Clickable Time Stamps
04:02 Kingdom Kids Overnight Presentation – Becky Stayton
11:33 Sunday Praise with Elder Ivan Bird
19:32 Song Service led by Kingdom Kids
37:07 Special Music – “Jesus, Strong and Kind” – The Brett Smith Family
41:07 Welcome and Call to Worship – Elder Thoric Smith
48:55 Sermon – “Servants and Sacrifice” – Elder Bryan Smith
83:42 Special Music – “Glorious” – The Brett Smith Family

Summary

This sermon begins with a modern-day parable involving two men at a religious gathering who recite the 23rd Psalm. The young, educated speaker is applauded for his flawless recitation, but it is the older man whose heartfelt delivery moves the audience to tears. The distinction between knowing scripture and knowing the Shepherd (Jesus) is emphasized. Elder Bryan Wilton explores themes of sacrifice, humility, and the importance of fostering a personal and deep relationship with God. Bryan discusses the nature of true sacrifice and intercessory prayer through various anecdotes, illustrating the power of faith and the necessity of turning back to God in humility. Ultimately, Bryan urges readers to seek a profound connection with their Shepherd and embrace a life of sacrificial service.

Highlights

1. The Importance of Relationship: The difference between merely knowing scripture and having a profound relationship with Jesus is illustrated through the contrasting recitations of the young and old men.
2. True Sacrifice: Bryan underscores the idea that true sacrifice is not merely about giving up something tangible, but involves a spiritual and emotional commitment to serve others.
3. Intercessory Prayer: The concept of praying on behalf of others is explored, highlighting its power and importance in the Christian faith.
4. Humility and God’s Power: The necessity of humility for experiencing God’s power in our lives is emphasized, suggesting that pride can be a barrier to divine intervention.
5. Seeking the Shepherd: The congregation is encouraged to continually seek a deeper knowledge and connection with their Shepherd, reflecting on their relationship with Jesus.
6. The Potential for Redemption: Bryan submits that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of turning back to Him.
7. Sacrificing for Others: Engaging in deep, sacrificial prayer for others is portrayed as an expression of genuine love and commitment to faith.

Key Insights

1. Understanding the Depth of Scripture: The contrast between the performances of the two men illustrates that knowing scripture intellectually is less impactful than living it out through a personal relationship with God. The emotional connection to the words of Jesus can transform the way they resonate with others, reflecting the personal journey of faith rather than mere recitation.
2. The Essence of True Sacrifice: Bryan presents sacrifice as a profound act of love and devotion, particularly the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity. He challenges the congregation to consider what true sacrifice looks like in their own lives, urging for a deep commitment that goes beyond surface-level actions. This idea highlights the call to action for believers to consider their roles as servants in their communities and churches.
3. The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Through the anecdotes shared, particularly with the pastor’s story, Bryan demonstrates how intercessory prayer can lead to transformative outcomes. Bryan advocates that praying for others, especially those who may not know how to pray for themselves, is crucial in fostering a community of faith and support. The sermon emphasizes that prayer is not merely a checklist but an engagement with God that can lead to significant divine interventions.
4. Humility as a Catalyst for Change: The initial call to humility before prayer sets the tone for divine action. It suggests that recognizing one’s limitations and positioning oneself before God allows for greater receptivity to His power. Bryan reiterates that humility can unlock the opportunities for God to work through both individual lives and congregational dynamics.
5. Seeking a Deeper Relationship: The exhortation to seek deeper knowledge of the Shepherd reveals an essential truth of faith — that a relationship with God is about continuous learning and intimacy. This concept challenges individuals to assess their current faith practices and to strive for more profound connection and understanding, mirroring David’s sincere desire to dwell in the presence of the Lord.
6. The Possibility of Redemption: Bryan emphasizes that no one is beyond the grace of God by using the story of a man who thought he was too far gone. This insight serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love and mercy are always extended, encouraging individuals who feel lost to return to their faith with hope and trust in God’s restorative potential.
7. Living as a Sacrificial Witness: Bryan encourages the congregation to reflect on their own willingness to embody a sacrificial lifestyle and to be vessels of God’s love in practical ways. By highlighting testimonies of unexpected service and commitment, it calls forth a challenge for Christians to actively engage in the lives of others, sacrificially praying and acting for their benefit as a reflection of the love they’ve received from Christ.

In conclusion, Bryan provides a profound contemplation of faith through storytelling and scriptural reflection, inviting readers to examine their relationships with God and embrace a life characterized by sacrifice, prayer, humility, and unconditional love for others.