A Transforming Word

Sometimes, talking about God can feel a bit daunting as you think about how people might respond. It's possible that the idea of facing negative reactions or even persecution might hold you back from sharing the gospel with others. Hey, have you overlooked the fact that the fear of God really does conquer all? Today, Pastor Bill talks about how when you follow God's guidance, He'll help you navigate your interactions with others. There's no need to be afraid of people any longer!

It's not uncommon to witness individuals stepping away from their faith in God after years of devotion, choosing instead to chase after the allure of worldly pursuits. Doesn’t that just spark your curiosity about what might have gone awry for them? Today, Pastor Bill shares his thoughts on those who walk away from their faith in God, suggesting that they may not have truly been believers to begin with. Once you genuinely embrace Jesus as your Saviour, there's no going back to the way things were before. 

Not everyone embraces the gospel quite like you have. Some people have a tendency to push back against Jesus and those who embody His message. Maybe you’re someone eager to spread the gospel, but when you encounter resistance, it feels like a weight on your heart, leaving you feeling disheartened. Today, Pastor Bill invites you to spread the good news with others, reminding you not to stress about how it will be received or what the outcomes might be. Leave it all to God!

Some people believe that making mistakes is what leads to condemnation and the fiery depths of hell. But is that the complete story? In today’s message, Pastor Bill shares insights on how a lack of belief in Jesus leads to condemnation. So, from the moment you entered this world, it seems you've been marked for a rather fiery fate, huh? But everything shifts when you wholeheartedly welcome Jesus into your life as your Saviour. He has embraced all your sins and washed them away for you!

I really like the scene in the movie Toy Story where the kid grows into an adult and finally moves on from his beloved toys. He realises that it’s time to say goodbye to his old life. In the same way, when you open your heart to God’s calling for your life, it marks the start of an exciting new chapter. But hold on a second! Are you still clinging to those old habits and sins? Today, Pastor Bill is here to inspire you to let go of your past and embrace the incredible life that God has planned just for you!

Jonah wanted to escape from God's calling, eager to chart his own course and do things on his own terms. So, we all know how that story wrapped up, don’t we? In the end, Jonah found himself back on the path of God’s calling. Today, Pastor Bill shares that you can’t keep dodging the purpose God has set for your life. He'll guide you right back to what you were meant to do. Well, it looks like there's just one path you can take! Open your heart to the beautiful journey God has in store for you. 

As we go through this world, we know there is much to be done. People are hungry, hurting, and walking through life in darkness because of sin. But today, there is something we can do: we can share the gospel, care for those in need, and live as ambassadors of Christ. In this message, Pastor Bill reminds us that while the laborers are few, the harvest is plentiful, and there is always work to be done in the body of Christ. So place your faith in Jesus Christ and let Him shine through your life.

In this life, we go through things that can feel unfair. Sometimes we face struggles, weaknesses, and temptations that feel beyond our control. But it is amazing to know that what we experience here is not permanent. Jesus Christ offers us eternal life when we place our trust in Him. And in heaven, there will be no sin, no pain, and no suffering; only peace and joy in the presence of God. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill urges you to give your life to Jesus Christ and trust in His promises for your life now and your eternal life.

Sometimes in our walk with God, we can forget that our God is a big God. He is not limited, conditional, or ordinary. He is omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign. Nothing in our lives is too big or too small for Him. He is everything we need. So today’s message, Pastor Bill invites you to place your faith in Jesus Christ, receive Him into your heart, and trust Him to transform your life. Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He can do things for you, and through you, for His will.

Have you ever been to a church that has a dress code? While there’s nothing wrong with dressing respectfully, the Bible does not place salvation or righteousness on specific clothing like suits, ties, or what women wear. In modern Christianity, people can sometimes create rules that go beyond what the Bible teaches. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to focus not on man-made traditions, but on the Word of God and the teachings of Jesus. Ground yourself in Scripture, not things of the world.

In this life, it can be easy to pass judgment on people. It’s easy to see the sin in other people’s lives and critique them while having a log in our own eye. However, as followers of Christ, we’re not called to pass judgment; we’re called to guide others to the one who can change them, Jesus Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages us to seek out Jesus, the one who can transform us, the one who wants us just as we are, and the one who loves us despite our past, so that we can follow Him.

Oftentimes, we don’t feel good enough to come to Christ, and the truth is, on our own, we aren’t. But that’s exactly why Jesus came into this world. He knew we could not save ourselves or pay the price for our sins, so He did it for us out of love. God’s love knows no bounds. He wants us as we are so that we can follow Him and be changed. He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. That’s why Pastor Bill urges us to come to Jesus just as we are and allow Him to transform us from the inside out.

Sometimes, as we go through this world, we see what others are going through, and it leads us to judge them for how they act. Often, we can even do this toward other believers, too, criticizing them simply because they do things differently than we would. But today, Pastor Bill reminds us that we were once also lost without Christ, walking through this world spiritually blind. So instead of judging, we are called to help and guide others to the Word of God, which is the ultimate authority in our lives.

Have you ever noticed that there are some things in life that make you think, “I can’t do this alone”? Many times, people encounter difficult paths ahead and feel the weight of the world clouding their vision. But that’s why Jesus came to this world: to lead, guide, and take your place on the cross. All because He loves you. So in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages place your faith in Jesus and never forget that you are not saved by your own deeds, but by the One who has done it all for you.

In this life, we often love and forgive others when it’s convenient, but pull away when it becomes difficult. In the same way, we sometimes only allow God into the parts of our lives that are convenient or comfortable for us. And that can be challenging to have two rulers in our lives, ourselves, and God. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Bill urges us to stop limiting God and to surrender every area of our lives to Him completely. Not just when it’s easy or just the parts we choose, but everything.

As we go through this world, we feel the need to over-prepare before we can share our faith. We think we need Bible school, or perfect knowledge, before we’re allowed to talk about Jesus. But while growth and learning are important, the truth is that you don’t need to be an expert to share what Christ has done in your life. You simply need to share the hope you’ve received. So today, Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you know what Jesus has done for you, you can share that message with someone right now.

Have you ever seen videos online of dramatic moments in ministry, whether it’s deliverance, prayer, or people responding strongly at the altar? While God does work through His people in powerful ways, it’s important to remember where the true power comes from. It is not in human ability, but in God alone. He works through His people, but He is the one who brings the change. That’s why Pastor Bill reminds you that as you follow Christ, your faith is ultimately in Him, not in people, but in Jesus Christ alone.

Oftentimes in life, we think we need an entourage or a large group of people to accomplish a mission from God. While there is nothing wrong with serving alongside others, the reality is that God is not limited by numbers. Ultimately, what we need most is faith in Him and a willing heart. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. And as we trust Him, He will guide us and equip us for what He calls us to do. All you need is you and the Lord.

If you’ve ever played a sport, you know you have to stay ready for anything, stutter-stepping, to what you don’t always see coming. In many ways, that’s how people respond to God. Sometimes you’ll feel like He’s silent, and you hesitate. Other times, you hear His direction but resist it, preparing yourself to move on your own terms. But today, Pastor Bill encourages you to stay grounded in the Word of God, to be still when He calls you to be still, and to move when He tells you to move.

Sometimes in life, it can feel like we have no idea what we’re doing, and the path before us can seem dark and uncertain. That’s why we need to place our faith in Jesus Christ. Without Him, we rely on our own understanding, which is limited and flawed. But in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that we don’t have to walk through life blindly. When we trust in Jesus, He gives us direction and leads our steps. So place your faith in Him, and be willing to move when He calls you to move.

As we go through life, we will face struggles and challenges that will push us to our very limits. For some, it may be wounds from people they can’t let go of. For others, it may be things of the world that feel like they have a grip on their lives. That’s why, in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds us that whatever we’re going through, we should bring it to Jesus. Be honest with Him - He can work with that. But we can’t grow by pretending everything is fine. We need to seek Jesus Christ earnestly.

Have you ever gone to someone in a time of need? Maybe you’re in a rough season, feeling like it’s one bad thing after another, or facing something that feels overwhelming. Whatever you’re going through, Pastor Bill wants you to know that you can hold onto faith in the One who promises to be by your side: Jesus Christ. He heals, He comforts, and He saves according to His will. So seek Him in prayer, ask to be aligned with His will, place your faith in Him, and trust Him to work through your life.

Oftentimes, when we go through struggles, our first instinct is to turn to the people in our lives - a friend, a family member, someone we trust. And while those relationships can bring comfort, they were never meant to replace where we go first. There is Someone who calls us to come to Him in every situation, and His name is Jesus Christ. So today, Pastor Bill encourages you to seek the Word of God and the comfort that Christ provides, turning to Him first above all else.

One of the hardest things for us as followers of Christ is accepting what Jesus wills for our lives. We know He has the power to do anything, to perform miracles, and to give us what we want, yet sometimes He allows us to go through pain, hardship, and storms. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages us to pray without ceasing, seeking to align our hearts with God’s will. Not our will, but God’s be done. And no matter the outcome, may He be glorified through it all.

Every good scientific discovery begins with a question. Does a bowling ball fall faster than a tennis ball? How deep is the Mariana Trench? What determines the traits of a child? Discovery starts with discussion. In today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to have a discussion with yourself to discover where your spirit lies. When all is said and done, will you find yourself sitting at the feet of Jesus? The beautiful thing about scientific questions is that they always lead to action.

We become those with whom we spend the most time. That’s why it matters who we let our kids be around, or which coworkers we gravitate towards at work. When we hear constant negativity, we become more negative. However, when conversations are uplifting, we become that way as well. In today’s message, Pastor Bill asks the question, "If you are who you hang out with, does that mean you look like Jesus or the world?” Have there been changes in your life because you follow Jesus?

When we were growing up, we were always taught phrases like “actions speak louder than words” or “don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk.” In a nutshell, these sayings challenge us to put our beliefs into action. In today’s message, Pastor Bill challenges you to do the same exact thing. People will know what you believe by the kind of fruit you produce. Will they see sweet fruits of kindness and compassion, or will they see nasty fruits of bitterness and anger? What kind of fruit are you producing?

Growing up, my parents always had us kids write out a Christmas list so they knew what we wanted. While it rarely worked, I notoriously put one extremely high-ticket item on there. It never hurts to ask just in case, right? Today, Pastor Bill teaches that when you pray, do it completely out of faith. After all, you’re talking to the God of the universe. No ask is too big, but be okay hearing “No” for an answer. The most important thing isn’t about what you asked for, but rather that you believed God could deliver.

Every year, right around the time the flowers start to bloom, I get nasty colds. And, as much as I’d love for them to never happen again, they’ve taught me a few things. First off, I need to wear a mask when I cut grass to protect my lungs. Second, I need to make sure my car stays clean so pollen doesn’t ruin the paint. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that sometimes sickness leads to lessons, so while God can heal everything, there’s no guarantee that He will. Next time you’re sick, ask God what He’d have you learn.

If I could make people obey my every command, it might be nice. It would put me first in line at the register, my spouse would cover all the chores for me, and my kids would clean their room the first time I ask. But, unfortunately, that’s not how the world works… and honestly, I’m kind of glad. I’d miss out on all the connections and would never see love acted out. Everyone would behave like a robot. Today, Pastor Bill teaches that God doesn’t just want mindless obedience… He wants your heart.

There’s a phrase that goes, “love the sinner, hate the sin”, and that phrase is extremely relevant in today’s message! As we see in the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, Jesus did not excuse or endorse her sin. But what Jesus did was show mercy and forgive the woman’s sins. Pastor Bill teaches you today that you can show mercy to someone without endorsing the sin that they committed in the first place. We cannot confuse Jesus’ mercy with apathy or the endorsement of sin. 

When you make a mistake, and someone calls you out on it, would you rather they react in anger or with mercy? Pastor Bill reminds you today that the way you treat others is the way you will be treated. If you want to be shown mercy, then you should show mercy to others when they make mistakes. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore the harm that they caused, but you can correct someone while still showing mercy to the person who made the mistake. That’s how Jesus treats us when we sin! 

Have you ever gone back and read an old journal? Every once in a while, I’ll pull out that small notebook and read about the things that were on my mind several years ago. Many times, I’ll realize that there were prayers I had several years ago that the Lord had answered without me even knowing it! Pastor Bill reminds you today that when you come to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving, you remind yourself of what He has already done, and you realize your current issue isn’t too big for God.

Every Thanksgiving, videos of grease fires go viral online because oil and water don’t get along nicely! In today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that you can’t mix your priorities in life. You can’t serve God and yourself; you have to choose one! So when your priorities begin to shift away from the things of God, it’s up to you to recognize what is going on and take action to correct it! God is a jealous God, and He does not want His children trying to serve two masters.

Spending your effort on the things of God instead of following your own agenda is like keeping your money in a bank vault instead of in your pocket. In the bank, there are security measures in place to keep everyday thieves from stealing what you have worked hard to earn. But if you keep your money hanging out of your pocket, you may draw attention from those who want to hinder you and harm you. Pastor Bill reminds you today that when you serve God, those wages go straight to the bank!

Being hurt by people and forgiving them is hard. Being hurt by someone you are close to makes it even harder to forgive. Have you been hurt by others close to you, and you haven’t fully forgiven them? He might have stolen something from you or broken your trust. In today’s message, Pastor Bill helps you see that when you hold onto unforgiveness, it doesn’t hurt the other person, but it hurts your relationship with God. God calls you to forgive others because Christ has forgiven you through His sacrifice. 

We all have that favorite song that we can sing off the top of our heads, without having to think of the words. What is a song that you can sing by heart, without having to think about the lyrics? Now, think about the words you might pray to God.  Do you start the same way every time, where it just comes out without thinking about it? Has it become a routine without meaning? Today, Pastor Bill shares the importance of your prayers to God, which aren’t just empty words, but a meaningful conversation.  

Motivations are a great thing. They can help us get things done. We can feel compelled to look good, so we work out.  We want to learn, so we study. We all have motivations. What is yours? What pushes you to do good things, or to get up in the morning, or work at becoming a better person? What rewards are you seeking, and from whom? In today’s message, Pastor Bill shares that being motivated to earn a reward from God is not a bad thing - when the intentions are in the right place. 

Have you allowed your emotions to get the better of you in certain situations? It can be easy to allow your feelings to control you in stressful situations. How about other people? Think of a time where a person’s actions caused you to “act out of character.” A car cutting you off in traffic, someone yelling at you for missing a deadline, or your kids not listening to you – are just a few examples. Today, Pastor Bill shares how you can rely on God to help you respond kindly to others, even when they are unkind to you. 

The videos you see online of a person doing a thoughtful deed for another can be heartwarming.  It’s uplifting to see good things being done for others.  What’s the outcome if that nice deed gets met with hatred by the one receiving it? The giver might get upset, angry, or want the kind deed to be taken back. That feeling was justified, because what you saw was wrong and evil. Today, Pastor Bill shares how hard it is to do something nice when a person might do evil in return.  But God will work it out for your good!

Have you heard the phrase, “You cannot love others until you learn to love yourself?” You might have heard this from a TV show, a self-help book, or a quote in a school building. This idea that you have to love yourself first, in order to love others, might not mean what you think it means. You get so focused on yourself that you forget how to love the people in your life.  Today, Pastor Bill teaches that God does not tell you to love yourself; rather, He calls you to love others more than yourself. 

Have you ever woken up on a Sunday morning struggling to get out of bed or even get ready for church, only to give in and watch it from home? Many people stay home simply out of convenience. But when you do, you miss the blessings of physically being with the Body of Christ. That’s why Pastor Bill wants you to know that if you’re able to attend church, go. Don’t let convenience keep you from worshiping Christ and fellowshipping with others who may need your presence.

There are times in life when someone just rubs you the wrong way. Maybe it’s something you heard about them, or perhaps they wronged you in the past, and you can’t seem to let it go. And many times, those interactions may have felt scrutinizing or even painful. But in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to give it all to Jesus. Surrender all those negative thoughts and feelings to the Lord and allow His peace and presence to guide you through whatever circumstance you go through.

Have you ever heard someone swear by God just to prove they’re right? In this world, it’s become normal to use the Lord’s name in vain, and even followers of Christ can slip and do the same. But in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you not to swear on anything. Instead, let your word be your word, let your actions and promises prove your honesty, not the oaths you make. When you let your intentions be validated by truthfulness, you embody the character of a person with Godly intentions.

In this life, it’s hard to forget about the person we were before Christ. For many, they see their chains and shackles, thinking that they need to remove them before coming to Christ. But simply put, it’s not us who frees us from the bondage of sin; it is Jesus who breaks the chains. In today’s message, Pastor Bill wants you to know that there isn’t anything you can’t bring to the Lord because His forgiveness knows no limits. Seek a relationship with Jesus Christ and allow Him to set you free.

Often in life, we may feel tempted to give in to the world, especially if we’ve been following Jesus from an early age. In the heat of the moment, it can be tempting to be with someone who’s nice, thinking it’s okay to be together before marriage because you want to enjoy life while you’re young. But, in today’s message, Pastor Bill encourages you to save yourself for marriage with the person the Lord brings into your life, rather than just being with someone who is seeking worldly pleasure.

Often in marriage, things can feel rocky, especially if one spouse hasn’t accepted Jesus Christ. And sometimes, instead of working on the marriage they have, some people may try to leave simply because it’s inconvenient to have a spouse who is a Christian, or who doesn’t want to accept the Lord. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that in your marriage, you’re called to be a witness. By following Christ faithfully in your relationship, you are ministering and leading your family.

We live in a world where, now more than ever, it’s hard to avoid lust. It’s in what we watch, what we listen to, and all over social media. But this isn’t anything new; these are struggles people have faced for thousands of years. And just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s what God wants for us. Pastor Bill reminds us that we are called to be set apart, and when God calls us away from the things of this world, it’s for our good. That’s why we must stay grounded in the Word of God.

As followers of Christ, we know there are times when it’s better to turn the other cheek when we’re offended or to reach out to a brother when we’re struggling. However, sometimes we bottle everything up simply because we think that’s what we’re supposed to do - even as our hearts grow weary inside. That’s why Pastor Bill reminds us that we can’t live one way in front of others and another way when we’re alone. We’re called to walk in sincerity, bringing both our struggles and our lives before God.

If you’re a husband, chances are you’ve done something your wife doesn’t like. And the truth is, whether in marriage, friendships, or family, people are going to disagree. But conflict isn’t meant to divide, but it’s an opportunity to pursue peace and grow in love. That’s why, in today’s message, Pastor Bill reminds you that when you’re dealing with conflict with a loved one, it’s important to reconcile and be on the same page. The work that God has called His children to cannot be done in a divided house.