"The Greatest Act of Love"- Pastor John D. Putnam
February 22, 2026
Pastor John D. Putnam
In this week’s sermon, Pastor John D. Putnam concludes the month of February with a powerful and deeply convicting message titled “The Greatest Act of Love.” Centered on the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, this message reveals a profound biblical truth: the highest expression of love is not emotion, words, or sacrifice alone—but total surrender to God. Through the life of Abraham, listeners are invited to explore what it truly means to trust God when faith is tested. Abraham’s willingness to place his promised son on the altar demonstrates that real love is proven not in comfort or blessing, but in obedience and surrender. Pastor Putnam challenges believers to consider the question: What are we unwilling to place in God’s hands? “The Greatest Act of Love” is both an invitation and a challenge: to move beyond belief into complete trust, beyond emotion into obedience, and beyond control into the life-changing love found through surrender. To hear more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!
Episode Notes
Main Point: The greatest expression of love is total surrender to God—placing everything we value on the altar and trusting Him completely.
- Love is not proven through emotion, comfort, or gifts—it is proven through surrender.
- Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac demonstrated that true love trusts God even when the promise itself is placed on the altar.
- Every believer faces moments of testing where surrender determines spiritual growth and authority.
- Surrender is not weakness or loss; it is releasing control so God’s power and provision can operate.
- Satan seeks surrender because surrender determines allegiance—who we bow to determines who rules our lives.
- Jesus modeled ultimate surrender at Calvary: “Not my will, but Thine be done.”
Key Scriptures:
- Genesis 22:1–14 – Abraham’s test and Jehovah Jireh’s provision.
- James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
- Matthew 4:8–10 – Jesus refuses to surrender to Satan’s temptation.
- John 3:16 – God’s love demonstrated through sacrificial giving.
- Luke 22:42 – Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane.
Major Themes:
- Surrender Proves Love: What we place on the altar reveals what we truly love.
- Tests Reveal Trust: Faith is refined through obedience during uncertainty.
- Allegiance Through Surrender: Everyone surrenders to something—God or the enemy.
- Provision Follows Obedience: Jehovah Jireh appears where surrender happens.
- Power Through Submission: God’s authority flows into surrendered lives.
Reflection Questions:
- What am I holding onto that God is asking me to surrender?
- Do I trust God with His promises—even when I don’t understand His process?
- Where might surrender unlock peace, provision, or freedom in my life?
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