You might look back on a situation and realize there were some good and valid reasons why that played out the way it did. It may not have made sense at the moment, but you come to appreciate why it happened, as you reflect on it more and more. Likely, this is how the disciples felt, after experiencing Jesus’ death on the cross. They didn’t understand it all as it was happening, but they came to learn the reasons why He did it. Today, Pastor Johnny further explains why Jesus came to die.

When you think about planting a crop, you know that you have to plant a seed in the ground, in order for it to grow up and be plentiful. What’s so interesting is that God uses these practical examples for you to understand the bigger picture. In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny talks about how Jesus represented this type of planting for harvest, as He spoke of being buried, and then coming alive. By doing this, He brings others along and has a fruitful harvest of people who believe and are forever changed!

When you look at a puzzle that’s in front of you, you might stare at it and stare at it, but not be able to find the solution. But once you come to a realization of the answer, you notice it was right there in front of you the whole time. You just couldn’t see it at first glance, or second, or third. The nation of Israel was not too far off from this type of scenario when Jesus came into Jerusalem. Pastor Johnny expresses in his teaching today that these people should’ve known and seen what was happening.

If you’ve ever been to a circus, you know that’s it’s quite a spectacle and a display of skill and performance. The grandness of it all leaves you in a state of awe and wonder. Pastor Johnny teaches today about how the Romans would enter the city after a triumph. It wasn’t too different from a circus performance. Just a bit grander. But when Jesus entered Jerusalem a week before His death, there was a different kind of feel…one of humility and peace, not pride.

There’s a reason why people wear perfume or cologne. It has a strong scent that sticks with you wherever you go that day. Many times, it’s a pleasant smell that can leave a room feeling cleaner, or put together. The type of scent that Pastor Johnny’s talking about today isn’t one you smell with your nose. It’s a fragrance that pours out of you in how you live, and the type of odor that you present, through your attitude and heart. Does your heart have a pleasing smell or one that people run from?

You tend to appreciate something when it cost you a fair amount of money, or you had to save up a long time for it. If it didn’t come at a cost, then you probably wouldn’t care as much about it, or you might get rid of it sooner than later. It might not matter to you. Well today, Pastor Johnny wants you to realize that anything you bring to God, as an act of worship, will cost you. You may miss out on something else because of your commitment to Him. But it’s ok because God is honored.

In autumn, there’s a crispness to the air, and there’s even a smell of fall that signifies that the seasons are changing. There’s the scent of leaves as they’re falling and decaying, and a chill that’s noticeably different than before. Perhaps there’s an aroma of apples or pumpkins, that have been harvested. Well today, Pastor Johnny expresses a different fragrance that was in the air….. more so, a willingness to act out what it looks like to worship, and how that can be noticed, like perfume!

The Lord is so good! His kindness and blessings are on His children, always. But the choice to partake in the life God has for you is yours. Today, Pastor Johnny will give you the opportunity to radically transform yourself by making a decision – a decision to let Jesus pay for your sins and begin to follow Him. If you’ve already given your life to Christ, we’re so glad you’re here today! And if you’ve been on the fence, then we’re glad you’re here today too! Today you’ll learn more about just how incredible Jesus is!

There is hope in your situation, even though you feel hopeless! There is peace to be found, as you just heard Pastor Johnny say. Today, you’ll join Jesus and His disciples in what seemed like a hopeless situation, but was it? Jesus could have changed the current circumstances, but He had a better plan. He has a better plan for you too. And right now, Jesus has all the comfort and peace you need to sustain you as He works it all out for your good and for His glory. So turn to Him today – and trust in His goodness!

As you heard Pastor Johnny say, God is STILL good and worthy of your praise! Even with nations across the world imploding. Even with a virus still taking lives and causing division. Even when you pray day after day and seem to get no answer, no direction – your Creator has a plan, and it’s exactly what you need! Pastor Johnny will be encouraging you today to TRUST God and keep coming to Him in prayer. Praise Him for what you know He WILL do in your life, as well as for what He’s already done!