Christianity 101 | Ps. David Woodcock | Sunday, July 5, 2025

Summary

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27). That was the simple center of Pastor Dave’s message, spoken as someone who has walked through hard seasons, a serious accident, and the humbling changes that come with time. He came back to this church family grateful for the goodness of God, remembering how the Lord carried you through COVID and even through a ceiling that caved in, and he pointed to what still matters most. As life goes on, so many things that once felt urgent start to fade, and what remains is the quiet, steady call of God. Pastor Dave described it as “Christianity for dummies,” not because faith is shallow, but because the Father is loving and clear. God is not trying to confuse His children. He is drawing us back to what is real: loving Him, loving people, and living on mission with hearts that stay close to His presence. Pastor Dave boiled it down to what the Lord expects of us: - Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. - Love your neighbor as yourself. - Go back before you go forward, and learn to wait for the Father’s promise. - Go and make disciples. Scripture kept anchoring the call. Jesus told His followers “not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). The mission becomes plain: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). All of this points us to Jesus Himself. He is the One who blesses, the One who sends, and the One who gives the Holy Spirit. He does not build His church on hype or cultural approval, but on hearts that stay near Him and lives that quietly obey. Today, it may help to ask the honest questions Pastor Dave has been asking: Where am I with God? How did I get here? What might be missing? Waiting can feel frustrating, but it can also be where God makes the shifts we need, shaping us into sons and daughters who trust the Father’s care. And from that place, love for neighbors becomes real, and disciple-making becomes a natural overflow, not a heavy burden. Take a few quiet moments today to come back to Jerusalem in your heart, back to the presence of God. Let the Father steady you, fill you, and remind you what matters. Then, when it is time to go, go with His joy, His fire, and His love for the people right in front of you.

This week

• Mark donePray Luke 10:27 slowly today, asking God to help you love Him with your heart, soul, strength, and mind in one specific area where you feel distracted or tired.
• Mark doneChoose one neighbor (someone near you at home, work, or church) and take one simple step of love this week: a conversation, a meal, a practical help, or a sincere prayer with them.
• Mark doneSet aside 10 minutes of quiet “waiting” time, asking the Holy Spirit to show you one person you can help take a next step as a disciple of Jesus.