I Could Never | Robert Madu | Social Dallas - Social Dallas Podcast

Social Dallas Podcast – "I Could Never" | Robert Madu | November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This message, delivered by Pastor Robert Madu at Social Dallas, explores the theme "I Could Never" as part of the ongoing series, "God Hates ____." Pastor Robert addresses the Biblical truth that the sins God hates are not distant from us, but rooted deeply in our hearts. Focusing on Proverbs 6 and the story of Cain and Abel, he challenges listeners to examine their hearts, recognizing that all outward actions begin internally. The transformative power of Jesus' blood and the need for grace and heart renewal remain at the episode's core.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Reflections & Community Stories ([00:00]–[15:08])

Taylor and Robert emphasize spiritual steadfastness for the year, with metaphors of being "planted" despite life's storms.
Community members share testimonies about baptism, finding family at Social Dallas, and the impact on children.
Robert tells a story of a family driving two hours from Mount Pleasant, Texas, underscoring the power of obedience and belonging.
"They said, 'It's worth the drive.' And I was thinking about their obedience... A place that we were only able to acquire because of people's obedience." ([15:08])

Gratitude, Generosity & Church Vision ([15:08]–[22:23])

Updates on the church’s fundraising campaign: nearing $1 million towards a $6 million goal for a new building.
Emphasis on giving as an act of obedience, not just duty.
Prayer for the offering, highlighting the privilege to sow into the community and serve globally.

Worship & The Presence of God ([22:23]–[34:11])

Extended worship sequence focusing on God's holiness, power, and love.
Robert reflects on God embodying both power and love, making Him uniquely trustworthy. "I'm scared of somebody that's in power but has no love...But can I tell you what I love about our God? He is love. And he has all power in his hand. That's why you can trust him." ([30:22])

Word of the Year & Verse Declaration ([34:11]–[36:23])

Robert invites the congregation to declare Psalm 92:13–15, reinforcing the word "planted" as the theme for 2025.

Sermon Introduction – The “Never Have I Ever” Illusion ([36:23]–[43:37])

Pastor Robert introduces Proverbs 6:16–17, focusing on "hands that shed innocent blood."
He uses the game "Never Have I Ever" to illustrate how we distance ourselves from certain sins. "Because I think that is one of the most dangerous illusions that the human heart could ever believe. Whenever you tell yourself 'I could never do that,' oh, no, they might have done it, but I could never do that. Anytime you say I could never, be careful because I believe you are right on the edge of a fall." ([43:37])

The Heart-Hand Connection ([43:37]–[54:49])

Central thesis: All outward sin starts in the heart.
Challenges the congregation to self-examine, reminding that pride, lying, and even physical harm originate internally. "The heart of the problem with the humanity in society is not the hands. It's always the heart." ([46:02])
Taylor: "Who is the person that you refuse to forgive? What is the grudge you keep nursing and rehearsing?" ([46:22])

Biblical and Practical Examples ([50:05]–[55:03])

Robert uses forensic science metaphors: detectives know the crime scene is the last scene—the real beginning is the motive, rooted in the heart.
Looks at David’s prayer after his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah:
"Just because you are after God's heart, it doesn't mean that you have mastered your heart." ([53:59])
Emphasizes the importance of praying for a clean heart, not just better behavior.

Jesus’ Teaching: Anger, Motive, and True Guilt ([55:58]–[58:32])

References Matthew 5 (Sermon on the Mount):
"You have heard that it was said...you shall not murder...But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."
Explains that evil actions (robbery, adultery, murder) have internal seeds (envy, lust, anger).

Proverbs 6 List: Our Bodies and Sin ([58:32]–[60:50])

Breaks down how every sin God hates is connected to a body part—eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet. "My body is not neutral. Your body can be an instrument for righteousness or for the greatest evil...What have you done with your eyes this week? What have you done with your tongue? What’s happening in your heart?" ([59:01])

The Story of Cain & Abel: Worship, Rejection, and Murder ([60:50]–[71:21])

Detailed retelling of Genesis 4: Cain and Abel’s offerings; God’s rejection of Cain’s offering not due to the gift, but the heart posture.
Taylor: "Cain said, 'My offering, my choice.'...But Abel offered it by faith and said, I’m going to bring God worship not the way I want, but the way He wants." ([65:27])
God warns Cain: "Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." ([69:07])
Cain, ignoring God’s warning, murders Abel—an act that began in the heart before it manifested in action.

The Voice of Innocent Blood & The Better Word of Christ ([71:21]–[75:48])

After Abel’s murder, God says:
"Listen. Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground." ([71:21])
Taylor: "Blood always has a voice." ([72:39])
Transitions to the Gospel:
"Abel's blood screams for justice. But I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus that cries out mercy. The blood of Jesus cries out forgiveness..." ([75:48])
Hebrews 12:24: "To Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than that of Abel."

Closing Prayer and Calls for Repentance ([77:06]–[82:20])

Invitation to respond:
"I've shed innocent blood either with my hands or in my heart. Today, I need to find forgiveness and the only one whose blood speaks a better word." ([79:43])
Leads in corporate prayer of surrender and a request for a clean heart.

Final Blessing and Encouragement ([82:20]–end)

Robert reassures:
"This is not a message to say, oh, you're so messed up. This is a message. It says, yeah, we're all messed up, but thank God for Jesus and His blood that speaks a better word..." ([82:49])
Challenges the congregation to "keep showing up," promising growth through steadfast participation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"If you keep showing up, you keep growing up." – Robert Madu ([00:18], closing at [84:00])
"Your hands and your heart are connected." – Taylor Madu ([49:14])
"My hands might pull the trigger, but it's my heart that loaded the gun." – Robert Madu ([49:16])
"Just because you are after God's heart, it doesn't mean that you have mastered your heart." – Robert Madu ([53:59])
"Anger is murder in seed form." – Robert Madu ([56:47])
"Blood always has a voice." – Taylor Madu ([72:39])
"Abel's blood screams for justice. But I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus that cries out mercy." – Robert Madu ([75:48])
"Don't let the enemy come in your mind with shame and condemnation. Because when you come to Jesus... his blood speaks a better word." – Robert Madu ([82:20])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00]–[01:23]: Theme of being "planted"; community introductions
[15:08]: Testimonies about the impact of Social Dallas
[18:00]: Church giving campaign update
[22:23]–[34:11]: Worship and reflection on God's attributes
[36:23]: Start of sermon – "God Hates ___" series context
[41:50]: Introduction of the main theme: "I Could Never"
[46:02]: Emphasis on the heart as the root of all evil actions
[53:59]: King David's story: The danger of an unguarded heart
[55:58]: Jesus’ teaching on anger and murder
[59:01]: Physical anatomy and spiritual application in Proverbs 6
[60:50]–[71:21]: Cain and Abel narrative; deeper teaching on sin's origins
[72:39]: The cry of Abel’s blood vs. the blood of Jesus
[75:48]: Hebrews 12:24 and the "better word" of Christ's blood
[79:43]: Invitation to repent and surrender
[82:20]: Prayer for a clean heart and new life in Jesus

Tone & Style

Pastor Robert’s tone is warm, direct, and deeply pastoral. He uses accessible metaphors, Biblical narratives, and practical questions to push for genuine heart introspection and spiritual growth. Taylor’s interjections reinforce inclusivity, acceptance, and communal belonging. The overall environment is honest, vulnerable, and inviting for transformation.

Conclusion

Even for those feeling distant from “big sins,” this message insists we all must guard our hearts, as every action—good or evil—begins internally. Through Christ, the verdict over us is not condemnation but mercy. The episode ends with an invitation to embrace grace, pursue healing in Christ, and, as always, remain "planted" and showing up in faith and community.

Social Dallas Podcast – "I Could Never" | Robert Madu | November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Reflections & Community Stories ([00:00]–[15:08])

Taylor and Robert emphasize spiritual steadfastness for the year, with metaphors of being "planted" despite life's storms.
Community members share testimonies about baptism, finding family at Social Dallas, and the impact on children.
Robert tells a story of a family driving two hours from Mount Pleasant, Texas, underscoring the power of obedience and belonging.
"They said, 'It's worth the drive.' And I was thinking about their obedience... A place that we were only able to acquire because of people's obedience." ([15:08])

Gratitude, Generosity & Church Vision ([15:08]–[22:23])

Updates on the church’s fundraising campaign: nearing $1 million towards a $6 million goal for a new building.
Emphasis on giving as an act of obedience, not just duty.
Prayer for the offering, highlighting the privilege to sow into the community and serve globally.

Worship & The Presence of God ([22:23]–[34:11])

Extended worship sequence focusing on God's holiness, power, and love.
Robert reflects on God embodying both power and love, making Him uniquely trustworthy. "I'm scared of somebody that's in power but has no love...But can I tell you what I love about our God? He is love. And he has all power in his hand. That's why you can trust him." ([30:22])

Word of the Year & Verse Declaration ([34:11]–[36:23])

Robert invites the congregation to declare Psalm 92:13–15, reinforcing the word "planted" as the theme for 2025.

Sermon Introduction – The “Never Have I Ever” Illusion ([36:23]–[43:37])

Pastor Robert introduces Proverbs 6:16–17, focusing on "hands that shed innocent blood."
He uses the game "Never Have I Ever" to illustrate how we distance ourselves from certain sins. "Because I think that is one of the most dangerous illusions that the human heart could ever believe. Whenever you tell yourself 'I could never do that,' oh, no, they might have done it, but I could never do that. Anytime you say I could never, be careful because I believe you are right on the edge of a fall." ([43:37])

The Heart-Hand Connection ([43:37]–[54:49])

Central thesis: All outward sin starts in the heart.
Challenges the congregation to self-examine, reminding that pride, lying, and even physical harm originate internally. "The heart of the problem with the humanity in society is not the hands. It's always the heart." ([46:02])
Taylor: "Who is the person that you refuse to forgive? What is the grudge you keep nursing and rehearsing?" ([46:22])

Biblical and Practical Examples ([50:05]–[55:03])

Robert uses forensic science metaphors: detectives know the crime scene is the last scene—the real beginning is the motive, rooted in the heart.
Looks at David’s prayer after his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah:
"Just because you are after God's heart, it doesn't mean that you have mastered your heart." ([53:59])
Emphasizes the importance of praying for a clean heart, not just better behavior.

Jesus’ Teaching: Anger, Motive, and True Guilt ([55:58]–[58:32])

References Matthew 5 (Sermon on the Mount):
"You have heard that it was said...you shall not murder...But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."
Explains that evil actions (robbery, adultery, murder) have internal seeds (envy, lust, anger).

Proverbs 6 List: Our Bodies and Sin ([58:32]–[60:50])

Breaks down how every sin God hates is connected to a body part—eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet. "My body is not neutral. Your body can be an instrument for righteousness or for the greatest evil...What have you done with your eyes this week? What have you done with your tongue? What’s happening in your heart?" ([59:01])

The Story of Cain & Abel: Worship, Rejection, and Murder ([60:50]–[71:21])

Detailed retelling of Genesis 4: Cain and Abel’s offerings; God’s rejection of Cain’s offering not due to the gift, but the heart posture.
Taylor: "Cain said, 'My offering, my choice.'...But Abel offered it by faith and said, I’m going to bring God worship not the way I want, but the way He wants." ([65:27])
God warns Cain: "Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." ([69:07])
Cain, ignoring God’s warning, murders Abel—an act that began in the heart before it manifested in action.

The Voice of Innocent Blood & The Better Word of Christ ([71:21]–[75:48])

After Abel’s murder, God says:
"Listen. Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground." ([71:21])
Taylor: "Blood always has a voice." ([72:39])
Transitions to the Gospel:
"Abel's blood screams for justice. But I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus that cries out mercy. The blood of Jesus cries out forgiveness..." ([75:48])
Hebrews 12:24: "To Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than that of Abel."

Closing Prayer and Calls for Repentance ([77:06]–[82:20])

Invitation to respond:
"I've shed innocent blood either with my hands or in my heart. Today, I need to find forgiveness and the only one whose blood speaks a better word." ([79:43])
Leads in corporate prayer of surrender and a request for a clean heart.

Final Blessing and Encouragement ([82:20]–end)

Robert reassures:
"This is not a message to say, oh, you're so messed up. This is a message. It says, yeah, we're all messed up, but thank God for Jesus and His blood that speaks a better word..." ([82:49])
Challenges the congregation to "keep showing up," promising growth through steadfast participation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"If you keep showing up, you keep growing up." – Robert Madu ([00:18], closing at [84:00])
"Your hands and your heart are connected." – Taylor Madu ([49:14])
"My hands might pull the trigger, but it's my heart that loaded the gun." – Robert Madu ([49:16])
"Just because you are after God's heart, it doesn't mean that you have mastered your heart." – Robert Madu ([53:59])
"Anger is murder in seed form." – Robert Madu ([56:47])
"Blood always has a voice." – Taylor Madu ([72:39])
"Abel's blood screams for justice. But I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus that cries out mercy." – Robert Madu ([75:48])
"Don't let the enemy come in your mind with shame and condemnation. Because when you come to Jesus... his blood speaks a better word." – Robert Madu ([82:20])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00]–[01:23]: Theme of being "planted"; community introductions
[15:08]: Testimonies about the impact of Social Dallas
[18:00]: Church giving campaign update
[22:23]–[34:11]: Worship and reflection on God's attributes
[36:23]: Start of sermon – "God Hates ___" series context
[41:50]: Introduction of the main theme: "I Could Never"
[46:02]: Emphasis on the heart as the root of all evil actions
[53:59]: King David's story: The danger of an unguarded heart
[55:58]: Jesus’ teaching on anger and murder
[59:01]: Physical anatomy and spiritual application in Proverbs 6
[60:50]–[71:21]: Cain and Abel narrative; deeper teaching on sin's origins
[72:39]: The cry of Abel’s blood vs. the blood of Jesus
[75:48]: Hebrews 12:24 and the "better word" of Christ's blood
[79:43]: Invitation to repent and surrender
[82:20]: Prayer for a clean heart and new life in Jesus

I Could Never | Robert Madu | Social Dallas

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Summary

Social Dallas Podcast – "I Could Never" | Robert Madu | November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Reflections & Community Stories ([00:00]–[15:08])

Gratitude, Generosity & Church Vision ([15:08]–[22:23])

Worship & The Presence of God ([22:23]–[34:11])

Word of the Year & Verse Declaration ([34:11]–[36:23])

Sermon Introduction – The “Never Have I Ever” Illusion ([36:23]–[43:37])

The Heart-Hand Connection ([43:37]–[54:49])

Biblical and Practical Examples ([50:05]–[55:03])

Jesus’ Teaching: Anger, Motive, and True Guilt ([55:58]–[58:32])

Proverbs 6 List: Our Bodies and Sin ([58:32]–[60:50])

The Story of Cain & Abel: Worship, Rejection, and Murder ([60:50]–[71:21])

The Voice of Innocent Blood & The Better Word of Christ ([71:21]–[75:48])

Closing Prayer and Calls for Repentance ([77:06]–[82:20])

Final Blessing and Encouragement ([82:20]–end)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Conclusion

Summary

Social Dallas Podcast – "I Could Never" | Robert Madu | November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Reflections & Community Stories ([00:00]–[15:08])

Gratitude, Generosity & Church Vision ([15:08]–[22:23])

Worship & The Presence of God ([22:23]–[34:11])

Word of the Year & Verse Declaration ([34:11]–[36:23])

Sermon Introduction – The “Never Have I Ever” Illusion ([36:23]–[43:37])

The Heart-Hand Connection ([43:37]–[54:49])

Biblical and Practical Examples ([50:05]–[55:03])

Jesus’ Teaching: Anger, Motive, and True Guilt ([55:58]–[58:32])

Proverbs 6 List: Our Bodies and Sin ([58:32]–[60:50])

The Story of Cain & Abel: Worship, Rejection, and Murder ([60:50]–[71:21])

The Voice of Innocent Blood & The Better Word of Christ ([71:21]–[75:48])

Closing Prayer and Calls for Repentance ([77:06]–[82:20])

Final Blessing and Encouragement ([82:20]–end)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Conclusion