We often look at people who are different than us and cringe. Whether we don’t like their look or how they carry themselves, do we have any real reason to treat them poorly? Pastor Bill reminds us today that this behavior is nothing new. Humans have always judged others and oftentimes, they struggle even to treat them like humans! Don’t fool yourself into thinking that only you know what’s right. God has a plan and He sees no difference in you that makes you more or less worthy of His love.

Can you look at your life and see the ways that God has been at work? If not, you’re probably not looking close enough. He’s doing amazing things every day in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. He’s a God of resurrection and redemption. He can bring life to broken relationships, and restore hope to hopeless hearts. In today’s message, Pastor Bill will reflect on the ways that God has been at work in his own life and the ways he’s seen Him transform numerous lives through the Church.

We’re so far removed from the extreme chauvinism of the culture Jesus was born into that it’s hard to understand the extreme nature of His ministry to women and their inclusion in the early Church. This was revolutionary in and of itself. Women have always mattered to God, but culture and misunderstandings of the Law had led to severe oppression in their society. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, Jesus and His ragtag group of followers changed all of that.

You can’t fathom the depth of love that Jesus has for you. Now think about your worst enemy – maybe it’s a personal enemy, or maybe it’s someone we all see as an enemy, like Osama Bin Laden – that person is (or was) loved deeply by God. He sent Jesus to save even them. As Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, this message changes lives and can bring reconciliation to the most divided hearts. If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can be instruments of that love.

Have you ever stood in front of a crowd who were convinced of a certain set of ideas, and presented them with facts that contradict what they believe? The very thought may make many of us sweat. Where did Peter get the boldness to present the message of the resurrection to the very people who had helped execute Jesus? As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, it’s amazing what the Holy Spirit can enable us to do. Through Him, we can overcome every fear that has taken root in the minds of men.

Have you ever felt that pull to share the Gospel with a complete stranger? Or maybe a coworker you’ve known for years, and never brought up your faith with? Sometimes the opportunity only lasts a few seconds. You feel that pull, and then in response, you’ll likely feel another force holding you back, making you question whether it’ll be effective. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, don’t hesitate at that moment. The Holy Spirit wants to speak through you and can give you the words to say.

When the Church is ignited by the Holy Spirit, amazing things happen. As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, the book of Acts lays this out for us. As we examine its pages, it reveals an early Church made up of everyday people who were transformed into powerful instruments of the Holy Spirit. None of it was to their credit – apart from waiting with open hearts, they did nothing of their own power. They simply submitted themselves to God and He established His Church through them.

Have you felt helpless at any point over the last year? If you’ve paid attention to world events at all, you likely have. It’s been overwhelming at times. It’s shaken the foundations of so many things that we hold dear. But, it hasn’t shaken God. He’s probably more surprised by our surprise at these events than He is by any of the events themselves. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, if you allow the Holy Spirit to ignite your heart with a passion for His will, all this stuff will lose its power over you.

What did Jesus do that was so effective at implanting His message in the hearts of His hearers and ultimately transforming them into missionaries and preachers that would establish a religion that’s directly affected billions of people? He didn’t attack the political system of the day, or condemn the sinners he encountered – even those with really bad sins, like adultery… No, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, He addressed their hearts and offered salvation through His own sacrifice.

In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that there is more to the Christian life than simple actions. When people think of Christianity they often think of all the things that Christians do... And it can be very easy to get caught up in doing, in allowing the things that you do for God to become your payment for your salvation. When we just go through the rhythms and motions of life, we get tired. When we try to do it all on our own, we get worn out... But when the Holy Spirit is empowering you, you can't be stopped!