Imagine being an outcast of society, having to separate yourself from the rest of the group, because of a disease that’s extremely contagious.  You feel unworthy and “less than.”  But if you’re healed of that disease, you’re brought into the fold, and you’re clean!  Today, Pastor Bill teaches about some of the practices done in the Old Testament times.  But don’t forget that the things learned here point to New Testament promises, where Jesus was willing to wash you clean of your sins, so you can be in relationship with Him!

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you could see something with your own eyes, rather than having to rely on faith?  Today, Pastor Bill is covering several passages in the Bible related to leprosy and the desire to be healed from such a disease.  As he gets further into this topic, you realize that sin is like a disease, and there’s only One who has the cure.  But it’s not a quick fix that you can see with your eyes.  No, this type of remedy requires faith and trusting in something you can’t see.

When you think about leprosy relating to sin, then all of mankind’s existence would experience being outcasts.  That’s because every person is a sinner, and on your own, you have a disease that’s spreading within yourself and to others around you.  Today, Pastor Bill discusses the rules and regulations for those with skin diseases in the Old Testament, but thanks be to God, who rid you of your sin by having His Son die on a cross, rescuing you from the eternal state of a spiritually diseased heart.  

All the patterns and behaviors that you’re instilling in your children will be reaped at a later time.  So if you’ve taught your kids how to be really skilled video game players, they’ll likely be some of the best they know.  If they show self-control and discipline in what they eat and what they put in front of their eyes, that will probably stick with them down the road.  In a similar fashion, Pastor Bill mentions today that the spiritual seeds you sow into your children will be evident as well. 

A chameleon has an innate quality of blending in with its surroundings.  God created that for its protection from various types of prey.  But God didn’t intend for Christians to blend in with their surroundings, and the practices that are done in the world.  Today, Pastor Bill teaches about how too often, those who claim Jesus as their Savior are not different than anyone else.  They’re talking and behaving just as those who are lost.  When it comes to your faith, be the furthest thing from a chameleon.  

It’s a dog-eat-dog world, right?  Many times in Christian circles, it might feel that way, as there are petty differences and convictions that can divide and tear apart the community of believers.  But this isn’t what Jesus wants for us.  Today, Pastor Bill talks about the importance of staying unified and going in a similar direction as a group of people who are following after God.  Don’t allow small and minor differences of opinion to be what causes a separation among fellow followers of Christ!

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!