Do You Want God's Approval?

Have you ever wondered if God truly approves of you? 

In this week's message, Pastor Ricky Ortiz tackles one of the most fundamental human desires in this powerful sermon that will challenge how you think about your relationship with God. Drawing from Matthew 3:16-17 and Matthew 17:1-6, this message explores the deep longing we all share for approval and reveals the shocking truth about God's conditional approval.

From the moment we're born, we crave approval. Whether it's a toddler looking to their parents for validation after doing something new, or adults seeking recognition from bosses, friends, and even strangers, this desire for approval is hardwired into our human nature. Ricky explains how this innate need for approval affects every area of our lives and why rejection and disapproval hurt so deeply. Even those who claim they don't need anyone's approval are often just protecting themselves from the pain of past rejection.

But what about God's approval? 

This is where things get complicated and potentially controversial. While God's love is unconditional and extends to all people regardless of their actions, Ricky makes a bold distinction that God's approval is actually conditional. This doesn't mean God's love changes, but rather that His approval operates differently than His love. Just as a parent can love their child while disapproving of certain behaviors, God can love us unconditionally while His approval depends on specific conditions.

The two biblical passages Ricky examines both contain the same powerful declaration from God the Father: "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." The phrase "brings me great joy" can also be translated as "with whom I am well-pleased," clearly indicating the Father's approval of Jesus. But what were the conditions that earned this divine approval? From these same two passages, Ricky identifies two essential requirements that unlock God's approval in our lives.

Ricky challenges viewers to examine their own lives in light of these two conditions. Are you continuing to live by faith, or have you reverted to trusting in your own abilities and wisdom? Are you resistant to God's leading, or are you genuinely obedient to His direction? Obedience to God shows up in how we treat strangers and foreigners, how we practice generosity, how we serve those who can't repay us, and especially in moments when following God requires giving up dreams, comforts, conveniences, or even career opportunities.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reflection moment where Ricky encourages viewers to honestly assess whether there are areas of their lives not fully surrendered to God through faith and obedience. He paints a beautiful picture of what it means to hear God say "I'm proud of you" – words that many people long to hear from their earthly fathers but that are available to all who meet God's conditions for approval.

This message will revolutionize how you understand your relationship with God and provide practical steps for experiencing His approval in your life. Whether you've been struggling with feelings of inadequacy, wondering if God is pleased with you, or simply want to deepen your faith walk, this sermon offers biblical insight and practical application that will transform how you approach your spiritual journey. Don't miss this life-changing message about faith, obedience, and the approval we all desperately seek.

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