Listen "Making God My God"
Episode Synopsis
The sermon by Joshua Watkins begins with an emphasis on the importance of spending time with God's word and each other. It centers around Genesis 28, specifically Jacob's journey and encounters with God.
Jacob is instructed by his father Isaac to find a wife from his uncle's family. In contrast, his brother Esau marries into an enemy clan, displaying rebellious behavior.
The sermon then moves to the pivotal moment where Jacob has a powerful dream about a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending. This dream is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.
The most significant part of the chapter, however, is Jacob's vow in verse 20. He pledges that if God protects him, provides for him, and brings him back in peace, then the Lord will be his God. Jacob also designates a stone as a memorial and commits to giving a tenth of all he receives to God.
The sermon underscores the idea that it's possible for God to be present in one's life without being the center of it. It emphasizes the difference between having God in one's life and making God the focal point of life.
The Josh compares Jacob's character, initially portrayed as somewhat deceptive, with his godly parents, Isaac and Rebecca. Despite being raised in a devout family and following his parents' guidance, Jacob only truly claims God as his own in this chapter.
The sermon concludes by asking the congregation to reflect on whether God is merely a part of their lives or if He is their all-consuming focus. It poses the question: Do you have a craving for God, akin to a strong, uncontrollable desire?
The message emphasizes that the longing for God is innate and a sign of His presence within individuals. Josh encourages the audience to nurture this craving, ultimately fostering a deep and genuine connection with God.
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