Lots of people identify as Christians—about one-third of the world, in fact. But calling ourselves Christians and actually following Jesus can be two different things. Without even realizing it, we can slip into a faith that’s more about appearances than about a life-changing relationship with Christ. This series challenges people to confront how they may be practicing a compromised version of Christianity: one in which comfort, convenience, or cultural norms overshadow true faith, obedience, and transformation. Each week we will tackle a different way this can show up in our lives and explore what it looks like to move from shallow faith to a deeper, more committed relationship with Jesus.
Series: Christian-ish
Message: SMALL CHOICES THAT KEEP YOU STUCK
Text: 1 Samuel 15:7-34
Pastor Tom Cogle
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Selective obedience is the dangerous illusion that doing some of what God commands is enough, when it’s really disobedience in disguise.
Two Things God Requires:
1. God is asking for our full obedience.
2. Some of God’s blessings are conditional.
The New Covenant
• Unconditional Promise: Jesus died and rose again, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who believe.
• Conditional Blessings: While salvation is a gift, certain blessings flow from obedience to God.
God doesn’t want our partial obedience; God wants our full surrender.
You disobey God one step at a time.
Disobedience always starts with a whisper.
What you allow in the moment often owns you in the future.
Where are you letting sin whisper its way into your life?
Every sin we justify builds a wall between us and God.
Every act of obedience is a demonstration of our love to the One who loved us first.