In this message titled “Missing the Mark,” Pastor Paul Bailey walks listeners through a powerful biblical understanding of sin—not merely as bad behavior, but as the condition of a heart aimed in the wrong direction.

Drawing from Romans 5, Pastor Bailey explains that sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, and with it came death and separation from God for all humanity. Yet he emphasizes that this is not just about isolated sinful acts; it is about missing the mark of God’s glory and God’s will. Using the biblical languages, he notes that both the Hebrew word chata and the Greek word hamartia carry the idea of “missing the mark,” painting sin as a failure to hit the target God has set.

From Romans 3:23, Pastor Bailey stresses that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The “mark” is not human decency or moral effort, but the very glory and perfection of God Himself. He shows that sin is just as much about what we fail to do as it is about what we do wrong—what we don’t look at, don’t listen to, and don’t obey when God speaks. He also highlights the seriousness of sins of omission, challenging listeners not to be content simply avoiding obvious outward sins while ignoring God’s voice and direction.

Using the Garden of Eden account in Genesis and the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 15, Pastor Bailey underscores that God sets the mark by His commands, His Word, and His Spirit. Obedience is better than sacrifice; rebellion and stubbornness are presented as deep spiritual problems, not minor flaws. The issue is whether a person is truly aligning their life with God’s will or charting their own course.

The message does not leave listeners in despair. Pastor Bailey points them to the hope found in God’s provision: His written Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and His Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth. The sermon builds to a Christ-centered conclusion from Hebrews 12, calling believers to lay aside sin, run their race with patience, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.

This sermon is both convicting and encouraging, challenging listeners to examine their aim, not just their actions. Those who hear it will be stirred to pursue a life that truly hits the mark by looking to Christ, trusting His righteousness, and walking in daily obedience to God’s Word and Spirit.

 Speaker: Pastor Paul Bailey

In this message, Pastor Paul Bailey continues his series on “Which Way Should I Go?”—a practical call to discern whether we are being led by the soul or by the Spirit. He frames the “soul” with a memorable acronym—M.E.W.A.D.: Mind, Emotions, Will, Attitude, and Desire—then contrasts it with the human spirit that communes with God’s Spirit. The key text is Proverbs 14:12 (KJV): “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Pastor Bailey argues that what “seems right” is often our MIWAD taking the lead—logic, moods, preferences, and impulses—whereas life and direction are found by submitting our inner life to the Holy Ghost.

He underscores that Scripture never sanctions guidance that contradicts God’s Word. Echoing Romans 8, he reminds listeners that there is “no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” and that “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” To show how even sincere believers can drift, Pastor Bailey walks through Matthew 16:16–23. Peter accurately confesses, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” a revelation Jesus says came not from “flesh and blood” but from the Father. Moments later, Peter resists the foretold path of the cross and is rebuked: “Get thee behind me, Satan.” The lesson: spiritual sensitivity alone isn’t enough; our spirit must stay submitted to the Spirit of God so every thought is brought “into obedience of Christ.”

Turning to emotions, Pastor Bailey notes that feelings are God-given but poor leaders. Citing Ephesians 4:26—“Be ye angry, and sin not”—he adds the balancing insight: don’t be happy in sin either. Whether anger or excitement, emotion must serve obedience. From Acts 3, the healed beggar’s joy is celebrated, yet the emphasis remains: joy should follow the Spirit’s leading, not replace it.

Addressing desire, he revisits Lot’s choice in Genesis 13. Lot selected what looked easy and prosperous, pitching his tent toward Sodom, only to face devastating consequences. Desire isn’t evil, but ungoverned desire deceives. Pastor Bailey clarifies that when the psalmist says God gives “the desires of thine heart,” it points to God forming our desires as we delight in Him—not rubber-stamping our wish list.

The message closes pastorally with Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” God’s knock is gentle; to hear it, believers must make space—turn down the noise, carve out stillness, and cultivate attentiveness. This warm, incisive teaching will encourage you to trade what “seems right” for what is right by the Spirit. Listen in and be equipped to let MIWAD serve, not steer—and to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to life. 

 Guest Speaker Gerald McLean – “That I May Know Him” 

Guest Speaker Gerald McLean delivered a powerful and Scripture-rich message titled “That I May Know Him,” inviting listeners to pursue a deep, personal revelation of who God truly is. Drawing from Jeremiah 9:23–24, he reminded the congregation that human wisdom, strength, and riches are nothing to glory in—true glory comes from understanding and knowing the Lord. McLean’s teaching centered on the truth that the highest calling of every believer is to know God, not merely through religion or tradition, but through intimate relationship and revelation. 

Beginning with the foundational truth of Deuteronomy 6:4—“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord”—McLean emphasized the oneness of God and the call to love Him with all the heart, soul, and strength. He warned from Scripture that prosperity and blessing should never lead to forgetfulness of the One who saves and sustains His people. Throughout the message, he wove a thread from Genesis to Revelation, revealing how the God of creation made Himself known to humanity through His Word, His covenant, and ultimately through His incarnation in Jesus Christ. 

Citing passages such as Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1, and Colossians 2:9, McLean declared that Jesus is not a separate or secondary being, but the full manifestation of the one true God in flesh—“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” He highlighted that Jesus’ own words—“Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58)—directly identified Him as the eternal God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. “To know Jesus,” McLean proclaimed, “is to know the Father.” 

McLean pointed to the miracles of Christ as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that God Himself would come and save His people—the blind would see, the lame would walk, and the gospel would be preached to the poor (Isaiah 35:4–6; Matthew 11:4–5). He explained that every miracle, every teaching, and every act of compassion revealed the nature of the invisible God made visible through His Son. 

The message concluded with a passionate call to recognize the power and authority of the name of Jesus. From Matthew 28:19 to Acts 2:38 and Colossians 3:17, McLean showed that the apostles understood this revelation clearly: all things are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. 

McLean’s message was both doctrinal and deeply devotional—an invitation to go beyond intellectual faith into genuine relationship. “Religion informs you,” he said, “but relationship transforms you.” With clarity and conviction, he called believers to seek the Lord with all their heart, that they might truly know Him—the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ. 

Sermon Summary (Speaker: Pastor Paul Bailey)

Pastor Paul Bailey opened candidly, saying he might not get past a single verse—and he meant it. With pages of color-marked notes, he settled into a teaching flow centered on Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” From there he drew a clear line between body, soul, and spirit. The “soul,” he said, contains five powerful components—mind, emotions, will, attitude, and desires—that God gave us for good, but which were never designed to lead. Too often, believers avoid the obvious works of the flesh yet live from that “middle ground” of the soul—separated from the world, but not fully surrendered to the Spirit.

Bailey illustrated with Peter walking on water. The problem, he noted, wasn’t the wind and waves; it was the moment Peter stopped looking at Jesus. In the same way, even respectable soul-drivers—sharp intellect, strong willpower, or compassionate emotion—can pull our focus off Christ and lead us into choices that only seem right. He likened Saul (flesh), David (spirit), and Jonathan (the likeable “in-between”) to our internal governance: as long as “Jonathan” lives on the throne—our preferred soul element—David will never fully reign.

Moving from headlines to heart-lines, Bailey contrasted “nation against nation” (borders) with “kingdom against kingdom” (who has the right to rule). That contest, he argued, is raging within each believer: Who rules my daily decisions—my soul’s impulses or the Spirit of God? He warned that fear-based choices can masquerade as wisdom, distinguishing Noah’s reverent fear from the destabilizing emotion of fear. A practical story about withholding a $20 “God pocket” gift at the Spirit’s check—only later realizing it spared a recovering addict—underscored the point: emotion can be kind, but the Spirit is truly wise.

Bailey urged a simple practice for discernment: ask God direct yes/no questions and listen for the Spirit’s steady answer—always aligned with Scripture. He recounted a personal, uncomfortable moment of public obedience that opened the door to prophetic confirmation, reminding the church that submission “flows through authority” and starts with surrender to the King of Kings.

The “straight and narrow,” he concluded, isn’t narrow merely because it’s exclusive; it’s narrow because there’s only one way to walk it—by the Spirit. Each time we switch from attitude to intellect to willpower, we’re widening lanes on the broad road. This message invites listeners out of the soul-led middle and into Spirit-led living marked by clear focus on Jesus, quiet obedience, and daily surrender. If you’ve ever felt stuck between separation and surrender, don’t miss this teaching—lean in and let the Word and the Spirit do what only God can do.

 “The Process of Transformation” — Pastor Paul Bailey 

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Bailey explored the divine process of transformation that begins whenever someone hears the Word of God. Speaking from Acts 2:37 and other key passages, Pastor Bailey emphasized that the Word carries supernatural power — but transformation only happens when it travels all the way through the human heart, mind, and will. “The Word works,” he said, “but it must be welcomed.” 

He outlined five stages that mark the journey of change: hearing, understanding, conviction, decision, and action. True spiritual growth, he explained, touches every part of our being — body, soul, and spirit. Hearing with the ears is only the first step; transformation is complete only when the heart is stirred, the will surrenders, and the body responds in obedience. 

Drawing from James 1:22–24, Pastor Bailey warned that hearing alone leads to self-deception. Just as a person who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets his reflection, believers who hear but do not act lose the impact of God’s truth. “When the process breaks down,” he said, “the Word is forgotten.” 

He illustrated this truth through powerful biblical examples. King Agrippa, after hearing Paul’s testimony, famously said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Agrippa’s mind understood, and his heart was moved, but his will refused to surrender — leaving him unchanged. Likewise, the rich young ruler in Mark 10:21–22 heard Jesus’ words and even felt sorrow, but he chose comfort over obedience. “Emotion,” Pastor Bailey reminded, “is not the same as transformation.” 

Turning to Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18–23), Pastor Bailey described four types of soil representing four levels of response to God’s Word. Only the good ground — the one that hears, understands, obeys, and bears fruit — completes the full process of transformation. The others stop short somewhere along the way: the wayside hearer never understands, the stony ground lacks endurance, and the thorny soil is divided by worldly cares. 

In closing, Pastor Bailey challenged listeners to reflect personally: Has God’s Word reached your will and your actions? Are you “almost persuaded,” or are you fully surrendered? Using Hebrews 4:2, he cautioned that the gospel profits nothing unless it is mixed with faith. The Word will work, he affirmed, “if you welcome it all the way through.” 

This message offers a clear and practical roadmap for anyone longing for lasting change. It’s an invitation to let God’s Word finish what it started — transforming not just how we think or feel, but how we live. 

Sermon Summary – “Consider the Lilies” | Pastor Paul Bailey

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Bailey drew from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:28–30, urging listeners to “consider the lilies of the field.” Lilies do not labor or strive, yet they grow into the fullness of what God designed them to be. Unlike the lilies, however, people often wrestle with anxiety, false expectations, and the pressures of the world that seek to shape them into something God never intended. Pastor Bailey reminded the congregation that the Christian journey is one of returning to God’s original design through repentance, renewal, and transformation by the Spirit.

The message began with the necessity of repentance. Drawing from Acts 3:19, Pastor Bailey explained that before anyone can live as God intends, they must first turn away from what the world has made them. Repentance clears the way for new life in Christ. Like the first believers in the book of Acts, we too must make a conscious decision to walk differently, laying aside old ways of thinking so God can begin His work of restoration.

From there, Pastor Bailey emphasized the ongoing work of renewal. Transformation does not happen overnight, but “line upon line, precept upon precept” (Isaiah 28:10). Passages such as Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:22–24 remind us that we are called to put off the old nature and be continually renewed in the spirit of our minds. Renewal happens daily through prayer, reading Scripture, and surrendering to the Spirit’s leading. Pastor Bailey encouraged believers not to be discouraged by the gradual pace of this process, but to trust that God is building His people step by step, just as a builder lays a structure brick by brick.

The ultimate aim, Pastor Bailey declared, is to take on the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5–8 paints a picture of humility, obedience, and servanthood—qualities that should increasingly shape every believer. Growth in grace and knowledge is lifelong (2 Peter 3:18), but we can rest in the promise that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).

Closing the message with 2 Corinthians 3:18, Pastor Bailey reminded the church that while none of us are yet all that God intends, His Spirit is transforming us from “glory to glory.” Just as the lilies reflect the beauty of God’s design without striving, we too can reflect His glory as we yield ourselves to Him.

This message challenges listeners to release anxiety, let go of worldly pressures, and embrace the Spirit-led journey of becoming who God created them to be. Pastor Bailey’s teaching offered both encouragement and direction: we are called to repentance, daily renewal, and the mind of Christ, with the assurance that God Himself is faithful to complete the work.

 Sermon Summary: The Order to Stand 

Text: Ephesians 6:12–13
Speaker: Pastor Bailey 

Pastor Bailey delivered a powerful message titled “The Order to Stand,” reminding listeners that serving is never neutral. Every decision, priority, and act of loyalty reveals what spirit we are yielding to. As Jesus declared, “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24), and Paul affirmed, “to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are” (Rom. 6:16). In other words, there is no middle ground — we either serve righteousness or sin, God or the spirit of this world. 

From Ephesians 6, Pastor Bailey outlined the reality of the conflict. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against unseen spiritual forces. Paul identifies these as principalities (high-ranking rulers), powers (delegated authorities of evil), rulers of darkness (who spread deception), and spiritual wickedness in high places (spirits fueling false religion, temptation, and rebellion). The battle is invisible, but very real. 

Because the conflict is spiritual, Paul issues the command to stand. Believers are told to take the whole armor of God — not partial, not occasional, but complete. We must be prepared to withstand in the evil day, refusing to retreat or compromise. Pastor Bailey illustrated this with the Roman soldier who stood his ground; if one soldier broke formation, the entire line was at risk. Standing in God’s strength is an active, disciplined, Spirit-led stance. 

The message also emphasized the context of submission. Paul’s teaching on spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 follows his teaching on submission in chapters 5 and 6. Submission to God’s Spirit, and to His order in our relationships, provides spiritual covering and authority. Without it, we are left exposed. Pastor Bailey pointed to the example of the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 — men who tried to invoke Jesus’ name without being under His authority, only to be overpowered. True authority comes through submission. 

The sermon closed with a call to decision. Service is the outward expression of submission, and Joshua’s words still ring true: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh. 24:15). There is no neutral option. Either we submit to God and stand clothed in His armor, or we resist Him and stand powerless against the enemy. 

Pastor Bailey left the congregation with this challenge: The question is not whether you are serving — the question is whom you are serving. If you will yield to God, then you will stand, and having done all, you will stand in victory. 

 Sermon Summary: “Every Member Matters” — Pastor Bailey 

Traditions often feel timeless, but many of the practices we consider permanent are far younger than we realize. Pastor Bailey opened this message by reminding us that for over a century, Americans lived without reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Likewise, before the TSA was formed, air travel operated very differently. These examples reveal how quickly customs can become “normal,” even though they are not eternal truths. 

The same danger exists in the church. Over time, congregations can mistake routines and programs for God’s pattern. What many think of as a “traditional service” often features one minister and a small team doing the work, while the majority remain passive observers. But Scripture paints a very different picture. 

Pastor Bailey turned to Matthew 16:18, where Jesus declares, “I will build my church.” The Greek word ekklesia means “assembly” or “called out ones” — not a building. God’s design for the church is a living congregation, not a location or a structure. The Bible consistently describes the church as people: the congregation in the wilderness (Acts 7:38), the body of Christ made up of many members (1 Corinthians 12:27), and believers gathered in homes (Romans 16:5). 

From the start, the church grew through a simple, Spirit-led pattern: Go, Teach, Baptize, Teach (Matthew 28:19–20). In Acts 2:42, we see them continuing in doctrine, fellowship, meals, and prayer. Ministry was relational and participatory, not complex or program-driven. Even a boy’s simple offering of loaves and fishes (John 6) became miraculous in Jesus’ hands — a reminder that God uses ordinary contributions to accomplish extraordinary results. 

This truth leads to the heart of the message: every member matters. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul describes gatherings where “every one of you” brings something — a psalm, a teaching, a word of encouragement. Order was needed, not to silence participation, but to ensure edification. The biblical pattern is not passive attendance, but active, Spirit-led contribution from the body. 

Pastor Bailey emphasized that the church grows healthiest when participation flows beyond the pulpit and into the congregation. Whether in public meetings or from house to house (Acts 20:20), God designed His people to strengthen one another through testimony, prayer, encouragement, and teaching. 

To help restore this biblical pattern, Pastor Bailey shared practical questions he uses in gatherings, such as: 

• Has anyone seen God answer prayer this week?
• Does anyone have a song or verse to share?
• Who needs prayer or encouragement today?

These are not programs, but invitations for the Spirit of God to work through His people.
 

Title: Generational Drift: How Did We Get Here?
Speaker: Pastor Bailey 

Tradition can be a blessing when it helps preserve identity, structure, and continuity. But what happens when tradition drifts away from truth? In this message, Pastor Bailey explores the danger of elevating human customs above the Word of God. Over time, practices that may have begun with good intentions can harden into rules, even overshadowing God’s commands. 

To illustrate, Pastor Bailey shares a humorous yet striking story of a family’s Thanksgiving turkey tradition. For generations, the family cut off part of the turkey before cooking, without knowing why. Only when the great-grandmother was asked did the truth come out: she had done it simply because her pan was too small. In the same way, we often follow traditions without questioning whether they reflect God’s will—or merely human habit. 

The Bible consistently warns against this drift: 

• Old Testament Warnings (Deuteronomy 12:32; Jeremiah 7:23–24) — God called His people to obey His voice fully, not adding or taking away. Yet, traditions often grew from their own imaginations instead of God’s commands.
• Jesus’ Rebuke (Matthew 15:3–6; Mark 7:7–9) — Jesus confronted the Pharisees for allowing tradition to override God’s law, exposing how rituals had replaced obedience.
• The Early Church Struggle (Galatians 1:13–14; Colossians 2:8) — Paul admitted he once clung zealously to traditions that led him to persecute the church. He later warned believers not to be spoiled by the philosophies and traditions of men.
• Future Warnings (2 Peter 2:1; 1 Timothy 4:1) — The apostles foresaw heresies and false teachings that would creep into the church, fueled by tradition and deception.

The call is urgent: Are we willing to examine the practices we’ve inherited and measure them against Scripture? Have we placed more weight on human customs than on God’s plain Word?
 
Pastor Bailey reminds us that the Bible both begins and ends with a clear warning—do not add to or take away from God’s commands (Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18–19). The danger of generational drift is real, but so is the hope of realignment. By clinging to the Word of God, we safeguard our faith from being reshaped by man-made traditions.
 
Tradition should serve truth, not replace it. Listen closely to this timely message and consider: Have we drifted, and if so, how do we return?
 

Podcast Show Notes
Title: Humility: The Foundation of Teachability
Speaker: Pastor Bailey

In this episode, Pastor Bailey delivers a powerful reminder that true transformation begins with humility. Without it, the heart cannot be instructed, the spirit cannot be guided, and the life cannot be changed. Humility is not weakness—it is strength under God’s control, the very foundation of spiritual growth and lasting transformation.

Through Scripture, Pastor Bailey shows how humility makes us teachable and opens the way for God’s grace to work in our lives:

• Humility Opens the Heart to Guidance (Psalm 25:9) — God guides the meek, those who willingly bow before Him. Pride resists, but humility invites divine direction.
• Humility Receives the Word with Meekness (James 1:21) — The Word cannot take root in a proud heart. Only meekness allows truth to be planted deeply, where it can grow and save.
• Humility Brings Grace and Transformation (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:6) — God resists the proud but pours out grace on the humble. Exaltation and change come after surrender.

The central refrain echoes throughout: “If I am not humble, I am not teachable. If I am not teachable, I will not transform.”

Pastor Bailey also draws on 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God calls His people to humble themselves before prayer, seeking, and turning from sin. Humility is not forced—it is a choice. It is the first step in coming to God and the foundation for every other act of obedience.

The message closes with Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:4, reminding us that the greatest in the kingdom is the one who humbles himself like a child. True greatness does not come through self-promotion but through submission. Humility makes us like the child who is willing to listen, eager to learn, and open to correction.

This sermon calls each of us to examine our hearts: Are we bowing willingly to God or resisting His influence? Are we receiving His Word with meekness or wrestling against it? Do we truly want His guidance—or are we trying to guide ourselves?

Be challenged and encouraged by this message. When we humble ourselves, we become teachable. And when we are teachable, God can transform us into who He has called us to be.