November 17th Sermon Only

Summary

In this powerful sermon based on Isaiah 6:1-13, the preacher explores God's holiness, judgment, grace, and mission. Isaiah’s vision of the Lord on His throne reveals the overwhelming holiness of God, leading to Isaiah’s confession of sin and subsequent atonement. The preacher emphasizes God's grace, shown through the atonement of Isaiah's sin and the call to mission. Drawing parallels to Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, the sermon highlights the church’s mission to proclaim the good news of salvation. With reflections on the church calendar and the importance of mission, this message calls believers to answer God's call: 'Here I am, send me.'

Takeaways

• 😀 God’s holiness is the central theme of Isaiah's vision, which reveals His absolute purity and intolerance of sin.
• 😀 Isaiah recognizes his own sinfulness when he encounters God’s holiness, reflecting on being a 'man of unclean lips.'
• 😀 Despite Isaiah's unworthiness, God's grace provides atonement, symbolized by the seraphim’s touch with the burning coal from the altar.
• 😀 The act of purification in Isaiah’s vision foreshadows the ultimate atonement of Jesus Christ, who takes away the sin of the world.
• 😀 Isaiah’s willingness to respond to God’s call ('Here I am, send me') underscores the importance of mission in the life of believers.
• 😀 Even when faced with rejection, the message of salvation must be proclaimed, as Isaiah was sent to a people who would not listen.
• 😀 God's judgment and grace are intertwined, with judgment highlighting the need for grace, and grace offering hope and redemption.
• 😀 The concept of the 'holy seed' in verse 13 represents the preservation of a faithful remnant, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
• 😀 The church's mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ, both locally and globally, responding to the call of God’s holiness and grace.
• 😀 The imagery of the heavenly throne room and seraphim emphasizes the majesty and awe of God's presence, calling believers to reverence and obedience.
• 😀 Despite Israel's rejection of God’s message, the promise of salvation endures, reminding believers of the ultimate victory through Christ’s resurrection.

Q & A

What is the significance of the church calendar as discussed in the sermon?

The church calendar marks the different seasons and events of the Christian faith. The speaker highlights the end of the church year in November, which contrasts with the secular calendar where December marks the year’s end. The church year begins with Advent, and the sermon explores how key events like Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas fit into this framework.

Why does the speaker mention the importance of 'Mission' in relation to the church's purpose?

The speaker stresses that the church, while centered on worship and community, is fundamentally about 'Mission'. The church's mission is to share the gospel, spread the message of Jesus Christ, and fulfill its calling to bring salvation to the world, just as Isaiah did in his time.

How does the speaker connect Isaiah’s vision with the concept of holiness?

Isaiah's vision reveals God's holiness through his overwhelming appearance and the worship of the seraphim, who proclaim, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts'. The vision demonstrates that God is completely pure, righteous, and without tolerance for sin, which is why Isaiah feels overwhelmed and unworthy.

What is the significance of Isaiah's reaction to his vision of God?

Isaiah reacts with fear and self-recognition of his sinfulness, saying, 'Woe is me, for I am lost.' This reflects the human condition when in the presence of God's holiness. It also illustrates that recognizing one's sinfulness is essential for understanding God's grace.

What does the act of the seraphim touching Isaiah's lips with a burning coal represent?

The burning coal symbolizes atonement and forgiveness. When the seraphim touches Isaiah's lips, it represents the cleansing of his sin, similar to how God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. This act highlights God's mercy and the promise of restoration despite human sinfulness.

How does the speaker connect Isaiah's atonement with the death of Jesus Christ?

The speaker explains that Isaiah’s atonement, while symbolic, points to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. Just as the coal cleanses Isaiah, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross cleanses believers from sin and offers eternal life. The connection shows how God's plan for salvation unfolds throughout history.

What is the church’s mission as outlined in the sermon?

The church’s mission, as outlined in the sermon, is to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This involves proclaiming God's holiness and grace, even when people may not respond. The church is called to go and speak, just as Isaiah did, bringing hope and the message of the gospel to the world.

Why does the speaker refer to Isaiah’s mission as a difficult task?

Isaiah’s mission is described as difficult because God tells him that the people will not listen or understand. Despite this, Isaiah is commanded to speak God’s message, which serves as a reminder that the church’s mission may not always yield immediate results, but it remains important and faithful to God's call.

How does the sermon explain the relationship between God’s holiness and His grace?

The sermon explains that God’s holiness demands judgment for sin, but His grace provides forgiveness and atonement. While God is just and pure, He is also merciful, offering salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This balance of holiness and grace is central to the gospel message.

What role does the concept of 'the stump' in Isaiah’s vision play in understanding God’s salvation?

The concept of 'the stump' in Isaiah's vision refers to the remnants of God's people after judgment has fallen. Despite the destruction, the stump signifies hope and the continuation of God’s plan for salvation. The speaker connects this to Jesus Christ, who emerges from the 'stump' of Israel as the Savior, fulfilling God's promise of redemption.