What can one encounter with Jesus do? If someone truly believes in Him and comes to Him, what can happen in a moment? Today, Pastor Ron calls to mind two amazing examples of Jesus’s power – and His compassion. One man came to Jesus very publicly. One woman believed she could be healed by Jesus secretly. And yet, in both cases, Jesus acknowledged their faith–imperfect though it was–and showed them mercy. Whatever way you come to Christ in faith, He will receive you.

People come to Christ for many reasons. Some come because they’ve gone through a long process of searching. Others come because they’ve heard and believed the love and grace that God has for them. But as Pastor Ron reminds us today, many come because they’re desperate. They’ve tried everything else, and now they’re coming to God. Yet it’s the humility of God that He accepts them even in this situation. Whatever your reason, you can come to God, and He won’t exclude you from His mercy.

Have you ever sensed God’s presence so strongly that it humbled you? Today, Pastor Ron discusses when the disciples were terrified for their lives as a storm raged around them in their boat, and then Jesus calmed the wind and waves. Mark 4 tells us the disciples were even more afraid, not of the storm, but of the One in their boat. Are you more afraid of life’s storms or of standing before a holy God? When you see who Jesus is, you see who you are. Will you embrace His presence in your boat today?

Are there habits in your life that sometimes feel like they’re taking over? In today’s message, Pastor Ron asks if demons still possess people today. The answer is yes! Sin can erode control, making you vulnerable to demonic influence. It’s like leaving a gate unguarded, inviting chaos in. The enemy aims to distort God’s image. Enslaving as many as they can. Jesus holds the power to break those chains. What’s holding you back from seeking His strength? Will you take a step toward God’s freedom?

Maybe you’ve never said it aloud, but in a struggle, have you ever thought, “God, do you even care about me?” In today’s message, Pastor Ron explains that it’s easy to question God in a storm. Even the disciples did! They asked Jesus, “Don’t you care?” and He does; His love never falters. How you respond to a trial matters deeply; Just as Jesus taught His disciples, He’s teaching you too, shaping your faith through chaos.

Imagine your unsaved family or friends joining you in faith; wouldn’t that thrill you? However, in today’s message, Pastor Ron reminds you that you have to fish for them first! It’s easy to be keepers of the aquarium, cozying up with just the believers. But fishing for men? That’s tough, casting nets into the unknown. God’s calling you to step out, to carry a burden for the lost. Are you content just maintaining the fish tank, or will you bring more fish? Who in your life needs Christ’s love?

The condition of a person's heart influences his or her response to the gospel. Jesus illustrated this by describing the different types of soil on which a sower casts his seed, comparing it to our receptiveness to the message of the gospel. Today, Pastor Ron cautions against having a hard heart, a shallow heart, or a heart consumed by distractions. Jesus teaches that the seed that falls on fertile soil represents those who remain steadfast in their faith. The Christian walk is a marathon, not a sprint.

The truths of God are like seeds sown in a harvest. Today, Pastor Ron describes the casting process and the types of soil it falls upon. He reminds us that the gospel may fall on places unintended or unfruitful. Our responsibility is to prepare the soil, cast the seed, and then trust God with the results. Some of the seed will fall on hard waysides, some on rocks, some among weeds, and some on good, fertile soil. We are to be faithful to sow the good news and allow God to bring the harvest.

A person’s greatest need is forgiveness. Today, Pastor Ron reminds us that God has placed an eternal desire in our hearts that can only be fulfilled through a right relationship with Him. When we live in habitual sin, we are forced to constantly suppress our guilt. This guilt, or awareness of our sin, arises from our deep need for fellowship with God. There is a void in our spirit that only God can fill. We often try to fill this void with worldly things, but forgiveness can only be found in Him.

A critical spirit is not from God. Often, we self-righteously judge the sins of others while failing to recognize our own sins. In today’s message, Pastor Ron warns us about the dangers of this behavior. He points out three flaws in the Pharisees’ criticism of the woman who washed Jesus' feet: misjudgment of the woman, questioning Jesus' authority, and a lack of self-awareness. We often diminish others to elevate ourselves. Criticism distracts us from our focus on Christ and keeps us from fellowship with Him.