The moment you accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, you were set apart. Just like sheep are separated from among the goats, you became part of a different flock. And Pastor Jeff teaches that as part of the flock of Jesus, you go through different trials and challenges than those around you. But the end goal of your time on this earth is for you to be sanctified over time. As your life more closely imitates the life of Jesus, the power of sin will have less and less of a grip on your life.

Do you know that as you allow worldly influences into your faith journey, you risk drifting further from the heart of the Lord? In today's message, Pastor Jeff wants you to know that you must let God's truth be your guiding light, steering you away from distractions that will lead you astray. By prioritizing His word and promises, you align yourself with His divine will and purpose for your life. Choose to walk in God's ways, even when the world pulls you in different directions. Experience the depth of His grace. 

The Bible always warns against false prophets for good reason; nothing will pull you away from God more swiftly than false doctrine. Today, Pastor Jeff encourages you to remain vigilant for deceitful doctrines and ensure your foundation remains rooted in God's Word. Guard your heart and mind against the allure of deceptive teachings because they will lead you astray. Stay steadfast in discerning truth from falsehood, relying on the wisdom and guidance found within God’s Word. 

It is vitally important for a believer in Jesus to not just listen to teaching, but to take the time to dive into God’s Word, and to see what wisdom is revealed by the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Jeff encourages you to follow along in this new series on the book of Ephesians by taking the time to read along with his teachings. When you understand the text on your own, that wisdom can take an even deeper root in your soul. And the Lord wants nothing more than for His Word to be imprinted on your heart.

Most of the divisive issues we deal with in life aren’t true binaries, but they are a spectrum where our opinions land somewhere in the middle. You may like one brand of soda slightly more than the other, but that doesn’t mean that you hate the other one! But Pastor Jeff teaches you today that when it comes to following Jesus, your answer is either “yes” or “no”. You can’t say “yes” to Jesus and also say “yes” to the culture. You have to sacrifice your role in human culture to be a true believer.

Did you realize that you and I are very fortunate to live in the time we live in? We have access to information, literature, and entertainment at the touch of a button. Prior generations had limited access to the things that we take for granted now. But one of the biggest things that you and I have access to now is the presence of the Holy Spirit, and that is something that people did not have before Jesus died on the Cross. Pastor Jeff reminds you to use that power to your advantage, to help you overcome your flesh.

The Holy Spirit has been given to you as a tool to help you resist the enemy’s temptation in this world. Just like you rely on manmade tools to overcome simple obstacles in your life, you can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Put your trust in Him to help you overcome temptation and the desires of your flesh, and you will find it easier and easier to make those decisions over time. Pastor Jeff teaches you that trusting in the Spirit is like exercising a muscle: you need to do it over and over again to see results.

How many ancient Roman buildings are still standing today? Unfortunately, many of those buildings have crumbled away and had new construction done on top of the old sites. Buildings and cities rise and fall, and Pastor Jeff teaches you today that the desires of your flesh are just as fragile. Nothing that your flesh desires will last forever, and you can’t take anything with you when you go into the next life. But the things of God, those things that produce good spiritual fruit, will last forever.

Are you feeling stuck in your circumstances? Are you getting more and more frustrated by life's problems? Today, instead of dwelling on complaints about life and its challenges, Pastor Jeff urges you to redirect your focus toward surrendering your heart to the Lord. Complaining perpetuates negativity, but entrusting your concerns to God brings relief and peace. Laying your troubles before the Lord will lighten your spirit and comfort you. Embrace a mindset of gratitude and trust in God's mercy. 

When was the last time you experienced spiritual growth? When was the last time you felt like you were experiencing the presence of the Lord? If you desire to cultivate growth in your faith and break free from the dullness that may have settled into your relationship with Jesus, Pastor Jeff shares that consistency in your prayer life is vital. Never cease lifting your cares, worries, and aspirations to Him. Just as a plant needs regular watering to flourish, you'll thrive when you stay in communion with Jesus.