Love Endures Forever pt.3

In this message, Pastor Josh reflects on 1 Corinthians and the timeless challenges faced by Christians. He emphasises that the gospel, though ancient, still powerfully addresses human nature, division, and the ongoing struggles within individuals, families, and the church.

Whether it’s 2,000 years ago or today, we’re still “practicing old sins in new ways.” But the answer hasn’t changed—Jesus has already done it on the cross.

The Undisputed Destination for True Unity

Pastor Josh begins by revisiting the line that has anchored the whole series:

“Unity is achieved when we have undisputed destination, while we appreciate the uniqueness of companion on the journey.”

That undisputed destination, he says, is always Jesus. Whether in church conflict, marriage, or personal insecurity, unity only comes when we come under the authority of Christ.

He draws on examples from Acts, where the apostles handled disputes not with better systems, but by returning to their calling—to pray and preach. And he applies the same principle to marriage: “Men and women are different species. We’re bound to be divided. But when both look to Christ as their authority, unity is possible.”

God’s Strategy: Weakness Over Strength

The gospel flips everything upside down. God works through what the world overlooks.

“Not many of you were wise… not many were noble… but God chose what is foolish to shame the wise.”

Even Jesus came without fanfare, born in a small town, raised by a carpenter.

“He was nobody.”

This was intentional—so that no one could boast in the presence of God.

True strength, Pastor Josh reminds us, is found in weakness. We often look for flashy leaders or gifted speakers, but that misses the point.

“Church is to be driven by the gospel, not by personality, ability, or prosperity.”

Pastor Josh shared his own struggles with insecurity after preaching, often going home feeling “crap” or “embarrassed.” But he’s come to see it as a blessing.

“Maybe it’s good people stop looking at me. That’s why we say: It’s not ability. It’s availability.”

Wisdom Through the Spirit, Not the World

Paul says, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” That one truth, Pastor Josh says, is the answer for everything—past, present, and future.

At Heartbeat, the church encourages everyone to open physical Bibles during sermons as a posture of worship, trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through the Word. One moment during the message stood out: someone began crying while reading Scripture aloud. Nothing flashy—just God working.

He warns against letting outward image become a mask for inner shallowness.

“The more beautiful the outside becomes, the more danger you’re in of covering what’s inside.”

Insecurity often shows itself through withdrawal or attack. He shares a recent marital moment where deeper emotions came to light—not because of anger, but because he hadn’t trusted that his wife could handle his heart. That’s where the Spirit needs to work—in our marriages, our churches, and our hearts.

Conclusion: Remembering the Message, Not the Messenger

Pastor Josh closes with a heartfelt prayer:

“When you walk away today, you don’t remember the preacher. You don’t remember the messenger. You only remember the message.”

He urges the church not to fix their eyes on people—in relationships or in leadership—but to look through them and see the one behind it all:

“See the one who is all in all, who is a savior, who can give you the justification, sanctification and redemption in your life.”

Jesus is our undisputed destination. And when the enemy whispers insecurity, guilt, or fear, we respond with this:

“So what? Jesus has died for me. I know Jesus who crucified on the cross. I know who I am… God is all in all in my life. He is my final destination.”

This is the gospel that changes hearts—and unites the church.