Our church community is a place where we can experience the love of Christ through fellowship and support. We are called to lift each other up and spur one another on to do good works. By doing so, we create a community that reflects the love of Christ. Let's never forget that in the midst of all the busyness, we live, breathe, and have our being for God and God alone.

Bible Verse: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Reflection Question: In what ways can you contribute to building a stronger, more loving community within your church?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a source of encouragement and support within my church community. Let my actions reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

True love, as demonstrated by Jesus, is selfless and sacrificial. It goes beyond mere feelings and is shown through actions. Reflect on how Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. This week, challenge yourself to embody this kind of love in your interactions. Praise others, serve selflessly, and spend time in prayer. Remember, love devoid of hostility, competition, and perversion is perfect.

Bible Verse: Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

Reflection Question: How can you show selfless and sacrificial love to those around you today?

Quote: Love devoid of hostility, love devoid of competition, love devoid of perversion. It'll be perfect.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love others as You have loved me. Teach me to be selfless and sacrificial in my actions, reflecting Your perfect love. Amen.

Love is a word we use frequently, but its true meaning can be elusive. From Webster's Dictionary to quotes by famous authors and philosophers, we see various interpretations of love. However, these definitions often fall short of capturing the depth and breadth of true love.

The Bible provides the most profound understanding of love. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul tells us that love is the greatest virtue, surpassing even faith and hope. This love is not just an emotion but a commitment to act in ways that reflect God's love for us.

In Genesis 4:1-12, we read the tragic story of Cain and Abel. Cain's jealousy and anger towards his brother Abel led to the first murder. This story illustrates how jealousy and hate can lead to destructive actions.

We may not commit physical murder, but harboring jealousy and hate in our hearts is equally damaging. As Christians, we are called to love one another and reject these negative emotions. Our righteous actions may sometimes provoke hostility from others, but we must remain steadfast in our commitment to love.

In 1 John 3:11-15, John emphasizes that love is the evidence of our transition from death to life. True love, as demonstrated by Jesus, is selfless and sacrificial. It is a love that seeks the well-being of others above our own.

To truly live out this love, we must encourage and uplift one another. This means praising others for their good deeds and supporting them in their spiritual journey. By doing so, we create a community that reflects the love of Christ.

1. Are there areas in my life where I harbor jealousy or resentment towards others?

2. How can I actively encourage and uplift those around me?

3. What steps can I take to deepen my understanding and practice of selfless love?

Conclusion
True love is the cornerstone of our faith. It is a love that transcends emotions and is rooted in action and commitment. As we continue to grow in our understanding of this love, let us strive to live it out in our daily lives, reflecting the light of Christ to those around us. May we be a community that embodies the love of God, lifting each other up and spreading His love to the world. Amen.

Practicing righteousness is the way, the manner in which we're supposed to live out life. It’s not just about avoiding sin but actively pursuing a life that mirrors God's holiness and love. This means making conscious choices that reflect God's character in our daily actions. Reflect on your current habits and consider how they align with God's will. Are there areas where you can make changes to better reflect His righteousness?

Bible Verse: Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. - 1 John 3:4

Reflection Question: What habits in your life need to change to better align with God's righteousness?

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand what it means to practice righteousness. Show me the areas in my life that need change and give me the strength to make those changes. Amen.

Practicing righteousness is not just about avoiding sin; it's about actively pursuing a life that reflects the holiness and love of God. In 1 John 3:4-6, we learn that everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness, and Jesus appeared to take away sins. Therefore, no one who abides in Him keeps on sinning.

Life can often feel like trying to create a perfect piece of art. We may get frustrated when our efforts don't seem to measure up. However, just as a child’s artwork is cherished by their parents, our efforts to live righteously are valued by our Heavenly Father. The key is to keep practicing and striving towards righteousness, even when we fall short.

Creating New Habits
Practicing righteousness involves creating new habits that lead us away from sin. This can be challenging, especially when our old habits are deeply ingrained. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous recognize the need to disrupt old habits and form new, healthier ones. Similarly, we must actively work to form habits that lead us towards righteousness.

Our culture often places expectations on us that conflict with living a righteous life. True manliness, for example, is not about outward strength or success but about sacrificially loving others, as Christ loved the church. We must choose to follow God's expectations rather than the world's.

1 John 3:7-10 makes it clear that those who practice righteousness are righteous, just as Jesus is righteous. Conversely, those who practice sin are aligned with the devil. This stark contrast challenges us to examine our lives and ensure we are practicing righteousness.

John emphasizes that loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is a crucial aspect of practicing righteousness. It's easy to love those who are like us, but true righteousness involves loving even those who may be difficult to love.


1. What habits do I need to change to practice righteousness more effectively?

2. How can I actively love those who are difficult to love?

3. Am I allowing cultural expectations to dictate my actions, or am I following God's expectations?

Practicing righteousness is a daily commitment that requires intentionality and perseverance. By focusing on creating new habits, overcoming cultural expectations, and loving others, we can live lives that reflect the holiness and love of God. Let’s strive to practice righteousness this week and experience the joy and peace that come from walking in God's ways.

Our hope in Christ empowers us to overcome worldly challenges and prepares us for His return. Romans 8:39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This hope is not based on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God's love. As we face trials and uncertainties, let us hold firmly to the hope we have in Christ. He is our anchor and our refuge. By placing our hope in Him, we find strength, peace, and the assurance of eternal life.

Bible Verse: 'Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' - Romans 8:39

Reflection Question: In what ways can you remind yourself of the unchanging love of God and the hope you have in Christ during difficult times?

Prayer Heavenly: Father, thank You for the unchanging love we have in Christ. Help us to hold firmly to this hope, finding strength and peace in Your promises. Amen.

1 John 3:1-3 reveals our true identity as children of God. This identity transcends earthly roles and accomplishments, providing a stable foundation regardless of our circumstances. When we embrace our identity in Christ, we find a sense of belonging and purpose that the world cannot offer. Living authentically means aligning our private and public lives with our identity in Christ. This alignment strengthens our relationships and serves as a powerful testimony to others. Let us hold firmly to our identity as children of God and live out our faith with confidence and joy.

Bible Verse: 'See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.' - 1 John 3:1-3

Reflection Question: How does knowing your identity as a child of God impact the way you live your life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for calling us Your children. Help us to live authentically, aligning our lives with our identity in Christ. Amen.

In 1 John 2:28-29, we are called to practice righteousness, not to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace we've received. This practice helps bridge the gap between our hopes and our actions. When we align our daily actions with our hopes and dreams, we live out our faith authentically. This alignment not only strengthens our relationship with God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. Let us strive to live righteously, reflecting the grace and love we have received from Christ.

Bible Verse: 'And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.' - 1 John 2:28-29

Reflection Question: What steps can you take today to align your actions with your hopes and dreams in Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to practice righteousness as a response to Your grace. May our actions reflect our faith and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Reflecting on Our Hopes
We all have hopes and dreams, both big and small. From aspiring to be a top-tier athlete to desiring strong relationships, our hopes shape our actions. However, there often exists a gap between what we hope for and how we live our lives. This gap can hinder us from achieving our true potential and living a life aligned with our faith.

The Importance of Practicing Righteousness
1 John 2:28-29 emphasizes the need to abide in Christ to have confidence when He appears. Practicing righteousness is crucial for living a life that reflects our hope in Jesus. This practice isn't about earning salvation but responding to the free gift of grace we've received. By consistently striving to live righteously, we bridge the gap between our hopes and actions.

Living Authentically
Living authentically means aligning our private and public lives with our identity in Christ. It's about being real and transparent, allowing others to see our struggles and our faith. This authenticity strengthens our relationships and serves as a powerful testimony to those around us.

Our hope in Christ is not just for the future but impacts our present lives. By putting our hope in Jesus, we can navigate the challenges of this world with confidence and peace. This hope purifies us and helps us live in a way that honors God.

Challenge yourself to live out the hope you have in Christ. Reflect on the following questions to help you apply the sermon to your daily life:

1. What are the specific hopes you have in your life, and how do they align with your faith in Christ?

2. Are there gaps between your hopes and your actions? How can you bridge these gaps through practicing righteousness?

3. How can you live more authentically, allowing your identity as a child of God to shine through in all areas of your life?

Conclusion
As we journey through the Advent season, let the hope of Christ fill your heart and guide your actions. Embrace your identity as a child of God and live authentically, practicing righteousness in all you do. May this hope purify you and prepare you for the joyous return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. – 1 John 2:8 (ESV)

Two men once sat in a prison.  They were there because they had set someone free from a severe mental disturbance.  The problem was the person’s employers made a lot of money from the mental disturbance.  There was no law against this action, so the employers made up lies about these men.  The lies were believed as truth and the men were thrown into prison.  The situation was completely unjust and dark.  The men were paying a high price for bringing a light to a situation.  How would you respond?

Many would be upset and understandably so, being punished for costing someone money and then the authorities believed the lies is outrageous.  These men did something unexpected.  They started singing songs and praising God!  The started praying! (Acts 16) The lies and deceptions of the world did not seem to bother their emotions nor their devotion to God.  They knew something we struggle to grasp.  The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

This reality is based on the command to love other people.  In this true type of love, the darkness in our lives recedes and the light shines brightly.  We become free to respond not based on the injustice of our worldly situation, but with the tangible hope we have in Christ Jesus.  We are finally freed from the hate of this world because we have experienced the true love of God in Christ Jesus.  Because those men reacted with praise to God, He showed up in a powerful way.  Even the jailor was amazed and came to faith in Jesus Christ because of the God centered reaction to life.  The light was able to shine even in the darkest of places.  The darkness is passing away.  Because of the death and resurrection of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are able to do the Old Command to love in a new and beautiful way.

Consider your life.  Consider how you respond to the challenges and setbacks.  Do you praise God for every circumstance?  Why do you respond the way you do?  How can we focus more on the growing light and not on the receding darkness?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13

In 1995, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope was pointed at a dark part of the sky for 100 hours in an experiment to see beyond the Milky Way's stars. The telescope took 342 pictures of the area, each exposed for 25–45 minutes, and the images were combined to create the Hubble Deep Field. The resulting image, released to the public 17 days later, showed over 3,000 galaxies.

This example reminds me of what it's like to find God and His work in places we would not expect Him ever to be. The truth is God is everywhere, so our hope should always be filled when put that concept into perspective.

Scripture is our telescope to see deep into the darkness, finding light where no light seems to be. Even the darkest places on this earth, all the way out to the deepest part of His universe. He is always there. Hope is always there if we put complete faith and trust in His plan.

Our life will encounter darkness, times will feel like all hope is lost. We may even feel alone and discouraged. If this is where you are today, remember to seek out His comfort in the word. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with hope just like the scripture says in Romans 15:13.

Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus,
whose right hand I have grasped,
To subdue nations before him
and to loose the belts of kings,
To open doors before him
that gates may not be closed; (Isa 45:1)

Your nakedness shall be uncovered,
and your disgrace shall be seen.
I will take vengeance,
and I will spare no one
Our Redeemer – the Lord of hosts is his name –
is the Holy one of Israel. (Isa 47:3-4)

I remember Joe Montana.  He was a great quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.  He did not appear to be most athletic quarterback, but he seemed to have this winning quality.  He could meet the pressure filled moment and come away with the win.  He could make the play when it needed to be made.  For a long time, if a team wanted to win the Super Bowl, they had to beat Joe Montana.  No one talks much about him anymore.  His amazing feats have been upstaged by another quarterback, Tom Brady.  Also, Joe retired 30 years ago…gone is his greatness.

Such is everything in this world.  The one who seems to dominate and be powerful will eventually be forgotten or relegated to the dust bin of history.  Kingdoms and nations will rise and fall, but time ticks on.  Time beats everything and everyone, eventually death wins.

In the passage above from Isaiah 45, we read about Cyrus.  A foreign, pagan king of Persia anointed by God to bring the Hebrew people back to Israel.  In the Isaiah 47 passage we see the downfall of the empire of Babylon.  Of course, Cyrus and his empire eventually fall (or at least lose much of their power) to the rising Greek Empire (Alexander) and also to the encroachment of the Genghis Kahn.  The Greeks eventually gave way to the Roman Empire, which eventually gave way to the Ottoman Empire which lasted until about 100 years ago.  What do all those great empires have in common?  They are gone.

One can make a claim to be great or to be the king of kings, but when you are gone, you are gone.  You become an historical oddity to be studied.  Isaiah reminds us of this phenomenon.  He told us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the world of our God will stand forever” (Isa 40:8).  What truly lasts, what truly endures.  Time always wins, but it could never defeat the One who created time.  Death was the weapon of rebellion, but it lost its power 2000 years ago and is defeated.  So what lasts, what never fades?

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war…On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev 19:11&16).

Jesus is permanent, he will never be relegated to the dust bin of history.  He is the God who was, is, and is to come.

How can we begin to have a larger more universal view of life?  If we were to see life in this bigger sense, how would our actions change?

For extra credit, read the sonnet below by Percy Shelley.  Everyone has seen throughout history how the greatness of the present will always lose to the slow drip of time.

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desart. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed:
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
No thing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

— Percy Shelley, "Ozymandias", 1819 edition

He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:29

Every one of us will encounter a spiritual storm in our lifetime. We will not have control over that storm, but we do control how we respond. Will we respond with the trust of God, or without His trust? Jesus's disciples also had this choice when in the boat. Their response was a failure in trust and faith that they would be safe with Jesus beside them.

We will all fail at some point in this process of not trusting and responding poorly to the storms of our lives, but the hope is we will continue to recognize that failure, and then grow from that failure as new storms on the horizon unfold. God wants us to step into each storm in faith, confidence, and trust that he will never leave our side. He has a plan for us, and the plan is said ever so clearly in Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My prayer for all of us today is to not worry about the storms on the horizon, they will arrive in their own time, and when they do, to not be afraid, because the Lord is with us, he will protect us, and He will bring calm and healing in His time when that storm passes.

Babylon’s day has come.  God spoke to them through Daniel’s translation of the writing on the wall, “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin” (Daniel 5:25-28).

God also spoke through Isaiah in chapter 47.  The Babylonians were partying and feasting with implements meant to be holy.  They felt their success in battle over Israel equated to Israel’s God being weak.  They were wrong.

Pay close attention to Daniel 47:10-11.  God calls out the evil and He will correct the problem.  Many who do evil thing they can get away with it.  For a time, they seem to, but God is not fooled.  The check always comes due.

Think about the evil you see in the world today.  Generally, you are powerless to deal with it.  How does that powerlessness make you feel?  How does it make you feel toward God?

Babylon was an evil empire, and we know that God judged them.  He cares for the righteous and rules with justice.

Do you fully trust God to deal with the evil in this world?

How does full appreciating God’s trustworthiness affect the way you interact with the world around you?

Verse 4 for All Creatures of our God and King by St. Francis of Assisi

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
Refrain:
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

As we look towards this coming Sunday, Read Isaiah 45:18-23.

God often uses creation as evidence of His power.  God asks people to look around and see what He has done.  No one can deny the splendor of creation.  It is wonderful and unique.  God created with layers and depth.

One the things I like about the Lord of the Rings books is the level and depth of world building that Tolkien undertakes to even begin telling his story.  He exercises great care.  That history adds tremendous meaning and anchors the majesty of the story.

When Jesus turned the water into wine, he made good wine (John 2:1-11).  Good wine implies aged wine, aged wine means God creates with depth.  It is no happenstance that the story of the Jesus creating wine is just after we hear that Jesus was there at creation.  Throughout the entirety of the Bible.  Creation is mentioned over and over.

Take a few minutes today to observe creation.  Sit in silence and watch nature happen around you.  It is singing the praises of God.

Breath and observe…God cares for nature, and He cares for you.

Listen to song below, consider the God of Wonders.

When people acknowledge the God of Creation, then they will have no problem understanding that His will is for their benefit.  Isaiah 45:22 commands ALL the people to turn to Him and be saved.  Praise God for His salvation.

As we turn our attention to Isaiah 45-47, we come across an unusual story.  In Isaiah 45:1-13, we see God call a king named Cyrus to success.  He calls this king to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and encourage the exiles back to their land.

Conquering kingdoms tended to have one of two different styles of domination.  One style was to conquer a land, subjugate them to your will, let them live as they want, but collect a tribute from the land.  The Romans had this approach to Judea until 70 AD. The second approach was to conquer and assimilate the conquered people into the new culture and religion of the conquerors.  The Babylonians were this type of conqueror.  They wanted assimilation.  Cyrus was a Persian and he sought to restore exiled peoples to their homelands and religions.  So, when Cyrus conquered Babylon, he gave a decree for Jerusalem to be restored (Ezra 1:1, 2 Chronicles 36:23).  Cyrus was not a Jew, but was used by God.

I want you to list out the non-Hebrew people who God used to accomplish His will with Israel.  Some of these will work with God and some God used their rebellious nature.  Think about their stories (Balaam, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Ruth, Rahab, etc.)

What does it say about God that He used non-Hebrew people to accomplish His will?

How do we view people today who are outside of Christianity?  Do we believe that God is at work in their lives?

This week, try to view others around you as uniquely loved by God, and that God is working a plan in their lives.

I have blotted out your transgression like a cloud and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you. -  Isaiah 44:22

The notion of unrequited love stings us all.  I remember my first crush in middles school.  I passed her a note in class: I like you; do you like me? Yes, No, Maybe.  Man, I was so proud for putting myself out there.  I figured that I would at least know something after I sent that note, but that was not the outcome.  She did not respond at all.  I got nothing back.  It was devastating.  I rationalized that I might have just embarrassed her or maybe she was caught off guard by my chivalrous act. Ultimately, I had to deal with the truth and the embarrassment: she did not like me.  It crushed me, I listened to many sappy songs over the next few weeks by REO Speedwagon, Chicago, Bryan Adams, and Richard Marx to soothe my broken heart.

Of course, some version of that situation happens to all of us. We all feel the sting of rejection in dating and in friendship.  We learn that we care more for a person than they care for us.  Our loyalty and devotion are not returned.  That always hurts.

What strikes me about that passage in Isaiah listed above is the level to which God reaches out to Israel and they do not respond in kind.  God is devoted to Israel, and they show no devotion to Him.  We come to this truth that I think we believe but struggle to grasp: God loves us more than we love Him.

Yes, duh, of course.  But when you think about the depth of true love, we could also say, “God is more loyal to us than we are Him.”  We should think about the things we are loyal to: a football team, a hobby, a business, or anything else.  All these things will eventually let you down because they are not loyal to you, they simply encourage you to be loyal to them.  There is even a business term which encourages “brand loyalty.”  God does the exact opposite.  He loves first, He is loyal first, and He longs for us to come home to Him.

What are you most loyal to?  Why are you loyal to that?  Have you considered that God is more loyal to you than you are to Him?  How does that make you feel?  How should we respond to His loyalty?

Take some time to reflect on the past week through the Grace discipleship plan for prayer:

Monday – praying for the needs of others, the hungry, the oppressed. Have you noticed the hungry or oppressed around you? If not, ask the Lord to open your eyes and send you opportunities to notice (in our community or other communities). How can you pray for them intentionally in the new week? Is the Lord calling you to action? If so, how?

Tuesday – Thanksgiving and Praise. What are you thankful for? Have you thanked the Lord? If not, thank Him now. How can you continue in thankfulness during the new week?

Wednesday – praying for the lost (those you know and those you do not). Has the Lord placed someone on your heart this week? Pray that you will not grow weary in praying for others to come to the Lord. Do you think the Lord wants to use you? If so, how? Pray that you will be ready with prayer and willing to act.  

Thursday – praying for unity in the church. How have you prayed for Grace Church and the church at large to be unified? Ask the Lord to guide you in prayer, to desire what He desires for His bride, the church. How can you lift up His church in prayer during the new week?

Friday – praying for Grace Church and its leaders and ministers. Elders: Dennis Stubbs, Wally Shaw, Bryan Hayes (technology and Honduras ministry as well), Brent Pardue, Kevin Long, Jon Hickman. Ministers: Brent Pardue (youth), Don Caulley (senior pastor and education and small group ministry), Juanita Lewis (children), Phillip (worship), Bruce Nolen and Jim Holloway (men’s ministry), Sandra Faircloth and Catreece Fritts (women’s ministry), Scott Wachob (treasurer), Karen Vernon (secretary), Rhonda Hill (connections ministry), Danny Sanders (facilities ministry), Holly Sanders (presentation ministry).  

How can you make time during this new week to come before the Father? Pray for strength and to not grow weary in prayer.

Read Isaiah 43:14-24 but pay particular attention to Isaiah 43:14-15.

Take a minute and note the various titles for God.  Think through what each of these titles are communicating to the reader, to the people to you?

When do you need the Redeemer?

When do you need the Holy One?

When do you need the Creator?

When do you need a King?

Think about the life of Jesus and various ways He fulfilled these titles.

Now again read through Isaiah 43:16-24.  How would these aspects of God have brought comfort to a people attempting to go back home through a treacherous land?

One of the most important themes of the history of salvation is the wilderness journey.

Take some time to read Isaiah 43:1-7 while thinking about the wilderness journey.

Remember that God sent Israel to Egypt and then later delivered them back into the Promised Land through the wilderness (desert).  Here again in Isaiah, the Israelites would have to come back to the land through the desert.  It is a theme of spiritual life.

Why do think God delivers His people through the desert?

What promises does God make to Israel?

Water is a symbol of death and fire is a symbol of refinement.

In v2, think about your life and the ways the Lord is delivering you through death and refining you through fire.

Finally, read Psalm 13 from the perspective of a personal in the wilderness of their spiritual life.  How does this journey reflect in your life?

Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise from the end of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it,
the coastlands and their inhabitants.
Isaiah 42:10 (ESV)

Ah, the good old days.  I remember when I was a kid life was great.  I did awesome things like ride a bike in the neighborhood with a pack of kids, played until the streetlights came on, shot bottle rockets at each other, and spent my summers at the neighborhood pool.  We had a blast.  I do not even remember it being that hot.  We had a great time.

That was what once was.  I remember the church I experienced as a kid.  I remember the comfort of the faith I had as a child.  Everything was easier or at least it seemed easier to me.  It is easy to look back at your life and think the better things are in the past.  However, from a spiritual perspective we should not long for the past.

We do have to look at the past, learn from what once was, but we cannot ruminate on that too long or we will lose the present.  It is tempting to look on the future with fear.  After all, it is not known.  We know the past with all its successes and failures, but the future, that is different.

Into this fear, the Lord tells us to sing a new song.  We are to have hope about the future.  We might not know the details of the future, but we do know the result.  We sing a new song because we know the future has glory.  The best days of the church are ahead.  David waited patiently on the Lord, and he sang a new song (Psalm 40).   When heaven understood that Jesus was worthy to open the scrolls, it sang a new song (Rev 5).  We are to sing a new song, we are to create, we are to live with hope, but sometimes we have to be patient first.

What keeps you from living in hope for the future?  What does it look to sing a new song in your life?  Do you believe the future of the church is bright?  Why or why not?

Take some time to reflect on the Promises of God today.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 42:10

When I was a little girl, this painting hung in my Sunday School class.  Do you think it portrays the truths of Isaiah 42:10?  Why or why not?  What about the painting brings you comfort?  What concerns you? Is the time of day significant? 

How would you paint this verse?  What type of imagery and colors would you us?

This week's sermon covers Isaiah 42-43, which you may read HERE.

Questions to Consider for Chapter 42:

1. How does Isaiah 42 portray the character and mission of the Servant of the LORD? How do these characteristics connect to Jesus?

2. How can we apply the promise of justice in Isaiah 42 to our world today?

3. How can you personally respond to God's call to be a "light to the nations"?

4. How does God's declaration of new things (verse 9) inspire hope in the face of current world crises?

5. How does the call to sing a new song to the LORD resonate with you personally?

6. How do you deal with spiritual blindness in your own life? What can you learn from this chapter?

Questions to Consider for Chapter 43:

1. How does the imagery of water and fire in Isaiah 43:2 apply to your current life situation?

2. What does this chapter teach about God's character and His relationship with His people?

3. How does God's assurance of being with Israel in adversity apply to our understanding of God's presence in our lives?

4. How does the theme of redemption in Isaiah 43 reflect in the New Testament teachings about Jesus Christ?

5. How does the passage emphasize God's sovereignty? How can this understanding affect your daily decision-making?

6. In what ways does Isaiah 43 challenge our understanding of God's grace and mercy?

7. How does the promise of new things in verses 18-19 inspire you towards spiritual growth?

8. How do you reconcile the idea of God's unique love for Israel with the broad Christian belief of God's love for all humanity?

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In Isaiah 41:21-29, the Lord calls all the nations to a court proceeding.  He asks the nations to provide evidence of the greatness of their gods.

For most of the world and for most of history, might has made right.  If you won, then clearly the gods were on your side and your gods were higher and better than the gods of the people you conquered.  This is a variation of the idea that the “History is written by the winners” (Napolean and bunch of other people).  Winning is everything.

But the challenge the Lord asks the world is this: where are those gods now, where are those nations?  The Lord stands outside and beyond nations.  His legend has endured.  He is not subject to the whims of humanity.  As it states in Isaiah, “Behold, they are all a delusion; their works are nothing, their metal images are empty wind” (Isa 41:29 ESV).

Take some time read Isaiah 41:21-29.  Reflect on the history of the last 100 years.  What did the world think was important that turned out to be nothing but a vain idol?  What do you rely on in life that will be gone tomorrow?  How do we learn to trust in the Lord?