Once a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis and emerges from its chrysalis, can it ever return to living as a caterpillar? Well… the answer is as you might expect… no. Once it transforms, it is a new creation. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that, in the same way, once you have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, you are a new creation. You cannot go back to your old ways. That doesn’t mean you won’t mess up here and there, but your way of life will no longer pursue the world, but pursue Jesus instead.

What does it mean to have a sacrificial love? Well, aside from copying God by giving up your only son to die for the sins of someone else, you could imitate His sacrificial love in other ways. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that you can choose to give up your time or comfort for the sake of others. You could love sacrificially by being generous or by putting the desires of others ahead of your own. Perhaps there are some areas in your life where you can transform selfishness into selflessness.

Have you ever been around one of those people who encourages and inspires others, constantly smiling and lifting others in prayer? Their positivity is rather infectious. In today’s message, Pastor Bill prompts you to consider how big of an impact you could have on your friends, family, and community if you became a true encourager. Imagine how much you could demonstrate God’s love by choosing to love others, pray for them, and offer a helping hand. How powerful would that be?

Have you ever stopped to consider how a cannon works? This simple, almost primitive device can wreak havoc on buildings, ships, and anything else that stands in its way. First, the barrel is packed tightly with a defined amount of gunpowder. Then, the projectile is loaded. Finally, a fuse is lit, traveling through a small hole to ignite the gunpowder, leading to an explosion. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that when you pack your anger down, it’s only a matter of time before the fuse is lit, and cannonballs fly.

It’s not hard to look at the shiny new object out there and think, “I need that.” It happens all the time… our phone starts dying a little quicker, so we need the next iPhone. It would be nice to start the car remotely during the summer heat, so we need to get the higher package on that car. Friend, today, Pastor Bill teaches that the only thing you actually need is the Lord. It’s easy to look at a situation and define all the problems, but how often do you look to the solution… how often do you look to Jesus Christ? 

How has God blessed you? Has He given you healing? Has God blessed you with an incredible job that keeps financial worries at bay? Has He blessed you with an incredible family free of contentions and disputes? In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that ministry should be an overflow of all the blessings in your life. He teaches that you are to go out and love others because you have firsthand experience of God’s love and provision. Allow your blessings to be a blessing to others.

You are part of a team. Whether or not you like it… others depend on you. Maybe you thrive in group environments, embracing the spirit of “There’s no I in team,” or perhaps you’re a lone wolf who can’t stand the idea of group projects. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that whatever the case may be, as a Christian, you have been called to unite with the brothers and sisters around you to grow God’s Kingdom here on earth. Don’t isolate yourself. Get out there and unite with your teammates.

A key component of a healthy marriage is open communication. It means letting your spouse know when you have appointments or asking before booking a flight somewhere. Successful marriages happen when a spouse considers the other’s interests, time, and desires. In today’s message, Pastor Bill teaches that, as the bride of Christ, the church is to consider His will before acting. As a believer, you are to consider Jesus’s desires before making decisions, because they don’t just impact you.

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The best way for him to do this is by tearing apart the church one person at a time. Today, Pastor Bill says you must not be contentious towards others. You must forgive others because when you have quarrels, the work you’re doing for His Kingdom stops. Be gracious towards others and allow Christ to work in your heart before you start to judge others’ hearts. He wants you to be unified with other believers so you can run at those who don’t know Him together. You’re stronger with other believers than alone.

Can we agree it’s a lot easier to stay angry and fight back with someone than to sit in humility and not fight back? Today, Pastor Bill says we must stay gentle and lowly because Christ was lowly when He went to the cross. He did it willingly so you could have a relationship with His Father. Because of His love, He didn’t fight back but rather took on the punishment of your sin. If we’re called to be like Christ, we must do everything that He did, and one of those things is being humble amidst suffering.