2024-12-01 WAIT

Title: Embracing the Silence: Finding God in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like God has gone silent in your life? Like you're waiting for a message that never seems to come? You're not alone. Imagine living without your phone for 400 years—no texts, no calls, no updates. That's what God's people experienced between the Old and New Testaments. But what if this silence wasn't abandonment, but preparation? What if God is working behind the scenes, even when we can't see it?

The Preparation of Silence

In our fast-paced world, waiting feels like a burden. But what if waiting is actually a time of preparation? During the 400 years of silence, God was setting the stage for the arrival of Jesus. The spread of the Greek language, the construction of Roman roads, and the Pax Romana all played a part in making the world ready for the Gospel. Just because we can't see God working doesn't mean He's not. Remember, "God is never late; he’s seldom early; he’s always right on time."

The Faith of Silence

Waiting challenges our faith. It's easy to trust God when everything is clear, but genuine faith is trusting Him even when He seems distant. The Bible mentions waiting on the Lord almost 100 times, emphasizing that waiting builds our faith. Psalm 130:5 says, "I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word." Waiting creates expectation, and expectation gives birth to hope. Just like a bodybuilder needs rest to grow muscles, our faith grows stronger in the silence.

The Impact of Silence

The anticipation of waiting can make the arrival of what we're waiting for even more powerful. After 400 years, God broke His silence with the birth of Jesus, the Word made flesh. This was the climax of God's redemptive plan. The silence made His arrival all the more impactful. In our lives, waiting can lead to profound encounters with God. Romans 8:22-23 reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for the redemption of our bodies, a renewed and restored reality.

So, how do we find comfort in waiting? Lamentations 3:25-26 tells us, "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." Just as God's people waited for Jesus, we now wait for His glory to be made complete in all creation.

Conclusion

The point is, God is always at work, even in the silence. Embrace the waiting, trust in His preparation, and look forward to the incredible ways He will reveal Himself in your life. What will you do this week to embrace the silence and strengthen your faith? Will you trust God even when you don't see immediate answers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the times of silence that prepare us and strengthen our faith. Help us to trust in Your timing and to find comfort in the waiting. May we always remember that You are at work, even when we can't see it. Guide us to embrace the silence and to look forward to the ways You will reveal Yourself in our lives. Amen.

2024-11-24 SALVATION

Title: Seek the Lord While He May Be Found

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? Maybe you've wondered if there's more to this world than what meets the eye. If so, you're not alone. Many of us have felt that tug at our hearts, urging us to seek something greater. In a recent sermon, we explored a powerful message from Isaiah 55:6, which calls us to "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near." This invitation is not just a suggestion—it's a call to action that can transform your life.

The main point of the sermon was clear: God wants us to seek Him with urgency and sincerity. This isn't about religion or rituals; it's about a personal relationship with Jesus. The sermon emphasized that there are only two kinds of people in the world—those who are saved and those who are lost. If you know Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and you have the promise of eternal life. But if you don't, there's an urgency to seek Him now, while your heart is tender, your mind is clear, and your body is alive.

Why is this important? Because every day you live without Jesus, your heart can grow harder, and the voice of God can become quieter. The statistics shared in the sermon were eye-opening: 94% of people who come to Jesus do so before the age of 18. This highlights the importance of seeking God early in life, but it also serves as a reminder that it's never too late to turn to Him.

So, what should you do? The sermon laid out three simple steps:

1. Seek the Lord with a tender heart. When your heart is open, you're more receptive to God's call. Don't wait until it's too late.

2. Seek the Lord with a clear mind. Understand the gospel and what Jesus did for you on the cross. If you can comprehend this, you're capable of making a decision for Christ.

3. Seek the Lord while you're alive. There's no second chance after death. The time to make a decision is now.

The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder that Jesus has already made the way for us. He died for our sins and rose again, offering us forgiveness and eternal life. The question is, will you accept His invitation?

What will you do this week to seek the Lord? Maybe it's spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, or talking to someone about your faith. Whatever it is, take a step towards Jesus. Without taking this step, you might miss out on the life He has planned for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your invitation to seek You. Help us to respond with open hearts and clear minds. May we not delay in coming to You, knowing that You are near and ready to receive us. Guide us in our journey of faith, and let us find our true purpose in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.