It’s Not the Thought That Counts

Fresh Life Church

Pastor Levi Lusko

Religion & Spirituality

4.8 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 29 September 2025

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this message, Pastor Levi Lusko teaches from 1 John 5:5–21, reminding us that faith is more than feelings and it shows up in how we live, love, and pray. This message explores the assurance we have in Jesus, the power of His blood, and the spiritual “birthmarks” of a true believer. Discover why actions speak louder than intentions, why sin is never to be trifled with, and how to keep the main thing the main thing: Jesus.NEXT STEPS:Ask for prayer or connect with a pastor: https://freshlife.church/contactRegister your decision to follow Jesus and receive free resources: https://freshlife.church/know-godGive a financial gift to support what God is doing as we take steps forward to see the Gospel reach far and wide: https://freshlife.church/giveSUBSCRIBE:Sign up to receive encouragement straight to your inbox, and to stay up to date with announcements, events, and more: https://church.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6ea4d82b2567db3e86b7767cd&id=451f2fe63eDon’t miss a video! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/freshlifechurch?sub_confirmation=1CONNECT ON SOCIALS:Website: https://freshlife.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshlifechurchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/freshlifeYoutube: https://youtube.com/c/freshlifechurch/Fresh Life Church was pioneered by Pastors Levi and Jennie Lusko in 2007. We exist to see those stranded in sin find life and liberty in Jesus Christ. Today Fresh Life’s ministry impacts people with the radical, life-changing message of Jesus’ grace, spilling across Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho… and beyond.

Transcript

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0:00.0	We're going to be in 1 John chapter 5, and the title of this message is, it's not the thought that counts.
0:09.7	That's something we tell ourselves when maybe a gesture goes wrong or falls short of our intended meaning of it.
0:19.4	Maybe we tried to do something for someone or to give a gift to someone,
0:22.5	and it sort of fell flat or bombed, right?
0:25.4	I think about when I bought Jenny a brand new washing machine for her birthday one year,
0:30.0	you know, just, well, bless my own heart.
0:34.2	You know what I'm saying?
0:34.9	Now, in my defense, she asked for it. And I even told her,
0:38.6	I said, I'm going to tell that story in this sermon today. She said, just for the record, I loved that gift, right? And I was like, yeah, but I think for most people hearing that, it would be like, if I bought you a vacuum cleaner. She goes, I would really love a new vacuum. I'm like, I can't win with you, right? Because I told my sister, what did you give for? She goes, what did you
0:53.8	get for Jenny's birthday? I got a brand new washing machine. She goes, you idiot. You can't
0:56.6	get a washing machine. What are give for? She goes, what did you give for Jenny's birthday?
0:54.6	I got a brand new washing machine.
0:55.6	She goes, you idiot, you can't get a washing machine.
0:57.6	What are you saying?
0:58.4	You're my domestic servant. Here's how you may serve me, right? Welcome to this brand new year of your life. Go ahead and let me know when my socks are clean. I mean, it's just, it's messed up.
1:08.7	She goes, it's like buying a peloton.
1:10.6	I go, I did that last year.
1:11.9	I can't win, right?
1:14.3	Anyhow. it's messed up. She goes, it's like buying a Peloton. I go, I did that last year. I can't win, right?
1:14.3	Anyhow, it's a thought that counts. Someone say it's the thought that counts. Not in the kingdom.
1:21.6	In the kingdom of God, our intention really doesn't matter. It's what we do that matters. In the Reformation, they had this
1:31.2	expression to sort of reconcile the balance between faith and works. And it went like this. It's
	...

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