Sermon Central
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God's Message Is For All Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 7, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: Study of the book of Isaiah, Chapter 10. Examining God's purpose for the church to be willing to spread the Gospel at all costs; and for the church to be willing to ensure it goes honestly to all that may hear it. (Ref: Isaiah 10:1-4)
God’s Message is for all
Introduction
- Focus: CLBC Response to Ministry and Evangelism
-- Purpose: To connect people with Jesus Christ
- Tonight, let’s continue in Isaiah and look specifically at our charge
- God continues to cry out to his people: Repentance is required
- The purpose of a believer is to reach out and evangelize; to tell of the Christ
-- To bring the message of Christ to the church … and to the lost around us
- If we follow Christ in everything we do – the ministry part becomes easy …
- BECAUSE the work belongs to God, if we will follow and serve Him
- Stand and Read Isaiah 10:1-4 / Pray
Point 1 – God’s message is for all
- Important to remember: the Law has been abolished by Christ’s death
- Romans 2:13 says, “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
- The Law is something that we could never uphold; nor even meet
- APP: We were never supposed to uphold it; it shows us where we need to change
- Because of the cross, we are free and can testify to this freedom to all
- Because of God’s mercy however, the Law is forever behind us
-- Mercy and Grace are undeserved by mankind (discussed this before)
-- But through God’s love we have received a reprieve from the Law
- But even still, the Law of God is still important because it is a guide for us
- Remember, Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
- APP: How does this apply to this portion of scripture … or to our lives?
1) God’s Law is set in stone
2) It is the method of judgment for those without Jesus
3) There are those who create laws apart from God for their own purpose
4) These who create laws to fulfill their desires; or puff themselves up
5) WOE to those who do (Isaiah 10:1)
- As believers, we must maintain God’s decrees and guidance in our lives
- But, be ready to explain the PEACE He gives through His Grace (freedom)
- Evangelism (telling others) is more than a fancy word that we see in church
- God’s people have struggled with this concept forever, so let’s break it down
-- Try this:
1) We are not called to introduce theology or philosophy
2) But we are called to introduce a person we know to others; He has:
a. Changed your life
b. Lives in you without bondage/condemnation
c. Freely gave His life for freedom for anyone that receives
- If we are to avoid this same judgment that is falling upon the people in Isaiah’s time, we must see ourselves in this and change as needed.
- God needs us to show Jesus … Because of the Law that He has saved us from
- Remember: It’s not theology … but introduction to relationship
- How does this tie to Isaiah 10? Look at verses 1-2 again
- If we do not go, and tell, and love, and witness … are we not judging?
- APP: Are we not becoming ones who are deciding what to do (creating laws)?
- TRANS: This WOE could apply to us, so will be so bold to stand for the truth?
Point 2 – When will we stand?
- Re-read Isaiah 10:3
- Day of Reckoning = Coming of the Lord
-- Matt 24:27, “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
-- As Jesus comes in an instant, we need to ensure we are busy with God’s work
- Disaster from afar = wars and destruction, etc.; because it’s already promised
-- Matt 24 & Revelation 6-10 shows us the urgency to correctly give the message
- APP: You may ask yourself, ‘How can I do it?’
- Examples of others who have had issues sharing the message of Christ:
- God can use you; if you would let him. Look at the company we are in:
-- ABRAHAM was too old...
-- ISAAC was a daydreamer..
-- JACOB was a liar...
-- MOSES couldn't talk.
-- RAHAB was a prostitute.
-- JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young.
-- DAVID had an affair and was a murderer.
-- JONAH ran from God.
-- NAOMI was a widow.
-- JOB went bankrupt.
-- JOHN THE BAPTIST ate bugs.
-- PETER denied Christ.
