Most of us have heard the saying, “It’s as clear as the nose on your face.” This means that something is right in front of you… so obvious that you couldn’t possibly miss it. Today, Pastor Holland discusses how obvious it should have been to everyone that Jesus was the Messiah. He fulfilled prophecies, healed the sick, and even foretold His own death. But some of the religious elite were so arrogant and pompous that they couldn’t see Jesus for who He was. They missed the Messiah because of their pride.

There are so many voices today, saying so many things, how do you know who to believe?  If you’re thinking in the ways of the world, you’ll just count up how many followers they have, and go with the most popular voice.  Today, Pastor Holland recommends a better way: listen to the voice of God, in the Word of God.  The true believers and followers of Christ aren’t talking about themselves – what wonderful experiences they’ve had.  They’re talking about Jesus.  Find those people, and listen to them.

Who do you believe?  It’s gotten really difficult today.  Not only do you have conflicting news outlets, but now you have outright “fake” news.  What’s a person to do?  Today, Pastor Holland shows that this isn’t a new problem.  It started in the Garden of Eden when Satan told Eve a false narrative about God.  She ate, and she didn’t die – at least, not right away.  So it “seemed” like Satan was right and God was wrong.  But in the end, the truthfulness of God became painfully evident.  Who are you believing today?

All throughout the Old Testament, God was making provisions for His chosen people.  You may think of God’s laws as restrictions to your freedom – just a whole bunch of “thou shalt nots”.  But today, Pastor Holland points out that God’s laws were always designed for the good of His people.  They flow from His kindness.  Following God’s laws, then and now, is for your benefit.  When you’re living in His ways, your life is blessed.  And your future is secure, because God’s promises never fail.

How often do you ask others to pray for you?  Depending on how connected you are, and how comfortable you are sharing your life, it may be a frequent practice for you.  Today, Pastor Holland talks about the many aspects of prayer in the new covenant which are foreshadowed in the old covenant.  In particular, the high priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year to offer prayer for all of the people.  And today, you have a great High Priest who is currently and continually praying for you: Jesus.

God is righteous, and nothing perverse or crooked can come from His mouth. So, why would we seek counsel from the wicked or listen to ideas that contradict His truth? Today, Pastor Holland explains that we can easily bind ourselves to falsehoods or observe others who follow misguided advice. Fortunately, God empowers His people through the truths of His Word to use Scripture to free others from the bondage of lies and deception. This involves listening to God's guidance and obeying Him. 

Are you a friend of God? Solomon modeled his life after God's principles and discovered true wisdom. Today, Pastor Holland discusses how some people approach the Bible like a buffet, selecting only the parts that affirm their personal desires while ignoring the crucial teachings necessary for their relationship with Christ. For them, God's word does not bring life. Their sense of self-importance decides what is significant in Scripture. Solomon says anyone who disregards God’s word is a fool.

How does a Christian with freedom in Christ respond to the law? Today, Pastor Holland suggests that it is a matter of Lordship. When we submit to God's law, it is not legalism; it is a source of joy. We desire to please Jesus. If we claim Jesus as the Lord of our lives, we want to follow Him. Obeying God's laws reflects our understanding of His Lordship. Those who struggle to comply with God's ways should examine their commitment to Christ. We serve Him not out of obligation, but because we love Him.

The more we listen to the media, the more we realize how corrupt the world can be. Commentators often create problems that don't fully exist and then spend hours discussing them. This leads to envy, slander, suspicions, and strife. Today, Pastor Holland suggests the primary cause of this is greed. Many are obsessed with money, putting wealth over their relationship with God. While there is nothing wrong with being wealthy, we should allow God to elevate our status. He will lift you up in His time.

What causes the desensitization in our culture that allows for the murder of innocent babies? Today, Pastor Holland states that the lack of godly men in leadership has led to this shameful situation in our nation. When Solomon reflected on his upbringing, he recalled that his father, David, encouraged him to seek wisdom and understanding from God. It’s important to remember that knowledge is not the same as wisdom. We must teach our men to be outspoken in their convictions and embody God's wisdom.