It’s an illusion…that wandering around in the pitch dark, running into things, as you grope through life, is called freedom. The world wants to convince you that it’s good and ok to revel in the darkness of sin. But Pastor Ron explains a different way today. He wants you to see that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and you don’t have to be stuck in the sewer, where there’s no ability to see the light. You don’t have to stay in the stench of sin. No, you can come out into the light, and revel in that!

Offerings aren’t what they used to be! Among others, burnt offerings were common. These were intended to illustrate different forms of sacrifice from the early Christians. Today, offerings are mostly associated with money, but the meaning behind the offering is the same. You have sacrificed something of value and returned it to God. Pastor Ron says every offering that has or ever will be made is represented in Jesus Christ. He offered the ultimate sacrifice and earned an impossible reward for you. 

Do you know anyone who has a green thumb? Everything they plant seems to grow and produce the flowers or fruit that was expected. You ask them what their secret is, and their answer surprises you. You’ve tried growing plants in the past and failed, but they tell you how simple it is. With the right amount of water, sun, and food the plants will thrive. Today Pastor Ron says your faith grows this way too. When you water it and let the light shine on it, it will grow stronger and bigger with every passing day.

Life is all about balance! Faith is all about balance! You understandably notice an imbalance when you neglect and leave someone or something out of your life. Your work/life balance is a great example, but today Pastor Ron says the opposite is also true. When you put too much of something in your life, it can be just as unbalanced. God demands to be part of the life of His children, but be careful not to overdo it! When you make everything about Him, it becomes insincere and can undermine your faith.

Do you know someone that struggles with bitterness? Maybe you have struggled with it in the past or even now. What makes it so dangerous is that it’s one of those compounding emotions. By itself, you only have a momentary response, but today Pastor Ron says that bitterness leads to unforgiveness. He compares it to how a boat harbors at a dock or a marina. It’s always there, tethered and waiting to be boarded and used again. Don’t let Satan use your bitterness against you. Forgiveness is the key.

Anger is such a dangerous sin. For some, it only comes out on rare occasions, through hurtful words or bad attitudes, but for many, it can turn into a bitter root that winds its way around every part of their hearts and drains the life out of them. As Pastor Ron will illustrate in today’s message, this isn't just a problem for the lost or new believers. You’ll find this struggle across a wide spectrum of people. We desperately need the assistance of the Holy Spirit and each other to overcome this destructive force.

We’re all born into weakness and prone to sin. Even after you come to Jesus, your flesh will war against your new nature along with the forces of evil that rule this world. You may find Christians that experience success in overcoming one sin, but it’s frustrating how quickly another destructive habit or attitude can move in and replace it. In today’s message, Pastor Ron will remind us that we are under grace and our salvation isn’t based on performance, but that we’re free from the oppression of sin.

There are many voices in this world that vie for your attention. Some are clearly opposed to God and easy to avoid while others claim themselves to be followers of Jesus and present a Gospel that’s appealing but false. It may even be ninety percent true, but that little bit of false doctrine can lead you or others into destruction. In today’s message, Pastor Ron will remind you to be diligent in seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom to discern false teachings from the truth. 

Have you experienced that kind of intimacy with Jesus? Paul wasn’t special or privileged. The same relationship he had with Christ is available to you. Jesus may not knock you off your feet and blind you in a life-changing revelation, but He’s trying to reveal Himself to you daily, usually in more subtle ways... As Pastor Ron will remind us in today’s message, following Jesus won’t be easy, as we see clearly in Paul’s life, but it’s worth the suffering for the sake of fulfilling His purpose in your life. 

Do you feel built up at church? Are you excited to see what God is doing at your church? Today, Pastor Ron declares that the primary function of the church is to fill believers with God's truth so that they are strengthened. When we leave a church service, we should've heard the truth of God's Word. We should come away from church differently than when we came. God's truth changes us. It prepares us to live our lives victoriously. The next time we go to church, let's expect God to put His truth into our hearts.