We’re not always called to witness to others using detailed arguments or heady knowledge. But according to 1 Peter 3:15, we’re also called “to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.” So, in today’s message, Pastor Terry teaches on justification by faith alone! It’s an easy argument if you use the New Testament and Jesus’ death. But alternatively, Paul uses Old Testament truth to speak to people who don’t believe in the New Testament.

Understanding something and then living by it are two very different things. If you have a teenager in your house, you probably cringe at the words, “yeah, yeah, I know; I got it.” But with no outward change in behavior, those are empty words. Do they really “have it?” Don’t let your faith and belief in Jesus be just empty words. Pastor Terry encourages you today to move from understanding to a deep relationship. Knowing, loving, and following Jesus takes mind, heart, and behavior change!

We all use a mirror when we’re getting ready in the morning. We look at ourselves and see the things we’d like to fix before we start our day. We then use a comb, some lotion, a toothbrush, and maybe some makeup. We don’t use the mirror to make ourselves presentable. That’s not the mirror’s purpose. In today’s message, that’s how Pastor Terry describes the Law of the Old Testament. God put it in place so that people could see their imperfections. But it couldn’t save them. Only Jesus can do that!

Sin is kind of like a wildfire that you struggle to keep under control. All it took was one spark for humanity to be corrupted by its influence, and that corruption has spread and grown for thousands of years since the Garden of Eden. In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds you that every single person on this Earth is susceptible to temptation and sin. We should spend less time worrying about our neighbor’s sin and spend more time repenting and asking the Lord for forgiveness.

Have you ever met a sports fan who is extremely passionate about their favorite team? They may show up to a game wearing full face and body paint, or wearing their favorite player’s jersey, but none of those things make them a part of the actual team. In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds you that just having the Law of Moses as part of their tradition did nothing to make the Israelites righteous. You cannot just know the Law; you also have to hold to the Law’s standards to be considered righteous!

If I were sitting across from you right now, would you be able to look me in the eye and say that you haven’t sinned today? Unless your day began a few minutes ago, it’s pretty unlikely that would be the truth! In today’s message, Pastor Terry reminds you that you shouldn’t judge other people for their sinful behavior, because everyone has sinned, including you and me! The human race is capable of some truly despicable expressions of sin, and we are all in need of a Savior.

I witnessed a pride parade and how even those who don’t identify with that persuasion fully endorse the behaviors and the lifestyle. They’re teaching and instilling their children to do so, too, waving pride flags, while decked out in pride apparel from head to toe. It’s disheartening to see a culture go so far away from what God intended, giving full vent to what’s now defined as being “loving.” But this is not God’s way. Pastor Terry’s message today is about how God’s Word doesn’t shy away from the truth.

Isn’t it heartbreaking to see how things devolve into outright disobedience to what God has commanded? God created marriage to be beautiful, but the world has corrupted it and chosen to define marriage any way it pleases. God created male and female, with specific and wonderful roles, but our society has twisted those gender definitions into something of their choosing. Pastor Terry teaches today in the first chapter of Romans, where some of these topics are hit head-on!

So many people have an issue with God and His nature, as well as His way of giving consequences for sin. But it’s no different than a caring parent who wants their child to walk in an upright way. You’re willing to tackle your kid out of the way of a moving car, than to see her stand in the street and be permanently injured because of the harm that’s coming her way. Today, Pastor Terry expresses the rightness and the goodness of God, even when justice is served, but people aren’t happy about it.

When you’re gardening, you expect to get some dirt under your nails and even be a little sore from the physical labor that you’re putting in. When it comes to sharing the Gospel with others, Pastor Terry is telling you today to roll up those sleeves and be willing to get dirty. That means having those tense, maybe even awkward conversations with your neighbors at times. Or training your child through a character issue for the hundredth time that teaches her what it means to honor God in her life.