As an apostle of Jesus, Paul sought to live his entire life dedicated to sharing the gospel.  He was willing to give up comforts, relationships and other things people take for granted to fulfill his mission and call.    Today, Pastor John will challenge you to examine your life and see if there’s anything that may be hindering your ability to share the good news or causing another to question God and stumble in their faith. It takes a selfless and humble faith, but God will use you mightily if you allow Him to.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 9 as he continues his message Principles of Christian Liberty.

Sometimes believers feel more comfortable living with a list of what they can and can’t do as a child of God.  It leaves nothing to chance.  However, God doesn’t give a mile-long list of behaviors required by his child.  That’s legalism.  Instead, He’s given you freedom.  Liberty to live your life.  However, as Pastor John explains today, this freedom must be expressed and controlled by love.   You must think about how your behavior affects others.  If it causes another to struggle, then avoid it because you love that person.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 8 as he continues his message Principles of Christian Liberty.

There are very clear do’s and don’ts in the bible – commands that God expects His people to obey.  However, as Pastor John teaches today, there are plenty of behaviors that aren’t clearly spoken about in the bible.  Christians can argue over these somewhat ambiguous issues.  Legalists tell you to adhere to a strict list of what to do and what to avoid.  The other extreme says that unless it’s strictly forbidden, do whatever you’d like.   Yet this disregards how it affects others.  Live out your freedom carefully and lovingly.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 8 as he begins his message Principles of Christian Liberty.

This world is dark and decaying.   It has been since sin entered the world.  There’s sin and hopelessness everywhere.  But as a believer, you can dramatically affect the world around you for good.  Today, Pastor John will encourage you to remember that the kind of influence you can have by bringing the light of God to others is huge.  It’s your mission in this life to influence this world for God.  To share the gospel, and the hope and peace this gives you is to share salvation truth with someone.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Salt and Light.

Generally, people try to avoid pain and suffering at any cost.  No one likes to be ostracized, hurt, mocked or worse for what they believe.  But, Christ says that if you love Him, you’ll be hated by the world.  You will face persecution for your faith at some point.  Today, Pastor John will encourage you to remember that if you are persecuted, Jesus says you’ll be blessed.  He sees you living your life for Him; He understands your pain and suffering.  And He will bless you abundantly for it.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Happiness in Persecution.

Our world today is lacking peace.  Literal wars are raging all over, but there’s also conflict, jealousy, hatred, and violence spread throughout humanity. Thanks to sin brought into our world, no one is immune from strife.  Today, Pastor John will encourage you to seek the peace of God and spread that to the world.  You do that through speaking the truth, in love, and humbly avoiding conflict.  Instead of anger, bring peace to others through your words, your service, and your love.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Happiness Through Peacemaking.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day viewed themselves as pure.  They were pious and looked very religious.  However, this is far from being pure in heart.  Jesus said those who are pure in heart would see God.  But those who appear good are rotten on the inside and will not see God.  Today, Pastor John encourages you to cultivate an inner purity in your heart and mind.  Are your thoughts and attitudes humble and God-focused?  God looks at your heart.  What does He see when he looks at yours?

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Happiness Through Purity.

Often, the world views those who are kind and compassionate as weak and stupid.  They view success as powerful, cutthroat selfishness.  But Jesus came and turned this idea around by showing love, kindness and compassion to everyone he was around.   Today, Pastor John will encourage you to look to your savior as an example of how you should treat others.  You should be sympathetic to another’s struggles, empathize with them and act in compassion and love.  Showing mercy is compassion in action!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter for his message Happiness Through Showing Mercy.

As a believer in Christ, sin should more and more become distasteful and bitter.  But, as Pastor John explains today, hating sin isn’t enough.  You must also, as a believer, begin to desire to live a godly life.  God calls you to be conformed to be like Jesus, which should be your heart’s desire.  To be holy, to live rightly, and to become like Jesus.  It’s an ongoing, lifelong process to become like Jesus.  But, daily, you should seek to make choices and live your life to that end.  Hate sin, definitely, but also love and pursue righteousness too.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Happiness Through Hunger and Thirst.

It’s easy to think the strong, assertive, powerful person will ultimately win and inherit the earth and that the meek will just be trampled. However, Jesus teaches the complete opposite.  Today, Pastor John will explain that, contrary to the world’s opinion, the meek person is NOT weak.  The meek person is gentle, humble, and considerate to others.  They are easily led by God and willing to submit to Him.  Are you ready to let God have His way in your life?  If so, you will be blessed and inherit the earth.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Happiness Through Meekness.