Who Will Go?

Message by Dave Patterson – August 28, 2022
 

via: bbc.co.uk

Troubled Times
Isaiah 1:2,5,15-16
“I [God] reared children …but they have rebelled against me… Why do you persist in rebellion? …
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you …your hands are full of
blood …Take your evil deeds out of my sight!”

 

Six Stages of Christian Growth:

Stage #1
We are Concerned = We feel a need
Often our greatest encounters with God begin in the place of our greatest needs and concerns.

Stage #2
We Consult God = We look up for answers
God is seated on the throne and exalted on high – He is transcendent; He is just, holy, righteous

Stage #3
We Confess = We are overwhelmed
Woe is me! I am ruined! I am a man of unclean lips!

(Contrast Isaiah’s response with that of his people in 1:12-14
God says: “When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my
courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons,
Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Your New Moon feasts
and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am
weary of bearing them. “)

Stage #4
We are Cleansed
Unclean means immoral and unfit for service
So God takes the initiative!

 

Stage #5
We are Called
NOW GOD ASKS: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”
Isaiah is ready to reply: “Here I am. Send me!”

What is God asking you?

Stage #6
We Cooperate = We respond

The big reveal: It’s a lifelong cycle

The Challenge

  • What is God asking you?
  • What is God asking of you?
  • Where are you at in the process?
  • If you are stuck or stalled, go back to a preceding stage. Invite God to help you find your way.

You can watch the sermon on Youtube here.

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