To the new believer, some of the passages of Scripture in the New Testament can be a little confusing regarding leadership and who we follow as believers. On the one hand you have Paul saying “do as I do” but the whole of Scripture saying we follow Jesus. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, God places leaders over congregations who take their lead from The Lord. In his study, you'll learn that while Jesus is the ultimate authority in our lives, it doesn't mean we're not to follow the example of those who are mature in the faith.

Perhaps one of the biggest distractions we can face as believers is none other than the past, be it our own or otherwise. Instead of focusing on what lies ahead, each of us are just as easily prone to becoming bogged down by things we no longer have control over. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as followers of Christ should always have our eyes on the prize. In his study, you'll learn the importance of setting aside the things of the past and pressing onward to the glory that lies ahead.

Each and every one of us are faced with the temptation of looking back at our past as a means of justifying or validating who we are. Whether it was a missions trip, a zeal we once had, or huge donation, we sometimes forget where we stand on our own regarding righteousness. In today's message, Pastor Bill will remind you that no matter what we might do, Christ is the only righteousness we'll ever have. In his study, you'll learn that as believers, neither our accomplishments or failures dictate who we are in Christ.

Chances are that you've heard it said that putting your faith in Christ is only the beginning to a journey you've started. While it might be easier to just lay back and wait for our day of glorification, we're called to much more than just sitting around and waiting. As Pastor Bill will teach you in his message today, we as believers are on a journey of sanctification and servitude. In his study, you'll learn that while we're indeed Heaven bound, we're called to live a life that displays a heavenly citizenship.

When you look around at all of the sufferings in our world, it's easy to lose hope. But when you count all as lost, and instead focus on the wonder found in the Lord, you will be consumed with gratification. In Pastor Bill's message today, he will encourage you to avoid "joy busters" and keep your gaze on the creator for your happiness. Don't allow yourself to get bogged down with the sorrows of the world, but remember that Jesus has conquered all and sits on his throne beside the almighty creator.

It's easy to be impressed with yourself and the things that you are doing for the church. However, we are commanded to rejoice only in the Lord. In Pastor Bill's message today, he encourages you to focus your praise on the Lord. Do not put your confidence in yourself or your circumstances. It is because of what Jesus has done on the cross that you may boast, not of your own doing. So today, instead of having pride in your own doing, look at all the Lord has done and praise your mighty creator.

Anyone who tells you that you need more than Jesus to get into heaven is wrong. When you accept Jesus as your savior, your name is added to the Lamb's book. In today's message, Pastor Bill warns against those who tell you Jesus plus something else earns a spot in heaven. There is no act of the flesh that you need to do to win your way into heaven. You don't need to join a church or be circumcised. Jesus has done it all for you, when he died on the cross, he paid the penalty for your sin. Praise the Lord!

The church should be a place to find encouragement and support. You can be in the word, and listen to sermons online, but it's not that same as being active in a local church. Today, Pastor Bill will remind you there are some things that you would miss out on if you are on your own. There might be a time or two when you just aren't feeling in the spirit of worship. But where two or more are gathered, so will be the spirit of Christ. When you receive encouragement from other believers at church, you will be more able to come into worship individually.

There are countless opportunities that we as the Body of Christ miss out on due to our attachment to comfort or security. Whether it's mission trips to third world countries or helping the sick and needy, we often forgo opportunity due to fear. However, as Pastor Bill will remind you in his message today, Scripture plainly teaches us that we're to pick up our cross for The Lord. In his study, you'll learn that while we may indeed get sick or injured, nothing can replace the joy of helping others in the Name of Christ.

Each and every one of us faces the struggle of starting off strong in The Lord, only to become comfortable or complacent in our faith. Whether it's due to getting married, purchasing a house, or focusing on retirement, we all tend to take less risks as we get older. In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to reflect on the state of your faith and ask yourself when it was that you last took a chance for God. In his study, you'll learn that while we definitely don't want to be foolish, we should always be willing to take a risk for the Gospel.