Love God Most (God.LGBTQ.You. 1 - Pastor Mike)

Love God Most (God.LGBTQ.You. 1 - Pastor Mike)

Author: 922 Ministries April 13, 2026 Duration: 39:07

This series aims to move beyond social media snippets and explore Christianity and sexuality with biblical depth, empathy, and "dripping compassion".
The Question Before the Questions Before diving into the complex "what abouts" regarding pronouns, policies, or specific Bible passages, this sermon poses one fundamental question: "Do you love God the most?". Drawing from Matthew 22, Pastor Mike highlights Jesus’ teaching that the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This means placing God’s Word above personal desires, cultural trends, and even church traditions.
The sermon outlines two primary reasons why we must prioritize God’s perspective in the conversation on sexuality:
1. God always speaks the truth: Unlike human experiences or cultural shifts that can be mistaken, God's Word is always right, true, and faithful.
2. God always acts in love: God is the definition of love, demonstrated most clearly through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, who took on the "muck and mire" of our sin so we could be washed pure.
Pastor Mike shares the stories of individuals like Beckett Cook, St. Augustine, and Rachel (a lesbian student at Yale), all of whom discovered that finding God was "bigger and better" than their sexual passions. Their lives testify that when we are persuaded by God's character of truth and moved by His gospel of love, we are finally ready to navigate the nitty-gritty questions of identity and orientation.

What to Expect in This Series: This sermon is a commitment to a holistic, five-week journey. In the coming weeks, the church will tackle:
* Imitating the God of love in our hospitality and mercy.
* Imitating the God of truth regarding specific passages in Genesis, Leviticus, and the New Testament.
* Practical questions regarding same-sex attraction, gender identity, and how the church should respond to the LGBTQ community today.
Join us as we commit to being here for the "whole thing," starting not with ourselves, but with God.


Each week, the communities of St. Peter Lutheran and The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin, gather to explore faith, life, and scripture. This audio feed brings those weekly sermons directly to you, offering a consistent source of reflection and teaching grounded in Lutheran Christian tradition. You'll hear messages that connect ancient biblical wisdom to the realities of modern living, tackling topics from everyday relationships and personal struggles to the broader call to community and service. The voices from 922 Ministries-The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran aim to provide more than just information; they seek to foster a deeper understanding and a practical, resilient faith. Whether you're a long-time member, a spiritual seeker, or someone simply curious about a thoughtful perspective on Christianity, this podcast serves as an accessible way to engage with these teachings on your own schedule. It’s like having a regular, grounded conversation about what it means to live with purpose and hope, drawn directly from the heart of a Wisconsin ministry. Tune in for a straightforward, substantive addition to your weekly routine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran
Podcast Episodes
Do you feel unseen? (Gospel Christmas 2 - Pastor Jared) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:06
In our increasingly isolated world, one of our deepest needs is to be truly seen and known. While technology has made life more convenient, it has also optimized human connection out of our daily experiences. We work fro…
What’s in a Name? (Gospel Christmas 1 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:57
This message explores the biblical evidence for Jesus' dual nature, from the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary to the worship of the wise men, revealing how Scripture consistently presents Jesus as fully divine and fu…
Chase the Messiah, Not the Mood (Gospel Christmas 1 - Pastor Jared) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:08
Many people spend Christmas chasing a feeling - the perfect atmosphere created by music, decorations, movies, and traditions. But what happens when nostalgia replaces repentance? What happens when cozy feelings replace C…
The Secret to Contentment (Thanksgiving - Pastor Steve) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:11
Discover the life-changing secret to true contentment that our consumer culture doesn't want you to know. Learn why Black Friday deals, perfect family gatherings, and material possessions will never satisfy the deep hung…
Is America Becoming More Christian? (Let’s Go 3 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:34
This comprehensive guide covers biblical evangelism methods that work in today's culture, including how to start spiritual conversations, invite people to church, and share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.…
Let's Go Win Souls (Let’s Go 3 - Pastor Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:39
Learn practical evangelism techniques that any believer can use to share their faith naturally and confidently. This biblical approach to gospel sharing breaks down witnessing into three manageable steps that don't requi…
Who, Me? (Let’s Go 2 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:43
Why do so many Christians feel unqualified to share their faith? This message explores the surprising truth about evangelism and witnessing that every believer needs to hear. Discover how God uses ordinary people with me…
Your Story Matters (Let’s Go 2 - Pastor Michael) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:31
Discover how an unlikely woman became one of history's most effective evangelists and what her story teaches us about sharing faith today. This message explores the powerful account of the Samaritan woman at the well fro…
They Need You to Tell Them (Let’s Go 1 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:49
This message explores the Great Commission, the necessity of verbal witness, and the life-changing power of the gospel message. Learn why Jesus commanded evangelism throughout Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke, John 17, and Acts…
The Gospel Changes Everything (Let’s Go 1 - Pastor Steve) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
Understanding why Christians should evangelize and share the gospel with urgency. This message explores the biblical foundation for evangelism through Jesus' Great Commission and the powerful parable of the rich man and…