True North

Jesus tells us that there is no other way to get to Heaven except through Him. Our good works alone cannot atone for our sins. Pastor Gary reminds us today that even if we spend our time telling others about Jesus, but don’t have a relationship with Him, we will be left on the outside looking in. We have to ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins, and allow Him into our lives so that the Holy Spirit can make us into new creations. Our good works don’t give us access to God’s presence; Jesus does!

What would have happened to the world if Jesus had decided not to go through with the Crucifixion? After all, the people who mocked Jesus as He hung on the cross had a point! At any time, Jesus could have said, “Actually, never mind!” and disappeared without fulfilling the task He had been sent to accomplish. Pastor Gary teaches you today that Jesus paid a high price for your salvation, and you owe a great debt that cannot be paid back. What Jesus asks for in return is your obedience and your faith.

There are many times in the Gospels where Jesus teaches us to follow His example. He teaches us how to pray, how to spread the Good News, and most importantly, how to serve others with a sacrificial heart. Pastor Gary teaches you today that in order to serve Jesus, you must be willing to submit yourself to serving those around you. The Lord doesn’t want you to serve others from a place of superiority, but from a place of humility, remembering that they are a beloved child of God, just like you!

Paul faced trials and persecution, but was still able to walk boldly with unwavering faith. What gave him that courage wasn’t his own strength, but the love of Christ working through him. Pastor Gary teaches you today that when you truly understand Christ’s love, fear begins to lose its grip on you. Paul trusted that whatever God allowed in his life was an expression of His love, not His rejection. Even in the face of death, he believed that the Lord’s plan was good. And that same assurance is available to you.

So many spiritual battles can take place in our minds and hearts. The devil's whispers can make us question everything we thought we knew. This is how a crisis of faith can begin - subtle, quiet, and deeply unsettling. But today, Pastor Gary tells you that the enemy often targets your weakest places first, trying to make you feel powerless and alone. The devil presents ideas that sound reasonable on the surface, but stand in direct opposition to God’s truth. Stand firm in God’s Word and let His truth be louder than any lie.

Just as the Roman double-edged sword was crafted never to waste a single moment, so too is the Word of God designed to accomplish exactly what it was sent to do. Pastor Gary teaches you today that God’s word is not passive. It is active, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It cuts away fear, doubt, and lies, while planting truth, hope, and life in their place. This is the beauty of God’s precision… He knows exactly what needs to be removed and what must remain in your life.

The answer is always Jesus. In every struggle and every victory, His name carries the power to restore and transform. Our old selves may linger, but through faith, we are crucified with Christ and raised into a new life. Today, Pastor Gary gives you an analogy that God is like a master surgeon. He gently removes what does not belong, drawing you closer to His truth. This process may not be easy, but it is always filled with purpose and love. And even in your weakness, His strength always shines through.

We don’t want to miss an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, people who need to hear it are right under our noses. It may be the person begging for money on the street corner, the family you know who’s dealing with medical debt, or a coworker who mentioned a difficult divorce. Whatever the circumstances, you have the greatest truth of all! In today’s message, Pastor Gary encourages you to abandon your preconceived notions. Be bold for Christ and let God take care of the rest.

We’re to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. He’s no longer present physically, so we need to listen to the Holy Spirit within us to bless others according to their needs. Today, Pastor Gary reminds us that it’s more than a handout. People first and foremost need the Word of God. So if you’re given the opportunity to bless someone tangibly, also take the time to bless them spiritually. A relationship with Jesus will take them to eternity, versus one meal that will only take them to the next meal.

Have you ever put together a new piece of furniture from a box store? You’re excited to have it displayed in your home, but first comes the instruction manual. You take out all the parts, the flimsy little tool they provide, and begin at step one. But by the time you get to step 15, you’re taking shortcuts, ignoring leftover pieces, and have since discarded the instruction manual altogether. Today, Pastor Gary encourages you to do the opposite with God’s Word. Hold it close! It’s not just words on a page!