I Love My Church
There are many reasons I love my church, but one stands out above the rest—serving alongside Christ-like members who are more than just friends; they are my brothers and sisters. Together, we share life, faith, and ministry.
Our staff goes above and beyond, and I’m blessed to serve with a fellow pastor who loves the Lord and loves you, with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength. Our church is not about having the newest or coolest building, and it isn’t perfect—because perfection is only found in Christ. But what we do have is a place that welcomes both sinners and saints, loving each one with grace and truth. This is a place where you can grow in faith and connect with Jesus. We’re committed to walking the path of salvation, empowered by God’s grace, with a Jesus-centered agenda.
The more we love God, the more we will love His church. And the more we love His church, the more His church will impact us for the Kingdom. It’s a simple truth, but one that has profound implications for our spiritual lives.
This Sunday is a time of celebration and worship, honoring what God has given us and what we give back in return. It’s a day of commitment, where we reflect on what it means to offer ourselves as living sacrifices for Jesus—the Greatest of All Time.
Imagine with me two types of covenants. The first covenant was written in stone—comprised of rules and conditions, providing a starting point for truth. But it was incomplete because its effectiveness depended on humanity’s ability to fulfill it. Over time, this stone covenant wore down—cracks appeared, the writing faded, and it constantly needed renewal. The first covenant revealed humanity’s deep need for divine intervention and grace.
The second covenant, however, is written on the human heart. It’s no longer about an external list of tasks but is built on inner transformation, empowered by the divine, not human ability. This new covenant fulfills the first, offering permanence and better promises through grace that stretches from now into eternity. As the writer of Hebrews says:
“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6, NLT)
Why Are These Promises Important?
1. They give us power and provide resources.
Philippians 4:19 — “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
2. They free us from performance-based salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 — “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
3. They clarify God’s love.
Romans 8:38-39 — “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus.”
4. They silence the lies of the enemy.
Romans 8:1 — “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Our relationship with God is a divine covenant, grounded in grace. Unlike human covenants, which often depend on both parties’ abilities, God’s covenant with us depends on His one-way love and our faith. His promises aren’t passive; they demand a response—one of accountability, sacrifice, and growth.
Like a flight I took with my son, Noah, I had to trust him and God fully. I could have missed out on that beautiful moment of pride and love, but by trusting, I experienced something greater. Similarly, don’t miss out on the promises of God. Align your life with the way of Jesus, even when it requires personal accountability, discipline, and sacrifice. It’s not always instant, but transformation comes through struggles, suffering, and trust in God’s timing.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
As we celebrate I Love My Church Sunday, we’re reminded to trust God with everything—including our generosity. Just as we trust Him with our eternity, we trust Him with our resources and our lives. Our church creates a space to live a divinely sacred life, a refuge that encourages us to stay the course and carry the good news to our community and the world.
I’m so grateful I know the Greatest of All Time—Jesus Christ!
There are many reasons I love my church, but one stands out above the rest—serving alongside Christ-like members who are more than just friends; they are my brothers and sisters. Together, we share life, faith, and ministry.
Our staff goes above and beyond, and I’m blessed to serve with a fellow pastor who loves the Lord and loves you, with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength. Our church is not about having the newest or coolest building, and it isn’t perfect—because perfection is only found in Christ. But what we do have is a place that welcomes both sinners and saints, loving each one with grace and truth. This is a place where you can grow in faith and connect with Jesus. We’re committed to walking the path of salvation, empowered by God’s grace, with a Jesus-centered agenda.
The more we love God, the more we will love His church. And the more we love His church, the more His church will impact us for the Kingdom. It’s a simple truth, but one that has profound implications for our spiritual lives.
This Sunday is a time of celebration and worship, honoring what God has given us and what we give back in return. It’s a day of commitment, where we reflect on what it means to offer ourselves as living sacrifices for Jesus—the Greatest of All Time.
Imagine with me two types of covenants. The first covenant was written in stone—comprised of rules and conditions, providing a starting point for truth. But it was incomplete because its effectiveness depended on humanity’s ability to fulfill it. Over time, this stone covenant wore down—cracks appeared, the writing faded, and it constantly needed renewal. The first covenant revealed humanity’s deep need for divine intervention and grace.
The second covenant, however, is written on the human heart. It’s no longer about an external list of tasks but is built on inner transformation, empowered by the divine, not human ability. This new covenant fulfills the first, offering permanence and better promises through grace that stretches from now into eternity. As the writer of Hebrews says:
“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6, NLT)
Why Are These Promises Important?
1. They give us power and provide resources.
Philippians 4:19 — “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
2. They free us from performance-based salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 — “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
3. They clarify God’s love.
Romans 8:38-39 — “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus.”
4. They silence the lies of the enemy.
Romans 8:1 — “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Our relationship with God is a divine covenant, grounded in grace. Unlike human covenants, which often depend on both parties’ abilities, God’s covenant with us depends on His one-way love and our faith. His promises aren’t passive; they demand a response—one of accountability, sacrifice, and growth.
Like a flight I took with my son, Noah, I had to trust him and God fully. I could have missed out on that beautiful moment of pride and love, but by trusting, I experienced something greater. Similarly, don’t miss out on the promises of God. Align your life with the way of Jesus, even when it requires personal accountability, discipline, and sacrifice. It’s not always instant, but transformation comes through struggles, suffering, and trust in God’s timing.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
As we celebrate I Love My Church Sunday, we’re reminded to trust God with everything—including our generosity. Just as we trust Him with our eternity, we trust Him with our resources and our lives. Our church creates a space to live a divinely sacred life, a refuge that encourages us to stay the course and carry the good news to our community and the world.
I’m so grateful I know the Greatest of All Time—Jesus Christ!
Life Group Questions
1. What does it mean to you personally to “love your church,” and how have you seen God’s presence or work within your church community?
2. How do the two covenants (old and new) reflect the transformation God desires in us? What does it mean for God’s law to be written on our hearts instead of stone tablets?
3. In what ways have you experienced the promises of the new covenant—such as freedom from performance, the power of God’s provision, or the assurance of His love?
4. What are some of the challenges you face when it comes to trusting God with both your eternity and your day-to-day life, including areas like generosity and sacrifice?
5. How can we, as a small group, encourage each other to align more closely with God’s promises and live out our faith more boldly in the community?
2. How do the two covenants (old and new) reflect the transformation God desires in us? What does it mean for God’s law to be written on our hearts instead of stone tablets?
3. In what ways have you experienced the promises of the new covenant—such as freedom from performance, the power of God’s provision, or the assurance of His love?
4. What are some of the challenges you face when it comes to trusting God with both your eternity and your day-to-day life, including areas like generosity and sacrifice?
5. How can we, as a small group, encourage each other to align more closely with God’s promises and live out our faith more boldly in the community?
Posted in Sermon Outline
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