Heart Check | 2-08-26 | Church as Unusual Series | Rev. Reginald Wise

Happy Heart Sunday YT Family! Today, Pastor Wise continues in our Church as Usual Series with this powerful sermon titled, Heart Check . The historical breakthrough of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams—the first surgeon to perform successful open-heart surgery—as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of the nation and the church. Pastor Wise argues that the issues we face—racism, injustice, and greed—are not merely political or social, but are symptoms of a deep-seated heart problem . The greatest danger to our spiritual health isn't external opposition, but the internal corrosion of the heart. To be an effective witness, our private practice must match our public profession. Deriving from Matthew 23.1–12, Pastor Wise diagnoses three specific symptoms of spiritual heart failure that every believer must monitor. Symptom #1: Defected Devotion: Pastor Wise highlights that the Scribes and Pharisees preach, but do not practice. They possessed theological information but lacked spiritual transformation. They knew the language of faith but lacked the lifestyle. True devotion isn't about quoting commandments or posting about them; it’s about following Jesus in the private moments of Monday through Saturday. Hypocrisy is the greatest hindrance to the unsaved. When the pulpit or the pew is defected, it creates a barrier that keeps people from experiencing the true love of God. Symptom #2: Clogged Compassion: Pastor Wise addresses how religious leaders often tie up heavy burdens and lay them on others' shoulders without lifting a finger to help. Church should be a place where burdens are offloaded, not added. When a church becomes obsessed with rigid rules, traditions, and who sits where, it clogs the flow of compassion. Jesus invites those who are heavy-laden to find rest. A healthy heart-check ensures the church remains a place of relief, restoration, and renewal rather than a place of extra rules around the rules. Symptom #3: Enlarged Ego: The final symptom is the pursuit of human applause over God’s approval. The Pharisees wore broad phylacteries (scripture boxes) and long fringes to appear pious. Pastor Wise warns against turning faith into an Oscar-winning performance. An enlarged ego seeks titles, special seats, and public recognition. *In God’s house, there are no big I's and little U's. Spiritual maturity should lead to greater service, not a demand for preferential treatment*. Weekly Take Away: We should live for a Well done from God, not an Amen from the crowd. Video Chapters 0:00 Scrolling Announcements 7:05 Holy Ground 10:03 Welcome and Opening Selection and Prayer 18:42 Singing of The Black National Anthem 23:12 Worship Service Begins 30:40 New Members, Announcements and Upcoming Events 45:49 Worship Service Continues 55:36 Scripture Reading and Prayer 58:00 Heart Check Sermon Starts 1:08:41 Symptom #1: Defected Devotion 1:17:49 Symptom #2: Clogged Compassion 1:21:14 Symptom #3: Enlarged Ego 1:29:05 Call to Salvation and Join the Church 1:37:53 Benediction