A Future and a Hope Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pastor Bill Penna
In each episode of A Future and a Hope Podcast, Pastor Bill Penna shares timeless truths from the Word of God as he teaches verse-by-verse.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will explain that God’s Word holds the ultimate power over Satan. He’s the father of lies and this book holds Truth that his arguments can’t stand against.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will remind us that we don’t have to get ourselves ready for Jesus. He comes to each one of us right where we are, just like He did for His disciple, Matthew.
John the Baptist was far from what we imagine when we think about evangelists. But, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, it was his heart, not his appearance or diet that made him fit for ministry.
Success in the Kingdom of God looks a lot different than earthly success. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, in the Church, humility, and service to others are signs of spiritual maturity.
Is your gaze fixed on all the stuff you can buy or the power and position you can attain? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will encourage us to turn our eyes to Jesus and our lives will follow suit.
As Pastor Bill continues our study of the Gospel of Matthew in today’s message, we’ll be reminded of this beautiful truth: God wants to spend time with you, He doesn’t just want your good works.
Religion complicates God. Men like to make Him into something hard to understand, but as Pastor Bill will clarify in today’s message, the grace of God is accessible and far-reaching.
When you hear God's Word preached or read it on your own, what do you do with it? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will challenge you to put these words into practice. Be a doer of the Word.
In today’s message, Pastor Bill will compare Scripture to a jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces on their own contain beautiful images, but until you put them all together, you won’t see the whole picture.
As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, far too many Christians live as though Satan still has power in their lives, though Jesus has already secured their victory.
You won’t find a more significant person in history than our Lord, Jesus Christ. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, that’s despite coming from extremely humble origins.
Have you ever doubted whether God wants to use you? You could easily underestimate yourself. In today's message, Pastor Bill tells you about Jesus' lineage, and how He chose imperfect people.
In our daily lives, we all fall victim to distractions. We find ourselves drifting away from God. Today, Pastor Bill explains how you can return to Jesus. He wants to bring you back!
In today’s message, Pastor Bill explains how God went radio silent for four hundred years before the birth of Jesus. He tells you how the prophets couldn't understand it, and how the angels found it confusing.
We all sin. Pastor Bill explains today how you can receive forgiveness for your sins. When you accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit works in your life, and you’re able to identify what is good and what is sin.
What a powerful statement! We can fail to recognize God's power. In any difficult situation, we often forget that God can make a way. Today, Pastor Bill tells you how to trust God in every situation.
We as humans have a tendency to doubt things. We have a tendency to doubt others. Today, Pastor Bill explains how the enemy lies to you. But don’t forget that Jesus’ salvation grants you forgiveness!
What the world focuses on and says is important, versus where God says your heart should be - are two different things. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you to look to God for strength and help.
There’s one way to Heaven. God offers salvation freely to anyone who comes to Him and turns from their sins. Today, Pastor Bill explains that it doesn’t stop there; you’re meant to share with others.
God wants you to be faithful, stepping into living for Him in faith. Only in Him is there hope for eternity after life on earth. Today, Pastor Bill expresses how important it is to stay faithful to God and His Word.
Hope is only found in Christ. As the world turns farther and farther away from Christ, it can seem hopeless. But, as you’ll hear today, Pastor Bill tells you that God wants to use you to bring hope.
Everyone’s had times when they’ve felt hopeless. Without God in the picture, it is hopeless. But God is there. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that when it’s crazy around you, just look up to God for help!
When sin gets a hold of your life, it’s a dangerous start. As Pastor Bill’s going to point out today, God will never let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. There’s always a way out.
God can use you in ways you never thought you could be used before. Today, Pastor Bill encourages you to never forget that God can touch people through anyone who’s willing to serve Him.
As a Christian, you have the greatest news that anyone can hear and accept. It’s the news of salvation! Today, Pastor Bill doesn’t want you to put it off. Go tell others about the hope you have in Jesus!
Pastor Bill encourages you today to keep the faith, even in the midst of persecution. One of the most important things to remember when you’re persecuted - is that you're a pilgrim, passing through.
It’s important to keep your focus on Jesus during the storms of life. Today, Pastor Bill explains that God doesn’t always deliver you out of troubles, but He’ll give you peace and strength to get through them.
Our society has come to a place where if you’re passionate about something, it must be a good thing. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches us that our feeling fluctuates, but God’s Word remains the same.
There are all kinds of injustices that take place in the world around us today. Are you doing your part to help? In today’s message, Pastor Bill challenges you to consider what it is you’re fighting for.
When you travel by plane, how much thought goes into how things work? In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches us how to let God take control. Once we get on board with Jesus, God’s the pilot.
It’s easy to believe that only dramatic testimonies reach people. But did you know that every testimony is useful, coming from death to life? Today’s teaching with Pastor Bill explains that more.
Have you ever felt ashamed when telling someone that you’re a Christian? In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you that your most powerful asset in leading others to Christ is your testimony.
Isn’t it funny how easy it can be to complicate the simplest things? The Gospel is a simple message, but people like to add to it. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will show you the simplicity of the Gospel.
People carry around heavy burdens God never intended them to carry. When you follow Jesus He promises to carry that weight for you. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will help you understand that weightless freedom.
Do you ever hear something and think, “Man, that’s just too good to be true?” The world that we live in is full of sin and deception. In today’s message, Pastor Bill shows us that God is perfect, sinless, and trustworthy.
Have you ever seen a massive river, like the Rio Grande, the Mississippi, or the Amazon? Pastor Bill teaches us today that the power of the Holy Spirit is like a river; you must go where His Spirit is flowing.
Have you ever been caught in a riptide? When you’re pulled into a strong current, you become helpless against it. Pastor Bill teaches today that the world is like a current, dragging us away from God.
Have you noticed that the world around us is a constantly moving target? In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches us that the Word of God is forever; it’s timeless, and it’s never changing.
Do you have determination and grit? Some people give up, while others start strong, but then lose their drive. Pastor Bill teaches us today that we need to have grit and determination, in the work God’s doing.
Pastor Bill mentions today a power that’s from God. Think of it like a superpower, like so many admire superheroes. Well, think of it this way…God is providing you with a superpower to do super things!
How many opportunities have you missed because you were too distracted by unimportant things? Pastor Bill teaches us today that if we want to be used by God, we need to make ourselves available to Him.
Don’t you just love buffets? You feel like you’re getting food for free. In today’s message, Pastor Bill gives you this same idea, of God handing out His grace and love so freely to you.
What is the priority for you? Do you put Jesus first? It can be so simple! Pastor Bill expresses the importance of sticking with Jesus in your everyday life. It’s all about remaining true to Him first!
Do you remember when you would answer a call and it was the wrong number? In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches us that if we want to be connected to God, then we need to dial the right number.
When you’re born again, you have a target on your back. These attacks will come in different forms, but Pastor Bill will share that the onslaught of enemy opposition is a sign you’re doing things right.
We have this tendency to look at the people we read about in the Bible as being superhuman, but they were just ordinary people. Pastor Bill expresses today that normal people are the type of people God uses.
Many Christians can spend months and years pondering what God’s big mission for them might be. Pastor Bill mentions today that if you surrender to the Holy Spirit and His leading, He’ll reveal open doors.
We do love our stuff, don’t we? If you’ve ever had a favorite store that’s closed, you may relate to Pastor Bill’s illustration today. But these things distract us from our true purpose in the world.
As Christians, we’re called to be the light of the world and to be a shining example of God's grace and mercy. Pastor Bill explains today that we’re to be a beacon of hope and love to those around us.
In today’s teaching, Pastor Bill will talk about how the Lord will provide when we follow His path. He’ll never abandon us and will be with us through all the storms of life so that we stay on the right path.
Today, Pastor Bill talks about how our basis of truth needs to be rooted in the Bible. It’s so important to make sure that our basis of truth comes from a reliable source, which is God’s Word.
Does it seem like discipleship is a cakewalk? In today’s message, Pastor Bill talks about how discipleship requires hardships. If we accept the hardships, we’ll find peace in eternity.
Timing is everything. Today, Pastor Bill talks about how the Lord’s timing is always perfect. He’ll answer your prayers in due time if you have faith in Him and choose to surrender your will to Him.
Do you think about how you could get to know the Lord better? Today, Pastor Bill talks about how to understand the Lord on a deeper level. Reading the Bible gives you a roadmap to a closer relationship with God!
What are you called to do once you accept Christ? In today’s edition, Pastor Bill talks about how you are to share the Gospel, being a light in the world. You can do this through words and actions.
Do you find yourself constantly chasing after worldly things, but still feeling unfulfilled? In today’s edition, Pastor Bill talks about how worldly items won’t meet your needs; only the Lord can fulfill you.
Have you stopped and considered what your purpose is? In today’s edition, Pastor Bill talks about why the Lord even made us. He wants us to be a part of his family, so we can experience His blessings.
Today, Pastor Bill talks about how the Lord needs to be the foundation of your life. When you trust Him, you can experience peace and security, no matter what’s happening. He is your firm foundation!
Today, Pastor Bill talks about how we need to respond to the truth of the Lord. God’s revealed his love and grace through the Bible, and when you accept this, you experience a transformation!
Would you like to know how to study the Word of God? Pastor Bill has the perfect message today. He gives you some tips on how to go about reading, so that it’s meaningful and gives you direction!
If you’re ever wondering about the origin of the Bible, Pastor Bill will talk today about how the Bible is more than just a book – it is the Word of God, a love letter from the Lord to each and every person.
In today’s edition, Pastor Bill talks about the importance of prayer. Praying allows you to have a direct line of communication with the Lord. So bring your worries and hopes to Him!
Are you feeling lost or searching for purpose, wondering if anyone truly cares about you? Today, Pastor Bill talks about God giving you purpose in life. He’s your source of strength and direction.
It's easy to get caught up in comparisons. But today, Pastor Bill talks about how we shouldn’t be envious. Envy is a destructive force, and instead, we should be grateful for the blessings in our own lives.
Who do you go to when you’re overwhelmed? In today’s edition, Pastor Bill talks about the importance of having the Lord at the center of your life. By doing this, you'll find peace in the face of challenges.
What a powerful statement from Pastor Bill! As Christians, we all have the idea that if we correct this particular behavior or habit in our lives, we will be the perfect Christians. We begin to think highly of ourselves while judging and comparing others to ourselves. When we try to change a negative aspect of our lives, another one appears. What can we do about this? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how Jesus is the only way to be saved and the only one who can help you get rid of all the negative things in your life.
We, humans, have a tendency to place our hopes in certain people in our lives, sharing everything with them and expecting them to have our back in times of need. Most of the time, they fall short of our expectations, causing us to be disappointed. So, who can we believe? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how Jesus is the only one you can trust with everything. He is the one with whom you can discuss every aspect of your life. He is capable to help you in your time of need. All you have to do is belief in Him.
Distractions are an important part of our lives. We are constantly distracted, whether at work or in our relationships. It also leads us down the wrong road. It is the enemy who brings all of these distractions into our lives, causing us to fail in our endeavors. What can you do to keep yourself from being distracted by the enemy? In today's message, Pastor Bill tells you how God can help you overcome all distractions that the enemy throws at you. All you have to do is trust Him and hand over control of your life.
Have you ever thought that the world is a terrible place to live? You may have been in a situation where you had a bad experience and then seemed to interpret everything in the world negatively. Even though you know God, the Creator of the universe, you appear to judge others even if you don't know them. What can you do to change this? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how Jesus can change any negative feeling in your heart that the enemy has placed and how He wants to use you for His purpose.
God has a plan for every one of our lives. Rather than listening to His will, we tend to walk our own path and live our lives in our own way. Usually, we seem to think that we can bypass God's will and do whatever we want, but our own plans always fail to succeed because they are not what God desires. We suffer a significant loss, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. How can we make our lives more meaningful? Today, Pastor Bill tells you how God has a plan for you. All you have to do is obey!
We all have a tendency to get into clashes, whether at work or in our families. Even if we don't want to, circumstances can make it difficult to leave an argument, resulting in emotional and mental exhaustion. How do you get out of those situations? In today's message, Pastor Bill tells you how you can learn to differentiate and avoid arguments that can harm you. It may be a difficult task, but God can help you make a difference in the lives of those around you. Are you willing to let God be in charge of your life?
We do have a tendency to overestimate ourselves. In any situation, we prefer to take the initiative and even disregard any suggestions. It frequently leads us down the wrong path, and we end up suffering as a result. What can we do to change this? In today's message, Pastor Bill tells you how God wants to work miracles in your life. Sometimes you ignore God's will and do what you believe is best for you. However, you are unaware that God has a greater plan for your life. All you have to do is let Him in.
We all want to be the best at what we do. Whether at work or in our relationships with our loved ones. But being perfect is much more difficult than it appears, and we frequently fail to achieve it. It actually demotivates us. Today, Pastor Bill tells you how God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. Even if you believe you are weak, God believes you are strong. All you have to do for God to use you is accept that you are a sinner, imperfect, and saved by grace. Are you willing to let Him use you?
What a powerful statement from Pastor Bill! How hard we try to maintain our daily lives so that everything goes as planned and everything happens as it should. But isn't that how the world works? Things go wrong one way or another, and we have no control over them. Are there any options? In today's message, Pastor Bill tells you how to know God's will for every situation in your life. Even if things go wrong, God has a solution for every problem and is eager to help you. All you need to do is believe.
There are many reasons to be happy in our lives. Whether it's being successful at work or having your favorite people around you. But do you know what the most important reason to be happy is? Pastor Bill tells you today how Jesus came to this world to take away all your inequities on the cross so that your sins could be forgiven. You are now free from the grip of sin, avoiding the path to hell and paving the way to eternal life in heaven with Father. How can you make someone you know rejoice?
We certainly have a habit of becoming bored with things we used to enjoy. Everything we do, whether it's buying our dream car or getting your favorite shoes or even from a person, has a time when we decide we don't want it anymore and it loses its value in our lives. But, are we doing the same with God? In today's message, Pastor Bill tells you how you can rekindle your faith in God by learning more about Him and growing in your spiritual life. The Bible is the only way to learn more about God’s grace.
In our daily lives, we work in order to support ourselves and our families. This is a requirement for survival in this world. But is this the only job that you have got? What else can you do as a believer to affect change in your community and around the world? Pastor Bill tells you how you can share the good news of Jesus with others who are unaware of today's message. How can you help others get to know Jesus and be saved now that you've been saved? How can you be a witness of His love and grace?
When was the last time you felt refreshed? Have you ever felt bogged down by the issues that continue to hinder growth in your life? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that Jesus wants to radically change your life for eternity. No matter how hard you try to fix it all on your own, you will never be able to overcome it. Give your life to Christ and be changed from the inside out. He has always had you in His heart and will never leave your side no matter how difficult the going gets. Invest in eternity.
As Christians, we know that God is first in our lives, but do we always give Him the lead? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that in order to maintain a closeness with God, you need to truly let Him be your guide. It’s easy to say that you put Him first without taking the action to do it. A heart of submissiveness, humbleness, and respect for His authority will be the best things that you can do to grow your holiness with Him. Move past the burdens that are holding you back and let Him take control.
In our walk with Jesus, it’s easy to get confused into thinking that we are lifeless bodies filled with Christ. We get so focused on eternity with Him that we forget about the importance of what it means to have Him in our hearts. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that when Christ entered your life, you become an entirely new creation—inside and out. You should view everything from your stomach to your thoughts as embodied by His spirit.
One of the most misunderstood things about Jesus is the miracles that He performed. Too often, people need to witness things such as miraculous healings, financial gains, or mended relationships to confirm that God is, in fact, real. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that you need to let God into your life for the power of His grace and that alone. If you let things other than purely who He dictate what you worship, you will never be saved. Let Jesus usher you into eternity.
There are a million reasons to be afraid today: global warming, economic collapse, or nuclear war, just to name a few. But we have exactly one reason to hope. And that one reason overpowers every other cause of fear in the world. That one reason is that Jesus Christ is alive. He conquered sin and death and made a way for you and me to go to the Father. Once we see this for all that it truly means, fear fades away to nothing. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to remind us of this great truth!
Paul wrote a significant chunk of the New Testament. He was the original missionary, sacrificing his safety and health over and over again in order to share the gospel. If anyone had cause to be proud, or to feel that he was higher than another person, it would be Paul. And yet what we see is that he considers himself the “chief of sinners” not the “chief apostle.” He never forgets who he was when Jesus appeared to him. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to remind you to keep that same mindset!
It doesn't matter how many times you fall down. It doesn't matter how many times you've run away. It doesn't matter how many times you've failed. The message of the gospel is the message of grace. God's grace is greater than all your sin. It's greater than all your fears and failures! In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to trace the story of grace through the book of Acts and we will get to see that God doesn't give up on people. The Apostle Paul gave up on John Mark, but God still didn't give up.
Jesus commanded his followers over and over to love one another. But the love of Jesus is different than the kind of love the world may offer. The world may say it's love to let everyone do their own thing. “You do you” may feel like love, but really it isn't. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to show you what true love looks like! True love is always found in truth. You can't do that because Jesus is God. What you need to do is submit yourself to the King of Kings and learn to walk with Him!
You might think in order to share the gospel, you need to have all the answers. That simply isn't true! The moment you come to Christ, you're qualified to be the messenger to bring others to him. Think about the woman at the well. Jesus told her that he is the Messiah, and she immediately went to everyone she knew saying, “Come and see!” In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to show you that all you need to know is that Jesus is the Savior! Then go out and bring others to him. Just say, “Come and See!”
If you're anything like me, you sometimes look at the overwhelming problems in the world. Even in one corner of the world! There are so many people walking so far from God, and even the people who walk with God are experiencing trouble after trouble. And I look at all of that and think, “Who am I?” Without the power of God working in and through us we have nothing to bring. But, as Pastor Bill is going to show you in today's message, God will continue to use you—again and again!
Are you working for the Lord? You do what you do on God's behalf. Do you get weary in well-doing? Pastor Bill discerns today between ministering for the Lord and ministering to the Lord. What's the difference? The difference is found in our motivation. When we minister to the Lord, we aim to please Him. The audience is God. When we minister to the Lord, we are often ministering to please other people, striving for our own strength. Let’s humbly seek to please the One Who loves us the most...
Have you ever been in that situation? It's where everything was dark all around you and no visible way out. Where are you, God? Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that God is always with us and promises to care for and protect us. God is an ever-present and proven help in times of trouble. Hasn't God rescued us from trouble before? Will He not do it again? He is there even when the darkness presses in hard around us. God is supernatural; He can even see in the dark! No matter how bad things get, God won’t let go.
It's so easy to do, isn't it? It's easy to play God. Have you ever caught yourself placing your will above God's will? Pastor Bill today reviews how King Herod tried unsuccessfully to impose his will over God's will. In our case, we are rebelling against God when we ignore what we know God wants us to do. We reason that what God wants doesn't make sense and we convince ourselves that it can’t really be His will. Thus, we disobey God because we think that we know what is best. Let's learn to submit to God.
Has God been faithful to you? Has God proven Himself to you? Can you trust Him? Pastor Bill teaches us today that God's resources are not man's resources. God owns everything. Yes, sometimes we struggle, but struggles are what God uses to mature His children. God is a proven and present help in times of trouble. We can trust Him because He knows us better than we know ourselves. Let's let go of what we clutch so tightly in our hands, and let God bring His resources to accomplish His goals.
Are you trying to put God in a box? You only allow Him to go so far and that's it. What happens when you restrict God? In today's message, Pastor Bill reminds us that God doesn't fit into a box. No matter how many times man has tried to build a box and stuff God in it, God always bursts out of it. Church history is littered with man's failed attempts to bring God's kingdom to Earth. God is in charge, and we are not. We need to remember that unless God builds the house, we labor in vain. God will complete His work His way.
Did you hear that? What do you think the church is made of? Pastor Bill reminds us today that the church is not a building but is made up of people. According to the Apostle Peter, the church is God's people gathering in His name to form a spiritual temple or dwelling place for God. Notice that God's temple is made up of living stones and not bricks. We are not bricks in a wall. God uses stones of irregular, unique shapes and sizes to form His church. Let's allow God to shape us and fit us into the temple where He dwells.
Anyone should be welcome in the church. No matter how dirty or sinful or what social status someone is, God can forgive them. He can move just as easily in anyone when their heart is set on Him. What He looks for is a heart that's truly willing to serve Him and do what He calls them to. Today, Pastor Bill's going to remind you that it's not your place to pick who or who not to share God's Word with. God just wants you to be faithful to share it with anyone, so He can move in their hearts in His timing.
God made it very clear to every Christian through what He showed to Peter that His Kingdom is for anyone that wants it. No matter where someone's from, what they drive, or where they work, or even their political views. Today, Pastor Bill's going to show you that God's love is so abundant and so good that He'll forgive anything you've ever done if you just turn to Him. His forgiveness doesn't see things like race or background. He just sees when a heart is trusting in Him alone for salvation.
Anyone can come to Christ and believe in Him and turn their life over to Him to be saved. Anyone. Through Him, you can have peace that nothing can take away in your soul and joy in hope for eternity with Jesus. Today, Pastor Bill's going to show you that the basic message the apostles taught in the early church was just that: the forgiveness of sins and turning your life over to Christ. It's what the main message should look like today, too, because at the center of everything you do for Christ.
Anyone can come to Christ and believe in Him and turn their life over to Him to be saved. Anyone. Through Him, you can have peace that nothing can take away, and joy in hope for eternity with Jesus in Heaven. Today, Pastor Bill's going to show you that the basic message the apostles taught in the early church was just that: the forgiveness of sins and turning your life over to Christ. It's what the main message should look like today, too, because Christ is the center of everything you do here on earth.
One quality that God looks for in someone to do His good works is humility. Someone who won't become conceited or prideful, and that will always give God the credit for what He does. Today, Pastor Bill's going to show you some traits of a person that God's looking to use. Are you ready to go when He calls you, to do whatever He lays on your heart, and to point all glory and credit back to Him when it's time? There's no limit to what God can do through someone that's totally sold out to Him.
Jesus paid the ultimate price for you to be able to go into Heaven to spend eternity with Him. He came to earth and died as a sacrifice for your sins so you could be cleansed of them and have the hope for eternity that only God can give. Today, Pastor Bill's going to encourage you to show proof of your hope in your life. Is it clear to the people around you that you follow Christ? You might be the only example someone ever has of what a true follower of Christ should look like in how they live.
Do you want to see God move in your life more than you do now? Do you want to have an active relationship with Him, spending time with Him every day? Today, Pastor Bill's going to show you how God just wants you to have a heart that's ready to move when He says to and that lives according to His Word, sharing it with others. How would you expect God to move in someone and reveal more of Himself to them if they never go out and reveal Him to others around them they see every day?
God will show Himself real to anyone who seeks Him out. He's looking for people that are ready to follow Him and do what He says and go where He leads. Today, Pastor Bill's going to encourage you to trust that God will move in your heart when you focus on Him. When your attention is on Him and you give your life to Him as a vessel for Him to work through, He'll do it. If you want to see God move in your life and feel Him near, that's all it takes: to give up your life of sin and commit to living for Him.
There's nothing more desperate than how much everyone needs God's grace and forgiveness. And when you ask God to forgive you of any and all of your sins, He always will. Today, Pastor Bill's going to show you that unfortunately, some who come to Christ never keep maturing in Him and wind up back in their old hurtful ways they used to live in. If His Spirit is really alive and active in you, then you should always be growing closer to Him and bearing the fruits of that relationship in your life.
True joy doesn't come from making a lot of money. It doesn't come from a better house or car or situations that happen around you. True joy that lasts forever can only be found in one place, and that's from Jesus. The peace in your soul that you can experience is beyond anything the world can ever offer. Today, Pastor Bill's going to ask you the question: if you haven't been healed and forgiven by God, what's stopping you from experiencing that joy in Christ that lasts forever?
Real heart transformation comes from the revelation of Jesus! Today, you learn from Pastor Bill's message that sometimes the best thing that you can do for someone is to pray that Jesus would be revealed to them. That they would become aware of the presence of Jesus in their lives. And that they would receive Him. Pastor Bill explains, that as humans we are only capable of helping so much. But God is not limitless. He can take hard hearts of stone. And turn them into soft and caring hearts of flesh.
Do you believe that you're called by God to His ministry? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he shares with you the misconception of some people about being called to minister. As Christ-followers, the ministry is not just for pastors or certain leadership figures within the local church. No, Pastor Bill explains, that ministry is a calling of all of the disciples of Jesus. What that looks like might be different. But if you're a follower of Jesus, you are called to His ministry. You are called to share Him with others.
God loves you too much to keep you as you are! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he explains to you that the Lord loves you just as you are. You could never do another thing in your life and His love for you wouldn't change. However, Pastor Bill also makes the point that God is in the business of transformation. And it's because of God's great love for you that He doesn't leave you where you are. He desires for you to look more like Him. And that comes with Him transforming your heart.
You are a precious and beloved child of the Highest God! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he reminds you of the inheritance that you have in Christ Jesus. Jesus died so that you might live abundantly and free with Him. You are not to be a slave to religion. Pastor Bill explains that religion puts you in bondage. But Jesus sets you free. Jesus says that His way is easy and that His burden is light. If the burden feels heavy right now, get back to Jesus. Get back to the author of your faith!
Do you feel like the Lord is far off? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he shares with you that sometimes it can feel like God's presence is far away. However, know that this is never true. God promises within His Word to never leave or forsake you. He is always with you no matter what. However, Pastor Bill explains, that we are the ones who actually can be distant from God and His presence. Reflect upon your devotional time with the Lord. Make sure to be spending time with the Lord each day.
Are you open to the plans and directions God has for you? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he encourages you to be intentional about being open to what God wants you to do. Where He desires for you to go. And the people He would like for you to meet. Pastor Bill explains that the Holy Spirit is always leading and guiding Jesus. But are you open and do you make time to hear from Him? Spend time each day seeking the Lord through His Word and through prayer. He has opportunities for you.
Don't underestimate the power of one! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you that the family of God is primarily built by one person at a time. It's not always huge waves of people entering the family. However, God can and has had that happen. But Pastor Bill explains to you, that more times than not it's usually one faithful Christ follower ushering in another one at a time. God cares about His flock. He cares about discipleship and the details of timing. Be faithful in sharing Him with the one.
Who you are in the eyes of the Lord is what matters the most! In today's message from Pastor Bill, he encourages you to spend time with the Lord asking Him to reveal how He sees you. Who does God say that you are? What are the gifts that He's placed within you? Pastor Bill emphasizes the importance of receiving our identity from the Lord. This world, people, and the enemy will have all sorts of things to say as to who you are. But ultimately, you want to see yourself and know yourself by what God says.
Beware of false teachers! As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you about false teaching. False teaching is anything or anyone that adds to or subtracts from the Word of God. Satan is very sneaky. He will disguise everything that is against God as if it's good. Pastor Bill reminds you, that Satan at one point appeared as an angel of light. Keep listening to the Holy Spirit that dwells within you. He will guide you along the right path to Jesus. Authenticity will always point to Jesus.
Did you know that whoever is in Christ has become a new creation? Today, you learn from Pastor Bill's message that God is not after behavior modification. He's after radical heart transformation. God can take lives that seemed at one point to be going down a terrible path of destruction. And give them a heart that is tender towards Him and His will upon the earth! Pastor Bill encourages you, to never lose heart for those you wish to come to Jesus. God is in the business of total transformation!
Are you in a season of refinement? In today's message from Pastor Bill, he encourages you to keep moving within this season. Remember that refinement is a good thing. Especially when it's an ordained season by God. Pastor Bill explains, that when God refines you it's a holy work. He is working to refine you more and more into His likeness. God loves you too much to always leave you as you are. He wants to sanctify you through and through until the day you meet with Him face to face.
Are you struggling to ever feel fully satisfied? As you listen to today's message from Pastor Bill, he teaches you about trying to find fulfillment within this world. When you look to the world and imperfect people to find satisfaction, you'll always be left disappointed. This is because you were meant for so much more than what this broken world has to offer. Pastor Bill explains that you are meant for the Kingdom of Heaven. And until you receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you will never be satisfied.
As Christians, we aren’t instantly protected from Satan’s schemes when we give our life to Him. It’s true that God is always there for us through our most vulnerable times, but this doesn’t mean that we’re any less susceptible to Satan’s destruction. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that you need to be proactive in keeping sin away from your life. Satan will never stop working to keep you out of God’s presence. Instead of cowering when the temptations are tough, use it to bring glory to God.
As Christians in our world today, it’s safe to say that you know someone who has left God behind. Often times this is due to the constant pressures from society to hold up its values, the negative Christian media portrayals, and religion at large being viewed as a thing of the past. Today in his message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that even when the going gets difficult in your walk with Jesus, don’t lose sight of His kingdom. The things of this world will never last—only God will show you perfectly, eternal love.
Have you ever been so caught up in the busyness of life that you get tunnel vision? Are there times when you can’t stop yourself from fixating on insignificant details of life? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that instead of making yourself the focal point of everything you do, look to God. If you want to stop wasting energy on your own issues and stop letting your relationships suffer because of it, give it all to Him. Make others the center of your universe, not yourself, and be set free.
In our society today, many people view the church as a building full of people who are faking it. The word is instantly associated with people who are doing good things only because of strict rules or for personal gain. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that this notion couldn’t be further from the truth. When you find a body of believers who are committed to God’s plan instead of their own, the concept of the church completely changes. Give your life to God and leave the fake things of this world behind.
In the midst of all the hectic things going on in our world, have you ever felt lost in the fray? Have you ever felt like you were being held back from reaching your full potential with no understanding of why? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that when you accept Jesus into your life, you are set free from the burdens and negativity of this world. The more you try to set yourself free, the more frustrating it gets. Give it all to God and face the difficulties of life head-on through His power in you.
Good versus Evil. It's more than a Hollywood plot for the latest flick! As Pastor Bill teaches today, you'll learn Jesus is all good and loves His church. And the Devil is pure evil and is roaming like a Lion ready to devour! So... where is the good news? Living life with a roaming lion could make us afraid to step outside our house! But, as Pastor Bill reminds us, God protects, guides, and imparts His wisdom and power to overcome. Jesus paid it all and because of that, we have hope for tomorrow!
If you live life like this is all there is, a feeling of despair will set in quickly. Have you ever considered that? As Pastor Bill teaches today, you'll learn that Christians have a future vision that has been given by God Himself that shows a new day and bright future for those who love Him. There's so much to be sad about all around us. It's quite easy to get caught up in the brokenness of it all. But, Pastor Bill reminds us that we can live a life encouraged and hopeful for tomorrow because He lives!
Are you timid? Do you have trouble standing up during tough circumstances? A prayer for today is that the Lord would give us the boldness to speak His word. As Pastor Bill teaches today, you'll learn how the Lord's boldness is available during our struggles and difficult confrontations with the world. It's not a replacement for the tough times, but God's boldness is there to help you through. Pastor Bill reminds us that it may surprise you when He grants His boldness – but it's for His glory and your good!
There is power in the name of Jesus. Do you really believe that? As Pastor Bill teaches today, you'll learn that the world seems to often believe the power in His name even more than believers. People are changed because of His name. Healing comes at the mention of Jesus' name. There's a reason why the enemy has taken such a precious name and turned it into a curse. Pastor Bill reminds us that the power of the Holy Spirit is with us and the boldness to use His name yields great results!
When was the last time you experienced truly self-sacrificial love? Most of us experience love in different forms on a daily basis, but have you ever experienced it with no strings attached? Today in his message, Pastor Bill explains that this kind of love can be found through Jesus. Instead of only focusing on yourself, look to love others and witness a miraculous change in your life. Show God’s love to those around you and experience unconditional love.
Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness from a stranger? Did it make you want to show your own kindness to others? Today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that you can never show enough kindness to others. There is no limit to how much you can love and be loved. Let your kindness be infectious to others and use God’s love to further His kingdom. Don’t burn yourself out, let God work through you and be a ray of light to the world around you.
With so many forms of media hitting us in so many different ways, it’s easy to let false doctrine creep into our lives. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that you need to be alert and aware of the teachings that you are listening to in your life. It doesn’t matter how much you like a speaker’s voice, content, or stories—keep your heart on guard for words that are false. Know the signs for teachings that are true to His word and live for Him.
We all know what love is, but have you ever truly experienced it in your life? All the time, we say that we love things, but is it real, everlasting love? In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that God’s love is true and waiting for you to accept it. His love is self-sacrificial, unconditional, and never-changing. Let Him guide your life and experience love like you never have before—Agape love. Find life through God and love others through His mighty love.
Many of us have encountered someone in our life at one time or another who is completely on fire for the Lord. When we meet these people, it’s easy to get sucked into who they are and forget what’s making it all happen. Today in his message, Pastor Bill reminds us that when someone is on fire for the Lord and has the fruits of the spirit overflowing in their life, it’s all because of Jesus. If you want to see real change in your life, let Him work through you to grow spiritually.
It can be easy to lose sight of who God is and what He’s done for us. Well, today, Pastor Bill shares that remembering God’s faithfulness and goodness to you is essential in those moments. Not only does it give you hope for the future, but recounting how God has proven Himself faithful in the past will give you the ammunition you need when doubts and fear take hold. And then, like the man in this passage, you’ll rejoice in and be grateful for what God has already done and what He’s doing right now!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve needed God to intervene in my life before. There have been times when what I’ve faced, be it something physical, emotional, or circumstantial, has been way more than I could manage or fix. Maybe that’s where you are today. You might be at the end of yourself, helpless to change things for yourself. You need God to intervene. Well, today, Pastor Bill reminds you that God is in the miracle business. He is able to work in you and transform your life just like He did for the lame man.
You, like most people, have probably wondered if God could really use you. You may think that you don’t have what it takes, the qualifications He’s looking for. But, in today’s passage, you’ll witness something that will make you question those thoughts. Pastor Bill urges you to follow the example of the early church and be available. God isn’t asking you to do anything special. He just wants you to stay close to Him and say yes to the opportunities He gives you to be His hands and feet in the world.
We all want to make a difference in some way. And one of the most important ways you can do that is by sharing God’s love and message of grace with the people around you. Well, that’s just what Pastor Bill talks about in today’s message. Using the early church as a template, you’ll find out that it’s not about knowing a lot or using a specific method. Sharing your faith is actually rooted in caring about others and being present and open about what God is doing in your life and in your heart.
Do you want to know some of the essentials of having a strong and healthy walk with Jesus? Well, that’s what you’ll discover in today’s passage. Pastor Bill unpacks what the early church found most important. And, as you’ll see, chief among these, was the Word of God. These men and women held tightly to the truth of the Bible. They studied what it said and applied it to their lives. Then, they could more readily spot thoughts or teachings that would pull them away from the Lord and His ways.
Don’t you feel that tension sometimes? It can be hard to know how to live out being in the world but yet separate from it in your daily life. Today, Pastor Bill invites you to explore the early church as it’s described in Acts. You’ll discover that they were able to walk this line by staying close to the Lord and to each other. Their closeness didn’t keep them from being a part of their communities or befriending the people around them. Instead, that unity was the life vest that allowed them to safely navigate their world.
Imagine you're falling from a New York skyscraper, and... (in slow motion)... you're offered a choice of who you want, to save you. On one side you've got Superman, and on the other side, you've got Joe the plumber. Who are you gonna trust? In today's Message, Pastor Bill assures us that Jesus, is God and that we can fully trust Him. Jesus, the God-Man conquered death, and offers life, to all who put their trust in Him. When it comes between the life and death of your soul, who are you going to trust?
They say there are two things in life that can't be avoided, death and taxes. Certainly, people try to cheat both, but everyone knows if you get caught fudging your taxes, it's bad news for you. And death, there's just no way around it. Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message, that Jesus took on death, and death couldn't keep Him down. Literally! This is good news. If Jesus defeated death, that means we have hope of eternal life. Isn't that the best news you've ever heard?
Have you ever wondered, “how in the world can God use, ME? Have you seen the men and women throughout scripture that God used to accomplish his plans? Pastor Bill reminds us in today's message, that God used all kinds of imperfect People to do His will. Abraham was a liar, Rahab was a prostitute, David was a murderer, and Peter was a Coward. When the Spirit of God comes upon an ordinary person, God can do extraordinary things through them! Are you willing to let Him work through you?
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is. People often think of wild yelling chaos with snakes, and all kinds of weird stuff going on. But what does the Bible say? In today's Message, Pastor Bill is going to give us a look at who the Holy Spirit is, what He does, and why we need Him. Instead of being afraid of the Holy Spirit, we should welcome Him, not only into our lives but also to come and work through our lives. Are you ready to see what He want's to do in your life?
So many people are out there trying to chase that next experience. Whether it's a high adrenaline thrill like sky diving, or it's getting high on drugs, or drunk from alcohol... there's always something to chase. Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message, that even in the church people are chasing after some experience, but in reality, what they're looking for, is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All those other things leave you wanting more, even a religious “high”. But The Holy Spirit... He's the real deal.
Are you trying to do things yourself? Are you trying to create your own momentum, in your own strength? Or are you waiting for the wind to blow? Pastor Bill tells us in today's message about the plan that God had for the early church, and the plan He has for His church today. He never intended for us to be out on our own, left to figure things out, but He promised the Holy Spirit would come and give us power so that we could accomplish His will. So what's it gonna be? Your motorboat? Or The breath of God in your sails?
Are you ready? Are you living like Jesus is coming back soon? He is! In the early church, they saw Jesus go up, through the clouds, and they heard the angels say, that He would return in the same way. In Pastor Bill's message today, we're reminded that we are now closer than ever to the Lord's return. No, it doesn't mean that we should stand around staring up at the clouds. What it does mean, is that we're to set our minds on the things of God, and to do the things that He commanded us to do.
Your car can't go without fuel right? So, maybe you could push it down the road, but who wants to do that? You could have brand new tires, a perfectly tuned engine, with all the bells and whistles, but without gas... you won't get far. Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message that Jesus told His disciples to wait! Wait for what? Power! The power of the Holy Spirit to come upon you. Has the power of the Holy Spirit come upon you? Do you want to be a witness for Jesus? Then you need the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.
The Holy Spirit is often the most misunderstood and misrepresented person of the Trinity. Many times people paint Him to be some elusive, mystical essence, that makes you do crazy things. Other times, people make Him out to be the mysterious member of the trinity that we don't know much about. As Pastor Bill teaches us from Acts Chapter one today, we realize, that The Holy Spirit is the one that gives us the power, to be witnesses to Jesus Christ, for a lost and dying world.
You know when you're watching a TV show, and it's getting really good, and then before you know it... dun dun dun... it's “To Be Continued...” Well, in today's message, Pastor Bill tells us we aren't left hanging waiting to see what happened after Jesus went back up to heaven. The gospels are all very exciting with miracles, betrayal, death, and then... (spoiler alert) He comes back to life! Then Jesus goes through the clouds back up into heaven, but do you know what happens next? You're about to find out!
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is. People often think of wild yelling chaos with snakes, and all kinds of weird stuff going on. But what does the Bible say? In today's Message, Pastor Bill is going to give us a look at who the Holy Spirit is, what He does, and why we need Him. Instead of being afraid of the Holy Spirit, we should welcome Him, not only into our lives but also to come and work through our lives. Are you ready to see what He want's to do in your life?
So many people are out there trying to chase that next experience. Whether it's a high adrenaline thrill like sky diving, or it's getting high on drugs, or drunk from alcohol... there's always something to chase. Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message, that even in the church people are chasing after some experience, but in reality, what they're looking for, is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All those other things leave you wanting more, even a religious “high”. But The Holy Spirit... He's the real deal.
Are you trying to do things yourself? Are you trying to create your own momentum, in your own strength? Or are you waiting for the wind to blow? Pastor Bill tells us in today's message about the plan that God had for the early church, and the plan He has for His church today. He never intended for us to be out on our own, left to figure things out, but He promised the Holy Spirit would come and give us power so that we could accomplish His will. So what's it gonna be? Your motorboat? Or The breath of God in your sails?
Are you ready? Are you living like Jesus is coming back soon? He is! In the early church, they saw Jesus go up, through the clouds, and they heard the angels say, that He would return in the same way. In Pastor Bill's message today, we're reminded that we are now closer than ever to the Lord's return. No, it doesn't mean that we should stand around staring up at the clouds. What it does mean, is that we're to set our minds on the things of God, and to do the things that He commanded us to do.
Your car can't go without fuel right? So, maybe you could push it down the road, but who wants to do that? You could have brand new tires, a perfectly tuned engine, with all the bells and whistles, but without gas... you won't get far. Pastor Bill teaches us in today's message that Jesus told His disciples to wait! Wait for what? Power! The power of the Holy Spirit to come upon you. Has the power of the Holy Spirit come upon you? Do you want to be a witness for Jesus? Then you need the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.
The Holy Spirit is often the most misunderstood and misrepresented person of the Trinity. Many times people paint Him to be some elusive, mystical essence, that makes you do crazy things. Other times, people make Him out to be the mysterious member of the trinity that we don't know much about. As Pastor Bill teaches us from Acts Chapter one today, we realize, that The Holy Spirit is the one that gives us the power, to be witnesses to Jesus Christ, for a lost and dying world.
You know when you're watching a TV show, and it's getting really good, and then before you know it... dun dun dun... it's “To Be Continued...” Well, in today's message, Pastor Bill tells us we aren't left hanging waiting to see what happened after Jesus went back up to heaven. The gospels are all very exciting with miracles, betrayal, death, and then... (spoiler alert) He comes back to life! Then Jesus goes through the clouds back up into heaven, but do you know what happens next? You're about to find out!