We start a new series today. We call it "WYBIGB." When you believe in God, but...

It's not enough to just believe that God exists. You have to acknowledge that you NEED him. And when you do, you are able to experience what life is truly about. Because God knows that you need him. When you acknowledge it, he is ready to help fill that need within you and change you into something extraordinary.

When you look at all the world has to offer, you may be tempted to go down many paths that lead away from the Lord. But when you've tested Jesus and followed after Him, there's no other way that is more appealing. Today, Doc Pattison speaks about an interaction that Jesus had with his disciples. Many of Jesus' followers were deserting Him, and when they did, he turned to His closest followers and asked the question: "Are you leaving me, as well?" They answered Him with a question of their own: "Where else would we go?" No other path leads to salvation. They knew it. And we want you to know it.

"Do you want to be well?" What kind of question is that? Doesn't every sick person want to be healed? The truth is, sometimes sick people get used to their circumstances. They have learned to cope with it, maybe even benefit from it, and struggle to think what their life might look like if they were completely well. Jesus asked this question of a man who'd been sick for decades. And he's asking us, as well. Do YOU want to be well?

Jesus interacted with all sorts of people. This week Doc Pattison discusses a conversation Jesus had with a Samaritan woman. She learned quickly that man was completely different from anyone she'd ever encountered. In her words: "he knew EVERYTHING about me." What a scary thought! But he also showed her true compassion and grace. She was able to find what she was looking for. Her Messiah, her Savior, was right in front of her. She had no problem answering the call to follow Him.

Nicodemus was given the opportunity to follow Jesus. Nicodemus met with him and heard about his message. And yet, chose to stay where he was comfortable. The challenge for each of us is to follow Jesus. The series that began today will focus on the stories of those who heard the message of Christ and made the decision to follow him.

It's easy to acknowledge Jesus as your Savior and Lord while in church. Jesus says that is not something you only do on a Sunday. He wants you to confess your allegiance to him daily.

"If I'd only known, I'd..." This phrase comes back to haunt us, doesn't it? Our senior minister, Doc Pattison, talks about this in regard to a passage in the book of Matthew. When Jesus tells this story, he speaks of a coming judgement when he will reward those who took care of HIM by caring for those in need: clothing the naked, giving a drink to the thirsty, and visiting the imprisoned. Punishment awaits for the ones who refuse to help. "But I would have helped if I'd known it was you, Jesus!" We love Jesus when we love on those who are in need.

Jesus should have a powerful effect on each of us. As we learn to walk with him, our hearts change. We start looking more like him. And we start sounding more like him. Taking up our cross and following him daily means what comes out of our mouth will glorify him.

So where does forgiveness come from and why does it matter? James Driver speaks in the first of our "Daily 247" series.

Was Jesus the Lord? A liar or a lunatic? We know he's good. But is he safe? Join us as we revisit these classic questions that plague us year after year.