What Does God Really Want From You?
In this week’s message, Pastor Jared explored Jesus’ final public sermon from Matthew 23, where He confronts the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Using the historical context of whitewashed tombs—limestone-painted burial markers that gleamed beautifully on the outside but contained death and decay within—Jesus illustrated how the Pharisees appeared righteous externally while lacking genuine hearts devoted to God. Pastor Jared challenged the congregation to recognize that what’s inside defines us more than what’s outside, and that morality alone means nothing without a relationship with Christ. He emphasized the difference between transactional faith (trying to earn God’s favor or negotiate with Him) and covenantal faith (trusting God’s unchanging character and promises). The message concluded with a powerful reminder: God knows every hidden corner of our hearts, and while He hates the sin that drives us, He sent His Son to redeem us completely.