Walking In Truth

How difficult it must be to work for someone who seems pure evil. But did you know that you can still do your best and work hard, even if you have the cruelest boss? Because the truth is…your real boss is the One you should be working for….God! Today, Pastor Johnny talks about being an example, and doing your best, no matter what the work environment looks like. You may hate a lot of what goes on there, but wouldn’t it be great if your example and your hard work ethic spoke to others?

Slavery in America was such a dark period of time in our nation’s history. But slavery was not new to this world, just one to two hundred years ago. Today, Pastor Johnny gives you a new perspective on slavery, realizing that Jesus became a slave, in a sense, for the sake of setting YOU free! What a beautiful picture Jesus was willing to represent of true freedom, but that He would have to go through much hardship, pain, and torture, for your sake. The King became a servant so that He could be your master.

There are times or situations that call for an absolute right or wrong way to do it. In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny touches on the proper way for people to address any kind of accusation that might come against a church or a leader within that ministry. So don’t jump to conclusions and believe the first rumor that you hear. Investigate the situation, and even address it with the person in question. Be slow to believe what you hear, and be quick to hear from God, as to what you should do about it!

You’re not alone….in trying to stand up for God, and do what’s right. Today, you’ll hear from Pastor Johnny about many people in the Bible who faced much persecution - for living a godly life. But there were also many others, enemies, who were looking to bring that person down…by accusing them of a variety of things. But you know how God’s people came through? They stayed true to who they were in God’s eyes, and they stayed away from anything that would cause them to look guilty and accused.

Some years, a farmer has a really good season, full of a plentiful harvest. Other years, there might be a drought, or some other situation that arises - with insects, or a climate change - that causes the crop to be very little. This is how it is in the Christian life too. Pastor Johnny speaks today on how in the ministry, there are seasons of plenty, and seasons of few. But God’s faithful, and He’s there with you in feast or famine. He wants you to press on, and continue in what you’re doing, no matter the outcome.

When you’re busy doing things, you don’t have time to sit and wonder about the goings-on of other people’s lives. But when you have less to do, you start to chatter, wonder, and speculate about what other people are doing, without knowing the facts. This turns into gossip, where you’re talking to others about things you don’t know to be true. Pastor Johnny states today - the damaging effects that gossip has on a community and the measures to take to stay far away from such behavior.

When you think of your grandmother, there might be a special place in your heart for her. Maybe she’s the one who always gives you special treats when you go visit her. She still has that glint of mischief to her, and you enjoy the wisdom that she holds. But she’s also experienced great loss, in being alone, without her spouse - for many years now. Today, Pastor Johnny gives a reminder of what it’s like for those who are widows, and how the church should treat and care for those left alone.

Whether you’re older or younger, you might think you know it all….that you’ve lived enough, or experienced what you need to know - to speak on a matter. But whether you’ve lived a lot or a little, there’s a way that you can interact with others - that shows you honor and respect them, regardless of their age or experience. In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny addresses the appropriate ways that people within the church should treat one another…especially when it comes to your tongue and your speech.

You may not think that you have any pull or influence anywhere in your life. But what you don’t realize - is that people are watching. Whether you want them to or not, people are looking at how you live. So if that’s good or bad, there are children and other adults who are noticing the choices you’re making, the words that are spoken, and the advice you’re taking. Today, Pastor Johnny provides a framework of what it can look like to be a great role model for people around you and those you may lead.

So what in your life are people imitating? Maybe it’s really good things, that shine as an example for people to follow. But surely there are some areas or patterns in your life that are a work-in-progress, that you wouldn’t want people to copy. Well today, Pastor Johnny expresses the value of being an example to others, in a way that’s noticeable. On the outside, but also that shines brightly from the inside too…in your character! The things mentioned in this passage are possible…for you!

So that tribulation that you’re currently going through…you might need God’s help to be patient to get through it! But what Pastor Johnny wants you to know today through this message -is that God is with you through it all! He understands the suffering you may be experiencing, and He’s there with you, and for you – in everything. As you listen today, you’ll learn some top-notch ways that you can be a good example to others…in the highs and the lows….so that people will notice, and praise God!

When you exercise regularly, you see the benefits of doing that…building up muscle, and getting stronger. When you go away from doing a regular exercise routine, your body can suffer from you not giving it the attention it needs, to remain strong. Your muscles become weaker and ineffective in the things you need to do. Well, it’s the same with building up your spiritual muscles! Today, Pastor Johnny expresses the importance of physical exercise, but even more importantly, spiritual exercise!

Isn’t it interesting that the world would tell you the "proper context” is whatever you decide it should be….when it comes to food and sex? But as you heard Pastor Johnny just say…there’s a beauty in these things…when they’re done in a way that honors God. Outside of His boundaries, God isn’t honored when you’re doing those things. So as you listen to this message today, think about the ways that you’re choosing to live for God, rather than living for yourself. There’s a blessing in living for Him!

You know when you hear something, and it almost sounds too good to be true? That’s probably because in most cases, it is! There are countless times when a used car salesman or some gimmick on an infomercial causes you to believe that this could be a really good thing for you, but in reality, it’s the worst thing for you. Today, Pastor Johnny helps explain how people can be easily deceived and turn away from the truth of Jesus that they once believed. Don’t fall prey to this popular scheme!

When you think about how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, it does seem truly miraculous. Something that was slimy and sluggish, becomes something beautiful and able to fly freely. This is how it is when you’re in a life of sin and despair, and you turn to Jesus. You literally can transform miraculously into something so beautiful and carefree, all because of what Jesus did for you on the cross! Today, Pastor Johnny teaches on getting to know Jesus, and the miracle and mystery He is!

There’s a reason that homes near the ocean are built higher up, on stilts. If they were just on the ground, where the sand is, they would sink so quickly, as soon as a storm would come. The water would overwhelm the sand, and cause the ground to sink down, or be pulled back into the ocean. On a spiritual level, do you want your life to be built on the sandy ground, that has no firm foundation? Today, Pastor Johnny wants you to be prepared, and to build your life on something more secure…on Jesus!

It’s a no-brainer when it comes to construction, that you need to have a solid foundation, or else the rest of the structure will fall. A crack in the foundation means that everything above that - is doomed to destruction. Well as you’ll hear today, Pastor Johnny talks about God’s truth, and God’s church being the solid foundation and structure for you to live on. If you do this, you’ll notice that your whole life is much more “structurally-sound,” and isn’t about to collapse, at any moment. God’s Word is a truth!

You’ve heard the saying, “Behind every good man is a greater woman.” This is not meant to tear down the man and his role, but to show that a great woman helps her husband lead well. That reflects on the man and his leadership of his home and family. In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny tries to clear up the confusion by mentioning that anytime a woman tries to take charge and control the family, it’s taking away from her husband’s leadership. So together, they can build a solid foundation!

When you’re looking for a job, there are certain qualifications that you need to meet, to be eligible to even do the work that’s required. Well, it’s no different when it comes to taking on a leadership role within the church too! Today, Pastor Johnny explains the necessary expectations that are put into place, for a person to lead in the church and to do it well. It’s not being unrealistic to require a person to have integrity, and to lead his family well. These are all things that will help with the church too!

When you see an alien in some sci-fi movie, it looks odd, because there are multiple eyes or arms, and it just doesn’t work quite right. It’s almost as if one area is over-developed, but then other parts are lacking. Well, this is how it is in the church too when everyone wants to do the same job or task. But there’s a needed balance and order, just like your body is symmetrical and has order so that all body systems work together. Today, Pastor Johnny expresses the need for people to do different things.