There’s a common phrase among bible historians and scholars: “The Bible wasn’t written to you, but it was written for you.” The idea is simple… When Paul wrote Romans, he was writing to… well… the Romans. When the Levitical Law was written, it was written to the Levites. In today’s message, Pastor Terry teaches that while you may not be the original audience of God’s Word, it is meant for you just as much as those original readers. Those words hold just as much truth today. God’s Word is never changing.

At some point in your life, if you haven’t already, you will do something to really hurt someone else. You may not intend to do it, but that’s just human nature. If you’ve been in that situation, you know how hard it is to want to do everything in your power to wipe away that offense, but history is history, and the past has been written. In today’s message, Pastor Terry teaches that there’s nothing you can do to work away your sins, yet Jesus wiped your slate clean and marked you as forgiven. Praise God!

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does that sound familiar to you? Many believers recognize that as the Doxology. In today’s message, Pastor Terry teaches just how worthy Jesus is to get that praise. He’s worthy to be praised by every living creature here on earth, and by every angel in heaven above. He’s worthy of this praise because He chose to sacrifice His life for yours.

Many people are familiar with the wonderful story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, and how he tells his brothers that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. How true is that? We often face situations that seem extremely hard and difficult, but God always works them for good. In today’s message, Pastor Terry teaches that when Jesus was given a crown of thorns, the Romans meant it for evil. However, God meant it for good, because now you can kneel before the King who defeated death.

God cannot be deceived. Outward righteousness does not always reflect inner holiness. Today, Pastor Terry discusses the Jews who brought Jesus to Pilate. They refused to enter the area where He was being beaten beyond recognition because they had prepared themselves for the Sabbath and did not want to become unclean. Ironically, while they appeared to be righteous, they were complicit in the death of Jesus. This contrast between their outward goodness and the evil they harbored is striking.

The Jewish leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus, but they faced a difficult situation. Under Roman rule, they did not have the authority to execute Jesus as they wished. Instead, they had to fabricate false charges to involve the Romans. Today, Pastor Terry describes the events leading up to Jesus’s wrongful trial. The trial itself was not a legal proceeding; there were false testimonies, and Pilate attempted to distance himself from the process. As a result, Jesus was unjustly tried and convicted.

The suffering of Jesus was voluntary. In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds us that it was not the handcuffs or chains that held Jesus captive, but His love for us. Jesus could have called ten legions of angels to rescue Him. God likely had to restrain the angels when they saw Jesus being assaulted. His love provided redemption, endured persecution, and paid the penalty for our sins. He was willing to go to the cross out of His great love for us, submitting to God’s will and providing for our salvation.

Worship isn’t just something that happens on Sunday mornings. Every moment can be lived out in a form of worship. Does this mean you need to constantly recite Scripture or hum a praise song? You’re welcome to do that – but that’s not the only way to honor Him. Whether you're pushing papers, mopping floors, teaching children, changing diapers, or whatever your job may look like, as Pastor Terry reminds us today, when we turn our hearts towards God, we can worship Him in everything we do.

The Jews were looking for freedom from the oppressive Roman Empire. They desired a Messiah who would rule the world and crush their enemies. God does not approve of oppressive regimes or those who step on and abuse others. But, what’s at the root of that oppression? Sin. …Sin is what Jesus came to free us from. As Pastor Terry will point out in today’s message, the freedom Jesus brought not only could free the Jews, but even their persecutors from the sin that fueled their tyranny. 

Happiness can fluctuate with your daily circumstances. No one’s happy when they get in a car accident, the roof of the house needs repairing, or that relationship is strained and they can’t find reconciliation. That doesn’t feel good. But, as Pastor Terry will remind us in today’s message, in those moments where life is hard, we still have a deeper hope in Jesus, and that can bring joy to our hearts. No matter how bad it may get all around us, we’re loved, and He’s promised us eternal peace with Him.