When Church Becomes About Us Instead of God
Pastor Lee Cummings
March 29, 2026 Message Recap
God is not looking for our preferences. He is seeking people who worship Him in Spirit and truth. It is possible to gather, worship, and even welcome Jesus while still missing what He actually wants.
Culture is built around preference. We choose what we like, what we follow, and what we agree with. Over time, that mindset can shape how we approach church.
But here is the real question: What does God want?
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebration. Crowds welcomed Him, people were worshiping, and everything looked right.
The first place Jesus went, however, was the temple.
Why?
To start flipping tables.
Everything that was happening did not match the heart of God. They were gathering, worshiping, and doing everything they had been taught, but their worship had been shaped by people—not by God.
Many churches are operating in this same way today, building church around:
what we prefer
what feels comfortable
what we agree with
what keeps people engaged
Even online, we choose voices that match our opinions. We follow the pastors we agree with, scroll past the ones who challenge us, and build a version of faith that fits our lifestyles.
But faith was never meant to be customized.
In John 4:23–24, Jesus says:
“The Father is seeking such people to worship Him… those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
God is not looking for preference-driven worship; He is looking for Presence-driven worship—people who are filled with His Spirit and grounded in His truth. One cannot exist without the other.
When we separate these, it leads to imbalance:
Spirit without truth leads to confusion
Truth without Spirit leads to dryness
But when both come together, we become what God is actually looking for.
The danger we face is not just imbalance; it is building a version of church that reflects our wants more than it reflects God.
So how do we become a church that lives in Spirit and truth?
Let God’s Word challenge you
Do not just look for what feels good—look for what is true. Seek out pastors who faithfully and boldly preach the gospel without watering it down.
Pursue the Holy Spirit
Do not settle for a faith that is only intellectual. The work of the Holy Spirit is just as essential as knowing Scripture.
Be willing to be uncomfortable
Growth rarely happens in comfort. Real growth often requires stepping beyond what feels normal or easy.
Check your influences
Ask yourself: Am I being shaped by truth, or just reinforced in my preferences? Make sure the voices influencing you are rooted in both Spirit and truth.
At the end of the day, church is not for us first. Church is for Him first. Everything else comes second.
Scripture References
Tap to watch the sermon!
About Radiant Church
Founded in 1996, Radiant Church has grown into a multi-location church committed to biblical teaching, discipleship, and mission.
At Radiant Church, there is an invitation to grow in your spiritual journey, build meaningful community, and truly get connected. We are passionate about helping people grow in faith, encounter the presence of God, and become part of a church grounded in Spirit and truth.