Embracing the Light: A Call to Sacrificial Living
Summary
In today's gathering at Crossland Community Church, we celebrated a profound moment of baptism, reminding us that each day is unique and significant in God's eyes. This day, like the resurrection of Christ or the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, is a moment God has awaited, where an individual publicly declares their allegiance to Christ. This act of baptism is not just a ritual but a transformative declaration that changes lives, as it did for Logan Locke today. We are reminded that God knew us before time, chose us, and provided a way for us to choose Him through Jesus Christ, who lived perfectly and died painfully for us.
We also explored the theme of giving, inspired by the story of Warren Buffett's donation and the biblical account of the widow's mite. True giving is not measured by the amount but by the sacrifice it entails. It's about giving in a way that costs us something, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who gave His first and last for us. This sacrificial giving is a call to live for God, not die for Him, as He desires us to experience the fullness of life.
Our journey through Isaiah 9 highlighted the prophecy of Christ's coming, a message of hope amidst darkness. Isaiah spoke of a time when those in darkness would see a great light, a prophecy fulfilled in Christ's birth. This light is not just historical but ongoing, inviting us to step out of darkness into the light of Christ. The prophecy also speaks of Christ's eternal reign, a king unlike any other, who is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His government is one of justice and righteousness, offering us a kingdom where we are truly free.
The message of Christmas is not just about the birth of Christ but the entirety of God's plan, from creation to eternity. It's about experiencing the wonder of it all, the profound impact of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. We are invited to live in the light, to embrace the joy and peace that Christ offers, and to let His love transform us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Uniqueness of Each Day: Every day is a unique gift from God, as significant as the resurrection or Pentecost. Today, as Logan Locke declared his faith through baptism, we are reminded that God has awaited this moment, knowing and choosing us before time began. This is a call to recognize the significance of our own spiritual milestones. [11:23]
2. True Sacrificial Giving: True giving is not about the amount but the sacrifice it entails. Like the widow's mite, it's about giving in a way that costs us something, reflecting Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This challenges us to consider how we can give sacrificially in our own lives. [34:04]
3. Stepping into the Light: Isaiah's prophecy invites us to step out of darkness into the light of Christ. This light is not just historical but ongoing, offering us freedom from distress and gloom. We are called to live in this light, experiencing the transformative power of Christ. [56:14]
4. Christ's Eternal Reign: Christ's government is one of justice and righteousness, unlike any earthly kingdom. As Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, He offers us a kingdom where we are truly free. This is a call to trust in His eternal reign and live as citizens of His kingdom. [01:15:55]
5. The Wonder of Christmas: Christmas is about more than the birth of Christ; it's about the entirety of God's plan. We are invited to experience the wonder of it all, embracing the joy and peace that Christ offers. This is a call to let His love transform us and to live in the fullness of His light. [01:19:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:23] - The Significance of Baptism
- [28:02] - Community and Generosity
- [31:26] - The Joy of Giving
- [32:37] - True Sacrificial Giving
- [34:04] - The Widow's Mite
- [41:38] - Isaiah's Prophecy
- [45:24] - The Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [47:57] - Christ's Coronation
- [52:22] - Authority and Autonomy
- [54:38] - Stepping into the Light
- [56:14] - The Dawning of a New Day
- [59:06] - Enlarging Our Territory
- [01:03:43] - Victory Through Christ
- [01:09:05] - The Gift of Christmas
- [01:19:11] - The Wonder of It All
- [01:21:56] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 9:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant event was celebrated at Crossland Community Church, and why was it considered as important as the resurrection or Pentecost? [11:23]
2. How does the sermon describe the act of giving, and what example from the Bible is used to illustrate true sacrificial giving? [34:04]
3. According to the sermon, what does Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 9 invite us to do, and how is this light described? [56:14]
4. What titles are given to Christ in Isaiah 9, and what do they signify about His reign? [45:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of baptism, as described in the sermon, serve as a transformative declaration of faith? What impact does this have on the individual and the community? [11:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the congregation to consider their own approach to giving? How does this reflect the widow's mite story? [34:04]
3. What does stepping into the light of Christ mean in the context of Isaiah's prophecy, and how does this relate to personal freedom from distress and gloom? [56:14]
4. How does the sermon portray Christ's eternal reign as different from earthly kingdoms, and what implications does this have for believers today? [45:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a personal spiritual milestone in your life. How can you recognize and celebrate its significance as a unique gift from God, similar to Logan Locke's baptism? [11:23]
2. Consider your current approach to giving. What is one specific way you can give sacrificially this week, even if it means giving up something you enjoy? [34:04]
3. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are still walking in darkness? What steps can you take to step into the light of Christ and experience His transformative power? [56:14]
4. How can you actively trust in Christ's eternal reign and live as a citizen of His kingdom in your daily life? What changes might this require in your perspective or actions? [45:24]
5. The sermon emphasizes the wonder of Christmas as part of God's entire plan. How can you embrace the joy and peace of Christ in this season, allowing His love to transform you? [01:19:11]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to experience the fullness of life that God desires for you. What practical steps can you take to live more fully for Him? [34:40]
7. Reflect on the titles given to Christ in Isaiah 9. Which title resonates most with you, and how can you apply its meaning to your relationship with Christ this week? [45:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Sacredness of Daily Moments
Each day is a unique and sacred gift from God, filled with potential for spiritual milestones. Just as significant events like the resurrection or Pentecost mark pivotal moments in Christian history, our personal spiritual milestones hold profound importance in God's eyes. Baptism, as witnessed in Logan Locke's declaration of faith, is a transformative act that signifies a public commitment to Christ. It is a reminder that God has known and chosen us before time began, and He eagerly awaits our moments of spiritual awakening and commitment. Recognizing the sacredness of each day encourages us to live with intentionality and awareness of God's presence in our lives. [11:23]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one spiritual milestone in your life that you can celebrate today, and how can you acknowledge God's presence in your daily routine?
Day 2: The Heart of Sacrificial Giving
True giving is measured not by the amount but by the sacrifice it entails. The story of the widow's mite illustrates that genuine generosity comes from a place of sacrifice, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. This challenges us to consider how we can give in a way that costs us something, whether it be time, resources, or energy. Sacrificial giving is a call to live for God, experiencing the fullness of life He desires for us. It invites us to examine our own lives and find ways to give that reflect the heart of Christ's selfless love. [34:04]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can give sacrificially this week. How can this act of giving draw you closer to the heart of Christ?
Day 3: Embracing the Light of Christ
Isaiah's prophecy speaks of a great light that shines in the darkness, fulfilled in the coming of Christ. This light is not just a historical event but an ongoing invitation to step out of darkness and into the transformative power of Christ. Living in the light means experiencing freedom from distress and gloom, embracing the hope and joy that Christ offers. It is a call to let go of the shadows that hold us back and to walk confidently in the light of His love and truth. [56:14]
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of darkness in your life that you need to bring into the light of Christ? How can you take a step towards embracing His transformative power today?
Day 4: Trusting in Christ's Eternal Reign
Christ's government is one of justice and righteousness, offering a kingdom where we are truly free. As Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, His reign is unlike any earthly kingdom. Trusting in His eternal reign means living as citizens of His kingdom, embracing the values of justice, peace, and righteousness. It is a call to align our lives with His eternal purposes and to find our identity and security in His unchanging rule. [01:15:55]
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live as a citizen of Christ's kingdom today, reflecting His justice and righteousness in your interactions with others?
Day 5: Experiencing the Wonder of God's Plan
The message of Christmas encompasses the entirety of God's plan, from creation to eternity. It invites us to experience the wonder of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, embracing the joy and peace He offers. This is a call to let His love transform us, to live in the fullness of His light, and to be part of His redemptive story. Embracing the wonder of God's plan means recognizing the profound impact of Christ's presence in our lives and allowing His love to guide and shape us. [01:19:11]
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace the wonder of God's plan in your life today? What steps can you take to allow His love to transform you and guide your actions?
Quotes
"Well, good morning, and welcome to Crossland Community Church, a community of refuge and hope for all people. So glad you're here today, and I tend to almost always say this when I do a baptism, because in many ways, when we're regular church attenders, as we should be, you know, we sometimes think that, you know, and it's, I get there, you know, that it's just a Sunday like every other Sunday, and really, no Sunday is like any other Sunday. It's a unique moment, it's a unique expression, it's as unique as the day that Christ raised himself from the dead, it's as unique as the day that he dispatched the Spirit of God from heaven on Pentecost, and that day will never happen again." [00:10:13] (42 seconds)
"And in the heart of God, and I mean this from the depth of my soul, this day is just as important to God as the day that Christ raised himself from the dead. Because it's on this day that this man is going to publicly declare his allegiance to Christ. And God's been waiting forever for that." [00:11:00] (23 seconds)
"And that's when he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to do what you could never do, and that was live perfectly. And die painfully. And he did them both for you. And like all of heaven is as quiet as this room is right now. Because God told him to shut up and be quiet." [00:11:35] (18 seconds)
"Because he wants them all to witness his child publicly declaring his allegiance to Jesus Christ. And that is not super spiritual nonsense. That is a biblical reality. And I hope and he hopes, I know his heart, is that if you've not had the moment of salvation, or a moment of baptism, please, contemplate it, because it really, it's going to change his life and it would change yours." [00:11:53] (30 seconds)
"What the Bible is saying is that there's something unique about when we reach the point in our life, when we begin to give and we know that in giving it's going to cost, it's going to remove certain opportunities from our life. We may not be able to go. Sure, you want to go catch some of the movies that are being advertised right now. They look great. Go have, take your kids, please, in the name of the Lord. Take your kids." [00:33:17] (25 seconds)
"And Christ gave his first drop of blood and his last drop of blood. He gave his first breath and honestly, his last breath. As your word concludes, when he breathed his last. And he did it all for us. Gave it all until he had nothing left. And you're not asking us to do that. You don't want us to die for you. You want us to live for you." [00:34:26] (28 seconds)
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. You have enlarged a nation and increased their joy. They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder." [00:44:22] (18 seconds)
"The power of this prophecy is that it didn't have a momentary fulfillment. It would have many moments of fulfillment until the ultimate moment when Christ returns for His people. Father, we love You that we live in the time that not only has it profoundly been fulfilled, but it continues to be fulfilled." [00:45:37] (22 seconds)
"And in so many ways, everybody is an Ahaz until they accept Christ. We've taken the authority of God to rule, reign, subdue, fill, and multiply, to live our lives in such a way as we see fit. But often we do it in such derogatory ways, and we kill the purposes of God for our own individual life." [00:52:45] (23 seconds)
"And God is not going to sit back and watch us continue to do that. But the gospel is so profound that God doesn't sacrifice us for our poor choices. He doesn't ask us to sacrifice for our poor choices. The ultimate king says, I'm going to take all my authority, I'm going to redirect your autonomy, and I'm going to do it by sending my son and killing my son." [00:53:21] (23 seconds)
"That even in Babylon, he increased their joy. That they had rock solid confidence that when Jeremiah said, I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord's plans to prosper you, not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope. They knew that meant 70 years from now, we're coming back. And while we're in Babylon and chaos in a foreign land, we're not going to doubt the plan of God. We're confident that we're coming back. And they did come back." [01:00:24] (26 seconds)
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