What God Really Wants From You This Year

A Church That Pleases God

Scripture References

Primary text

• Psalm 147
• Luke 7
• Philippians 2

Other references

• Matthew 3:17

Overview

Pastor Craig opened the 30-year anniversary season with a single passion: to shepherd a church that pleases God. The first of five traits he will unpack is reverence—living with an awe-filled fear of the Lord that moves us to sincere obedience. Drawing on Psalm 147, Luke 7, and Philippians 2, he contrasted a high view of God with a casual, cultural Christianity and called each listener to examine where God has become familiar instead of holy.

Context

After reminiscing about the big dreams he had 30 years ago for a mission-minded, innovative, fast-growing church, Pastor Craig said maturity has clarified his deepest desire: “Above all else, I want to pastor a church that pleases God.”

Main Points

1. A parent’s love vs. a parent’s pleasure

• God loves us constantly, just as parents always love their children, yet He is not always pleased with our choices.
• Matthew 3:17 shows both truths: the Father publicly declares Jesus His beloved Son and expresses pleasure in Him.

2. What a reverent church looks like

• Definition: “A reverent church fears the Lord and lives with a sincere obedience to Him.”
• Psalm 147 says the Lord delights in those who fear Him and hope in His unfailing love.
• Fear (Hebrew yare) = awe-filled awareness of God’s holiness and authority, not terror that drives us away.

3. High view vs. low view of God

Low view

• Treat Scripture casually—debate or ignore it.
• Rationalize sin, dismiss conviction (“this is my truth”).
• Ultimately do whatever feels right.

High (reverent) view

• Take God’s Word seriously; it guides every part of life.
• Repent quickly when convicted.
• Obey no matter the cost—reputation, relationships, or comfort.

4. Familiarity breeds contempt: the Luke 7 picture

• Story: Simon the Pharisee hosts Jesus but offers no water, kiss, or oil. An immoral woman bursts in, weeps at Jesus’ feet, wipes them with her hair, and pours costly perfume.
• Two responses to the same Jesus:
  • Pharisees treat Him as common, ordinary.
  • The woman treats Him as holy, worthy of her greatest treasure.

5. When awe fades

• Story: After years of ministry Pastor Craig drifted into routine—praying mainly in public, reading Scripture only to preach. The grind dulled his wonder until a “hell season” drove him back to desperate prayers and fresh revelation of God’s greatness.*

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.”

6. Working out salvation with reverence (Philippians 2)

• We do not work to be saved; we work because we are saved.
• God Himself supplies both “the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

7. Honest self-examination

• Life-group question: Where has God become casual to you instead of holy?
• Possible areas: language, entertainment, treatment of the body, time stewardship, dismissal of Scripture, judgmental attitudes, casual worship attendance.

Key Truths

• God’s unchanging love does not guarantee His pleasure in our daily choices.
• Reverence is awe that draws us toward God, not fear that drives us away.
• A low view of God produces selective obedience; a high view produces costly obedience.
• Familiarity with holy things can numb us to their sacred weight.
• God empowers what He requires, giving both the will and the ability to live in a way that pleases Him.

Response

• Revere God’s holiness; refuse to approach Him casually.
• Immerse yourself in Scripture daily, submitting to its authority.
• Repent quickly and completely whenever the Spirit convicts.
• Offer your first and best—time, talent, treasure—as acts of worship.
• Engage in community where honest accountability keeps awe alive.

Closing

Pastor Craig reminded the church that future impact hinges not on size or strategy but on holding a high view of a holy God. We cannot please everyone, yet:

“He gives you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

Living from the secure place of God’s love, we now pursue lives—and a church—that genuinely delight His heart.

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, I give You my life. I surrender it all. Today I declare Jesus as my Lord and my Savior. Forgive me of my sins, wipe them away, and make me new. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can follow You, serve You, and please You every day of my life. Thank You for new life—You now have mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”