Clickable Time Stamps
04:15 Song Service – Robin Neill
22:36 Praise Reports – Elder Ivan Bird
35:45 Special Music – “I Need Thee Every Hour” – Jeff Stilwell
39:08 Welcome and Call to Worship – Elder Mike Hood
57:06 Special Music – “Lord I Need You” – Jeff Stilwell
61:07 Sermon – “Who Is Your God?” – Elder Scott Stayton

Summary

In this heartfelt address, Elder Scott Stayton invites the congregation to reflect on their personal relationship with God, emphasizing the centrality of their devotion and priorities in life. Drawing from historical sermons and personal anecdotes, Scott highlights the importance of understanding what truly rules one’s heart, suggesting that our “god” could be anything from material possessions to family or hobbies. Scott recalls a tragic story of a friend who placed his happiness in the wrong priorities, ultimately leading to despair. The message stresses that while material wealth and pursuits may seem significant, they are ultimately fleeting compared to the everlasting nature of God. Scott encourages the congregation to develop an intimate relationship with God, akin to that of a child with a parent, filled with trust and absolute dependence. By relinquishing worldly desires and embracing faith, individuals can experience the profound love and guidance of their Heavenly Father. Several scriptures are referenced, reinforcing the idea of God’s unwavering love and care for His creation. Ultimately, Scott calls for a return to childlike faith and an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty in every aspect of life.

Highlights

1. Reflection on God: Scott prompts the audience to examine who or what they consider their god.
2. Consequences of Misplaced Priorities: A tragic story illustrates the dangers of placing value on transient things.
3. Blessings of Life: Scott acknowledges the material blessings we often take for granted compared to those in less fortunate situations.
4. Prophetic Warning: Echoing historical sermons, Scott warns that God may remove material comforts if they hinder our relationship with Him.
5. Childlike Faith: Emphasizing the importance of trusting God like a child, Scott encourages the audience to rely on their Heavenly Father.
6. Scriptural Foundations: The message is reinforced by scripture that speaks to the relationship between God and His children.
7. Call to Action: Scott encourages the congregation to uplift each other and seek a deeper connection with God.

Key Insights

1. Who is Your God?: Scott urges self-reflection on what dominates our time and resources. This introspection can reveal whether we are prioritizing worldly pleasures or our relationship with God. The concept of god being our “ruling passion” is critical; understanding what we love most helps clarify our spiritual priorities.
2. The Dangers of Materialism: The story of a friend who lost his life after pursuing sports and social status illustrates the emptiness that often accompanies misplaced priorities. This serves as a cautionary tale that material pursuits cannot fill the void left by a lack of spiritual fulfillment.
3. Gratitude for Blessings: Scott emphasizes how many within the audience have experienced life in less affluent conditions, encouraging gratitude for the blessings often taken for granted. This perspective fosters humility and a greater appreciation for life’s provisions.
4. Divine Intervention and Material Loss: The prophetic statement about God removing material possessions if they hinder our relationship with Him serves as a sobering reminder of the potential cost of prioritizing worldly concerns over spiritual ones. It highlights the transient nature of material wealth.
5. Trusting in God’s Provision: The analogy of childlike faith is fundamental in understanding our reliance on God. Just as children trust their parents for everything, believers are encouraged to trust God completely for their needs and direction in life.
6. Scriptural Assurance: The reference to Romans 8 reinforces the idea of believers being adopted into God’s family. This relationship provides a profound sense of belonging and security, affirming that God’s love is unconditional and everlasting.
7. Community Support: Scott’s call for mutual upliftment among congregation members underscores the importance of community in spiritual growth. By supporting one another, individuals can foster a deeper sense of connection and collective faith.

In conclusion, this message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of examining our priorities and the relationship we maintain with God. Through reflections, personal anecdotes, and scriptural affirmations, Scott encourages an introspective journey toward deeper faith, reliance on divine guidance, and the recognition of God’s unwavering love. By cultivating a childlike trust in God and supporting one another, individuals can navigate life’s challenges with grace and assurance of their Heavenly Father’s presence.