What does God actually want from us? When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His answer reframed everything - not rules, not performance, but love. In this message, guest speaker Brad Stroup invites us to reset our priorities and rediscover why we were created: to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This teaching calls us out of distraction, routine faith, and familiarity, and into a daily, intentional pursuit of God that shapes every area of life.
1. The Greatest Commandment Revealed (Matthew 22:36–38; Mark 12:29–30)
* Jesus answers the trap with God’s true desire
* Love, not rule-keeping, is the highest priority
* God reveals His heart through the Son
2. What God Is Actively Seeking (2 Chronicles 16:9; John 4:23)
* God’s eyes search for hearts fully committed to Him
* True worship flows from love and devotion
* God strengthens those who pursue Him
3. Love as Life’s Primary Purpose (Deuteronomy 6:4–5)
* Loving God touches every part of who we are
* Our roles and callings are secondary, not ultimate
* Eternity gives weight to what truly matters
4. The Danger of Familiarity
* Routine can replace real affection
* Yesterday’s devotion must be renewed today
* The greatest commandment requires continual pursuit
5. Practicing a Life of Loving God (Matthew 6:21; Ephesians 1:17)
* Where our treasure is, our heart follows
* Ongoing prayer keeps love alive
* Reaching for God invites fresh grace
6. A Call to Recenter Everything
* Love for God doesn’t happen by accident
* Growth or drift is always happening
* Choosing love sets the direction of our lives