Pastor Josh opened his Wednesday night message by encouraging the congregation to embrace courageous truth-telling in a world that often shies away from it. Reflecting on recent events, he noted that the church should stand firm in the truth, knowing that division is caused by lies, not by truth itself. He led the congregation in prayer for national leaders, asking God to grant them humility, wisdom, and the courage to uphold what is right, as well as for the church to remain a beacon of truth and love in challenging times.
Josh continued the evening by diving into Ephesians 3:17-19, discussing the vastness of God’s love and its transformative power. He reiterated that to truly know love, one must know God, as He is the ultimate source and definition of love. Josh emphasized that God’s love is not just an abstract concept but a demonstration seen most clearly in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. From this foundation, believers are called to respond by loving God fully—with their heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to let that love overflow into every part of their lives.
Pastor Josh also challenged the congregation to examine their own love for God, noting that true love is marked by action, obedience, and a willingness to sacrifice. He warned against becoming like the church in Ephesus, who outwardly worked for God but had abandoned their first love. Instead, he called for a return to intimacy with Christ through remembering, repenting, and restoring that relationship. Josh concluded by encouraging the church to seek a deeper connection with God, allowing His Spirit to cultivate a love that transforms both the individual and the community.
