Passage: John 1:1-18 & Others

Sermon Tagline: The mystery of Jesus’ divinity and humanity should fill us with Awe … a man like no other, worthy of calling Lord!

Series Summary: Our world finds far too much amazement in things that aren’t that amazing, and not nearly enough AWE in that which is out of this world. What is more out-of-this-world than the virgin birth, incarnation, and miracles surrounding the Son of God invading our planet? In this Advent sermon series we will bask in our awesome God and His glorious works displayed for all to see.

Passage: Luke 1:34 & Others

Sermon Tagline: The circumstances of the birth of Christ should fill us with Awe … to worship like the magi.

Series Summary: Our world finds far too much amazement in things that aren’t that amazing, and not nearly enough AWE in that which is out of this world. What is more out-of-this-world than the virgin birth, incarnation, and miracles surrounding the Son of God invading our planet? In this Advent sermon series we will bask in our awesome God and His glorious works displayed for all to see.

Passage: Romans 11:33-36 & Others

Sermon Tagline: We were built for Awe … we either worship God or idols of our own making!

Series Summary: Our world finds far too much amazement in things that aren’t that amazing, and not nearly enough AWE in that which is out of this world. What is more out-of-this-world than the virgin birth, incarnation, and miracles surrounding the Son of God invading our planet? In this Advent sermon series we will bask in our awesome God and His glorious works displayed for all to see.

Passage: Isaiah 66

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“In the end, it comes down to two kinds of hearts. It’s either the heart devoted to self or the heart that prizes the LORD. God devotes the self-devoted heart to destruction, but the God-prizing heart He treasures and rewards. Your only hope and joy is always found in turning from everything else and turning to the God who alone delivers!”

A succinct summary of the text …

Consider this morning three characteristics of the heart God esteems …

1. A Heart of Humility [66:1-6]

“But this is the one to whom I look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit” – 66:2

2. A Heart of Rejoicing [66:7-14]

“All you who love her; rejoice with her in joy” – 66:10

3. A Heart of Mission [66:15-24]

“And they shall declare my glory among the nations” – 66:19

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“What God delights in is not different today than it was in the time of Isaiah’s writing. He treasures the humble heart that is reflected in a delight for His Word. He sings over the rejoicing heart that is reflected in trusting His Work. He honors the missionary heart that is reflected in pointing to His Glory. Let this be the aim of your life and inscription on your grave.”

Thanks for taking this journey through Isaiah with me. I pray you have come not only to understand this key Old Testament book better, but have come to love the God of hope and promises even deeper. May God bring much fruit through our study for years to come!

Passage: Isaiah 65

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“As God’s people, He stands ready to forgive you. In addition, those not yet His people He opens His arms for them to come. The distance you feel and honestly express can be remedied through turning to Him in repentance. You always have something over which you can repent. Turn from your own devices, stop provoking the LORD, and hear His voice saying, ‘Here I am’ ready to be sought.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Consider this morning three convincing statements that prove God is not hiding, but eager for men to find Him …

1. He Is Ready to Be Found [65:1-7]

“I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me” – 65:1

2. He Has Spoken [65:8-16]

“When I spoke, you did not listen” – 65:12

3. He Will Answer [65:17-25]

“Before they call I will answer” – 65:24

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“It’s hard when God feels distant and you feel unloved. It can be confusing trying to determine what happened and who’s responsible. But one thing is true and certain to place your confidence in – That God is not messing with you. He is not playing games in the shadows, and He is not a scorned lover playing hard to get. He will speak and act in accordance with His love and justice. Your sin will not go undealt with and your pursuit of Him in repentance will not be rebuffed. So chase after Him, He is always ready with open arms.”

Passage: Isaiah 63:15 - 64:12

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“If you remember your God, then you will call out to Him and ask for mercy. In throwing off God’s rule, you have wandered in a land not your own. But even in your foolishness, God is mighty; and in your selfishness, God is giving. So turn to Him in prayer and ask for mercy. He’s not afraid of any question you may ask, and stands ready to help.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Consider this morning five questions that expose the heart realities of honest Biblical prayer …

1. Unpolished Emotion: Why Don’t I Feel Your Love? [63:15-16]

“Where are your zeal and your might?” – 63:15

2. Dilemmas Exposed: Why Do We Feel So Far Apart? [63:17-19]

“Why do you make us wander … so that we fear you not?” – 63:17

3. Declaring Power: Why Don’t You Come and Show Off? [64:1-5a]

“Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down” – 64:1

4. Owning Depravity: Am I So Messed Up I’m Beyond Saving? [64:5b-7]

“In our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?” – 64:5

5. Realistic Trust: Will You Come and Act for Your Glory? [64:8-12]

“Will you restrain yourself at these things, O LORD?” – 64:12

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“God’s not afraid of your honest prayers, in fact He delights in them. He wants you to recognize your need for Him. That means you will openly wrestle with life’s uncertainties with Him rather than smugly carry on without Him. So, learn to pray honest prayers as you learn to ask hard questions. That is how you grow in trusting Him above all things.”

Passage: Isaiah 63:1-14

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“As surely as He has promised a coming salvation, He will bring a day of judgment. God stands against all that stands against Him. The vengeance He will take on His enemies is connected to the ultimate deliverance of His people. So reflect carefully on God’s holy wrath so that you do not diminish His awesome glory.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Consider this morning eight ways to reflect on the wrath of God …

1. The Lone Warrior [63:1-6]

(1) His wrath is part of His strength and splendor – v1

(2) He alone has the right to such anger and judgment – v2-3, 5-6

(3) His wrath is always connected to His redeeming work – v4

2. The Lonely People [63:7-14]

(4) His wrath never diminishes or prevents His steadfast love – v7-9

(5) Rebellious men are always deserving of God’s wrath – v10-14

(6) God fights for His children not against them – v10-14

(7) His glory is always His greatest end – v10-14

(8) His bloody garments are always for our good!

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“Sinful people have no right to take up judgment and wrath. A holy God does. Be careful to not build your knowledge of the Holy One on the foundation of human characteristics and subjective emotions. God’s anger is as righteous as His love is tender. Both declare His glory and should lead His children to thank Him for mercy and grace.”

Passage: Isaiah 62

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“Your darkness is never too dark that the light of God’s glory can’t break through. But His pursuit is not some selfish duty He performs to loyal subjects. Rather it is the delight of a Father toward His cherished children. These precious promises are given for your present motivation, future hope, and constant joy.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Rest in God’s delight over His children this morning as you enjoy these three glorious pictures of God’s love …

1. The LORD Rejoices over You [62:1-5]

“As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” – 62:5

2. The LORD Protects You [62:6-9]

“The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm” – 62:8

3. The LORD Rewards You [62:10-12]

“Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him” – 62:11

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“Some of you have no idea what it feels like to have someone delight in you. The idea of being rejoiced over feels like a distant emotion that you struggle to connect to your reality. Yet through the work of Christ your brother, God your Father delights in calling you his son or daughter. However, the degree to which you grapple with, and embrace that truth is the degree to which you will cease striving, flee anxiety, and find the very present help and rest you long for.”

Passage: Isaiah 61

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“You are never without hope, both now and forevermore. Trust in the LORD, He is your salvation and the restorer of what has been lost. He will send His Messiah, full of the Spirit, anointed to bring good news accomplishing great work. Don’t turn away and don’t look elsewhere, the glory of God will accomplish salvation for you.”

A succinct summary of the text …

This is the good news of the Gospel of God bringing salvation and restoring loss … to the praise of His glory and grace!

1. Bringing the Good News of Personal Salvation [61:1-3]

“The LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” – 61:1

2. Bringing the Good News of Corporate Restoration [61:4-9]

“They shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations” – 61:4

3. Bringing Great Joy Because of the Good News [61:10-11]

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God” – 61:10

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“Jesus is the Anointed One who was promised to the Old Testament people of God and He has come for you too! The restoration He spoke of was about their return from exile and deliverance from your spiritual exile. The healing, freedom, and joy declared back then has now been declared to you by the Savior of the world. Joyfully embrace it all and give glory to the God of your salvation.”

Passage: Isaiah 60

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“Pay attention to the promised deliverance of God. It will not come about through the strength of armies or the wisdom of kings. Nor will it be ushered in by the goodness of God’s people. The glory of God alone will accomplish it. In His time, He will shine the light that will crush all darkness and restore all brokenness, where joy and peace will reign forevermore. Let this motivate you now!”

A succinct summary of the text... Consider these four descriptions of what the glory of God will accomplish for the future of God’s people:

1. A Divine Breakthrough Unmatched by Human Power [60:1-3]

“The glory of the LORD has risen upon you” – 60:1

2. A Global Procession Marked by Beauty and Worship [60:4-14]

“They shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD” – 60:6

3. A Majestic Restoration Full of Joy Forevermore [60:15-20]

“I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age” – 60:15

4. A Final Righteousness Where Peace and Justice Reign [60:21-22]

“Your people shall all be righteous” – 60:21

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“There is nothing and no one who compares with the Lord. No nation matches His power, and no human power establishes His rule. The light of the glory of God has come in Christ bringing salvation, and it will come in the Conqueror bringing total victory. Such glory should be your sole motivation in life, and your hope to never give up.”