Have you ever publicly struggled with a task, like reaching a top shelf in the grocery store, and hoped a good Samaritan would walk by and ask if you need help? That would be the ideal situation, but in reality, no one knows you needed help until you open up and ASK for it. In today’s message, Pastor Bill says Jesus makes it very clear that if you don’t receive Jesus, you won’t get the help you want. Accepting Christ and allowing Him into your life lets Him know that you desire Him and a relationship with Him.

If I had a bag of M&Ms that got hot in a car, and then I accidentally sat on them, some of them would get squished. So, when I eat them, I’ll find squished ones, put them aside, and keep looking for the good ones. Just because there are bad M&Ms in the bag doesn’t mean the whole bag is bad. In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that in every generation, there’s the wicked and the good. Don’t let the darkness of others dim your life; shine a light into other people’s lives and show them who Jesus is!

Jesus performed all the miracles and fulfilled all the prophecies foretold in the scriptures regarding the Messiah. Still, people requested signs to confirm His deity. In today’s message, Pastor Bill cautions against seeking additional proof of Jesus' authenticity when complete Scripture is available. In the Old Testament, Gideon lacked the full word of God to assure him of divine power, which is why he was permitted to test the fleece. Today, we possess fulfilled scripture that affirms Jesus’ divinity.

Do not be double-minded. Often, we address different groups in varying ways, expressing ideas that do not align with authentic Christian character. Today, Pastor Bill cautions us against insincerity. While we may know the appropriate words, they may not always originate from a heart toward God. Jesus told the Pharisees that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. God prioritizes the condition of your heart over your words. When God owns your heart, your speech reflects Him.

The fruit produced by a tree indicates its true nature. In today’s message, Pastor Bill urges us to bear fruit that authentically represents our professed identity. We should not claim to be Christians while exhibiting behaviors that do not reflect Christ. Our words and actions must align with our stated beliefs. Those closest to us, such as neighbors and family members, are most aware of our true character. What we say reveals our inner selves. Jesus admonishes us to bear fruit that comes from His character. 

Jewish leaders claimed to be exorcists despite lacking the power of God.  Today, Pastor Bill suggests these leaders may have done this for self-promotion. They often invoked the name of Jesus in their attempts to exorcise demons. However, effective exorcism requires both the power and authority of Jesus, not merely the use of his name. Jesus did not seek attention when casting out demons; he acted without spectacle. Not every demonstration of spiritual activity should be believed. 

The Jewish leaders sought to test Jesus by presenting him with a man who was blind, mute, and possessed by a demon. Today, Pastor Bill reminds us of Jesus’s ultimate power. Although the Jewish leaders frequently claimed to cast out demons without the power to do so, Jesus not only freed the man from demonic possession but also restored his sight and speech. The crowds expressed amazement and considered the possibility that Jesus was the Messiah, whereas the Jewish leaders did not believe.

Words are powerful, aren’t they? If we say the same thing enough times, we begin to believe it. I think that’s how we all get hooked on coffee. We tell ourselves it’s delicious… but are we just fooling ourselves into drinking the bitter water to get that caffeine boost? Today, Pastor Bill teaches that when you accuse God, you begin to cause a rift in your relationship with Him. The more you accuse Him, the more you begin to believe it, and the more likely you are to fracture the faith of others. 

I remember as a kid, I would not eat my vegetables. My underdeveloped palate consisted of about three things: pizza, chicken nuggets, and mac & cheese. Anytime my parents wanted me to eat my veggies, I would respond with, “I can’t!” Now… that was a lie. I knew it, and they knew it. I should’ve said, “I won’t.” In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that there are many things you might think you can’t do, but if God’s called you, He’s equipped you. So… are those things “can’ts” or “won’ts”? 

People are generally divisible into two categories: pessimists and optimists. Pessimists tend to look at those around them and assume the worst. They are always on guard. Optimists, on the other hand, wouldn’t even recognize they got robbed. They’d wonder if they donated enough! In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that as a Christian, you are to walk in love. If you tend to be a little bit of a Negative Nancy, let the love of Christ teach you to see the best in people instead of being a skeptic.