What happens when God truly becomes first in your life—not just in what you say, but in your heart, mind, and soul?

In this message from the Love Perfected series, Pastor Mac McDonald explores the different expressions of love God has given us and ultimately points to the love that lasts.

Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. When God becomes the focus of our lives, it changes the way we pray, the way we love others, and even the way we respond to life’s trials.

Pastor Mac also shares a personal lesson about pride, surrender, and the moment he realized he needed to get out of the way and allow God to lead. 

Sermon 4 Text Script.txt

When we put God first—with all our heart, soul, and mind—we can be thankful through life’s challenges and grateful for life’s blessings.

Main Scripture:
Matthew 22:37–40

Love Perfected: Understanding Human Love and the Eternal Love of God

First Baptist Church of Casa Grande
Casa Grande, Arizona

Have you ever failed God and wondered if He could still use you?

In John 21, Peter comes face-to-face with his greatest failure. After denying Jesus three times, Peter must now face the risen Christ. What follows is one of the most powerful restoration stories in all of Scripture.

In this message from the Love Perfected series, Pastor Mac explores Peter’s failure, Christ’s forgiveness, and the truth that our standing with God rests on Christ’s faithfulness, not our perfection.

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Series: Love Perfected – Understanding Human Love and the Eternal Love of God

First Baptist Church of Casa Grande
Casa Grande, Arizona

Love Perfected is a verse-by-verse sermon series exploring humanity’s deepest need: love.

From creation and the fall to redemption and restoration, this series follows God’s eternal plan to reveal His perfect love through Jesus Christ.

Together we will examine:

• Why we were created for love
• How sin broke our relationship with God
• The different expressions of love found in Scripture
• God’s pursuit of broken people
• The love demonstrated at the cross
• Restoration through Jesus Christ
• What it means to love God and love others biblically

Whether you are a lifelong believer, a new Christian, or simply searching for answers, these messages point to the One whose love never fails.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

— 1 John 4:10 (KJV)

First Baptist Church of Casa Grande
Sundays • 9:30 AM
FBCCG.org

The book of Ephesians concludes with one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture—the Armor of God. But Paul isn’t simply giving us a list of spiritual equipment. He’s calling every believer to stand firm in the strength of the Lord against the schemes of the devil.

In this final message of the Inside Out series, Pastor Mac McDonald walks verse-by-verse through Ephesians 6:10-24, showing that spiritual victory isn’t found in our own strength but in the power of Christ. Every piece of armor points us back to the gospel and reminds us that we fight from victory, not for victory.

Whether you’re facing temptation, discouragement, fear, or spiritual opposition, God’s Word teaches us how to stand.

In this message you’ll discover:
• Why spiritual battles are real
• Who our true enemy is
• The meaning of each piece of God’s armor
• How prayer strengthens the believer
• What it means to “stand” when everything around you is shaking

As this chapter closes, so does our journey through Ephesians. Join us next week as we begin a brand-new series:

Love Perfected
Discovering God’s Perfect Love and Living in Response.

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” — Ephesians 6:10

First Baptist Church of Casa Grande
Pastor Mac McDonald

Service Time
Sundays at 9:30 AM (Arizona)

Website
FBCCG.org

Paul reminds us that the Christian life is not confined to Sunday morning—it reaches into every area of our lives. In Ephesians 6:1–9, we see how the gospel transforms our relationships at home, in the workplace, and in everyday life.

Children are called to obey. Parents are called to nurture. Workers are called to serve Christ with sincerity, and those in authority are reminded that they, too, answer to a greater Master. Throughout this passage, Paul points us beyond mere duty to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Because Christ has changed our hearts, the gospel changes the way we live every day.

In this message, Pastor Mac McDonald continues the Inside Out series through the book of Ephesians, showing how God’s grace shapes not only what we believe, but how we live.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1–9 (KJV)

Series: Inside Out – A Study Through Ephesians

Pastor: Mac McDonald

“The Bible Says…”

Marriage was never intended to be merely a contract between two people—it was designed by God to reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and His Church.

In this message from Ephesians 5:22–33, Pastor Mac McDonald examines one of the most discussed passages in Scripture, revealing God’s beautiful design for both husbands and wives. Rather than focusing on cultural debates, this sermon points us to the Gospel itself.

When husbands love sacrificially as Christ loved the Church, and wives respond with biblical respect, marriage becomes a living picture of God’s grace, love, and redemption.

Whether you’re married, single, widowed, or preparing for marriage, this passage reminds us that every Christian relationship ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22–33

“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” — Ephesians 5:32 (KJV)

Thank you for listening to My New Life with Pastor Mac McDonald.

Remember… salvation isn’t about what you’ve done. It’s about what Jesus Christ has already done for you.

The world around us is growing darker, but God's calling for His people has never changed: walk worthy of the calling you've received.

In this message from Ephesians 5:1–21, Pastor Mac McDonald explores what it means to live as followers of Christ in a culture that often rejects Him. Paul challenges believers to walk in love, walk in the light, and walk in wisdom—reflecting the character of Christ in every area of life.

This isn't a call to legalism or trying harder to earn God's favor. It's the natural response of a heart transformed by God's grace. Because we belong to Christ, our lives should look different from the world around us.

Whether you're facing temptation, discouragement, or simply seeking to grow in your walk with the Lord, this message offers biblical encouragement and practical application for living faithfully in a dark world.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1–21 (KJV)
Series: Ephesians – Inside Out
Pastor: Mac McDonald
First Baptist Church of Casa Grande

Lazarus came out of the tomb alive—but he was still wrapped in grave clothes.

Many Christians are the same way. We've been saved, forgiven, and made new in Christ, yet we continue carrying old sins, old attitudes, old identities, and old ways of thinking.

In this message from Ephesians 4:17–32, discover how God calls His people to leave the grave behind, walk in holiness, and live in the freedom that belongs to those who have been made new.

You are not who you were. Stop dressing like it.

That last line would make a fantastic closing sentence in the description because it sticks in people's minds. It captures the entire sermon in one memorable statement.

Ephesians 4:7-16, Salvation gives us the Holy Spirit. God gives a spiritual gift to all believers. Your gift is used to glorify God, build His kingdom, and edify your fellow Saints.

Salvation is the given to believers by God's Grace. This free gift is often misunderstood by nonbelievers.

Listen is as Pastor Mac McDonald explains the free gift of God's Grace.