Living a Life That Pleases God

It’s worth it to live a life that pleases God. Every breath, every year, every new day is not just a gift for our comfort, but a call to purpose. God has kept us, not so we can coast, but so we can walk, work, and witness in faith. In this season, we are being challenged to move beyond just showing up, beyond just singing or serving out of routine. The real question is: are we living in such a way that heaven looks down and says, “Well done”?

Living to please God is not about appearances or checking religious boxes. It’s about a faith that is alive—faith that walks with God, works in obedience, and worships in gratitude. Like Noah, who didn’t just believe God’s word but built the ark, we are called to put our faith into action. Faith without works is dead. God is not looking for spectators, but for participators—those who will use their gifts, serve, and reach out to others.

We must also remember that worship is not just for Sunday mornings. True worship is fueled by gratitude, and it happens in every season—through grief, through uncertainty, through blessing. When God brings us through, we must not forget to say thank you, to build an altar of praise before we build anything else. Our worship, especially in the hard times, is what pleases God most.

This is a season of building, believing, and pressing forward. It’s a time to invest in our youth, to encourage academic and spiritual excellence, and to support one another in prayer and love. We are called to action, to obedience, and to gratitude. God is inviting us to take a step of faith, to trust Him even when the path doesn’t make sense, and to watch Him do what only He can do. Without faith, it is impossible to please God—but with faith, we will see Him move in ways beyond our imagination.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Is More Than Belief—It’s a Walk Pleasing God requires more than just believing He exists; it means walking with Him daily, aligning our steps with His word, and checking in through prayer even when life is good. Faith is a relationship, not a ritual, and it’s cultivated by consistent, intentional communion with God. When we walk with Him, our lives become a testimony of trust and surrender. [72:18]
• 2. Obedience Activates God’s Promises Faith without works is dead. God honors obedience more than talent or good intentions. Like Noah, we must move from intention to action—building, serving, and using our gifts for God’s kingdom. When we step out in obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient, we position ourselves to receive God’s best. [84:27]
• 3. Worship Is the Fuel of a Grateful Heart True worship flows from gratitude, not just for what God has done, but for who He is. After every storm, before we celebrate the blessing, we must build an altar of thanksgiving. Worship in the process, not just the outcome, pleases God and keeps our hearts aligned with His. [94:04]
• 4. Invest in the Next Generation—It’s Urgent Our children are our tomorrow, and it’s vital to ground them in faith and excellence now, not later. The church and family must partner to pour into their spiritual, academic, and emotional growth. If we neglect this, we risk losing our future; if we invest, we build a legacy that honors God. [29:58]
• 5. Faith Grows by Taking the Leap Growth in faith doesn’t come by waiting for perfect conditions, but by stepping out when God calls—even when it doesn’t make sense. Every act of trust, every leap, is met by God’s faithfulness. As we move, God moves, and our faith matures through action, not just contemplation. [101:49]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [11:07] - Opening Praise: “It’s Worth It”
• [14:57] - Prayers and Community Updates
• [23:02] - Faith Series Continues & Announcements
• [26:24] - Staying Connected: Membership and Newsletters
• [29:01] - The Importance of Youth Involvement
• [29:58] - Investing in Our Children’s Future
• [32:48] - Celebrating Academic Excellence
• [39:52] - Encouragement for All Students
• [42:11] - Fellowship and Gratitude
• [45:11] - Special Prayers and Celebrations
• [49:19] - June Birthdays and Anniversaries
• [51:50] - Living to Please God: Hebrews 11:6
• [65:29] - What Does It Mean to Please God?
• [72:18] - Faith That Walks with God
• [84:27] - Faith That Works in Obedience
• [94:04] - Faith That Worships in Gratitude
• [101:49] - The Call to Take a Step of Faith
• [108:30] - Prayers for Stepping Out in Faith
• [113:55] - Giving and Campaign 50 Update
• [120:28] - Final Announcements and Closing
• [129:54] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:6 — "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what two things are necessary for someone to please God?
2. In the sermon, what are some ways the pastor described as “just showing up” or “checking religious boxes” instead of truly living to please God? [[01:05:29]]
3. What did Noah do that showed his faith was more than just belief? [[01:12:18]]
4. What is the first thing Noah did after the flood, according to the sermon? [[01:34:04]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor said, “God is not looking for spectators, but for participators.” What does it mean to be a participator in faith, and how is that different from just attending church? [[01:23:34]]
2. Why do you think the pastor emphasized that worship is not just for Sunday mornings, but should happen “in every season—through grief, through uncertainty, through blessing”? [[01:38:48]]
3. The sermon mentioned that “obedience activates God’s promises.” How does obedience connect to faith, and why is it important for seeing God’s promises fulfilled? [[01:24:27]]
4. The pastor challenged the church to invest in the next generation. Why is this urgent, and what might happen if we neglect this responsibility? [[29:58]]

Application Questions

1. The pastor asked, “Are we living in such a way that heaven looks down and says, ‘Well done’?” What is one area of your life where you feel challenged to live more intentionally for God? [[01:05:29]]
2. Think about your daily routine. Are there times when your faith is more about habit than relationship? What is one practical way you can “walk with God” this week, not just go through the motions? [[01:12:18]]
3. The sermon said, “Faith without works is dead.” Is there a gift or talent you’ve been sitting on that you could use to serve God or others? What’s one step you can take to put your faith into action? [[01:26:56]]
4. The pastor talked about building an “altar of thanksgiving” before celebrating the blessing. What is something God has brought you through recently, and how can you intentionally thank and worship Him for it? [[01:34:04]]
5. When was the last time you took a “leap of faith”—stepping out when the path didn’t make sense? Is there something God is calling you to trust Him with right now? What’s holding you back? [[01:41:49]]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of investing in our youth. Is there a young person in your life you can encourage, mentor, or pray for this week? What’s one specific thing you can do to support their growth? [[29:58]]
7. The pastor said, “True worship flows from gratitude, not just for what God has done, but for who He is.” How can you practice gratitude in your worship this week, even if you’re going through a hard time? [[01:38:48]]