🎯 EC SUNDAY MESSAGE SUMMARY
August 2, 2026
Focus: Approved of God (Part 1)
Ministered by Pastor Andrew Norman
Many persons believe it is impossible to be approved of or accepted by God. It is easy to think that way when all our focus is on the sinfulness of this world and our own track record of failure. Satan has successfully sown the lie in many hearts that lasting change is impossible, persuades us to pursue our own plans and win the approval of this world, while ignoring God's call. However, deep in our conscience burns the truth that all our fleshly pursuits bring no true peace, and what we truly long for is the approval of God. It is also true that in and of ourselves, it is impossible to please God. Only He can help us to please Him (Matthew 19:26, Hebrews 11:6).
Surprisingly, receiving God's approval is not as difficult as some make it. He made it possible for us when His Son, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by the shedding of His sinless blood on the cross. It is by His sacrifice that any man who believes in Him, repents of their sin, and humbly cries out for Him, becomes qualified to receive the Holy Spirit, the seal of God's approval, and thus truly saved. Jesus' sacrifice does what the sacrifices in the Old Testament could never do: completely remove sin from the flesh, changing our very nature to holy (Hebrews 10:1, 2 Corinthian 5:17).
Contrary to many false doctrines, salvation, is only the "first step" of God's approval being manifested in our lives. It must be further demonstrated by enduring daily trials; not by our willpower, but through humbly submitting to God's word. Remaining humble is the essential key. Due to moment of arrogance, Moses, after leading Israel for 40 years, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. King David, who loved God and ruled Israel righteously for many years, lost God's approval to build a temple for Him because of sins He committed. It doesn't matter how righteously we lived in a past season, the moment we embrace sin, we lose fellowship with God and His approval of us, and if we die before repenting, our separation becomes permanent.
It is also important to understand that our trials can reveal whether God can trust us, whether it may be with handling money, leading His people, or other things. He wants to trust us, but He will not grant approval for certain blessings or responsibilities until we have been established in His character to steward those things purely and effectively. This is both mercy and wisdom.
If we are to be approved for heaven and all it's riches, then just like Jesus and the early Church, our love for God must be tried. It is only by a life of humility and faithful obedience that we will secure a glorious welcome into His eternal kingdom, instead of hearing, "depart from Me... I never knew you."
Summarized by Darien Callum
Surprisingly, receiving God's approval is not as difficult as some make it. He made it possible for us when His Son, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by the shedding of His sinless blood on the cross. It is by His sacrifice that any man who believes in Him, repents of their sin, and humbly cries out for Him, becomes qualified to receive the Holy Spirit, the seal of God's approval, and thus truly saved. Jesus' sacrifice does what the sacrifices in the Old Testament could never do: completely remove sin from the flesh, changing our very nature to holy (Hebrews 10:1, 2 Corinthian 5:17).
Contrary to many false doctrines, salvation, is only the "first step" of God's approval being manifested in our lives. It must be further demonstrated by enduring daily trials; not by our willpower, but through humbly submitting to God's word. Remaining humble is the essential key. Due to moment of arrogance, Moses, after leading Israel for 40 years, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. King David, who loved God and ruled Israel righteously for many years, lost God's approval to build a temple for Him because of sins He committed. It doesn't matter how righteously we lived in a past season, the moment we embrace sin, we lose fellowship with God and His approval of us, and if we die before repenting, our separation becomes permanent.
It is also important to understand that our trials can reveal whether God can trust us, whether it may be with handling money, leading His people, or other things. He wants to trust us, but He will not grant approval for certain blessings or responsibilities until we have been established in His character to steward those things purely and effectively. This is both mercy and wisdom.
If we are to be approved for heaven and all it's riches, then just like Jesus and the early Church, our love for God must be tried. It is only by a life of humility and faithful obedience that we will secure a glorious welcome into His eternal kingdom, instead of hearing, "depart from Me... I never knew you."
Summarized by Darien Callum
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