How do you identify certain plants and trees? In winter, many trees could pass as doppelgangers. If you want to know what type of tree you have in your backyard, look at what it produces. Maybe you’ll have lemons, or maybe peaches. Perhaps your tree will produce walnuts or acorns. In today’s message, Pastor Ron teaches that much like plants, people can be identified by what they produce. Are you producing fruits of the world, like lying or selfish ambition? Or are you producing fruits of the Spirit?

Many people define themselves as good. They look at their life and say, “I don’t steal… I’m not a murderer… for the most part, I’m pretty generous. Therefore, I must be going to heaven.” The problem is that no one is good. Today, Pastor Ron teaches that it doesn’t matter how many good deeds you do, you can’t work your way into heaven. That seems a little dark, but there’s Good News. Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and made a way for you to get into heaven. All you need to do is believe in Him.

With all that’s happening in the world combined with personal hardships, you can easily become entangled with the affairs of this life. As Pastor Ron continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be encouraging you to keep your eyes fixed on the eternal over the temporal. Jesus Himself said that in this world you’ll have tribulations and trials, but He also said to be comforted in knowing He overcame this world. You have eternal hope in Jesus, which means you can have joy through difficulties. 

Today, Pastor Ron will challenge you to examine your heart to see if you’re truly in the faith. All throughout the Bible, sincere believers had action accompanying their faith. It’s not enough to say you’re a Christian, it’s not enough to say a prayer or go up for an alter call. Sincere faith will reveal itself in a transformed life. When you’re filled with the Holy Spirit upon salvation- you're sealed until the Day of Redemption and your lifestyle will look more and more pleasing to the Lord each day. 

Do you find yourself living in a Christian bubble-- surrounded only by people who believe the same things you do? Today in his teaching, Pastor Ron urges you to go UPSTREAM. Engage with people from different backgrounds. Share your testimony and tell them what Jesus has done in your life. Christian fellowship is a good and necessary element to the life of every believer, but it's important to also venture out into the world. There is work to be done. God is calling you to make a difference by sharing Jesus with others. 

How has your life changed since you met Jesus? Have you faced the temptation to go back to your old way of living? You'll hear, in today's message from Pastor Ron, about the time Peter and the other disciples decided to turn back to their old ways, instead of waiting on Jesus. They went back to fishing but were unable to catch anything until Jesus showed up. The truth is - that to follow Jesus is to die to self. This means no longer living by your own strength, but instead, relying on Jesus to guide and sustain you.

How amazing is it that you get to have a personal relationship with Jesus?! Today, you'll hear Pastor Ron share about the encounter that the Apostle Thomas had with Jesus after Jesus was resurrected. Upon seeing Jesus and His wounds, Thomas emphatically declared, “My Lord and my God!” If you know Jesus as your Savior, He is YOURS. He is YOUR Lord and YOUR God too. He is more than just a good person or prophet. He is GOD and He loves you so much. This is an incredible truth!

What comes to mind when you hear the titles of 'evangelist' and 'missionary'? Maybe you imagine famous preachers and living in a third-world country. Well, Pastor Ron has news for you. In today's message, he shares that if you're a follower of Jesus, YOU'RE called to evangelism and missions work. This doesn't mean you need to get a special degree or a passport, but it does mean that Jesus is enlisting you to help spread the Gospel. You can start today, by sharing with a friend what Jesus has done in your life.

Do you share the Gospel of Jesus with people often? If not, it may be because you don't feel qualified or knowledgeable enough to tell others about Jesus. Maybe you think no one would listen to you. Yet as Pastor Ron says in today's teaching, God uses ordinary people to share an extraordinary Gospel. If Jesus has changed your life, you have a message to share with the world. Don't let fear of inadequacy or rejection stop you from telling others the life-changing truth about Jesus Christ. 

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were afraid to stand up for Jesus prior to His death. After He died, they finally decided to stop hiding their faith. You'll be challenged, in today's message from Pastor Ron, to demonstrate your faith - by talking about Jesus. Being willing to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and share the things He's done for you is an important part of your walk with Jesus. You'll hear today that He is risen! This is amazing news - worthy of sharing with all who need to hear it!