"How To Build Your Character" by Neal Pollard

April 5, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   In this episode Neal walks through Hebrews chapter 13 and shows how the central truth that "Jesus is better" should shape everyday character. Beginning with a striking true-life anecdote about an 18-year-old angler whose honesty cost him a state record but won him a place in the "hall of fame of character," the speaker uses that story to launch into a broader sermon on conscience and integrity. The sermon explores practical imperatives from Hebrews 13: loving other believers through hospitality and compassion; honoring marriage and pursuing sexual purity; cultivating contentment and resisting the love of money; submitting to and encouraging godly leaders; and rejecting empty or strange teachings that do not benefit the soul. Key points include concrete definitions of brotherly love (demonstrable, discerning, and enduring), how purity shows itself positively (honoring marriage) and negatively (avoiding fornication, adultery, lust, and pornography), and why contentment is both a discipline and a spiritual command rooted in trust that God will never forsake us. The message emphasizes spiritual formation: character is shown in habits, words, and actions, and is developed by regular, personal encounter with Jesus — "meeting with Jesus" at the cross, the tomb, and in daily discipleship. The speaker reminds listeners that genuine character change is ongoing and grounded in Christ's sacrifice and ongoing priestly work. Listeners can expect practical application: self-examination questions about how you think, speak, and act toward your spouse and fellow believers; warnings about cultural pitfalls around money and sexual ethics; encouragement to follow and pray for leaders; and an invitation to pursue a deeper life with Christ so that your actions increasingly reflect his character. This episode is designed for anyone seeking clear, biblical guidance on growing Christian character in ordinary life — from family relationships to finances to faithful church membership — with an emphatic call to root every change in the person and work of Jesus.   Handout:  HOW TO BUILD YOUR CHARACTER (Hebrews 13)  Neal Pollard    I. __________________ OTHERS (1-3)    II. BE ___________________ (4)    III. BE _____________________ (5-6)    IV. _____________________ YOUR ___________________ (7-8)    V. _________________ STRANGE ___________________ (9-11)    VI. ________________ WITH __________________ (12-14)   Duration 33:05