Pastor Bill said that. And when you put that thought together with what Jesus said here, it gives me pause. Am I truly a disciple of Jesus if I'm not living in His word every day? Jesus is going to shake you up a bit as you listen to today's message, and that's the greatest thing you or I could ever ask for—to be moved by His words and get into His word. It's time to find your copy of His word right now!
Live as children of the light! Jesus said that He is the light of the world and you no longer have to walk in darkness. In fact, as children of God, you are commanded to have nothing to do with the darkness. Instead, you bring the light into the darkness and drive it away. What does that light look like? It looks like truth, goodness and kindness, and all the fruits of the Spirit! In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to shine the light brightly and remind you to always look toward Jesus who IS the light!
Do you know Jesus? If you do, you know what it means to have abundant life! To walk in the light! And to have no fear! But if you don't know Him, you don't know any of those things. Jesus is the light of the world, and when you know Him, you will never walk in darkness again. Would you like to know Him? Then stick around! In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to introduce you to Jesus and invite you into the light. Maybe today is your day to shed the darkness that is in and around you and walk into the light!
The world can be a really, really dark place. Where are you looking for light? Are you looking at religion or the news? Are you lighting candles? Jesus steps into the darkness and says, “I am the light of the world!” and then He makes you a promise. If you will remain in Him, you don't have to walk in the darkness. Ever. Instead of flickering candles that will one day be blown out, you can walk in the endless glory of God. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to take us right to the light of the world—Jesus!
In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to remind you that there's nothing good about you—outside of God. But because you have the Spirit of the Living God living inside of you, there is no condemnation. There is no accusation that can stick! You are a temple of the Living God! God came to you, while you were busy being a no-good, and loved you enough to send His Son just for you! Today you're going to watch as Jesus shows everyone that there is no sin too great for his grace and his love.
What is it that Jesus really, really wants to set you free from? You know exactly what it is! It's the conversation you shouldn't be having. It's the flirtation you shouldn't be engaging in. It's the video you tried not to watch—and then watched anyway. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to show you how the nudge of the Holy Spirit is there to set you free! Are you still listening to that quiet voice? If you're not, ask him to speak to you once again and give you freedom from the things that master you!
In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to take a close look at the trap set for Jesus. A woman was caught in adultery and they asked Jesus if they should stone her. But instead of a trap and a crisis for Jesus, He saw that it was the people who were trapped, and he freed them with a simple statement and some words drawn in the dirt. If you're trapped in sin today—no matter what it is—it's time to run to Jesus and ask him to free you, too, with the gospel! With the good news that He loves you!
Are you thirsty? Is there something deep down inside of you that says, “I know there's got to be more to life than this!” Well, you're right, there is! In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to dive into the source of that thirst—and the solution for it! You don't have to go to bed thirsty for one more night. Tonight could be the night that you lie down and sleep in peace because you know that God is with you and He is IN you! Sound too good to be true? Come along with us and hear it for yourself!
Are you ready for everything to change? The fear and dread inside of you, the pain in your heart, the dread as you get up to face another day? It might all feel hopeless, but Pastor Bill is here with a different story to tell you! One that doesn't end the same way every day has for the rest of your life. This story ends with you being transformed from the inside out! This story—the story that is just waiting for you to step into it—is one that is filled with hope and joy. Are you ready for that kind of change?
If you are a faithful church-goer, today's message is for you! Maybe you've been going to church for years, checking off all the boxes, and making sure you pray before you eat. But in today's message, Pastor Bill is going to show us through the words of Jesus Himself that checking off the boxes is never going to be enough to fill you! It's never going to satisfy! What is going to satisfy this thirst deep down in your soul? You'll have to stick around to find out! This is a message you won't want to miss!
Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to remind you and me that drinking from Jesus is the key to everything in your life. When you try to make it without Jesus, you'll end up trying to slake your thirst in all sorts of ways that will never satisfy. But when you drink from Jesus, he not only satisfies you but also pours rivers of living water through your life to the world around you. But you gotta remember to come to Jesus and drink!
Does your Monday look like someone who is living in the promises of God? Are you filled with hope because his promises are always yes and amen? Do you live with the joy of your salvation? Or do you dread the morning because it means you're going back to work again? In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to show you that life isn't drudgery when you're filled with the Spirit of God! So stick around and listen, and then let's all walk out the promises of God today and every day!
When is the last time you let Jesus interrupt your Tuesday? Or Thursday? Any day, really? Are you going through the motions of religion, but not ever really connecting with the Spirit? Then today's message is for you! If you're feeling dry and cracked, weather-worn and aged, you will not want to miss what Pastor Bill has to say to you today. Today's message is like a drink of living water for your soul! At the very least, it's a reminder of where to go—and who to go to!--when you're feeling dry!
As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the book of John, he'll be challenging you to live a resurrected life. When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live within you and brings abundant life and power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, lives inside you! Sin no longer has dominion over you, and you now have the power to say no to sin. Purpose to walk in the newness of life that's been given to you, now that you're filled with the Holy Spirit.
Your actions and behavior will always prove what you actually believe. Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining how having genuine faith always equates to a change in behavior towards godliness. You can say you believe Jesus is the Messiah, but have you truly made Him Lord over your life? The Bible is clear that faith without works is dead. Your good deeds don't earn you salvation, but your good works will always naturally come forth from sincere faith in the Lord.
Jesus had a way of always speaking the truth, with authority, even if offended people. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be explaining how Jesus wasn't seeker sensitive, watering down the truth. The Lord in His great love for you, tells you the truth about the world, and about your spiritual condition. God loves you too much to allow you to stay the same. The Holy Spirit speaks truth to you and convicts you of your sin, so you can be molded more in the image of Jesus.
Jesus made extreme claims about His identity, so much so that the religious leaders believed He was blasphemous. Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining how Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, God in the flesh, not simply a good teacher or a prophet. Jesus declared: “Before Abraham came to be, I AM”. This statement was a declaration of Jesus' divinity. Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy regarding His life, and He's continuing to fill prophecies within the New Testament.
As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be explaining how if you desire to live a godly life, you'll suffer persecution. The world hated Jesus, and since you're a follower of the Lord, the world will naturally hate you too. If you're receiving zero push-back from the world, then there's a chance the world doesn't recognize you as a follower of Jesus. You should consider it a joy to be persecuted for being a Christian. It simply means you're being a proper representative of the Lord.
Jesus is not of this world, and as His follower, you also should not be of this world. The world system runs contrary to the ways of God. Today, Pastor Bill will be reminding you that you're simply a pilgrim passing through this world and that your citizenship is in Heaven. Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord, and focus on the eternal over the temporal. When you seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all those other temporal necessities will be met. Don't allow yourself to be entangled with the affairs of this world.
As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be encouraging you to spend quality time with the Lord while reading His Word. One of the saddest things in life is seeing someone who needs help or counsel, but they turn to the world for advice. Only Jesus and the power of His Word can bring abundant life and satisfaction to the soul! The world, the flesh, and the devil are all about temporary satisfaction and pleasure, not long-lasting eternal blessings.
Jesus spoke the truth all the time, regardless if it upset someone, and regardless if it brought great offense to them. The Lord knows how important the truth is, Jesus is the Way the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Conversely, the devil is the father of lies, and he's been lying from the very beginning. Today, Pastor Bill will be challenging you to receive even the most difficult truths in God's Word and to reject the lies that may seem to make life temporarily more convenient.
Sometimes, jigsaw puzzles are tricky. Most of the time it's easy to see when you have a piece in the right spot. But every once in a while, a piece seems to fit where it doesn't actually belong. It feels right at first, but the further you go in the puzzle, it becomes obvious that it's not going to work. Sometimes, we fit a piece of physical satisfaction into a space that only Jesus can fill. It might seem to be working for a while, but eventually, it breaks down. Today Pastor Bill reminds you that only Jesus truly satisfies.
You can't really appreciate a plate of freshly baked cookies without eating a few. You can acknowledge they are there. You can smell the aroma wafting through the air. You could lick one and get a small taste of it. But you won't really know that cookie until it gets in your belly and satisfies you. You won't know God until you partake of Him and let Him satisfy. Today Pastor Bill shows you that Jesus wants to satisfy. He wants to be the one to fulfill your needs and give you true purpose. But He can't until you partake.
As humans, we like to see the whole picture before we jump into anything. We want to see how something is going to work before we put our stamp of approval on it. We need to see a fleshed-out plan before we give any money to a project. But sometimes, God doesn't reveal everything to us all at once. We might not know how something works when Jesus asks us to put our trust in Him. Today Pastor Bill encourages you to let go of the “how”. Embrace the “why” of who Jesus is and know that you can trust Him.
The simplicity of the Gospel can catch us off guard. How can it be as simple as coming to Jesus and believing? Shouldn't we have to do more? Shouldn't we have to earn it? Or prove that we are worthy of it? No. As Pastor Bill explains today, God just wants your heart. He doesn't need your intellect or your charm and He's not hindered by your lack. It's a simple Gospel. But that doesn't mean it's easy. It doesn't mean your problems go away. But your problems will help shape you into the image of Jesus.
What are the things that you need to survive? Food, clothing, shelter? Security from harm? Affirmation from those you look up to? You can seek a physical source for all those needs, but it won't truly satisfy them. You don't stay full forever. Clothing breaks down, and the approval of others starts to lose its charm after a while. But when you look to Jesus to be the source of everything you need to survive, you can experience true satisfaction. As Pastor Bill teaches today, you won't need the things of this world.
Jesus drew large crowds during His ministry on Earth. Every town He went to was buzzing with anticipation and excitement. Everyone wanted to see what He would do next. But sometimes, in fact, most of the time, the crowds were there to see what they could get from Jesus. He fed them once, why not feed them every day? He healed once, why not heal every sick person? Today Pastor Bill encourages you to make sure your motivations are right when you come to Jesus. Why do you seek to follow Him?
God didn't make humans robots. He could've just programmed all of humanity to believe in Him. He could've forced Himself into every person's life and demanded their devotion. But He doesn't do that. He leaves the choice up to us. Pastor Bill shows us today that God is always ready to step in and help. When your boat is in a storm, He's ready to get in with you. But He won't force His way in. He won't demand that you let Him help you. He waits patiently for you to welcome Him willingly.
A seed can't grow on hard soil. It can't sink its roots down deep in order to produce fruit. First, the soil has to go through the painful process of being plowed and fertilized, and prepared. Only then can the seed grow properly. God's Word can't grow in your heart if it is hard. Sometimes, God has to put your heart through an uncomfortable process in order to soften it. That process is never fun, but as Pastor Bill assures you today, Jesus will walk with you through it. He softens your heart because He loves you.
Sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all. There's a time to speak out and correct those who are wrong. When you've been misunderstood you want to defend yourself. You want to explain what you meant. But in today's passage, Pastor Bill shows us that there's also a time to remain quiet and wait. Jesus didn't need to rush to explain Himself to the crowds. He didn't need to make sure they liked Him. He knew the right thing to do was to wait. He would speak the right words when the time was right.
When it comes to serving, we have a tendency to check out when we feel we've put in our time. When life gets too busy, it's easy to quit volunteering at church. When you finally retire, you just want to focus on yourself for a while. When you're in a hard season, you want to be served, not serve. Well, today Pastor Bill shows you the importance of continuing to serve in those seasons. The disciples were exhausted, hungry, and grieving. They didn't want to be around people. But Jesus still asked them to serve.
Do you find yourself living with a scarcity mindset? The scarcity mindset says you never have enough. Never enough time, energy, intellect, or skill. Living in a state of scarcity forces you to take what you can when you get it and ask for more. But God doesn't operate that way. Even the most limited resource is abundant in His hands. Today Pastor Bill teaches about Jesus feeding thousands with only a few pieces of bread and fish. He didn't see it as scarce though. He knew it was more than enough.
Living life from a human perspective is a bit like walking into a dimly lit room with sunglasses on. You really can't see the full picture. You might see some shadowy figures here and there, but you'll probably be stumbling around in the dark. When you try to look at people from a human perspective, you'll always fall short of seeing who they really are. But thankfully, as Pastor Bill shows you today, Jesus sees people with a Godly perspective. He can see their hearts and their deepest needs. He sees with compassion.
The Bible is truly amazing. It's a living, breathing book. But it's amazing and living and breathing because it's about Jesus. It's not about the ink on the pages or the leather binding or your name embossed on the cover. It's about Jesus. Today Pastor Bill warns you that if you read the Bible and miss Jesus, you've really missed the point of the Bible. The Bible has good advice and great moral principles for our lives today. But that's not really the point. The point is Jesus and your need of Him as Savior.
Do you have a John the Baptist in your life? John was someone bigger than life, constantly pointing people toward Jesus. His life was unbelievable, and some might even dare to say crazy. He couldn't keep quiet about the Messiah. Do you know anyone like that? Today Pastor Bill shows you that those kinds of people are in your life for a reason. They're there to point to the truth about who Jesus says He is. They back up what Jesus said. They bring life and breath to the words of Jesus through the life they live.
Do you believe a politician when they give a campaign promise? Do you believe every video you watch on social media? Certainly not! In fact, there are probably very few people that you would believe simply because they said it. Pastor Bill shows us today that even Jesus didn't expect people to believe Him just because He said something. He honored the Old Testament traditions of needing more than one witness to proclaim the truth. He gave them more than just His own words to prove His trustworthiness.
A coin always has two sides. The two sides of a coin are always together, and you can't separate them from one another. Sometimes we limit Jesus to just one side. Maybe He's all grace. Or maybe He's all truth. But He's both. Grace and truth. Mercy and judgment. Compassion and correction. Today Pastor Bill shows you that He is also Savior and Judge. He draws people to himself, but He calls them to a higher life. You can't truly call Jesus your Savior and still continue in the dredges of sin.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the perfect high priest because He has experienced every kind of temptation we deal with. He understands because He became a human. And yes, that means He had to deal with irritating, stubborn, and just downright mean people that wanted to hurt Him. As Pastor Bill explores today's passage, you will learn how you can follow Jesus' example. You may think that Jesus just did the right thing without really thinking about it. But the truth is that He had a choice, and so do you.
Jesus told us to love our enemies. But He didn't just say it. He also lived it out and gave us examples from His life on how to do it. Today, Pastor Bill looks at a passage where Jesus comes face to face with the religious leaders that want to kill Him. He knows they want to kill Him. He knows they don't love Him. And yet He takes the time to be with them. He talks with them. Would you respond the same to those who mean to do you harm? It's certainly not easy, but it's possible through Jesus' strength.
It's easy to put Jesus in a box. It's easy to package Him up into whatever you want Him to be and miss who He really is. Jesus did and still does miracles. He does solve some of our physical, earthly problems for us. But that's not His main goal and it's not a sign of your salvation. Pastor Bill reminds you today that Jesus came to be your Savior. You may have a laundry list of things you want Jesus to fix, but His main goal is to fix only one thing in your life: your sin. He came to save you from your own sin.
Nothing is a coincidence with God. Centuries before Jesus came, the temple was built. The gate that the sacrificial sheep came through was aptly named the Sheep Gate. But now, Jesus would walk through that very gate to perform a pivotal miracle in His ministry. Pastor Bill teaches us today that Jesus was The Lamb. All the other thousands of lambs that walked through the gate were only a foreshadowing pointing to Jesus. And now He was here, in the flesh. But would He be recognized as the Lamb of God?
If you wake up in the morning with a throbbing headache, you'll probably not notice your back pain as much. And if you stub your toe getting out of bed, you'll forget you had a headache for a moment. Pain has a way of shifting our focus. Sometimes in life, the physical pain and suffering we endure can shift our focus away from the real source of pain: sin. We suddenly think that sin is not our most important problem for Jesus to fix. But as Pastor Bill shows you today, Jesus came to fix the problem of sin.
Everyone loves the idea of a genie in a bottle. Wouldn't you want someone at your beck and call who could fulfill your every desire? Life would seem so easy! Problems would evade immediately. But genies don't actually exist. Today Pastor Bill warns you to not turn Jesus into your genie. Jesus' main goal isn't to solve your physical problems. He's not interested in just giving you an easy life. He came to be the Savior of the world. He came to solve the problem of sin and give you eternal life.
It’s obvious that no one is perfect. Even the people that seem like they’re doing everything right and have it all together truly don’t. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you want to change your ways and leave your mistakes behind, give your life to God and be set free. He doesn’t care about anything that you’ve done or will do, He just wants you to dwell with Him in His kingdom. Accept God’s free gift of grace and be changed from the inside out.
As Christians, we’ve always gone to church on Sundays, but why is that? Today, Pastor Bill explains that church is traditionally on Sunday because that is the first day of the week, the same day that Jesus rose again. You need to treat this day and your time with His fellow believers as a fresh renewal of your spirit as you go out into the world in His name. Never forget the sacrifice that Jesus did for you on the cross. None of us deserve it and we need to be shouting the good news for all to hear.
In your walk with Christ, do you ever use times of despair as a tool to make everything about you? It’s easy in difficult times to move God away from the center, but does it ever work for your good? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that God is calling you to move past your desire to feel earthly love and give it all to Him. It feels so good to receive praise and encouragement from others, but it’s all for nothing if we don’t give the glory to the person who deserves it—Jesus.
In your walk with Christ, does it ever feel like you’re just going through the motions? Does your connection to Him ever feel faint because you don’t have that same spark you once had? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that the only way to stay in close communion with Christ is by keeping Jesus at the center of it all. It’s good to read the Bible and pray, but if you leave Jesus out of it, you’ll never feel the connection that He wants to have with you.
Do you know what's silly? When we ask God for help or advice, and then ignore what He says. I don't know about you, but when I go back to my way of doing things or how I think, I get nowhere. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the way. He shows us the way. He came and died so that we could have a relationship with Him. Do you believe it? This is what will bring joy that LASTS. Hearing the voice of Jesus and embracing what He has for you. Now that's a full, blessed life! This is the message from Pastor Bill.
It's the only thing that matters. Jesus. The real deal. The giver of every good thing, like JOY. You can be happy, but how long will it last? It's like eating a whole bunch of sweets and then feeling sick later. Great in the beginning and then it just wears off, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. Genuine satisfaction can only come from God. BUT. What happens if you don't have a relationship with Him? Then you can't hear Him tell you exactly what would bring YOU joy. And that you're loved! This is Pastor Bill's message today.
People were believing what John the Baptist was teaching. There was a movement of faith. No hiccups or bumps. Seemingly smooth and easy...until it's NOT. JOY shouldn't be dependent on what career you have or how well your day's unfolding. Or the things you have. Or what people say to you. The real joy that Pastor Bill's sharing with us today can and SHOULD only come from Jesus. He's the clarity that we need because what we FEEL isn't always TRUE. Friends, don't base your happiness on worldly things that change.
If something's given to you that's too wonderful for words would you only take a part of it or all of it? To me, taking only a portion of it doesn't make sense, but that's what we do sometimes. We have faith in God, but we don't open the door to our lives to Him. We don't accept His gift of salvation. Keeping our hands tight on the steering wheel doesn't allow His power to drive us in the direction that's best for us. As Pastor Bill reminds us in his message, Jesus doesn't want you, or I, to go through life or die without knowing Him!
This guy has done all the studying. He's like a walking religious dictionary for people in Bible times. His knowledge of the law is beyond anyone else, and yet he gets told it's not enough. It actually isn't even right. Can you imagine being told you're wrong after all those years of being a role model? This is part of Nicodemus's story that Pastor Bill explains today. Nicodemus finds out that following Jesus means turning away from anything in his life that's wrong. He must be born again.
Did you know that the symbol for medicine comes from the Old Testament? When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, they ran into a problem with snakes. They pleaded with God to deliver them, and He responded by telling Moses to make a bronze statue of a serpent and anyone who looked at it would live. In the same way, God offers life to anyone who looks to Jesus on the cross as their savior. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you that the only way to be born again is by looking to Jesus.
One of the enemy's greatest lies is that going to church makes you a Christian. Nicodemus was a religious elite who was intrigued by Jesus and His miracles. Nicodemus was born into the right family, given the right education, and made a religious leader. Jesus made it very clear to Him that none of those things could get him into heaven. He had to be born again. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that the only way to heaven is through believing in Jesus as your savior. So, have you been born again?
Have you ever thought about how awful It would be if everyone could know your worst thoughts? I mean, we get into enough trouble with the ones that we actually speak. While it’s a good thing that we are able to keep bad thoughts to ourselves, God sees them. What’s amazing though is that he still chooses to love us. He loves us enough to give his only son as a sacrifice for our sins. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that God wants to know you as His child, even on your worst days.
Are you truly seeking God or just going through the motions? It’s easy to go through the motions. You know how it goes. Go to church on Sunday, put some money in the offering plate, and then head to lunch. The motions only matter if your heart is engaged. It was just going through the motions that drove Jesus to drive out the livestock and turn over the tables in the temple. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you that God desires for you to seek him in spirit and truth.
Is your house clean? I don’t mean your physical home. Although it may be a good idea to pick it up every now and then. When you accept Jesus as your savior, you become a temple for the Lord. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that Jesus likes for you, his temple, to be clean. He wants you to be clean so that you can have the most amount of joy and live a life that glorifies Him. Sin clutters your house, making it hard to live the way you were meant to live. So, what is keeping your house dirty?
Jesus came to get His bride ready for the wedding. What that means is that He came to bring His transforming power into the darkest corners of your heart. He came to bring you back to life. Today, Pastor Bill shares that this is what the miracle of turning the water into wine is all about. It points to how Jesus takes the hopeless and broken things in your heart and life and makes them into something new. He changes everything. So invite Him in and watch the miraculous things that He’ll do in your life today.
When you’ve got something big coming up, like an event or a project, it tends to take up your thoughts. You probably spend time thinking through how you’d like it to go and making to-do lists to help you prepare for it. Well, today, Pastor Bill explains that Jesus has something on His mind while He’s attending a wedding. When He says “my time has not yet come,” He’s speaking about giving His life for you and me on the cross. You’ll see how Jesus is thinking through all that would happen to get Him there.
Pastor Bill posed an interesting question, one that deserves some consideration. We know that everything Jesus did, He did with intention. So, He didn’t just randomly turn water into wine to appease His mother. So, then, what’s the meaning behind it? What makes this amazing event more than just a simple miracle He performed? What makes it a sign that tells us who He is and what He’s about? Well, today, Pastor Bill invites you to explore the answers to these questions as you study this passage in John.
Are you truly seeking God or just going through the motions? It’s easy to go through the motions. You know how it goes. Go to church on Sunday, put some money in the offering plate, and then head to lunch. The motions only matter if your heart is engaged. It was just going through the motions that drove Jesus to drive out the livestock and turn over the tables in the temple. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you that God desires for you to seek him in spirit and truth.
Is your house clean? I don’t mean your physical home. Although it may be a good idea to pick it up every now and then. When you accept Jesus as your savior, you become a temple for the Lord. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that Jesus likes for you, his temple, to be clean. He wants you to be clean so that you can have the most amount of joy and live a life that glorifies Him. Sin clutters your house, making it hard to live the way you were meant to live. So, what is keeping your house dirty?
Jesus came to get His bride ready for the wedding. What that means is that He came to bring His transforming power into the darkest corners of your heart. He came to bring you back to life. Today, Pastor Bill shares that this is what the miracle of turning the water into wine is all about. It points to how Jesus takes the hopeless and broken things in your heart and life and makes them into something new. He changes everything. So invite Him in and watch the miraculous things that He’ll do in your life today.
When you’ve got something big coming up, like an event or a project, it tends to take up your thoughts. You probably spend time thinking through how you’d like it to go and making to-do lists to help you prepare for it. Well, today, Pastor Bill explains that Jesus has something on His mind while He’s attending a wedding. When He says “my time has not yet come,” He’s speaking about giving His life for you and me on the cross. You’ll see how Jesus is thinking through all that would happen to get Him there.
Pastor Bill posed an interesting question, one that deserves some consideration. We know that everything Jesus did, He did with intention. So, He didn’t just randomly turn water into wine to appease His mother. So, then, what’s the meaning behind it? What makes this amazing event more than just a simple miracle He performed? What makes it a sign that tells us who He is and what He’s about? Well, today, Pastor Bill invites you to explore the answers to these questions as you study this passage in John.
Do we ever take the phrase “God is closer to you than a friend” to heart? The epic creator of the entire universe wants to be close to you. Not just a “hey how're ya doing?” but a “tell me about your day” kind of relationship. When the world is getting crazier by the minute, there's a God that's ready to handle whatever you got. Pastor Bill gives a simple reminder to ask God to reveal Himself to us, especially in times of trouble. Today, what's stopping you from having the best relationship on Earth?
A happy accident fits the description of something that happens in our life through a series of fortunate (or unfortunate) events. However, it should never fit the description of a son or daughter in Christ. Pastor Bill encourages us that God, the creator of all things, created you! The Bible even backs up this charge that God knew you before you were born! How amazing! Today, don't let anyone ever tell you something else. God created you in His image and for His purpose. There's no one else quite like you!
"Those who don't learn history are doomed to repeat it," bellows the words from a Harvard professor. Even in the Bible, one of the most sobering verses in the Old Testament comes from the book of Jesus that states, 'people went around those days doing RIGHT IN THEIR OWN EYES'! Pastor Bill goes a step further to say that phrase sounds a lot like our world today. Even today, there are still people in this world that think they know more than the God of the heavens. Today, don't just make Christianity convenient. Make it co-dependent on Jesus!
How often are our daily problems turning into mountains from molehills? Sometimes we think that the problems we go through are too insignificant for a mighty God. Why would one that created the heavens and the earth worry about me? Consequently, we try to move our mountains with our own strength. Pastor Bill encourages us that God is ultimately the One that will bring stability to our lives and establish us. There simply just has to be faith and trust on our part today.
Everyone craves that intriguing life. A life that always keeps us at the edge of our seats with an exciting adventure. Or maybe that sentence sounded exhausting to you just thinking about it? What if your Christianity was like that? Jesus doesn't want religion for you that stays stale, but a relationship that's vibrant. Yet, Pastor Bill humorously reminds us to be careful when we do that because Jesus will change everything radically! There's no better time than right now to make sure Jesus is at the center of all you do today!
On school field trips, Teachers always remind their students, "Now make sure you are on your best behavior! You are representing the school!" Or maybe those same words came from parents or family members. For the family, school, or even business we represent, we become the example of that entity. Pastor Bill points out that even Christians are under a microscope of scrutiny. Whether in the New Testament or today, our lives are always on display to show the heart of God.
"Be on your guard" is a timeless phrase. Or how about - "watch your back"? It's a saying we use to remind someone to always be attentive. In the book of Romans, Paul also urges the churches of the New Testament to be watchful for the people that only come to corrupt the church. Pastor Bill even urges us today not only to bring joy into the church but also to bring wisdom. There are many things in this world that set out to deceive us, but it's our wisdom in God that helps us navigate the deception!
Have you ever wondered if God could really use YOU? I mean when you read the Bible, it seems like it’s full of superheroes, right? Well, think again. The Bible is full of people like the Apostle Paul and Peter, but it’s also full of normal people like you and me whom God used. No matter your shape, size, or personality, you are the perfect instrument for God to use. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that God is wanting to use YOU to make an impact on those in your life.
Can you remember the last time you had to do a turn and greet in church? There tend to be two types of people. The ones who love it and wish they could walk to the other side of the sanctuary to greet everyone, and then there are those who are just waiting for it to end, praying that no one wants to shake their sweaty hand. Have you ever wondered if greeting each other was necessary? Is going to church necessary? In today's message, Pastor Bill will help you answer these questions through God’s word.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill covers a question that is very much trending in the American church. Is it really that important to be a consistent member of a church? Many people have been burned by the church and would rather walk with Jesus alone. Some feel like they don’t belong because they don’t look a certain way or feel like they aren’t cleaned up enough. If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation or just need to be encouraged to keep loving the church, this message is for you.
Have you ever heard the saying “God will never give you more than you can handle”? It sounds nice, but, if you’ve been a believer for long enough, then you know that being a child of God doesn’t prevent you from going through things that are more than you can handle. The good news is that God likes to show his power in your weakness. Can you think of a time when that happened? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will share with you how you can be praying for God’s power in his struggles.
Do you believe in the power of prayer? Paul, at the end of the book of Romans, specifically asks for prayer. Do you have any struggles in your life that you wish people would pray for? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will share with you some amazing stories of how God has answered prayers in his life. It’s not all stories about what God HAS answered though. While Pastors can often get overlooked when it comes to needing prayer, Pastor Bill will share with you how you can be praying for him.
Have you seen God provide for you or someone you know in a miraculous way? Pastor Bill was just telling a story of when God did just that. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you about the incredible journey of the apostle Paul. His journey was one with many ups, downs, miracles, twists, and turns. Through it, all, the apostle Paul kept his focus on serving God and trusted in his provision, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. As your journey through this life, do you believe that God will provide for you?
Wow, that’s a big question, isn’t it? It’s an important one to answer though. The world will tell you that your plan should be to store up treasures here on earth and live a life of comfort, but God’s word says otherwise. So, how do you balance living for Jesus AND living in the world? Do you have a plan for your life or are you letting life toss you around? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explore the grandeur of the journey that every believer is on and teach you how to live a life of intentionality.
The world is full of distractions. Whether it’s momentary distractions like notifications from your phone, or things like hobbies and TV shows, there is a battle going on for your attention every moment of every day. Never has it been so important to set and maintain priorities in order to take control of your life. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will open your eyes to the amazing journey that you’re on and inspire you to make the priority of your journey the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Where are you at in your walk with Jesus today? Is your heart full or are you desperate to have your hope renewed? No matter where you are, God is wanting to speak to you through his word. Boasting is often frowned upon in the Bible, but there is one instance in which believers are encouraged to boast, and that’s when it comes to boasting in the Lord and what you’ve seen him do. In today’s message, Pastor Bill shares a powerful story of how he has seen God move a mountain in a miraculous way.
Isn’t it humbling to know that God wants to work through you? Not out of need, but because he wants to partner with you. As amazing as it is, it can also be intimidating to try and figure out what God wants you to do. His ways are not ours a lot of the time! Do you know how God speaks to you when he is calling you to do something? No matter your answer, this message is sure to help you. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will both, encourage you to obey, and help you to discern God’s voice.
Wow, I don’t know about you, but I needed to hear that. Isn’t it so easy to make the Bible just a self-help book? And isn’t it just as easy to make church just a social circle? If you’ve struggled with these things, well it’s because you’re human. In a world that’s constantly telling us to live for today, for the things of this earth, we need to be reminded that it’s the eternity that we live for. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will help you set your focus on the mission of the Gospel so that you can live a purposeful life.
While some of those lies that he just mentioned are obvious, you may be surprised how many subtle lies become accepted by believers. Pastor Bill cites some concerning statistics showing that many people who claim to be Evangelical Christians must not open their Bible very often. People will always try to abuse the Gospel, twisting it for their gain, but you have access to the truth! In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the importance of seeking truth through God’s word alone.
Have you ever grown tired of praying the same prayer without getting what you wanted? The truth is that almost every believer has struggled with feeling like God is distant. God knows that we are often weak in faith and that we lose hope too easily. The good news is that he often likes to show up when we really need it in amazing ways. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will share a story of how God has shown up in his life in a miraculous way. Expect to have your hope renewed as you listen today.
Has hope ever seemed hard to find? You should know that you’re not alone. Life can have a way of beating you down. Eventually, it can seem easier to stay down than to find the strength to get up and keep hoping for a better season. God’s word says that God never gets impatient, in fact, he sympathizes with your weaknesses. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that God is ready to meet you, no matter where you are, and renew your hope. If you need to find hope today, this message is for you.
Have you ever gotten your hopes up and then been disappointed? Maybe it was hoping that a relationship would work out, or that you’d finally get the promotion that you’d been waiting for. Or maybe, you got what you hoped for, but it didn’t satisfy you like you thought it would. While life is guaranteed to be full of disappointments, there is one thing you can put your hope in that will never let you down. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you how to find abounding hope in every season of life.
Not one of God’s children is exactly alike. We are each very different from one another. God created every human personally and uniquely. And by all accounts, we shouldn’t really get along. Yet, the beautiful thing about the gospel of Jesus is that faith in Him unites us all into one family. Today, Pastor Bill will describe the glory God receives when His children are one; united in purpose and love. God designed us to be unique but to use those differences together for one purpose – to glorify and honor God.
There were times Jesus didn’t argue but went along with cultural issues in an effort not to offend or ruffle people. These were insignificant issues, unimportant to one’s salvation. Yet, when gospel truth was at stake, Jesus took a stand. He spoke the truth, in the love of course, so everyone could know what was true and right. Today, Pastor Bill will challenge you to, like Jesus, let the unimportant issues go, seek to not offend people, and yet hold fast to and defend the gospel truth.
You have freedom, in Christ, from both the bondage of sin and the efforts to be good in order to gain approval. You don’t have to rigidly obey man’s religious rules, but you’re called to simply follow Jesus. There’s great freedom in that! But today, Pastor Bill will challenge you to attune yourself to the guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit who helps you in the walk of your freedom with the Lord. Because if you’re doing something that’s drawing you away from the Lord, the Holy Spirit will let you know. Listen to Him!
Believers in Christ can get so wrapped up in the inconsequential things of religion that these things overshadow faith and walking in love with others. In fact, quite often, believers will become so fanatical about certain issues that righteousness, fellowship, and a personal relationship with Christ don’t matter. Today Pastor Bill will challenge you to let go of the inconsequential and walk in love toward others and trust the Holy Spirit to work in their lives as He sees fit. You can’t push your agenda on others, it’s between each believer and God.
Sometimes believers can live a double life. You present yourself well to others, but meanwhile, on your own, you are actually far from God. Today, Pastor Bill will challenge you to examine your life and seek to determine how mature your faith in God is and how strong your relationship with Him is. It’s all that matters! How people see you and view your faith isn’t as important as your personal relationship with God. Work on following and obeying and loving God first and best, and the rest will all make sense.
What is the most exciting part of Christmas for you? Do you remember when you were a kid, and the best part was opening presents? In today’s message, Pastor Bill asks if you remember when the most exciting part of Christmas became giving gifts. That same excitement is what you should feel when you stand before the Lord. You can prepare gifts for the Lord here and now by the way that you worship and love others in Jesus’ name. So, the question is, will you have gifts to present when the time comes?
Wow, that’s a scary thought, isn’t it? To have to stand before God and give an account of how you spent your life. God is clear on what he wants to hear from you on that day. The Bible says that he wants you to live a life of serving him and loving others. That means that your journey as a believer doesn’t stop at Salvation. The next step is a transformation which will result in a life lived for Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you how to live a transformed life full of purpose.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the urgency of living a life focused on storing treasures in heaven. Believers can often be tempted to spend time debating minor differences in belief. Can you relate? Or does someone come to mind? The truth is that there isn’t time to waste arguing over things that don’t really matter. Time is running out and soon you will be standing before God, accountable for the time that you spent in this life. So, the question is, how will you have spent your time?
Have you ever wondered whether the music on Sunday should be contemporary or traditional? Or is it okay to wear jeans to church? How about this one, Is the Lord’s Day really Sunday, or is it actually Saturday? Much like these questions, it’s easy to get caught up in the little things, as a matter of fact; you should expect to encounter believers who disagree with you on these things. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you to have to accept those in the church who you don’t see eye to eye with.
Have you ever had an argument over something spiritual with another Believer? If you’ve been in the church long enough, I’m sure that you have. Let me ask you, was it worth the argument? If they were really a brother or sister in Christ, odds are it wasn’t worth the strife. When you come across those weak in the faith, the Bible says that God wants you to accept them, not try to force them into believing your opinions. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you how to embrace those weak in the faith with grace.
Would your neighbors know that you are a Christian if you didn’t tell them? Believing in Jesus is a great first step in being a Christ follower, but that’s not where God wants you to stay. God is calling you to be transformed. He wants you to grow from a spiritual infant to an adult which means giving up sin. After all, an important part of influencing your neighbors is looking like Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you about the importance of throwing off sin and putting on Christ.
Have you ever thought about the difference you could make in someone’s day by taking the time to ask how they are doing? I don’t mean the kind of “how are you?” that you ask out of courtesy. I mean taking the time to genuinely connect with someone and listen to their burdens. In a busy world, your intentionality to slow down and listen to someone could be powerful. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the impact you can have on others by loving your neighbor as yourself.
If you’ve had neighbors, then you know that they get a look into your life that most people don’t. For better or worse! Not everyone gets to know how loud you like to listen to your music, or how long you let your garbage cans sit on the street. While no one is perfect, do you think that your neighbors see Jesus in you? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the impact you can have on your neighborhood by being a transformed follower of Jesus.
If you think that paying YOUR taxes is hard, imagine what Jesus must have felt paying his taxes knowing that they would be used to benefit those who would literally crucify him. In today’s message, Pastor Bill addresses a difficult subject: submitting to human authority. I’m sure you know that It’s not always easy, especially when people abuse their power. Amidst an unfair world, Pastor Bill will help you gain a perspective that allows you to trust God’s sovereignty, even over the rulers of this world.
Do you still consider America to be a predominantly Christian nation? Even though many claims to be Christians, it shouldn’t take much looking around to wonder how many people are ACTUALLY Christ followers. In today’s message, Pastor Bill sights a research study that predicts that the number of Evangelical Christians in America will drop to as little as 1 in every 25 within 30 years. Being a minority means that your influence is more needed than ever. Only you have the power to shine your light.
Thanks to the advancement of social media, It seems like every day holds another juicy story from current events that tweak our ears. That noise can become louder than the voice of God telling us to "know that He is God!" He sees what is happening in this world yet it's not taking him by surprise. Pastor Bill even thought that one election year was marking the end of society altogether! But God knows what he is doing. At the end of the day, we need to be submissive to our governing authorities and not resist because it's all in God's hands.
Ever heard the phrase, "You say you want to be like Jesus, but do you really mean it?" Looking like Jesus means we have to be submissive to the governing authorities where we live. Today, it might look like just following posted signs on your car ride. Pastor Bill reminds us there is nothing easy about submission. It takes a lot of mental, emotional, and even physical energy exerted to surrender to something or someone that we don't fully trust. Yet, isn't it amazing that we have a God that knows it all and whom we can lean upon?
Movies do a great job of depicting post-apocalyptic words. Could you imagine a world without rules, laws, or even courtesy? Everyone would do what they wanted without consequence. Today we might not understand or approve of how our nation's leaders are handling situations, but are we thankful for the things we do have because of an established government? Pastor Bill begins a challenging lesson in trusting God in the government that ultimately has been ordained by Him – submitting to authority.
Do we just gloss over the fact that Jesus's most significant moments during this time on Earth happened with the people that society wanted nothing to do with and detested? The tax collectors, the sick, the exiled, the broken, and the desperate. How about a self-check to evaluate: do you reflect the same ministry? Pastor Bill says it best, "being beautiful like Jesus is trippin'! You just have to look at people differently." Today, could you step out of your comfort and shine the love of Jesus?
Our lives as Christians are much better when we stop thinking that it's all about a "get out of jail" card. Sure, we're safe from the fire, but there are still so many that Jesus is calling us to save! Our lives should speak loudly of our love for Jesus. Once we are transformed in Christ then it's time to be conformed into being a devoted Christian, or roughly translated – "little Christ". Pastor Bill encourages us today to keep our minds renewed in Christ. In so, we stay daily in step with God's will for our lives.
What do you spend most of your time thinking about? Is it your job, your family, your money, or yourself? In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches us that God wants us to not think too highly of ourselves, but instead embrace humbleness. What we spend our time thinking about shows us the condition of our hearts. What is the condition of your heart? Jesus went to the unwanted people to bring them hope. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and think more about others than we do ourselves.
Do you know how to get to Heaven? If you could just do enough good, you can get there. Really? Is that so? Today, Pastor Bill declares that we can never do enough good to get into Heaven. Access to Heaven comes by simply stepping through The Door. The Door to Heaven is Jesus. He already did the work required to get us into Heaven. God requires no additional work from us. All we need to do is surrender to Jesus. Instead of struggling, let's accept Jesus as our redeemer, as The Door into Heaven.
Did you step into the ark? Noah’s Ark was a place of safety. Are you safe from the coming danger? Today, Pastor Bill teaches us that Jesus is our ark of safety. We are only safe when we spiritually step into the ark. Some folks know a lot about Jesus or know a lot about the Bible but have still not received the gift of Jesus' redemption. They have not stepped into the ark. Jesus protects us when we surrender to Him. Only then are we safe? Let's not simply admire Jesus, but let’s place ourselves in His protective care.
Do you think you are going to Heaven when you die? Why will they let you in? Are you good enough to get there on your own? In today's message, Pastor Bill reminds us that Jesus is the only perfect man. He is the only man that gets into Heaven on His own merit. Our merits will never get us into Heaven. One little sin is enough to keep us out. We don't have what it takes. Jesus, the perfect man, offers His plan of salvation, which is our only way to get into Heaven. Let's make sure that we have been saved by Jesus’ blood.
There are many things that can be seen in a believer’s life that sets them apart from the world. One of those is joy. Unlike happiness, which is based on circumstances, joy can be had and even shines brighter when the circumstances are bad. Do you rely on the joy that can be found in hope, or do you let circumstances throw you around like a tiny boat in rough seas? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you how to be transformed into a believer that draws others to Christ.
Can you think of a time when a stranger went out of their way to show you, love? When was the last time you went out of your way to help a stranger? Being the real deal means loving others, no matter the cost. God’s word says that the way that you love others should make you like a sweet aroma. Does your presence bring about a sweet aroma of love or a stench of selfishness? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you that hospitality, which means loving strangers, should be a trait of every believer.
Have you ever stopped using your spiritual gift? What did it feel like? A lot of things can discourage you from using your spiritual gifts, and doubting your ability is one of them. Don’t discount a spiritual gift just because it feels like you can’t do it, because the truth is that YOU CAN’T on your own. That’s right, God wants to show you HIS strength in YOUR weakness. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that God may have given you gifts that you’d never expect and that your comfort is secondary to God’s call.
What comes to mind when you think about spiritual gifts? Is it just a nice thought or are they an active part of your daily life? The truth is that when God saved you, he gave you a spiritual gift and he expects you to use it. That’s right, it’s not optional! As pastor Bill said, it can take some exploring to figure out your gifts, but when you discover them, it will bring a new purpose to your life. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to discover both your spiritual gifts and your place in the body of Christ.
Have you ever felt like you were meant to do more? Like, surely there must be more purpose to your life than just living for yourself. Well, if you are a Christian, then you have been given a new purpose in life. Not only that, but God has given you the spiritual gifts you need to do amazing things. God has made you a unique member of his body. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that God is calling you to use the gifts he has given you to fulfill the magnificent purpose for which you were created.
Did you know that the moment you are saved, you become part of the body of Christ? It means that you are immediately part of a family bonded by the blood of Jesus. Being part of the body of Christ means that YOU now have a role to play, just like every part of the human body. It also means that God has designed a role for you in advancing his kingdom that only you can fill. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you about the abundant purpose that you have been given as a member of Christ’s body.
Ha, If there’s anything that everyone can relate to these days, it’s the daily question, “will my phone’s battery last long enough?” Do you care about renewing your mind as much as you care about keeping your phone charged? If so, do your actions show it? From the moment that you wake up, your mind is being influenced either by the world or by God’s word. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach your transformation to be more like Jesus requires the DAILY renewal of your mind.
Do you remember when you surrendered your life to Christ? That may be an easy answer, but here’s another question that may be more difficult. Can the people around you actively see you being made more like Jesus? God’s word says that salvation is a one-time act of faith but being made to look like Jesus is an everyday commitment to transformation. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach you how to be made into the beautiful creation that you are meant to be, by renewing of your mind.
The mind is so powerful, isn’t it? And God has given you the power and ability to tell your body what to do for his glory. Not on your own. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can accomplish what God has for you to do in this world. As Pastor Bill will share It’s not just minding over matters. But it’s consciously allowing yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit. Which will lead to you thinking, doing, and being more of who God has made you be. Your mind, body, and soul work as one.
That is so true. You can’t get stuck and think that once you are saved that is all the growth you need. As Pastor Bill shares, God wants to grow you in your faith. So, how does he do that? Well, he needs your permission and participation in the process. The more you seek after Him, the more He will seek after you. The Christian life doesn’t begin and end at salvation. God wants to grow you into the person he designed you to be. And that takes time, perseverance, and faith. So, keep going. Don’t stop.
Do you love mystery books or movies? And are you always trying to figure out the ending? That quest to figure things out is a part of all of us to some degree. You need to know. You need answers to your questions. But as Pastor Bill will share there are some things this side of heaven, you won’t understand or have figured out. Why? Because you’re not God. You can’t put God in a box and just settle for what you know in your limited mind.
God is bigger than you can even think or imagine.
We are always searching for answers to our questions. And often the answer is right in front of us and we don’t even realize it. One question you may have, is can God be trusted to do what He says He will do? As Pastor Bill shares, you are fortunate to be living during a time when one of the biggest promises of all has been fulfilled. The recreation of the state of Israel in 1948. Which should build your faith that God will keep his promises to you as well. One of which is the promise of heaven.
God is so faithful and can be trusted to keep his promises. How do you know? God gave you a book that shares the evidence of His faithfulness and promises kept. The Bible. As Pastor Bill shares one of the most miraculous promises God kept was the promise to Israel. And this promise, as well as many others in the bible is proof, He will keep his promises to you. So don’t lose heart if you feel like God has forgotten about you. He promised not to leave you or forsake you. Just as He promised Israel.
It’s scary to think about what the world will be like during the tribulation. What the bible has to say about that time on earth is true. As Pastor Bill shares, we know it’s true because the bible is true. The stories shared in scripture are not fantasy or made-up tales by men. They are the inspired word of God. But why would God want to share such events as what life will be like during the tribulation? One reason is that He is a just God. And He wants to warn you that his judgment is coming.
It’s as simple as that. But we can make it so complicated. You can feel that once you clean up your life, and get rid of this or that bad habit then you can come to Christ. But as Pastor Bill shares, Christ is inviting now. He wants a relationship with you just as you are. But you have to make a decision. Do you want to keep going down that highway on your own? Under your own strength and ability? Or do want to just get on that bus and let Jesus do the driving? The choice is yours. But you have to choose.
That can be an easy trap to fall into. We can begin to judge others and look down on them for not putting their faith in Christ. But, as Pastor Bill will share, we must guard against that kind of attitude. Because when you accept Christ as your lord and savior, the opposite should be true. Don’t judge people on whether they are saved or not. You should be praying for and encouraging everyone to have a relationship with Christ. A relationship that goes beyond just church attendance.
That’s kind of hard to imagine, isn’t it? God has it all figured out, yet he still gives you the opportunity to CHOOSE to have a relationship with him. Pastor Bill shares that both can be true. Why? Well for one, He’s God. And his ways are higher than our ways. He can do many things that in this natural world we can’t understand or wrap our heads around. But when you get to heaven it will all make perfect sense. Until then, as Pastor Bill says, accept Jesus’ invitation to get on the bus.
Did you ever have a math teacher ask you to complete an addition problem by using subtraction? Probably not. That would be impossible, wouldn’t it? Well, not for God. Pastor Bill shares that God was able to ADD to the number of Christians in the world by allowing the Nation of Israel to SUBTRACT themselves from the faith. This allowed the non-Jewish people of the world to receive the good news of Jesus. Which you’ll learn was part of God’s plan all along. So yes, God can ADD through Subtraction.
You no doubt have made a few plans, in your life. Either as part of a work assignment or just planning your next family vacation, you’ve had to make some plans. As Pastor Bill will share, God has made one very important plan. A plan that involves the nation of Israel. A plan that God has promised to follow through with. So, while OUR work, vacation, and other plans can fail, God’s plans never fail. He is faithful and can be trusted to do what He says He will do. Yesterday, today, and forever.
We can make things so difficult, can’t we? And the Christian life is a prime example. All the disciplines of the Christian faith are important and have their place. But you can quickly lose sight of the why. Why are you going to church? Why read your bible? As Pastor Bill shares, Jesus is the reason you should be doing all those things. Jesus is the answer to the “whys”. Keeping your focus on Jesus will help you keep your life in focus and full of purpose. So yes, it’s that simple. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
That can all sound kind of confusing even to a long-time believer in Christ. But Pastor Bill shares an important point. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to see your spiritual life more clearly. If you’re a non-believer, put your faith and trust in Christ before it’s too late. If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, don’t be blinded. Pray that God would remove whatever blind spots in your faith you may have. So that you can also see more clearly and receive a “second touch” from God.
What a comfort that is. No matter where you are or what you’re doing God wants to save you. He’ll even come looking for you. With open arms ready to receive you as His own. Just like a lost son or daughter, he wants to find you as any loving Father would. Pastor Bill shares that you can trust God in this. Why? Because He always keeps His promises. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He has to be. Because if He wasn’t, then He wouldn’t be God.
It can be an easy trap to fall into, can’t it? Wanting to tell someone what to do rather than allowing them to discover who they are in Christ so they can be set free. Pastor Bill shares that we can be conditioned to depend on this or that program or follow certain steps in a self-help book when we need help. But knowing who you are in Christ is the best way to break the chains of whatever you are struggling with. His promises to you will change your life. Believe it and receive it.
When we are saved, we all have the same responsibility or commission. To go into all the world and share the good news of salvation through the belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And to also love and serve others. As Pastor Bill shares today, you can turn your ordinary feet into happy feet when you do two things. First, Run TO Jesus for salvation and then run FOR Him by sharing the Gospel and serving others. And in the process, you become happier as well.
Isn’t that so true? When our attention is focused on the things in this world to bring us happiness, we can feel empty and dissatisfied. And often your wants increase more and more as you try to satisfy that desire for happiness. But in today’s message Pastor Bill shares that when you focus on the true source of happiness, a relationship with Jesus, you begin to develop what he calls “happy feet” for the Lord. Happy feet that will bring happiness to you, those around you, and the Lord.
Today's message is one that will set your feet to dancing and put a smile on your face! So as you settle in to listen, throw off everything that is weighing you down and turn your eyes to Jesus. Pastor Bill is going to show us through the book of Romans that we get to live lives of joyous expectation and celebration. We don't have to wait for heaven to start the party! As a matter of fact, if you start the party now, people will begin to wonder what it is you've got that they want but don't have yet!
We get caught up so much in the daily grind that we forget. We forget the greatness of the story we have joined. We forget that the good news is actually good news and that our good news trumps all the bad news. The economy can crash, the disease can spread, and the political scene can be upside down and backward. But you and I have something that is so much greater! We have a life that flows out of us through the Spirit of God. Pastor Bill is going to remind you today of the joy of your salvation!
Have you ever looked at your walk with Jesus in that way? Now, Pastor Bill isn't saying that life is easy and there aren't hard things to deal with! Not at all! What he is saying is that we've got good news to share. We've got the Spirit alive inside of us and that makes even the hard things worth it! And when you have the Spirit inside of you, you won't look like the rest of the world. You won't be staring at all the bad news because the good news is bursting out of your life, and not just with your words!
Your brain is fully capable of engaging with the rules. You can memorize them. You can learn them. You can teach them. But until your heart is all in, you won't live them! The amazing thing is that once your heart is all in with Jesus, everything else falls into place. Pastor Bill is going to show you today what it means to have a heart that is all in with Jesus, and it's better than you ever dreamed it could be! Let the joy of your salvation sail away with your heart today as you soak in this message from Romans!
Jesus came to set you free from the rules. Does that surprise you? A lot of people think that coming to Jesus means following all the rules and that by doing that you will earn your way into heaven. Pastor Bill is here to tell you today that there is nothing you can do to earn your way to heaven. Not a single thing! So you're gonna need a different plan! Lucky for you, God already provided a plan. He worked out all the details and executed the plan perfectly. Now all you have to do is say “yes” to Jesus!
Do you ever wonder if you're truly going to heaven? Have you checked off all the right boxes? Have you repented enough? Have you done enough to pass? Pastor Bill is going to show us through the book of Romans today that there is a way you can one hundred percent know that you are going to heaven when you die. You don't have to guess anymore! So if you've ever asked any of these questions, or even thought them in your head, stick around to find the answers and gain God's peace!
When God brought the plagues to Egypt, it made things very uncomfortable for the Israelites as well as the Egyptians. The Israelites had to wonder if there wasn't an easier way to be freed from slavery. They had to wonder if Moses wasn't just making everything worse for them. And they had to wonder where was God, after so many years. Do you ever look at your life and wonder if there isn't an easier way? Pastor Bill is going to show us there's a purpose to God's creative storytelling today.
Do you know what makes impossible situations and circumstances bearable? It's knowing that God is in control. There is only one thing that can carry you through that worst-case scenario, the one you thought couldn't happen, wouldn't happen. The one you said, please, God don't let it happen—and then it did. The only one you can turn to at that point is the God who holds the universe in his hand. Pastor Bill is going to show us through today's passage that no matter what, God is in control!
When you said “yes” to Jesus, you entered into the family of God. That means that every person around the globe who has ever said “yes” to Jesus is your brother or sister. Like Pastor Bill will say in today's message, “We be family.” And it doesn't matter where you came from, who you are or what you've done. You're in. You belong! It's so much more than attending church. You will find a bigger picture of what it means to be family when you jump in and be family with others who follow Jesus.
In today's message from Romans, Pastor Bill will share four things your mom prayed for you as you grew, and this is the first one! Saying “Yes!” to Jesus is the best decision you will ever make! No one loves you like Jesus does—not even your mom! But we know you love your mom, so make that first decision to say “Yes” to Jesus today and make mom's day. Then, stick around for the rest because it doesn't end there! There is so much more waiting for you!
Is there anything special about you? Do you have royal blood? Or superhuman strength? Or maybe you're a billionaire? Or maybe you're just really really ridiculously good looking? What's that? No on all of those? That's alright, cause in today's message Pastor Bill teaches us that Jesus is for losers.... Jesus came to seek and save the lost... He didn't come looking for the best and the brightest... But He came show mercy to sinners and to have compassion on whoever would call on His name.
Are you someone that tends to... wan't to take charge of things? We won't say, “control freak,”... But you just like to ensure that everything is happening according to the way you planned it and that everyone else is doing what they're supposed to be. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches us that God truly is in control of everything! He's sovereign over everything and everyone, but in His choosing us, He rejoices when we accept His calling and worship Him freely!
Do you ever get that sinking feeling? It feels life is crashing in on all sides, and you're getting buried in the rubble... No matter what you do, it always seems impossible to get back on top. Pastor Bill reminds us in today's message that God Is in Control. No matter what you are buried in or struggling with, God is more significant than every circumstance you could ever face. God knows what you're going through and He's working all things together for your good and His glory.
If you go to the gym and sit around and watch other people work out, does that make you get in shape? Or if you hang out at McDonalds, does that make you a hamburger? What about going to church... Does that make you a Christian? Pastor Bill reminds us in today's Message that it's the grace of God, received by faith, that saves us. We can't just go to church or practice “religion” and be saved. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can we have eternal life with God.
Do you struggle with your faith? Do you find it hard sometimes to trust what God is doing in your life? He's promised to work all things out for good, but sometimes it's hard to see the bigger picture. In today's Message, Pastor Bill reminds us how big our God is and that He's always faithful to keep His promises. God fulfilled His promise to Abraham that He would make him into a nation, even when it seemed impossible. And He will also save every promise He's given to you and me in His word.
We've all seen the bumper stickers, the T-shirts, and the paintings you can hang in your house, that are meant to remind us of the promises of God, but who are those promises for? Does anyone get to claim them? In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches us about the promises of God, who they're for, and how you get them. Yes, we know that God is good and wants us to experience His goodness, but how does that work? I'll give you a hint; it's not what you know; it's Who you know.
Do you know anyone that is a lost cause? They're just so far gone you can't see any way back for them. Or maybe you're thinking that about yourself... “There's just no way... How could anyone help me?” Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message that there's always a way... Jesus died for the sins of EVERYONE. Nobody can't be saved by putting their faith in Jesus. So whether it's you or someone you know, remember this, Jesus gives forgiveness to everyone, that turns to Him.
Are you a good person? Do you go to church? Do you read the bible? Did you pray? I hope you said yes to these things, but as we're reminded by Pastor Bill in today's message, none of these things save us. Only faith in Jesus can save us from our sins. Salvation is God's gift of grace to us, that He's freely given us by the blood of Jesus on the cross. It's when we put our faith in Him that we're saved, and that's the way we pray, it's why we read the bible, it's why we go to church, and it's why we do good deeds.
Have you ever met someone that is completely devoted to their favorite hobby? Maybe they like golf, and they have all the clothes, and the different clubs, and shoes. And They're constantly practicing their swing... everywhere! They even watch other people play golf on TV! That is some serious dedication! Pastor Bill reminds us in today's message, that God is devoted to us. He loves us so much, that He gave His Son to die for us. How have you responded to His love? Have you devoted your life, to Him?
Have you ever been out driving, and you're just cruising along, doing fine, and then it hits you... “I Don't know where I am... I'm Lost!” You were doing fine, enjoying the drive, until that second you realized something was wrong... “I don't know where I am.” In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches us that there's a world full of lost people, and the sad truth is that many don't even know it. As Christians, we know that Jesus is the way and that we can be a light in this world to point out those that are lost to Him.
Have you ever noticed that about team mascots? Teams always pick ferocious creatures like lions, tigers, bears, sharks, or wolverines. No team likes “the cute little puppies” or “the sheep.” Who would expect a team like that to win? In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches us that as Christians, we're called sheep, and we are, more than conquerors. Jesus was the perfect lamb of God, and He defeated death. And we're called to be like Him. It might seem like sheep can't do much, but in Jesus, we're victorious.
Have you ever got some great news, and you felt like you were on top of the world, and then... Something happens that spoils your mood. Maybe you get into a fender bender, spill your coffee, or whatever small thing that gets under your skin. Does that change the great news you were ecstatic about five minutes ago? Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message that feelings go up and down, but the truth of God's word never changes. No matter what, it's always the same.
Have you ever noticed that it's easy to focus on the positive when everything's going good, but what happens when things aren't so good? When did you get that layoff notice? When a loved one passes away? Or when the Dr. says the “C” Word? What about then? Pastor Bill reminds us in today's message that things are always good in life. He reminds us that we go through hard times and that life isn't always flowers and sunshine. He also reminds us that God is still working all things for our good.
Do you know what an advocate is and what they do? They're like a lawyer; they go before the judge on behalf of the defendant. They speak on your behalf and in your defense. In today's message, Pastor Bill encourages us by reminding us that Jesus is our advocate. Whatever charges are against us... whatever wrongs we've done.. whatever accusations there might be... He stands before the judge on our behalf and defense and calls us righteous. All because of what He did on the cross.
Sometimes life can take you, spin you around, and turn you upside down, so that you don't know where you are, or what's going on. Sometimes it can be just so overwhelming. that you feel like there's no escape from the chaos. Pastor Bill reminds us in today's message, that no matter how we feel, the word of God is always true. No matter what we're going through, we can always look to that truth and find comfort and know that there's hope. We can know, that Jesus is using all these things, for our good.
Have you ever felt that life, is like wading through waist-deep mud? Like the whole world is against you, and you just keep going from one challenge to the next, and can't ever catch a break? In today's message, Pastor Bill tells us the story of Jacob at a time when everything seemed to be against him. He had a family that would make soap operas seem tame, His wife had died, and now there was a famine in the land. But God called Jacob, and He still had a plan, to work things out, for his good.
Do you ever start to set a goal for yourself, and then realize how much work it's actually going to take, and then get majorly disappointed, discouragement set's in... And you think, “How am I ever going to do that???” In today's message Pastor Bill reminds us that when it comes to our relationship with God, Jesus already did the hard part. Jesus endured the cross, all the rest is easy. All of God's promises will come to pass, it's nothing for God to fulfill them. We just need to rest in Him and trust Him.
Have you ever spent so much time working towards an achievement that when you finally got there it was hard to believe? Maybe graduating from school or getting a license of some sort... You put in some much work and then... that's it! You're done! You got it! That diploma or license. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches us that when Christ saves us, that whether we feel like it or not, we are, justified.. and we are, glorified. In Jesus, the work in us has already been finished.
Have you ever received a gift that just completely blew you away? Sure, maybe it was your birthday or Christmas, and you weren't surprised to get a gift, but when you opened that one.... and you saw what it was... You were just completely floored!!! Like wow! – Pastor bill reminds us in today's message, that as Christians, we have received from God the greatest gift of all... Life, through His son Jesus Christ. And if that wasn't enough, He continues to layer blessings upon blessings on us each and every day.
Are you an overthinker? Do you tend to overcomplicate, simple things? Are you always standing at the edge of the pool, trying to decide which toe get's wet first? Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message, that when it comes to following God, it's always about love first. Sure, we can dig into theology and nuances, and all that, but really it's about 'God so loved the world.' He loves me, and He loves you. Do you love Him in return? Then follow Him, keep your eyes on Him, and don't look back.
Remember when we were kids, and we always looked up to somebody? Maybe it was a superhero, a firefighter, a police officer, or a doctor... Who did you look up to? Who did you wanna be like? Pastor Bill reminds us in today's message, that as Christians, we are being molded to be like Jesus. Can you think of anyone better than Him to be like? Everyone else falls short in comparison, but the reality is, that from the moment we gave our lives to God, the process of becoming like Jesus was in motion.
Do you remember playing sports as a kid, having to line up and then waiting to get picked? “Pick me! Pick me!” - Maybe you are worried about getting picked last? Or not getting picked at all. - In today's Message, Pastor Bill reminds those of us that are saved, that we have been Chosen by God. Before the world was created, He knew us, and He chose us. Why did He choose us? Why would He? Because He loves us. What did He choose us for? He has chosen you and I, to be made into the image, of Jesus.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will outline some of the worst things he’s experienced. All of us have our own stories to share. It’s not a competition, but maybe you’ve had much worse. Maybe you’re in the middle of it right now. When God says “all things work together for good”, you may laugh and assume you’re the exception to that promise. You’re not. You may not see it for decades – maybe not even in your lifetime – but God will absolutely work everything for good if you love Him and abide in Him.
Most of us wouldn’t survey our lives and say that everything is good. There’s likely something – it may be big or it may be small – but there’s something that could be better. Maybe things feel downright awful right now. So what gives? Doesn’t God say He’ll work all things for good for those who love Him? …Just hold on with faith and patience. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, God is not withholding – He will come through. Even if it’s just in heavenly rewards – He won’t let you down.
The work of God in our hearts and world transcends our comprehension. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, God knows what we need and what we need to ask for before we do… so why do we need to ask for it? If He already knows, why doesn’t He just do it? God wants you to be involved. He wants you to choose to be a part of His mission. When you pray, you’re not trying to get God’s heart to align with yours – prayer is an opportunity for you to align your heart with God’s.
Following Christ requires humility. To come to Him for salvation, you must admit your weakness and inability to overcome sin or live a righteous life. You must acknowledge that you’re sinful and that your sin leads to destruction – both in the here and now, as well as in eternity. Even once you’ve come to Him, you continue to need help. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, God thought of that already, and that’s why He sent His Holy Spirit to help you face the trials and temptations of life.
Most likely you can think of a few people in your life that you know need help. Maybe they have “a few screws loose” as they say… Or maybe they have bad luck, always falling on their face and struggling to get back up. You likely wouldn’t lump yourself in with them, but the truth is, you need help too. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, all of us need help. God knows that, and He won’t leave us helpless. He sent His Holy Spirit to meet our needs and help us live lives that glorify Him.
Many situations in the military require quick action and mental agility. But there also are times when you have to wait patiently – pausing for a bit until you get those orders to attack, or wait for a situation that will bring victory. In today’s teaching, you’ll hear Pastor Bill talk about waiting and persevering during times of trial. God’s bringing about something in these moments, but it requires a willingness from you to wait on God’s timing. Although you may groan from within, it’s good to persevere!
Picture a tortoise in your mind. The head is snugly tucked within its shell for protection, but that tortoise isn’t going anywhere while his head is inside the shell. No, in order to move forward, the tortoise has to stretch his neck out, so his head’s exposed to what’s out there, and he can see where he needs to go. Pastor Bill relates this today to your life with God, following His lead. You need to have your head up, and your heart willing to go where God leads you, rather than being stuck in one place.
Wouldn’t it be cool if you and plenty of others around you had some kind of superpower that united you in a unique community? Well, guess what? If you’re a follower of Jesus, you have this very thing, and so do others! As you’ll hear from Pastor Bill today, God’s Holy Spirit can fill you, so that you’re equipped to do things that wouldn’t come naturally. One of the best things about this scenario is that you’re not alone! You’re in this with other people, and that’s the best place to be – in the community!
There are certain gifts that you might receive and think internally that you’ll plan to return them as soon as possible because it’s just not something you’ll use. There are other gifts you love and you cherish, because someone thought of you, and knows you so well. In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill helps you understand the gifts that God generously gives you, that you definitely wouldn’t want to return! You see, you’re better with these gifts, and God knows exactly what you need, and how it will help you!
When you have a best friend, they’re known to have your back when you might be up against some enemies. It’s assuring, and even confirming, to know that your friend is there for you, no matter what! What you may not engage with today is that God’s Holy Spirit is this type of friend for you as well! Today, Pastor Bill talks about God’s Spirit inside of you, convicting you, but also confirms to you the things that you should walk in, in faith. He’s not going to lead you astray, and He’s there for you!
When you’re handcuffed, you’re very limited to what you’re able to do. Did you realize that the sin in your life is like handcuffs, preventing you from doing much of anything useful? God has a better way for you, and He even gives you some assistance, kind of like a seeing-eye dog. Today, Pastor Bill helps you discover all the amazing qualities that come with God’s Spirit working inside of you. He leads you when you’re not sure where to go. He prompts you to stop, or when to go so that you have peace.
In times past, you’ve heard or learned about eras where an execution was a common thing. The guillotine, for example, was used often during the time of Marie Antoinette. It might sound gruesome, and it is! But in today’s teaching, Pastor Bill is talking about executing something that’s within each person – your sinful nature. The areas of sin that are plaguing you need to be put to death, and sometimes, the most effective way is by executing those things out of your life, so you can be free!
There’s a bad storm – lots of lightning, and so your plane is grounded for the time being. You’re stuck on the runway and have no way to fly - because of the life-threatening circumstances due to the weather. Now think about the areas of sin and struggle in your life that keep you grounded; they keep you from flying freely. Today, Pastor Bill talks about the freedom that comes with living and walking with God and His Spirit. But you’ll also hear about how ineffective you can be if you’re on the ground.
You feel sorry for birds of prey that have been injured and have essentially become grounded. They aren’t able to do what God created them to do – to soar, to fly. They’re limited by their injuries or weaknesses, and can’t live to their potential. Did you know that when you live in your flesh, you’re the same as those grounded eagles? But Pastor Bill wants you to know today that you can be free to fly! If you give permission to God and His Spirit, He’ll help you soar, to fly to your greatest potential!
When you look at your life, it might seem like a circus, full of chaos and confusion. It may not always make sense what you’re going through, but Pastor Bill helps you understand today that when you’re in a relationship with Jesus, there’s no chaos. Jesus brings the peace that you need, even in the midst of the storms of life. So if everything is feeling unsettled for you today, and you feel like your story is more of a freak show than anything else, remember that God’s there, and bringing about good!
You may not be one to willingly go see horror films, but what you don’t realize is that you have your own nightmare replaying in your mind. You’re thinking back, being haunted by all the wrong or bad things you’ve done in the past. It’s pinning you down, and you’re held captive, like a prisoner. Today, Pastor Bill expresses that you don’t need to be trapped by the ghosts in your mind about your sin and your past. You can move forward with a clear conscience, fleeing from those things in your mind.
You might think, “Once I get past the hurdles, everything will be ok.” But then your legs are cramping on that last stretch of the race, and you’re not sure if you’re going to make it to the finish line. In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill gives a startling reminder that just because you’ve chosen to follow Jesus doesn’t mean that all your problems go away. Do you know why? Because your sinful nature is still there within you. But it doesn’t have to rule in your heart! There’s a Spirit of nature that can reign supreme!
When you’re about to head out on the water, you want to be on something that’s water-proof; that won’t cause you to sink. The last thing you need is something that absorbs all the water and sends you straight to the bottom of the ocean. Did you realize that God’s offered you a way to be water-proof, and not sink to the bottom and drown? We’re talking about a spiritual water-proofing, and Pastor Bill explains how this works today, relating it to how Noah was saved and rescued from the world’s judgment.
Pigs like to be dirty. You could clean them and get them smelling good, but they’ll go right back to the mud and fill their faces with slop. So think of your life and your sin is like a pig, drawn to the mud. Pastor Bill is saying today that you can be rescued from the mud, and you don’t have to keep going back to it. You can become clean and have a new way of thinking and living, free from the sin that wants to drag you through the mud. Instead, make choices that allow you to be clean from the mess!
The word “sin” could be an acronym for “selfishness is near.” Left to yourself, there’s nothing that’s going to stop you from doing what you want to do when you want to do it! Your flesh is weak, and you’ll fall prey to its desires. Today, Pastor Bill talks about the battle that goes on within you between doing what God and His Spirit have for you, versus the natural default of your flesh and sin nature. It’s an ongoing battle that you have to work to fight against, and you must remember that you need God’s help!
Many girls dream of the perfect dress, the perfect wedding, and the perfect husband. It’s something girls imagine from the time they’re young. Most guys don’t think about their wedding day much before when it’s happening. Well in today’s teaching, Pastor Bill talks about how Jesus is the perfect husband. He’s the ultimate of what a girl might dream of in a perfect guy. But this Groom is different than a human husband. He'll be much more fulfilling and loving than anything you could dream up.
A mirror can be pretty unforgiving. It shows all the wrinkles and imperfections you wouldn’t mind forgetting about. Well today, Pastor Bill helps you see that the law in the Old Testament is like looking in a mirror, convicting you of the areas that you, in your sinful nature, fall short of. But the law isn’t where it ends. In a wonderful turn of events, Jesus died and replaced the law, so that you can be a new person, free of those imperfections and blemishes. It’s a relief and provides you with a new reflection.
At a wedding, it’s only natural to gaze at the bride walking toward her groom, looking radiant, happy, and peaceful. But of late, some desire to turn their heads toward the groom, and look at his reaction to the bride coming toward him. It’s a beautiful picture of something even bigger than the wedding in front of you. Today, Pastor Bill clues you into the fact that weddings here on earth are merely a glimpse of the perfect union to come - between Jesus, the Groom, and His stunning bride, the church.
Think back to your engagement and what it felt like to be looking forward to your coming wedding. Even more exciting than that one day was the anticipation of the future marriage that would in some ways change your life forever! In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill talks about a marriage with Jesus that comes through knowing and having a personal relationship with Him. In actuality, it changes everything! Today, you’ll hear the difference between being connected to the law versus love.
Think of a peach tree that’s so full of fruit - its branches are actually starting to hang lower, because of it being so rich with fruitfulness. Can you imagine your life being this way…that there’s so much fruit in your life - that people can’t deny God’s working in you? In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill speaks about the importance of bearing good fruit in your life. This fruit he's speaking of is the spiritual fruit of God’s Spirit, working in you in ways that are unlike your sinful nature, and more like God’s nature.
Sin is kind of like that piece of chocolate you want to eat. But as it goes down, there’s a bitter after-taste. What looked appealing initially ends up upsetting your stomach and leaves you with a deep sense of regret. This is the effect of sin on your life! Today, Pastor Bill helps you see that indulging in the things this world wants to offer will only lead you to a world of hurt. But there’s another way…a way that leads you to consume what’s good for your heart and your body…it brings about good fruit!
The Bible clearly shows that God has immense love for people; He went so far as to give His own Son as a ransom for our sins so that we could be saved. But God’s mission to save people is still ongoing – and today, Pastor Bill reminds us that we are instruments in this plan of redemption! As the Holy Spirit stirs up holiness in our lives, the fruit is not only that we become different, but that we impact the lives of those around us. We get to live in the joy of Christ, while also sharing that joy with a broken world!
The word “sanctification” can be confusing for us as Christians. We have a general understanding of receiving salvation by the grace of God, but we’re not sure what the rest of our life is supposed to look like. Today, Pastor Bill shows us that sanctification is actually way more than we might have thought. He connects the dots to reveal that this process is about becoming more like Jesus, living a happier life, and ultimately fulfilling God’s specific mission for our lives.
As Pastor Bill teaches from the book of Romans today, he points out that the word often translated as “reckon” was actually a mathematical term in the original Greek. In other words, by adding up that we are joined to Jesus, who died and was raised to new life, we can “calculate” that we are likewise dead to sin and alive to Christ. Pastor Bill explains that true faith transforms us into a new creation, killing the old person we used to be. This means, as Christians, we live differently after trusting in Jesus.
Today, Pastor Bill explains what happens when we are saved by Christ – we may not know it at first, but the Bible says we’re actually crucified with Jesus at that moment, and we become a totally new creation. And then the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, sealing our salvation and working to sanctify us. As Pastor Bill points out, this profound truth changes us from the inside out and can serve as an assurance of our saving faith, because true faith in God’s grace inevitably transforms our lives.
When it comes to the Christian walk, people can take two extremes: on one hand, there are those who use God’s grace as an excuse to live in constant sin. On the other hand, there are those who heap on rules and regulations, exchanging freedom in Christ for slavery to the law. Today, Pastor Bill explains that Jesus is pleased by neither of those responses. Instead, we are to remember that we were saved by grace and that we also are sanctified by grace. Otherwise, we will fall into legalism or depravity.
Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that we are all born into sin. Since the fall of Adam, everyone has lived under this curse. And the result of sin is always death and separation from God. But the good news is that God has reversed the curse! We now have a decision to make: we can choose to continue in the death we were born into, or we can choose life! Jesus offered an abundant life to those who follow Him. This life is eternal and is marked by connection with a good God, rather than separation from Him.
The Bible says that we were all enemies of God at one point. But then, God did the unthinkable by sending His own Son to die on our behalf, so that we could be reconciled to Him. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us of our status with God as followers of Jesus. Not only are we no longer enemies, but now we have direct access to the God of the universe, the God who uniquely made us in His own image! We have eternal peace with God, and He has blessed us in ways that we never would have even dared to ask for.
In the book of Romans, Jesus is compared and contrasted to Adam. Both of these people had an essential role in the course of human history. And, as Pastor Bill shows us today, we have a choice in whose footsteps we follow. While we were all born as descendants of Adam, under the condemnation of sin, Jesus offers a different way. We can continue to choose our own way instead of God's way – just like Adam did. But if we instead choose to follow Jesus, we can be reconciled to God!
Pastor Bill reminds us today that we were all born under sin. Because of the sins of Adam and Eve, we live in a world that is cursed. Adam paved the way for all of us to disobey God, and in our own power, we are hopeless. But Jesus stepped in and paved a new way – a way to redemption. Just as Adam is our forefather, and his sin has affected all of us, Jesus serves as the forefather of our faith. His righteous deeds have offered us all a way to be reconciled to God. But we have to choose to receive this gift.
How do you treat the people that are unkind to you? It’s hard to maintain an attitude of love when someone is constantly pressing your buttons. On a larger scale, how do you handle those that are outright against everything you are and stand for? Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that we were all against God at one point. We were enemies of God. And during that time, He sent His son to save our lives. He didn’t save His followers only, He died so that everyone might have a chance at salvation. Talk about maintaining an attitude of love.
Do you have a hard time with forgiveness? It’s tough to have a heart of forgiveness when you know that someone’s not truly sorry for their actions. We don’t want to give them grace until they earn it. But that’s not grace then… is it? Pastor Bill reminds us today of the overwhelming love that God has for us, that while we were still sinners – while we were still enemies of God – He sent His son to die in our place. That’s the love we can’t even fathom! He sacrificed Himself for His enemies, so you might have a chance to know saving grace.
We may fantasize about what it felt like to be a child, but nobody truly wants that forever. You want to have a say in your life and what it looks like; you don’t want to be weak and helpless. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that spiritually, God desires the same things for us; He doesn’t want us to crawl through our spiritual journey, He wants us to strengthen our legs and learn how to walk. In order to grow in Him requires practice and we can’t practice without trials in our life; so, think of your trials like stepping stones toward Him.
How privileged do you feel when you know someone well-to-do? It almost feels like you’re in a secret club; you have access to connections that very few others even know about. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that – as believers – we have that kind of privilege with Christ. We don’t need to jump through corporate hoops to try and get a hold of Him, we don’t need to beat around the bushes when trying to communicate; God loves you and wants you to talk to Him more. You’re not bothering Him, you’re pleasing both of you.
Perfectionists fight an endless battle against themselves; when perfection isn’t viable, what do you settle for? Will your best be good enough? Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that – as humans – we will never be perfect. Even our understanding is faulty. So, thank goodness our salvation doesn’t require perfection! We get to rest in the grace of God that goes on and on; never will He ignore or betray us, and never will He not have our best interests in mind. Be thankful that Jesus loves and accepts you, exactly how you are.
No matter how even and fair we try to make society, there will always be things that are more conducive for some and not others. People with fairer skin are always going to get burned by the sun before someone with darker skin does. Women will probably always hold keys in their knuckles when walking alone. But no matter how unfair our society may be, know that you can find fairness in Jesus Christ. He doesn’t care what you look like or what you’ve been through, His door is always open; you just have to knock.
When life wears on us, we learn to trust only in ourselves. We’ve been through too many betrayals and deceits to put our faith in any other human being – loved or otherwise. What Pastor Bill reminds us of today is, that you can’t even trust in yourself; God is the only one who will never fail you. He’s the only one you can trust with all of your insecurities and questions. He won’t be angry with your doubts, but He’ll prove Himself to you over and over again. Who else could love you unconditionally and without end?
We have tendencies to hold onto material things; typically, it’s for sentimental reasons, but it’s not like we’d forget if we parted from those things. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us of a man who gave up everything – his home, his family, his country – because He trusted in the promise of God. We know that man as Abraham – the father of Israel. If God asks you to give something up, it’s not because He wants to hurt you, it’s because He has something better in store for you; all you have to do is trust in Him.
We like simple processes; we work: and we get paid. We exercise: we burn calories. We pay for something: we receive it. It’s easy enough to understand the balance of life. But today, Pastor Bill reminds us that, there’s nothing we can do in order to save ourselves from sin. When you realize that you’re a slave to sin, the only thing that can help you be free from it is Jesus Christ. While our society isn’t used to accepting gifts freely, I think we can all appreciate God stepping in on our behalf, accomplishing what we couldn’t.
We live in a world where work is necessary in order to survive. Even if you think of a world without money, work is still required to accomplish the simple things we need in life. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us how Christianity is the one exception to this rule; most religions still require you to do something in order to be saved, but Christianity doesn’t require anything of you, because Christ already did all the work. You don’t have to strive after perfection or holiness, you simply have to accept God’s saving grace.
When people accomplish something through a different process than what you would do, we tend to become skeptical; we think they probably need our help because obviously, our way is the best way. But Pastor Bill reminds us today that, God’s ways are not our ways. In fact, God works in wild ways to accomplish what only He could. Just because He doesn’t move and work in the ways you would, doesn’t make it less than. In fact, His ways will blow your mind if you simply allow Him to work through you.
We live most of our lives providing for ourselves; when there’s something you want, it’s wise to work and save for it. It’s not very often that things simply fall into your lap, so we follow whatever path we must in order to make it a reality. Today, however, Pastor Bill reminds us that salvation is one thing we can’t work for. There’s nothing you can do in order to be saved, other than having faith in Jesus Christ. God has done everything necessary for your salvation; the only action required by you is to simply accept Him.
It's often an imbalanced concept, the idea of faith and works, and many religions will say that we must work to earn salvation. But Pastor Bill shows us today that works happen BECAUSE faith exists! Biblical law shows us the impossible task to attain righteousness, but it also points us to the ONE who has accomplished it. The one and only work we have to accomplish is having faith! Then, if works happen afterward, it's due to the continued effect of faith in Jesus, as he transforms and makes us like him.
Without realizing it, we put our faith and trust in things every day. Pastor Bill's analogy of trusting the chair is just one of those moments, but when you think about it, our belief, trust, or FAITH in God should be as simple as sitting in that chair. It's one thing to say that you believe in God, but it's another to actually believe to the point that you trust without questioning... like when you plop down in a chair. So, with that analogy in mind, do YOU have Faith in Jesus?
All relationships go through phases and stages of growth. Pastor Bill will share that the relationship we have with God is much like a relationship with a spouse. You think you love them when you say “I Do” but that's only just the beginning. From there, it grows and becomes deeper and stronger, and goes far beyond infatuation. Those initial feelings are great, but it gets sweeter and sweeter as time goes on, and devotion grows. So where are you at in your relationship with Jesus today?
Each of us will come to a place where we will have a choice to receive what Jesus has for us or not, just like Pastor Bill did. It may not be as dramatic a moment as Pastor Bill's near-death experience, but it will have a huge effect on your life. However, it's only the beginning of a lifelong journey that we embark on, and we can expect growth as long as we live. Maybe your moment to choose to receive Jesus is right now! Don't miss out on another moment of that incredible faith journey! Receive Jesus now.
Pastor Bill is planning to live until he is 110. Why? Because he wants to do as many things as he can for the Kingdom of the Lord. You'll be challenged to dream and plan for kingdom work in today's message. It's not enough to retire when you are 60 or 70 and call it good. If you take some time and imagine how you could spread the Good News, you'll want to plan a long life too! It's never too late to start the good work. Teenager or septuagenarian, you can share God's love.
It's faulty logic to defend your need for a Savior by saying you are so much better than the worst human on earth. Today Pastor Bill uses the S-U-N to explain how someone on top of a mountain isn't that much closer to the sun than someone at the bottom of the ocean. If you replace the sun's distance with the Glory of God, you are still millions of miles short even if you are a “good person.” The fact is you are still a sinner; you fall short of the Glory of God and need a Savior.
Pastor Bill might have bad news for you today if you think you are covered with your religion and traditions. Or good news, once you realize you can solve the problem. The problem is that you've got it figured out yourself. You've got a system down that works for you. Attend church 2-3 times a year, give loose change to the homeless, and generally be a good person. Why would you need a Savior? In today's message, you'll learn that the biggest sin is when you think you're okay with God, but you're not.
While having a Bible is essential, ownership doesn't guarantee entrance into Heaven. In today's message, Pastor Bill encourages you to do whatever is necessary to get your hands on a Bible. Hint: most churches will happily give you one. But what you do next with the Bible will lead to your salvation. Reading the Bible will reveal your imperfections. To get into Heaven, you need to be perfect. No one aside from Jesus lived a perfect life. It's through a relationship with Jesus you get into Heaven.
Over and over again. Falling, getting up, trying again. Does it make a difference to anyone? I'm tired of this hamster wheel. YES! To Jesus. Pastor Bill talks about the importance of having a personal conversation with God on a daily basis. Change is FIRST established in the center. Your heart. That's the place where Jesus MEETS you...and the Holy Spirit WORKS. Do you need a brand new brushing of God? Read the Bible. Treasure the words so you can learn from them, grow in, and receive His blessings.
Do you find yourself being a broken record about one person or thing because you love them or it so much? Pastor Bill talks today about three courses of action that guarantee the praises of God. Will you let Him cut away those parts of your inner being, your heart, so that God's your number one cheerleader? Paul makes it clear to the Jews that circumcision itself didn't really matter as much as your HEART RELATIONSHIP with Jesus does. Folks, You CAN experience the praise of God in your life! Make Him first!
Make a list in your head with me about things that you've replaced. How about things that you didn't replace? Traditions, although possibly originating from a good place, can take the place of your relationship with Jesus. How about the Bible and attending church? Do those things start to take precedence over the time you spend with God? Pastor Bill teaches today that nothing will ever be as genuine as Jesus. Have you heard the phrase 'they're the real deal?' Is God the real deal in your heart?
Are you like Paul, itching to get to a place because you know you have the answer they need? Not unlike today, there were those in Rome who believed they were saved, but in reality, they weren't. See, they missed the memo that what's in the heart matters. Have you dug deep to know what truth is in your heart? Because You can do all the 'good' works and you can hide your sin, but JESUS won't be fooled! Either you're sitting still before Him so that He can transform you or you're not. This is Pastor Bill's message today.
Favorite candy. Favorite color. Favorite vacation spot. The list could go on and on, but guess what's not on the favorite's list? God's favorite person. Pastor Bill's message today has us sitting in Romans, where Paul is unpacking the good news of Jesus among sinful nature. Jesus will set all things right. He'll bring the only true judgment on man's behavior. The question isn't what nationality you are or the color of your skin but... how's the condition of your heart? Is it as hard as a rock or as soft as clay?
Your OWN judgment of others makes you guilty of exactly what you're complaining THEY are doing. Paul clearly explains that there's no 'small' sin. A sin is a sin is a sin. There's no one worse than another. You're reminded today through Pastor Bill's message of this. Don't have a spirit of arrogance. You're no better than anyone else. WAIT!! There IS good news though! Jesus is a fair judge, based on His truth. Not based on man's. Friends, isn't that what we need? Someone who has the POWER to save us!
Any wrongdoing you engage in may fill that hole in your heart for a little while, but for how long? Do you end up filling it with something else when it's empty? QUIT IT. It's sin. it won't ever satisfy. Instead, be humble and remember that it's only through the blood of Jesus that helps you overcome those choices. You have to get over the thinking that you can rate sin from 'not bad' to 'really bad'. Don't be like a pharisee who had head knowledge, but didn't REALLY KNOW Jesus. This is Pastor Bill's message today.
Are you like a baby learning to walk? Reaching for the stable hand that is needed to help overcome the inability to move forward in your life's purpose. Jesus equals VICTORY! And that kind of power kicks into the curb. If you are wondering what sin could be stopping you from having a deep connection with Jesus then read with Pastor Bill the list of sins found in the book of Romans. Friends, be honest with yourselves about what is unholy in your life. Are you masking the truth, unwilling to deal with it?
Paul talks about the powerful story of Jesus. His life, his creation, his ministry...you name it. What's even more powerful is that in our finite minds that don't always understand God it has no effect on whether we're saved or not. Now that is good news. Pastor Bill warns us to be careful to not turn our interests, or hobbies into an all-consuming kind of lifestyle. We weren't meant to live and breathe those earthly things we put on top of a pedestal. That's the place for Jesus.
Does God seem real to you? Do you think you can't be saved because of what you've done? These are LIES. Don't believe them. Look at creation. Birds of the air. Flowers in bloom. The reality of Jesus surrounds you. Pastor Bill talks today about the wrath of God. Simply put. It's His right to judge anything that squashes His truth, that goes against Him. The good news? We can escape our earned destiny as sinners and be with Jesus in Heaven. So, with this knowledge, will you live in faith?
Anything new brings this sense of joy and excitement, this desire to want to share it with everyone. As time goes on, it gets a little old, and less appealing. Is this how you see your journey with Jesus? There's one man from the Bible that didn't let his love for God dwindle into a gray mass of boredom. Paul writes to the people of Rome anticipating the fruit and encouragement he would be and would receive. Today Pastor Bill gives you three characteristics of Paul's life that should be evident in all believers.
I've heard all that before. Jesus loves me. He died for my sins. He rose again. Have you thought of this before? I know I have, but don't miss the certainty of the message. Jesus was RESTORED to life through holy power, having VICTORY over death for all time. Have you heard, don't let the past define who you are? The apostle Paul lived this truth and knew he was a CHANGED person IN GOD. Friends, you're loved by Jesus no matter how murky or clear your road has been. This is Pastor Bill's message today.
Nehemiah's relationship with God was ongoing. He continually had conversations and sought Jesus in the things he did...When he found out about the state of Jerusalem. When he saw that something had to be done. When he rebuilt the walls. When he found sin had taken over. For us, we can live in this restored, joyous life that isn't under the rules of the old law as Pastor Bill reminds us today. When JESUS came and gave His life on the cross, it enabled us to live free of sin through the power of the Holy Spirit!
What's going on here? This stuff shouldn't be happening. It's going against God and what's right. I wonder if these were some thoughts that ran through Nehemiah's mind when he discovered the state of the temple. Now, living in this place of worship was a man named Tobiah. A man that was against Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Sin had wormed its way in. People were living a loose lifestyle. They loved gold. As Pastor Bill asks today, what happened to the joy they had earlier during the dedication?
Walls in shambles. No one is rebuilding. Lots of prayers. Asks for help. Fast forward. Nehemiah has fixed everything that was in disrepair. And now with the Levites, he'll dedicate the wall of Jerusalem. This means it will be set apart for a specific purpose. Can you imagine how Nehemiah and the others felt? There was this joy, this excitement as they praised God for the restored Jerusalem. This is what Pastor Bill talks about today. When was the last time you had the joy of the Lord that was so loud your neighbors heard you?
Just as there were different gates that Nehemiah was to rebuild in the ruined city of his forefathers there are various opportunities for Godly men and women to serve each other. Today Pastor Bill talks about the possible meaning of those gates that Nehemiah was to fix. Each one is unique. This makes me think of distinct personalities within the church that could reach others for Jesus IF they were willing to do the work. Are you willing to pray and consider what you can do to smooth out the bumpiness of life?
Do you know what's beautiful? When everything works as it's meant to. Be it an event or a piece of machinery. In today's case, as Pastor Bill explains, that beauty would look like Christians getting their hands dirty in the messiness of life. Being used by God to rebuild what's broken. Just as Nehemiah did with a downtrodden place full of discouragement and shattered lives. Friends, are you ready to work for the cause of Christ? To lift one another up, giving hope where it's desperately needed?
Pastor Bill is going to take the story of Nehemiah and bring it alive today for you. What does the story of a man who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem hundreds of years before Christ came to the world have to do with now? Jesus is coming again. And you have the choice. You can continue down the road you're already walking, seeking pleasure and possessions for yourself. Or, you can be like Nehemiah and make your story count with the King of Kings. What is he asking you to say “yes” to today?
Pastor Bill is diving into the book of Nehemiah today, telling the story of the cupbearer to the king of a foreign nation. This cupbearer doesn't stay in a land far away, however. He hears of the troubles facing Jerusalem and after praying and fasting, he decides to do something about it! Ezra was in Jerusalem facing all the problems, but he didn't know Nehemiah was on the way. When you face problems today, you, too, don't know who God is busy raising up to stand alongside you, facing them together!
The story of Nehemiah is an incredible one of prayer and willingness to say “yes” to whatever it is God wants to do. And it's a story of the hand of God moving mountains. Pastor Bill is going to open up the book of Nehemiah today and show you exactly what that has to do with you! You are exactly where God wants you to be at exactly the time he wants you to be there. He has placed you there intentionally. And when it comes to his plans there is no obstacle that is able to stand in his way!
Does the thought of another work week have you down? Maybe it's not that. Maybe it's just the thought of trying to find something to feed your family for dinner—again--that's got you dragging today. Pastor Bill opens up the life of Ezra for us today. Ezra looked at the work that needs doing and he said, “I'm going UP. I'm going to do the work” And he brought others with him. Come take a closer look at Ezra today with us, and find out how you can be the one saying to those around you, “Let's go UP.”
If you're not on a mission, you're just going to have another Thursday. I don't know about you, but the last thing I want is to have just another Thursday--or Tuesday or whatever day it happens to be. I want something more. You do too! You were created with a need deep inside to be on a mission for the kingdom. Nothing else will satisfy. So what are you waiting for? Pastor Bill is going to show you today how to be ready at any time to step into something larger, something extraordinary.
Pastor Bill is talking about what it means to be full of joy in today's message on Ezra. You are living in a world that is at war with the gospel. Your circumstances will never be perfect until all things are made new in the new heaven and new earth. But it is possible to live a life that is bursting with joy here, in the middle of the chaos, in the middle of the mess. How is that possible? Tune in to today's message and listen as Pastor Bill lays out the one way we can live joyful lives even in the war.
A lot of believers have gotten caught up in trying to fix this broken world through government or various social movements. We can’t put our hope in those things. The real movement we need to be a part of is the expansion of God’s Kingdom in the hearts of men, no matter what their party lines, nationalities, or whatever label we want to put on them. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, this world is only going to get more broken, but we can offer hope of a better world to come through Jesus.
Will King Cyrus of Persia be in heaven? Was he a child of God? We may not have enough information to make a judgment on that, but as Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, this leader – the most powerful in the world at his time – was used as an instrument by God. He was used to accomplishing good, despite worshipping other idols and having many other faults. This isn’t a testament to the greatness of Cyrus or justification for his sin, but it shows the power of our God and the way He works in this world.
Far too many Christians waste the freedom they have on looking back to Egypt and the pleasures it contained. It’s really a sad state to be in. The Israelites finally were free from the oppression they were under, on their way to the land God promised, but the temporary discomfort was too much. As Pastor Bill will warn in today’s message, we often make the same error. We look past the provision and grace we’ve been given in abundance because it doesn’t bring the fleeting pleasures we had in oppression.
If you’ve trusted in Jesus for salvation – you don’t have to worry about the wrath of God anymore. You have glorious freedom in Him. But, as Pastor Bill will warn us in today’s message, that isn’t an excuse for living in sin. When you trust in Jesus, He begins a transformation of your heart. Your heart can’t stay in selfishness and sin. Even if you somehow walk away from living a life for Him, that doesn’t change what He did for you. That sin will still bring consequences in your life, as well as hurting the people around you.
Nothing is worth more than your relationship with God. Any possession, position, desire, or whatever it may be, if it’s taking priority over your relationship with God, then get rid of it for good. Don’t try to keep a little bit of it. Don’t try to just reorganize your priorities. That idol will continuously sneak back into that place. As Pastor Bill continues his book-by-book study of the Bible, we’ll see this drastic obedience demonstrated in Josiah. He was a young king, but his submission to God made him great.
Have you ever been disappointed by a political leader? …You probably just laughed out loud, right? It’s such a ridiculous question. Of course, we’ve all been let down by our leaders. The higher you put them on a pedestal the bigger their eventual fall. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind us that God is the one in control. We aren’t always going to understand why He places certain leaders in their place of power. They might seem like the worst ones for the job, but God has some purpose for them.
When you hear the words peace and prosperity it may elicit different responses. Peace is nice of course, but haven’t we had enough of “prosperity gospels”? Jesus isn’t about making us rich. At least not in the way that you may think. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will help us understand what it means to be prosperous in God’s Kingdom. This kind of prosperity never comes at the expense of others. It’s an abundance of wealth that isn’t measured in dollars or possessions – it’s measured in joy.
As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, Asa had a good track record in heeding God’s word and obeying Him. He was a faithful king, but after decades of that faithful obedience, he chose to disobey and the consequences were dire. He didn’t finish his race well. This can happen to all of us. You can’t let your guard down against the selfish desires of your heart. Determine to finish your race with a heart that’s submitted fully to your loving, Heavenly Father.
“Lord, help us…” “Jesus, save me.” That’s all it takes. With those three words, coupled with a genuine heart, and you can have confidence that God will come through. That doesn’t mean He’ll answer in the exact way you expect or hope. His solution could be very different and it could take much longer than you’d prefer, but as Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, when you stand with God, trusting in His power, there’s no earthly power that can overcome you or take you out of His will.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will draw our attention to the parallels between the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon in Jerusalem and the experience of a new believer encountering Jesus and His Church. She was in awe of the place. She couldn’t believe what had been accomplished. It’s not that we need bigger, more impressive buildings. It’s the scale and steadfastness of our faith and the unity brought about by our love that should shock people as they come in from this broken world.
Wisdom is an amazing gift, but it needs to be coupled with humility. One of the most significant intellectual and philosophical movements of the last thousand years was the Enlightenment. Many important discoveries were made through it. But some men looked at their own wisdom and knowledge and decided that they didn’t need God. Solomon, known for his wisdom, suffered a similar outcome. Today, Pastor Bill will remind us to seek wisdom and never forget who gives it.
For most of us, when we’re confronted with hard circumstances, what’s our first reaction? Some may run the other way. Others trudge forward bitterly. Very few of us look at it as a privilege, but that’s what it is. That hardship provides an opportunity to lean in and trust God more fully, pointing the glory towards Him when the world notices your supernatural peace through the storm. Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message to direct our eyes heavenward when trouble comes our way.
When you come to a chapter of the Bible containing a genealogy, your first reaction may be to skip forward, or maybe just skim over till the next “relevant” verse shows up. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, these lists matter. God inspired and directed the writing of this book, and there’s life and meaning behind every word it contains. The people listed in these genealogies are part of God’s story. With the help of the Holy Spirit, your eyes can be opened to their relevance in your own life.
Today you’ll learn with Pastor Bill that the heart of Jesus was to love His enemies. Why? So they too could turn to the Lord. Even while He hung dying on the cross, Jesus asked that they be forgiven. “They don’t what they’re doing, Father forgives them.” How different would you treat those you considered your enemy if you saw them in the same light as Jesus does? If you saw as people who don’t know what they’re doing? If you saw them as God’s children who are still lost and wandering in the darkness?
At times your life is going to seem chaotic…like you are surrounded by an army that is not on your side. In those moments, what do you do? Where do you go? Do you fight the battle, or do you run away? Do you trust in your own strength, or do you trust the strength of one who is greater? Today Pastor Bill will teach about a moment when an army surrounded the good guys. But rather than run, they chose to trust in the Lord. How do you respond to what ‘surrounds’ you? Do you run or do you trust in the Lord?
A child’s faith is an incredible thing to witness. They don’t question the ‘how’ as much as an adult does. Today you’ll learn with Pastor Bill, that Naaman had his faith tested when he sought to heal his leprosy. He was told to go wash in the River Jordon to be healed. Now a great commander like him questioned the insignificance of it all. Really, bathing in a river was going to heal leprosy. Faith like a child is what was required of him. Don’t question why or how, just go wash.
All you need is Jesus. It really is as simple as that. You don’t need all the lights and glamour. You just need Him. As you listen to today’s message with Pastor Bill, you’ll learn about Naaman, a favored commander in Syria who brought victory and great hope. Naaman, however, eventually found himself with leprosy…a disease that was both isolating and humiliating. But the Lord provided a way for healing. It wasn’t flashy and it certainly wasn’t what Naaman expected. But it was real.
Think back to when you were a child, completely dependent on the adults around you to keep you alive. Think back on when you were dependent on them to teach you not only how to speak, but how to walk and eat. Without even thinking, you trusted that those adults were working everything together for your good. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to trust in God the same way. Without question and with complete faith, trust that He is working everything together for your good. And He is.
Losing someone you love is devastating. It doesn’t matter if it happened quickly or was a process that took years. It’s a heart-shattering separation. Today, you’ll see Elisha’s grief as he prepares to let his friend and mentor go. He knows that Elijah, a man who was like a father to him, is going to be taken up to heaven soon. And his heart is broken. So, while he knows that it's a blessing for Elijah, he doesn’t want to let him go. Pastor Bill walks you through Elisha’s heartbreak and his closeness with Elijah.
Who do you go to when the storms of life come? Where do you turn when your circumstances are taking you down? Your first instinct might be to turn to other people. And while you should get help and support from others, God should always be your starting point. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to turn to the Lord first when hard times come. Jesus wants to be your first line of defense and encouragement. He sees what’s happening and will help you walk through everything that comes your way.
God is sovereign. Basically, this means that He’s in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge and His OK. But this reality can be hard to reconcile with how our culture defines kindness and love. You see, God doesn’t promise that hard things won’t happen. But He does say that He will harness everything you experience for your good and His glory. Today, Pastor Bill walks you through the last part of Elijah’s story. You’ll see how Elijah’s trust in God’s sovereignty carries him through hard times.
Have you ever thought that no one else gets it? That they just don’t understand what you’re going through? If you’ve had these thoughts then you’re just like everybody else, including the prophet Elijah. Today, Pastor Bill walks you through Elijah’s story of despair and depression. You’ll be reminded that feelings are real but they’re not always reflective of reality. Elijah thought he was alone, but that wasn’t true. Jesus saw him and came. He needed an encounter with the Lord to right His perspective and move forward.
Elijah’s story is really all of our stories in some ways. He had this amazing experience where God worked through him to do miraculous things. But, after that, life didn’t play out in the ways he expected and it left him dismayed. Fear and depression overwhelmed Elijah. But Jesus saw him and He came. Well, you, like Elijah, may feel like this today. Lost and hopeless. Maybe even wanting to die. Pastor Bill reminds you that Jesus is there. He SEES you… and He cares for you. He’ll come and give you what you need.
You may not love it when your children won’t stop asking questions or the dog keeps insisting to play, but persistence is a trait that’s highly valued by the Lord. God wants you to be persistent in your prayers, to keep coming to Him until you get an answer. Pastor Bill shares that the prophet Elijah models this in today’s message. He prayed for rain over and over again until the cloud finally appeared. Like Elijah, you can keep asking God to hear your prayers and then give Him the glory when He finally answers.
There are so many viral stories and videos about people who have helped someone else out in a big way. We love hearing about these moments because that kind of sacrificial love is uncommon in this world. Well, today, Pastor Bill points out that Jesus is the greatest example of this kind of sacrificial love. He willingly took the judgment we deserved. He was burned by the fire of God’s wrath so that you can be overwhelmed by the fire of God’s love. Jesus’ sacrifice paved the way for your restoration and blessing.
In a world filled with hazy lines and grey areas, it’s important to know what you believe. Today, Pastor Bill explains that the prophet Elijah didn’t beat around the bush when confronting the Israelites on what they believed. He cut right to the chase and told them they needed to choose if they were going to follow God or Baal. They couldn’t have it both ways and they couldn’t delay any longer. You’ll see that you, too, need to decide where you stand. Will you join Elijah and give your life to the one, true God?
In this cancel culture, saying anything on social media puts you at risk of retaliation. Especially if it goes against the current cultural narrative. Well, today, Pastor Bill shares that the prophet Elijah experienced something similar. But instead of just being socially cut off, Queen Jezebel canceled the lives of the people who didn’t do or say what she wanted. Just like Elijah and other prophets, you have to decide if you’ll go against the culture around you and follow God’s way, no matter the cost.
Whether we care to admit it or not, many of us have easily given up on praying after doing so for as long as we can remember. Whether it's weeks, months, or even years, there comes a time when we're tempted to just give up altogether. But what if we were just one prayer from an answer? In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the fervent prayer of Elijah over the widow's son. In his study, you'll learn an important lesson about how God often refines us during our time of desperate prayer.
While ambitions and passions are perfectly normal and even healthy within reason, we sometimes get caught up in success. Whether it's career pursuits, personal hobbies, or otherwise, constant success can actually be a detriment to our perspective. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, sometimes a sense of emptiness and even despair is all we need to get back on track. In his study, you'll learn the importance of reflecting on the helplessness that God rescued us from.
Many of us would be quick to agree that the Prophet Elijah is one of the more notable of the Prophets to come from ancient Israel. However, we would do well to take special note of how God responded to Elijah's eagerness to respond to His call. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the importance of preparation and patience when it comes to answering the calls of The Lord. In his study, you'll learn that while Elijah displayed fervor and zeal, God would have him learn some important lessons first.
How do you think you would answer Pastor Bill's question, “who pilots you?” As easy as it might be for many of us to simply answer “Jesus” or perhaps “The Holy Spirit” it's important that we regularly reflect on this question as believers in Christ. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the wisdom found in James regarding our tongue, both in private and in public. In his study, you'll learn the importance of practicing discernment in the things that you say as a response to your environment.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, each and every one of us go through our daily lives using discernment. However, many of us lack discernment in certain situations or environments where our discernment is needed the most. In today's message, Pastor Bill discusses the importance of discernment and the need to practice it on a regular basis, especially when it comes to the motives of others. In his study, you'll learn how a little extra attention to a situation or person can keep you out of trouble.
Each and every one of us would be mortified if our thoughts were on display for others to see. Thankfully, that just isn't possible. Unfortunately, we have another way to display the status of our hearts to others, and that's through our speech. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to reflect on your day and to ask God to reveal and heal certain areas that need work in your life. In his study, you'll learn the importance of being centered in The Word, so that your speech may be pure.
No sin goes unpunished in the eyes of God. And no matter how hard you run or how hard you try, sin will always attempt to trip you up. Today Pastor Bill will be reading through the book of 2nd Samuel, where you'll get to see David count all of the people in Israel, and see how displeased God is with him for doing this. Because David was numbering the people to see how successful he was as a king, and was not giving God the credit. You trip when you assume your successes are not God's successes.
If you receive mercies from God, don't you think you ought to give him the glory. Today Pastor Bill will continue reading through the book of 2nd Samuel where you'll see David delivered out of his sin, sing wondrous praises, and give all of his glories to God. God is a God both of justice and restoration. And he desires for you to come to him and be restored like David. But you have to be willing to confront your sins and give it all to God. Are you open enough to go to God for your sin?
In grace, God forgives all of your sins, but He does not remove the consequences of it. Today Pastor Bill will continue reading through the book of 2nd Samuel where you'll see David face the consequences of his wrongdoing, repent and call for justice, even though he knows it may lead to his ruin. David is a model worth emulating because David submits to God's authority and power, and accepts the punishment for his sins. Do you acknowledge and accept the sins you commit?
Sexual sin is one of the most grievous sins, yet even so there is the hope of justice and restoration for God's people. Today Pastor Bill will continue reading through the book of 2nd Samuel where you'll see King David scrambling to cover and hide his sins from God, and the people around him. Sin is everywhere around you, and you cant confront it without God. So hiding it from him is the worst possible action to take when confronted by it. Are you open and honest with God concerning your Sin?
Giving way to sin hardens your heart, and provokes the departure of the Holy Spirit. Robbing you of your reason, and your God-given ability to discern. Today Pastor Bill will tell you how David used exploitation and manipulation of God-given power to give way to his sin and try to use his position to cover up his sin in an attempt to hide from God, thinking “he's in the clear”. Do you mirror David’s attitude of casual acceptance of your own sin? Yes, God forgives but only those who are truly repentant.
There are times when your plans to do something for God are seen, after a night of prayer, to be a huge distraction from what God is doing for you. That's what King David realized. Today Pastor Bill will show you how God showed David that his building plans for God would interfere with God's plans for David, and you. God has plans for you but just like David, you must be patient and have faith in his promises. But when you try to prioritize your plans, know that it just takes that much longer.
Sometimes you misinterpret God's word and make mistakes in an attempt to be faithful, but that can often lead to disobeying God. Today Pastor Bill will show you how David tried to build a temple for God, but God told David that his son would build the temple, not David. God wanted a man of peace to construct the temple, not a man whose hands were stained with blood. His house was to be “a house of prayer for all nations” so that the Lord could dwell with His people in it. Do you “assume” God's word?
As Pastor Bill will illustrate in today’s message, if you’re playing around with explosives, without understanding what you’re doing, your intentions don’t matter all that much, there could be some serious consequences. On a spiritual level, you may not realize your behavior goes against God’s commands, but it’s still a sin. That sin will still have consequences, regardless of your awareness. Even studying the Word diligently for hours a day won’t save you – you need Jesus if you want to be righteous.
When God calls you to do something, people are going to laugh and ridicule you. Think about Noah building a boat for a flood, or David picking up stones to face a giant. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, each one of us will face giants in this life. We’ll be laughed at and dismissed as crazy. But, if it’s God’s call, you need to step into it in faith. God will provide the strength and enable your success. The world may never see it like that, but God will reward your faithful obedience.
Some of our favorite stories in history are of people revolting against unjust rulers and authorities. It’s exciting and inspiring, but we need to be sure that we’re submitting ourselves to God’s will and commands above our own. It is right to stand against oppression – for example, think about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to kneel to the statue – but Jesus also told us to submit to governing authorities if it doesn’t require us to disobey God’s commands.
We all have multiple kings in our lives. Parents, teachers, bosses, spouses, governors, and presidents are some of the most common forms of authority we encounter in this life. These “kings” are human, and some of them are going to be crazy - guaranteed. Your instinct will tell you to rise up and resist. You can’t let people get away with that, right? But, as Pastor Bill will ask in today’s message, what would it look like to represent God’s heart in the face of bad leadership?
Representational fighting was the practice of selecting one man from each army to fight each other on behalf of the entire army. Whoever won, won the victory for their army. In today's message, Pastor Bill connects David fighting Goliath on behalf of the Israelites, to the way Jesus fought Satan on behalf of us. Thankfully the ultimate battle has been won and Jesus has the victory! When you are facing giants in your life, take heart, remembering that the biggest battle has already been won for you.
So what are you afraid of? In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches the story of the shepherd boy David and his victory over the giant Goliath. David's faith and trust in the Lord outweighed any fear he may have had. Thankfully, God isn't asking you to slay any giants. Instead, he sent Jesus to fight the ultimate enemy on your behalf. Through His death on the cross, and resurrection from the grave, Jesus defeated Satan and he defeated death. Let your faith in Him be your shield as you battle fear.
So what are you afraid of? Perhaps health issues, economic collapse, global crises... The list goes on and on. In today's message, Pastor Bill shares the story of a boy who chose faith over fear. David was a shepherd boy who took on the giant Goliath when all the soldiers of Israel were too afraid to do so. His faith in God was stronger and mightier than his fears. Do not let the enemy use your fears against you and hold you back from the work of the kingdom. Trust in the Lord and in his plans for you.
In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches about the time when Samuel took a stone called Ebenezer and set it up as a reminder to Israel of God's faithfulness and help. Are you struggling to see God at work in an area of your life? Maybe it's in your marriage, your finances, or your spiritual journey. Think back to the times when you saw God clearly at work. Pick something symbolic that you can look at to remind you of his goodness and his faithfulness during hard times. Let it be an encouragement to you.
Do you have any idols in your life? An idol is anything that you put in the place of God. It could be your career, your wealth, or even your relationships. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches of the time Israelites were suffering under the Philistines. The Israelites had made idols out of foreign gods. Peace and prosperity were not given to Israel until they repented and turned from their sin. If there is something in your life that you are idolizing; repent, ask God for forgiveness, and give Him His rightful place in your heart.
Are you experiencing bitterness? Perhaps you're being faced with job loss, relationship issues, or health problems. You are not alone. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches from the book of Ruth. In the story of Ruth, we learn of a woman named Naomi who experiences great hardship that leaves her bitter. The story ends with her being redeemed by her kinsman, Boaz. Her bitterness is healed. You can find hope in knowing that you too have been saved and redeemed by your kinsmen redeemer, Jesus.
Are you experiencing bitterness in your life? Make an effort to get back to the Lord and stick close to the Godly people in your life during this challenging time. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches through the book of Ruth. In the story, there is a woman named Naomi who has turned bitter after experiencing many hardships. Her loyal daughter-in-law, Ruth, sticks by her side through it all, and in the end, their story is redeemed. In your struggle, find people who will point you to Jesus. He is your hope.
Our gods are the things we depend on for life. We always serve the thing we feel will support and sustain us through this life. And when your god is something physical—money, beauty, health, family—it's fleeting. As Pastor Bill said, anything on this earth can be taken away from us. And if our hope rests on those physical things we are left with nothing. But! If our hope rests in the king of kings, nothing can take him away from us. And when everything else is stripped away, we still have true life.
We have a problem. Our problem is ourselves and our own propensity to do whatever it is we want to do. We don't think about the long-term consequences of our small choices, but those small choices keep piling up, one on top of another, until we are buried by them. Then the small, seemingly innocuous, choices become a very big problem for us. But like Pastor Bill says, “if you have a king who tells you what to do, problem solved!” You aren't bound to your own desires when you have a king!
Israel doing whatever they want to do left them subject to invaders and conquerors. Pastor Bill said that even today doing whatever you want to do will leave you in a miserable dead-end life. But we have an escape! We have been given a King and not just any king. He is the King of Kings. Because we have a king our lives don't belong to us. We can't just do whatever we want to. Our lives belong to Jesus and when we submit to him and his plans for our lives, we end up with abundant life!
Samson did some pretty great things for God and for the nation of Israel, and yet his story is a sad one. The choices you make in this life will decide if your story is one of victory, or if you, too, will end up with a sad story like Samson's. Samson continually responded to the siren call of pride and lust and was eventually defeated by it. What is the siren call in your life? What sin calls you back, again and again, asking you to indulge just one more time? Runaway as far as you can and into the arms of Jesus.
God has done everything he can to set you up for success. He died for you, rose from the dead, and invited you to do the same and to live with him! He has washed you clean and made it possible for you to be a vessel of honor in his kingdom. But as Pastor Bill will point out today, all of that comes with a choice. It comes with daily choices, actually, to act as a golden goblet or to be more like a dixie cup! Your choices matter! Choose today to be the golden goblet. Follow Jesus and pursue holiness!
Pastor Bill tells us today that even though our salvation is secured by the sacrifice of Jesus, what we do with it does have an eternal effect. When we cleanse ourselves from the sins that try to trip us up and hold us back, when we pursue holiness, when we pursue Jesus, we set ourselves up to be a vessel of honor. You're saved by the blood of the Lamb, now what are you going to do with it? Will you passionately pursue holiness? Will you follow the King with single-minded purpose and enthusiasm?
The walk of faith isn't an easy one and God knows how frightening it can be! He knows you're afraid to tell your coworkers that the answer to every problem is to surrender their life to Jesus. He knows it makes you nervous to go downtown and bring food and clothes to the homeless. He knows the walk he's called us to is one of faith and not sight. But Pastor Bill tells us today he also knows the right moment to speak to your heart. He knows exactly how to encourage you because he knows you!
It's often our own insecurities that get in the way of God's plan. He gives us directions and we start to ask questions. Moses did it when God sent him to free the Israelites. In our story today, Gideon will do the same thing. Pastor Bill tells us that God does care about our questions, but that there's a time for questions and there's a time for action. When it comes to the school of faith, it's time for action. There's a dying world out there and they don't have time for our questions to get the way. Time to Go!
Pastor Bill asks a tough question today! How would you respond if Jesus came to you and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty woman or man of valor!” Do you feel like a mighty person of valor? I think deep down even the people we see as courageous or valiant don't feel that way. Are you willing to let God tell you who you are? Gideon wasn't a mighty man of valor when the angel of the Lord told him that he was, but he allowed himself to be defined by God's word instead of his own ideas.
Pastor Bill brings a simple but profound message today; use your gift! Each of us has been given gifts by the Spirit of God. It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter if you're male or female, young or old, or what color your skin is. You have a gift. And each gift has been given so that we will use them. The church needs your gift! The people around you need your gift! Stop waiting for permission and start using them to build up and encourage the church and to call the world to follow Jesus!
Pastor Bill reminds us today that God has a purpose in everything, even the enemy in your life. Do you have an enemy? Maybe it's your boss that doesn't treat you fairly or a parent who never speaks a kind word. Maybe it's a teenage son or daughter who is rebelling against you. All of these things and so many more can all be used by God to draw you to himself. When things go well we forget. But when the world starts pressing in, we run to him. We cry out to him. And he is ready to deliver us!
In the time of the judges, the Israelites didn't know God. They hadn't been through the parting of the seas like the generations before them. They didn't watch Jericho fall with the sound of trumpets. So when they saw the people around them worshipping the gods of money and sex, they followed right along. Pastor Bill will point out that if you haven't experienced the goodness and the greatness of God for yourself, you, too, will be tempted to follow the world's gods of money and sex.
Have you tried to keep the commandments? How long do you think you could keep ALL the commands that God has given us? Well, I know I probably wouldn't last very long before I found out that my efforts “Don't Work”. Pastor Bill is dissecting Joshua's words and will point us to our need for Jesus. He will also point out that in spite of our inevitable failure, we can still make the commitment to follow and serve God with bold confidence. We can be like Joshua, and be strong and courageous!
Joshua made the statement “As for me and my house... we will serve the Lord!” Have you echoed that sentiment in your own life? Pastor Bill will give us some insights into what serving the Lord looks like in our day and age, and why we will need courage and strength in order to follow that calling. More than that, he will share that unless we are empowered by God to keep serving, we will fall hopelessly short. If we had the ability to follow God fully, we wouldn't need Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Bill will be looking today at Joshua's final words to the nation of Israel. Joshua had seen the faithfulness of God in the desert as well as in the promised land. Joshua said that Israel should fear the Lord and serve him, however, Joshua had seen the fickle nature of Israel in his many years, and he knew that there would be issues if they departed from that relationship. Do you make the bold declaration that you and your house will serve the Lord?
The testimonies we have of God's faithfulness should be a great reminder that God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. However, we often find ourselves in a similar position to the Israelites who never made it out of the desert. Pastor Bill will compare the faith Caleb had in God, to the faith he has witnessed in his life. Like Pastor Bill, we should all desire to believe like Caleb, to have that unique spirit that will have faith in spite of difficult and seemingly impossible circumstances!
Can you imagine what it must have been like for Joshua and Caleb? When they went in to spy out the promised land, they would have seen all the goodness of the land, tasting the grapes! But Pastor Bill shows us, that their enthusiasm to go in and lay claim to God's promise wasn't shared by all. The focus was on the difficulties ahead, most didn't have much faith that God would fulfill the promise. Caleb and Joshua were faithful in waiting, and give us a great example of how we can live as we wait.
On one hand, you can understand the fear that might come over the nation of Israel in this story. They are standing on the doorstep of the land God promised them, but even though the land looks good, it's filled with giants and obstacles that seem insurmountable. On the other hand, you almost cheer for Caleb's faith that God was able to take care of it all! Pastor Bill will encourage us today, to have faith like that when we look at the promises of God, and the opposition we face.
Did you forget to pray earlier? Did you jump into something without checking in with God first? Maybe it didn't turn out so well. Joshua was in the same place. He started without checking with God but once he did kneel and pray God did miraculous things! It's never too late to bring our troubles to God. Pastor Bill asks, “What kind of universe-stopping prayer are you praying?” Are you ready to pray a prayer that big and watch the God of the universe step in and change reality to accomplish his purpose!?
Pastor Bill tells us the tale of the Gibeonites today, who conned their way into covenant with Israel. With their hands tied, the Israelites turned them into servants in God's house. We get the same privilege of serving in the house of the Lord and just one day there is better than thousands elsewhere! So when we come across an opportunity to serve, we choose to do the task with joy! After all, we are following the savior who knelt and washed his disciples' feet. How could we want anything more than that?
God takes the tithe seriously. He calls for us to bring the first tenth into his house. And Pastor Bill tells us today what the book says about it! When we take what's God's and put it in with our stuff, we're stealing from God. That didn't work out so great for the people of God here in Joshua 7! And it doesn't work out well for us today. Bring the full tithe into his house and experience the blessings he wants to pour out on you. Don't steal from God. We need to remember that all that we have comes from him.
God's instructions sometimes don’t make sense. He sent the people of Israel walking around in circles for days before they saw anything happening. Pastor Bill will take us on that slow, methodical, and nonsensical walk with the Israelites. With the priests and soldiers and all the people. And when the walk was over, they got to watch the walls fall down! But it didn't come without the price tag of obedience. They sure looked foolish along the way, but God proved them to be right to follow him.
What's your Jericho? What fortified city does God have in front of you today, waiting for you to take it down? We all have something in front of us. We're all facing a challenge. But our first step might be surprising. Our first step is to worship God. To get on our face before him, to remove our shoes, and to worship him. We can worry or we can worship, but we can't do both! And like Pastor Bill says, it's all about Jesus! He's called us, he's got the plan and he tells us we don't need to worry.
Friends, we have a chance to be a part of the program! Pastor Bill shows us today why it is we need to continue to storm the fortified cities or face down the giants. There is someone waiting to believe. Someone that Jesus has called is stuck behind those walls or cowering behind the giant. And we have left her for that purpose! We can't rest in our comfortable homes and forget that we have been given a purpose and we have been invited into God's purposes. It's time to get out there and fight the fight!
Pastor Bill tells us how to go get our promised land today. We are already secure in the family of God. We're saved through the work Jesus did on the cross. But in order to obtain the fullness of what God has for us, we need to continue the fight! How do we do that? We worship God humbly and walk a holy walk. That holy walk is one of unity, wisdom, and light and it's not easy. It's a battle against the world and against our own flesh as we strive to become holy. But as we do, we will gain our promised land!
When the Israelites entered the promised land, the first thing they did was circumcise the next generation. They marked them as part of the chosen people of God. Pastor Bill reminds us today that when we believe and enter the kingdom, we also have the first step! Our first step, one that marks us as one of God's chosen people, is to be baptized. We follow Christ and obey his command when we are baptized! God has so much more in store for us and each step of obedience we take opens up more life.
Grandma and Grandpa have a great story of faith. So do Mom and Dad! But in order to know God, we need to experience him for ourselves. Pastor Bill tells us about God making a way for the Israelites to once again cross the water on dry ground. This was their parents' story as they left Egypt but these people weren't there. In order to conquer the promised land, they needed to know God's might and power for themselves. And nothing has changed—each generation must have a fresh encounter with God.
What does it take to please God? Is it mighty works? Eloquent speeches? Pastor Bill tells us that Rahab got into this chapter of Hebrews—the one that lists people who pleased God—and she got in by faith. All it takes to please our God is a heart filled with faith. God is calling you to live a life of faith today. There are giants and armies to conquer. There is water to walk on. And he's beckoning you to join the adventure simply by trusting him. He's the one who conquers our giants as we walk with him.
“Don't be anxious for anything.” That doesn't leave a lot of room to be fearful and anxious about this life! Pastor Bill said it's not more complicated than that! It's that simple. Do Not Fear. The world is full of fearful things, but we don't have to be afraid of a single one of them. Not one. There is only one thing that can strangle the life out of the gospel and that is anxiety. Our fear cripples the good news. Don't let anything stand in your way today. You serve a mighty God and in him, there is no fear!
When you look at your life, would you say it's “abundant”? Is it full and abundant? Is it less than that? God gave you access to the abundant life when you accepted Jesus and entered into the kingdom of God. Pastor Bill will show us today how the Israelites did at claiming their promised land. They never did quite claim it all! We tend to do the same thing—we settle for less than what God wants to give us. We get comfortable and apathetic or fearful instead of continuing to lay hold of the fullness of life.
The whole of the gospel is contained in today's message. Cooperate with the work of the Spirit in your life, you get a bonus at the end! Want to know what the bonus is? Read the book all the way to the end and you'll see what amazing marvelous wonderful things God has in store for you! Pastor Bill tells us the plan: you get salvation by a gift, and you enter into the work to get the job done with the help and power of the Spirit working through you, and when you're faithful to the end? I'll give you a reward!
Pastor Bill makes the call today, will you answer it? Get saved! Let's find the last person to get saved. Let's go to every person until we find the last one so that we can all go home to the New Jerusalem where we will live eternally with Christ and in the presence of God! And until that happens, let's keep sharing the good news with everyone we can because that's why we're here. That's why the church exists, to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a broken and dying world. The time is now!
You do the same! Hang on to Jesus until he takes you home. Be faithful until death. Pastor Bill tells us the truth today—nobody wants to feel the pain of this life, but we are all called to be faithful to God through the pain and to death itself! Have you seen someone come to the end of their life and remain faithful in every moment? Maybe your mom or dad or a grandparent. They were faithful to the end and left a legacy of faith behind them! Your faithfulness will leave one too. You do the same!
Do you get as excited as Pastor Bill? In the New Jerusalem, there is the tree of life. We haven't seen this tree since the beginning in the garden—the one we were kicked out of! But in this garden, we get to eat of the fruit and have life! And its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Imagine that flowing to every broken nation on earth. Who knew there was such good news in the book of Revelation! If that excites you and you want to learn more, come along for the ride and hear what other great news awaits!
Don't listen to the devil. Don't worry about the darkness. Say “yes” to the love of God. Because he wants your heart. Give him your heart today. Ignore the devil, look past the darkness. Become part of the light of the world and bring joy to the heart of God! Pastor Bill reminds us that God wants our love but he won't force us. He gives us the choice! But we only have life on earth to choose and that life is fleeting. The sooner you give your life to him the sooner you will find true, abundant life!
Whosoever may come! Imagine this scene in heaven, when your people walk in together and add to the glory in the room. And then the next group comes in and the glory grows. God spread his glory through the earth to every tribe and every tongue and without each other, we will never complete the kingdom of God. Pastor Bill paints the picture today of a heaven filled with glory, the glory of God, and the glory of the nations. You won't want to miss it! Join in with the nations in proclaiming the glory of God!
Want to feel that physical release of stress? Dig in! Dig into the word of God to read and understand all the incredible things he has planned for us! The end of the story doesn't take place on this earth but on a new one!! All the pain, all the suffering, all the frustrations of this earth will be gone. Listen in today to hear Pastor Bill talk all about the New Jerusalem because listening will bring you hope. And who doesn't need some hope today? God gives us every bit of hope we need at the end of the book!
Pastor Bill tells us today why we have the end of the story—why exactly the book of Revelation is included in scripture. God gave us the end of the story so that we can catch our breath and get the job done! The hope that is written on every page of Revelation is an inspiration to us to continue the work. To keep on one more day in the middle of the pain and the trial and the struggle. He gave us this book of Revelation so that we could have new hope and new life! Open the book today and soak up some hope!
A new creation will come following Jesus' second coming. This new creation will include community with the Lord. Until then, your community is the Church. While you patiently wait for the second advent, you've been called to pour into God's body of believers in His church. Pastor Bill encourages you to participate in the body now. Don't stay home and create your own community. God has created the church to meet His children's needs, now. The new will be so much better but dwell in the church now.
What's the difference between new and restored? While some car enthusiasts will argue a restored car is better than it was new, you can't say the same about restored jeans. Pastor Bill shares in today's message that you will inherit a NEW kingdom when Christ returns. This new Earth will be very different from the current. Once sin is eliminated, God's creation can shine like it was designed. You'll have community with Godin this new place like in the garden. You'll be able to walk side by side with Him and experience His glory firsthand.
If you think going to heaven will just be lounging around playing the harp, you'll learn a few new things in today's message. As Pastor Bill shares, you'll have a job, the saints will reign with Christ, and you'll have a LONG honeymoon with Christ, the groom. While there are many things in the book of Revelation we don't understand, there is plenty to look forward to. Like a new earth, no Devil, and no more tears. One thing is for certain. To get into Heaven, you must know Jesus as your savior.
How can you know for certain the second coming of Christ will happen as described in the Bible? There are some crazy predictions, maybe Paul was just dreaming? The reason, as Pastor Bill shares in today's message, is, the first advent has already occurred just as scripture described. We know Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies. God kept His word once, He will keep it again. You don't have to understand all the prophecies, just be confident that they will happen.
The good news is that God so loved the world He sent His son so we could have a relationship with the Father. This was the first advent. There will be a second advent when Jesus returns to earth to call His sheep home. Jesus is faithful, and we know He will return because He came before over 2000 years ago. But as Pastor Bill shares in today's message, He will also bring His wrath. The wrath of the Lord will turn bad people into bird food. He will bring justice to the earth, and His kingdom will reign for 1000 years.
Those who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior before the tribulation will become His bride. But there will be more who will come to Him during the end times. These individuals won't be His bride, but they will still be present at the marriage supper. As Pastor Bill shares in today's study, the party will be huge. This party and the honeymoon that follows will take place on earth. His kingdom will come once again to earth. The word will be made known to the ends of the earth with great singing.
A wedding dress is typically picked out specifically by the bride, to express herself. It might be a specific cut that accentuates her figure or be whimsical like her personality. But the dress you will wear during your marriage to the Lamb will be even more personal. The dress will tell a story of your relationship with Jesus. Everything that you did in Him name will be detailed on this dress. Don't get stuck thinking of wearing a ball gown, surely the Lord will be more creative for men.
Scripture tells us anyone who belongs to the Lord will be Jesus' bride. This might be difficult to understand, but as Pastor Bill shares in today's message, this marriage will be unlike any on Earth. Jesus has gone before you to build a mansion, and He will take you to your heavenly home. He loves you and will provide for you for all the days to come. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of a marriage to the Lamb, try spending some time in His presence and feel the peace that will be yours to come.
When everything falls, like the book of Revelation tells us it will, anyone who doesn't love Jesus will cry. All their hard work, the career they've worked to build, the savings in the bank will all be gone. Pastor Bill shares in today's lesson; that it's okay to care about those things but don't live for earthly treasures. When you dedicate your life to Jesus, you will win in the end. If He is your treasure, you'll never lose everything. If you realize you are living for the stuff of this world, there is still time to set your priorities straight.
When you read through the book of Revelation, it's exciting to see that our Lord and Savior will win the final battle... But as Pastor Bill shares in today's study, we are not there yet. So how should you live your life knowing that in the end, evil will die? As you walk along the path the Lord has for you, you are called to be a good steward with what you've been given. Be free to live the life the Lord has given you. Don't go through life worrying if you have enough, don't go crazy like the rest of the world!
Everything we do, we do for the glory of the Father, and so that we could be found faithful in him. Pastor Bill is taking it straight to the heart today. Where is your heart? Is your heart for the Father's glory? Is your heart to be found faithful? The prayer of every godly mother, every godly father, is that their child would answer the call of Christ. God works through the prayers of our parents and draws us to himself. Let God draw your heart closer to him today. Listen to the love God poured out for you!
You just can't say it any better than Pastor Bill does in today's message. We do everything we do because we want to get the call out there to the people, “Come! Come to Jesus and be saved!” Why do we care so much? We care because Jesus does. Because he loves each and every person and longs for you to come to him. And we know how great it is, following Jesus! And we want everyone to experience the fullness of life that he brings. So come today. Come to Jesus and have a life!
Isn't that the most beautiful picture ever? Think of a newly engaged young man—one whose bride just said “yes” to his proposal. The joy in his heart feels like it will burst out of his chest, and he wants the whole world to know and celebrate with him! Pastor Bill shows us today the heart of Jesus is exactly like that! When someone says yes to him he dances. The joy in his heart flows over until the whole world can see it! He wants the whole world to celebrate with him when just one says yes.
What's more important than protecting our kids? Is there anything that trumps that calling on our lives as parents? Actually, there is. We can keep our kids insulated from anything in the world that might hurt them, but if they don't hear the call of Christ then ultimately we have failed. What if we instead lead them in following Christ—a life that won't be insulated and protected but it will be good. Pastor Bill says the prayer of every parent is that their child would hear the call of Christ and follow him.
The lamb's book of life contains the names of those who have professed a belief in the One true Savior, Lord Jesus. If your name is in this book you'll receive entry into Heaven for all of eternity. Anyone who claims Earth as their home is a loser. As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, a heaven hoper is one who is just passing through, they are a winner. Their time on earth is not the whole story, in fact, it's just the blink of an eye. It's fine to still care about this place, your health, your loved ones, but realize it's not everything. There is so much more in Heaven.
In the end days when the Anti-Christ rules the world, he will have a worldwide system in place. It will encompass the physical, spiritual, and religious aspects of life. There will be no doubt, no unanswered questions, he will be all-encompassing. Pastor Bill shares these warnings so that we can be on guard for evil powers. Although Christians will go to Heaven when Christ first returns, it's still important to know what is to come. Join the right side now, so that you don't find yourself with all the losers.
Today's message with Pastor Bill might rock your world. But this doesn't mean it's time to panic and fight. Instead, you need to be sober. Sober in the sense that you are calm, collected, and your spirit is at rest. Fight and flight won't work when you are called to advance the Kingdom of the Lord. Frenzy won't bring unbelievers to Him. A calm, quiet spirit that isn't afraid will be much more appealing to the individual you are trying to reach. We are close to the time of Christ's return, but there is still work to do.
It's likely there have been times in your life where you believed you needed something, and God was failing to provide this element. As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, the God of tomorrow, knows what you need today. So if there is something that you think is missing, and you believe God is holding out on you, realize God knows what is coming. He will provide all you need. All too often we try and take matters into our own hands, and act before the Lord would have us. Be patient and wait upon Him.
It's likely there have been times in your life where you believed you needed something, and God was failing to provide this element. As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, the God of tomorrow, knows what you need today. So if there is something that you think is missing, and you believe God is holding out on you, realize God knows what is coming. He will provide all you need. All too often we try and take matters into our own hands, and act before the Lord would have us. Be patient and wait upon Him.
The word repent, means to turn from your current path, to change directions. When you repent to the Lord, you are confessing a sin in which you want to change. Pastor Bill will encourage you in today's message to evaluate if there are any areas in your life that are not going in the right direction. Are there any relationships in which you need to change course? It's vital to recognize the need for course correction before you burn- specifically burn in Hell for all of eternity.
Before you get out of bed, where do your thoughts go? Are you filled with anxiety over what the day will bring, or starting a to-do list? Today, Pastor Bill encourages you to ask for the Lord's strength even before your feet hit the ground. Fill your thoughts with your song for the Lord. If you can start the day with your head filled with the Lord, you’ll have the strength and direction you need if things turn upside down. There’s no guarantee that life will be easy. So each morning, prepare yourself for when life gets complicated.
The end times will be filled with signs and wonders indicating that the Lord's return is near. But as Pastor Bill will challenge you in today's message, you have the opportunity to be a sign NOW! What will you do with the information you have? Will you warn others that they need to make a decision that will impact their eternity? Or will you continue in your same old life? Take the chance to share God's love to those around you, to lead them to Christ, to point them into a lasting relationship with the Father.
Our time is limited. We've only got so long before Jesus comes again! Pastor Bill is going to talk about the urgency of the harvest today and that final moment when Jesus shows up with a sickle in hand and signals the end of the growing season. When Jesus was on earth he was moved with compassion for the people because they were helpless like lambs without a shepherd. He told his disciples to pray for workers to enter the harvest. And now we get to be the answer to that prayer!
The story of salvation is an incredible one as God keeps on pursuing us for as long as it takes. He has done everything sp that our hearts can come to understand his great love for us. But after that, the story gets even better as we get to be a part of the kingdom of God. We get to be the ones bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the people that he loves. Pastor Bill reminds us today that the harvest is already ready and now we get to go and demonstrate God's love and bring in the harvest.
Pastor Bill gives us his best advice today; when we don't know what to do, ask God! Eternity is waiting for us and what we do here on earth affects every moment there. What will you do with your time here? If you don't know, ask God. He has plans for you. He has good works he planned out from the beginning of time for you to do, so if you don't know, ask him. And when he gives you a direction, run in that direction with everything you've got because there is no greater life than the one following him.
Jesus is full of mercy, and his mercy is demonstrated as he warns us about the coming torment and provides a way out of it for us. Pastor Bill is going to tell us today what life is like for the people who follow the beast during the tribulation, and then share with us again the good news that we don't have to worship the beast. We get to worship the lamb who was slain. And anyone who worships the lamb is covered by the lamb. We live in the freedom secured for us by the lamb of God.
What's your perspective? When the world starts crashing in around you, what do you see? Do you see only the tragedy that's immediately in front of your eyes? Ephesians 2:6 says that we are “raised up with Christ” and “seated in the heavenly places.” Our perspective is so different when we think of it that way! Not only are we in the heavenly places, but we're seated there. We're not running, hiding, or freaking out. We're seated. Things sure look different when you're looking through the lens of heaven.
As Pastor Bill works through the Revelation, he'll give us hints along the way for how to overcome the dragon in our lives. And today he tells us that we were made for worship. So when we start believing the lies and falling for the enemy's schemes, one of our tools is worship. Know your song ahead of time and pull it out as soon as you realize you need it. When we worship, we take the truth of God's greatness and destroy the lies of the enemy. We change our focus from the dragon to the lamb!
Pastor Bill is working his way through Revelation and just when it feels like all hope is lost—when the beast is there, and he's leaving his mark on people, and the antichrist is causing people to worship the beast and yet another beast comes into the picture—it's in that moment that John looks and sees the lamb. And he's standing on Mount Zion. And that moment is FILLED with triumph! Can you feel the victory as the lamb comes into view? That's your victory, because that's your Savior!
We are broker than broke when it comes to righteousness before God. Our accounts are all in the red. But then Jesus steps in. He wipes out our debt and fills our accounts with his righteousness. And not only that!! Pastor Bill reminds us today that Jesus gives us so much more. He makes us joint-heirs with him. We become daughters and sons of the king of kings. That is good news! And the best news of all is that we can share the good news with everyone around us because there is room for everyone at God's table!
God's voice is the birthright of every believer. He's there speaking to us continually and we get to take this awesome journey of learning how to hear him. His voice leads us through every part of the day, cautioning us away from danger and enticing us to experience the great adventure with him. Pastor Bill brings us to Revelation today, to the plan of the enemy for the end times, but he also shows us the wonder of a life lived following the voice of God through every trial and temptation.
Have you ever experienced the comfort of a well-worn relationship, where you've known the other person for years and years and they know you inside and out? Now add to that the wonder of a new relationship, where everything you learn about them is exciting and new and you just can't wait to see them again. Pastor Bill is talking about the Spirit. Life with the Spirit is just like both of those things—you're known and loved, but at the same time, there's so much to learn that every day is brand new.
Have you ever wondered what the point of the Bible is? Why would so many people preserve and duplicate such ancient writing? What does it actually say anyway? Pastor Bill tells us today that the main message of the Bible is, “I love you.” Through the writings of scripture, we can begin to understand and experience the deep, never-ending, passionate, full, rich love that God has for us. I'd say that's worth preserving! Let's dive into the scriptures today and fill ourselves with God's love!
Here's the real hope of the book of Revelation; everything we are going through now is temporary. We will have troubles in this world—Jesus himself promised us that—but they end! And in the end, the lamb wins. The dragon can roar and kill but his reign will end. The enemy can come against us with health problems and relationship problems and money problems but none of them are forever. Pastor Bill will show us today that the cure for every temporary earthly problem is the coming of the Lamb.
Pastor Bill will talk about what really matters in life today. When we look at Revelation, it's about so much more than the Dragons and Beasts and heads and horns and trumpets! It's all about worship. It's all about your worship! The enemy above all else desires to steal our hearts from God, and he will bring every counterfeit deity to the table to demand them from us. But the love of God draws us in and gives us a slain lamb who is worthy of all our worship. Who will you give your worship to today?
I sometimes feel like I'm stuck in the muck of life and can't seem to get any traction to pull myself out. Do you ever feel that way? Then just when you think you're making some headway, there's another new crisis to pull you back yet again! Pastor Bill is working through the book of Revelation, and he's going to remind us today that this book was given to us to encourage and strengthen us. If you could use some encouragement and help to get out of the muck, stick around for today's message!
Pastor Bill is going to bring us in close with Jesus today and share with us the ultimate invitation: to be in an intimate relationship with him. Part of that relationship is reading his love letter to us—the Bible. His love for us is woven into every page and all we have to do is take the time to look! The Bible was written about us and for us. And spending time in that sweet letter can fill everything inside us that is yearning to be loved. Far from a chore, we get to soak in God's love every time we read it.
Do you feel like there is a void in your life? You try and try to have deep, meaningful connections with people. You keep putting yourself out there in hopes you'll find that one person who fills your soul, or you'll find that close friend everyone else seems to have found? Pastor Bill is going to tell us today about someone special who is already looking for you. His heart is turned toward you and he's been searching for you since the day you were born! If you're ready to meet him, keep listening!
God didn't create man because he needs us. God doesn't have a giant ego looking to be filled with the praise of humans, and he doesn't need us for company — God is three persons and has full community within himself. So why are we here? What compelled the God of the universe to create humans and why does he want to have community with us? What is this grand invitation that Pastor Bill is talking about today? Let's listen in and find out because it's an invitation you really don't want to miss!
In elementary school, children are taught where to go to in their school if there's ever a tornado. They go to the spot for safety and then kneel on the floor and cover their heads. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that there is a place for safety for Christians too. It's a place to run to in times of trouble or persecution. It's the church... not the building but rather the collective group of believers. God has a place for you in His family. Reach out for support and encouragement.
Do you ever have days when you feel like you're not good enough...Maybe it's more than a day...maybe you have weeks or months where you feel like a storm cloud is traveling over you saturating you with doubt and despair. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that you can silence those thoughts. When you believe in Jesus Christ you have the power to silence the accuser, the devil, because YOU are made WORTHY by Christ. His death on the cross and your belief, make you worthy of love in this world and in Heaven.
We live in a fast-paced world... If you want food, you can pick it up at a drive-thru or heat something up instantly in the microwave. Your need for food can be met pretty quickly. In today's message, Pastor Bill explains that God doesn't work like things in the fast-paced world. His time is different from the world's time. Just like in the book of Daniel, it may take DAYS to see the answer to your prayers. The book of Revelation is also on God's time...and you can count on His perfect timing.
Christmas cards are beautiful with scenes of snow-covered fields and acres of evergreen trees. However, today Pastor Bill explains that the real Christmas story took place on a cross in Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. His birth story is beautiful but the story of His crucifixion is a battle cry of victory over death. When you trust in Jesus as your Savior, His victory is your victory too! While a spiritual war rages all around you... the battle has already been won. You can rest in the peace of knowing Jesus fights for you.
When you think of Christmas...do you think of twinkling lights and stockings hung by the fire? Maybe you think of wise men traveling on camels to find baby Jesus...All these things are good thoughts...but today... Pastor Bill presents another side of Christmas. He explains that a great and wondrous sign appeared to John in Revelation in the form of a pregnant woman. She represents the nation of Israel. Israel was destroyed but later restored by God. He can restore your life too if you trust in Him.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that there are many gifts of the Holy Spirit and servitude is often an overlooked gift. The gift of servitude is one of an inward attitude of the heart. To serve someone, you must be humble, and humble servants are those that make the church world go round. These humble servants are the ones that serve selflessly in church and help ministries to grow and work for the kingdom of God. We can all learn to become humble servants for the Lord and the Church.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to celebrate the second coming of the Lord! Jesus came to the world once as a baby in a manger, this is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. Another cornerstone of the Christian faith is that Jesus will come to the Earth again! As Christians, it's our responsibility to vigilantly watch for the signs of the second coming of Christ. The Bible lays out clear signs of His coming... And when He does, we will rejoice with Him and the Church!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you to be thankful no matter what your circumstances may be. In our modern context, we're often so richly blessed that we take things for granted. We might take for granted our vehicles, homes, and easy access to food... But what about when we're struggling? Do we remember to be thankful then? It's important that when the trials of life come our way that we don't lose sight of what God has already given to us. We can still be thankful in the midst of hardship.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will share with you about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It can be really easy to share about Jesus in certain circumstances. Having a conversation at work, at school, or at the grocery store doesn't seem like too big of a challenge... But that isn't always the case. Sometimes God will tug on our hearts to share about Him in places or to people that make us uncomfortable. The important thing is that we ask the Holy Spirit to give us strength and obey the calling.
Today, Pastor Bill will share with you about the whole armor of God and why it's vitally important that we make use of it each and every day. Those days where you fought with your spouse, yelled at your kid, or snapped at a coworker happen to us all... But as Christians, we have something that can help us, the armor of God. By utilizing the helmet of salvation, shield of faith, belt of truth, sword of the Spirit, and the breastplate of righteousness... We can face any trouble that comes our way through the empowering of God.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that the kingdom of God is coming. Yes, the kingdom of God has already come in the hearts and lives of each and every Christian... But more specifically, the kingdom of God is physically coming to Earth! One day, Jesus will return in glory and power! He'll come back to reign on the Earth for 1,000 years, He will bind Satan and the kingdom of God will rule the Earth! As citizens of heaven, we will be with the Lord during His reign on the Earth in perfect harmony.
Have you ever read a scripture verse and couldn't imagine how it could possibly relate to your life? In today's message, Pastor Bill explains how olive trees...connected to lamp-stands...could apply to you today and to others during the end times. It means God refuels you...We don't have to try to accomplish goals with our own strength. He supplies us with strength like the olive tree supplies the lamp-stands with oil to keep burning. Whatever you are facing, remember that your strength comes from the Lord.
At some point in life you probably went through a period of suffering...a time of heartache and trouble...It might have seemed hard to keep moving forward. It is in those times of hardship that God will use a witness to speak to you. In today's message, Pastor Bill describes how God will use two significant witnesses during the Great Tribulation as described in the book of Revelation. For now...God wants to use you as a witness to other people in your life. He wants to use you to speak truth and love.
Do you like to look at the night sky and see thousands of stars? The vast dark sky with the bright twinkling lights declares the glory of God. The tiny stars are so far away...but still reveal the majesty of their creator. Pastor Bill teaches that not only did God create the Heavens...but He created you as well... But you are even more special than stars because you were created in the image of God. Turn to Jesus and trust in Him to become a child of the King. God has a plan for you to bring Him...honor and glory.
Do secrets drive you crazy? If someone else knows something and you don't...does it eat at you until you hear the secret? In today's message, Pastor Bill explains that there are secrets kept from mankind in the Bible. John, the author of Revelation, was told not to write everything down that he saw and heard. God has a plan for human history...but he has not explained it ALL yet. Do not worry about tomorrow...or when certain events will take place...Live for Jesus today and share your faith with others.
How do you picture an angel? Is it sweet and chubby with fluffy wings? That's not how angels are described in the Bible. Today, Pastor Bill describes mighty angels from the book of Revelation. Angels were created by God, but they should not be confused with being equal to God. They were created with a purpose and will be sent to Earth when they are needed. People are described as being overwhelmed in the presence of an angel. Trust God and His wisdom to send angels when they are needed.
Did you know you were created with a purpose? You were created to WORSHIP...You were created to worship God the Father, the creator of Heaven and Earth...You were created to worship Jesus Christ who died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins...If you don't worship Jesus... you will worship something...you will fill in that void with something...it might be drugs, or money, or food. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches about repentance. You can choose to stop and turn to Jesus.
Have you ever watched the same movie more than once and felt tense or anxious during intense scenes...even though you already know what happens next? You already know the ending. In today's message, Pastor Bill is describing specific events in Revelation that talk about demonic angels being released on the Earth. They have one mission...to kill and destroy a third of mankind. It's VERY scary stuff... BUT we know the ending...Believers in Christ will spend eternity with Him.
Have you ever had something really bad happen and you wondered where God was in that moment...or in that circumstance?... In today's message, Pastor Bill explains that sometimes God allows bad things to happen in order for Him to offer grace. It might be a wake-up call to turn to Him and accept Him as your Savior...It might be God using the situation to redirect your life to spread the Gospel. God is with you during the good and the bad. Trust that He will use it all for His glory.
Do you like to get personal mail...not bills or junk mail...but real letters to you? The book of revelation was written by John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos... He's writing to what he refers to as the 7 churches of Asia...but he's also writing to you about the end of the world. Pastor Bill explains that John's words describe what will happen when Jesus confronts the evil in the world. If you trust in Jesus as your Savior, you will not be on the Earth during this time of destruction.
Have you watched the news lately and suddenly felt depressed? The events of our world can be anxiety-inducing...Basically...It is a great time to know Jesus. He can SAVE you from all the troubles this world has to offer. He will rain peace over you when the world has thunder and lightning. He is like the calm in the eye of a tornado. In today's message, Pastor Bill explains that we are in the end times...we are ready for Jesus to return to Earth. You can prepare for the future by trusting your life to Jesus NOW.
Spoiler alert...the Bible describes what life will be like during the end times of planet Earth...the last book of the Bible, Revelation, tells all about it. The rapture is when people who believe in Jesus will be taken up into the clouds with Him BEFORE the end-time judgments and natural disasters. Pastor Bill teaches that the end times can be exciting and difficult, depending on your beliefs. You can trust in Jesus as your Savior for a gold ticket off planet Earth before the cataclysmic ending.
In a military unit... everyone has an assigned job or role. To be successful, the soldiers have to do their job but rely on each other too. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that Christians are God's special forces... Each person has been given a spiritual gift by God to be used for His glory. Think of all the work that can be accomplished when God's people use their gifts together to do His work. As a believer, you can rejoice when you see your spiritual gift lead another person to salvation in Christ.
Darkness and despair...evil and anxiety...destruction and denial...these words describe the most hopeless situations. BUT...God can turn those situations into GOOD. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that after the most hopeless situation...a multitude of people gets saved. After difficult struggles...they turn to Jesus for the gift of salvation. Are you struggling in your life? Do you feel yourself sinking? God can rescue you and use your despair to bring Him honor and praise.
What are the most elite military units in the US? You might have heard of SEAL Team 6 or Delta Force. They are some of the most highly trained elite forces along with Army Rangers and Green Berets. These soldiers must meet specific criteria and pass numerous tests in order to serve their country. In today's message, Pastor Bill teaches that you are created in the image of God. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you are equipped for HIS special forces as your highest calling.
Wouldn’t it be easier if Jesus would just take His followers out of the world? Once you accept Jesus you can just start eternity, right then! No more trouble with fighting temptation and dealing with evil – it would all be done! But, as you know, that’s not how it works. In his message today, Pastor Bill will remind you that you have a mission here on earth, and it’s to be the hands and feet of Jesus right now! You have the opportunity to change other people’s lives by introducing them to your Savior!
In any crisis, you see heroes emerge. No matter who they are – citizens helping out, or emergency personnel – you find certain characteristics in common. They’re focused on the task at hand, and they’re united in their goal. Isn’t that what the church should look like? Today Pastor Bill will encourage you to focus on your mission as a child of God – you are meant to share the truth of Jesus with the world. Stand united in this mission with your brothers and sisters in Christ and see what the Lord can do!
At the end of the world, there will be much to fear – destruction, chaos, death, disease – all kinds of evil unleashed. As you’ve been learning from Pastor Bill in this series, those left on earth will be facing horrors you can’t even fathom. But you’ll learn today that there’s hope – there’s something that can be done! Pastor Bill will tell you about the 144,000 special forces men who will share the good news of God’s love! They’ll bring truth to a God-less society, and will provide a way out for any who will believe!
The Revelation of Jesus Christ given to the Apostle John regarding the Great Tribulation is nothing shy of terrifying. While we don't have to worry about experiencing such horrors as believers, it's good to know what the world is up against, so as to warn others. In today's message, Pastor Bill discusses the outpouring of God's wrath on an unrepentant, unbelieving world. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of the magnitude of this event, that will leave the world hiding underground in a feeble attempt to escape.
Many of us would be quick to agree that there's nothing more comforting than to know how things are going to turn out. As dynamic and unpredictable that life can be, we as believers can always find comfort in knowing God's plan for those He calls His own. As Pastor Bill discusses in his message today, no matter what life may throw at us, we can always rest assured as believers. In his study, you'll be reminded that God's Word makes it very clear that victory is The Lord's and that suffering is but momentary.
The Book of Revelation draws from many different books of the Bible, all of which help us to gain a better understanding of what's to come. When it comes to the antichrist spoken of in Revelation, Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is a crucial element of interpretation. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the role that both the Church and The Spirit play leading up to the antichrist. In his study, you'll learn that as a believer and follower of Christ, you play a role in restraining evil, no matter your location.
Chances are you've run into your fair skeptics regarding the Bible, especially when it comes to the Book of Revelation. While one can't argue that some of the visions are rather bizarre, there are key historical events that indicate we're all the closer to that which has yet to come. As Pastor Bill discusses in his message today, the restoration of Israel as a nation is nothing to scoff at. In his study, you'll learn the significance of Israel not only becoming a nation but regaining the capital after two millennia.
The Book of Revelation is unique on many fronts. Perhaps more notably for its promise of a blessing to those who read it, but that it also lays out “that which has come to pass, and that which is yet to happen.” In today's message, Pastor Bill takes a unique approach to the Book of Revelation regarding its depiction of things to come. In his study, you'll learn about the writing style of the Apostle Paul and how he takes us into the future as believers. Are you ready for a trip through time? Be sure to pay close attention to this exciting message!
Perhaps one of the most liberating feelings we can have as believers is to know that we're no longer slaves to sin. However, many of us would agree that it's not always the easiest mindset to maintain and truly live by as we struggle in our own ways. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to meditate on the reality that if you indeed belong to Christ, you're a new creation. In his study, you'll be reminded what it means to be forgiven by the Blood of the Lamb, the ultimate offering for sin.
As believers and followers of Christ, it can be all too easy for us to fall into the trap of looking to Jesus as a comparison, rather than a shepherd. As you're probably well aware, this inevitably leads to a sense of condemnation, rather than the peace of knowing we're in Christ. As Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, Jesus is both guiding and saving us on a daily basis. In his study, you'll be encouraged to take heart in knowing that we have a great Shepherd who mightily saves, and is worthy of all.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will share with you about heaven. If you've accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior, when you pass from this life, you'll go to be with Jesus in heaven forever. You haven't earned this gift because of good deeds or lack of bad decisions. This gift of eternity with God is given on the basis of Christ's imputed righteousness to you. In Heaven, there will be no more pain, no more crying, only peace, and contentment. There we will sing the praises of God forevermore.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that God's creation can speak to us in a variety of ways. The mountains created by God seem to speak of His incredible strength and power, every sunset beautiful painting from God Himself. The vastness of space and the universe, all speaks to His greatness and the omnipotence of God... So take a moment to look around you, find the creation that might just be in your backyard, and see what it could be saying to you about the incredible character of God.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will share with you about worship and what it means to worship God. The word worship in essence means to ascribe worth to something. So if we are worshipping God, that means that we are ascribing worth to Him... But why? We worship God because not only did He see fit to give us life here on Earth but He also saw fit to redeem us. Because of the sin in our lives, we are separate from God... But in His grace and mercy, He chooses to redeem us to Himself through Jesus.
Jesus is the high priest of a new order. The Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament was responsible for the sacrifices and maintenance of the temple. Without the Levitical priesthood, sacrifices would go unmade, the incense would never be lit, and the showbread would never be put out. Your average farmer or business person couldn't make their own sacrifices, the priests could only make sacrifices. Now, in Jesus, He has made us our own priests, we need no mediator between us and God.
Jesus came to the Earth once in the form of a human, He lived a perfect life and died and was resurrected... All with the intention and promise that He would come back a second time. The first Jesus came, He came to bring salvation and healing, at His second coming Jesus will come back for His children. We as believers will be taken up to be with Him in heaven for eternity. He's prepared a perfect place for each of us, there we will spend the rest of time singing praises to the Lord God Almighty.
Imagine a play where the main character never appears, never takes on his role. How confusing would that story be? Unlike that, Jesus' does have the authority, the ability to change everything as Pastor Bill explains to you today. He's the only one powerful enough to read this world's last will. Remember, John saw God holding scrolls in His hand. These scrolls are covered with information about how the world will change. It's hopeless to kick off what will happen until JESUS takes His role and opens the seals.
Hopelessness abounds all around us and this world could keep spinning its tires, getting nowhere save for one thing...Jesus! It's His victory! So when you start to feel beyond exasperated, Pastor Bill reminds you today of the meaning of John's vision when he saw God holding scrolls in His hands. Scrolls were like a will. You know, last will and testament of so and so. But this isn't just anyone...it's God's! And the only one who can set in motion what needs to happen to redeem this fallen world is Jesus!
The center of attention doesn't describe a place to find an introvert. Now, an extrovert on the other hand may in fact love it. Thankfully, there's God who's at the center of everything...and RIGHTLY SO. Are you aware that there are those in heaven who never stops singing His praises and who He is? Faithful and good. Righteous. Friends, where have you directed your attention? Or your goals? Your failures? Your successes? Has it been to the only One who deserves it? God's waiting for YOU!
Do you see the beauty in all the crazy? The Creator made thunderstorms just as He made a crystal clear, calm lake. He has provided a way for you to enter into His living room, if you will, and soak in His presence. Are you a believer of this Creator? As Pastor Bill continues his message you learn more about the different crowns in heaven and who sits closest to the throne of God. There's hope in eternity even when it feels like all is lost. Nothing is spiraling downward, out of control. Not with God!
To go to that one spot that you just know for sure what you're looking for is there, only to find that it's not is super disappointing! Right? This will be SO UNLIKE eternity. You WILL find God on the throne. He hasn't left. No one else can sit there. Not you. Not me. Only Him. God has requested that you be with Him...in heaven. Today Pastor Bill explores through Revelation this vision of what heaven will be like. Its description embodies so many contrary images, but when put all together, it's AMAZING!
I am ready to go! This will be such an exciting adventure together! Have these kinds of thoughts raced through your mind right before a big event that you can't wait to share with someone? Are you ready and waiting for Jesus to come back and get you? The Lord has promised that He's going to come back for His beloved, no matter where you are. This is the hope that the Rapture gives you as Pastor Bill points out today. Friends, have you trusted in His faithfulness and what the Bible says?
Who out there are Star Trek fans? Wouldn't it be cool to just be beamed up wherever you needed to go? Talk about a time-saver! In today's message, Pastor Bill parallels that idea of being transported via a miraculous happening with the Rapture. Weddings are an occasion that's not easily forgotten. If you think about it, Jesus' promise of heaven is like a wedding. Dear ones, God himself, is getting the place ready where you will live WITH HIM forever if only you would take a step of faith to believe and trust Him!
Do you do better knowing the plan? A plan helps you to know what to be prepared for and what to expect. Pastor Bill reminds us today of part of God's plan and where we fit in. The Bible tells us that He lived in skin like ours and then died for our sins. On top of all of that God went to heaven to make room for us, and in the meantime gave us His Holy Spirit. He will come back for all those that love Him. Don't doubt that His teleport machine is broken because He's all about people RELATIONSHIPS!
The book of Revelation has so many prophecies of the end times that you can look forward to if you have a relationship with Him. There's hope for everyone who stays faithful to God until Jesus comes back, and you'll get a crown of glory before Him when that day comes. Pastor Bill wants you to be prepared today for that day. Does your life reflect God working in you regularly? Are you stepping out in faith every day to grow in your walk with Him? He wants to be close to you, if you just draw close to Him.
God has some amazing plans for you to be a vessel that He works through if you let Him. Pastor Bill is going to show you today how doors can be open to you that you never thought possible because of your faithfulness to Him. God isn't looking for actions without a real relationship with Him. He wants you to love Him and to commit yourself to serving Him, so that your service to Him is out of love, and not obligation. Keep Him first and seek His voice, and you'll see Him start to move in you.
Everything you do should reflect God working in your life. Your time, effort, and resources should all be put towards doing God's will for you and spreading His love to more people. Pastor Bill's going to show you today that no matter how much or little you have, God can open doors for you you never imagined possible if you're faithful to use what you have for Him. As you prove yourself faithful with little and keep His Word, you'll be trusted with more as you see Him moving more and more in your life.
No matter how much time you have on this earth, you need to make sure you're spending it right. God wants you to stay in love with Him and to show His love to everyone you meet. He promises a crown of glory for you if you remain faithful to Him, and as you'll see today with Pastor Bill, it's important to remember to spend time with God daily to keep growing in your relationship with Him. Your time can be an amazing testimony of how a Christian's life should look, no matter how long it is.
The first part of Revelation is the last instruction that Jesus ever gave to the churches on earth. What Pastor Bill wants you to take away from these last basic instructions is to follow where God leads you and to show His love to everyone you come into contact with. People should be able to tell you're a Christian just by your behavior and attitude towards others. If nobody knows where you stand spiritually, then you might need to reevaluate how you're reflecting Jesus in your life, and get your heart right with Him.
God is going to judge your life someday to see how you chose to live it. He's going to see what you did for Him, and what you didn't do that you knew you should. Pastor Bill is going to show you how Jesus is going to give you a checkup today to see how healthy your spiritual life is. Are you on fire for Him, doing all you can to get stronger and healthier in your relationship with Him? It might be hard to give up old sins just like it's hard to start exercising or eating healthy, but it's worth every second.
Are you on fire for God? Do you feel a passion for Him that burns inside you that makes you want to seek Him out more? Or maybe you don't know Jesus at all but you know you need to. Today, Pastor Bill is going to show you that either is better than in the middle: lukewarm. You can call on God's name if you know you need Him more, and give Him worship and praise if you have that fire for Him. What's dangerous is when you're in the middle where it's comfortable and easy to forget about what God's done for you.
God's words in Revelation to the church of Philadelphia should be an encourgement for you to live like Jesus today. God promises reward for a life lived surrendered to Him, even to the point of getting a tattoo from Jesus someday. Pastor Bill wants you to be ready to meet Jesus when your race is over. Today, you'll see how the mark you get from Jesus is the proof of a life lived for Him. The Holy Spirit can fill you and help you know God's will for you, and all you have to do is ask for more of Him.
The God you serve is an awesome God. He's holy and The Sovereign God, but He's not so busy that He doesn't see everything you do. Pastor Bill is going to show you from Revelation today that someday when you're before Him - if you're faithful to Him like the church of Philadelphia - you'll get a branding from Him like a tattoo that will prove your faithfulness to Him. It depends on how you live your life here on earth, and God's marking on you is something you want to strive for.
Unless you're continually being filled with The Holy Spirit and living for Him, you can't say you're fully alive in Christ. Your life should reflect Him working through you, but just doing things that look like you're in a committed relationship with God doesn't mean you are. Pastor Bill's going to show you today that you need to be continually repenting of any sin in your life and letting The Holy Spirit fill you again. A dead church just goes through the motions without any real connection or relationship with God.
A church that's on fire for God and growing every day in Him can still get distracted from Him and become stagnant in their faith. Pastor Bill wants to warn you today to make sure you keep being filled with The Holy Spirit, so your fire and passion for Him don't burn out. Even a church that still assembles and has teaching can be dying in their faith if they're not still being led and moved by The Holy Spirit. He'll move in you if you let Him, but your heart needs to be willing to live for Him and be led by Him.
As you're living out your life and trying to obey God's Word with everything you do, you might stumble into sin where God's judgment will eventually come if you don't repent. However, as you'll get to see today, you don't have to stay stuck there. God's forgiveness is amazing, and there's no sin that's too big for Him to forgive and restore you. If you realize you're in what Pastor Bill calls a mud hole of sin, just know that God still loves you and He promises to forgive you if you just turn from your sin and let God reignite your passion for Him that you had before.
You're going to look at the church of Thyatira today in Revelation as Pastor Bill shows you how God has no tolerance for false teachers in His church. The teaching against His Word in Thyatira was evil, but God gave the false teacher Jezebel plenty of time to repent of her sins, but she never did. And rather than showing her that her teaching was wrong, God's church tolerated it and let it happen. You need to protect your heart from anything contrary to God's Word, and keep yourself pure in Him.
God always knows what you're doing. He sees everything you do in public and in private, and your heart behind it. Pastor Bill wants you to know today that someday, God's going to act as a judge and make you give an account for everything you've done, whether it was for Him or not. He wants you to live completely sold out to Him, and not tolerating any kind of false teaching that takes your focus off Him. Your life should continually look more and more like God as you keep growing closer to Him.
God mentions certain doctrines and sins to the church of Pergamos that He hates that they've given themselves into. As you look at Him commending them that they were faithful to not denying God's name even in the face of persecution, Pastor Bill's going to point out today how God hated their pride. There were stumbling blocks in their church that would distract them from God, but their pride was still strong in their hearts. God promises to set you free from your sin, but it's all Him, and nothing you could do.
Satan doesn't want God's church to be strong, or to grow in their faith and closeness to God. He's going to do anything he can to make you stumble in your faith and turn your back on God. There's no greater blessing than to be a child of God, and with Him on your side, there's nothing you have to fear. Pastor Bill wants you to know today how powerful God is, and that you have a strong weapon to fight the enemy in knowing The Word of God. Know who you're battling, so you can always find victory in God.
Your life isn't guaranteed to be easy because you follow God. You'll have hope for eternity and joy from God that nothing can take away, but as Pastor Bill's going to show you today, that doesn't mean persecution and trials aren't going to come your way. Satan wants to do everything he can to make you deny your faith, but it's all only a test of your faith. You won't go through anything that God can't get you through. Your standing with God means more than anything people say or can do to you.
To say you're a Christian but not live out your faith is useless. God wants you to make a difference in the world, and to tell more people about His grace and the Gospel message. Pastor Bill wants you to know that there's a reward waiting for you in Heaven after your life here on earth. God wants to reward you, but you have to live out your faith and be active in pursuing closer intimacy with God every day. He doesn't want robotic faith where you just go through the motions; He wants your AUTHENTIC faith.
Your life needs to reflect God working through you. There are amazing blessings waiting for His children, but your heart needs to be in the right place. Pastor Bill's going to show you how your life needs to be free from sin and the things of the world that separate you from God. God doesn't want you to just follow “religious” practices that make it look like your faith's authentic when it's actually not. He wants to be at the center of your heart, and your service to be out of your love for Him.
God wants you to be fully prepared for when Jesus finally comes back for His church. You'll get to see today how Jesus in Revelation ties to the temple and the Holy of Holies in Leviticus. Your body is the temple of The Holy Spirit, and you need to let Jesus tend to your heart just like the high priest tended to the lampstands in the temple. Pastor Bill's going to show you that the book of Revelation is full of prophecies of the end times and that your heart needs to be ready for it. Your walk with God needs to be inspected to be confident in your readiness for Jesus' return.
There are going to be incredible sights and things that will happen that we can be sure of that you read about in the book of Revelation. Everything you read about in Revelation is true, and God wants you to be prepared for everything It says is to come. If you're fully devoted to God and living for Him, you don't have anything to fear in the future, As you'll get to see today from Pastor Bill. It's not meant to tell the end of you, but of what God's going to do, and how you can look forward to it with God.
A lot of people say that it's hard to understand the book of Revelation and that there's so much there that there's no way to fully grasp the whole message of the book. Pastor Bill is going through part of Revelation with you today to show you how simple the message really is. It's not meant to get you caught up in just wondering what the symbology and prophecies mean, but to make you ready for Jesus to return. You can see a lot of it coming to fruition, but there's nothing to fear if your heart's right with God.
The book of Revelation seems difficult to understand and fully grasp the message of because of the symbology and prophecies of the future, but it's a lot easier than it seems. Pastor Bill's going to show you how simple it really is. It's a blessing to read for any believer and is the only book that says the reader's going to be blessed. Jesus lays things out simply and clearly, in showing Who He is and the prophecies of the future. You'll get to see Revelation pointing to the future to look forward to Jesus' return.
Think about the forces of nature – the wind that can’t be controlled, the storms that rage, the waves that swell and topple anything in their path. Think about the sun, as Pastor Bill described – what power there is in just a tiny portion of it! Pastor Bill will be encouraging you today to take hold of the awe you have for these great natural forces and turn it toward their Creator – the same Creator who made you! And as you do, let the Holy Spirit build in you an immense reverence and desire to worship!
You can’t really talk about someone without having an accurate picture of who they are. Think about a friend you knew when you were a child – you wouldn’t describe them based on your knowledge of them at that young age, would you? They’ve changed over time, and you need to get to know them as they are now! Pastor Bill shares in his message today that the same is true about Jesus! You can’t talk about Him accurately to other people unless you get to know who He really is!
You’ve heard of Jesus – even if you weren’t raised in a church, it’s likely you’ve heard stories like the manger scene, and maybe even the Easter story. And as a believer, you’ve definitely heard all these things again and again – but have you become complacent? Are they just nice stories that make you feel good? Pastor Bill today is going to ask you to radically shift your thinking about Christ – he’ll urge you to see the Jesus who is your conquering King! This image should cause us to sit up and take notice!
There’s some great news to be heard today. Incredible news in fact – in the end, Jesus wins. Good triumphs. Evil will be completely conquered. Pastor Bill is going to tell you all about it in this series in Revelation. And today, you can know this fact of Jesus's victory and let it give you joy and hope! Pastor Bill reminds you that hard things will still happen in life – we do still reside in a fallen world, after all. But remember what’s coming – KNOW that your Savior will win in the end!
The book of Revelation was written by one of Jesus's faithful apostles – the Apostle John. You may recognize his name from the book he wrote about Jesus – the one that has introduced many to their Savior. John went through a lot before getting to the point of receiving this Revelation from Christ – so many things that many would wonder if there was anything good left to do. But Pastor Bill shares today that God wasn’t done with John’s ministry – he still had a lot for this man to do!
For many people, a Bible is a readily available item. You can find it on the internet, get one at your church, or walk into a bookstore and purchase one. More and more people are gaining access each day to the written word of God. And as Pastor Bill reminds you today, the Bible is exactly that – it’s written. It’s in a form that you can learn from today, right now. You can know God, you can know His plans, and you can read about what’s to come for this world you’re living in.
Our world has faced a difficult season that caused doubt, confusion, and anxiety in many churches. Many leaders wondered how on earth they’ll continue on in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Yet, as Pastor Bill explains today, the body of Christ was faithful. Believers still longed for teaching and worship. And they understood the need to care for church leadership and continue to support the ministry happening. It was through this that God did miracle after miracle all over the place.
In the bible, there are obviously some obscure verses, which are difficult to understand. It’s tempting to skip over parts of scripture. But it’s important to understand all of scripture and, like New Testament writers, look deeper to see a greater application to the words God wrote. Today, Pastor Bill will help you see how important it is to care for those serving God’s people. Your pastors, teachers, and leaders pour heart and soul into their calling. Support them and appreciate them. They’re essential!
Some believers and some churches dismiss or ignore parts of scripture as outdated or unimportant today. However, as Pastor Bill teaches today, God uses and blesses His word – even Deuteronomy. All of it is His inspired word. It doesn’t matter how you feel about it. It’s His truth and it’s vital for believers. God will use His word for correction and instruction on living life. And it can be used as a weapon against the enemy. It’s a precious treasure and one of your ways to stay connected with God!
The law God gave His people was good and perfect. It laid out God’s expectations and requirements for life and salvation. However, humanity could never, ever measure up. Even thoughts condemned you. Yet, as Pastor Bill teaches today, God sent Jesus who could live as God required. He became your salvation and allowed you access to God. You can, as a believer go boldly to God Almighty without fear, knowing Jesus has saved you, washed you, and brought you to Him.
Every person, before faith in Jesus, has a hard, stubborn, sinful heart. They’re unable to live rightly or love as they should. Their hard heart rejects God’s words of truth and life. Until that is, the Holy Spirit leads you to a belief in Jesus. And once you have faith in Him, Pastor Bill teaches today, you are a new creation. God softens your heart. You can hear and understand God’s truth. And, now as a believer, you will want to live as God requires. You will want to love as God desires! And with His spirit in you, you’ll be able to as well.
Israel, God’s people, had a sin problem. The law was given and promptly broken. The law was never meant to save, but instead to point out how far from perfect humanity really was. The Lord required perfect obedience, perfect love, and perfect service. So, as Pastor Bill teaches today, since man is unable to live perfectly, God sent His Son, Jesus to do what man could not do. We, today, have a sin problem. We can’t live as we should. But if you know God, you get His righteousness by faith and a new heart to begin to live better.
The devil came against Jesus to tempt Him and try to defeat Him. Yet, Jesus, though weakened by hunger, never gave in to the temptations. Instead, he spoke God’s word from Deuteronomy and defeated the devil. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to, like Jesus, speak the word to the enemy to defeat him. Jesus knew scripture, but knowing it wasn’t enough. He spoke it. He declared truth, and the devil couldn’t stand under that. By the power of the Holy Spirit, believe and declare God’s truth and Satan can’t defeat you.
The Devil is often portrayed as a comical being with horns and a pitchfork. Most people don’t give the devil much more thought than that. Yet, as Pastor Bill teaches today, you have an enemy, the Devil. He’s real. He’s deceitful. He’s evil. He wants you for his own. But, He is not God. And because of that, you have great hope. You can stay strong in God to defeat the enemy. Cling to and rely on the Holy Spirit in you and know God’s word to fight the lies of the enemy. You’ll be victorious against Him with God on your side.
Anyone can see that there's evil in the world. And things seem to gradually be getting worse as time moves on. Believers can be tempted to panic, despair, and retreat from the world until the Lord returns. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to recognize the evil in the world and instead of fearing it, shine your light in its darkness. As a child of God, you are positioned to help the hurting world with God’s love and light. Fight back against evil with the word of God. The devil will not prevail in the end. God is triumphant!
God’s people have always been under His care. He’s always been sovereign over them. And though they have been disobedient, they are still His people. And from the beginning of time, God disciplines His people, but He is in control of that too. As Pastor Bill teaches today, when God’s enemies try to curse His people, God says no. But that doesn’t mean you are safe and untouchable. The enemy knows that though He can’t curse you, he can tempt you and deceive you. Knowing this, you must cling to God tightly!
When everyday circumstances get in your way or when things come up that ruin your grand plans, it’s pretty easy to get frustrated with God. You blame Him for withholding good things from you or causing your good plans to fail. However, as Pastor Bill teaches today, there may be other reasons God halts your plans and detours your life. He has other things for you. It can be hard to understand it, but you must trust God. When your eyes are open to the other things God has for you, you realize how God blessed you.
Sometimes people pray to God hoping and expecting a specific answer or set of instructions. Yet, when God answers differently than they were wishing, they go forward with their plan anyway. And as Pastor Bill teaches today, God will allow you to follow your plan and reap the consequences, all the while HIS purpose is still fulfilled. Balaam ignored God’s commands but God prevailed, prevented him from cursing God’s people. And God received glory in the end. He can’t be thwarted nor can His plan fail.
After a great act of rebellion, God sent punishment on His people. And that, finally, caused them to see their sin and confess to Moses they’d sinned. And because of this, Pastor Bill explains today, God gave them a way to be saved. This salvation mirrored what Jesus would do to save people many years after this time in the desert. The people only had to look up to the snake on a pole to be saved. Today, people have to look up to Jesus on the cross and believe that it will save them, and it will!
God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and for 40 years in a desert. But the people disobeyed God. They complained and grumbled to Moses and made his life hard. And eventually, Moses had had enough. He disobeyed God and lost his temper against the people. And it was that one act, Pastor John explains today, that caused God to ban Moses from the Promised Land. God expects so much from teachers, pastors, and leaders. If you’re in that role pray daily for patience and help to lead well. It matters to God.
It is so common in churches today for the pastor and leadership to hear grumbling and complaining constantly from the body of believers. Satan plants irritations in a person and lights their tongue on fire. They complain to anyone who will listen, and often become jealous and irrational to the leader. But, as Pastor Bill explains today, God appointed that leader and He’s called you to support, love, respect, and assist that person as best you can. You will honor God as you treat those in leadership in this way.
The past couple of years have been hard on people. Anxiety and depression are rampant. There’s so much going on in our world and it can make your heart balloon with worry and fear. Well, today, Pastor Bill urges you to remember that God wants more for you than that. He wants you to rest in His peace. When you give God your worries, He’ll pour out His peace on you. You’ll discover that it will transform your perspective and keep your heart from being overcome by the fears and the worries of the world.
When you’re facing a situation that seems impossible, you might think that you’re just not enough. That this is too big and there’s nothing you can do. But, as Pastor Bill shares today, you’re not as small as you may feel. If you walk with Jesus, then He says you are more than a conqueror. You don’t have to live defeated because He is with you and He’s fighting for you. Perspective is everything. So keep your eyes up, on the One who is able to do all things. He will be with you as you step forward in faith, trusting in Him.
Remember that saying about the pen being mightier than the sword? It’s true. Your words have the ability to change things. You can see this very clearly today when the 12 spies come back from the Promised Land to give their report. What they say influences the hearts and actions of millions of people. Pastor Bill wants you to remember that your words have power in your spheres of influence too. He shares that God wants you to harness the power of your words to direct people to the Lord and what he wants for them.
People have great imaginations. But even with all the ingenuity and creativity in the world, you can’t even imagine the amazing things that God can do. He is able to do far more than you can ever imagine. In today’s message, you’ll see that Moses couldn’t fathom how God was going to provide meat for the millions of people in their camp. But, as Pastor Bill explains, God works outside of your understanding and expectations. He’ll provide things you didn’t even know you needed in ways you didn’t think possible.
If you’re on a strict eating plan, you can grow tired of eating the same things all the time. I mean, how many different ways can you make eggs before you just don’t want them anymore? Well, today, you’ll see that the Israelites started complaining about eating manna, the food God provided for them, after only 3 days. They wanted something different. Pastor Bill exhorts you to learn from the Israelites bad example and remain grateful for life’s “eggs.” God’s gifts are always good and the best is yet to come.
Words have power…so what you say matters. Whether it’s spoken out loud or written down in a text or email, the things you say impacts people. And this huge effect can be either encouraging or harmful. Well, because God is love, He cares about how you talk to others. Today, Pastor Bill shares that God is paying attention to your words. He wants you to be a reflection of His love and character… to love like Him. And, even when you mess up, which of course you do, the Lord’s love for YOU never changes.
Leviticus lays out the true condition of God’s people. Unclean, sinful and desperately needing a savior. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus, our savior who gives life. Today, Pastor Bill will issue a call to thankfulness and remembrance for all God has done for you. He also challenges you to live in expectant hope for the eternal future to come. Heaven will be glorious and we can wait in excitement for that. Until then, live with an urgency to make Jesus known so others experience this hope too.
In the Bible, leprosy was a death sentence. You were banished and left alone, destined for your end. Today, our world faces problems like leprosy – covid and cancer, among other things. But, as Pastor Bill teaches today, sin and separation from God are more dangerous and damning than these diseases. Yet, Jesus, who loved and healed many lepers, died on the cross and healed humanity from our eternal damnation. And through the Holy Spirit, he lives in and with believers. Because of this, we will never be banished.
Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave over 2000 years ago, securing salvation for all who believe in Him. It was an event of long ago, but as Pastor Bill teaches today, the act of salvation is still living and active today. He actively draws people to himself, saves them through their faith, and actively transforms believers into His own likeness. Because of Jesus, you get to boldly go directly to God, worship Him, know Him and be His friend. He longs for you to come to Him in confident faith!
Having a relationship with God will change you. It transforms your thoughts and your attitude. And it all starts with Jesus redeeming you. And as Pastor Bill teaches today, this relationship means that as you meet with Him, grow in him, and get to know him more intimately, you are transformed more and more to be like Jesus. And after your time with Him, others should see in your life that you spend time with Jesus. You should glow with a radiance that only comes from being in the presence of God.
Life is busy. Chaotic. Crowded. It’s sometimes hard to find space for God in the craziness of your life. There’s always an excuse available. You don’t have time. You don’t have a serene spot to worship. You don’t know how to meet with God. Well, today Pastor Bill will encourage you to, like Moses, go into your tent, so to speak, with God. Go away from the chaos, seek God and you’ll find Him. He longs to be with you. Prioritize time with Him in your day and you’ll experience blessing.
Did you know that you have an intercessor and eternal advocate? Today, you learn from Pastor Bill's message that Jesus lives to make intercession for you. He is constantly advocating for you before His Father. Jesus didn't just die for your sins, but for the sins of the world. He truly cares and has compassion for you. Pastor Bill encourages you, to keep trusting and laying your life down at Jesus' feet. He is with you and for you. His Spirit intercedes for what you can't express. Trust that He's with you.
You are so loved by God! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he shares with you that God's desire is for no one to perish, but for all to come to the saving knowledge of Him through Jesus Christ. No amount of your own good works can earn you right standing before the Lord. Only by receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior will you be given the right standing before God. Pastor Bill encourages you to lay down the striving and know that you're dearly loved by God. Receive Jesus in your heart today.
It's the amazing grace of God that saves you! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he reassures you that no one has this life figured out. You're a born sinner who hopefully, over time, will transform more into the image of Jesus Christ. Don't become discouraged by your humanness. God's not afraid of the raw and real you. He knows where you're at. Pastor Bill encourages you, to keep journeying with the Lord. His grace is more than sufficient for you. Keep seeking to model after Him.
Are you looking at your circumstances and issues through the tree filter? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he explains to you what it means to see life through the tree filter. When you experience disappointments look to Jesus on the cross. Through Christ's work on the cross, He takes what was bitter and makes it sweet. Pastor Bill encourages you, that Jesus has paid it all. He is on the throne and in control. You can trust His finished work on the cross. See life through the tree filter of what Jesus has done.
Even though this year has come with its immense challenges, God is in control. As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he shares with you that COVID-19 has made a lot of things very difficult. One of them is the fact we have had to social distance for a very long time. But Pastor Bill encourages you, that one day you won't have to be distanced. You will be with the Almighty God and with His people. These are temporary challenges. But God will always be with you and will help you.
Do you desire a changed heart? Today, you learn from Pastor Bill's message that anyone can receive a new heart in Christ. God can take people who have hearts of stone and turn them into hearts of flesh. Whoever comes to Jesus in faith and confesses Him as Lord, God begins to work on their heart. Pastor Bill explains that through the power of His Holy Spirit, He works to change and soften hearts. You'll know if you have a circumcised heart if you're desiring the things that the Lord desires.
Do you need a transformation of the heart? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he challenges you to ask yourself this question. Sometimes it can become easy to not pay attention to what's going on inside. You can get caught up in the daily mundane and be simply going through the motions. Pastor Bill encourages you to look deeper and really do a spiritual heart check. You don't want your heart to be growing cold and calloused to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help you have a renewed heart.
Do you feel like your age counts you out from serving the Lord? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he encourages you with the truth that you're never too old or young to serve the Lord. Your life has meaning and purpose. You are a precious child of God. Pastor Bill explains, that if you're willing and open God will use you. Even if you feel like you've blown it or have messed up. God can still use you. He has a purpose for you! If He has placed something on your heart be obedient to Him.
When God called Moses to free his people, Moses used every excuse as to why he wasn’t the right person for the job. If you’ve ever been like Moses, this message is for you. Today Pastor Bill will gentle tell you to get over yourself. God, the Creator of the universe also created you. He knows what you are capable of before you even know it. That is the wonder of who God is. He doesn’t see you as you see yourself. He sees you as His child who was made for more. So stop making excuses and go.
At the age of forty Moses had killed a man and then forty years later God called him to return to the land he had fled to free the Israelite people. As you listen to today’s message with Pastor Bill you’ll learn that God wasn’t done with Moses. Even though he had made a terrible decision earlier in his life, the Lord used Moses to do mighty things. And just like Moses, no matter what you’ve done in your past, God isn’t done with you either. Learn, repent and step into the calling God has on your life.
Listening to the voice of God can seem difficult, but when you know His Word and spend time with Jesus, you learn to hear His voice better. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to have faith to believe God works beyond your prayers. You’ll learn about the early life of Moses and how God was working and weaving things together…beyond what people prayed. That’s who God is. He’s a Creator that can use people like you to do life-changing things. But it begins by listening to His voice.
Forgiveness is a beautiful and equally terrifying word. It holds so much hope and yet so much fear. Today Pastor Bill explores forgiveness and how you can trust God with difficult people. You see, when you don’t walk in forgiveness, it hurts you more than it does the person you won’t forgive. Because when you hold onto bitterness, it becomes the only thing you see. And when all you see is bitterness, you neglect to see the beauty around you. Even that difficult person that you can’t forgive is a child of God.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches on the life of Joseph and how God used even the ‘bad stuff’ to do amazing things. When you face difficult situations, whether in your family or in your work, it can be easy to question where God is in the midst of it all. But as you’ll see in the life of Joseph, God was always there weaving everything together for good. So when you find yourself in the middle of tough circumstances, lean into the Word of God and trust in the One who made you. He is with you always.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches on the great love story between Isaac and Rebekah. The most beautiful thing about their story is that the Lord was in it. And because the Lord was in it, He was worshipped. When you find God to be faithful in your life, do you take the time to worship Him? And when you struggle to recognize His faithfulness, do you still take the time to worship? If not, challenge yourself today to have a heart of worship. You never know the lives you impact by your worship to the Lord.
If you’ve ever looked up to the sky and said, “Only the Lord.” You’re not alone. Today Pastor Bill shares some of his story and how following the way of Jesus is the best way. In the book of John, Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” If you’re in a place in your life where you feel far from the Lord, it’s never too late to start following His path. If you’ve been following Jesus and have those, “Only the Lord” moments, take some time to thank Him for His faithfulness and grace today.
The media would have you believe that you’re not good enough. That you need to lose weight, put on more makeup, or have that perfect beard. But in today’s message, Pastor Bill will emphasize that in the eyes of Jesus, you are beautiful and deeply loved. So rather than spend your life trying to meet the expectations of the world, lean into the Word of God and believe in what the Lord says about you. Though you are not perfect, you are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. Walk in that truth today.
Have you ever been in a place where you’ve doubted the provision of God? Today Pastor Bill will walk through the life of Abraham and remind you that even in your doubt, God still provides. Abraham had to trust in the Lord even when that meant giving up the thing he loved the most. When you find your faith being put to the test, do you still trust in the Lord? Do you still believe in His faithfulness? If you wrestle with that, know you’re not alone. But also know this, God does what He says He will do.
When you step into a relationship with Jesus, your life becomes something new. As you listen to today’s message with Pastor Bill, you’ll learn about a man named Abraham and how he responded to the Lord in faith. God promised blessings and all Abraham had to do was go. You see, faith is deeper than just a belief. Faith is an action. When you believe in Lord, He will direct you to places you could have never have imagined. And just like Abraham, the Lord has blessings for you too. Will you go?
Humanity had become so corrupt and full of sin that God executed judgment and wiped them out - and re-started humanity with one righteous man of faith. Yet, after this miracle, sin corrupted the new world again. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how God’s commands to Noah and his descendants weren’t obeyed and God stepped in again to correct the problem and accomplish his purposes. He gave them different languages and scattered them on the earth. God’s plans can’t be thwarted, but it’s better if you obey in the first place!
It looked ridiculous to the outside world when Noah, in faith began building an ark. The world judged him for 100 years as he built. But, he was a man of deep faith in God and trusted him to save him through this boat. He knew that when he stepped in and God shut the door, he was saved from the judgment God was about to pour out on earth. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to have the faith to step into salvation, believing in Jesus no matter how the world ridicules you.
If you call yourself a Christian, what is your life marked by? Is it marked by faith – demonstrating trust and hope in God as you walk with him? Or is yours a life of religion and duty? Able was a man of great faith and God is honoring that faith still today through the words of scripture. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to seek to live a life of faith, and not of religion. It’s only by faith that you can please God. And even if faith doesn’t get you much in this life, it’ll give you everything in eternity!
When Adam and Eve sinned, God could’ve just wiped them out and started over. Yet, as Pastor Bill teaches today, even in the midst of rebellion, God’s mercy was on full display. In his grace, He already had a plan to redeem all mankind from the sin brought into the world in these first days. He saved Adam and Eve and he covered their shame. He also protected them from living forever in their sinful state. And, eventually, all believers who trust in Jesus’ sacrifice will get back to paradise and sin will be no more!
God created all things and called it good. And he gave man and woman a choice. And they blew it. Eve blamed the serpent. Adam blamed Eve, and he blamed God. But, ultimately, they believed the deception of the devil and sinned against God. Today, Pastor Bill will explain how you must check all things you hear against the word of God! The devil is sneaky and subtle. He’ll cause you to question God and doubt his goodness to you. Be alert and on the watch for the enemy to preach a different gospel.
It may seem unfair that God would create man, give him a beautiful garden and then give him a test by putting a tree in it that he can’t touch. He could’ve just not put the tree there in the first place. But, as Pastor Bill explains today, God gave Adam free will. He didn’t create Adam and force him to love and obey him. You have free will too and are responsible for the choices you make. God wants you to choose him. He wants you to love and obey him. And everything will be much better when you do. But He won’t force you.
God saw Adam alone and knew it wasn’t good. So, he created a woman to be his love, companion, helper, and joy. And it was good. He created this union to be forever, never to be separated. In marriage, man and woman become one. It is a beautiful gift from God. Yet, as Pastor Bill teaches today, marriage carries a much deeper meaning. It is a beautiful picture to help humans understand the relationship God intends to have with his people. You are his bride. He’s in heaven preparing your home right now.
The intricacies of molecules. The vastness of the galaxies. The complexity of life. Nothing is possible without an almighty God who created it. He created all things and called them good. Yet, as sin entered the world, his creation suffered. Today, Pastor Bill will describe the beauty of creation and the erosion of it by sin. Because of sin, man even questions his origin – proclaiming that surely an accident in space put him together; and that gives you no purpose or value. That only comes by the Creator God!
Do you ever wonder why you are even here in this world? You may even question sometimes if you have that much value. Pastor Bill will encourage you today to realize that God created YOU. He created you uniquely and purposefully in his own image. He wanted you on earth for this time you’re here. You have great value in His eyes. And he created you for a purpose. He created you for his good purpose. Seek God and follow him closely to know that purpose. He’ll hold you together as you live for him!
The whole world feels upside down right now. It can sometimes be difficult to hold onto your faith or maintain a time with the Lord each day. But, as Pastor Bill teaches today, now is when you need to remember your faith and cling to God’s word more than ever. In scripture, you learn how you can be saved for eternity. You also are instructed in how to live for Jesus and are strengthened for this journey. You simply can’t thrive in a world like we live in without spending time in God’s word.
Do you ever think that with all that you have going on in life, it feels impossible to fit in your daily Bible time? You may even wonder if it’s still relevant in this day and age. But, as Pastor Bill teaches today, the bible is a book that is alive and active, and powerful. Today as much as the day it was written. God uses his word to teach, correct, encourage and strengthen you. The world has no great authority, but through the bible only, may you be complete! So, treasure it. Don’t neglect studying it. It will change you!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that the rapture of the Church could take place at any moment! The Bible says that no man will know the hour of the coming of the Lord, He shall come as a thief in the night. So what does that say to us? We need to be ready! If Jesus is coming at any time, we need to be ready for Him when He does come! We need to be living our lives in a way that honors Him. We need to be sharing the Gospel with other people so that they can be ready with us!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will share with you about the rapture of the Church! The rapture is a term that the Christian community uses to refer to when Jesus will return to Earth and take believers in Him to be with Him in heaven... But this event could be very frightening for some. The Bible warns us that there are also many scary signs that the rapture is about to take place. Things like war, famine, and earthquakes will be common... But think of the hope that we have in Jesus, let's share that hope!
The world that we live in is chaotic. It's full of people hating one another, hurting one another, lying, stealing, and so much more. It can be easy to go through life and be beaten down by all of the evil that can be seen running rampant in the world... It can be easy to lose hope... But in today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to place your hope and strength in Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus will conquer the sin of the world! There will be no more pain or crying in heaven, we will be with Jesus!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will discuss a difficult but important topic in many circles. What happens when you die? The Bible teaches that while you are alive, you have two choices. You can choose to live a life of sin and be eternally separated from God because of your sin... Or you can accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be reunited with Him in heaven when you die. Pastor Bill sums this up by saying that if you are absent from your body, you are present with the Lord.
As believers and followers of Christ, it's crucial that we regularly “test” the spirits. But how exactly are we to do this? As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers do this by none other than going to Scripture. In his study, you'll also learn that your experiences with Scripture are a form of testing the spirits in and of themselves. Does your Bible reading experience seem dry? Well, today Pastor Bill will remind you that without The Spirit guides us through God's Word, we're less likely to glean from it.
Each and every one of us, whether we care to admit it or not, struggles with submission. In most cases, we even view it as a four-letter curse word. However, as believers and followers of Christ, we're called to submit to each other out of reference to Christ. In today's message, Pastor Bill discusses the why behind our call to submit to one another. In his study, you'll learn that by regularly taking in The Holy Spirit and continually seeking The Lord, submitting to others is not only possible but an act of worshiping God.
Many of us would probably be quick to admit that we'd much rather be with The Lord than continue on with the current state of the world. In some cases, we can even begin to question just why it is that The Lord leaves us here as if to suffer. As Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, we're called to be both a testimony and a witness as sojourners on Earth. In his study, you'll learn the importance of our calling to offer the hope of Christ to others who have yet to place their faith in Him.
Many of us would probably be absolutely shocked if we knew just how many people rely on substances to mitigate their woes. As believers and followers of Christ, we too can sometimes fall into the trap of relying on other forms of escape, rather than Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that as a recipient of God's Spirit, you can rejoice in any and all circumstances. In his study, you'll learn that by regularly asking God for a refilling of The Holy Spirit, you'll find no need for substances in your life.
Have you ever been described by a friend or someone you know as someone who overcomplicates things? When it comes to the will of God, almost every single believer and follower of Christ has a tendency to overcomplicate the basics of God's will. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, you can take heart in knowing that several portions of Scripture are very specific. In his study, you'll learn that while there are unique callings, all believers are called to make use of the time we have wisely.
Often times we think that the obvious and easy way out of a bad situation is God’s way of opening a door. But Pastor Bill reminds us today that that’s not always the case. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, an earthquake came and broke their chains. But instead of running – which seemed obvious – they followed the Holy Spirit’s lead and stayed. If they had fled, God’s intended work would not have been accomplished. They stayed where they weren’t wanted, listened to God, and led people to Christ through love.
Many people have a skewed idea of what the devil and his demons do in this world. We know the Bible speaks against fortune-telling and spell casting, but does that mean there’s no truth in them? Pastor Bill reminds us today that Satan often speaks truth…but He manipulates it until it’s a twisted truth. Be wary of what the devil is trying to accomplish around you; he’ll mock your truth and do his best to numb those around you to the message you have. Pay attention to the Spirit who leads you.
Many people think that if they follow Christ, their life will be so comfy, and they’ll be spared from troubles and hardships; Pastor Bill reminds us today, that that’s not the case. When Jesus left the earth, He sent the Holy Ghost to us, to comfort and to lead us. That doesn’t mean our lives will be comfortable just because we have the spirit… but it does mean that through the trials and in the face of tribulations, you have the Holy Ghost inside you, to lead you and direct you and to fill you with the peace of God.
As a Christian, it’s hard to share the Gospel and not take rejection personally. But are we not blessed for that as well? Pastor Bill reminds us today that if you call yourself a Christ-follower, then you’re called to spread the Good News to any and all in your life. Don’t be afraid of the rejection; they’re not rejecting you, but Christ. All you can do is be a light, live like an example, and do your best to encourage those around you. Your gentleness and kindness will be enough to open the door and let God work.
Often times we identify with our parent’s beliefs and the way we were raised rather than our own personal opinions; many people identify as Christian even though they have no intimate or personal relationship with Christ at all. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that Christ has no grandchildren – you can’t be adopted into the family just because you have connections. Don’t rely on your family’s faith to save you, because it won’t. Christian is just a well-known label for someone who loves and follows Christ.
We often look at people who are different than us and cringe. Whether we don’t like their look or how they carry themselves, do we have any real reason to treat them poorly? Pastor Bill reminds us today that this behavior is nothing new. Humans have always judged others and oftentimes, they struggle even to treat them like humans! Don’t fool yourself into thinking that only you know what’s right. God has a plan and He sees no difference in you that makes you more or less worthy of His love.
Can you look at your life and see the ways that God has been at work? If not, you’re probably not looking close enough. He’s doing amazing things every day in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. He’s a God of resurrection and redemption. He can bring life to broken relationships, and restore hope to hopeless hearts. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will reflect on the ways that God has been at work in his own life and the ways he’s seen Him transform numerous lives through the Church.
We’re so far removed from the extreme chauvinism of the culture Jesus was born into that it’s hard to understand the extreme nature of His ministry to women and their inclusion in the early Church. This was revolutionary in and of itself. Women have always mattered to God, but culture and misunderstandings of the Law had led to severe oppression in their society. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, Jesus and His ragtag group of followers changed all of that.
You can’t fathom the depth of love that Jesus has for you. Now think about your worst enemy – maybe it’s a personal enemy, or maybe it’s someone we all see as an enemy, like Osama Bin Laden – that person is (or was) loved deeply by God. He sent Jesus to save even them. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, this message changes lives and can bring reconciliation to the most divided hearts. If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can be instruments of that love.
Have you ever stood in front of a crowd who were convinced of a certain set of ideas, and presented them with facts that contradict what they believe? The very thought may make many of us sweat. Where did Peter get the boldness to present the message of the resurrection to the very people who had helped execute Jesus? As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, it’s amazing what the Holy Spirit can enable us to do. Through Him, we can overcome every fear that has taken root in the minds of men.
Have you ever felt that pull to share the Gospel with a complete stranger? Or maybe a coworker you’ve known for years, and never brought up your faith with? Sometimes the opportunity only lasts a few seconds. You feel that pull, and then in response, you’ll likely feel another force holding you back, making you question whether it’ll be effective. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, don’t hesitate at that moment. The Holy Spirit wants to speak through you and can give you the words to say.
When the Church is ignited by the Holy Spirit, amazing things happen. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, the book of Acts lays this out for us. As we examine its pages, it reveals an early Church made up of everyday people who were transformed into powerful instruments of the Holy Spirit. None of it was to their credit – apart from waiting with open hearts, they did nothing of their own power. They simply submitted themselves to God and He established His Church through them.
Have you felt helpless at any point over the last year? If you’ve paid attention to world events at all, you likely have. It’s been overwhelming at times. It’s shaken the foundations of so many things that we hold dear. But, it hasn’t shaken God. He’s probably more surprised by our surprise at these events than He is by any of the events themselves. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, if you allow the Holy Spirit to ignite your heart with a passion for His will, all this stuff will lose its power over you.
What did Jesus do that was so effective at implanting His message in the hearts of His hearers and ultimately transforming them into missionaries and preachers that would establish a religion that’s directly affected billions of people? He didn’t attack the political system of the day, or condemn the sinners he encountered – even those with really bad sins, like adultery… No, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, He addressed their hearts and offered salvation through His own sacrifice.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that there is more to the Christian life than simple actions. When people think of Christianity they often think of all the things that Christians do... And it can be very easy to get caught up in doing, in allowing the things that you do for God to become your payment for your salvation. When we just go through the rhythms and motions of life, we get tired. When we try to do it all on our own, we get worn out... But when the Holy Spirit is empowering you, you can't be stopped!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that the presence of God isn't dependent on any place or building. Oftentimes, people can get it in their minds that the only place they can experience God is in the church... But this isn't the case. When people experience God they are often experiencing the moving of the Holy Spirit... But the Holy Spirit can be anywhere and is inside followers of Christ! Whether you're in church or at home on the couch, the Holy Spirit is ever-present when you seek Him!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will share with you about the third part of the trinity, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came in the New Testament and was a part of the lives of people who followed Christ. The Holy Spirit lives inside of you and empowers you to do the work of the Father - that's why He's called “the helper”. The work of the kingdom of God isn't easy, Jesus knew that this would be true so He left behind a partner in the mission, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power of God living inside you!
As much as the Bible offers wisdom, guidance, and commands for our lives in this world, it doesn’t explicitly cover everything. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, while the Bible warns that plagues will be common in the end times, it doesn’t directly address our response to them. It doesn’t say whether you should wear masks or social distance. Many in the Church have had differing opinions about these things, but it comes down to common sense and doing what demonstrates the love of Christ.
The Apostle Peter didn’t have his masters of divinity or any seminary training. He might have had an education equivalent to getting a high school diploma. He was a fisherman by trade. All of his knowledge and discernment of Scripture came from walking with Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide him. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, God wants to speak to all of us in the same way He spoke to Peter’s heart and used him to build the Church and reach millions of lost souls.
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since this crazy COVID-19 thing began - and it’s been a roller coaster of a ride! For some, it’s been a tragic time of grieving loss – the loss of loved ones or perhaps just the life we knew before. For most, it’s been a frustrating process of trying to discern what information to trust. But, as Pastor Bill will challenge us in today’s message, in the midst of the chaos, Christians have an opportunity to demonstrate faith in Christ and to model the peace He brings.
For many of us, this last year, with its pandemic, riots, unrest, and political upheaval have tested our joy. If you were relying on your financial stability, social interactions, or political powers for peace and joy, the rug likely was pulled out from under your feet at some point recently. Those things are inconsistent and will fail you every time. As Pastor Bill will assure us in today’s message, there’s only one source that can provide a steadfast peace and joy amidst the chaos of this fallen world, and that’s Jesus Christ.
God wants you to ask for His presence and Spirit in your life. As a perfect Heavenly Father, He loves giving good gifts, and the best gift He could possibly give you is His Spirit. He doesn’t give it out of obligation or duty, but out of a deep love. This love is deeper than any human mother or father can give, and it will never fail you. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, you can come boldly to your Father in Heaven. He longs to have a relationship with you.
As Pastor Bill will stress in today’s message, a crucial part of honoring God and obeying His commands is to honor your father and mother. If you’re blessed to have parents who are believers, that goal is relatively easy. Following Jesus is the ultimate way you can honor that mother who thinks about and prays for you every day. Your career or financial success doesn’t really matter. Whether you’re “living the dream” or only have your dreams, true success is only found in a faithful walk with Christ.
Have you ever been so elated about something that you’re simply bursting at the seams to tell someone? … anyone? Pastor Bill will ask you today, are you THAT excited to share about your Savior? He’ll challenge you to focus on your “primary directive” as a follower of Christ… and that’s to share the TRUTH about Jesus with others. Amidst all the confusion and conflicting opinions out there, know that the Bible is true, it’s not up for debate. Rest in that today.
There’s a big difference between knowing about something and really comprehending it. Pastor Bill will remind you today that when you get saved, the Holy Spirit invades your life and you see the scripture in a brand new light. Pastor Bill will challenge you to dive deep into the scripture. It’s not enough just to read the Bible… sometimes it’s in one ear and out the other. He’ll challenge you today to really understand what you’re reading and allow it to permeate and change your life.
In our world, there is a lot of information going around. With the invention of the smartphone, TV, laptops, and tablets, the flow of information is never ceasing. This has its pros and cons, some of the cons include the spreading of misinformation. Many people throughout the internet have slandered the name of Jesus... But Jesus is an overcomer. No amount of slander or evil or anything can stop the truth of Jesus. If He can overcome death then He can overcome anything that this world can try to hurl at Him.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you Jesus didn't just do miracles, He fulfilled prophecy! All throughout the Old Testament, many prophets prophesied things about Jesus and things that Jesus would do. Jesus fulfilled every single prophecy and continues to do so to this day! The prophets said that Jesus would be born in a manger and He was. They said He would heal people and He did. They said that He would die a gruesome death on the cross for the sins of the world... And He did.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that if you're a Christian, this earthly world is not your home. When we're born into the world, the world becomes our home, we become citizens of the earth so to speak... But as we progress through life, trying to make our own way by our own strength, we realize we need help. Jesus is always welcoming of anyone who is willing to receive Him... And when you receive Him, this earth is no longer your home. The Bible says that Jesus went to “prepare a place for you” in heaven!
Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that we were formed in the image of God. Everything else on this earth was spoken into existence. We were formed by the dirt and breathed life into us by God Himself. Unlike any other part of creation, we have a soul that is meant to be with Him forever. Maybe you’ve never thought about it like that before. You’re more important to God than any other part of His creation. To be reunited with Him forever, you need only accept His gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
This world is full of heroes. They can be the fictional kind like in Marvel movies or everyday heroes like firemen and teachers. But above all, Jesus Christ is the hero of this world! He came and conquered death for all of us and He will return in the clouds at the second coming. Join Pastor Bill today as he ponders the truth of Jesus’ superpower status. He’s a hero, but He also desires a relationship with you. He promises victory in the end, and His love and mercy in the meantime. What more do you need?
God is your loving Father. He created man and walked with him in the garden until sin entered this world. But He was too kind and caring to leave us alone. He sent prophets, and Jesus, and men and women who wrote the Bible through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Bill reminds you today that reading and studying your Bible will lead to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He’s not a fictional person or an abstract idea. He’s a man who walked this earth and died for you. Read your Bible and know Him.
Knowing the Lord and the Bible is a constant growing experience throughout one’s life. You never get to a point where you can say, “Yep, I know all there is to know about spiritual things and I can’t get any closer to my Savior.” Malarky. Not one person other than Jesus Christ, who is Himself also God, can make these claims. As Pastor Bill encourages in today’s message, step one is to accept Jesus as your Savior. Step two is to read your Bible. You can’t navigate this world apart from it.
God didn’t create us to then leave us alone, wandering aimlessly and confused about our purpose. He gave us the Bible as a reference point to guide us, lead us, and train us in the ways we should go. Join Pastor Bill today as he reminds you never to lose sight of this reference point. Without the Bible, you’d have no bearing for what is truth or fiction, right or wrong, God-based or man-based. Without it, you’d be lost in a sea of shiny, silver things constantly vying for your attention. Stick to the Bible and know the Truth.
There are conflicting messages out there on the news, on social media, and within our communities. You’ll find a convincing argument for just about anything you can think of on google. It’s hard to know what’s true or false anymore! Pastor Bill will remind you in the message today that you can find the truth within the scriptures. The Bible is filled with the answers to your questions. All you have to do is seek Him as you read and learn from the word of God.
Jesus’ resurrection caught everyone by surprise, despite all of Jesus’ teaching regarding His death. The disciples didn’t really get it until they experienced it first-hand. Yet Jesus was patient with them. Pastor Bill will remind you in the message today that the Lord will meet you where you’re at as well. He sees the struggle you’re facing, Not only does he see your struggle but he can empathize with you. Being fully human and fully God, He gets you. He’s there waiting for you to call on Him.
In the message today, Pastor Bill will point out how the pandemic has been a wake-up call for many people. When the world as we know it comes to a halt, it certainly makes you think about what truly matters in life, doesn’t it? Pastor Bill will encourage you today to cling to Jesus during these days that could very well be the end times. Your house, your job, the material possessions that you hold so close aren’t going to last. Only Jesus is eternal.
In the message today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to remember that God is sovereign, no matter what’s going on around you. The entire world could be turning upside down, but He’s still God. Lasting peace only comes from Him. He knows what will happen next and He sees the bigger picture when all we see are bits and pieces. Is your world crashing in on you today? You’re not alone. Seek the Lord above all else and allow Him to work in your life today.
Our emotions can be so extreme; three little things go wrong, and it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Pastor Bill reminds us today to remember the words and actions of Jesus. Remember the big picture! If you lose your job, it’s not the end of the world. We go through trials, yet time moves on. Don’t forget to look to Jesus in the good times AND the bad. He’s not there just to pick you up when you’ve fallen down, He’s there to listen and encourage and walk alongside you throughout this messed up world.
Do you ever feel like you have things figured out? You’ve lived long enough, and you think you’ve seen it all. Today, Pastor Bill walks us through what it was like those first days after Jesus was crucified. He had been transparent with His apostles, telling them everything that would happen, yet they were still surprised when the time came. And after three days of shock and grief, they were surprised AGAIN to find the tomb empty. No matter what you think you know, God still works in your life in unexpected ways.
When you’re in the middle of a torrential rain in the midst of the ocean, you’re more than happy to be thrown a life-preserver. You’re going to hold on to that as if it were life or death. So what about when it comes to Jesus being your lifesaver? Pastor Bill teaches today on how you should want to cling to Jesus because your choice about Him really is a matter of life or death. Hold on to what He says, who He is, and what He’s promised and you’ll reach the shore safely, able to live fully and completely.
Why is it so inspiring when there’s a story about someone overcoming odds and rising above their circumstances? It’s not because the person wallows in the unfortunate hand they were given. It’s because despite the hardships, a person can have the resolve within them to push through and even conquer those extremely difficult situations. The person becomes a hero and everyone around them can champion their cause. Today, Pastor Bill gives a direct message about the real reason Jesus came.
As a child, your brother stole your toy and then broke it. As a teenager, your best friend pursued the one guy you were interested in and ended up dating him. Now you’re an adult and you’ve been deeply wronged by someone you work with, betrayed by someone you had given your trust to. So should you harbor all these wrongdoings and hold them against those people for life? Today, Pastor Bill explains how Jesus had another way. He chose forgiveness and so should you!
Have you ever had a chore that you got volunteered for and didn’t really want to do it? But then as you start the work, it becomes less undesirable because you see the benefit of it as you put the work into it. Well today, Pastor Bill expresses the value of entering into something, even if it wasn’t your idea in the first place. God has a way of bringing people to a point that allows them to have a chance at salvation, even if they’re not looking for it. So what’s the level of your willingness today?
Jesus underwent pain and anguish that we simply can’t fathom. Even before the nails pierced His hands and feet and He was raised on that cross, as He knelt in the garden, praying for the cup to pass if possible, He had our sin laid on Him and His Father turned away. That means your sin and mine, as well as that of every human who’s lived and will live. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, Jesus did that for you. He exchanged Himself so that you could be free and be with Him eternally.
It’s sad the way the world can put the Church to shame at times. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, if Herod and Pilate, wicked men who held each other in contempt previously, could stand united in their hatred, why can’t we stand together in the love of Christ? This love is so much more powerful than the hatred and evil that unites those that oppose Christ. If you find yourself allowing small disagreements to come between you and your fellow believers, your focus is in the wrong place.
Today, Pastor Bill teaches over the scripture regarding Jesus’ betrayal. Judas brought a crowd with him in the middle of the night and Jesus went willingly. He knew His time to save the world had come. However, some of His followers weren’t so keen to let their Savior go quietly. Peter, in particular, wanted to go down fighting. One minute he’s unsheathing his sword, and a few hours later, he’d deny Jesus three times. Jesus’ care and love for His followers is evident in his reaction to Peter’s denial.
God encourages us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all people. He desires that we have friendships with nonbelievers. He wants us to be in the company of people who need Jesus. But not to the detriment of our own relationship with Him. In today’s message, Pastor Bill asks about how you spend your time? Who you’re with? What do you post? What do your conversations sound like? You can’t always be bombarded with temptation and then expect to make it through life on the narrow path.
God sees all, knows all, and oversees all things. The enemy isn’t allowed to mess with one hair on your head without permission from God first. In the Bible, we read accounts of both Job and Peter being sifted by the Devil. We may never know exactly why God allows such things, but also, we need to trust that He has a master plan that is bigger than you and me. In today’s message, Pastor Bill also reminds us that Jesus prayers for us. What a gift that the Father and Son of the universe love and care for each of us!
If you fail a test, does that mean that you’re a failure altogether? No, it just means that you slipped up in a way that you didn’t fully understand the material or you misunderstood the content of what the test was about. But you as a person are most definitely not a failure. In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill provides Peter as an example of someone who made some mistakes. But Peter also goes on to be an important leader in the early church. That should give you hope that you can rise above the fall.
As a kid, you’re supposed to ask permission to get a cookie out of the cookie jar. It’s encouraged that you get approval from your parent or authority about who you date or marry. In all of it, there’s an underlying respect for whoever’s in charge. Well today, Pastor Bill encourages you to think of this topic in a way that takes an interesting turn. Satan has to ask permission to do anything to God’s followers. Although that may seem hard to grasp or understand, the enemy can’t get to you without permission.
When was the last time you put others above yourself? Deep down, you might really want to be treated like a king or queen, but when you treat others better than yourself, it tells something about your character. However, Pastor Bill mentions today that the message you get from the world around you is to do whatever it takes to be number 1. This is not the mentality that God wants you to foster in your heart. Instead of looking out for yourself, look out for the person next to you and serve them!
We may not carry pictures in our wallets much anymore, we’re more likely to have our loved ones featured on our phone’s screen, but as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, those pictures are not our loved ones – they’re just a representation of them. We look at them and we’re reminded of those individuals. That’s kind of what communion is for Christians. The elements aren’t Jesus – they’re just a representation of Him. While we shouldn’t worship the elements, we should certainly respect them.
You don’t need to be afraid of the Devil. He’s very real and he’s the epitome of evil. He was an angel of light, created by God, given the opportunity to glorify and serve Him eternally, but he was selfish and wanted power and glory for himself. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, our spiritual enemy is not all-powerful, all-present, or all-knowing like God. He has a lot of power, but his failure and defeat are certain, and as Children of God we can have confidence as we resist his attacks.
News media thrives amidst hardship and chaos. Many journalists may have good motives – they may simply want to bring truth to people – making for an informed public, but, the industry itself relies on bad news. To put it simply, the more bad news there is, the more money they can make. While there’s nothing wrong with being informed, Pastor Bill will warn in today’s message that we should be careful not to become obsessed and overwhelmed. Things are bad, but Christ is good and His hope is sure.
Are you living with the hope and expectancy of Christ's return? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches us to live with the expectancy of the return of Jesus Christ. Those who hope in Christ are made worthy through His redemption. As Christians, we’re not worthy because of our achievements, but because of our relationship with Him. As we put our hope and expectancy in Christ, we should be praying, watching, and witnessing as we keep our eyes and ears open for His return.
Our world is going downhill quick. Between pandemics, political upheaval, natural disasters and strife, it’s not too hard to imagine an apocalypse type scenario coming about within the next decade. Things may calm down, and we may find ourselves lulled back into complacency, but that’s just as dangerous. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, we don’t need to be hopeless and fearful. Jesus has an escape plan for us and He can provide a peace that our world is incapable of manufacturing.
The Lord is coming and He is coming soon. There's no doubt about it. The Bible tells us that Jesus will come as a thief in the night, no one will know the day or the time that He will come. But He will come back for His Church, with or without us. We have to choose to make the choice of trusting God and Christ's work on the cross... This is why we need to share the Gospel. As Christ draws nearer with every passing day, days go by where people could be getting saved. Share your story, the impact is worth it.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of a core part of God's character, His trustworthiness. God keeps His word. We can look through the Bible and find example after example of God coming through on the promises that He made for His people. He has never fallen through on His promises and He never will. As people, we can take this as a great comfort. If you're a follower of Christ, you know that He will do what He says. As someone who's getting to know God, you too can be comforted.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of a strange but true reality. God doesn't need your money, your service, your time, or anything that you can offer. He doesn't need you, He could do it all Himself or equip someone else to do it... But He chooses to receive your help. He chooses to equip you for the purposes that He has created you for. So while the Lord doesn't need us, He brings us along anyways... But why? Because He loves us and wants to see us content, using the gifts He's given.
The Lord saves! He promises that if we trust in Him, through faith, He will give us eternal salvation! We will pass from this life into the next where we will be with Jesus forever! And in today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to remember that God has prepared a place for you in heaven and He is waiting for you. None of this is to say that how we live our lives on earth is unimportant but it's meant to comfort. When it feels like life is pulling you down, focus on your eternal reward with Jesus.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to give to the Lord what is the Lord's. He created you for a purpose in the kingdom, He'll reveal what that is to you... But it's your job to respond to your calling and give your life in service to the one who created you, saved you, and loves you unconditionally. In this life, there can only be true satisfaction in life when we're doing the will of the Father by doing what we were created to do. Some people may never know that feeling... Share the Gospel.
Don't let the fleshly desires creep up and steal from you your soul. In todays world sex sells. As such it's everywhere to be found and can easily become a problem. Today Pastor Bill encourages you to understand how God defines purity and to fight for it. As a Christian you're called to be pure and to not fall into the traps of lust. Doing this can only be accomplished by filling your mind with Jesus and His Word. Then by placing Him by your side you can remain aware and in control.
Jesus knew from day one that He had come to earth to sacrifice His life. He knew what day that He'd die, how He'd die, and who would betray Him. In addition to that He had the power to change it all at the drop of a hat. In His infinite power He could have called it off yet He did'nt. In His love for you He continued to the cross. Pastor Bill reminds you today of the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and challenges you to grasp the implications of it. You are greatly loved by the creator of the universe.
Jesus was rejected despite being the answer for all things. Today Pastor Bill reminds you who Jesus is and why you need Him in your life. Christ humbly came to the world with the sole purpose of sacrificing Himself to be its Savior. Asking for nothing in return He opened the door to an eternity in Heaven. You now have the choice to accept this with a child like faith, to then gain a life of purpose and deliverance... or to reject Jesus and the redemption He offers. Look to Him. Seek answers. Find His love.
How well do you know your Bible? Do you study and examine the Word? In Pastor Bill's message today, he shares how detailed the Bible is. If the rabbis, Pharisees, and others had paid better attention to the Bible, they wouldn't have missed out on Jesus' triumphant entrance. It's possible you are missing out on the King's glory by making excuses for reading Scripture. Whatever your struggle is, time, attention, motivation, come to the Lord and ask for His strength. You don't want to miss out on the wonders of our Lord!
There are two types of people in this world. Those who proclaim Jesus is King, and those who don't acknowledge his holiness. As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, don't just say Jesus is King; shout it loudly, give your clothes to him, give him your everything! What are you holding back from your Lord? Is it your time, your money, or your gifts? He has given you everything, and you've been called to give freely and generously. Do the people in your life know you are saved? Do they know of your love for him?
Many Jews didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah because his kingdom didn't arrive when he did. As Pastor Bill teaches today, Jesus had to suffer and die first. Without his death on the cross, you couldn't be reconciled to God. What good would Jesus' kingdom be without salvation? Now you are instructed to pray for His kingdom to come. But while you are waiting, you must be working for His kingdom. You've been given gifts and talents that will reap the rewards when used correctly.
God has given you gifts to use for His Kingdom. They are not your own, but blessings from the Lord to USE. Your gifts are not to be hidden away for safekeeping. One day you will be called upon to give an account for your work. As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, we all long to hear 'good and faithful servant' at the end of our lives. One such gift is the gospel. It's not just preachers called to share the good news, but also yours. What have you done lately with the skills you've been given?
Today in his message, Pastor Bill shares a parable and shows how you've been instructed to do business until called home. You have been given many gifts that you are called to use, not store away. These gifts are your time, your wages from work, and the Bible. Maybe you don't have extra money to give away, but you do have the Bible, and there is plenty of business you can conduct with the Lord's Word. Don't tarry in your actions because you will be called to testify what you did with what the Lord gave you.
In the message today, Pastor Bill will teach about Zacchaeus. He was more than a “wee little man” up in a tree. Zacchaeus was a sinner who’d been rejected by society due to choices he made along the way. Sound familiar? Maybe you can relate to Zacchaeus today. Pastor Bill will remind you that Jesus came for the lost. If you’ll humble yourself and accept Jesus, He’ll forgive you and wash you clean. It doesn’t matter what you did in your past, it’s time to move forward and walk in the light.
We all want to know what’s going on around us, we check social media to stay in the loop and we don’t want to miss out. In the same way, Zacchaeus peered in on the crowd gathered around Jesus. Pastor Bill will remind you in the message today that Jesus uses regular old sinners like Zacchaeus, and like you and me for His purpose. You don’t have to have your life figured out, come as you are. Jesus loves and forgives anyone who will humbly come to Him, even the unlovable and the outcasts.
If you want to follow Jesus, it means giving up a lot of stuff. Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Pastor Bill explains you can't follow Jesus and hold on to your idols in his message today. Icons in your life might be wealth, comfort, your job, or even your family. Is there something in your life that is holding you back from entering the kingdom of heaven? To follow Jesus means giving up everything else.
How are you following Jesus? Are you living life on your own, throwing up a prayer when things get difficult? Are you holding onto earthly possessions and succeeding, proud you are doing all the work independently? As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, those examples are not what it looks like to follow Jesus. You can't hold on to your stuff and follow Jesus. Jesus asks that you give it all up, sell all your property, then follow him. Stop making following Jesus so tricky. Just follow his commandments and live for Him, not yourself.
Scripture tells us “children will inherit the kingdom of God” and that we should have a child-like faith. What is it about being a child that gets you into heaven? In his message today, Pastor Bill explains the child-like innocence of believing what the Bible says. All too often, we make God's Word more complicated than it needs to be. A child believes without question. They don't complicate things with pre-destination vs. free-will or other theoretical challenges. Today, get out of your head and believe.
The deal that Jesus offers you is too good to be true. So much so that as an adult it may be hard to accept as even possible. This is why it's crucial that you allow and develop a child like faith. It's then that you can except Him and all that He has to offer in its full glory. Today Pastor Bill challenges you to remember what it's like to be a child. He reminds you of the absolute trust you'd place in your parents and encourages you to reinvent and place that trust in Jesus. Do this and Christ will move mountains through you.
If you can get yourself to a point of child like faith you'll find that you can be used by God for incredible things. Today Pastor Bill teaches you of the young rich man who asked Jesus how to get to Heaven. He asked thinking that Jesus would supply an answer that He could then abide by but instead found an answer to heavy for Him to bear. He was told that He must give up everything and follow Christ. The young man walked away knowing that His money had become His God. What or who sits as your God?
Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're better than anyone. Remember that every person is a child of God. They are all loved equally by Him. Today Pastor Bill reminds you that even the people that you consider your enemies are loved by Jesus. Knowing this you should be able to place your issues with them aside and to find in yourself a desire to show grace to them. Never become like the pharisees who tried so hard to show off their superiority. Instead remain humble and kind.
When you walk in Gods Will for your life and faithfully hold onto the hope that He has planted into your heart you can live fearlessly. Today Pastor Bill reminds you that Gods Will is perfect and that as such if you can stay in it you can be a great light for His Kingdom. Seek out Gods purpose for your life. Dedicate yourself to His Word and developing a relationship with Jesus. Be inspired by His ways and try to live your life as He did. As a servant. Do these things and you can be certain that your life was lived well.
Jesus is not only your King and Savior, but He's the best prayer warrior you got. He prays for you constantly whether your times are difficult or easy. Today Pastor Bill teaches you the importance of prayer and encourages you to make more time for it in your life. Prayer will not only bring to you ease of mind, but it brings to you access to Gods power. Stay in Gods Will and pray for His Will to be the main driving factor in your life. Do this and you'll be amazed at the blessings you can give and receive in His name.
The deal that Jesus offers you is too good to be true. So much so that as an adult it may be hard to accept as even possible. This is why it's crucial that you allow and develop a child like faith. It's then that you can except Him and all that He has to offer in its full glory. Today Pastor Bill challenges you to remember what it's like to be a child. He reminds you of the absolute trust you'd place in your parents and encourages you to reinvent and place that trust in Jesus. Do this and Christ will move mountains through you.
If you can get yourself to a point of child like faith you'll find that you can be used by God for incredible things. Today Pastor Bill teaches you of the young rich man who asked Jesus how to get to Heaven. He asked thinking that Jesus would supply an answer that He could then abide by but instead found an answer to heavy for Him to bear. He was told that He must give up everything and follow Christ. The young man walked away knowing that His money had become His God. What or who sits as your God?
Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're better than anyone. Remember that every person is a child of God. They are all loved equally by Him. Today Pastor Bill reminds you that even the people that you consider your enemies are loved by Jesus. Knowing this you should be able to place your issues with them aside and to find in yourself a desire to show grace to them. Never become like the pharisees who tried so hard to show off their superiority. Instead remain humble and kind.
When you walk in Gods Will for your life and faithfully hold onto the hope that He has planted into your heart you can live fearlessly. Today Pastor Bill reminds you that Gods Will is perfect and that as such if you can stay in it you can be a great light for His Kingdom. Seek out Gods purpose for your life. Dedicate yourself to His Word and developing a relationship with Jesus. Be inspired by His ways and try to live your life as He did. As a servant. Do these things and you can be certain that your life was lived well.
Jesus is not only your King and Savior, but He's the best prayer warrior you got. He prays for you constantly whether your times are difficult or easy. Today Pastor Bill teaches you the importance of prayer and encourages you to make more time for it in your life. Prayer will not only bring to you ease of mind, but it brings to you access to Gods power. Stay in Gods Will and pray for His Will to be the main driving factor in your life. Do this and you'll be amazed at the blessings you can give and receive in His name.
How do you feel about your possessions? Are they so important to you that if there’s a problem with them…or something bad happens to them…you feel as though your life is falling apart? Or can you still live in thankfulness and gratitude no matter what is happening to your belongings? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that you need to learn how to live your life in thankfulness and gratitude to God for all that He has done for you…no matter what is going on around you.
How do you feel about your possessions? Are they so important to you that if there’s a problem with them…or something bad happens to them…you feel as though your life is falling apart? Or can you still live in thankfulness and gratitude no matter what is happening to your belongings? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that you need to learn how to live your life in thankfulness and gratitude to God for all that He has done for you…no matter what is going on around you.
You know when you tell your children to say that they’re sorry to each other…and they say “I’m sorry” but you can tell that they actually don’t mean it. In the Bible, Jesus wants you to be free from the burdens of forgiveness and bitterness and the only way to be set free from those burdens is to honestly forgive those who have wronged you. On the flip side, Pastor Bill will remind you in today’s message to repent if you’re the one who offended someone else…even if it was on accident.
There are some very clear commandments in the Bible that all Christians should follow but there are also some ideas in the Bible that don’t seem so clear. Many of these issues are insignificant and not worth fighting over…like how you dress, what you eat or even what music you listen to. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that even if things aren’t done the way you think that they should be done…you need to respect others and their convictions…don’t push your convictions on other people.
There are some very clear commandments in the Bible that all Christians should follow but there are also some ideas in the Bible that don’t seem so clear. Many of these issues are insignificant and not worth fighting over…like how you dress, what you eat or even what music you listen to. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that even if things aren’t done the way you think that they should be done…you need to respect others and their convictions…don’t push your convictions on other people.
Some people believe that Christians shouldn’t be wealthy…that having wealth will not help them to learn contentment and trust in God. But actually, it’s not bad to have wealth…the problem is when you flaunt your wealth and think that you are better than others because of what you have. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that in these verses, the rich man didn’t go to hell because he was a rich man…he went to hell because he didn’t believe in Jesus as his Savior.
How does it make you feel when you see people spend their time and money on those who you think don’t deserve it? In these verses, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees about their hearts – on the outside they look so righteous and religious but in their hearts they are selfish and judgmental. Today, Pastor Bill will ask you what your reasons are behind why you serve others or donate your money…is it so people will think that you are spiritual and religious? Or are you doing it because you love God?
Some people boast about all of the wealth and success they have in life…maybe even giving God the credit for blessing them…but then they keep everything for their own enjoyment and have no desire to share it with others. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to think about how you can use your wealth and talents for God. What can you do with what God has entrusted to you…specifically your wealth…to make friends with people around you, so you can share Jesus with them?
Are you content enjoying the wealth and resources you have worked hard for? Or do you see a need to bless others with what you have? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that one day you will be accountable to God for the things that you did here on earth - do you understand and acknowledge that everything you have is God’s? And are you choosing to use it to share the gospel with others? Or do you want to keep it for your own personal pleasures?
Where do you think everything you have comes from? Do you give yourself the credit for working hard? Or do you acknowledge that everything you have has been given to you by God? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that as a Christian you are accountable to God for every word you say, every penny you spend, and for everything you do with your time – are you making wise choices and using what God has given to you wisely and for His glory?
Do you celebrate and rejoice when people who have walked away from God, return to Him? Or are you jealous about the “freedom” they had and the “fun life” they lived before they came back to God? Although it can be easy to feel bad for yourself that no one is recognizing all of the good work and sacrifices you made for God, Pastor Bill will encourage you, in today’s message, to put aside your selfish desires for fame and recognition and instead rejoice over other people coming to Christ.
Have you ever noticed that when things are going bad in your life…issues at work, family problems, or a health crisis…that you tend to draw closer to God? Often times when people feel desperate they will pray differently…more fervently…seeking God for guidance and help…unlike when life was easy and they thought they could handle things on their own. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you to seek God in every situation – good or bad, easy or hard.
There are many religious people who think that if they follow enough of the Bible they are better than others…and through their obedience to the Bible they will get into heaven. Many times those same people believe that God is impressed with their “righteousness”. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that no one can follow enough of the Bible in order to get into heaven on their own…that’s why God sent Jesus - to make a way for everyone to get to heaven.
I’m sure that everyone has had a story of losing something very precious and valuable to them…searching desperately for it…and then the great rejoicing that happened when that which was lost is finally found. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the heart of God as he explains that just like Jesus celebrates when every person chooses to follow Christ; the people in these parables have a great celebration when some lost valuable is found.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that God wants EVERYONE to come to heaven…even the evil and self-righteous people. But the Bible clearly says that Jesus was burdened for the self-righteous as much as for the “sinners”. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that Jesus wanted those listening to Him to be able to see the heart of God, through His teachings. In this parable Jesus is the good shepherd, looking for His lost sheep…even the self-righteous…to bring them to heaven.
Do you celebrate and rejoice when people who have walked away from God, return to Him? Or are you jealous about the “freedom” they had and the “fun life” they lived before they came back to God? Although it can be easy to feel bad for yourself that no one is recognizing all of the good work and sacrifices you made for God, Pastor Bill will encourage you, in today’s message, to put aside your selfish desires for fame and recognition and instead rejoice over other people coming to Christ.
Have you ever noticed that when things are going bad in your life…issues at work, family problems, or a health crisis…that you tend to draw closer to God? Often times when people feel desperate they will pray differently…more fervently…seeking God for guidance and help…unlike when life was easy and they thought they could handle things on their own. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you to seek God in every situation – good or bad, easy or hard.
There are many religious people who think that if they follow enough of the Bible they are better than others…and through their obedience to the Bible they will get into heaven. Many times those same people believe that God is impressed with their “righteousness”. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that no one can follow enough of the Bible in order to get into heaven on their own…that’s why God sent Jesus - to make a way for everyone to get to heaven.
I’m sure that everyone has had a story of losing something very precious and valuable to them…searching desperately for it…and then the great rejoicing that happened when that which was lost is finally found. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the heart of God as he explains that just like Jesus celebrates when every person chooses to follow Christ; the people in these parables have a great celebration when some lost valuable is found.
There are so many different beliefs on how people can get to heaven – by going to church or practicing religious rituals, or just by being a good person. Unfortunately, some people even go to church, sing praises to God, and learn about the Bible but they are still not going to get to heaven when they die…why is that? As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, there’s only ONE way to get to heaven and that is by repenting of your sin and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Have you ever planted a fruit tree and then you were really disappointed when it didn’t produce fruit? Does your tree just needs some extra care…a little pruning, some fertilizer and more water? Or maybe it’s dead and you need to dig it up and throw it away? The same is true with the Christian life as you’ll learn today from Pastor Bill – if you’re life isn’t producing fruit like love, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit…then maybe it’s time for God to do some pruning in your life.
There’s so much wrong thinking in the world today…people often think that they are still alive because they’re a good person…or maybe they even think that nothing bad is going to happen to them. In the Bible, Jesus said that being good has nothing to do with getting into heaven or living longer. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to not wait until tomorrow to get things right with God…because you might not have a tomorrow.
What does peace mean to you? Maybe you think of it in terms of a quiet moment by the beach. Perhaps you equate peace with your family all getting along and having no dissension for a time. What about when you think of peace world-wide? Well today, Pastor Bill invites you to a peace that comes within your own heart. It’s given by God, but it’s also a choice you make personally. Don’t wait for the world around you to get worse before you make that decision. God wants your heart now!
If you were to survey the vast majority of the world, asking what they hoped for regarding the world around them, most people would say, “World peace.” Initially, this sounds like the most pleasant and optimal outcome, but today, Pastor Bill insists that Jesus came for more. Jesus came to bring peace in your heart and to establish peace on earth eventually, but in the meantime, choosing Jesus brings division. Are you ready to follow Christ, even if it causes a rift in your family or your friend group?
When you think about children engaging with gifts on Christmas morning, you picture red cheeks flushed with anticipation and bright eyes awaiting the surprise hidden within the packaging. They’re excited to see what’s been prepared for them and can’t wait to unwrap the gifts that they’ve been wondering about. Now think about heaven being like this for each person…rewards and treasures that are beyond your grasp of what you know here on earth. Today, Pastor Bill helps you get excited for what’s to come.
There are investors who have a solid handle on the levels of the stock market. They know when it’s been a good day or if the market’s plummeted. There’s a sense of hope or reliance on a company’s durability and how it’s doing. Maybe there’s even a fixation or an obsession about how investments are rising or falling. A potential treasure is possible, but it’s on quicksand that could falter at any moment. Today, Pastor Bill implores you to have your treasure fixed on something that has a lasting footing.
When there’s a wedding coming up, there’s much planning and preparation. Family members and friends look forward to that special day, anticipating the bliss that’ll come about because of the celebration. But what if you had nothing to do with the planning and then watched as everyone else went off to enjoy the festivities? You’d feel a bit left out. Well today, Pastor Bill enlightens you to the fact that being ready for Jesus’ return is essential. Live in a way that shows your excitement for the big day!
When we are told not to worry, that the Lord will take care of you, does that mean you don't need to work and take care of yourself? If the Lord cares for us more than the sparrows and they are not hungry, do we not need to work for our food? No! As Pastor Bill shares in today's message we still need to be responsible. We need to use the gifts and talents the Lord gave us to provide for ourselves and share with the Kingdom on Earth. But we don't need to worry about all the little details.
In what do you place your identity? As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, your true identity is not found in your children, your career or your wealth. You are a child of the Kingdom. Kingdom kids live their life differently that everyone else. First we need to guard our hearts against materialism. Especially in America, people place their identity in what they have. They strive for the latest and greatest gadget. But that is not who you were created to be, so guard your heart against the things of this world.
Whenever you get stuck in a 'life isn't fair mood', just remember nothing on Earth compares to the Kingdom inheritance you've received thanks to Jesus sacrifice on the cross. As Pastor Bill shares in his message today, you can live this kingdom life now. Your heavenly Father will provide everything you need in this life and lavish you with gifts in the next. In order to live your life with the gift of the kingdom is to guard your heart against greed. If you let greed take over, you might miss what the Lord has for you in this life.
As Christians, we are called to confess Jesus' name. Not just at church on Sunday, or when you are safe with a small group of believers- always! Talk about Jesus at the gym, waiting in line at the store, or even when you get asked to say a blessing in the community. In Pastor Bill's message today, he shares how in addition to confessing Jesus name, we should never deny his name either. You might ask, 'what's in it for me?' When you get to heaven Jesus will be bragging on you!
In a play, an actor often would wear a mask to portray a specific character. If you go around in life wearing an invisible mask to hide who you are, you are considered a hypocrite. A person who wears a mask does not portray who they really are. In Pastor Bill's message today, he encourages you to take off your mask. God created you uniquely and he loves you regardless of your true character. When you stop pretending to be someone else, you can concentrate on who God really created you to be.
In his message, today Pastor Bill introduces us to the idea of 'holy heartburn'. This happens to Pastor Bill when he is reading the Bible and starts to become as passionate about the message Jesus is preaching that his heart begins to race. Or maybe you are listening to a message and the topic is so hot that you start getting worked up- for the Lord. When was the last time your heart beat faster for the Kingdom? It's like runners high, experiencing God's awesomeness so powerfully that you have a physical reaction.
Are you going to church to make someone happy? Just following along doing your best to agree, but in truth just you are living for yourself? As Pastor Bill shares in his message today, once you become a true believer you'll come to repentance and change your life. Going to church and believing in the Bible won't get you into heaven, Only a heart relationship with the Son of God will. So are you trying to make someone happy or are you truly following after Jesus with a heart of repentance?
Chances are you've come across your fair share of individuals who claim that you can't prove that the Bible is actually real. Can you recall some of the ways in which you've responded to such claims? Unfortunately, those that don't know the bibles well enough often shy away from responding to such claims. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, you absolutely can prove the Bible is real. In his study, you'll learn about Bible prophecies that were fulfilled to the exact day.
Many of us would find it hard to believe that there are professing believers that don't actually believe in the totality of the Christmas story. Whether it's the virgin birth or otherwise, there are those who struggle to believe certain aspects of the Bible. In today's message, Pastor Bill addresses some of these struggles while discussing prophecy, history, and the implications of such. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of the significance of one of the most verifiable events in all of history, the birth, life, and death of Christ.
What are some of the things that come to mind whenever someone mentions Christmas to you? As believers and followers of Christ, many of us tend to think of Christmas as the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, as Pastor Bill will discuss in his message today, the beginning of the Gospel and the Christmas story goes all the way back to Genesis. In his study, you'll learn about several prophecies of the Old Testament that all point us to the promise of the birth of The Savior.
Many of us couldn't possibly fathom what it would be like to hold ourselves accountable to the Law of Moses for the sake of salvation. Thankfully for us, Jesus Christ, who wasn't bound by the Law in the first place, became a man on our behalf to fulfill it. In today's message, Pastor Bill will help you to better understand what it means to receive the work of Christ on the Cross. In his study, you'll learn what it means to be saved from sin and to have the righteousness of Christ imputed to your account.
Chances are you're more than familiar with the old saying “right time at the right place.” In fact, many of us have missed out on some of our greatest desires because we were at the right place, but at the wrong time. Have you ever considered the right place, right time aspect of the birth of Christ? As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, the birth of Christ was extremely orchestrated. In his study, you'll learn how the language at the time, the rise of Rome, and several other factors all tied in to the perfect timing of Christ.
Chances are you've heard people claim that Jesus came to show mankind how we ought to live and treat one another. While this statement isn't necessarily false, His true purpose of being born as a human on Earth was to live the life we couldn't and die on our behalf. As Pastor Bill will discuss in his teaching today, the true Christmas and Easter story is that Christ was born to die. In his study, you'll learn that while we definitely look to Him as the perfect example of righteousness, we ultimately look to Him as Savior.
How often are you offered a wonderful blessing but then you ask for more? Or complain that what you received, although good, just wasn't perfect? In his message today, Pastor Bill shares about the time Jesus spoke to the crowds who were demanding a sign that he was the Messiah. The truth was they didn't want a savior, they really wanted a political leader, someone to do away with taxation. Right there in front of them was the Son of God on high, and they were complaining about taxes!
If you get rid of a bad habit without replacing it with something good, the Devil will work to fill it with another negative thing. Whether this addiction is too much TV, eating junk food, or something more sinister; you need to fill that spot with something good. As Pastor Bill shares in today's message, you need to fill the hole with Jesus, reading the Bible, meditating on God- anything good and holy. So if there is something in your life you need to get rid of, make a plan for an encouraging replacement.
Does it terrify or strengthen you to learn the Lord knows all your thoughts? In Pastor Bill's message today, he'll encourage you to not fear. Your Heavenly Father loves you regardless of your thoughts, good or bad. The love the Father offers is like none other. It does not hold grudges, it is not dependent upon your actions, and it is offered to ANY who seek it. You only need to place your trust in His Son, realizing you are not worthy of God's love, but only because Christ paid the price for your sin on the cross.
Looking for a quick easy prayer to cover all your bases? We've got one for you today that is around 60 words long. Well actually, as Pastor Bill shares in his message today, this prayer really is a guide or starting point. Yes even though our Father knows what you are thinking the exact time you have the thought, there are no short cuts for presenting your requests to Him. In fact, if you have a really pressing issue, you'll need to pray continually without ceasing. Sorry, no easy outs today!
How often do we become a Martha when we should be a Mary? Doing work for the Lord is critical, but more important is taking time to be with the Lord. As Pastor Bill explains in his message today, you can get so caught up in doing quiet time that you don't actually worship Jesus. Sometimes you can check your own heart, other times you might need someone in your life to keep you accountable. Take time today to take a position of humility and truly worship your Lord and savior.
In his message today, Pastor Bill boils down the laws of the Bible to two simple commands. Love the Lord your God with everything you have and to love your neighbor as yourself. But who can actually do this 100 percent of the time? Clearly understanding the laws of the Bible doesn’t make it any easier to follow, it might even leave you frustrated! Thankfully, Jesus takes the pressure of perfection away. Only through Jesus' redemption found on the cross can you be seen as perfect.
You've heard stories of people who've attended church for 30 years and finally come to know Christ. How does this happen? In Pastor Bill's message today, he explains how you can go through the motions of attending church and singing the songs, but never actually accept Christ into your heart. All the work of attending church and pretending to be a Christian won't get you into heaven! You need an actual heart relationship with Christ. Search your heart today. Have you just been pretending or does the Lord LIVE in your heart?
Jesus tells you to rejoice over new believers but to place your hope in the knowledge that your name is in the Lamb's book. In his message today, Pastor Bill shares how you should not find your joy ONLY in the harvest of new believers. Instead, your delight should be grounded in the salvation of Christ. It's okay to be grateful for new believers, or his many blessings. But these things should not be your only source of contentment. The best news of all: our salvation found in Christ's name.
In today's message with Pastor Bill, you'll learn of a time Jesus sent out 70 missionaries to share the good news. Some of these followers had great success and delicious food along the way. Others didn't see anyone come to Christ and had horrible meals. But they all came back, filled with joy. You can experience this same joy whenever you go out to share the good news of Jesus. No matter the outcome, Jesus will rejoice in your obedience and you will be filled with happiness.
Have you been hesitant to share the Gospel out of fear that the receiver will reject the message? In Pastor Bill's message today, he teaches that your only obligation is to share with the unbeliever. They're responsible for their own reaction. You won't be a failure if they don't accept your invitation, you succeed when you stepped out in obedience. So don't let the fear of rejection stop you from sharing the salvation found in Jesus, your service makes him happy.
Have you ever prayed for more workers for the harvest? More missionaries to go spread the Gospel to unbelievers? In toady's sermon by Pastor Bill, he offers the solution to this prayer. Get up and GO! Yes you, you can be one of Jesus' harvesters right now. It doesn't take packing up and moving across the country, a special degree from a Bible college, or even knowing a second language. All that is required is a love for Christ and a love for others. So answer your own prayer and share the good news today.
How often do we miss the best part of life because we only focus on the good parts? People in Jesus’ time got stuck on the kingdom Christ would bring and missed out on his salvation offered on the cross. Now we tend to concentrate on the cross and miss out on the hope of Christ’s return. In Pastor Bill's message today, he encourages believers to look forward to the day of our Lord's return. While we eagerly await his return, continue spreading the good news of the Gospel so others can experience this hope.
We live in a society where everyone is constantly go, go, go! Between work and school and family and groceries and bills, it seems the responsibilities are never ending. Pastor Bill reminds us today how Jesus needs to be number one in our lives. The time will come when none of those earthly things matter anymore; all that will be left is what you have in God. Everything else can wait until you get your priorities straight. Make sure He comes before everything else because He is the only thing that matters.
Everyone’s life contains different blessings as well as struggles. It does no good to compare because everyone grows at their own pace. But today, Pastor Bill reminds us how important it is to bury ourselves in the Word of God. Through the Bible, we have everything we need to know about Christ. If you are to be effective in His plan, then you require understanding that only the Bible can give. This is a war we’re talking about, and don’t you want to be ready? Ask questions; don’t be afraid of understanding.
Have you ever noticed that things only go well for so long before trials come along? It seems as though whenever you have a really amazing experience with God, shortly after, disaster strikes in some way. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that spiritual warfare is never far away and – as Christians – we are called to always be ready for it. We prepare by reading the Word of God and focusing on Christ, barring our minds from any distractions. Don’t get discouraged when the storms come, fix your sight on Him.
How often do you start a project and then walk away? It’s easy to get involved and then, when you lose interest, just meander away. Pastor Bill reminds us today of the importance of steadfast perseverance when it comes to our faith and spiritual well-being. There is a battle waging all around you – night and day. Though you may not see it, your soul is involved. No matter what satan throws at you, no matter how he tempts you, keep your face fixed on Christ and don’t stop until you cross the finish line.
Some people search out trouble; it’s almost like they need the drama or the excitement that it contains. But Pastor Bill reminds us today that there is a battle waging all around us, every day, in the spiritual realm. When it comes to the devil, you never need to go looking for him, because he’s always nipping at your heels. But unlike God, satan can’t read your thoughts. Speak out against him. Rebuke him aloud and he won’t be able to do anything but flee. With God on your side, satan can do nothing but hide.
Many people look at the trials in their life and think they have it pretty rough, but so many people forget that there’s a spiritual war waging all around us, all the time; you’re always a part of it, even if you’re not aware of it. Today, Pastor Bill encourages us to take up our cross and follow Jesus, no matter the consequ-ences. You will always have people in your life that don’t agree with or don’t like you, but that can’t matter in the face of battle. Put on your Armor of God, every morning, before you face the day.
The Kingdom of God is a kingdom without compromise. God demands perfection and righteousness. That may sound hard, even impossible… because it is. As Pastor Bill continues our study of Luke’s Gospel account in today’s message, we’ll be confronted with the beautiful challenge of living as Children of God in a fallen, sinful world. Fortunately, meeting the standards of God’s Kingdom isn’t up to you. Christ met those standards, but took your sin on Himself to secure your place in His family.
What kingdom is your heart living in? Are you pouring your energy and resources into living a comfortable, happy life in this world, or are you investing yourself in following Christ and seeking His Kingdom? As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, the things we get so hung up on in this life are like a vapor. They’re here for what amounts to a blip in the scale of eternity, but the Kingdom that Christ invites you into will last forever and it’s characterized by generous love and grace.
Instead of looking back at the events of Scripture and wishing you could be part of it, you get to live in a moment where you can expect Jesus to return at any moment. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, the events we read about in Scripture pale in comparison to what Jesus’ second coming will be like. We can’t know when it will happen, and it may not be in your lifetime, but you need to live like it will be. That means urgently sharing the truth and love of Christ with your world.
Leading up to Jesus’ miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish, the disciples were tired and overwhelmed. They didn’t have anything more to give. That’s when Jesus demonstrated His supernatural provision. He stretched their faith and their devotion in that moment – when they were totally depleted and ready to drive the crowds away, Jesus showed us that when we give Him what we’ve got, as little as it may be, He can turn it into more than enough.
When Jesus called the 12 disciples to follow Him, were they under the impression He was taking them to relax at the luxurious home of a wealthy supporter? Of course not! They knew they were embarking on an adventure. And just like the best adventures, it was not going to be all easy or fun. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, following Jesus today is no different. He’ll take you far from your comfort zone through challenges and trials all for the sake of finding those who will hear His voice.
If anyone ever told you the life of a believer is carefree or easy, they were lying. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. Taking up a cross is not fun or trendy. He’s not referring to the pretty little pieces of jewelry that adorn the necks and ears of people in modern society. He’s referring to a heavy, crude instrument of death - to the conscious choice to put others above yourself and to surrender your own desires, comforts and even life for them.
The healing we find in Jesus isn’t just for us. It’s for all the people we encounter as well. As much as He wants to save us and have a relationship with us, He also wants to use us as tools to reach the world we encounter. As Pastor Bill continues our study of the book of Luke in today’s message, he’ll point out the way that Jesus’ interaction with the ill woman who touched His garment demonstrated the power of connecting with Him, both to that woman who was healed as well as the crowd around them.
So few things in this life are certain. Jobs, relationships, friends, family members – any of these things can be gone in an instant. That may sound awfully pessimistic, but it’s also realistic. Scripture reminds us in numerous instances that this life is like a vapor. As Pastor Bill will challenge you in today’s message, the only steadfast, certain thing you can cling to in this life is Christ. Place your faith in Him, and even in the midst of this brokenness and death, He can bring peace and life to your soul.
A loving parent won’t shelter their children from every trial and hardship – as much as they may want to, they know that those experiences are necessary to mature and grow in confidence. As a Child of God, you may question why He would allow you to be attacked and confronted by demons, but as Pastor Bill will assure us in today’s message, these experiences are an opportunity to grow. God allows these trials so you can learn to trust in Him more fully and grow a stronger faith.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will warn against the ways of our enemy, Satan. Scripture describes him as a lion, roaming around seeking out anyone he can devour. He’s a monster with many tools at his disposal, including elements of nature. We’ll witness that power as we examine Luke 8. The storm that faces the disciples was driven by evil forces, but those forces were no match for the power of Jesus. He simply had to speak the words, and the storm instantly became calm.
So many people think that they can walk with the Lord and still be involved in the ways of the world. Today, Pastor Bill explains to us how impossible and irresponsible that kind of thinking is. No matter how strong you are, we are all influenced by the things and people around us. If you surround yourself with ungodly people, you’re going to grow apart from God. Don’t give yourself too much credit, you need to surround yourself with Godly people and Godly thinking. Dig into and meditate on God’s word daily.
How many times have you felt like you’ve been in God’s will and yet, the trials and storms never cease? Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that storms will always come; whether you’re walking beside God or He feels far away, storms are a part of life. The difference is the attitude in which you respond to those storms. If you weather the trials alone, you only have the strength of yourself. But if you have God on your side, you see those storms as an opportunity to learn from His Word and Grow in Him.
How many times in your life have you been on the right track, and then all these distractions come up? Or maybe the past comes back to haunt you. We all deal with trials and interruptions, but Pastor Bill encourages us today, to stay on the path that God has set before us. Your feelings change, your ideas change…but God’s Word remains the same. What He said in the 1st century is still true today. Remain in Him and He will remain in you. Storms will come, but Jesus will be by your side.
When you hear good news, isn’t it your nature to want to share it? We get so excited that we can’t hide our joy from anyone. Today, Pastor Bill encourages us to act the same because we have the BEST news. If you’re aware of the saving Grace of God, you want everyone in your life to know what you’re talking about. You want everyone to have the same joy that you have. Don’t let people bully you into being silent. Don’t let the devil distract you from what you’re called to do; go and tell everyone the good news.
How many times have you been inspired by God to do or say something, until a distraction comes along? Maybe you’ve resolved to spend more time in God’s Word and then somebody quits at work and you accept the overtime instead. Pastor Bill reminds us today how easy it is to become distracted. The Devil knows his game very well; he knows when you’re drawing close to God and all he wants is to distract you enough to keep you stagnant. Don’t let Satan steal your seed before it’s taken root.
Are you a good listener? How many times do you have a con-versation with someone and you listen just enough to have a response to what they’re saying. Or how often are you watching the tv and playing on your phone at the same time? Pastor Bill reminds us today how important it is to be good listeners. Too often we listen without truly hearing. If you listen just to say you did, you’re not gaining anything. There’s no point in reading the Word of God if you’re not going to hear and heed the things it says.
Have you ever felt as though your salvation is contingent upon some underlying clause that requires something from you? Not only does this contradict what Scripture teaches about salvation, but it can easily cause you to feel doubt and steal your joy. As Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, there isn't a single thing we can contribute to our salvation as believers. In his study, you'll learn the importance of wholly trusting in the finished work of the Cross and resting in Him who s
On a scale of one to ten, how extravagant would you say your love for The Lord is? Is it so much so that you wouldn't think twice about responding to a call that even your closest of friends would consider crazy? Or do you let the opinions of others hinder your love? In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the woman who washed Jesus' feet and anointed Him with oil. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of what it means to love The Lord in such a way that nothing can come between you.
Would you or those who know you well enough suggest that you tend to be over critical at times or judgmental of others? As believers and followers of Christ, it can be extremely easy for us to have an attitude similar to that of the pharisees without realizing it. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to reflect on the state of your heart and how you treat others. In his study, you'll be reminded about the extravagant love that Jesus displayed towards others and how you're called to do likewise.
Have you ever felt as though you couldn't bring yourself down to the level of others, primarily those who are lost and in sin? Be careful! This is what the Bible refers to as haughtiness and is actually the opposite behavior that our Lord demonstrated. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you what it means to be a friend to a sinner, rather than a friend to the sin. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of how Jesus reaches out to the lost without affirming their sin and showing them the love of God.
Have you ever found yourself comparing the works, ministries, or lives of others to that of your own, primarily from the Old Testament? While many of the works and miracles of countless individuals from the past are indeed great, it's important you remember who you are. As Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, you are one with Christ, a child and heir of God. In his study, you'll learn that whenever you're feeling down, unwanted, or useless, you're far more than you can imagine in the eyes of The Father.
Have you ever felt confused, abandoned, or perhaps even let down by Jesus? More often than not, we allow ourselves to feel this way in our walk because we impose unrealistic or skewed expectations on The Lord. In some cases, we even go so far as to feel offended. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to avoid such behavior at all costs as a believer and follower of Christ. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of what it means to trust The Lord, even when it's confusing or difficult.
The current world we live in is an evil world, full of chaos. It can feel like the waiting will go on forever, it can feel like we'll be left here in the destruction and the fear... But we know that this isn't true. Jesus is coming. Just as He came once in the New Testament, He will come again... And when He does, He will bring all Christians to be with Him in heaven. In heaven there won't be anymore evil, there won't be anymore pain or crying. There we will only know peace and joy in the presence of our heavenly Father.
Throughout the entire Bible, we see God working amazing miracles in the lives of those who put their trust in Him... However, even though God can do anything, its important to keep in mind why. In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that God isn't some magical genie who will give you whatever you want. He is the creator of the universe, He is filled with the capacity to do anything that He wants... And He will provide for you! As the author of life itself, God cares for the smallest things! You!
Throughout the Bible we see an example of spiritual growth, fruit. If the fruit of a tree is good and what it should be, we qualify this as “good fruit”. The same is true of your spiritual walk, if you are practicing good spiritual disciplines as you should, you will reap the benefits or fruits of these actions. So in today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you to love others, no matter their fruit. We can look and see good or bad fruit... But love is not based on this, we can love unconditionally through Christ.
In western culture, we tend to have a bit of a misunderstanding about what the term blessing means. We often use the word flippantly, “God bless you!” or “We ask that you bless this food”... And while we mean well when we do this, the Bible tells us to bless our enemies! So how do we do that? In today's message, Pastor Bill will share with you that the word bless, simply means to speak well of. So to bless our enemies is to speak well of them... So whoever that may be... Bless them.
Do you know your identity within Jesus Christ? In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that the Church as a whole, the collective group of Christians from around the world... Is the bride of Christ. So what does this mean? It means that like any good, God-fearing husband, He would do anything for His bride. He would also help to teach His bride about the ways of His God, the Father... And we as the bride of Christ are called to respect Him and grow in our relationship with Him by spending time with Him.
When you make the commitment to be a follower of Jesus, it doesn’t just stop there. It’s an entire transformation that takes place. Through a renewed heart, there’s a desire to serve and share the good news of the gospel. God chose you to be a disciple. In the message today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to do your part. You might think.. ‘how can one person have an impact’… well the Lord blesses you with unique gifts. When we all work together using our gifts for the Lord, beautiful things can happen.
In the scripture today, Jesus chooses the twelve disciples… these guys would end up leading the church, making disciples of all nations. They dropped everything to follow Jesus. Would you be willing to give it all up and follow Him? Pastor Bill will remind you today that there’s a difference between getting saved and being a disciple of Christ. Being a disciple involves an entire life change. But you’re not alone in the journey… the Lord is there to guide you every step of the way.
When was the last time you faced an important decision in life? Maybe you made a big career change or a major financial decision. Did you find peace and direction when you took it to the Lord in prayer? In today’s scripture, Jesus chooses the twelve disciples, but before making his final decision, He fervently prays to God through the night. Pastor Bill will encourage you in the message today to pray when you’re faced with decisions, big or small. Will you open your mind and heart to the Lord’s direction in your life today?
Are you open to the leading of the spirit? It might be uncomfortable to step away from what you’re used to, right? When we get set in our ways, there isn’t an urgency to know God. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to get out of your comfort zone. As you’ll hear in the scripture today, the Pharisees were too distracted by the rules Jesus was breaking and they completely missed out on Jesus’ message to them. Are you open to the message the Lord might be tell you today?
Jesus teaches about the Sabbath in the scripture today. He’s constantly being questioned by the Pharisees and today’s scripture is no exception. The Pharisees were so set in their rigid traditions and they weren’t open to a new way of doing things. In the message today, Pastor Bill reminds you that traditions of men will mess you up. As followers of Jesus, we’re to be led by the spirit, not by rules or expectations put in place by anyone but the Lord. Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to move in your life?
Too often we get set in our ways… we find comfort in routine and we kind of end up going through the motions. Comfort isn’t a bad thing, but it has potential to lead to complacency. In the message today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to break free from complacency and tradition Allow the spirit to lead and you may be surprised by the direction He takes you. IF the Lord called you to something new, would you be in tune to the spirit to recognize His call in your life?
Are you stagnant in your faith? … Have you been repeating the same spiritual practices without a changed heart? In today’s scripture, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate a spiritual truth. In the parable, He rejects the Pharisee’s approach to religion. It’s not about following all the spiritual practices to a T… it’s about the condition of your heart. When you’re made new in Christ, you become a new creation, leaving your old ways behind. Are you open to allowing the holy spirit to work in your life?
Some stories stick with you more than others. Usually the ones that illustrate something deeper are the ones that strike a chord, right? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach about one of the parables Jesus gave and the deeper meaning behind the illustration. Parables are meant to spark spiritual understanding, although it takes some searching and discernment to find the truth. As you seek the truth today, pray for discernment, for an open mind and heart as you hear from God’s word today.
Laws are necessary for maintaining order… imagine what would happen if rules went out the window and our society became a free-for-all. What a mess it would be. In the scripture today, you’ll hear how the Pharisees were too caught up with rules that they missed the point Jesus was trying to make. Are you more focused on following rules than you are on Jesus? Pastor Bill will remind you in the message today to find a balance and above all else, put the leading of the Holy Spirit first.
If the Lord called you to leave your financial security for His purpose, would you do it? The lure of money is tempting, but worldly riches are also fleeting, and in the end, unfulfilling. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will teach about Jesus’ call of the disciples, how obedient they were to the Lord and some of the many miracles that followed. Could you be missing out on the Lord’s plan for your life because you’d rather live in comfort? There are many blessings that come with living a life of obedience to the Lord.
Jesus’ authority is so great that He can heal even the worst of uncurable diseases and wayward hearts. He shows His healing power throughout the scripture passage today. The healing of the leper was more shocking back then because of the stigma that surrounded anyone who was infected. Pastor Bill will remind you today that the God who performed miracles two thousand years ago is the same God who will heal your heart and save your soul today. Are you ready to commit your life to following Him?
There’s a difference between knowing about Jesus and really knowing who He is… When you really know Jesus, you’re changed from the inside out. There’s a transformation that takes place and you’re never the same again. Only God can do that. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind you of the truth found in the word of God. We’re not to pick and choose parts of the bible we want to believe, it’s all God breathed. Have you experienced who Jesus is through the reading of the word?
Have you resisted the Lord’s call on your life because what he’s calling you to do seems too “out there” or “impractical”? When Jesus called the disciples to be fishers of men, it certainly wasn’t convenient for them to drop their nets and follow Jesus. In today’s message Pastor Bill will encourage you to take the path less traveled. It may seem tough in the moment, but there’s also blessings that come when you’re in the Lord’s will. What’s keeping you from obeying His call in your life?
The ordinary daily grind can get old, right? Monotonous work that doesn’t lead to much fruit is frustrating to say the least. Well, today you’ll hear how Jesus gave a powerful message to an ordinary group of guys. Not only did Jesus provide fish to be caught after an uneventful day of fishing, but He called Simon and his friends to be fishers of men. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will urge you listen to the Lord’s call on your life. The Lord’s not waiting for you to get your act together, He calls regular, everyday folks like us to share the good news.
Encourage your brothers and sisters in their walk with Christ! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you to be sure to exhort others in their relationship with Jesus. Just because people go to church, doesn't mean that their walk with God is going well. Pastor Bill encourages you, to regularly check in with yourself and others to hold your relationship with the Lord accountable. Sometimes it can become easy to harden yourself to sin. Surround yourself with a godly and encouraging community.
Jesus goes where He is welcomed! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that Jesus will not push Himself on anyone. He will come to the door of your heart and knock. However, if you do not want to receive Him, He will not make you. Jesus will have a relationship with anyone who desires to have one with Him. Pastor Bill encourages you, to not put off receiving Him as your Lord and Savior. Welcome Him into your life and heart today. Today is the day for your salvation.
Are you blinded to who Jesus truly is? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that the people in Jesus' day quickly rejected Him because they were too familiar with Him. They knew Him from when He was a kid, they knew His father, and where He lived. Even though they went to the Synagogue and studied the Scriptures, they still didn't see Jesus as their Messiah. Pastor Bill explains, that this can happen today. You can study the Bible and still not know Jesus. Don't miss out on knowing who Jesus is!
Don't forget to invite Jesus into your life! Today, you learn from Pastor Bill's message to be careful to not become so familiar with Jesus that you neglect meeting with Him. Your relationship with Jesus is important and it's vital that you remember to connect with Him daily. Pastor Bill encourages you, to keep regularly attending your local church. Invite Jesus into your home and relationships. Jesus is not a distant Savior. He is a personal God, who desires to connect with each and every day.
Just because you have grown up in a church, doesn't necessarily mean you know Christ. As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that sometimes people can be so familiar with Jesus, that they never really understand who He is. Pastor Bill explains, that religion is not the same thing as a personal relationship. He encourages you to seek an intimate relationship with the Lord. To know Him as your Savior, Lord, Master, and Friend. Seek to know and understand Jesus.
How do you beat the Devil? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that the enemy is out to steal, kill, and destroy. The enemy is like a lion looking for someone to devour. However, Pastor Bill explains that there are three things needed to beat the devil's schemes. When you feel attacked, quickly go to the throne of grace, ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and use the Word of God. These three things will help you triumph over any attack the enemy sends your way. God is your ever- present help!
Do you make fasting a spiritual discipline within your life? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you about fasting. Fasting is working on the ability of saying “no” to the flesh and instead drawing near to the Lord. Pastor Bill encourages you, that when you can say “no” to your stomach, you can say “no” to anything. Fasting is a way of re-aligning your priorities and making sure that your relationship with God comes first! Consider a time this month that you could fast unto the Lord.
How can people tell if you have a relationship with the Lord? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that one of the ways people can tell if you belong to the Lord, is through your generosity. You will want to share your resources with others. You won't hoard all of your belongings to yourself, but you will give generously to others. Pastor Bill encourages you, to see all the ways that the Lord has blessed you and to extend blessings to others. Generosity is a fruit of repentance and knowing Christ.
Baptism is a special proclamation! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that John the Baptist baptized to prepare people for the coming Christ. Today, you get baptized because Christ has already come. In Biblical times they did it to get ready for salvation. Today, you do it because you are saved. Pastor Bill explains that no matter what, baptism is a declaration unto the Lord that you belong to Him. Jesus is your mighty Savior and deliverer and you do the act of baptism unto Him.
Sometimes the waves and trials of this life, can take the spiritual wind out of you. Today, you learn from Pastor Bill to not lose your faith and your relationship with Jesus in the midst of hard seasons. If you feel like you've lost your hope and don't feel as close as you once did with Jesus, return to Him. Pastor Bill encourages you, to return to your first love in Christ. Jesus is always present and waiting for you with open arms. No matter how far you've drifted, Jesus is your anchor. Come back to Him.
Do you sometimes wonder where God wants you? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that you can count on the Lord to direct you. Seek the Lord diligently through His Word and through prayer. Only listen to the advice of others if it aligns with His Scriptures. Pastor Bill encourages you, that God knows how to get you where He wants you to be. He will guide and direct you. He wants you to live according to His will. Keep listening for His voice. He will order your steps one step at a time.
Be expectant for the return of the Lord! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that you're to be alert and watchful for Jesus to return. All believers should be expectant and hopeful for that day. Pastor Bill encourages you, to work, wait, and watch for Jesus. Keep bringing His Kingdom to earth by diligently serving and being obedient to Him. Wait on Him and let Him strengthen you as you do. Be watchful, for no one knows the day or hour of His return except the Heavenly Father.
Do you feel like you're going through the biggest mess of your life? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that God is able to use your mess. Jesus Himself entered this world and was placed in a feeding trough. Jesus showed through His arrival, that He can bring others to Him even if it looks messy. Pastor Bill encourages you, to not give up. Remember, that God is still writing your story and that He can use everything for good. Even your biggest mess and mistakes, He can turn for good.
Nothing is impossible for God! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that God can do anything. He can heal, perform any miracle, and can save anyone. In fact He desires for everyone to come to the saving knowledge of Him. If you or someone you know has loved ones that are not yet saved, keep praying. Pastor Bill encourages you, to give it time and know that God hears your prayers. No one is too far gone for God. He can take a heart that seems impossible and make it receive!
Keep running your race! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you about the receiving of words of wisdom and knowledge through the Bible. He also let's you know that angels are indeed real and can also share important information to you from the Lord. Pastor Bill encourages you, to keep being diligent in your race with the Lord. Keep persevering and in the end, your running will not have been in vain. You already are more than a conqueror because of Jesus Christ and His victory over the enemy!
Your story matters to the Lord! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that whether you find yourself on the mountain top or in the deepest valley, God is with you. God is never too busy to care about the fine details of your life. He knows the number of hairs on your head. Pastor Bill, encourages you to continue to cast all of your cares upon the Lord. Your story with Jesus is important to Him. You have a personal Savior who sees, cares, and seeks to save that which is lost!
Do you feel like there are some prayers you have been praying for what seems like eternity? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that God hears every single prayer that you pray. Just because He hasn't answered yet or in the way that you expected, doesn't mean He doesn't care. Pastor Bill reminds you, of God's great love for you. Keep coming to the Lord with all your needs and concerns. He hears and understands them all. Keep believing that God's working all things together for your good.
Are you getting bored or thinking about giving up on studying the Bible? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you the importance of staying committed to God's Word. The Bible is living and active, it's sharper than any two-edged sword. As a disciple of Jesus, it's important to stay faithful to the Scriptures. Take the time necessary to read them, memorize them, and live them. Pastor Bill encourages you, to try reading other translations to engage with the Bible in a new way. Stay in God's Word!
How much do you want to learn? Do you want to know just a little bit about God? A medium amount? Or do you want to know all that you possibly can? Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that a strong desire to learn about God and His word is an amazing thing. There are many ways that you can learn more about God. You can attend a weekly morning service, you can attend a bible study, or listen to a podcast! But Pastor Bill will encourage you to study the Bible for yourself, don't just take what others say as fact.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that when you come to the Lord... It isn't all sunshine and cloudless skies from then on out. The Bible says that Christians will have trouble in this life. Not might or could... Will. But why? Because we live in a fallen world, full of evil... And in that, it is our duty to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This act of sharing our testimonies in itself will attract hardship... So what do you do? Rest in the Lord. He will fight your battles for you, He is your great protector.
Have you ever wondered why God has done all that He has done for you? God has blessed us all countless times, more often than we even realize... And in today's message, Pastor Bill will remind us why God blesses us so immensely. You're probably thinking “God blesses us because He loves us.” and that is true... But also God saved, redeemed, and purified us so that we can do good works for the kingdom of God. God blesses us all with our own gifts and talents that we can use for the mission of the Gospel.
God gets excited when even just one person repents and is saved. The Bible says the heavens rejoice! In today’s message, Pastor Bill explains how sometimes Christians need to be prudent with people around us. We can’t continue in relationships that are dead end, dangerous, or destructive. We can only present the gospel and show Jesus to others, but it is up to them to accept Him. And just because we can’t continue in such relationships, doesn’t mean we haven’t planted a seed.
Christians have an obligation to show Jesus to others wherever we go. We are His hands and feet in this world. As Pastor Bill reminds us today, there will be preachers, teachers, encouragers, and givers among us. But whatever your giftings, you are first and foremost a believer-priest; your purpose in this life is to be Jesus for others. This means within your family, within your sphere of influence, and even as you go about your daily errands. Never be the weak link in the chain of the gospel.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill discusses his take on the churches of America. We’ve become soft and accepting of everything. We’ve forgotten God’s commands and promises. Pastor Bill’s analogy is that of eating cotton candy. We all enjoy cotton candy because it tastes good and is easy to swallow. Is this similar to our churches and God’s truth? Do we delve into doctrine and keep the Word of God pure or do we just want to get our fill of sugar and always feel happy and pleased with ourselves?
As a Christian, you are called to good works. These works do not earn you your salvation and are not meant to be a heavy yoke. But as Pastor Bill discusses today, they are meant to show others the love of Christ. You should feel a burden to do good works because they are essential in showing others who Christ really is. He is gracious and generous, kind and patient, thoughtful and giving. Are you these things? Not for the sake of your own soul, but for the sake of the souls of others!
You most likely aren’t called to be the next Billy Graham. There are heroes of our faith that God uses to reach thousands of people, but there are a whole lot more heroes whose names you’ll never hear. They’re the person who quietly and resolutely does the right thing, even when it doesn’t serve their purposes. They’re the people that stop and help when everyone else walks or drives by. As Pastor Bill will challenge us in today’s message, one of the most powerful things we can do is simply be nice.
How often have you felt like you’re just not good enough to serve God? You know the sins that lurk in your heart and the way’s you’ve fallen. You think God would be better off just leaving you out of His mission in this world. But, as Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, it’s not about you or your works. Being saved is all about grace. God doesn’t love you for what you bring to the table. He loves you because He created you and He wants to save you and use you to share His love with others.
Religion will always fall short of attaining the goodness we want to grasp with it. You’re incapable of earning God’s favor through anything you can do. The laws God gave us weren’t given as a checklist of what we must do to be saved. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, they were given so we can see just how incompetent and wicked we are. When your hold your life up against that measurement, it quickly becomes clear how desperately you need the intervention of God.
The only way to truly live is by God’s grace. Any other way is simply a slow, meaningless journey towards death. God desires so much more for you. As Pastor Bill continues our study of Titus in today’s message, he’ll point out that the grace we are given through Jesus Christ is the underlying theme of all of Scripture. It’s the most important thing you can glean from studying this Book. He gave Himself to save you, and if you accept that, you can look forward with anticipation for His return.
We can see how as a person grows and gets older, they naturally learn more about life. Scripture has a lot to say on how a young man or young woman should be taught to grow towards Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about how older men should teach and guide younger men and older women should teach and encourage younger women. We were not created to go through this life on our own. Hear today how God designed relationships to work so that we all grow more and honor Him!
We know God as the creator of Heaven and Earth, but do you know Him as your father? Because of what Jesus did, we can have a relationship with God. One so personal that we can call Him Father. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about having a personal relationship with God, the creator of the universe. He wants to share every moment with us and for us to rely on Him for everything! How amazing that we can know God in such an intimate way, and even call him Dad.
We often give gifts to those we love on special occasions and it can be so much fun to watch them open it! When you give a gift, it is usually given out of the love in your heart. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about the ultimate gift that God wants to give every single person: Grace. Grace is better than any other gift we could ever receive. Hear today how you can receive this amazing gift of Grace and how it really does change your life once you have it. Things will never be the same.
The Bible talks about the difference between being a young man or woman versus being an older man or woman. In today’s message Pastor Bill talks about what this looks like in the Bible compared to what the world says it should look like. We are to try our best to live a life like the one Jesus lived and set as an example for us. Christians should look and act differently than the rest of the world. Hear today how this can apply to your life and how you can honor God with everything you do.
Culture has its own definitions of what it means to be a man or a woman. The Bible has its own instructions on what that truly means. In today’s message, pastor Bill talks about how the Bible says men and women that are following God should live and act. We should live and look differently than the rest of the world. There is a difference in how a young man or woman versus an old man or woman should act. Hear today how you can live a life more like Jesus and how to honor Him with all that you do.
We can be easily impressed and influenced not only by things in this world but also by people. You don’t have to look far to find someone trying to tell you what you need or how you should change your life. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about the dangers in following people who are not walking in the truth that is Christ. We must be on guard ourselves, and help each other be on the lookout for those false teachers. They often don’t look how you would expect and are good with persuasion.
We live in a world where things are being thrown at us from every direction. Our culture often tells us what to believe and who we should follow. The Bible warns and teaches us about the dangers of listening to and following false teachers. In today’s message, pastor Bill talks about what we should be on the lookout for when listening to someone teach. He also talks about the dangers of letting a false teacher into your group of believers and how you should handle the situation.
There are so many things being taught and communicated in our world today that it can be difficult to know what we should believe or what teacher to listen to. The Bible is the source of Truth that God has gifted us to know right from wrong and to know how to live and follow Him. In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about how we should look out for false teachers in our world and what we should do when we encounter them. There is only one source of truth and that is the living word of God.
In your opinion, what would you say you think is a bigger threat to the Church at large in western civilization? Would you say it's legalism? Prosperity gospel teachings? Or what about false teachings? As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, one of the biggest threats to the Church is simply not teaching God's Word. In his study, you'll learn the importance of being part of congregations that teach Scripture directly, especially the portions of Scripture that address sin and worldly behavior.
Are you at peace with God? While many of us would be quick to boldly proclaim we are, we don't always live as if we truly believe it. Whether we fall into bouts of legalism or otherwise, we're often quick to forget how liberated we truly are in Christ Jesus. As Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, you've been made into a new creation that's at peace with the One true living God! In his study, you'll be encouraged to meditate on the reality that your justification is guaranteed by the work of the Cross, not your actions.
What would you say are some of the key components to maintaining a healthy Church? While some might equate a healthy Church to mere numbers, such as attendance or annual tithing amount, God's Word actually teaches us all we need to know. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you what a healthy Church looks like, and how you can contribute. In his study, you'll learn how your character, sanctification, and involvement all play a role in maintaining and improving the Church's health.
As believers and followers of Christ, we've been called to live lives that are recognizably different from the rest of the world. While this calling can feel a bit overwhelming at times, we can always rely on God's Spirit and Word for guidance and direction. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the importance of holding fast to sound doctrine, which is found in none other than Scripture. In his study, he'll encourage you to take heart in knowing that the work that God started in you will be completed.
The Bible instructs us that leaders of the Church are to be blameless, above reproach, and of good reputation. While it might be easy to assume that these standards are only for leadership, Scripture also teaches that these standards apply to all believers. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the importance of sanctification in the life of the believer. In his study, you'll be reminded that this slow and steady process is one that requires both the work of The Spirit, and the cooperation of the individual.
What are some of the thoughts that come to mind whenever you read the word “blameless” in Scripture? While it's easy to assume this means perfection, it's important that we understand what it means to be blameless in this context. In today's message, Pastor Bill will help you to better understand what Paul is implying in his letter to Titus, that bishops are to be blameless. In his study, you'll discover that rather than a demand of perfection, it's actually referring to one's reputation of being above reproach.
Sometimes daily bible time is viewed as an item to check off the daily to-do list. Sometimes that is all you have time for. You get a taste of the word of God. It helps to sustain you until next time. However, as Pastor Bill will point out today, God wants you to feast deeply on him word. Fill yourself with his word everyday. Seek him in his word. Get to know your Lord. Fall in love with him more and more each day. Find a place that teaches and preaches the true word. You will flourish with this nourishment!
Before you knew Christ, perhaps you recognize just how broken your life was. There was pride, selfishness, unease and sin. Yet, the moment you believe, Christ promised his peace and mercy to any who would walk in faith in Him. As Pastor Bill explains today, Christ begins to change who you are. He makes you a new creation. Old desires and sins begin to leave and you begin to live a new life, focused on God in your growing faith. You receive mercy you don’t deserve and the peace of knowing you’re right with God because of Jesus.
Paul continually had to minister to, teach, correct, and guide the early churches he helped to plant. It wasn’t as simple as starting a church, giving a bible, and moving on to the next one. As Pastor Bill explains today, Paul had to frequently check in himself or send others to teach the word to assure a healthy church. Even today, there is always something to set in order and to correct in order to be a healthy church. It must always come back to the word of God. Churches must always preach, and teach the word of God.
Paul lived his life FULLY devoted to the calling Jesus had placed on his heart. He suffered, he struggled, he desired all those he’d met to truly know and trust Jesus. He gave his entire life to make sure as many as possible knew the absolute truth about the gospel. Today, Pastor Bill will challenge you to examine your life. Is there evidence that you follow and love Jesus? Are you willing to follow and obey Jesus in whatever he calls you to in order that others may come to know Jesus and his good news?
Before you knew Christ, perhaps you recognize just how broken your life was. There was pride, selfishness, unease and sin. Yet, the moment you believe, Christ promised his peace and mercy to any who would walk in faith in Him. As Pastor Bill explains today, Christ begins to change who you are. He makes you a new creation. Old desires and sins begin to leave and you begin to live a new life, focused on God in your growing faith. You receive mercy you don’t deserve and the peace of knowing you’re right with God because of Jesus.
A very real threat to the early church in Galatia was the super religious people trying to gain status or make a good showing by inducing followers to obey certain standards of religion. The motivation of their heart was wicked. It was not focused on God, though they claimed to believe in Jesus. Today Pastor Bill will cause you to check your heart motivation in your service to God. Do you simply focus on reaching a high number of conversion to brag about that? Or do you boast in Jesus, his life and sacrifice, and his amazing power in you?
As God works on sanctifying you to become more like Jesus, he will grow in you a desire to be a part of the work of God. He will increase your generosity and willingness to give in order to grow a harvest of believers. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to plant the word of salvation – tell others of Jesus and his grace. If you tell the gospel to others and support others who do that, you are sewing good seed that will produce believers. Don’t grow weary in the work, God will bring fruit in His time.
In the bible you are called to be generous with your time, gifts and abilities. That is a marker that you are part of the family of God – desire and willingness to be generous. Pastor Bill will challenge you today to be supportive of the teacher of the word of God. Do what you can to support him, encourage him and enable him to do what God has called him to. Be generous, because by supporting this person, you are a partner with him in obedience to teach the word. And you will help grow many disciples.
If you are a believer in Christ, you are united to other believers not simply by mutual belief. You are, as Pastor Bill points out today, family. All believers are justified and made right with God through Jesus. That belief causes you to be a child of God. All believers united through Jesus’ blood are heirs with God and all are children of God. This unity happens by the power of the Holy Spirit with in you. You need daily intentionality to call upon the spirit to help you love, serve, restore and carry the burden of your brother.
Sometimes you have heavy burdens that you just can’t seem to bear. The beauty of the body of Christ, Pastor Bill will remind you today, is that it provides others to help carry the heavy burdens. Yes, others can carry your burdens, but Jesus asks you to do this for your brother as well. You’re not saved to sit and wait for Heaven but to be a part of his body, the church. You’re vital to Jesus and the work he has for you. Do the work He’s called you to, and when things get too heavy, allow others to help you.
Fighting sin alone is impossible. Your flesh is too weak. You need the Holy Spirit to fight in you. God has also given you the body, the family of Christ to help you fight as well. Today, Pastor Bill will explain the need for the accountability and encouragement from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. God doesn’t call you to ignore sin in others to avoid confrontation. Nor does he call you destroy those who sin. Instead, you are called to, with the help of the spirit, restore a sinner gently back to God.
God calls us to love each other in the Church. He has given you grace, forgiveness and freedom from sin. He calls you to live in this freedom, not for yourself, but to love and serve the body of Christ. And today, Pastor Bill will remind you that the Church, the body of Christ, is bigger than your local congregation. The fruit of your salvation is the desire to know and be around God and fellow believers. Those who have the word of God and seek to obey it are all family. Your family in Christ spans the world and is united by Christ.
If you are saved by grace through faith in Christ, God’s grace begins to change you and transform your heart and life. Yes, you will still battle the flesh every day, but gradually, you begin to exhibit more and more fruit of the spirit. Today, Pastor Bill will explain a bit about the evidence of the spirit in your life. If you cooperate with the work the spirit is doing in your life, you will be changed. Everything the Lord does in and through you are not dependent on the circumstances of life, but on His incredible power. That’s worth praising him for!
There are many ways you can be led astray by the flesh – your human nature. And in order to walk more with the Holy Spirit, it’s important to understand how the sinful flesh tries to work in your life. In all areas, the flesh leads you away from God toward emptiness and despair. Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to recognize what may be pulling you away from God. The Holy Spirit will never lead you into sin. If idols, desires, terrible personality traits, and vices lead your life, you must decide if you even have the saving Spirit in you.
There are two forces battling within you if you’re a believer in Jesus. The flesh tries to battle with the Holy Spirit in you to guide and control your life. The sinful nature within you leads you to everything that’s contrary to God. But, as Pastor Bill will explain today if you chose to walk in the spirit, letting the Holy Spirit guide you, your fleshly desires fade. So, pray daily to have the Holy Spirit guide you. The spirit is the great teacher, equipper and helper. He will guide you according to God’s will.
Is there any sin you’re allowing to remain in your life because you know that God is gracious? Maybe it’s not something you do every day, but it’s there and you’re not really fighting it. You’re right to believe that God’s grace is enough to cover up your failings – but don’t make that an excuse to stop fighting it. As Pastor Bill will challenge us in today’s message, sin not only robs you of the intimacy and freedom that Christ wants for you, but it also leads others into sin and away from intimacy with God.
Are you living in the Holy Spirit? If you happen to be driving a car right now, does your attitude towards other drivers reflect the fruits of the Spirit? You might make the excuse that no one else can hear you, so it’s harmless. That’s not true. As Pastor Bill will remind us, we are always in the presence of the Holy Spirit, whether we acknowledge Him or not. And to allow anger, bitterness or any other attitude or behavior that contradicts His love is to allow our flesh to win over the Spirit.
Under Christ you’re not obligated to the Law. In fact, the law has never brought salvation for anyone. It simply was given to direct us to our need for God and to give us a clear picture of just how far our rebellion has taken us from Him. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, if you’re going to keep the law – which is a good thing – just make sure your heart knows where it’s salvation truly lies. Keeping the law should only be done out of gratitude for God’s grace and a desire to honor Him.
Salvation is only through Jesus. There’s nothing you can add to it. In fact, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, when you try to add anything, it actually detracts from grace, and takes you back into a system of oppression under the law. To try to earn God’s favor through keeping those laws is like telling God that the gift He gave through Christ isn’t enough. You can’t ever succeed that way. Any good works or laws you follow should simply be motivated by your gratitude for His complete work of grace.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will stress how sin drives you to make really poor choices. Deadly choices. You won’t want to miss the story at the beginning of the message. It’ll probably make you uncomfortable, but it vividly illustrates the absurdity of following sin. It’s made even more absurd by the fact that there is a free way out of it. Jesus made a way for all of us to throw off the burden of sin and the foolishness that it leads us into. All you have to do is believe in Him and trust Him to save you.
What if you were in prison for years and then were released to live outside of those bars? But that unchained life seemed scarier than the predictable confines of prison walls. This is the step you must take if you want to be an authentic follower of Jesus. Today, Pastor Bill’s message is that your faith in Jesus frees you so you can live a life unhindered by the things that can trap you. When the Holy Spirit guides, you find yourself wanting to do things for God rather than acting out of compulsion.
Imagine if you were a slave during the Civil War and you’d heard rumors of slavery having been abolished. Yet your master was deceiving you into believing that freedom was unattainable. Pastor Bill gives a passionate message today about living out your freedom in Christ. What this means is that you are no longer under the bondage of laws, but you are free because Jesus died for your sins. Jesus is your true Master, who has given the ultimate sacrifice to rescue you from the slavery of sin.
Have you ever mixed oil and water? You’ll soon find out they don’t mix. In a similar way, Pastor Bill presents a convincing argument today of how the law, which came before Jesus, doesn’t mix with the grace Jesus offers you. If this seems confusing, know that the law was meant to point you to Jesus. Once He came and died for all, then grace was ushered in, welcoming you into a relationship with God. If this is a foreign idea to you, be comforted in knowing that grace sets you free!
Memories of your childhood might be laced with scenarios of someone picking on you and those experiences stick with you into adulthood. In today’s message, Pastor Bill introduces the concept of bullying that is woven into scripture from Old Testament to New Testament. How do you overcome a bully that is targeting your heart? Here’s a clue…it has something to do with reacting in your sinful/fleshly nature versus reacting in the Holy Spirit through faith. Don’t be bullied and don’t be a bully.
Zeal…its initial description embodies great enthusiasm or energy toward a cause. Being zealous can be a positive attribute. However, when that zeal is directed toward pointing fingers of right and wrong, it’s easily misguided. In today’s passage, Pastor Bill expounds on the importance of running freely toward the things of Christ, while at the same time, stripping yourself of anything that creates a comparison barrier due to self-righteous religiosity. Be zealous for Jesus over rules.
Have you ever felt avoided because of a sickness or a physical weakness that you carry? You might have felt like an outcast or useless in the less-than-perfect state you’re in. Today, Pastor Bill mentions Paul as an example of someone who was used mightily even in his weaknesses and infirmities. You also can be confident in knowing that God can and will use you despite your imperfections. Sometimes, people are more receptive to what you might share because you are human and have weaknesses.
When you think of wearing heavy chains that signify bondage, you feel pulled back by the weight of it. You’re unable to achieve what is ahead because of the burdensome resistance from behind. Instead, Pastor Bill empowers you today to break free from the chains of rules and legalism in order to live an unhindered life of faith. Doing all the right things and following all the rules get you nowhere if your heart isn’t connecting with what God has in store for you. Break those chains and be free!
Sometimes, the greatest things are worth the most amount of suffering. At first glance, this statement may seem like the most unappealing truth of the Christian life. Today, Pastor Bill brushes past the fanciful surface of what may seem glamorous in the Christian life and digs into the meat of the matter. With God in sight, the hardships you endure are worth it when you consider being faithful rather than fretful. Becoming an heir to God brings hope to a weary s
Adoption is a beautiful act of love bestowed on a child that may’ve been bereft otherwise. What a culminating moment when the adoption of a child becomes official and the joy of the parents is palpable. Do you realize God feels the same about you being adopted into His family? He doesn’t view you as secondary. Pastor Bill shares today how God invites you into His family and allows you to have all the rights and inheritance that’s offered. This adoption is free and releases you from bondage.
What if you were playing by all the rules of the game, but didn’t score a single point? Would you win the game? Of course not! Today, Pastor Bill mentions how being a rule-follower is not necessarily what saves you from judgment. As you will learn today, rules and guidelines are a help and even a guiding force as you strive to live for God, but the only true way to win and be saved from judgment is through Jesus and His saving grace on the cross. When you choose Him, you score big-time for life!
It’s easy to play favorites when there’s a clear distinction between who you like and who you don’t; we have favorite people to work with, favorites family members to spend time with… But today, Pastor Bill talks about how God doesn’t play favorites. Every person is unique and has different roles and talents, but He values all the same. There’s nothing you can do to cause Him to love you more than He already does. Be reassured, knowing that your faith is what will being Him the most joy.
It’s so easy to have faith in yourself and no one else; after all, is there anyone who’s never let you down? Pastor Bill talks to us today about how the entirety of the new testament is all about faith. Faith – not in yourself – but in what Jesus has already finished. There’s no actions or words or stories you can tell to make God love you more than He already does; all that’s left is believing in Him and having faith in the promises He’s made. You’ll let yourself down eventually; put your faith in the One who won’t.
Humans are beings of action; we think, therefore we do. Today, Pastor Bill reminds, how there’s nothing we can do to get in God’s good grace. The law of the old testament was set in place and even that was not enough to cover our sins. If there was anything you could do, don’t you think the law would’ve covered it? Alas, the only way to be saved is by believing in what Jesus has already done. He lived a perfect life and died for all the sins He didn’t do. There’s nothing beyond Him that will get you to God.
Did you ever need a tutor in school? Once they did their job to help you understand the subject at hand, the tutor was no longer necessary. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that the law of the old testament is much like a tutor; it tries to teach and restrain us and help us understand God’s heart. It wasn’t pointless, it was meant to lead you to Christ. Once you’re in Jesus, you have no more need for the law because you’re free in Him! Don’t keep going back to the tutor when you already know how to read.
If all you knew was a house that was stocked with everything you need, would you even dream of a place other than that house? Pastor Bill talks to us today about why there was a need for God’s law in the old testament. The law imprisoned everyone who’d ever sinned and since they didn’t know what it meant to be without sin, they didn’t even realize they were caged. Christ came to live a perfect life and be the perfect sacrifice so that, if you make the choice to believe in Him, you can truly be set free!
We’re all subject to the law of the land we live in. Today, Pastor Bill talks about the law of the old testament and why it was necessary in our coming to Christ. When you see a list of all the things you can’t do and then realize you do a lot of those things on a daily basis…it’s disheartening. The law was set into place in order to reign people in and keep them civilized as well as to show people how it imprisoned them. If you never know that you’re caged, you’ll never realize how badly you need freedom.
What do you think you deserve? Love? Kindness from others? Patience? Are these qualities what you represent, as well as what you expect? Pastor Bill reminds us today that, there’s nothing – outside of faith – that we can do in order to get into Heaven. Your salvation has never been based off your works or what you deserve but rather, the overwhelming love that God has for you. You can’t add to it subtract from it; it’s perfect in all it's ways and there is nothing you could do to make it better than that.
Isn’t it true, that when you’ve wronged someone and they treat you with kindness in return, you feel guilty? You feel the need to go out of your way to pay it back. Today, Pastor Bill talks about how our actions can never make us worthy of God. You had nothing to do with your own salvation, outside of believing the gospel; Christ did everything. But instead of feeling guilty since you don’t deserve it, you change your ways out of gratitude for what’s He’s done. Your faith is all that’s required to receive His grace.
Many people think that if you’re a Christian, your life will be sweet and nothing but good things will happen. Pastor Bill reminds us today how untrue that is. Jesus warned His disciples that their lives would be full of tribulations. When you live for Christ, you’re going to go through trials for His sake. You may be fighting lots of battles, but Jesus has overcome the world; the war’s been won. So even though life can wear you down, the end is in sight because you know your savior has conquered death.
A lot of times Christians are looked at as being foolish; kind of dumb. And do you know that’s actually biblical? Pastor Bill reminds us today that God uses people who are less than great so that His greatness will shine through and not be mistaken as human accomplishments. Your actions and your words have more effect than you might think; don’t think you have no purpose. Take a page out of Paul’s book and boast in your weakness, because when you’re weak, God’s strength can work through you.
Human beings are such visual creatures; some of us need to see to learn and some of us need to see to believe. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that faith is believing when you cannot see, and blessed are they who believe. You don’t need a visual represent-tation to know the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. You don’t need to see the hurt in his heart when people tortured and mocked Him to know it was there. The message of the gospel is for everyone, but not everyone will believe when they haven’t seen.
We tend to throw the word “love” around a lot. We use it to express our feelings for others as well as places or things or food… but it seems we’ve lost the true meaning. Today, Pastor Bill talks about the epitome of love, which is sacrificing all, in order that you might save another. Now imagine that the person you’re saving is immoral and even quite evil; would you still do it? God did. Though He knew there would be millions who’d turn their back on Him, He sent His son in order that they might be saved.
Do you ever feel like, if everyone acted like you, things would be better? Sometimes we think that we’ve got it all figured out and everyone else is in the wrong. That’s half right; GOD’s got it all figured out and WE ALL are in the wrong. Pastor Bill reminds us today how there’s nothing we can do to get into Heaven. None of your actions qualify you to live eternally with God. And what good news! Because if it were up to us, we would simply fail over and over again. But it’s not about what you do, it’s about what HE’S DONE.
We all know what it’s like to fall short of someone’s expectations; they were anticipating more from you and you came up short. Pastor Bill talks to us today about how we all fall short. Not necessarily by the world’s standards, but by God’s. You’re guilty because you can never live a life without sin. The law was set down even though God knew we could never follow it; it was set down in order that you might see just how flawed you are and how much you need a savior who is full of grace and love.
Nobody’s perfect. We all know that and yet we still strive for flawlessness. Pastor Bill reminds us today that, even those we idolize, have issues and imperfections. No matter how great someone is, they’re still human and they still give in to their flesh. Jesus was the only one who walked a life free from faults or mistakes. And He’s the only one that can cover you in grace and wipe away your imperfections in order that you can stand before God, holy and pure and thankful for everything He’s done.
Are you a people pleaser? If so, where do you draw the line? It’s a nice idea, to make everybody happy, but it’s just not possible. Today, Pastor Bill talks about how people pleasing can often get in the way of the gospel. You can try to make everyone happy, but your priority should be God. If you stray from the gospel in order to please others, you’re chasing the flesh rather than the spirit. Don’t get caught up in the earthly desires of others when you know the only one you really desire to please, is
How frustrating is it when someone misrepresents your intentions? Maybe you acted in the sole interest of someone else and they made it seem like you acted out of self-interest. It’s frustrating to be misunderstood! So how do you think God feels when we take His gospel and we try to add to it or take things away? Pastor Bill talks to us today about how it’s our job as followers of Jesus, to fight for truth. To make sure that the gospel remains true for those who have yet to hear the good news.
Many people believe that Jesus was a great teacher who had good morals and a compassionate heart, but nothing more. Pastor Bill talks to us today about how Christianity is not a religion…but a relationship. Christianity isn’t going to church every Sunday or abstaining from certain things, it’s having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If He wasn’t the son of God, then He was a liar and what good are His morals then? Don’t be so prideful that you can’t admit when you’re wrong.
So many people try to alter the bible to make it suit their thoughts or opinions, but today, Pastor Bill reminds us how wrong that is. Paul wrote the letter of Galatians to a church that was getting caught up in old rules and statutes, thinking they needed to keep the law in order to be saved. He reprimanded them for falling away from the truth so quickly. Don’t think that, just because you don’t understand God’s will, He’s messed up; His word is perfect and He warns us to be wary of anyone who alters it.
Are you one of those people who feel the need to hide who they are in order to feel accepted by others? Pastor Bill talks to us today about the change that happens in someone’s life when they accept Jesus as their Lord and savior. You may go to church on Sundays, but maybe you don’t feel comfortable there; maybe it doesn’t feel like home. We’re reminded today, that Christianity isn’t a religion, but a relationship with Christ. When you know Jesus in a personal way, you can’t help but be transformed from the inside out, and live your life completely for Him.
Have you ever realized how fickle and inconsistent man can be? Pastor Bill talks to us today about how the gospel is perfect because it comes from God, not man. Under the old covenant, Jerusalem had over six hundred commandments! Yet there was not one person who could keep them all. The insufficiency of the old testament was laid out to propel us towards God. We are weak humans who can’t even keep ten commandments, let alone six hundred. That’s why we so desperately need Jesus, our savior.
People often try to take what they like from the bible and leave the rest, as though it’s not relevant. They want the good parts to be true and the tough parts to be gone. Today, Pastor Bill talks about how destructive it is to try and add to or take away from God’s Word. It’s perfect, just the way it is. It inspires people, comforts others and to some, it’s just maddening. The message of the gospel is narrow and exclusive, and it’s allowed to be that way because God gave up everything in order for it to be truth.
Some people struggle with commitment more than anything else; they might be happy for a while but then they get restless. Today, Pastor Bill talks about what it means to remain in the Lord, to stand fast in Him. Don’t go and add things to the gospel because you’re bored and fidgety. And equally as bad, don’t go picking and choosing from the bible, what you like and don’t like. The gospel is perfect exactly how it is, just like Jesus. Anything you try to add to it would only fog up the beauty and simplicity.
Some people are really hard on themselves; nothing short of perfection is good enough. Pastor Bill talks to us today, however, about how we can never be perfect and why we don’t need to try and impress God. It’s because you can’t! He was perfect so that you wouldn’t have to be. He died on the cross in order to save you from an eternity in hell. Don’t go back to the old covenant; that law isn’t sufficient, and it never was. God wants your trust and faith and obedience, not your sacrifices.
Some people will tell you that Christians are phony and maybe a little crazy. If you’ve never experienced God, maybe you feel the same way. Today, Pastor Bill talks to us about how God loves to take the people of this world that are weak and insufficient, and make them glorious through Himself. He wants to make sure that His works can’t be attributed to anyone other than Himself. Don’t be quick to judge what you do not know. God has the power to change people and touch lives. He has a grace and love that’s incomprehensible that He extends to anyone who will accept.
A lot of people will argue that Jesus was an amazing teacher with good morals, but He wasn’t who He claimed to be. Pastor Bill talks to us today about who Jesus really is. Many thought He was a prophet or a mystic, but He was very clear that He was the Son of the Living God. He’s omniscient and omnipresent and He died for you. It’s you He wants to love and have a relationship with. Christianity isn’t so much a religion as it is a personal relationship between a fallen and feeble human being and an almighty God who’s love, grace and peace flows unconditionally.
So many people get hung up on all the details of church that often, they forget what it’s really about. Today, Pastor Bill talks about the importance of church and how it was started in the first place. It doesn’t matter if you go to church on Saturday or Sunday or any other day, because God IS the sabbath. He’s done all the work, yet He is our rest. It doesn’t matter what day you go to church because every day was made for worshipping the Lord and every day, you can consider him your balance and peace.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that the Israelites are God's chosen people. All throughout history, despite the efforts of many individuals and nations, God has rescued the Israelites at every step. During the absolutely terrifying time in world history known as the Holocaust, Israelites were being killed by the millions... But God saved a remnant... And in today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that the scriptures encourage you to pray for the nation of Israel and for the people who live there.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that just because you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, it doesn't mean your life will be always perfect. Every prayer won't get answered right away or maybe even ever... But this is all a part of having a relationship with God. God isn't some genie that can grant you wishes... God wants a relationship with you, He wants to spend time with you in worship, prayer or scripture reading. You have to trust Him to make choices that are best for you... Not just granting every prayer.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God has blessings in store for you if you have accepted Jesus. When you accept Jesus into your life, God began to shower blessing on your life... Although it may not always feel like it. Though God does pour out blessings on you, that doesn't mean your life is going to be perfect. Along with the promised blessings, God also promised that His children would have trials in this world... But God will never leave you high and dry. He will always come to your rescue.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of the amazing power of prayer. When God placed you where He placed you, maybe in your community or church, He planted you there for a reason. Maybe you don't agree with every decision that your town makes, but as you'll learn today, you are called to pray for where you are planted. Pray for the leaders in your community, pray for your church leaders and pray for the leaders of your country... They all need prayer just as much as the next person.
Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to be thankful. In today's fast-paced culture, it can be difficult to be thankful. Maybe your neighbor just bought a new car, it's hard to try to be thankful for the car that you have... But as Pastor Bill will remind you, while it is important to be thankful for what you have... Most importantly you have to be thankful for the opportunities God has given you. He placed you where you are, in your church or community.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of just how important baptism is. Baptism is the act of being dipped under water by your pastor or other church leader. This act in and of itself does not save you... Only the sacrificial blood of Jesus can save... But this act of baptism is a statement. It is a statement to everyone in your church, in your family, and in your friend circle that you have chosen to follow Jesus Christ with abandon.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God has a purpose for the suffering you have endured. In the darkness of suffering it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel... But God has a plan. Your suffering could be used to help someone else through a dark time in their life. You could be the person who shares their life story with someone who is struggling... You could be the person who shares the love of Christ with someone for the first time.
Have you ever been angry with someone? Of course you have! In the heat of anger it can be difficult to control the words that you say. You may something out of anger that you don't truly mean. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God is the judge of people that have wronged you. As easy as it is to do, you can't pronounce judgement on the people who have wronged you, it isn't your job to punish them... These things are to be left to the Lord.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of important truths in Christianity. One of these truths is God's knowledge of the past, present, and the future. God is the master orchestrator of everything, He has planned and known everything that has happened in advance. God is omniscient... But just because God knows everything before it happens does not mean that you are controlled or a robot. You always have free will when it comes to Jesus.
Have you ever known someone whose actions, consistently didn’t follow their words? It’s frustrating because you never know what they actually want to say or do. Pastor Bill talks to us today about how heavy are words can be. You may not think too much before you speak but that’s a weighty game to play. What you choose to say is important because it shows others your heart – your true intentions. Let your words be sweet and full of loving kindness; don’t say foolish things just to fill the silence.
Some people may tell you that anger of any kind is wrong. Pastor Bill informs us today though, that that’s not true; anger itself is not a sin. There is a righteous kind of anger. As a believer in Christ, there are things that should make you angry! But when it can become a sin, is how you decide to act on that anger. We’re called to live peaceably when we can and to stand up for what we believe in when the time arrives. Keep things in perspective; don’t blow things out of proportion simply because you’re upset.
Do you ever feel like you’re going life alone? Today, Pastor Bill talks about how God will be faithful to us, so long as we’re faithful to Him. It took Jacob a long time for it to really sink in that God was with him. Don’t ever think that you have to handle everything by yourself; don’t think that you have to carry the load all alone. Jesus loves you and He doesn’t ever want to see you hurt and overwhelmed. Call out to Him and He’ll take that burden off your back and carry it in His capable hands, just for you.
Have you ever experienced unfaithfulness? Whether you were on the giving or receiving end, it’s a time filled with strong emotions and a lot of hurt. Pastor Bill talks to us today about how God is faithful to His children. Has He ever allowed you to go through something that was beyond your capabilities? He will never not take care of you. Just as he feeds and tends to the birds in the sky, so will He tend to the needs of His children, whom He loves so much. It’s a beautiful thing, to be shepherded by Jesus Christ.
Will you allow Jesus to turn you into His bond servant? Will you be a person who's all in for Him and His Kingdom? Pastor Bill teaches you today just what it means to be a bond servant and reminds you that as a Christian you're to be a bond servant to Christ. As His bond servant you'll recognize that all that you have in your life is His. You'll declare Jesus as your King knowing that He'll place you where you're meant to be and provide for you a life more incredible then the life you could've provided for yourself.
Will people see the spirit of God in you. Will they realize that you follow the path of Jesus? Pastor Bill helps you understand Jesus's character and reminds you that you're to follow in Christ's foot steps. As you get to know Jesus better you'll be inspired by His ways and character and begin to take them on yourself. As you grow in Him you'll separate more and more from the ways of this world. They'll begin to see in you His kindness and grace. Your goodness will bring light to their lives.
Too many churches have made the mistake of becoming social clubs. They lose sight of Jesus and begin to look to themselves and their own selfish desires. Pastor Bill warns you of the churches that lose sight of Christ. He encourages you to be a leader in your church and to be a Christian that teaches your fellow brothers and sisters who Jesus truly is. Once you have in your heart the character of Jesus you'll know that you're called to go into the secular world and share His name with all who you can.
You may fail to grasp the foolishness of sheep. They're not smart creatures nor are they cleanly. Like sheep we're lost dirty souls yet despite that Jesus is willing to step down from His throne and act as our shepherd. Pastor Bill reminds you today of Jesus's goodness. He encourages you to be inspired by Jesus and to become like Him. Humble yourself and be willing to help others so that they can find hope in their lives. Share with them the blessings and salvation of Christ.
Are you fulfilling your God given purpose and bringing people to know His name? You may find it uncomfortable or awkward but you're a person that knows Gods Word. You can be a light to Him and His Kingdom for others and guide their lost souls to His grace and salvation. Pastor Bill encourages you today to share Jesus. He assures you that it's never too early or too late to become a messenger for the Lord. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, faithfully set out, and be one who declares the name of Jesus to all.
You're called to be an ambassador for Christ. This means that you're too seek out His Will for your life and to then put it into action. Pastor Bill encourages you today to find your purpose. God has a plan for you and He wants you to live out that plan for His Kingdom and for your joy. He knows what's best for you and want's you to experience that. To do this you'll be required to step out in faith into uncomfortable situations. Are you ready? If not dive into the Word more. Ingrain it into your mind and place it as your center.
Are you have a good day or a bad day? Are things going right in your life or are things pretty messed up? Things were pretty messed up in Josephs life for a while. I’m sure he felt like there was no way that God was in control of his life. His brothers sold him, he was thrown into prison for a crime he didn’t commit and he felt forgotten. God used all of that for His good. Today Pastor Bill teaches that you are responsible for what you do, but God is in control of every detail of your life. That’s the best news ever!
What does it mean when someone says “Jesus paid it all?” God sent his son to save your life because you sinned. The wages of sin is death. He knows how to take care of you – He knows your struggles. When you feel like you are living your worst nightmare, God will turn it into your best story ever! Today Pastor Bill shares that He is a good God with a great plan that comes down to your salvation. Just like Judah did with Benjamin, Jesus paid the ultimate price and took your place.
When you are completely broken, you’re at the bottom and have nowhere else to look, but up. Jesus will save you! He allows you to go through all kinds of trials and tribulations till you hit rock bottom. Why does he do that? Today Pastor Bill teaches that God does this so that you will be totally broken and trust in Him. God doesn’t force you to be saved, it’s a choice. If he did, would you need to put your trust in Him? When you are going through something realize that you need a savior and look up!
Joseph noticed his brothers may have had a change of heart after 22 years, but he had to be sure. He tested them. His brothers in the end made the right choice. He cried tears of joy when he saw them and realized that they were different. Pastor Bill teaches that Jesus has cried tears of joy over you, because He loves you. Sometimes He will test you to see if your heart is truly changed. In Today’s message you can learn how God will reveal himself to you and how to have a changed heart.
Everyone has one common denominator. When you realize you’re a sinner and desperate, it leads you to a desperate confession before the almighty God. Joseph needed to know if his brothers had repentant hearts. He wanted them to be honest. He wanted them saved. Asking them to step up and be honest, was not hard. Pastor Bills says. “We play the church game. We need to be honest and say ‘I am a sinner in need of a savior.’” Today you will learn how to have a true changed heart.
In Today’s message we learn that guilt is a gift from God. That may sound kind of funny to some, but guilt leads to conviction. God will reveal himself when you are finally ready to tell the truth. When you feel convicted, you need to run to Jesus! He will cleanse your conscience so that you can serve Him. The lie of sin says there is no way out. You know differently. Jesus still provides for you and blesses you even though you’ve sinned. He is your way out. Pastor Bill says “We call that grace!”
Don’t you love it when your conscience is clean and you’re not feeling guilty? Todays’ message explains that Jesus Christ is the answer to this, not religion or blood from a sacrificed sheep. Pastor Bill teaches that “Everyone goes through a process in life when your conscience tells you something is wrong, you ignore it, but then it turns into conviction.” When you know it’s time to repent and get serious with God you can make that guilty feeling disappear. Don’t stay in denial! You are a sinner saved by grace!
Have you ever thought that forgetfulness can be a gift? Not the forgetfulness that comes with dementia or old age. You may remember what someone did to you, but you get over it. Joseph did this with his brothers, he had to forgive and forget what they did to him. Pastor Bill says, “God gave us this as a gift.” Jesus talked about forgiveness a lot in the Bible. He said, “Forgive others, as I have forgiven you!” Is there someone or something that God needs to help you forgive and forget? Let him use you!
Pastor Bill says, “The biggest blessing in your life can still come as you’re trying to figure out how to get through this life!” You can either live hanging onto all the junk or somehow you can watch the hand of God in spite of all of it. His plan is to work for you! He has great plans for your life, you just have to embrace it! Wherever God has placed you, wherever your ministry is, be a man or woman of your word. Do it right! Watch what God does!
Whatever situation you are in, if your heart is already connected to Jesus, you know you are saved, but God wants to save those around you. People need Jesus. You don’t know when you will be needed. Be faithful where you are, watch your heart and do the best you can with what you have. Someone will have a dream or a question they need answered. Someone will remember you, a person who you thought had forgotten about you. Pastor Bill urges you to be ready when they come.
Often times we feel like God is being silent. Maybe, He is trying to teach you to depend on Him. Sometimes you just aren’t being quiet enough. You have to remember that you are not forgotten! God said “I will never leave you or forsake you!” He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Today Pastor Bill tells a story of how as he was sitting on his front porch, God sent him someone to remind him that he wasn’t alone and that he wasn’t crazy. God chose someone randomly to encourage him in his darkest hour.
Have you ever been awakened at night and felt pressed to pray for someone? When you feel that nudge, pray! Other times God asks us to text or call someone. When He speaks to you, follow what He tells you to do. Be obedient. You might be the voice of God that is used to speak to someone to let them know that they are not alone. Pastor Bill reminds you to remember the ones who are caught, imprisoned and mistreated. Listen to the father!
You don’t know what’s going to happen next in your life. It may get better and it may get worse. But you have to remember that God has never left you and will not ever forsake you. Joseph the “favored son” probably felt alone and forsaken. He was thrown into a pit and sold as a slave by his brothers. Sometimes it’s easy to focus on how you feel forgotten. You need to remember that everyone else feels this way too. Reach out and help someone to know that they are remembered and important.
Pastor Bill teaches today that God has taken each of us down a road of dreams. He will show you exactly what he wants you do. When you are at the bottom, in the pits of life, that’s when you have to hold onto your dreams by faith. God has other people coming into your future that you will able to offer help to because of what you went through. If you see someone who seems discouraged, you can be like Joseph and ask them how they are doing. Ask if you can pray for them. Be a servant!
God has placed you exactly where he wants you to be. He has placed you there for one of two reasons. Firstly, He’s placed you there so that you’ll still believe the dreams He’s given you. You just don’t know when and where they will happen. Secondly, with the spiritual gifts God has blessed you with, you can be a servant and see people no one else sees. Then He will open the door for ministry, just like He did for Joseph. His dreams started in the pits, but he rose up and all his dreams came true!
Pastor Bill today shares his story of coming to Christ at the tender age of 16. He was hyped up about the rapture and the kingdom. He had a dream to share all he was learning with those around him, but his little sister didn’t want to hear about it. Like Joseph he knew he had a dream that had come from God. When Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers, they wanted to kill him. His own father didn’t agree with the dreams he was having. Today were learn about what happened with Josephs dreams.
Pastor Bill teaches that temptation WILL come your way! There are some people you can’t be with, some places on the internet you shouldn’t go and TV shows you shouldn’t watch. You need to be like Joseph who had to walk away from the temptation of Potiphar’s wife. She tried to seduce him and he continued to tell her no. She ended up grabbing a piece of his clothing and tried to frame him. When temptation comes your way, you need to be prepared to speak to it or run as fast as you can away from it.
Christ asks you to be obedient to your masters, including your boss at work. Pastor Bill says being obedient may mean staying late and working overtime, working harder than others or having a better attitude than your co-workers. He says “quit gripping and grumbling! If you think it’s always going to be fun, you are sadly mistaken. Ask the Lord to fill you up. If you are wondering why He has you in this job, it is because He has a plan for you.” You may not be able to see it. You must trust in His plan.
Coming to Jesus will give you the wildest ride of your life. It will be like a roller coaster. God has a reason for every up and down, every turn that happens in your life! Through it all, the Lord is with you, just as he was with Joseph. Joseph was thrown in a pit by his brothers whom he loved. He was sold into slavery in a country where he didn’t speak the language. He was probably very afraid, but he had to trust God. Pastor Bill says, “God knew what He was doing. He will never leave you or forsake you!”
The choices you make each day can be far-reaching. Judah gave in to temptation but even in his sinful act, God was able to redeem it. Sin is not without ramifications, but through Judah’s bloodline, God ushered in eternal redemption through Jesus Christ. If you keep hitting a brick wall with areas of sin in your life, be encouraged that Jesus can tear down that barrier. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that God uses broken people and situations to bring about a breakthrough of His grace and mercy.
You might wonder why God chooses to allow utterly messy events to happen. Your own life may seem irreconcilable, but God has a way of bringing redemption out of very broken situations. If you ever assumed the people in the Bible are without fault, take a look into today’s passage. Pastor Bill delves into the nitty-gritty of a scenario that was truly unexpected and by God’s grace, it had an unforeseeable resolution. The greatest takeaway is that these people, like you, needed a Savior.
God is in the midst of your story, but He’s aware of more than you can fathom. He promises things will ultimately work out for your good, but you will not be exempt from trial along the way. Are you able to believe God has a bigger plan than the “here-and-now?” Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that God is in charge of every circumstance and He has control over the conclusion of your situation. When you feel stuck in the middle of your story, remember that God is orchestrating things for your good.
One of Genesis’ resounding themes is the fall-out of unhealthy favoritism within a family. Jacob was favored and now history repeats itself with Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph. Why is playing favorites so detrimental? Today, Pastor Bill unpacks the betrayal of Joseph’s brothers by providing the context of jealousy as it festered to the point of abandon. But God had a greater purpose in Joseph’s journey and it was for the benefit of Israel. Joseph is a picture of Jesus and grander things to come.
Are you looking for temporary blessing and fulfillment or do you long for something more? In the Bible and in your life, God promises a greater blessing and fulfillment to those He chooses. Rather than chasing after your own kingdom here on earth, why not chase after an eternal kingdom? In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill explains in detail how anyone can attain that eternal kingdom with Jesus by simply putting your trust in Him and what He has done for YOU. By doing this, you will reign with God for eternity.
Many things in life have a very temporal reward. It is far less appealing to wait for delayed gratification. Do you seek earthly blessing or are you willing to persevere for a heavenly blessing? Today, Pastor Bill discusses two men, two brothers, two nations, two blessings that diverged in every possible way. Esau experienced a more immediate blessing within his nation, but it did not last. Jacob’s blessing came later, but for the long-haul. Do you desire a momentary blessing or one that really counts?
Does your wholehearted devotion to Jesus make life easier? Whether you like it or not, following Jesus does not disqualify you from trials, sorrow, and sin. In many ways, life may be more difficult by following God, but hard things do not always equate to “bad things.” Take courage, as Pastor Bill walks you through today’s passage. It serves as a reminder that God can help you overcome challenging circumstances. He honors those who follow Him, just as He honored Jacob and the nation of Israel.
Jesus Christ came from Heaven to earth to die on the cross for you. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior? His grace is sufficient, and not one of us deserves the Gospel. Not one of us merit salvation. In today’s message, Pastor Bill ponders the truth that God just wants to bless you. He desires a relationship with you. If you’ve already accepted Him, He wants you to get back to Him, spend time with Him, read your Bible, worship Him, and learn more from Him! Get back to your Bethel and praise the Lord.
Jacob was a man of God who was wandering from the path intended for him. God commanded he go to Bethel, yet Jacob settled his family in a town 15 miles away. Is that close enough? Would God be okay that Jacob stopped his journey short of the goal? Today, Pastor Bill asks you the same question; are you where God wants you to be? Do you feel a calling in your life but are too scared, too intimidated, too lazy, or too weak to continue the journey? Rely on His strength and sustaining grace and get to your Bethel.
How is your love relationship with Jesus going? How would He say it’s going? In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to take time to think about those questions. A relationship with Jesus needs to go both ways to be fruitful. He is always in your life, ready to spend time with you, and is faithful even when you’re not. How do you treat Him? Did you accept Him as your Lord and Savior and then forget about Him? Have you yet to accept Him? He is always ready to accept your invitation into a relationship!
Genesis chapter 34 is confusing and troubling. But, as Pastor Bill teaches through Genesis today, he doesn’t just skip over the chapters he dislikes. God has reasons for every Word in the Bible. After Jacob’s family walks through a difficult time in chapter 34, God is there in chapter 35, to pick them up, dust them off, and welcome them back with open arms! God is in the business of reconciliation, no matter how many times you’ve ignored Him or how far you’ve strayed from His path.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God; including the genealogies, the hard truths, the entire book of Leviticus, and Genesis chapter 34. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that there are no Biblical passages we can just skip over or assume are irrelevant to us. All scripture was breathed by God. Surely, we can glean truth from it. Genesis chapter 34 is one such difficult and confusing chapter. But Pastor Bill believes in teaching all of God’s Word, not just the easy parts.
Reconciliation cost God everything. Do you need to be reconciled to someone? It may cost you something. You may need to buy something, say something, do something, or lose something. Reconciliation can be painful and time consuming. But, as Pastor Bill reminds you in his message today, it is always worth it in the end. Be at peace and live in unity with those around you. Reconciliation cost God His only Son, but He would sacrifice Him all over again in order to save you because you’re worth it!
When you accepted Christ, you became reconciled to God. Jesus made you righteous through the cross. In today’s message, Pastor Bill discusses reconciliation and turning everything you have over to God. Keep nothing left over. He wants your whole self. Jesus, who knew no sin became sin for you, and died on the cross to save you. You were reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and now you are an ambassador to encourage others to be reconciled as you were.
This life will bring hardship and trials along the way. You were never promised smooth sailing. God is okay with you questioning your circumstances and even wishing they were different. But what he desires most is that you praise him in the face of such trials. He is still your God and still your Savior. He will never leave you or forsake you. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to praise Jesus always, because when your circumstances are difficult, your witness is even stronger.
Hold onto Jesus. He wants you fully surrendered to Him. He doesn’t want your belongings, or your wealth, or some corner of your life. He wants you wholly given to Him. Today, Pastor Bill discusses Jacob’s half-hearted attempts at surrendering to God. But he never surrenders his whole self. That’s why Jesus meets Him and wrestles with him all night long. He breaks Him and weakens Him, and when Jacob is at his weakest, he fully surrenders. Jesus desires for you to meet Him before you are weakest.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill discusses the story of Zacchaeus. He reminds us that Jesus came for all of us. He died on the cross to save sinners, which is everyone. Like Zacchaeus, He will call you one day to visit you at your house. He wants your whole life. Be like Zacchaeus and give it over to Him. Trust Him with it and turn from your sin to be reconciled to others. Live a life worthy of your calling. When Jesus gets a hold of your life, you can be a witness to others. He can save everyone!
There is a whole spiritual realm that we cannot see. There are angels fighting our battles all around us. A few people have seen this other side and one of them was Jacob from today’s message. Pastor Bill wants to remind us, however, that our focus should remain on Jesus. Although there are angels, created by God, Jesus is your only Savior and Lord. He died on the cross for you and was resurrected to defeat death for you. He is the one we pray to and the one we should listen to. Praise Jesus!
Jesus Christ is the bridge between Heaven and earth. He is the One who died for us, He is the One we receive, He is the One we focus on, and He is the only way to God. In today’s message, Pastor Bill discusses angels, but he emphasizes that they are not on the same level as Jesus. We do not pray to angels, they are not as powerful as Jesus, and we do not receive them. Angles were created by God for many reasons and they are on our side, but Jesus is the one and only Lord and Savior!
Jesus never leaves us unexpectedly. We know He came to save us. We know He had to leave for the Holy Spirit to come. We know He will return, and, in the meantime, we should be working, watching, and waiting. And we know that in the end, He will be victorious. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages us to be this courteous to those around us. Be Jesus to them. Don’t just leave or walk away from someone forever, like Jacob tried to do with his Uncle Laban. Forgive and reconcile. Love them and be kind.
God’s Will for your life is not a secret. He wants you in on it. In today’s message, Pastor Bill mentions three important pieces in determining God’s Will. First, what is the desire in your heart? Second, your current circumstances are no longer right. Maybe they served you well for a time, but now God wants you to move on. Most importantly, you need to hear from God. Seek the Lord in prayer and wait for Him to answer. His leading feels different for everyone, but you can tell it’s Him when you’re expecting Him to answer.
Today, Pastor Bill reiterates over and over to trust God and work hard. This is the recipe for a fulfilling life in Christ. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are blessed. But God also has a calling on your life. Fulfill that calling, listen to the Lord’s leading, trust him, and work hard because you love Him. No matter what this life brings, God has a plan for you and heaven awaits. In the meantime, be a light shining for Jesus. Do what He calls you to do and live a life pleasing to Him.
When you trust God and work hard, it is impossible for you to get ripped off. In the light of eternity, no matter what happens in this life, you are blessed. People and circumstances won’t always be ideal, but with God, your eternity is secure. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you to keep your focus on the future that awaits you. If your focus is on earthly matters and your hope is in this life, you will be disappointed and feel ripped off. But God is your gauge for success and will never rip you off.
You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and adopted into God’s kingdom for all eternity. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that additionally, God has a calling on your life. There are good works that He has planned for you. You will be blessed and go to heaven whether you fulfill your calling or not, but your faith should be shown through your works. Be what you’re supposed to be in Christ!
To God, you are beautiful! He desires the best for you and can use you in mighty ways. Take Leah, for example in Pastor Bill’s message today. By the world’s standards and even to her own husband, she was nothing special. She was not beautiful, her father tricked Jacob into marrying her, and she lived in the shadow of her sister, Rachel. But Leah is the woman God created to be included in the bloodline of Jesus Christ, the King of Heaven! God loved Leah and he loves you more than you know!
God doesn’t always do things the way we think He will or should. When things in this world appear to be derailing, it might actually be true that we are in the exact right spot where God wants us. As illustrated today in Pastor Bill’s message, Jacob and his family often tried to take matters into their own hands. Through deception, greed, and selfishness, Jacob’s family was in shambles. However, even when we try to screw up God’s plan, He can use what we have created. Turn to God and allow Him to bless your mess!
God can make beautiful people out of anyone! Do you feel unworthy or unloved? Today, Pastor Bill discusses the mess that Jacob made of his family. He married two wives who were sisters and openly loved one sister more than another. Leah was the unwanted wife who felt betrayed and forgotten. But God heard her cries and loved her. He blessed her with sons, one of whom would be a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. The King of heaven came from Leah. Don’t believe for a second that God has forgotten you!
Today, Pastor Bill retells the story of Jacob and his marriages to Leah and Rachel. He was swindled by his uncle to first marry Leah even though the deal was for Rachel’s hand. But Jacob came from a swindling family and needed to learn that you will reap what you sow. Years earlier he had tricked his father into giving him the birthright that belonged to his brother. So, lest we think of Jacob as an innocent victim, we must remember that he sowed bad seed earlier. God will not ignore sowing of bad seed.
Here’s the good news of Jesus: before He came to save you, all you could sow was bad seed. You had no means to sow good seed because no good was in you. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that since Jesus came, we now have the option to sow good seed. He came to save you from yourself and turn you in a new direction. You will reap what you sow, but with Jesus, that can be a good thing. Do you choose to sow good seed with Jesus’ help? Have you repented of your old bad seed ways?
God came to Jacob in a dream to save Him. But this was no ordinary dream. Jacob knew he was hearing from the Lord. It was vivid and specific. God can come to you this way as well. You may feel His presence in a dream like Jacob did, or while you are wide awake. God can make Himself known whenever He wants to. As Pastor Bill reminds you today, all you need to do is listen and answer God’s call. God wants you to come as you are, and He will keep His covenant with you forever. He is not into making deals.
God is omniscient. He knows everything; including everything that has happened, everything that is happening, everything that will happen, and everything that could have happened. He is outside of time and space and is too big for our finite brains to grasp. In today’s message, Pastor Bill ponders God’s awesomeness. Who are we that an omniscient, omni-present, all-knowing God loves you and me? But He does. He loves you more than anything in His creation and sent His Son to save you!
Today, Pastor Bill will warn you not to put your trust in your fleshly senses... Your sight can deceive you... The world that you live in has the tendency to look like what you want it to look like instead of reality. Pastor Bill will also warn you about trusting in anything that isn't the Lord or His Word. All of your senses can trick you... But the Holy Spirit will help steer you in the right direction even when your senses and desires want to drag you down. Call out to the Lord for guidance, He will always give it to you.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that Jesus doesn't need your help... Think about a dad working on a car, his young son comes out and asks to help. The young child probably won't be of much help to his father. But does the father tell his son he can't help? No! The father invites his son to help him so that he can teach his son and spend quality time with his son. Your heavenly father does the same thing, He doesn't need your help but He invites you to help him so He can teach you and spend time with you.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that for most Christians its easy to believe that God's Word is true and that He will work in their life... But its more difficult to believe in God's way. God's ways and deeds are higher than your own... You may be in a situation and see a clear way for God to resolve your problem but usually He has His own ideas. God will work in your life in ways that you would never expect. He will work in a way that solves or resolves your problem while bringing all the glory to Himself.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will share the story of the conflict between shepherds and Isaac's shepherds. Other shepherds kept stopping up Isaac's wells because he was prospering so much. So, Isaac just kept digging wells and everywhere he dug he found water. Pastor Bill will encourage you to never stop digging... Some will come and try to put you down and stop up your well... Because if you hold fast to the Lord, you will dig and dig and always find another well to draw from just like Isaac.
Today, Pastor Bill will share the parable of the sower. In the parable of the sower, a farmer takes seed and throws it everywhere... The farmer throws seed into the rocks and into the weeds, all places you wouldn't expect seed to grow. But, as Pastor Bill will remind you, you are also called to spread the gospel! Even in unlikely places! You never know where a seed will take root or how a soil may change! If you spread the gospel everyday... Imagine if just one seed takes root in someone's life...
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that your Christian faith isn't purely about getting a free pass into Heaven... As Pastor Bill will share with you, your faith is about the Holy Spirit being poured out of you into those that are around you. When you asked the Lord to be your personal savior, the Holy Spirit took up residence in your heart. The Holy Spirit will overflow out of you and into others, providing an example of Jesus to others. Did the Holy Spirit overflow in your life today? Yesterday?
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you of some excuses that can be made for not running the race you are called to run... Maybe people will think you are crazy or maybe people might make fun of you... Take a look at Jesus's life. Jesus lived a completely perfect life, He never messed up once. But many people in the new testament thought that He was crazy for healing on the sabbath and for other miracles He performed. You must run your race like Jesus did, not with scornful disregard but with a joyful attitude.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God left you on Earth to run a race... But, by running this race, you aren't buying yourself salvation. Your salvation was gifted to you by Jesus Christ. Pastor Bill will also warn you not to trade what you were left on Earth to do... For a distraction. The modern culture that you live in is full of distractions... Food, money, entertainment and so much more. These things can become idols that you worship instead of focusing on your mission given to you by God.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that Jesus is both the author and finisher of your faith. God gave His one and only son Jesus to finish your faith... It's by this grace and mercy that you can be saved. Pastor Bill will also remind you that the Lord left people on this Earth to run a race... God left you to run your race. God didn't leave you here so that you could run some else's race. You aren't equipped to run anyone else's race but your own. God finished your faith... But it is up to you to run your race with endurance.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that you don't wrestle with the things that you think you do. You don't fight against things that are in this world... But things of another, evil world... Pastor Bill will also remind you that all of God's promises are true. Any promise that God made to biblical figures came true! And just like for them, the promises made to you will come true! It's easy to think in our modern, immediate culture, that God has forgotten about His promises... But the Lord operates on His timeline... Not yours.
Today, Pastor Bill will warn you how harmful comparison can be. Comparison is the enemy of growth and progress... When you are busy looking at someone's life and compare your accomplishments and progress with their's... They won't ever match up, your progress will always seem small. Now, you might be wondering... Why does my progress seem small in comparison? Everyone is in their own stage of life, every choice and accomplishment that they make is based around their situation.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that pessimism leads to fatalism. Some people, regardless of their age, have aged. They have aged too far for their age in maturity. Maybe that looks like a 40 year old who sees death as a destination. This kind of person has no hope and little energy to do much of anything... Especially the work of the Lord. Pastor Bill will also share with you that Christians should not be this way! You, as a Christian, have the greatest news there is! The Gospel of Jesus Christ!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that no Christian is saved by the works that they do. No amount of prayer, bible reading or serving in your church will buy you a one way ticket to heaven. All Christians are saved by faith and faith alone. Pastor Bill will also remind you that if you are saved by faith alone... That faith will not remain alone. You'll end up wanting to pray, read your bible and serve! Not to earn your way into heaven but to give God back the glory for all He has done in your life!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to give God the recognition for all He has done in your life. God has given Christians many promises, some fulfilled and some yet to be fulfilled. As a Christian, it's important to understand where your gifts and blessings come from... Even the small things. It's easy to write off the small things as coincidences or accidents... But you have to look at it through an intentional mindset. God is working in and through everyone and everything... For you!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of how Abraham's servant took time to worship the Lord during times when the Lord clearly answered his prayers. Often times it can be easy to think that you don't need to pray for small things... But God answers all prayers, large and small. Pastor Bill will also remind you to pray for the small things and depend on God to answer them! And when God answers your prayers, like He says He will, worship Him! Give Him the honor and glory He deserves!
oday, Pastor Bill will remind you of the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham's servant goes and prays to the Lord asks God to show him who Isaac's wife should be... But before the servant even finishes praying, a women comes to him asking him for the exact things he had asked the Lord for! Pastor Bill will share with you that Christians who are in tune with the Lord will have their prayers answered before the words even leave their mouths!
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God is omniscient. God sees all your hardships, blessings and everything in between. God keeps track of word you speak, who you speak it to and He picked you. God picked you as a gift. Now, you might be wondering... A gift to who and what for? Pastor Bill will share with you that each Christian is the bride of Christ and you are God's gift to His son Jesus. Just like any groom, Jesus waits expectantly for the day when you can join Him in heaven.
Today, Pastor Bill will encourage you to pray to the Lord when you need help in your life! Many times it's easy to get nervous about prayer... What if I stutter or say the wrong things? God isn't looking for a perfect thee and thou prayer... He's looking for you... He's looking for you to call out to Him, in your own words. He won't not hear your prayer if you mix up your words. He's always listening to the prayers of His saints. Pastor Bill also remind you that the Lord encourages you to pray to Him for kindness.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you why marriage is such a big deal in the bible and to God. One of the biggest reasons that God cares so deeply for marriage is because marriage illustrates God's relationship with you! Pastor Bill will also remind you that you and all other Christians are the bride of Christ. He wooed each and every Christian to Himself with His never ending grace and mercy... The Lord has prepared a place for you in Heaven where you will live forever with Him and other Christians.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that during some of your tests in life, it's easy to think “Why is God letting this happen to me?”... In the middle of trials, it's difficult to see the Lord moving in and through your situation to work it out for your good. Pastor Bill will also remind you that God is working out your trial for your good but also for someone else's good! The experience that you gain in your struggles can be used in the life of someone else, you can help guide someone and give them sound advice.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to dust off your bible and get into God's word! Sometimes with all of the crazy busy schedules that you have, it can be easy to write off taking time to spend in scripture. Pastor Bill will also remind that sometimes you simply won't want to read your bible... But don't only read your bible when you feel like it! God doesn't feel like it either! Your feelings will catch up with you. Take your bible, read it and worship the Lord! When you do this, God will bless you!
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that you don't always know what you can and can't handle... Only God knows how much you can handle in this life. Pastor Bill will also share with you that the expression “God won't give you more than you can handle” isn't very biblically sound. Think about it for a moment... If God always gave you just a little less than you could handle, why would you need God? You wouldn't! God can give you more than you can handle so you can learn to lean on Him!
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that God desires for every Christian to be generous. If someone you didn't know offered you a little extra money for a service that you charged them for... What would you think or say? You might wonder, why would they do that? It's these kinds of generous actions that spark curiosity among nonbeliever's. These kinds of questions can open up a conversation where you can invite them to your home church or bible study... Maybe they get saved through one kind action.
Today, Pastor Bill will share with you about something that all Christian's have, new and old. Their testimony. Your testimony is your greatest tool in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. You can share about all that God has blessed you with and what He has freed you from. Pastor Bill will also remind you that there are things Christian's can do to enhance or diminish their testimony. Paying your mechanic a little extra to show you care and things of that nature can surely enhance your testimony of God's goodness.
In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that all men and women who profess belief in Christ are called to be missionaries in some capacity or another. The goal of each Christian isn't to come to church and learn all they can, although that is a good and helpful pursuit. A Christian's main objective is to share the love of Jesus with those around them. Maybe that means giving a little extra tip to your waiter or waitress, maybe that looks like giving extra grace for a job that was done differently than you intended.
Today, Pastor Bill will draw a parallel between Abraham's wives and sons. Abraham's son Isaac represents God's promise and providence... Whereas the law is represented by Haggar and her son. The law refers to the biblical laws of the old testament. People can often become obsessed with upholding the law, some even become obsessive in making that others keep the law down to the last detail. This type of obsessive behavior can cause people to lose sight of what truly matters... the grace of Jesus.
Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that both the physical church and the collective group of the Church is for everyone. There isn't one single person who can't live, love and function well within the Church. Many times, people come into the church and come to salvation but still have false beliefs about themselves... They believe that they can't help in ministry because of past hangups. Sometimes even church “veterans” can push out new volunteers causing further misconceptions among new believers.
Today, Pastor Bill will share with you the analogy of milk and meat. When you were a baby did you eat whole foods? Like a chicken leg or a steak? Of course not! You drank milk because you didn't have the tools like teeth and a developed digestive system... But after several years, little by little, you grew to enjoy whole foods. Growing in Christ is similar, you don't start with deep theological questions right away. You start with the basics and slowly but surely work your way to the deeper things of God.
Through the story of Abraham you've learned that God has a promise for you and that even if you manage to mess that promise up He can redeem all situations and still come through. Pastor Bill reminds you today that God has a plan. A time will come when He'll return and Jesus will reign as your Lord. In preparation for that time it's crucial that you look to your forefathers such as Abraham and learn from their mistakes. Be inspired by their goodness and be warned by their sins.
If you believe that Jesus is Lord and that He's the Savior for all mankind then you'll be saved by Him. Pastor Bill reminds you today that through Jesus you're restored. When you believe in Him He'll declare you as His. From that day forward you'll be recognized as a servant to Gods Kingdom. If you've not yet asked Jesus into your heart now's the time. Ask Him to make Himself clear to you. Ask for Him to remove your doubts and hesitations. Open your mind to the possibility that there's more in life for you.
The world loves to point out the hypocrisy of Christians so much so that there's become an illusion that once a Christians sin is brought to the worlds attention they can no longer serve. Pastor Bill reminds you today that this isn't the case. No sin is too big for God. As long as you acknowledge your wrong and give it to Jesus you'll be redeemed and restored in Him. Don't let the world crucify or judge you. Trust in your relationship with Christ. Allow His governance over you and abide to His Will alone.
Integrity will ultimately sway not only you but others from sin. Pastor Bill asks you today if your integrity can keep you out of trouble. He teaches you that by not partaking in sinful things or by standing up to them you'll encourage others to do the same. Seek out integrity for your life. Study God's Word so that you'll have a clear vision as to what is right and wrong. Be a person who speaks truth and acts in kindness. Allow yourself to be an example of Christ's Kingdom. Be a model of humility and grace.
Despite any background or history that you may have God is capable of delivering you. Pastor Bill reminds you today of Lot. He teaches you of the great sin that this man had in His life and teaches you that despite it he was delivered and declared by God as a righteous man. From this you learn there's always hope. No matter what horrible things you've done in your life Jesus is waiting to take your sin and declare you as righteous. Ask Him into your heart and begin your journey with Him. Let your past be past.
After Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed Lot secluded himself and his family in a cave in the mountains. He isolated himself and it led to more sin. Pastor Bill encourages you today to be active in a Godly community. He warns you against secluding yourself and reminds you of your need for Christian influence in your life. If you've secluded yourself it's time to find a community of fellow believers. Get involved with a local church. Allow them to influence your life and in return help and serve others.
All the material things of this world that you have will ultimately be lost. Nothing that you have can be taken to heaven with you. Pastor Bill teaches you today that the works you do for Gods Kingdom will stay with you. This means that when you serve Gods Kingdom here treasures are stored there. As you live your life be aware of what your time is gaining you. Are you filling a bank account that will be left behind, or are you adding to a treasure that awaits you in eternity. Invest in your future with God for it will never end.
Lot's wife remained faithless. As she left Sodom she looked back to it longingly as it was being destroyed. Though she'd been saved from destruction she was unwillingly to look ahead. As such God turned her into a pillar of salt. Pastor Bill reminds you today that her husband Lot knew God, but he failed to share Him with his wife. You too know God, have you let your loved ones know about Him? If not it's crucial that you remember Lot's wife. Speak of Jesus to the ones you love. Let them know that salvation awaits.
Though Lot knew that Sodom and Gomorrah were to be destroyed no one would listen to his warnings. He'd lived a life that did not demonstrate Godliness. Pastor Bill teaches you today that as a result of that no one could believe that God would communicate with him. You learn from this a crucial lesson as to why you should practice what you believe. A time will come where you'll need to tell a friend or family member about Jesus. If they see no godly influence in your ways they'll remain doubtful of your God.
The things of the world will always be tempting to you. That which you know to be wrong will often seem like something that you'd like to take part in. Pastor Bill reminds you today that to be friends with the world is to be an enemy with God. This is because embracing the worlds ways requires the embracing of sin. It requires you to disassociate yourself with God and to place your personal desires first. Remember that your time here is limited. Your true home is God's Kingdom. Live here as though you're there.
It's important that you understand that Gods lessons are to be shared. The difficulties that you overcome with Gods help and the small bits of wisdom that He grants you in your successes and failures are all meant to be shared with others. Pastor Bill encourages you today to be an open book to those around you. Be ready to share with them all that God has taught you throughout your life. Allow them to learn from your mistakes so that they can grow stronger in their relationship with the Lord.
Abraham was not scared to discuss Gods plan for Sodom and Gomorrah. He was willing to ask God to reconsider. Pastor Bill teaches you today the great implications of prayer that come from this. He explains to you the boldness that would've been required for Abraham to essentially say to God that His plan wasn't fair. You learn from this that you too should be unafraid to be bold in your prayer life. Ask for the big things. Do not limit Gods greatness, or grace. Allow Him the opportunity to say yes or no to you.
When God told Sara that she would bare a child she could not help but laugh. In her old age the concept of birthing seemed so ridiculous. She'd waited for years and years and now here again was God promising her a child. Pastor Bill challenges you today to believe in the ridiculous. He reminds you that your God is capable of all things and that He's ready to do those things through you. Open your mind to the impossible of Jesus. Tell Him that you're willing to do any crazy thing that He may have in mind.
God usually will show up when things are most difficult in your life. He'll not only show up then to help you, but He'll show up to see if you're capable of remaining faithful to Him when you're in the hard times. Pastor Bill asks today if you're strong enough in the Lord to hold onto Him when everything goes bad. When the dream falls apart, when the years of effort come to and end with no results, will you still be able to look to the Jesus as your King and counselor? If so then you have a life full of blessings ahead of you.
The modern way of living is to prove independence and individual strength. You're taught that self sufficiency is the sign of true success. Pastor Bill teaches you today that God does things differently. He's not interested in your ability of needing nothing, but instead hopes that you'll realize that you're nothing without the need for Him. Your time in this life will someday come end. Only through Jesus can that end become a beginning in God's Kingdom. Embrace your need for the Lord and let it lead you to Jesus.
Once you've accepted Jesus into you heart you'll be made anew. You'll be a different person in the eyes of the Lord. Pastor Bill explains to you today that God has a name for you and that He'll call you by that name once you've accepted His son Jesus into your heart. This means that all the sins and mistakes of your past will be associated with a different name. You'll truly be seen as spotless and pure from that day forward. The person that you'll be seen as is the person that God always knew you to be.
By becoming a Christian you've dedicated your life to being a student of the Lord. Pastor Bill teaches you today that many of the lessons that God has in store for you will require massive amounts of time. Some lessons may require your whole life to grasp. Knowing this it's crucial that you develop patience. Put aside the tendencies of this fast paced world. Realize that when it comes to God time will be required. Seek Him and His lessons so that you can constantly be in a state of growth.
God has a tendency to come through in the impossible situations. Pastor Bill teaches you today that Sara did not have the child that God promised her until she was 90. A truly ridiculous age to bare a child. Through this birth it was undeniable that God was involved. God wants to do the impossible through you too. He has placed in you His Will for your life. It may seem impossible or ridiculous, but if He's planted it in you then it can come to pass if you'll simply allow it.
It's important for you to grasp the difference between God asking you to take action and God asking you to sit still. Pastor Bill reminds you today that these are two very different things that can often be confused with one another. When you've identified Gods Will for your life you're to pursue it through Him and His means, not through your own. This will require faith and will be rewarded with Gods promises. If on the other hand you are to go rogue and force the situation you'll likely cause chaos in your life.
God promised Abraham and Sarah a child. As time passed Sarah began to believe that the promise wasn't coming to pass because of her. She took it upon herself to find a new solution. Pastor Bill teaches you today that when Sarah did this she was stepping out of bounds. She wasn't placing faith in Gods Promise and was ignoring the Word that God gave her. You too may one day find yourself questioning God. When you do go back into His Word and be reminded by it that He always fulfills His promises.
Gods covenant with Abraham remains to this day. Israel is the promised land and a day will come when Jesus will reign as King above it and all other places. Pastor Bill teaches you today the importance of a covenant. He explains to you that it goes beyond the concept of a contract and that it's to be followed through no matter what. Through God's covenant you are given Jesus. By accepting Him and placing Him in your heart you'll gain a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Accept this covenant with Christ.
Don't allow discouragement to creep into your faith. You're not called to save the world, but to simply be a light to the one who does. Pastor Bill reminds you today that as long as you're here then there's time to point more people to Jesus. Though things around you may look dark or impossible to overcome the fact is God's in control. Maintain your faith in Him and diligently move towards His Will for your life. Don't allow the darkness of the these times to shatter your faith or strength in God.
Once you've accepted Jesus into your heart then He's there to stay. Pastor Bill teaches you today that after you've accepted Jesus there may be times where you feel yourself lapsing in faith. You may feel as though God is slipping away. He assures you that Jesus is always there though. Once He's in your heart He never leaves. Life will take you through different seasons. The best thing you can do is prepare for them. Make prayer and the reading of God's Word consistent habits and you'll be ready for all that comes your way.
A day will come where you'll be required to stand before God. He'll then have to place judgement on you for He and His Kingdom are too Holy to allow just anyone residence. Only by being cloaked in the righteousness of His son Jesus Christ will you be able to pass His judgement and be seen clean. Pastor Bill asks you today if you're cloaked in that righteousness? Do you have Jesus as your Savior? If not, there's still time. Ask Jesus into your heart. Have Him influence your life and be the King that you serve.
The infinite mass of the universe is impossible for you to truly fathom. Even the greatest scientists cannot come close to mapping the boundaries of space. Pastor Bill teaches you today that God made the universe and that it's but a small glimpse into His greatness. If you have found doubt as to who God is Pastor Bill encourages you to look to the stars and to think deeply about the magnitude of the universe. Question how it and we could be but without the hand of God involved.
Abraham struggled with the amount of time that God took to fulfill His promises. As a result He made ungodly decisions that created great tribulations in his life. Pastor Bill reminds you today that God will always come through on His promises, but that they may not occur as quickly as you'd hope for. Remember though, Gods timeline is perfect. He knows and sees all and He delivers to you with the best possible timing. Do not doubt God. Stay in His Word regularly and let it remind you of His goodness.
As a Christian you are called to give ten percent of your earnings to the Lord. Today Pastor Bill explains to you that if you're not doing this then you're either a robber or a tipper. Robbers give nothing and tippers give random increments of money to the church here and there. Though ten percent sounds extreme and perhaps scary it's what you're called to give and God promises that in return you'll receive great blessings. Put God to the test on this. Give as He asks and see what blessings come to your life.
Today Pastor Bill discusses tithing and why Jesus calls you to do it. He teaches you that though you're asked to give ten percent of your money it really has nothing to do with money. That fact is you're asked to give all to God. Everything you do in life should be done as an act of worship to Him. Whether you're working or playing God and His desires should be considered. Tithing is a part of this. By giving ten percent you are acknowledging that God is bigger and more important then your paycheck.
It's important to understand what Jesus has done and continues to do for you so that you can appreciate and acknowledge His goodness. Today Pastor Bill helps you understand that as a human you'll instinctively want to respond to those who have shown unconditional love to you. Once you recognize what they've given you'll want to give back. As such when you realize the magnitude of what Christ has done for you you'll begin to seek out ways to show love in return. Grasp God's greatness and be inspired by it.
There's a time for war, a time for peace, and a time for worship. Pastor Bill teaches you today the need to know what season you are in. If you are getting trampled by the sins in your life or others then it's time to fight. Ask Jesus to grant you the strength required to overcome them. If the war is done then allow His peace to wash over you. Make time for rest so that you can go to the Lord in worship and give Him the praise that He deserves. Balance these things and you'll live a successful life as a faithful servant.
It's best for you to be a person of compassion. It's compassion that led Jesus to the cross so that He might save you from your sins and it's your compassion for others that may lead them to know the Lord. Pastor Bill encourages you today to be a person of compassion. He challenges you to look at the people around you and to find ways that you can help lessen the burdens that they hold. Ask Jesus to place in you the empathy that He has for us all. Allow Him to inspire you to be a person that can help change others lives.
Sometimes it may be difficult for you to be compassionate for others. Perhaps you warned them of the consequences that were to come and they didn't listen, or maybe you got them out of troubles time and again just for them to fall right back in. Pastor Bill reminds you today that no matter what circumstances may have led you to your lack of empathy it's important to remember that Jesus always retains empathy for all. As such, being that you are called to be like Him, you must fight to retain compassion always.
Though Abraham was a superior to his nephew Lot and had every right to angrily approach him with authoritative power he chose to gently converse with Lot so that he may see Abrahams heartfelt concern. Pastor Bill challenges you today to remember this approach and to use it in the frustrating interactions in your life. Whether it be something like trying to behave your child, or perhaps approaching a stranger who has wronged you, remember that you represent Jesus and His Kingdom. When it's required, engage in conflict gently.
Every action that you take in life needs to be affirmed if not inspired by God. Today Pastor Bill challenges you to be in tune with God's Will for your life. He warns you against doing things without first asking for Gods opinion and helps you understand the need to know Gods stance on things. As you live your life each day make a conscious effort to seek Holy guidance. Know Jesus's character through prayer and biblical studies and use that understanding as foot stones for your path in life.
Gods promise to you is unconditional. He'll come through in the end no matter how badly you stray from the path He set before you. Pastor Bill teaches you today that Abram went against God's Will and messed everything up. Knowing that it wasn't in line with what God had promised him He moved his family to Egypt. There things got out of hand but God managed to redeem it for good. In the end God fulfilled His promise to Abram, but Abrams disobedience cause him much difficulty and turmoil.
Despite Gods promise to Abram he left for Egypt. His land was in famine and he failed to believe that God could feed him in that desolate place. Today Pastor Bill asks if you're taking matters into your own hands when you should be placing them in Gods. Are you faithfully stepping out onto the limb that God has led you to or are you hesitating to even go up the tree? As a result of Abram going to Egypt many troubles arose in his life. Unnecessary drama occurred. This will be true for you as well if you force your own path.
Some try to sell the lie that Christianity equates to a life without disappointments. To believe this requires zero acknowledgement of the most fundamental Bible stories. Pastor Bill teaches you today that as a Christian you can expect hard times just as everyone else does. The difference is you'll have Jesus on your side and His great Kingdom awaiting you. You'll have everlasting hope! Don't expect Jesus to take your struggles away, but instead know that He's there to help you through them and make you stronger.
It's difficult to place God as the true authority of your life. Pastor Bill reminds you today that the opinions of family, friends, and culture are to remain second to God. Only by strengthening your relationship with Jesus and through committing to the understanding of His Word can you accomplish this. When done correctly He'll lie out His Will before you and use your fellow family and friends in faith as a means for confirmation and inspiration. Dedicate your life to seeking and doing Gods Will for you.
Did you know that as a follower of Christ, you are called to go and bear good fruit for His glory? Today Pastor Bill teaches you through his message that as a disciple of Jesus, you are to always be on the move. Think about your workplace, school, and neighborhood and how you can extend the love of Christ. Pastor Bill reminds you, that as a disciple you are not to be lukewarm. You are to be on fire for the Lord and share Him with all that you meet. Go into the world and bear witness to the glory of Jesus!
Men and women of faith, are always on the move! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that faith goes with action. God is always asking us each day, to pick up our cross and follow Him. There is always more He desires to do in and through you. Pastor Bill teaches you, to be open and obedient to what God wants to do through your life. Recognize that as a citizen of Heaven, you are a pilgrim passing through. You are on mission for the Kingdom of God. Serve and be obedient to Him.
Do you desire to be a friend of Jesus? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you through the life of Abraham. Abraham was a man of faith who did what the Lord told him to do. Pastor Bill teaches, that if you want to be called a friend of Jesus, you need to follow Him and do whatever it is He tells you to do. Sometimes we want to have all the details of where God's calling us, before we follow Him. However, Jesus desires for you to trust Him and go wherever He leads you to go.
Did you know that in Christ, you are a living stone being refined to bring glory to Him? Today, Pastor Bill teaches you through his message that while you are on this earth, God is constantly refining you more to His likeness. Through Christ, He has given you His Spirit to bear witness to Him. Pastor Bill encourages you to use all that God has given to you, to bring glory to His name. Share with the world what Christ has done for you. Be His witness, shine His light, and proclaim His name to the ends of the earth!
Do you seek to follow God first or the world? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you to put the Lord first in all things. The Lord your God is not only the inspector of your work here on earth, but He is your helper, friend, comforter, and Savior. Pastor Bill encourages you that if you will seek to put Him first above everything else, He will enable you to do what pleases and honors Him. Sometimes it can be hard to want to please people, but your mission is to first give glory and honor to the Lord.
Do you wait to hear from the Lord? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you the importance of waiting upon the Lord and His Spirit to move. Sometimes it can be easy to go off of the opinions or directions of others. However, this can have serious consequences. Pastor Bill encourages you to always humble yourself and seek the Lord diligently in prayer. You don't want to go ahead of Him and the plans He has for you to do. Seek first the Lord and His Kingdom!
In today’s message from Pastor Bill, you will be reminded that anyone can get saved and that everyone is equal in God’s sight. It doesn’t matter what your background is or who is in your past genealogy, in Christ, all Christians are children of God. It’s okay to be proud of your lineage but Pastor Bill will caution you to not let that pride cause you to think that you’re more important than others. May you rejoice in the fact that God wants all people to come to know Him.
So often, when we read through the Bible we tend to skim or even skip over the genealogy chapters. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain how important the genealogies in the Bible are. Without the Bible you wouldn’t know where or how nations and peoples came from. Pastor Bill will remind you that genealogies not only explain who was in whose family line but they are also there to remind you that you are not an accident. God has a put you in your family for a reason.
How often do we find ourselves gossiping about other people to make us look good or to make them look bad? Or maybe you’re the listener when someone else is talking bad about others. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will admonish you to not share other people’s sins or weaknesses. Instead, you should be willing to help those who are struggling. Pastor Bill will also caution you to think about who may be listening and that your gossip will cause the listener to think differently about the person you’re talking about.
Ephesians 5:18 says “do not get drunk with wine”. You may wonder if God is mean by commanding you to not get drunk but in actuality God is protecting you. In today’s message, Pastor Bill cautions you to stay away from drinking any alcohol, don’t allow drinking to be what you turn to when you’re sad or tired or lonely. He explains that when you’re drunk you don’t have full control over yourself and you will regret things you say or do when you are drunk. Just stay away from it.
After God completely destroyed the earth with a flood, he gently set Noah down into a world that is all new. God established a covenant with Noah to never again flood the earth to destroy it. Pastor Bill teaches today that God’s covenants for men in the bible are forever and for all people. He gave the rainbow as proof of this eternal promise. A rainbow in the sky is a sign that God keeps His promises. Every time you see a rainbow, praise God that His word is true!
After the flood God brought over the earth, He created a new world for Noah and his family to repopulate. God told Noah to be fruitful and multiply on the earth. Pastor Bill explains today that this isn’t just referring to physically multiplying people on earth. There is a deeper meaning that reaches all the way to you. God longs for all to hear and know His good news. God calls you grow and multiply on earth new believers in Him. Pray for, disciple, witness and guide believers to expand those who will be in the family of God.
After the waters receded and the dove returned to the ark with an olive leaf, Noah left the ark with God’s guidance and entered an entirely new world. Pastor Bill teaches today that Noah recognized the incredible power of God to provide direction and protection to the faithful, execute complete judgement and completely carry out His plan to give the world a new start. Pastor Bill emphasizes Noah’s right reaction to God’s faithfulness to him and his family. He immediately worshiped and sacrificed freely from all he had left.
If you’re a believer, sealed in Christ’s salvation, you have the very spirit of God in you. But do you have the Holy Spirit on you - guiding you and giving you His power to do the will of God? Today, Pastor Bill explains to you the difference of having the Holy Spirit in you and upon you. Receiving the power of the Holy Spirit upon you is a daily, active seeking of his power, guidance, wisdom and help. It is not passive! You must intentionally recognize your need, and reach out to receive it. Don’t try to do the work of God without it!
The waters rose and the storm raged on. The mountains disappeared. Life felt crazy and out of control on that boat. But God remembered Noah. He never left him or gave up. He was with Noah as His judgement on earth prevailed. Pastor Bill wants to remind you today that God remembers you. In the middle of every storm and in the midst of calm moments, He remembers you. He cares so deeply about you and will never leave or forsake you. God will use these moment in your life in ways you can’t even imagine!
The ark is a picture of Christ. It is a picture of salvation offered to those who have faith to come in. The door is closed, you are safe and secure in salvation by faith. However, just as the ark was tossed by storms, turbulent waters and rocking winds, salvation life is not a pleasure cruise. Pastor Bill will remind you today that the Christian life isn’t smooth sailing. It may go where you don’t want to go. Though you may not feel safe, and you may even feel like you’re drowning, life in Christ allows you to face the storms with peace and purpose.
God gave Noah inside information. Judgement was coming. It was sure. So, he got to work in obedience and faith. His message to others about how to find salvation was rejected. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that you, too, have inside information. There is another judgement coming. God has said it, so it is sure. Scoffers will doubt you and will not find salvation. But you must, in faith and obedience, work. Work to get others inside for salvation. Don’t give up. Don’t lose faith. God’s grace isn’t over yet.
We’re in the final countdown before the world is over – it is condemned to destruction because of sin like in the days of Noah. God told Noah to build. And without delay, he did. He started the work to save His family. He worked hard for 120 years, trusting God’s plan and for the strength to complete his work. Pastor Bill will encourage you today to imitate Noah. Have faith and trust what God asks you. Work with what He gives you. Work tirelessly to save your family. Start now.
In the instructions God gave Noah on building the ark, he told him to cover it in pitch. This word in scripture is also translated in other places in the word as atonement, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Today, Pastor Bill describes the beautiful parallel between the salvation of the ark and the salvation Jesus provides. It requires faith to do work God asks you to do and trust in God’s timing. You must choose to get on board! But if you’re in, then you are safe and sealed for salvation!
Every Christian at some point in time has asked the question: “What's God's will for my life?”. As Pastor Bill continues his teaching series through the Book of Genesis, he'll be challenging you to obey what God has already revealed to you. In obeying the obvious will of God for your life, He'll give you further direction and revelation. God gave Noah a command, and the Bible say's Noah wholly obeyed the Lord, and then God gave Noah further instruction and insight into His will for him.
The world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly barraging you with deceptions and play on your emotions on a daily basis. The Bible say's the heart is deceitfully wicked, who can know it? Today, Pastor Bill will be challenging you to renew your mind in the world of God daily, because the spiritual battle takes place in your mind. The enemy of your soul is relentlessly trying to corrupt your thoughts because your thoughts transform into behavioral patterns. These wrong behavioral patterns end up becoming bad habits!
When you think about the story of Noah, what is one of the first things that comes to mind? You most likely can easily recall all the animals being saved, and the rainbow, and of course the flood. Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining how one of the most important parts of the story is how God killed off almost the whole known world because of sin but saved Noah and his family. God is a God of love, but He's also just, righteous, and holy! Thankfully in Jesus, we are saved from God's wrath.
When you wake up in the morning, do you acknowledge that there's a spiritual battle over your soul? It's typically not the first thought people have when they wake up to start their day. Today, Pastor Bill will be encouraging you to put on the whole armor of God before you get out of bed. You need to realize that it's only by the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word that can help you avoid the fiery darts of the enemy. Ignoring the battle doesn't mean there isn't one happening.
Throughout history, God has long-suffered with humanity up to a specific point, and then allowed judgment to fall when there was no repentance. Many people believe the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath, and the God of the New Testament is the God of love. Today, Pastor Bill will be explaining how there is only one God and He is unchanging. The same God that allowed the flood in Noah's day, is the same God who will be pouring out wrath on those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus in the End Times.
Today, Pastor Bill will be continuing his teaching through the Book of Genesis, and he'll be challenging you to take real steps of faith in your walk with God. The Bible say's that he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Enoch for example, believed in God with way more limited understanding then you have, yet his faith pleased God and the Lord took him to be with Him. If you want to know what makes God pleased with you, it's when you take Him at His Word.
One of the biggest lies the enemy tells people is that they were a random, mutated accident and they evolved from monkeys. If the Devil can cause you to believe in evolution, then he can make you believe that you weren't created by God and that you have no true meaning and purpose to your life! Today, Pastor Bill will be encouraging you through scripture, proving that you were created by God and that He has predestined you for specific good works. Never forget that God intentionally created you!
After his sin, instead of repenting and leaning into God, Cain went away to become a wanderer. Though God offered help, Cain rejected God. And through him, came a line of those who were far away from Almighty God. Yet, Pastor Bill reminds you God still maintained a remnant of faithful believers. He gave Adam and Eve a new hope in their son, Seth. Through Seth, the people began to call on the name of the Lord again. He revived souls to God once again. And through Him, the promised Messiah came. God never forgets his promises!
Sin is always there in your life. It’s always trying to press in to you. Anger, jealousy, pride pressed in on Cain and instead of pressing in harder to God, he fell further into sin. Pastor Bill reminds you today, that God offers grace, forgiveness and redirection if you accept Jesus. God is so gracious and will forgive anyone who earnestly asks for it! You can master the sin that threatens to undo you. Make the choice to listen to God’s counsel and rely on the spirit of His son within you.
God came to Cain after He murdered his brother Abel to convict him and re-direct his life. He came to offer Cain a way out of the choices he’d made and the life he was living. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that you can make the choice to do what’s right. Be strong and faithful. Sin is eagerly waiting to devour you. But God loves you so much that he offers a re-do if you repent and humbly depend on Him. There will be consequences to sin, but God still loves you and will be with you as you listen to Him.
After God sent the man and woman out of the Garden, He didn’t just leave them on their own to figure life out. In his mercy, God wanted them to be able to worship him, obey him and have a relationship with him. Because of this, He was present with Cain and Abel. Today, Pastor Bill explains the offerings and the heart that they each had to God. Abel gave the first, the best, out of worship and obedience. He had faith in God and was righteous because of it. Cain, on the other hand gave begrudgingly, not offering his life to God.
God created man and woman, dwelled with them, sought them out to save them after sin, and graciously prophesied to them about the Devil’s demise and the Messiah to come from the woman. Today, Pastor Bill explains how Adam, in faith, trusted God’s promises for the future. In response, he named the woman Eve, which means Mother of all Life, even before she had born a child. You can make decisions in faith, even in the midst of consequences, based on God’s promises.
Many who read the account of Adam and Eve’s consequences for sinning in the Garden of Eden see God as angry and full of wrath. However, as Pastor Bill explains today, God’s reaction and the consequences He gave to the first sin are really an act of grace and salvation. If they’d stayed in the garden and eaten from the tree of life in their sinful state, they would’ve lived forever eternally separated from Him. God may kick you out of something great, but in the end, it’s in mercy and for your good.
God cursed Adam and Eve in the garden after their sin. He cursed Man’s work with thorns, difficulty and failure. He cursed Woman with pain and sorrow in having a family. And ultimately, because of sin, there would be tribulation in the marriage relationship. Today, Pastor Bill explains the grace that God offers during this discipline. The only way to meet unmet expectations is with Jesus. Look to Him! No one can ever meet any desires, hopes or expectations except Jesus. Seek Him first.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, there were consequences to that sin. These consequences were significant to both the man and woman and all who came after. The devil is defeated, but still a presence in this world, who fights hard for your allegiance. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that when you’re in warfare with the enemy, put on the armor of God. You must have great expectations of what God will do and draw near to Him as you resist the enemy.
When Eve ate the fruit, God mourned His broken creation. Yet, He didn’t just give up on what He started. He, in all graciousness came to them in the garden, and patiently sought them out. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that God wasn’t seeking them to be angry or destroy them, He was seeking them to save them! Though Adam and Eve tried to cover their sin up, deny it happened, and blame others, God knew where they were and what they had done. He seeks you today to save you not condemn you.
Do you ever claim “that’s just who I am” when you explain your sin? Today, Pastor Bill challenges you to not use your inherent sin problem to justify and excuse why you choose to sin. He’ll remind you that though she was deceived, Eve chose to sin. Because of the Holy spirit within you, you have the power to say no to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life that leads to sin. You can choose to have integrity, to practice generosity, and exhibit humility and serve others.
The tactics Satan used on Eve are the methods he uses to tempt people still today. Today, Pastor Bill explains the pattern of temptation that the enemy uses with everyone in this world. He causes lust of the flesh – a desire to feel something. He causes lust of the eyes – a desire to have something forbidden and pleasant. And he causes pride of life – a desire to be someone important. But with the strength of Jesus, you can answer back to these temptations. Live a life of integrity, character, generosity and humility!
God allowed Satan in the garden with Adam and Eve. He will eventually get rid of the devil forever, but for now, we must face off against this enemy daily. When Satan was in the garden tempting Eve, he attacked God’s word and sowed lies in her heart. Instead of fleeing from him, she listened to him. She engaged with the devil and thus gave into temptation and sin. Today, Pastor Bill challenges you – don’t listen! When satan talks to you, quote scripture, stay strong, put on your whole armor of God.
Today Pastor Bill implores you to never add to or take away from God's word. When the serpent was convincing Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, she added to what the Lord instructed. She told the serpent that she must not touch the fruit when the Lord had only directed them not to eat the fruit. Eve added to what God instructed, and as Pastor Bill points out, this was the first case of legalism. When you add to the Word of God, it always leads to bondage, backsliding and bitterness.
The Devil uses half-truths and lies to get into your head. But as Pastor Bill teaches today, you have a powerful weapon at hand, the Word of the Lord. The only problem is, you have to know what is in the Bible to fight off the evil one. You need to know exactly what it says, not what your pastor tells you, not what your spouse shares with you; YOU need to know what is in the Bible. So if you have been relying on others to tell you what is in Scripture, take some time to read it yourself.
One thing Pastor Bill is passionate about, is that it's not good to be alone. God also recognized this in the garden and created a helper for Adam. Why is it not good to be alone? Because you where created for relationship, with your creator and with other humans. What happens when you are alone? Well for Pastor Bill he starts thinking and he becomes discouraged and depressed. If you find yourself in a similar situation, reach out for others and build relationships, like you where created to do.
Why did God create man? If all He wanted where play things, He could have stopped after the creation of animals. Today, Pastor Bill shares with you what God wanted was a great love story. Every love story has two sides, so God needed to create man and woman. This also answers the question of why you where created. You where created to have a relationship with God, you where created for intimacy with Christ your groom. So how is your great love story going? Have you embraced your true love?
How is your fruitfulness and multiplying doing? Today, Pastor Bill teaches you through Genesis, that God has commanded you to be fruitful and multiply. This commandment is ongoing and is not a command to disregard. Pastor Bill encourages you to examine your life today, and consider if your spiritual walk and relationships are producing any fruit. As disciples of Jesus, we should be yielding fruit that reveals the evidence of our walk with Him. He made you to go into all the world and reflect His Light!
You reap what you sow! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he encourages you to plant good seed into your ground. Before you were in Jesus Christ, the only seed you could produce was bad. However, now that you are in Christ and have His Spirit, you can choose to produce a good crop. Pastor Bill reminds you that what you plant in your ground, is what will come up. So, be careful to sow good seed that you may yield a crop that is beautiful and fruitful. God desires for you to have fruit that multiplies!
Do you understand how much God truly loves you? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you through the book of Genesis, that you are not an accident. The Almighty God knew you before you were born. He made you in His image. Pastor Bill reminds you, that God created you on purpose and for a purpose. God even went so far to send His only Son Jesus to die for you, so you too could be part of His family. You child of God, are forever loved by your Heavenly Father!
Are you going through a particularly dark season? Today, Pastor Bill teaches you through the book of Genesis, to be men and women of faith. Even though the Enemy might be whispering lies and doubts into your heart, don't receive them. Pastor Bill encourages you to stay in God's Word and receive His Truth. Keep trusting in the Lord and walking each day with Him. He will empower and strengthen you by His Spirit to live victoriously! As dark as the world gets around you, know that the Lord is with you!
Our God is always good and what He creates is good! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you through the book of Genesis. He takes you back to the very beginning of the Bible, to explain how God began His creation story. Pastor Bill teaches, that everything God makes is good. What is not good, is sin and darkness. However, God in His grace and mercy has promised to restore His creation. Through Christ's work on the cross, sin and death no longer have victory!
When you are out in nature, do you stand amazed at God's creation? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that God desires for you to be in awe and wonder of His creation and His Word. Pastor Bill also teaches you that when properly practiced, science can be an act of worship. Whenever you are looking at the revelation of God through science, give God thanks for all that He has made. He is your Creator, who loves to reveal Himself to you and uncover His magnificent wonders.
Pastor Bill tells you that abundant life is found in Jesus. He'll also tell you today that this becomes most apparent when you're walking in the valley of the shadow of death. It doesn't matter if it's you or someone you love – everyone faces a hard time at some point in this life! However, Pastor Bill will remind you that as the Good Shepherd, Jesus is with you in those tough times! He's your comforter and the one who will protect you. There's no need to fear when the Shepherd is with you!
Jesus is the good Shepherd, who became the sacrificial lamb, dying on the cross for your sins. He took your place, he endured your punishment, and then He went one step further – He rose again from the grave! Pastor Bill will tell you today that because Jesus was your sacrificial lamb, He's earned the right to lead you as a Shepherd! If you give your life over to Him, Jesus will become all you need, all you've ever wanted! He will provide the abundant life of rest and freedom you're looking for!
Do you want abundant life? If so, you've come to the right place today! Pastor Bill will be sharing the secret to finding abundant life in his message today as he dives once again into the Word of God. Here's a hint – the abundant life is found only in one place – Jesus! As you listen today, you'll hear from Pastor Bill just how easy it is to let Jesus become the leader of your life, the shepherd who cares for you in every way. Thanks to your Savior, Jesus, you can live a full and wonderful life covered by His grace!
Today, Pastor Bill will warn you that some wolves come into the church to fleece the sheep. They may not want to take over the church or spread false doctrine... But they may be other churches, organizations, or missions that want your money. They don't see the church as the beloved bride of the Christ... They see potential dollar signs for whatever it is they need money for and nothing else. Or maybe it isn't money, maybe it's time or effort, food or clothing... As Pastor Bill warns it can be anything.
Today, Pastor Bill remind you that although it the duty of a pastor to protect the church from those who would want to harm it... Pastors do not own the church. As you'll come to see, a pastor can be thought of as an under shepherd, not the main shepherd... That's Jesus, but someone who is called by the chief shepherd to care for the sheep is a pastor. Many false teachers claim that because they started a church they own the church... Not so... Only Jesus Christ owns the church for the church is His bride.
The Message you are called to share is pretty far out there. It can’t be scientifically proven. The status of a soul can’t be measured with instruments. It’s very existence can’t be proven, yet, deep within, all of us know it’s there. As Pastor Bill points out in today’s message, until the Spirit of God reveals itself to your heart, the Gospel will seem foolish. It won’t fit within the constraints of human reason, but when it touches your soul, it’s truth resonates in a way that no human intellect can compete with.
Have you ever found yourself in a time of doubt, worry, or even a sense of abandonment after being cut off from a certain ministry? Perhaps it started off as something great with no end in sight, only to come to an abrupt end with little to no explanation? As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, it's times like these that we're to cling all the more tightly to prayer and God's Word. In his study, you'll learn that what may seem like a dead end is often a shift in God's Kingdom that will lead to even greater things.
Despite there having been countless books written throughout history regarding God's sovereignty, many of us still struggle to comprehend just how amazing God truly is. In fact, it's often after we witness God's provision that we're amazed, only to forget in the next trial. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the faith of Elijah, who God promised provisions during a time of drought. In his study, you'll be reminded that when we as believers receive promises of God, we can be sure He'll follow through.
As many of us can recall when first coming to Christ, there's nothing like the excitement of becoming a servant of God's Kingdom. However, it's just as likely that God didn't place us into ministry the moment we were first saved. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, God often sets aside a time of sanctification and preparation before using us for His will. In his study, you'll learn that just as with the Prophet Elijah and many others, God often shapes and transforms us before He works through us.
As believers and followers of Christ, we're called to live a life that's filled with prayer and thanksgiving. While many of us might not struggle with maintaining a healthy prayer life, the size of our prayers and the faith we put behind them is what truly matters. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to reflect on your prayer life and ask yourself just how big your prayers truly are. In his study, you'll be reminded that we have the same exact nature as the prophets of old, who prayed big prayers.
All people on earth are lost sheep who need a good shepherd. The trouble is, many don’t acknowledge their need for a shepherd. Today, Pastor Bill describes how Jesus is the great Good Shepherd for all who want to be His sheep. Jesus has abundant compassion and love for his sheep. He explains how well he knows His sheep and how His sheep know His voice as their shepherd. He will lead His sheep to green pastures. He came to his sheep to give abundant life. Do you know the voice of your shepherd?
Elijah's story shows the remedy for depression by way of service to others. If you feel as if you've already experienced burnout this way, Pastor Bill encourages you in today's study. Spend 40 days of rest with the Lord and seek His voice afresh asking how you can serve Him. If a spiritual gift remains in your life to reach others, then the Lord is not finished with you. If you find yourself giving up on the Lord too soon, ask Him to provide more workers so that your spirit can find refreshment.
Have you told God all you want is an easy life? Well, as Pastor Bill points out in his message today, that's not God's plan for any of His children. As long as there are lost people who don't know about Jesus, there is work to do. God has a plan for you and has given you specific spiritual gifts to serve Him. His plan might not be your plan, but the Lord will prepare you for the work He has for you. Be a willing servant so that when someone comes to you asking for help, you are ready.
Have you ever shared a prayer request with a friend that you've never actually prayed for yourself? I know I am guilty of such. Today Pastor Bill shares how you can't just ask others to pray for you, you need to be right there on your knees lifting that prayer to the Lord. And not just a quick prayer in the car (although God does still hear these). Pastor Bill takes apart the Greek and shares that you should pray a prayer in prayer. There is a difference, a level of earnestness, and work involved that happens only on your knees in your prayer closet.
You can learn a lot about prayer from the prophet Elijah. In his message today, Pastor Bill shares how every Christian church should be praying like Elijah, which rarely is the case. Elijah was a fervent man of prayer; he was passionate, emotional, sincere and intense. His style wasn't a quick 15-second prayer. He was down on his knees, in his prayer closet, spending considerable time praying. Have you ever asked, "why is the Lord not answering my prayers"? Perhaps try praying like Elijah and with faith, you can move a mountain.
Pastor Bill claims to be a "mountain man", because he follows the God who appears on mountains. You too can be a mountain person; in fact, God might even call you to a mountain top experience. In today's message, Pastor Bill encourages you to represent Christ with the crosses you take up. The ministry you have on earth today can impact generations to come, just like the ministry of Elijah and the mountain top experience that influenced generations to follow.
When you've been told to "take up your cross and follow Jesus", have you ever wondered what your cross could be? Today, Pastor Bill does an excellent job describing a few "crosses" people experience. A cross is anything that you are worshipping more than God. An old car you spend time and money rehabbing. A relationship you spend more time working on than your relationship with Christ. Today, consider what is taking your time and attention away from the Lord and take it up to follow Christ.
When Jesus preached his first sermon to his neighbors, they responded with unbelief. In today's message, Pastor Bill asks you what decision you will make when the Word of God becomes real right before your eyes. Will you fall to the ground and worship him, or deny him? This decision affects your life now and for all eternity. It's not enough to marvel at Jesus works and wonders; you must accept him as your Lord and Savior. If you can't state when you received him, maybe today is the day to commit fully.
The life you live today can reach people beyond your everyday life and for years to come. Today, Pastor Bill shares how, after Elijah's departure, people like Jesus were still affected by Elijah's ministry many years later. The same can be said of each of Jesus's followers. Another example would be Billy Graham. Even though Pastor Graham has passed away, he continues to touch and affect people with his ministry even today. You, too, can make a meaningful impact for Christ.
Taking a moment to speak to the older generation today, Pastor Bill encourages you not to sit back and let the younger pups run the show. God didn't put you here to settle down and be comfortable, even if you've already "done your part". Pastor Bill spurs you to continue blessing others with the gifts the Lord has given you. Guide and strengthen the younger generation, even if they "know" more than you, wisdom only comes with age and experience. You will never be too old to do the Lord's good work.
Today in his message, Pastor Bill tackles the question, "how should I live knowing I will be gone tomorrow"? The first part of his answer involves the fact that if you are a follower of Christ, you will be in heaven upon your death. Understanding this, Pastor Bill encourages you to face your daily struggles with hope for tomorrow. Secondly, if you knew today was your last day, Pastor Bill invites you to represent the Lord well. Share the good news to others so they can have the same hope for the afterlife.
Chances are you're familiar with the old saying “understanding is half the battle.” As believers and followers of Christ, we have the responsibility of first understanding the battle we fight and equipping ourselves to fight against it efficiently. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the spiritual battles that we face as believers on a regular basis. In his study, you'll learn the importance of maturing in your faith so as to better defend against the attacks of the enemy and to support others as well.
Perhaps one of the more peculiar aspects of the Christian faith is that while Christ is indeed our Lord, He still gives us choice. When comparing the grace, patience, and mercy of our Lord to that of an earthly ruler, there's simply no comparison. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the free will aspect of our faith and the responsibility that we have as believers in Christ. In his study, you'll learn the importance of being diligent in your pursuit of Christ and your willingness to serve Him faithfully.
As believers and followers of Christ, we're no longer citizens of this world, but citizens and ambassadors for The Kingdom of God. While some might take this as a license to disobey the laws of our nation, we're still called to be subject to the authorities and rulers. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you about our role in society as believers and the rule of law. In his study, you'll learn that while we're indeed obligated to follow laws and regulations, that obligation ends when the authority of God is challenged.
Many of us are often met with fear and guilt whenever we read in Revelation that Jesus will “spit out lukewarm believers.” Whether it's due to our own lack of zeal and excitement for The Lord or otherwise, it's no less of a sobering warning. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, our zeal for The Lord shouldn't be out of self preservation, but for the concern of others. In his study, you'll learn how God uses our passion and fire for the Gospel to reach out to the lost.
It’s easy to cling to the promises of God that benefit us. Preachers love to look forward to Heaven and talk about what it will be like to live in God’s presence for eternity, but it’s a whole lot easier to just stay silent on the terrible future that awaits those who reject God. As Pastor Bill continues to lead us through our study of Elijah and the fulfillment of prophecy, he reminds us that whether you like it or not, every prophecy contained in Scripture will come true and it’s our job to present that truth to the lost.
This so called “enlightened” world finds our loyalty to an ancient book perplexing. They question how anything that the Bible contains could possibly be relevant to modern humanity. Yet, in the midst of their ridicule and criticism, they careen down a path of confusion, frustration and disappointment as they seek meaning in this life. As Pastor Bill reminds us in today’s message, this Book is the Word of God. It is alive and it was inspired by the Creator of everything to interact with your heart and draw you to Him.
The truth is often the last thing you really want to be told, but the exact thing that you need to hear. It’s not usually the popular thing or politically correct, but as Pastor Bill challenges us in today’s message, as a believer, it’s your mission to share it. It’s exactly what your loved one’s need, but approach it with grace. If you think about the way that God spoke to your heart and brought you back to Himself, was it the fear of Hell or the longing for His love that ultimately transformed your heart?
It may be hard to believe, but there are people out there who are so entrenched in sin that they have no clue what they’re doing is even wrong. They did away with their God-given conscience a long time ago, and they have no idea how lost they are. As Pastor Bill explains in today’s message, God’s Word brings light into those dark places. It reveals the deception you’ve been living in and shows you just how torn up you are in contrast to what God intends for you to be.
Jesus tells us not to worry about anything. The birds and the lilies never worry and how much more important are we than them? Pastor Bill reminds you today, that you are valuable! You are called to a life free from worry. You were created in His image to be in relationship with Him. Without Him, you will never be whole. Choose Jesus and fill the void that only He can fill. End your worry by leaning on the strength of the Holy Spirit and becoming a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!
In today’s message, Pastor Bill discusses the numerous times that the Bible talks about Elijah “departing.” Even under the broom tree when he was praying to die, he eventually got up and departed. So, it is with you. Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Peter and Andrew left everything in an instant to follow Jesus. Moses and the Israelites left Egypt when the Lord said, “Now.” There will be times in your life when the only thing you know to do is get up and go. The Lord will lead you from there.
Let's be honest – there are times in your life where everything just falls apart. A phone call, a diagnosis, a death – these things knock the wind out of you and send you running for cover. That happened to Elijah too, and Pastor Bill will describe today this great man of faith's lapse from trusting God. At the same time, Pastor Bill will share his personal experience with seeking escape, and how God ministered to him in that time. God's still with you in your low points – trust Him, and run TO Him!
Not everyone will respond to the Gospel message as you'd like. Pastor Bill will remind you today that it's not a simple action-reaction event with Christianity – there are some people who simply refuse to allow the love of Jesus into their hearts! If you find that there's a Jezebel type person in your world who can't see the truth of the Gospel, don't loose heart! And don't run away, unless God tells you to! Keep praying, keep living for Jesus, and let HIM do the hard work to thaw their hearts!
If you've ever wondered if the Bible is real and from God, today's message should lay that to rest. Every hero you meet in the Bible, even the Iron Men like Elijah, have points of weakness. They sin, they fall into depression, and they act – well, HUMAN! That's the point, as Pastor Bill will share today – no person is infallible. Even the most devoted followers of Jesus have their weak points! There was one perfect hero, though – the Son of God – and you should cling to Him in all your moments of humanity!
Jesus sacrificed all for you. He hung on a cross in obedience to endure the punishment you deserve. You didn't do anything to deserve it, but you do get the opportunity to reap the benefits of this great act of selflessness! Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today that Jesus didn't stop working once He arrived back in Heaven. Your Savior is as active now as He was on the earth, maybe more so! He's interceding for you, planning your steps, and walking with you on this journey of faith!
God has done some amazing things in the past, and the passage Pastor Bill will be sharing today is no exception. Elijah has been following the Lord's instructions, step by step, not knowing the end, and now he knew God was going to come through. He trusted that fire would fall and light up an altar, one that could not logically be set ablaze. God came through – He responded to Elijah's faith! What's God asking of you? Are you willing to take the steps necessary? If so, you likely get to be part of something miraculous!
Elijah was just a man, a human being born of human parents, just like you. He isn't described as being better looking than anyone else. There's no defining features that set him apart from any other person in his time. But, Elijah was different! Pastor Bill will tell you today that Elijah believed fully in the work and power of His Creator, so much so that he was willing to walk toward the unknown with no reservations. Elijah trusted God, and willingly did the work needed to witness the miraculous!
When you experience God in your life, there will be little room for doubt that it was indeed Him working. As Elijah called upon the power of God in faith, He received a response that left everyone who witnessed it in awe. It wasn’t sleight of hand, a chemical reaction, or even a rogue lightning strike. As Pastor Bill points out in today’s message, God Himself consumed the offering that Elijah brought, and God’s work – invited by the faith and obedience of Elijah – sparked a revival in the land.
There are many gods that we throw ourselves down before. It may be the god of money, possessions, experiences, feelings –the list is long and diverse – but those gods are small and weak. In today’s message, as Pastor Bill examines the account of God demonstrating His power through Elijah on Mount Carmel, he’ll remind you that our God is more powerful than anything this world offers. If you find yourself struggling with idolatry in any form, it’s time to flee from it and allow His fire to consume your spirit.
There’s a misconception amongst people – believers and unbelievers alike – that our God is an angry God of wrath. That He just sits up in heaven waiting for you to mess up so He can punish you. That never has been the way God works. As Pastor Bill explains in today’s message, God is a God of love. He is just, and He cannot stand sin, but because of His love, He sent His own Son to take your place and bear the wrath you deserve. Because of Christ you no longer are subject to wrath.
As a believer, you are surrounded by a great number of witnesses. In your workplace, family or school, you may feel like you’re all alone sometimes, but as Pastor Bill encourages us in today’s message, it is not true. Even if you really are the only one in that specific environment, you definitely are not the only one who’s ever encountered that circumstance. Take courage knowing that God is with you and you have many brothers and sisters who stand with you in the battle.
Have you ever met someone who was passionate about something? Their zeal is contagious. You may have had no interest whatsoever in whatever product or program they go on about, yet you find yourself suddenly interested. As Pastor Bill challenges us in today’s message, what would happen if you were that passionate about Jesus? That passion would start to spread. The people in your life would pay attention, and they would know Jesus was the source of your strength and joy.
Most of us have a sense of obligation to our jobs. Whether it’s something you enjoy or not, it’s a necessity to pay for housing, keep gas in the tank and food in your belly. Yet, as a believer, you have a much more important calling. As Pastor Bill explains in today’s message, your ultimate duty is to your God. He has adopted you into His family and commissioned you to carry His message to the world. Whether you’re at work or home, interacting with friends, family or even your enemies, that is your ultimate mission.
Being a Child of God is so much more than just looking forward to your eternity with Him in Heaven. If that’s all that mattered, you might as well wait until you’re breathing your last breath and use it to utter a prayer of repentance. Apart from the fact that you can’t guarantee that opportunity, as Pastor Bill explains in today’s message, God has great things planned for your story in this life. He wants you to experience His supernatural joy, peace and freedom, and to share those things with the world around you.
Even for flawed, human parents, there are often times when it’s necessary to make decisions for their children that are painful. When a child makes a poor choice, it requires correction. You may just want to wrap your arms around them, but you know that there are times when they need discipline and hardship to grow. In the same way, as Pastor Bill explains in today’s message, our perfect Father in heaven doesn’t enjoy watching us endure trials, but He lovingly carries out His plan because He knows it is best.
Our God is a gentle Shepherd and a faithful provider, yet, in the midst of His goodness, you will find yourself enduring faith-testing storms and trials. Suddenly, our good, loving Father seems uncaring and distant. But, as Pastor Bill encourages us in today’s message, He is still faithful. This world is a battleground, and you are in the middle of it. Stand fast and have patience. God will come through in the end. In the middle of every storm, He is with you and He works good for those who love Him.
The Message you are called to share is pretty far out there. It can’t be scientifically proven. The status of a soul can’t be measured with instruments. It’s very existence can’t be proven, yet, deep within, all of us know it’s there. As Pastor Bill points out in today’s message, until the Spirit of God reveals itself to your heart, the Gospel will seem foolish. It won’t fit within the constraints of human reason, but when it touches your soul, it’s truth resonates in a way that no human intellect can compete with.
Have you ever found yourself in a time of doubt, worry, or even a sense of abandonment after being cut off from a certain ministry? Perhaps it started off as something great with no end in sight, only to come to an abrupt end with little to no explanation? As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, it's times like these that we're to cling all the more tightly to prayer and God's Word. In his study, you'll learn that what may seem like a dead end is often a shift in God's Kingdom that will lead to even greater things.
Despite there having been countless books written throughout history regarding God's sovereignty, many of us still struggle to comprehend just how amazing God truly is. In fact, it's often after we witness God's provision that we're amazed, only to forget in the next trial. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the faith of Elijah, who God promised provisions during a time of drought. In his study, you'll be reminded that when we as believers receive promises of God, we can be sure He'll follow through.
As many of us can recall when first coming to Christ, there's nothing like the excitement of becoming a servant of God's Kingdom. However, it's just as likely that God didn't place us into ministry the moment we were first saved. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, God often sets aside a time of sanctification and preparation before using us for His will. In his study, you'll learn that just as with the Prophet Elijah and many others, God often shapes and transforms us before He works through us.
As believers and followers of Christ, we're called to live a life that's filled with prayer and thanksgiving. While many of us might not struggle with maintaining a healthy prayer life, the size of our prayers and the faith we put behind them is what truly matters. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to reflect on your prayer life and ask yourself just how big your prayers truly are. In his study, you'll be reminded that we have the same exact nature as the prophets of old, who prayed big prayers.
If we were to be perfectly honest, dealing with discouragement can be quite the challenge for many of us. In some cases, we can even feel like giving up and moving on, especially when it comes to spiritual discouragement. Today in Pastor Bill's message, you'll learn what it means to be a modern day Elijah and boldly stand for God's Word, no matter the direction society is headed. In his study, you'll learn that no matter how dark and godless our society might become, we always have the light of the Gospel.
With the ever increasing tension of political and social divide, it can be easy as believers to become distracted from our ultimate goal. Rather than focusing on being Christ-like, we sometimes get caught up in debate and what political party we should vote for. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers should be wholly focused on our witness to others. In his study, you'll learn how a Christ honoring life has far more power to change our society than voting for certain individuals.
Each and every one of us have fallen prey to the mindset of “if only this, things would be better” at some point in our lives. Whether it's a new location, a better house, or the latest gadget, we often forget what the true source of our joy is as believers. In today's message, Pastor Bill will challenge you to find joy and contentment in the ups and downs of your life. In his study, you'll be reminded that as a believer in Christ, your joy is no longer circumstantial, but rooted within the reconciliation between God and man.
As tempting as it is to over complicate what it means to be Christ-like, Scripture makes it very clear that we're to simply love others. While this is definitely easier said than done for many of us, we're no less called to love others just as Christ loves us. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you some practical ways in which you can be more loving and Christ-like in your life. In his study, you'll learn that one of the most efficient ways we can do this is to be others oriented, and focus less on ourselves.
Many of us would be quick to agree that maintaining a proper perspective of the joy that's set before us as believers isn't always easy. With the constant flow of what only seems to be bad news and rising social tensions, we can sometimes feel like the only joy we can have is in Heaven. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we can experience joy each and every day as believers. In his study, you'll learn that our salvation is only the beginning of the joy we can have in Christ.
While many of us will never fully comprehend just how much The Lord gave up for the sake of our salvation, we can all agree that it was more than we could ever repay. The question we should all ask ourselves though is, are we giving as much as we can? In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on what it means to be imitators of God and to walk as Christ walked, who gave Himself for us. In his study, you'll learn how our sacrifices and offerings bear fruit for The Kingdom and are pleasing to God.
Many non believers are often skeptical or suspicious whenever they attend a service as a guest and the pastor brings up tithes and offerings. If we were to be perfectly honest, there's probably some of as believers that are just as apposed or uncertain. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, our offerings truly are a sweet smelling aroma to God. In his study, you'll learn how God sees our offerings as suitable sacrifices that He uses to further His Kingdom on Earth and do amazing things.
As each and every one of us has no doubt experienced, being taught or teaching someone something new isn't always quick or easy. From confusion, misunderstanding, or even forgetfulness, it can definitely be a test of patience and time. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, this can be especially true when it comes to both learning and teaching the Word of God. In his study, you'll learn the importance of having patience when it comes to learning and teaching the context and application of God's Word.
While being content in The Lord no matter the what or where of life has a nice ring to it, putting it into practice is a whole different story. In fact, if we allow ourselves to be so caught up with change, we can easily miss what The Lord might be trying to show us. In today's message, Pastor Bill will not only teach you the importance of being content in The Lord, but also it's application. In his study, you'll learn how it's often in the unfavorable situations of life that we grow the most in our faith.
Upon first hearing it, many of us think that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” means we'll be successful at everything we pursue. While Jesus does indeed make the impossible possible, this verse has a much more practical application. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the importance of being content in The Lord, no matter the circumstance. In his study, you'll learn that just as with the Apostle Paul did in his imprisoned state, we too should rejoice in The Lord always.
Many of us are all too aware of the countless passages of Scripture that are taken out of context for a myriad of reasons. Perhaps one of the more common of these is none other than “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In today's message Pastor Bill will give you a better understanding of the context and intent of this passage that's so commonly abused. In his study, you'll learn that it's because of Christ that we can persevere and continue on in peace, whether we succeed or fail in our endeavors.
Many of us would be quick to agree that maintaining a healthy dose of the peace of God isn't always second nature to us. Whether we're caught up in business, politics, or family affairs, it's so easy for the world to step in and distract us from God. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, one of the best ways we can guard God's peace within our hearts is by taking in His Word. In his study, you'll learn how regular meditation on God's Word is a sure way to be filled with the peace of God.
The Bible teaches us that when we put our faith in God's Son, we're made at peace with God and are no longer His enemy. Scripture then goes on to teach us how we can live our lives in such a way that we can experience the peace of God. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you some of the key components to living out your life so as to experience the peace that God so desires for His own. In his study, you'll learn how rejoicing in The Lord is one of the biggest contributing factors to experiencing God's peace.
As believers and followers of Christ, it can be easy for us to lose perspective of our fallen nature which typically leads to us being harder on both ourselves and others. One of the other problems this often creates is a lack of grace and a sense of condemnation. In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that while we're indeed fallen in nature, we're made perfect in Christ. In his study, you'll learn how maintaining this perspective plays a powerful role in fending off condemnation and being gracious towards others.
Whenever we're experiencing a crisis of sorts, the last thing we'd probably want to hear someone say to us is “don't worry.” Whether it's financial strain or a health emergency, one of the last things on our mind is how we shouldn't be worrying at that given moment. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, this is exactly what the Apostle Paul would say to us today. In his study, you'll be reminded that if anyone had something to worry about it was Paul, who with the peace of God said “don't worry.”
Each and every one of us has a natural tendency to let our ego or pride get in the way of countless opportunities, both for others and ourselves. Perhaps one of the more common affects of this is when we shut out other people when we need help most. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the harm that pride, gossip, and selfishness can inflict on the Body of Christ. In his study, you'll learn the importance of regularly forgiving and humbling ourselves by accepting the grace of others.
Many of us have a tendency to immediately put up our guard whenever we hear the word commandment or works. Whether it's a hyper sensitivity to the false doctrine of salvation by works or otherwise, we sometimes go overboard with our reactions. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we're indeed saved by faith alone, but as recipients of that faith, we're called to works of righteousness. In his study, you'll learn how faithfully living out such commands as “love one another” and “rejoice” lead to ultimate joy and peace.
Perhaps one of the more dangerous aspects of social media is how easy it is for us to stir up strife and not even realize it. Whether we're offended by what someone said, did, or otherwise we're often quick to harbor and spread strife, rather than take it before The Lord. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers are called to strive for unity, not division. In his study, you'll learn the importance of being an aroma of grace, forgiveness, and love towards others, even when offended.
If you've been a disciple of Christ for any period of time, you've probably heard you fair share of “remain steadfast in The Lord.” While it's important that we're regularly reminded to focus on this, it's equally important that we actually apply it. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on what it means to be steadfast, immovable, and abounding in The Lord's work as believers. In his study, you'll learn how following this simple principle is what leads to a healthy, united, and joy filled body of believers.
What are some of the things in life that you find bring you joy? While many of us are likely to think of family, children, our marriage or otherwise, we're probably just as quick to agree that those joys can be circumstantial. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the joy of Christ and experiencing that joy through the fellowship, be it our church or small gatherings. In his study, you'll learn the importance of regularly gathering and meditating on God's Word to better understand and experience the joy He so desires for us.
While many of us would agree on the importance of regularly attending church and gathering, it doesn't mean we're immune to feelings of despair. Whether we've given in to the same sin repeatedly or we've backslidden altogether, each one of us can just as easily feel we're too far gone. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, this is nothing more than a lie from our enemy. In his study, you'll be reminded of the power of Christ which is able to subdue all things to Himself.
As society continues in its trend of consumerism and self gratification, it can be easy to get caught up in hollow ideologies. As believers and followers of Christ, our regular focus should be on the sacrifice of our Lord and His call to follow Him. In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you of the importance of regularly dying to self, no matter how controversial to society it might seem. In his study, you'll learn that it's because we've been given life at such a great cost that our natural response should be one of obedience.
To the new believer, some of the passages of Scripture in the New Testament can be a little confusing regarding leadership and who we follow as believers. On the one hand you have Paul saying “do as I do” but the whole of Scripture saying we follow Jesus. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, God places leaders over congregations who take their lead from The Lord. In his study, you'll learn that while Jesus is the ultimate authority in our lives, it doesn't mean we're not to follow the example of those who are mature in the faith.
Perhaps one of the biggest distractions we can face as believers is none other than the past, be it our own or otherwise. Instead of focusing on what lies ahead, each of us are just as easily prone to becoming bogged down by things we no longer have control over. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as followers of Christ should always have our eyes on the prize. In his study, you'll learn the importance of setting aside the things of the past and pressing onward to the glory that lies ahead.
Each and every one of us are faced with the temptation of looking back at our past as a means of justifying or validating who we are. Whether it was a missions trip, a zeal we once had, or huge donation, we sometimes forget where we stand on our own regarding righteousness. In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that no matter what we might do, Christ is the only righteousness we'll ever have. In his study, you'll learn that as believers, neither our accomplishments or failures dictate who we are in Christ.
Chances are that you've heard it said that putting your faith in Christ is only the beginning to a journey you've started. While it might be easier to just lay back and wait for our day of glorification, we're called to much more than just sitting around and waiting. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers are on a journey of sanctification and servitude. In his study, you'll learn that while we're indeed Heaven bound, we're called to live a life that displays a heavenly citizenship.
When you look around at all of the sufferings in our world, it's easy to lose hope. But when you count all as lost, and instead focus on the wonder found in the Lord, you will be consumed with gratification. In Pastor Bill's message today, he will encourage you to avoid "joy busters" and keep your gaze on the creator for your happiness. Don't allow yourself to get bogged down with the sorrows of the world, but remember that Jesus has conquered all and sits on his throne beside the almighty creator.
It's easy to be impressed with yourself and the things that you are doing for the church. However, we are commanded to rejoice only in the Lord. In Pastor Bill's message today, he encourages you to focus your praise on the Lord. Do not put your confidence in yourself or your circumstances. It is because of what Jesus has done on the cross that you may boast, not of your own doing. So today, instead of having pride in your own doing, look at all the Lord has done and praise your mighty creator.
Anyone who tells you that you need more than Jesus to get into heaven is wrong. When you accept Jesus as your savior, your name is added to the Lamb's book. In today's message, Pastor Bill warns against those who tell you Jesus plus something else earns a spot in heaven. There is no act of the flesh that you need to do to win your way into heaven. You don't need to join a church or be circumcised. Jesus has done it all for you, when he died on the cross, he paid the penalty for your sin. Praise the Lord!
The church should be a place to find encouragement and support. You can be in the word, and listen to sermons online, but it's not that same as being active in a local church. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you there are some things that you would miss out on if you are on your own. There might be a time or two when you just aren't feeling in the spirit of worship. But where two or more are gathered, so will be the spirit of Christ. When you receive encouragement from other believers at church, you will be more able to come into worship individually.
There are countless opportunities that we as the Body of Christ miss out on due to our attachment to comfort or security. Whether it's mission trips to third world countries or helping the sick and needy, we often forgo opportunity due to fear. However, as Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, Scripture plainly teaches us that we're to pick up our cross for The Lord. In his study, you'll learn that while we may indeed get sick or injured, nothing can replace the joy of helping others in the Name of Christ.
Each and every one of us faces the struggle of starting off strong in The Lord, only to become comfortable or complacent in our faith. Whether it's due to getting married, purchasing a house, or focusing on retirement, we all tend to take less risks as we get older. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to reflect on the state of your faith and ask yourself when it was that you last took a chance for God. In his study, you'll learn that while we definitely don't want to be foolish, we should always be willing to take a risk for the Gospel.
Perhaps one of the more unfortunate, yet common misconceptions within Christianity is that God is more concerned with our comfort than anything else. However, one look at the missionary journeys of Paul and we can quickly conclude otherwise. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to move outside of your comfort zone for Christ. In his study, you'll learn that while it doesn't always work out or pay off in the end, there's nothing more exciting than being a gambler for God's Kingdom.
Paul writes in Philippians Chapter 2 that we're to do all things without complaining and dispute so that we might be blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. As many of us would probably prefer not to admit, this isn't necessarily an easy thing to practice. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, this comes naturally when we “work out our salvation.” In his study, you'll learn that by regularly exercising our faith, we'll naturally become set apart from the world.
By now you've probably heard several times about the importance of peace, unity, and joy amongst the body of believers. On the other hand, there might be several things from your past that leave you wondering how it's even possible to achieve such a goal. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you about the importance of “working out our salvation.” In his study, you'll learn that when we come together as believers and exercise our faith, peace, love, unity and joy will come naturally.
As believers who make up the Body of Christ, it's extremely important that we strive to function as such. Not only is this for the sake of witnessing to the world, but also for our own sake as we support, care, and love one another as we wait for that glorious day. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the importance of learning, living, and loving what he refers to as “Church life.” In his study, you'll learn about God's design for the Church and how He desires for us to live as one in peace, joy, and love.
As believers and followers of Christ, we're called to live a life that esteems others above ourselves and to put their needs before our own. As you've probably already guessed, there's no better example of this than that of Jesus, The Son of God. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you about the humility that Christ displayed when He took on the form of man. In his study, you'll learn that not only was this for our salvation, but to teach us an important lesson about humbling ourselves before others.
You've probably heard many people respond to the Gospel with something along the lines of “Jesus was a good person” or “He was a good teacher.” While these things are definitely true, it's important that we remember that Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, but to give life to the dead. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the substitutionary nature of God becoming flesh. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of why it is that God had to become flesh to be the sacrifice for our sins.
There's not very many of us that can foretell or foresee when a radical change is going to occur in our lives. Whether it's a traumatic event, a change in interests, or a complete shift of choice in career, there are several factors that contribute to change in our lives. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, one change we can expect, is when we put our faith in Christ. In his study, you'll learn how a life of faith should be marked by constant change and growth as we become more like Christ.
As the body of believers, we're called to strive for unity, peace, and joy so that the world around us might better recognize Christ. Unfortunately, many congregations will focus on other methods of drawing in the lost, rather than these key components of our faith. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you that one of the best ways we can draw the lost to Christ, is by simply living out the Gospel. In his study, you'll learn just how powerful of a message we send when we live in unity, peace, and joy.
All throughout the letters found in the New Testament we read about the importance of unity and being of one accord. As many of us have probably experienced a handful of times in our own lives, without unity or like mindedness, things can quickly fall apart. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you just how crucial it is that we strive to be of one accord in Christ. In his study, you'll learn that just as with an orchestra or symphony, each of our unique roles compliment each other when done so in unity and without selfish intent.
Many congregations easily lose sight of the key components that contribute to the very things they so eagerly desire to succeed in. Whether it's getting caught up in teaching seminars or extra curricular, it's surprisingly easy to over complicate the simplest components of the faith. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, these are none other than the Gospel, and unity. In his study, you'll learn that the key to a joy filled congregation is rooted in a solid understanding of the Gospel, and striving for unity.
The idea of persecution can be quite the challenging concept for us as believers in western civilization. While some of us might indeed be afraid of persecution, many of us have a hard time comprehending the reality that our brothers and sisters in Christ are being killed for their faith. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the importance of not being overcome with fear as a believer. In his study, you'll learn that by relying on God's Spirit, the support, and prayers of each other, we're sure to persevere in our faith.
Due to the constant shuffle of life, family, work, and friends, it can be easy for us as believers to forget just where it is we truly belong. From working hard, settling in with family, and going after our dream house, we often lose sight of our true citizenship status. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the importance of regularly remembering where you truly belong. In his study, you'll learn both the importance of remembering your a citizen of Heaven, and living your life accordingly.
Due to the rampant increase in virtue signaling and social justice movements, many of us as believers have become intimidated about sharing our faith with others. With all the recent pushes for inclusiveness and equality, the exclusivity of Christ isn't a message that's well received. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, the Gospel is nothing to be ashamed of. In his study, you'll learn that just as the Apostle Paul did, no matter what the disagreement might be, we're to boldly proclaim the Gospel with peace and love.
The circumstances of life don't always make it easy for us to be joyful and excited to share The Lord with others. However, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful illustration of just how we as believers should behave, whether life is smooth sailing or completely upside down. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to live your life in such a way that others can't help but notice your unity with Christ. In his study, you'll learn that no matter what life might throw at you, there's nothing that should hinder your witness for Christ.
The promise of life everlasting in the presence of Christ can be quite the pick-me-up in the face of trial, tragedy, and hardship. In some cases, when things are more than we feel we can handle, we sometimes think that we'd rather The Lord just take us home. However, as Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, the current life we have is one that can be used to bear fruit for The Lord. In his study, you'll learn that while it's perfectly normal to desire to be in the presence of God, we should be just as excited to represent His Kingdom.
Many of us have probably thought of the old expression “life dealt a bad hand of cards” whenever we experience terrible circumstances in life. What we do in those particular instances makes all the difference in the world as believers and followers of Christ. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you that no matter what your circumstance in life might be, you can always be a witness for Christ. In his study, you'll learn that whether rain or shine, death or life, God can use you in every situation.
What are some of the ways in which you typically find yourself responding to hardship, tragedy, or trials in life? Do you call a friend, find something to distract yourself with, or quickly shut yourself off emotionally? Or do you look to God's Word? In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the importance of turning to both God's Word and His Spirit during the struggles of life. In his study, you'll learn how a daily devotion to prayer and Scripture is a sure way to better take on the challenges of life.
One of the common misconceptions regarding Christianity is that when one accepts Christ, they no longer suffer or experience tragedy. This is what's typically referred to as the prosperity gospel and is not only deceptive, but dangerous. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers will still go through our fair share of hardships and sorrows. In his study, you'll learn that while we indeed walk through the same valleys of darkness, it's fellowship and Christ that carries us through it.
One of the unfortunate side effects of being zealous for drawing in the lost is that we sometimes end up forgetting what we're really all about. The Gospel. Whether it's focusing on visuals, lighting, or sound, we can easily lose sight of our initial goal. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you the importance of regularly centering your focus on the death, burial, and resurrection. In his study, you'll learn that when you witness to others, the Gospel should always be the main focus.
The Gospel is unique in that it removes all cultural, racial, and social barriers that we might otherwise erect in our natural fallen state. This unity and support for one another is what we typically refer to as fellowship. In today's message, Pastor Bill reflects on the importance of maintaining a healthy and intimate fellowship with other believers, both locally and abroad. In his study, you'll learn how there's only so much we can do without the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Many of Paul's letters are unique in that they typically start off with affirmation, edification, and encouragement for the recipients. More notably, Paul seems to frequently remind believers that they're far more than people who are merely saved, but saints. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you by reminding you of this amazing reality; If you're in Christ, you're a saint! In his study, you'll learn the importance of regularly meditating on this reality and living your life in such a way that reflects it.
The Bible teaches us in Philippians 4 that we're to rejoice in The Lord always. As many of us would probably rather not admit, we often base our joy or happiness off of our current circumstance, rather than our eternity. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers are to be joyful in The Lord, no matter our situation. In his study, you'll learn both the importance and the power of striving to be continually joyful in The Lord, whether in times of struggle, or prosperity.