Sermon Series Blog: Encounter Pt.4
We’ve been talking about how an encounter with God changes everything! Over the last few weeks, we’ve explored powerful moments of faith and transformation:
We saw the unwavering faith of the four friends who tore through a roof to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus—faith that led to healing and breakthrough.
We learned from Levi the tax collector, who left everything to follow Jesus, reminding us that Jesus calls the broken, not just the righteous.
Last week, we reflected on how our worth is found in God, not the world. No amount of money, success, or validation can compare to the grace God freely gives us. He sees us as worth dying for!
Today, we’re diving into what it means to truly treasure God above all things. Are you ready? Let’s pray.
Treasuring God Above All Things
One of the key phrases on my heart for 2025 is this: Treasure God above all things.
The world uses things like social media, entertainment, and material success to intrigue us. We are drawn to things that benefit us in some way. Ever noticed how businesses sell us the dream of financial freedom, making it look easy and enticing?
But what about our relationship with God? Is it just head knowledge to us? Has it become a tradition or hobby? Or do we treasure Him above all things?
I had a friend growing up who knew the Bible well—he could quote verses and knew all the stories. But knowing about God and treasuring Him are two different things. I’ve seen bitterness take root in him, while my own journey has been about learning to hold on to Christ above all else.
The truth is, we often learn our deepest lessons through storms and challenges. Some of you know the story of Job—a man who remained faithful despite losing everything. What about you? When storms come, do you still treasure God above all things?
Peter’s Trial in Acts 12
Let’s turn to Acts 12.
Peter was arrested by King Herod after James was executed. The Jews cheered on the persecution, and Peter was next. He was locked in prison, chained, and heavily guarded. But verse 5 says this:
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."
Church, prayer changes everything. I’m a living testimony of how the prayers of believers helped bring me back to faith. We are called to lift one another up in prayer, because our God makes the impossible possible.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape
That night, Peter slept between two soldiers, bound in chains. But then, an angel of the Lord appeared and woke him up! The chains fell off, and Peter walked right out of that prison, past all the guards, through the iron gate that opened by itself.
Peter didn’t even realize what was happening until he was out in the street! He went straight to the house where believers were gathered in prayer. When he knocked, a servant named Rhoda was so excited that she forgot to open the door!
Church, Peter’s past sins did not dictate his future with Christ. Someone needs to hear this today: your sins are forgiven, and your past does not define you!
Peter’s trials were not punishments from God. Someone else needs to hear this today: your challenges are not a sign that God is against you. Sometimes, our faith is tested through storms, but God is always working.
Gut-Check Time
Next week is Super Bowl Sunday, and one thing I love about football is that players give their all every single game. Unlike other sports where some players coast through the season, football players know they have to lock in every week. There are no distractions—they’re all in!
What about you?
When life hits hard, when the storm rages, are you desperate for God? Do you treasure Him above all things?
I know I am stubborn—thick-headed, even! But I also know I need God to strengthen my faith. In my darkest nights, I want to hold on to Him. Whether trials come or deliverance arrives, I want my faith to remain unshaken.
So, church, I leave you with this: Treasure God above all things. He is worthy. He is faithful. And He is with you—always.
Amen.
