Explores knowing God personally, encouraging energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and finding contentment in Him.
Good morning, dear friends. It is always a joy to gather with you, to share in the warmth of our fellowship, and to open the rich treasure chest of God’s Word together. We are not here by accident. We are here by divine appointment, called together by the One who has written our stories and holds our futures in His capable hands. His Word is our guide, our comfort, our hope. It is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path.
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 28. Let us listen attentively as the ancient words of Scripture come alive to us anew:
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The words of the prophet Isaiah echo through the centuries, speaking to us of salvation, struggle, and spirituality. They remind us of our need for God’s strength, our call to steadfastness, and the sustaining power of our faith in times of suffering.
J.I. Packer once said, "There's a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him." This, dear friends, is the heart of our message today. As we grapple with the truths of Isaiah 28, may we not only know about God, but truly know Him. May we find energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.
The prophet Isaiah's words ring out with a clarion call, urging us to seek salvation, not through our own might, but through the strength that comes from God. This is a strength that surpasses human understanding, a strength that empowers us to stand firm in the face of adversity, a strength that enables us to live out our faith with conviction and courage.
Not something we can earn or achieve on our own: It is a gift, freely given by a gracious God who loves us deeply and desires for us to live in the fullness of His blessings. It is a strength that comes from surrender, from recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations, and from placing our trust in God's infinite power and wisdom.
Spiritual strength: When we think of strength, we often think of physical power or mental toughness. But the strength that Isaiah speaks of is a spiritual strength, a strength that is grounded in faith and fueled by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a strength that enables us to persevere in the face of trials, to remain steadfast in our commitment to God, and to live out our faith with boldness and conviction.
Not a passive acceptance: It is an active engagement with the challenges and opportunities that life presents. It is a strength that enables us to face our fears, to overcome our doubts, and to press on towards the goal of our high calling in Christ Jesus.
Not something we can manufacture on our own: It’s a gift from God, a divine endowment that comes as we surrender our lives to Him and place our trust in His promises. It is a strength that is born out of a deep and abiding relationship with God, a relationship that is nurtured through prayer, cultivated through obedience, and sustained by the grace of God.
Not a one-time infusion of power: It is a continual replenishment of divine energy, a constant flow of spiritual vitality that comes as we abide in Christ and draw from His inexhaustible resources. It is a strength that enables us to face each new day with confidence, to navigate the challenges of life with courage, and to live out our faith with conviction and joy.
Strength is not for our own personal gain or glory: It is for the advancement of God's kingdom, for the proclamation of His gospel, and for the demonstration of His love and grace in the world. It is a strength that compels us to serve others, to share the good news of Christ, and to shine as lights in a dark and broken world.
The imagery of a tempest of hail, a destroying storm, a flood of mighty waters overflowing - these are not just physical calamities, but symbolic of the spiritual and emotional storms we face in our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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