you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4 From ages past no one has heard,
|
|
- Marshall Green
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Isaiah 64:1-9 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence 2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! 3 When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4 From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. 5 You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. 8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. 1
2 Feat of Clay In the middle school that I attended it was a rite of passage in art class to have a project in which we made something out of clay. Usually that meant making an ash tray. That seems odd now, looking back on it 13- and 14-year-olds making ash trays for their parents, but smoking was much more common back in the 80s when I was in middle school than it is now. All of my older siblings and I am the youngest of five children went through this rite of passage of making a clay ash tray or similar container; for nonsmokers perhaps you could call it a candy dish. That means my mother, because she saved all of our art projects, had to decide what to do with the five of them, which could not have been easy because no one in my family smoked and we didn t eat that much candy. Actually, I think two of them were not ash trays or candy dishes but small pitchers. My sister made an enormous pitcher with a tiny handle. I can still see it, it was bright orange. So out of proportion was the handle to the body that it looked like if you picked the pitcher up by the handle it might snap right off. My brother s was the opposite. He made a giant handle with a tiny pitcher attached to it. If only we could have somehow switched the handles. As for me, I tried to get clever with mine. I made two, actually, one in seventh grade and one in eighth grade. In addition to function, I went for creativity. I made one in the shape of an elephant s head, but when the trunk proved difficult to make I transformed the elephant s head into that of a mouse. The other started out as a sailboat, but the sail proved as difficult to make as the elephant s trunk, so I transformed the sailboat into an iron, with the handle of the iron serving as the handle of the lid. As I mentioned, my mother saved all of our art projects, so all of our clay masterpieces went up on the mantel above the fireplace with various other trinkets 2
3 that the family collected over the years. Every so often I would pick one up and look at it, which would bring back memories of the time that I made it. Each art project started out as nothing more than a lump of clay, without form or function. What it would become was entirely up to me. I would give it form. I would give it function. I would give it color and, yes, even personality. To some extent, it would become an extension of me because it bore my handiwork. My fingerprints were literally all over it. This image of the potter and the clay is one taken up by Isaiah in today s text. The power of the image lies in the intimate connection between the potter as creator and the clay as created thing, or in the case of humanity, not created thing but created being. This image of God forming humanity is as old as Genesis [SLIDE]. Genesis 2 tells of God forming the first human being from adamah, which literally means the ground. As if to remind him of his origin, the man s name comes from the same root, adam. In Hebrew, the name adam, or as we would say in English, Adam, means simply man or humankind. So we are of the ground, of the earth, and formed by God. This is what Isaiah reminds God of in verse 8. He feels the need to remind God of this because God seems to have hidden his face. As Isaiah writes in verse 7, you have hidden your face from us. With God being hidden, the people are left to themselves, which only magnifies the effect of their sin. They have lost their standard for what is good. Unable to see God, they are unable to see themselves or one another as formed in God s image. They have forgotten who they are. Isaiah says of God in verse 7, you have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. In other words, the people have been left to themselves and are suffering the effects of their own sins. If we look at the structure of this passage, a clear pattern emerges [SLIDE]. Verses 1 to 5 are a plea for God to intervene in the life of the people. O that you would tear open the heavens and come down (Isa. 64:1). Isaiah recalls God s awesome deeds 3
4 that the people did not expect. He extols, or praises, God as utterly unique and alone in power and might. God comes to those who gladly do right (Isa. 64:4). All of this is Isaiah s way of saying, You have been our God and we have been your people. We remember the way you would come to us in our need. We have a history together. Remember? But in the middle of verse 5 the tone suddenly shifts. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed (Isa. 64:5b). The second half of verses 5 to verse 7 are a confession of sin. So corrupt are the people that even their righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth (Isa. 64:6b). Like the leaves falling off the trees in the park across the street, the people too fade like a leaf, and like the autumn wind they are swept away by their own sin (Isa. 64:6b). They are swept away because they have no foundation, nothing to hold them steady. They have forgotten the name of the Lord. Isaiah writes, There is no one who calls on your name (Isa. 64:7a). So first praise, and then confession, and then in verse 8 we see another shift in tone, this time toward hope. Here Isaiah calls on God to remember God s relationship to the people. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father (Isa. 64:8). God is not merely creator but the father of creation and the father of the people. What s more, the people are clay and God is the potter. They are God s handiwork. They bear God s fingerprints. They have been formed in God s image. We are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isa. 64:8). Verse 9 shows a movement from confession to contrition. It is an expression of sorrow on the part of the people for having nearly ruined their relationship to their God. It is a verse filled with hope, hope that the relationship will continue despite the self-inflicted damaging effects of sin. That hope lies in God s mercy, God s willingness to forget past sins, and in God s considering, in the words of Isaiah, that we are all your people (Isa. 64:9b). 4
5 The structure of this passage, then, is divided into three parts: praise of God for God s goodness and power; confession of sin on the part of the people for having violated God s trust; and a plea to God for mercy, which the people hope for with longing and expectation. Today, of course, marks the first Sunday of Advent. From today until Christmas Eve we will be in a season of expectation, a season of waiting for the Lord to appear. It is quite convenient for us to know that we will mark the occasion of Christ s first coming on a particular day, December 25. We know the day and the hour that will mark his arrival. That day will come as it does every year, right when we expect it. In fact, there will be no shortage of reminders that there are only x number of shopping days left until Christmas. This kind of waiting for God to appear, i.e., for Christmas, is easy, unless, perhaps, you are a young child waiting for that certain Christmas gift. But there is another type of waiting. This type is much harder to withstand. In this waiting we are like Isaiah, who prays that the Lord would tear open the heavens and come down already. What s taking so long, God? Why are you waiting to act? These are the thoughts that run through our minds as we wait for God to act in our lives or in the world but God seems to be delayed. God does not seem to be heeding our sense of urgency. We want God to come down now and fix the situation, whether it be personal or political. I m living paycheck to paycheck. I need money. Lord, come now! My loved one is in the hospital and needs healing! Lord, come now! Christians in Iraq are being driven from their homes! Lord, come now! West Africans are dying every day from Ebola! Lord, come now! Ferguson, Missouri, is burning! Lord, come now! O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence (Isa. 64:1). We want God to hurry up because it seems like all we re doing is waiting. And that s the problem all we re doing is waiting. Hurry up and come to us God! We will wait for you over here. Just let us know when you re here. Shake the mountains or start a fire or 5
6 something. Hurry up and wait. That s not much of a plan of action but that is often exactly what we do. Yes, this is a season of waiting, but not only of waiting, for it is also a season of preparation, of preparing ourselves for Christ s coming. That is why we have the Advent Bible reading plan that I mentioned during the announcements [SLIDE]. And while Isaiah does speak of waiting, saying, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him (Isa. 64:4b), that is not all he says. Note what he says next, You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember your ways (Isa. 64:5a). In other words, waiting is tied to doing. Waiting for God also means preparing for God s arrival. It doesn t mean sitting on our hands and doing nothing but waiting [SLIDE]. We need to ask ourselves, What is it that paralyzes us, that keeps us from doing what is right while we put all of the responsibility to act on God? Is it fear? What if I try to do what is right but fail? Is it guilt? I can never do enough that is right to make up for all the wrong I ve done. Is it laziness? I d like to do what is right, but how do I even know what is right? It takes too much effort. Is it anger? Why should I have to do what is right? Nobody else is. Is it cynicism? Even if I do what is right, it won t make a difference. In truth, it s probably all of these things and more that keep us from doing the good we know we ought to do, but to Isaiah it all boils down to one thing sin. All of our excuse making just covers the real issue, which is sin, or to use a fancier word, as our translation does, iniquity. For you have hidden your face from us, Isaiah says of God, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity (Isa. 64:7b). In other words, sin is its own punishment. Sin keeps us from seeing God. It s no surprise, then, that when we ve turned our backs from God we no longer see God. God is hidden. It s like turning away from a window and wondering why we can no longer see the sun. We need to face in the right direction. 6
7 I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Hebrew word for repentance literally means turning around to face the opposite direction. I m sure I will refer to that example in many more sermons, but it bears repeating, especially in light of what Isaiah says of God s hiddenness. It is not that God hides from us but that when we make no attempt to do what is right, when we don t call on God s name, it is then that God is hidden from us. We are delivered into the hand of our own iniquity. We are cut off from God. Our relationship with God suffers. But this is not cause for despair. If it were only up to us, perhaps, then we could, and should, despair. But thankfully, it s not up to us to repair this broken relationship. God has taken that task upon himself. Isaiah reminds us of this in verse 8 [SLIDE]. After the confession of sin in verses 6 and 7, and the stark realization that God is hidden from sight, Isaiah is bold enough to gently remind God, Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isa. 64:8). It takes some audacity to remind God of God s relationship to us, but that is what Isaiah does. He reminds God that we are his creation. He has formed us and molded us as a potter forms and molds clay. Apart from God we would be like a formless lump of clay without shape and without purpose. We would be subject to being molded by all the things of the world that are not of God and to which we are still subject: unnecessary fears, jealousy, envy, greed, lust, pride the whole catalogue of sins. Yet while we are subject to sin because of our flesh, we have been formed by the master potter. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that. God has given us our identity. God has left his mark on us. That same flesh that is subject to sin also bears God s image. To remind us of this, God sent his Son Jesus Christ, himself the very image of God, into the world, in flesh and blood, to be with us and to show us the way to God. He himself is the way to God. And we are his. He calls us to walk with him toward God. When we turn aside, he calls us again to turn back to God. 7
8 I titled this sermon Feet of Clay [SLIDE]. That s feat with an a, not two e s. It s actually a play on words, because feet of clay is an idiom that means a fatal flaw. In fact, it comes from the Bible, the Book of Daniel to be precise. The Israelites had feet of clay, a fatal flaw even though they knew they were God s people, they continually turned from God. As Isaiah writes, There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you (Isa. 64:7). Perhaps they doubted, perhaps they took their status as God s elect for granted, or perhaps they abused it; whatever it was exactly, they could not escape their feet of clay. In this sense, we re no different. We, too, have feet of clay something that hinders us from living out God s purpose for our lives. We forget or we ignore or we refuse to accept that God has formed us to follow Christ. We lose sight of what an amazing feat that is that God has brought us into fellowship with himself through Christ. This is an amazing feat of clay, that s f-e-a-t, as in a great deed, a significant act. Its significance lies in the fact that this is God s great act of love. Through it God claims us as his own and gives us our identity. With all the busyness of modern life, it s easy to lose sight of our identity. Who are we? We are the clay, and God is our potter; we are all the work of God s hands. Now consider, we are all God s people. 8
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year B RCL. Isaiah 64:1-9
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year B RCL Isaiah 64:1-9 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence-- as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes
More informationIsaiah 64:1-9 Mark 13: First Sunday in Advent December 3 rd, 2017 The Rev. John Forman
Isaiah 64:1-9 Mark 13: 24-37 First Sunday in Advent December 3 rd, 2017 The Rev. John Forman O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence-- as
More informationdeliverance. The Lord sends Moses who leads them out of Egypt through the parted
Advent 1 2011 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio November 27, 2011 Pastor Kevin Jud Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 11:1-10 When the children of Israel are in captivity in Egypt they cry
More informationWelcome. to Trinity Lutheran Church. Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Serve the World. Prelude. Welcome
Welcome to Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday, December 3, 2017 8:30 am ~ First Sunday of Advent *Please stand if able Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Serve the World Prelude Welcome *Confession & Forgiveness
More informationTRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Stevens Point, Wisconsin Ministers: Every Baptized Member
December 3, 2017 Prelude TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Stevens Point, Wisconsin Ministers: Every Baptized Member FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT Today s Liturgy uses ELW Setting 3, alt. 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Call
More informationHope for the world. Isaiah 64:1-9, Luke 2: By John Roy. December 2017
Hope for the world Isaiah 64:1-9, Luke 2:25-32 By John Roy Pelham Road Church Greenville, SC December 2017 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your
More informationGod is a potter willing to get clay under her nails as she remolds us into new wares no matter the amounts of cracks or chips we have already.
1 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down! Isaiah captures the plea of the ancient Israelites, a community looking for a dramatic intervention from the God of love into their world of fear.
More informationWAITING FOR GOD TO BREAK THE SILENCE
Isaiah 63:15-64:12 November 30, 2014 WAITING FOR GOD TO BREAK THE SILENCE Have you ever wanted to blame God for the mess you were in? Have you ever wanted to begin a prayer something like this: Lord, if
More informationHere is Our God! (lectionary-based)
Series Vision for Advent/Christmas Year B Overarching Theme: Here is Our God! (lectionary-based) Frames Advent 1 God in the People: We Are All the Work of Your Hand Advent 2 God in the World: A New Heaven
More informationHow Do We Wait for Christ s Revealing?
First Sunday of Advent Light of Christ Anglican Church The Rev. Mike Moffitt, December 3, 2017 How Do We Wait for Christ s Revealing? Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1 9 I remember when I was a child that around
More informationHope is a Noun Advent 1B, December 3, 2017
Hope is a Noun Advent 1B, December 3, 2017 Creator of the world, you are the potter, we are the clay, and you form us in your image. Speak to us now in the hearing of your word. Shape our spirits by Christ's
More informationHoly Eucharist. The First Sunday of Advent December 3, :00 AM
Holy Eucharist The First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 10:00 AM + The Liturgy of the Word + PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL SONG O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (verses 1-3) SJP Handbells 2 GREETING (Responses of the
More informationCOME DOWN HOME Isaiah 64:1-9 December 3, 2017 One of the most popular television game shows is The Price Is Right that was hosted for many years by
COME DOWN HOME Isaiah 64:1-9 December 3, 2017 One of the most popular television game shows is The Price Is Right that was hosted for many years by the long-time emcee Bob Barker. For the past ten years
More informationLeaders Guide. Wherever You Are, We ll Meet You There
Wherever You Are, We ll Meet You There New to the role of facilitator? Here are a few tips to help you get started. First of all, a facilitator s job is to coordinate the flow of each session. View the
More informationThe Parish Church of St Anne, Kew
The Parish Church of St Anne, Kew SOCIAL JUSTICE FORUM Year 3: First meeting (9 th meeting of Forum) Saturday 6 December, 2017, 10-12. FOCUS on CLIMATE JUSTICE Programme 1. Welcome, introductions and guide
More informationEXPOSITION OF ISAIAH. Message #93 Isaiah 64:1-12
EXPOSITION OF ISAIAH Message #93 Isaiah 64:1-12 There is no doctrine that is more in conflict with this world than the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God. People look at poverty and persecutions and various
More informationAdvent 1, December 3, 2017 Trinity Church, Boston The Rev. Rita Powell 1
Advent 1, December 3, 2017 Trinity Church, Boston The Rev. Rita Powell 1 In the beginning, was the Word. So let s open the book: Isaiah 64, Page of the Old Testament side of the bible, and Mark 13, page
More informationMercy and Help. Isaiah 64:1-9
Mercy and Help Isaiah 64:1-9 If you are like me, your prayers are about thanksgiving and praise and a few requests for help sprinkled in. However our scripture today is about asking God the hard questions,
More informationThe First Sunday of Advent Holy Eucharist November 30, :00 a.m.
The First Sunday of Advent Holy Eucharist November 30, 2014 9:00 a.m. The Book of Common Prayer (BCP). If you wish seated communion, please notify an usher. Reading glasses and hearing enhancement devices
More informationWednesday, November 29, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL 5110 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 (847) 244-9647 Pastor Ben Squires Cell phone: 224-419-5519 or email: pastor@bethelgurnee.org Katrina
More informationFIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 3, 2017
Contributed by Brother John Cline, cr Bro. John has ministered for twenty-six years in the spiritual care program within two hospitals. Historically, he has participated in ministries within Scollard Hall
More information331 THE ADVENT OF OUR KING. 6 All glory to the Son, Who comes to set us free, With Father, Spirit, ever one Through all eternity.
Welcome to First Lutheran hurch December 2 nd, 2018 331 THE ADVENT OF OUR KING 6 All glory to the Son, Who comes to set us free, With Father, Spirit, ever one Through all eternity. ublic domain Welcome
More informationSERMON OF REV. DR. ANNA CARTER FLORENCE Reading Backwards December 3, 2017
SERMON OF REV. DR. ANNA CARTER FLORENCE Reading Backwards December 3, 2017 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence as when fire kindles
More informationFirst Sunday of Advent. December 2/3, :00 PM & 8:45 AM Holy Communion. First Lutheran Church, Kearney, NE
First Sunday of Advent December 2/3, 2017 6:00 PM & 8:45 AM Holy Communion First Lutheran Church, Kearney, NE 0 1 ANNOUNCEMENTS and WELCOME PRELUDE I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light K. Thomerson,
More informationFIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD December 3, 2017 9:00 am GATHERING WELCOME CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism) Blessed
More informationYour Life and God. Considering the purpose and character of your life, and your relationship to the One who gave you life.
Your Life and God Considering the purpose and character of your life, and your relationship to the One who gave you life. Orwell Bible Church Dan Greenfield, Pastor P.O. Box 489 Orwell, OH 44076 Cell:
More informationConfessing Our Need for God
Focal Text Isaiah 64:1 9 Background Isaiah 63:7 64:12 Main Idea A genuine celebration of Christmas begins with confessing our need for God. Question to Explore With all that we have, do we really need
More information4 But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to
Jonah 4 4 But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD and said, O LORD! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish
More informationA reading from the Second Letter of St Peter
Sunday 3 December 2017: THE FIRST SUNDAY of ADVENT Collect Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which
More informationThe king of Israel said, Bad news! God has gotten us three kings out here to dump us into the hand of Moab. 2 Kings MSG
9 The king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom started out on what proved to be a looping detour. After seven days they had run out of water for both army and animals. 10 The king of Israel
More informationConfessing Our Need for God LESSON ONE. Study Aim. Focal Text. Study and Action Emphases. Background. Main Idea. Question to Explore.
Focal Text Isaiah 64:1 9 Background Isaiah 63:7 64:12 Main Idea A genuine celebration of Christmas begins with confessing our need for God. Study Aim To confess my need for God Study and Action Emphases
More informationREAD SCRIPTURE Isaiah 64:1-8 This is the word of the Lord. God s word for the next generation that hears it. HOPE returns to Israel and it is
Sermon, The Master s Touch, Isaiah 64:1-8 1 November 30, 2014 Paul Phillips READ SCRIPTURE Isaiah 64:1-8 This is the word of the Lord. God s word spoken through Isaiah, unheeded by one generation, remains
More informationORDER OF WORSHIP THIS MORNING The Gathering of the People of God
Sunday, 3rd December, 2017 10:00am The First Sunday of Advent (Year B) Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. St Mark 13: 31. ORDER OF WORSHIP THIS MORNING The Gathering
More informationST. GEORGE S ANGLICAN CHURCH WARNCLIFFE ROAD EAST IVANHOE. FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 3 rd DECEMBER 2017
ST. GEORGE S ANGLICAN CHURCH WARNCLIFFE ROAD EAST IVANHOE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 3 rd DECEMBER 2017 SUNDAY 8:00 am Said Eucharist 10:00 am Sung Eucharist WEDNESDAY 10:00 am Said Eucharist FRIDAY 10:00
More informationA Brief Overview of Salvation. Old Testament.
Welcome to: - Bible House of Grace. God, through His Son Jesus, provides eternal grace for our failures and human limitations. --------------------------------------------------------------------- A Brief
More informationIntro: The Prophet of the King. Structure of Isaiah The Book of the King The Book of the Servant 38-55
Isaiah Chapters 56-66 Intro: The Prophet of the King Isaiah the Prophet served as a prophet during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. His main service was to THE king,
More informationOUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH December 3, 2017
OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH December 3, 2017 We love, because God first loved us 1 John 4:19 1370 Church Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 4R8 (see the calendar for office hours) Contact us at: 250.492.6861
More informationThe Season of Advent
The Season of Advent Scripture Selections from the Evangelical Heritage Version following the Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal 3-Year Lectionary, Year B Revised September 6, 2017 The First Sunday in
More informationSermon First Wednesday Of Advent
Sermon First Wednesday Of Advent Text: Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! 2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water
More informationWHAT AM I SINGING When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Isaac Watts. Today we begin a new sermon series. Pastor Jeff and I will be looking into
1 Galatians 6:14 NASB February 14, 2016 WHAT AM I SINGING When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Isaac Watts Today we begin a new sermon series. Pastor Jeff and I will be looking into the background and what
More informationSermon Transcript November 4, 2018
Sermon Transcript November 4, 2018 Hospitable God, Hospitable People Rend the Heavens and Come Down! Isaiah 63:7-64:12 This message from the Bible was addressed originally to the people of Wethersfield
More informationAdvent Assembly Notes Week One: Hope
Advent Assembly Notes Week One: Hope SLIDE ONE HOLDING SLIDE TEACHER S NOTES This presentation lasts up to 20 minutes. We recommend you deliver the whole assembly but please feel free to use the slides
More informationIn the Bible, Job asks the age old question: If a man dies, shall he live again? Is there more for a man when his life is over?
In the Bible, Job asks the age old question: If a man dies, shall he live again? Is there more for a man when his life is over? The Bible tells us that the answer to Job s question is, Yes. It says that
More informationIsaiah School after return from exile 12. Part 2. Isaiah 60-66
Isaiah School after return from exile 12. Part 2. Isaiah 60-66 Introduction to Isaiah 60-62 Chapters 60-62 read as though they belong to the period shortly after the return from exile when the dream of
More informationFirst Sunday of Advent Prayers and Litanies
Prayers and Services: First Sunday of Advent First Sunday of Advent Prayers and Litanies Gathering Words, First Sunday of Advent 1. Joseph has a dream, and God makes way for the light of the world. Joseph
More informationThen he delivers the shocking news, the LORD leads this destroying army against His people. Joel cries out,
The Unveiling of God s Glory Doug Floyd March 5, 2014 The trumpet is sounding. Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day
More informationNote that while this was under the reign of Darius, he was made king by Cyrus, the rightful ruler.
(Daniel 9:1 NKJV) In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans (Daniel 9:2 NKJV) in the first year of his reign I, Daniel,
More informationLearning to Love the Psalms What You Need to Have in Mind 1. Psalms are Informative & Instructive - revealing re: God, man, life together - reflects
What You Need to Have in Mind 1. Psalms are Informative & Instructive - revealing re: God, man, life together - reflects the organization of Torah - Torah is 5 books of Moses (Gen. Deut.) - divisions in
More informationHebrews Hebrews 12:15-29 Listen Carefully March 21, 2010
Hebrews Hebrews 12:15-29 Listen Carefully March 21, 2010 I. The Christian s Wise Response to God s Discipline A. Hebrews 12:18-29... For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing
More informationTHE POWER OF GOD S NAMES
March 4th, 2018 THE POWER OF GOD S NAMES The Majesty of God s Names Pastor Terry Baldwin 1 [ TITLE SLIDE ] NAMES ARE IMPORTANT - Names give us CLUES about People, Places, Things - We Associate Names with
More informationCain and Abel - Genesis 4:1-4:13 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is at the door; And its desire is for you, but you must master it. Preschool - Kindergarten Preparation:
More informationWaiting for Answers. Charles F. Stanley - In Touch Ministries
Waiting for Answers Charles F. Stanley - In Touch Ministries Seasons of prayer 01 fervent prayers It s so hard to wait. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from
More informationNOTE: The following prayer is patterned after Daniel 9. Please feel free to use it as a template for your own prayer for our nation.
NOTE: The following prayer is patterned after Daniel 9. Please feel free to use it as a template for your own prayer for our nation. Our Father in Heaven. God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Father of our
More informationSin Produces Guilt The guilt of sin must be removed
6) How Can I Be Right With God? Sin is a direct attack on the holiness of God s character and will. The Creator s intention is rejected and His holiness is offended. Before God sin is an offense, a crime,
More informationCrying Out To God. Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Crying Out To God Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Romans 8:15 For none of you have received the spirit of bondage again
More informationAdvent 1B 30 November 2014 BIBLICAL RESOURCES. Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1, 3-8; Psalm 80 [79]; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
BIBLICAL RESOURCES Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1, 3-8; Psalm 80 [79]; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake! Mark 13:32 But about that day or hour no one knows, neither
More informationAdvent Evening Service, year B. The scripture text is taken from Romans 3:21-26
Advent Evening Service, year B. The scripture text is taken from Romans 3:21-26 As the year 2017 comes to a close, does the Reformation which started in Germany 500 years ago still matter? Do we still
More informationIn God s Corner Nahum 1:1-8 Lesson for February 28/March 1, 2015 Derek Hickle
In God s Corner Nahum 1:1-8 Lesson for February 28/March 1, 2015 Derek Hickle Introduction One of the best-known characters of the Old Testament is Jonah, a man sent by God to warn the Assyrian capitol,
More informationFight Sin in your Life
DISCIPLESHIP - LEARNING TO CHANGE: Fight Sin in your Life Hebrews 12: 4 10 August 2014 Readings: Genesis 4: 1 7 Psalm 51 Hebrews 12: 1 4 Matt 5: 27 30 Our text for today is verse 4 in Hebrews 12: In your
More informationTHE INCARNATION MAKES THE CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS POSSIBLE
Forgive Me December 20, 2015 Matthew 6:9-13 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
More informationDANIEL 9:4-8, LESSON: A PRAYER FOR AN OBEDIENT FAITH January 21, 2018
DANIEL 9:4-8, 15-19 LESSON: A PRAYER FOR AN OBEDIENT FAITH January 21, 2018 INTRODUCTION: Chapter 9:1-3 9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king
More informationThe Throne and the Altar.
STEM Publishing: The writings of C. H. Mackintosh: The Throne and the Altar. The Throne and the Altar. Isaiah 6: 1-8. C. H. Mackintosh. In this sublime passage of Scripture we notice two prominent objects,
More informationAdvent. Preparation ~ Hope ~ Joy ~ Love. St. James Episcopal Church Batavia, New York. The First Sunday of Advent
St. James Episcopal Church Batavia, New York Advent Preparation ~ Hope ~ Joy ~ Love The First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017, 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Welcome to St. James! Instructions for standing,
More informationGod Created People. Leader BIBLE STUDY. and female. world and everything in it for His glory.
UNIT 1 Session 2 Use Week of: God Created People BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 1:26 2:25 MAIN POINT: God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. UNIT KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6
More informationISAIAH CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
ISAIAH CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR PROPHET - DATE JONAH (825-785BC)? JOEL (800BC)? HOSEA (785-725BC)? MICAH (785-710BC)? AMOS (784BC)? ISAIAH (701-681BC)? NAHUM (700BC)? ZEPHANIAH (630BC)? JEREMIAH (629-588BC)?
More informationSERVICE OF LIGHT PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP PREPARING FOR WORSHIP
PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Lord Jesus, Son of God, and our Advent King, you give hope to the hopeless. This evening, send your Spirit through the spoken and sung Word to strengthen us. Lift our eyes of faith
More informationGathered to Share God s Love
First Congregational UCC Leader Gathered to Share God s Love December 3rd, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Welcome Please turn off cell phones in the sanctuary. Children in Worship Infants and children bring
More informationA Place of Grace A CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE, 9 A.M.
A Place of Grace A CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE, 9 A.M. FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT SUNDAY, N1OVEMBER 30, 2014 Welcome to Worship We celebrate communion on the first, third and fifth Sundays, as well as certain
More informationCROSS: Who is God & What has Jesus done?
Would you like copies of the slides? Email me at cflorence@wpcgo.com Audio copies of the lessons are on the website: wpcgo.com/grace FRUIT: Respond in love & grace HEAT: what is your situation THORNS:
More informationThe Sin of Unforgiveness
3 The Sin of Unforgiveness If we say that we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse
More informationPalm Sunday Sermons. Sermon 1
Sermon 1 Over and over again in the long story of the church, Christian people have acted the roles we encounter today, not just on Palm Sunday, but in the daily life of parishes, dioceses, and the worldwide
More information3 December The first Sunday of Advent
3 December 2017 The first Sunday of Advent Welcome A warm welcome to everyone, and especially if you are new or visiting. Do please stay on for drinks and to meet people after the 9.30 and 11.15 services
More informationTEACH THE STORY APPLY THE STORY (10 15 MINUTES) (25 30 MINUTES) (25 30 MINUTES) PAGE 26 PAGE 28
Use Week of: God Created People BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 1 2 STORY POINT: God created people in His own image, and He loves us. KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:16b-17 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is God? God is our
More informationSermon : Dealing With Our Sin Page 1
Sermon : Dealing With Our Sin Page 1 Dealing With Our Sin Text : II Samuel 12: 1-15 ; Psalms 51: 1-4 S#1. A. Today we will discuss dealing with a universal problem, SIN. S#2. 1. Everyone sins. a. Eccl.
More informationAnd lead us not into temptation.
A magazine for Children published by the Evangelical Lutheran Congregations of the Reformation Vol. TWENTY-EIGHT No. Two April October 2016 And lead us not into temptation. What does this mean? God indeed
More informationLesson 11: God s Promise& Curse
Lesson 11: God s Promise& Curse As we arrive here today at Lesson 11, I want to emphasize once again that we re not just Reading some stories or myths made up by men. These events really happened, and
More information54 Mighty Arrows
54 Mighty Arrows www.suscopts.org Returning to God The Big Picture / Story: If we look at the big picture or the big story we can see the following: Satan wanted to sit on God s throne because of pride;
More informationACBC Conference 2018 Light in the Darkness: Biblical Counseling and Abuse. Treasuring God
Introduction: Treasuring God Matthew 13:44. The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys
More informationDefinition of Sin. Healing Substitution Model
Definition of Sin What is sin? Everyone, who studies the issue of sin comes to the understanding that there is a type of sin that brings condemnation and there is a type of sin that does not bring condemnation,
More informationFoundations: The Second Blessing Matthew 5:4 (AFBC 9/16/18) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Foundations: The Second Blessing Matthew 5:4 (AFBC 9/16/18) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Welcome to week two of our Back to School series on the Beatitudes. As everybody gets
More informationDuring the season of Advent, our worship begins with a prayer and the lighting of the Advent wreath.
Sunday, December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist WELCOME! We are delighted to have you with us today. You are invited to God s table to receive communion and to share in our community.
More informationFirst Sunday in Advent 3rd December 2017
Living and telling the good news of Jesus Christ, reaching out to all in love and service. WELCOME Welcome to our worship today. We hope you enjoy being with us and that you will experience the reality
More informationHow did you do this past week in remembering that God loves you? Did it make any difference in your week?
TRUTH: GOD LOVES YOU His deep, passionate love for you is not based on your performance or personal sense of worthiness. You cannot influence God s love for you in any way. He loves you right now, to his
More informationI 1:12-20 LESSON THREE
Table of Contents LESSON ONE The Conversion For Christian Living...... 1 Text: Acts 9:20-22 LESSON TWO The Conscience For Christian Living...... 2 Text: I Timothy 1:12-20 LESSON THREE The Cost of Christian
More informationAdvent Vespers December 7, The National Presbyterian Church. Here Comes the Word. John 1:1-5, 14-18; Genesis 1:1-3a. Dr.
Advent Vespers December 7, 2011 The National Presbyterian Church Here Comes the Word John 1:1-5, 14-18; Genesis 1:1-3a Dr. David Renwick In our Advent Vespers, we are following a series in which we re
More informationTHE BOOK OF ISAIAH Chapters 45-66
THE BOOK OF ISAIAH Chapters 45-66 A Study using 18 questions per chapter. The purpose of this study is to find out what the Bible says. THE WORD FOR THE WORLD STUDIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT by Bill DeLaughter
More informationThe Pilgrim s Progress. Chapter 5: The Cross and the Hill Difficulty, Part 2
The Pilgrim s Progress Chapter 5: The Cross and the Hill Difficulty, Part 2 Introduction Do you think it is possible for a Christian to believe that Jesus died for his or her sins, to repent and believe
More informationIntroduction. It is my custom on the first Sunday of each new year to challenge and encourage us to devote ourselves to Scripture and prayer.
THE GREAT PRAYER OF DANIEL. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church January 7, 2018, 10:30 AM Scripture Texts: Daniel 9:1-10 Introduction. It is my custom on the first Sunday of each new
More informationMADE FOR THIS: Wandering Exodus Introduction.
1. Introduction. a. Writing a resume is hard work. b. Building a resume is harder. When all you have is education, it s hard to gain experience. When you re busy gaining experience, it s hard to get more
More informationIn Step with the Psalms. Lesson 16: Psalm 51. The Path of Forgiveness
Pursuing God In Step with the Psalms Lesson 16: Psalm 51 The Path of Forgiveness Stay on the Path ~ The marble yard of Florence, Italy, is where an aspiring artist would go to cast a discerning eye over
More informationSing to the Lord: Regret
1 2015_07_19 Pentecost 8 B Psalm 51 Sing to the Lord: Regret Rev. Kara Markell Lake Washington Christian Church Have mercy upon me O God, As befits Your faithfulness; In keeping with Your abundant compassion,
More information2. Cast your burdens on the LORD Psalm 55
1. Help me to pray Psalm 25:1-22/51:10 Let me feel your pain LORD every day Every day like a crushing weight Bring me to my knees LORD And help me to pray Let me cry for souls Who really need your grace
More informationBIBLICAL RESOURCES. Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1, 3-8; Psalm 80 (79); 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
BIBLICAL RESOURCES Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1, 3-8; Psalm 80 (79); 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake! Mark 13:32 But about that day or hour no one knows, neither
More informationWoe Is Me! Isaiah s Sin and Guilt (Isaiah 6:1 8)
1 Woe Is Me! Isaiah s Sin and Guilt (Isaiah 6:1 8) It was the year that King Uzziah died, and Isaiah was in trouble. Real trouble. He wasn t the only one, either. The entire nation of Israel was guilty
More informationGot Guilt? Vienna Presbyterian Church The Rev. Dr. Peter G. James Isaiah 6:1-8
Got Guilt? Vienna Presbyterian Church The Rev. Dr. Peter G. James Isaiah 6:1-8 July 22, 2018 Guilt is today s Pressure Point. We have talked about four Pressure Points in this sermon series this summer
More informationTheme: Sin enters the world because of the disobedience of man.
Unit 1, Lesson 2 AIM: To understand that the disobedience of man (Adam and Eve) leads in to sin and fall of humanity from the Grace of God. Theme: Sin enters the world because of the disobedience of man.
More information3. Write out a verse from this Psalm that you would like to remember. Have a few share what verse they chose and why they want to remember it
Leader Notes Lesson 11 Lord, Have Mercy! Psalm 51 PLEASE DON'T READ THESE NOTES UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR LESSON. YOU WILL ROB YOURSELF OF THE JOY OF DISCOVERY! To the facilitator: YOU PROBABLY WON'T
More informationTherefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of
Therefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings,
More informationThe Hardest Person To Forgive Text : John 4: 7-19, 39-42
Sermon : The Hardest Person To Forgive Page 1 INTRODUCTION : The Hardest Person To Forgive Text : John 4: 7-19, 39-42 A. When is it the hardest for you to forgive someone? 1. As Christians we know that
More informationINSPIRED WORD September 13, 2017
INSPIRED WORD September 13, 2017 Praise You, Lord Jesus! Holy is Your name, God. Praise You, Jesus. Joy, joy, joy! Holy are You, Lord Jesus. Mighty is Your name, O God. O Lord, we seek Your holy presence
More information