Invisible God, Visible Love - ReCreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley - Service April 26, 2026

Invisible God, Visible Love Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: 1 John 4:12-17 Episode Summary Pastor Michael opens with frustration about lettuce seeds that won't sprout - same dirt, water, sun, yet nothing visible. Just like seeds show life by sprouting above ground, God's invisible work in us becomes visible through love. Through 1 John's powerful teaching, he reveals that love is louder than any sermon, and the most convincing sign of the Holy Spirit isn't goosebumps but grace changing how we live and love. Key Points – The most convincing sign of the Holy Spirit's presence isn't goosebumps but God's grace changing how you live and love – Love is louder than any sermon - people may not listen to theology, but they'll feel your patience, kindness, and forgiveness – God's love in believers is rooted in the Gospel, not personality, politeness, or general niceness - we love because we are loved – We don't get to redefine Jesus - we must believe in Him on His terms, not ours, and love and truth must stick together – "God is love" doesn't mean "love is God" - we can't take whatever we feel strongly about and use that to define God – Real love sets up guardrails, seeks what's best, sometimes confronts, and always sacrifices - it's not just a golden retriever who never says no Main Takeaway Love makes God visible. No one has seen God, but when His love changes how we live and love, the invisible God becomes visible. It's one thing to raise your hands; it's another to give someone a hand. People rarely want to hear your truth until they've experienced your love. Your love isn't the only message your life should preach, but it might be the loudest. People who would never read the Bible are reading you every day. Memorable Quotes – "Love makes God visible." – "We can't see God, but we can see Him when His Love comes through us." – "It's one thing to raise your hands; it's another thing to give someone a hand." – "People rarely want to hear your take on Truth until they've experienced your take on Love." – "We don't get to redefine Jesus. We must believe in Jesus on His Terms, not ours." – "Your love isn't the only message your life should preach, but it might be the loudest." – "People who would never read the Bible are reading you every day." Reflection Question What does your life show people about God - that He's real and with you, or that Christians aren't much different from everyone else? Will you make the pledge: "This week I will make God visible through my love"? Tune in to hear the relatable lettuce seed frustration, why offering sweet tea in the mountains is almost a holy act, the critique of prosperity gospel as an imaginary "god" created in man's image, and Pastor Michael's challenge to be patient with teenage daughters who dump nail polish on handcrafted dining tables... again. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly