Love God // Matthew 22:34-40

What is the one thing your whole life hinges on? When a lawyer stepped forward in the temple and asked Jesus to name the greatest commandment out of all 613 in the Torah, Jesus didn't hesitate. His answer reorders the axis of the entire universe, and it still presses on us today.In week two of our "Be the Church" series, we walk through Matthew 22:34-40 and examine what it really means to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This isn't just a theology lecture. It's a call to look honestly at whether our Monday through Saturday lives actually match the answer we would give on a Sunday morning.In this message, we explore four movements:We love God because He first loved us. The gospel always comes before the command.We love God with every part of us, including our finances, our "meod."We love God by loving our neighbor, especially the stranger at the table.We love God by recovering the mission He has given His church.Along the way we unpack the Shema, the difference between friendliness and hospitality, why greeters cannot replace gathering, and why a church that forgets its mission becomes a club that happens to own church equipment.Key Scriptures: Matthew 22:34-40, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 1 John 4:19-20, Romans 5:5-8, Leviticus 19:18, John 3:16Bethel Baptist Church is a gospel-centered church in Topeka, Kansas, committed to helping people love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Join us for biblical preaching, Christ-centered worship, authentic community, and opportunities for the whole family to grow in faith.Plan Your Visit: www.betheltopeka.org/visitGive and Support the Ministry: www.betheltopeka.org/giveWebsite: www.betheltopeka.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethelTopekaInstagram: @BethelTopekaTikTok: @BethelTopekaKSIf you are looking for a church in Topeka, KS, we would love to welcome you to Bethel Baptist Church. Thanks for listening to this sermon from Bethel Baptist Church. If the message encouraged you, we would love to meet you in person this Sunday. You can find service times, directions, and more information at www.betheltopeka.org. And if you would like to support the ministry of Bethel, you can give securely online at www.betheltopeka.org/give. God bless, and we hope to see you soon.