Have you ever noticed how easy it is to say “thank you” without really meaning it? Sometimes the words come out of your mouth, but your heart isn’t really in it. But something changes when you truly understand what someone has done for you. When you recognize the sacrifice they made, gratitude becomes authentic. Today, Pastor Bill shares that the same thing happens in our faith. The more we begin to understand who Jesus really is and what He’s done for us, the more our hearts respond. 

Those of us who have been in the military know that when the drill sergeant says, "Jump", we say, “How high?” When he says ‘drop,’ we just start doing push-ups without question. We never even give it a second thought. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that when believers have this kind of mindset towards Jesus’ calling, amazing things can happen. In the past, when God called you to do something, did you sit around and ponder it, or did you get up and immediately follow His orders?

Road signs are more than just paint on metal. They provide valuable information that helps you get to your destination. Imagine trying to drive from LA to Chicago without ever knowing what road you’re on. Sounds impossible, right? Left to your own choices, you might end up in Rio de Janeiro! In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that when you try to live your life according to your own will, you’ll inevitably end up lost, but when you live with the Holy Spirit as your guide, you’ll have the direction you need.

Have you ever attempted to fast from sugar? The delicacy is found in nearly everything and is highly addictive. However, if you manage to cut it out for a bit, it’s amazing how much less your body craves it. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that sin is like sugar… It’s everywhere and addictive. But, if you manage to resist, eventually you’ll begin to starve the desire. Way easier said than done, right? Well, since that’s the case, rely on God to help you resist, because you cannot do it on your own.

Any soldier can tell you that part of their training is becoming incredibly familiar with their weapon. They learn to disassemble their gun, how to clean it, how to become comfortable wielding it, and how to aim it effectively. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that as a warrior for God’s kingdom, you’re to do the same. You’re to know your weapon, the Bible, which Paul calls a sword. Learn how it feels in your hand. Practice using it to cause damage only where you strike, and block blows heading your way. 

In The Lord of the Rings, at the Battle of Helm’s Deep, the elves and men held off the enemy orcs for a substantial amount of time. The fortress was made to be impenetrable. However, the defenses overlooked one weakness, and the orcs hit that weakness hard. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that when Satan knows your weaknesses, he will laser focus on them until your walls come crumbling down. It’s important that you identify those struggling areas and keep them fortified.

Ever since the dawn of time, people have rebelled. Adam and Eve rebelled against God, Colonial Americans tossed tea into the Boston Harbor, and a new store is boycotted every year. The moral of the story? Well… It’s in our nature. We naturally rebel against God and against other men. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that you can’t assume someone has been changed by Christ, and you should expect rebellion. However, that gives you all the more reason to demonstrate what a Christ follower looks like.

Could you imagine what it would be like if your boss decided to let you be in charge for the day? You’d have the power to run the company, and he’d listen to your orders. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that Jesus came down to a world He created, and listened to people bark orders at Him, while following rules set by men who couldn’t follow the rules set by God. Do you think you or your boss could do that? Jesus endured all of that and more because He loves you and wants you to follow His rule.

Have you ever seen someone make furniture out of old pallets? After salvaging the pieces of wood, they dismantle the pallets and then create something new from something old. However, it sometimes requires cutting off chipped edges or planing warped boards. Once it’s finally assembled, the carpenter will finish it off with a hefty sanding to remove all of the old ruggedness. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that sometimes, the Carpenter will have to do a little sanding in your life to remove the old junk.

No gardener plants tomato plants expecting an orange. No violinist puts the bow to the strings expecting the sound of a French horn. When you see two plus two, you don’t expect “five.” In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that when you tell someone that you are a Christian, they shouldn’t expect to see the same you that they knew before Christ entered your life. They should expect to see a life that models Jesus. This requires bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit and living a life of repentance.