In his sermon, Pastor J emphasizes the significance of the Ten Commandments and their relevance to contemporary believers. He points out that the commandments are not merely ancient rules but are rooted in God's grace and intended to shape our identity as His people. Using the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me," Pastor J illustrates that God's commands come after His acts of grace, reminding us that He rescued us before we were ever asked to obey. The sermon urges the congregation to recall their spiritual past, acknowledge where they were before encountering Jesus, and recognize that worship arises from gratitude for God's mercy and love, rather than fear or obligation.Pastor J further challenges listeners to identify and reject any rival “gods” that might try to take God’s rightful place in their hearts. Drawing from biblical examples, he argues that these false gods—such as unbalanced emphasis on education, beauty, and success—can lead to spiritual chaos. Moreover, he encourages believers to receive the promised new heart which emphasizes the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believers life, enabling them to live in obedience and devotion to God. The message concludes with a reflection on the nature of the first commandment as an invitation to relationship and a deepened surrender to God, while urging individuals to honestly assess their spiritual priorities and reaffirm their commitment to placing God at the center of their lives.
