Sermons on Isaiah (Page 2)
The sermon series that we are starting today is a four-part series called “Anticipating Advent.” Today, we will be looking at the concept of HOPE as it relates to the prophesied arrival of the Christ child. Over the next three weeks, we will look at PEACE, JOY, and LOVE respectively. The Bible reading plan that I am inviting you to join will follow along with these same concepts.
Last week, I began our study through this last section of Romans 12. We focused in on the idea of blessing those who mistreat and malign you. We considered two ways that Paul encourages us to overcome evil with good. In today’s message, we will continue to discover what it means to overcome evil with good as we look at Romans 12:16-18.
Anger is an emotion that can be used for great harm or great good! In itself, anger is neither positive or negative—neither productive or destructive. It all depends on how somebody uses it. In this study, we will examine the source of anger and what anger is designed to stimulate to bring about a better end. We’ll also take some time to think about the dangerous side of anger and why it can be so destructive.
As we jump into the third chapter of Luke this morning, we are re-introduced to Zechariah’s son, John, who became known as John the Baptizer (or John the Baptist). John’s ministry was eccentric and unconventional. He did not teach in the synagogues like the other rabbis (or teachers) of his day. He did not dress like them or even eat the same kinds of food. He was definitely different! The message that John proclaimed was also different. It’s not that it had never been preached before, but no one at that time was preaching it. In fact, it had been centuries since any of the Lord’s prophets or leaders had focused on the truth of this message. John’s message was a message of repentance. He focused his teaching on an individual’s need for repentance and personal, spiritual transformation.
In the early Church, there were three religious practices that were practiced regularly; Giving, Praying, and Fasting. Some where along the way, fasting fell off the bandwagon and became more of a diet plan. When we deny our selves the physical gratification of food, and put our trust in the word of God, the hold that the physical has on our lives begins to lessen. And the growth towards the spiritual, increases greatly. It’s time that we start making Fasting a priority in our worship.