Hello Church! I pray this message finds you well. I know that not everyone could join us for worship on Sunday, July 9. Some of you are traveling, on vacation, or caught up in other commitments—No guilt trip here; know that Church is better with you! I wanted to ensure you didn't miss out on the lesson, so here's a summary of what we discussed. The sermon was titled "Go Tell it on the Mountain" and was based on Isaiah 52:4-12 (NLT).
So, here are the key takeaways from the sermon:
Slavery has been a persistent challenge due to our unfaithfulness and refusal to acknowledge God's saving grace.
The birth of Jesus brings peace and salvation and shows that God is in charge.
Music has a powerful impact in conveying God's message and connecting us to Him.
Slavery exists in various forms today, externally and internally.
God's presence means we don't have to rush or face challenges alone.
We started by diving into the story of Joseph, a guy who went through some tough times. His brothers sold him into slavery, but you won't believe what happened next! Joseph rose to a position of privilege in Egypt, but then the people of God became comfortable living there and decided to stay, even when things changed. Unfortunately, this led to their eventual enslavement by the Assyrians. It resulted from their unfaithfulness and refusal to acknowledge God's saving grace and power.
This is where we turn to Isaiah 52:5, where God asks why His people are enslaved again. It reminded us that throughout the Old Testament, the people of God faced slavery repeatedly because they strayed from God's ways and forgot His authority. It's a cycle that keeps happening to this day. The fact is that there are more people enslaved today than ever before… read this article to see what I mean. Click Here
But not everything is lost. Here's the incredible part! When everything seems lost, we have to remember Isaiah 52:7, where we are reminded of the prediction of the birth of the Messiah. Yes, Jesus! His birth was the game-changer. It brought peace, salvation and showed that God is the one in charge. So we sang the Christmas carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain" to celebrate this incredible hope and joy that Jesus' birth brings. It's not just a cute Christmas song; it's a reminder of the power of Christ's birth! The people who suffered in shackles sang this tune to encourage each other and the future generations that God was born to rescue us from evil, sin, and eternal death and that we should be singing also because the evil of slavery still exists under our very noses. We must sing; it is our duty to sing until, by the power of God, every captive is free.
So naturally, we talk about the power of Music. Music has a unique way of touching our hearts and connecting us with God's message. Have you ever noticed how people with Alzheimer's or dementia can still respond to familiar hymns? It's amazing! So, let's pay attention to the music that amplifies God's eternal melody and strengthens our relationship with Him. It's not just about remembering the sermon; it's about embracing God's presence in our lives.
Yet again, let's address the harsh reality. Slavery still exists today, both externally and internally. It's not just about chains and shackles; it takes different forms. We talked about the staggering number of people currently enslaved, but we also recognized the internal forces that enslave us, like addictions or societal pressures. It's a serious issue that needs our attention.
But don't lose hope! The sermon reminded us of Isaiah 52:12, which assures us that we don't have to live in a constant rush or run for our lives. Why? Because God goes before us and protects us from behind. Isn't that amazing? We don't have to face life's challenges alone. God's got our back, my friends!
If you missed the sermon or want to experience it again, I encourage you to watch it online. The sermon will touch your heart and help you dive deeper into these powerful messages.
Remember, my friends, no matter what mountain you're facing today; you can go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere! Jesus' birth brings hope, peace, and salvation. Let's embrace the power of music, acknowledge the challenges of slavery, and find comfort in knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Stay blessed and until next time!
Ps: Let me know if you would find it helpful; I can get into the habit of creating them.
Just for you. eMail me at pastor@fpceustis.com
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