You’ve met these kinds of people, and they’re the kindest humans.  They donate to charity.  They tip generously.  They’re looking to serve and volunteer for various organizations.  But they don’t know Jesus.  They’re morally upright.  But as Pastor Bill expresses today, those good acts aren’t what save you.  Today’s passage covers various practices that the Israelites were expected to do and follow, but there was a bigger reason behind them than just being a good, upright citizen.

One of the hottest topics in the church today is the topic of alcohol consumption. Some people believe that it’s a sin to drink alcohol, while others believe we can indulge as much as we want. Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about this? Today, Pastor Bill will teach the TRUTH of Scripture on this issue. Drinking alcohol is not a sin. Drinking alcohol in excess IS a sin. It’s as simple as that. We can’t be legalistic about this topic. We must trust the Word of God and live within our own convictions.

Are pastors held to a higher standard than the rest of the followers of Jesus? The short answer is YES. The Bible is very clear: for those who are called to pastor and shepherd the flock of God, there is a higher standard. Now, this doesn’t mean that everyone else gets a pass on sin. This just means that for those that God has called to lead…well, you can’t lead someone where you haven’t been. Pastor Bill reminds us that the standards of God are non-negotiable.

It’s important that you are encouraged right now in this moment. Based on what Pastor Bill just said, YOU have made a wise choice in choosing to listen to this edition of A Transforming Word because you are choosing to HEAR the teaching of the Word of God. The airwaves are full of sports commentators and political pundits. But, today…right here, right now, you have chosen to listen to the Word of God. This choice will have an impact on your life…you might even hear something that impacts your life today!

There are a lot of people out there who think that you can live the life you want to live with no consequences… that they can live like hell today but enjoy heaven when they die. We’ve all heard the person say that makes the statement, “I live how I want now, and when I’m about to die, I’ll choose Jesus.” Pastor Bill reminds all of us that we have no idea when that day will come. It’s important that you choose Jesus TODAY. TODAY is the day of salvation. Don’t delay!

The priesthood was so very limited. It was one family that tended to the temple and the worship of God’s people. Countless sacrifices and offerings were lifted up to God on behalf of the people. Pastor Bill will help us understand that things have changed. No longer are we required to approach God through a priesthood of men. Yes, we still must approach God through a priesthood…but this priesthood is the priesthood of Jesus. He is our high priest, and we can approach God through his once-for-all sacrifice.

The apostle Paul is the person that Pastor Bill was just referring to. Maybe there’s a person in your life…a family member or a co-worker that you just can’t see how God could reach them…they’ve gone TOO far…they’ve sinned TOO much. That kind of thinking will be challenged today as Pastor Bill reminds us of the great love and mercy of God. The grace of Christ can and will be extended to anyone who receives it by faith.

Submission to God is what brings about blessings in your life. Stop and ask yourself what Pastor Bill just asked us… is there anything in your life that is worth broken fellowship with God? Maybe it’s that website you keep visiting…that co-worker you’ve been flirting with, or maybe it’s the selfish ways you’ve been spending God’s financial resources He’s blessed you with? As you listen today, allow the LORD to challenge your thinking about what is “normal” and be ready to confess and repent.

The mantra of the satanic bible is “do as thou wilt, that is the whole of the law”. Basically, do whatever makes you happy, regardless of how it affects those around you. Sadly, this idea permeates the history of the people of Israel. God would provide commands for them, and then they would decide to do things their own way…even things that were good for them. Pastor Bill reminds us today that there are specific commands God has given to us that must be obeyed in specific ways.

Though you weren’t able to hear the entirety of the context of what Pastor Bill was just referring to, as you listen today, you’ll hear a story of a prison inmate who committed horrific crimes. This inmate eventually came to Christ. Some folks would say that this person CANNOT be forgiven. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us that ANYONE can be forgiven for ANY THING. What is your perspective on the forgiveness of God? Do you have a hierarchy of sins that God can and cannot forgive a person of?