God's Vision and Our Calling: Embracing Holiness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound truth that God is always thinking about us, and He has a vision for each of our lives. This year has been declared a year of vision and provision for our church, and we are encouraged to seek and see what God sees in us. We delved into the life of the prophet Isaiah, particularly focusing on his vision of God in the temple as described in Isaiah 6. This vision is a powerful reminder of God's holiness, His undivided nature, and His boundless capacity to think about each of us individually.
Isaiah's vision occurred during a time of national crisis, symbolized by the death of King Uzziah. In this moment of transition and uncertainty, Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, with the train of His robe filling the temple. This vision of God's grandeur and holiness was overwhelming, leading Isaiah to recognize his own unworthiness and the uncleanliness of his lips. However, God, in His grace, purified Isaiah with a coal from the altar, symbolizing the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit.
We are reminded that just as Isaiah was called and purified, we too are called to be ministers of God's word. This calling is not limited to those in formal ministry roles but extends to all believers. We are all witnesses of Christ, and our lives should reflect His light and holiness. The message we carry may not always be received, but we are called to share it faithfully, trusting that God will use it according to His purposes.
In light of recent political events, we are also called to pray for our nation, seeking God's guidance and unity. The holiness of God should inspire us to live lives of integrity, service, and devotion, always ready to say, "Here I am, send me," just as Isaiah did.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Constant Attention: We are never out of God's mind or heart. His infinite capacity allows Him to think about each of us individually without diminishing His attention to others. This truth should comfort and encourage us, knowing that we are always under His watchful care. [42:39]
2. Holiness and Wholeness: God's holiness is His undivided nature. He is whole and complete, and His holiness is reflected in His power and purity. As believers, we are called to reflect this holiness in our lives, being undivided in our devotion to Him. [55:08]
3. Purification and Calling: Isaiah's vision of God led to his recognition of his own sinfulness and need for purification. God purified him with a coal from the altar, symbolizing the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. This purification prepared Isaiah for his prophetic mission, reminding us that we too must be purified and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling. [40:58]
4. The Role of the Believer: Every believer is a minister of Christ, called to share the good news and reflect God's light in the world. This calling is not limited to formal ministry roles but extends to all who follow Christ. We must live lives that demonstrate God's love and truth, being ready to serve and witness at all times. [41:48]
5. Prayer and Unity: In light of national and global events, we are called to pray for our leaders and our nation. Unity and peace come from God, and we must seek His guidance in all things. Our prayers should be fervent and continuous, asking God to reveal His will and to bring healing and unity to our land. [50:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:58] - Gratitude and Recovery
[41:22] - Thanks to Pastors Henji and Vanita
[42:13] - Vision and Provision for the Year
[42:39] - God's Constant Attention
[43:12] - Seeing God's Vision
[43:44] - PSOM Update
[44:43] - The Church's Role
[45:10] - Serving One Another
[45:33] - Prophets and Their Visions
[45:58] - Isaiah's Vision
[46:21] - Understanding God's Messages
[46:53] - Prophets' Readiness
[47:23] - Prayer for Readiness
[47:56] - Political Update
[48:32] - Historical Context
[49:33] - Praying for the Nation
[50:04] - Seeking God's Guidance
[50:34] - Isaiah's Commissioning
[51:02] - Isaiah's First Vision
[51:29] - Reflecting on Holiness
[52:24] - God's Undivided Nature
[53:09] - Understanding Holiness
[54:14] - Unity in God
[55:08] - God's Wholeness
[56:01] - The Majesty of God
[57:20] - The Power of God's Presence
[58:15] - The Role of Seraphim
[59:11] - The Fall of Lucifer
[01:00:02] - Jesus' Temptation
[01:00:27] - Trinitarian Holiness
[01:01:20] - Seeing the Father Through the Son
[01:02:17] - Becoming Holy
[01:03:24] - The Call to Holiness
[01:04:12] - Isaiah's Prophetic Career
[01:04:49] - The Major Prophets
[01:05:40] - Themes in Isaiah
[01:06:35] - Isaiah's Encounter with God
[01:07:36] - The Throne Room Vision
[01:08:26] - Invitation to Prayer
[01:09:07] - Childlike Faith
[01:10:00] - The Kingdom of God
[01:11:32] - God's Vitality
[01:12:04] - Spiritual Gifts Prayer
[01:12:45] - Revival and the Holy Spirit
[01:13:36] - The Great Awakening
[01:14:11] - Purification and Commissioning
[01:14:36] - The Purpose of Ministry
[01:15:15] - The Call to Witness
[01:16:02] - Accountability Before God
[01:17:17] - The Reality of Judgment
[01:18:26] - The Need for Salvation
[01:19:21] - Seeking God's Help
[01:20:22] - Humility and Service
[01:20:59] - Readiness for Ministry
[01:21:27] - Living a Light-Filled Life
[01:22:32] - Entering the Throne Room
[01:23:08] - Engaging with Scripture
[01:24:19] - A Lifestyle of Prayer
[01:24:46] - Receiving Cleansing and Calling
[01:25:32] - Sharing the Message
[01:26:02] - The Reality of Rejection
[01:27:04] - The Impact of Witnessing
[01:27:39] - Isaiah's Vision of the Lord
[01:28:38] - The Seraphim's Role
[01:29:35] - The Holiness of God
[01:30:10] - The Power of God's Presence
[01:31:07] - The Call to Worship
[01:32:05] - The Temple Filled with Smoke
[01:33:00] - Isaiah's Despair
[01:34:00] - The Power of God's Holiness
[01:35:28] - The Reality of God's Power
[01:36:33] - The Purpose of God's Power
[01:37:04] - The Cleansing of Isaiah
[01:37:51] - The Call to Holiness
[01:38:26] - The Role of the Seraphim
[01:39:19] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[01:40:22] - The Removal of Guilt
[01:41:28] - The Mission of Isaiah
[01:42:41] - The Call to Witness
[01:43:14] - The Message to the People
[01:44:13] - The Reality of Rejection
[01:45:06] - The Duration of the Message
[01:46:02] - The Remnant and the Seed
[01:47:14] - The Enduring Word of God
[01:47:56] - A Prayer for Forgiveness and Guidance
[01:49:02] - Personal Prayers and Needs
[01:50:13] - Lifting Needs to the Altar
[01:51:27] - Receiving the Provision
[01:52:05] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 6:1-8 (NIV)
> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Isaiah's reaction when he saw the vision of the Lord in the temple? ([51:48])
2. How did God purify Isaiah, and what did this purification symbolize? ([56:01])
3. What was the response of the seraphim to the presence of God, and what did they proclaim? ([53:09])
4. What was Isaiah's response to God's question, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" ([42:41])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Isaiah felt "ruined" upon seeing the vision of the Lord? How does this reflect our own recognition of God's holiness? ([51:48])
2. What does the act of the seraphim touching Isaiah's lips with a coal from the altar teach us about the process of purification and readiness for God's service? ([56:01])
3. How does the proclamation of "Holy, holy, holy" by the seraphim help us understand the nature of God's holiness and wholeness? ([53:09])
4. In what ways does Isaiah's willingness to be sent by God ("Here am I. Send me!") challenge us in our own readiness to serve and witness for God? ([42:41])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate in the presence of God. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([51:48])
2. Isaiah was purified by a coal from the altar, symbolizing the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to seek and experience this purification in your own life? ([56:01])
3. The seraphim proclaimed God's holiness with great reverence. How can you incorporate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness in your daily worship and prayer life? ([53:09])
4. Isaiah responded to God's call with readiness and willingness. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to serve or witness? How can you prepare yourself to say, "Here am I. Send me"? ([42:41])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of living lives that reflect God's light and holiness. What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate God's love and truth in your interactions with others? ([45:10])
6. In light of recent political events, the sermon called for prayer for our nation and its leaders. How can you commit to praying for unity and guidance in our country, and what specific prayers will you lift up? ([50:04])
7. The message of the sermon included a call to be ready to serve and witness at all times. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Christ. How can you share this message with them in a loving and faithful way? ([45:10])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Constant Attention
God's infinite capacity allows Him to think about each of us individually without diminishing His attention to others. This truth should comfort and encourage us, knowing that we are always under His watchful care. The idea that God is always thinking about us is a profound reminder of His love and concern for each of us. It means that no matter what we are going through, we are never alone. God is always with us, guiding us, and providing for us. This constant attention is not just a passive observation but an active involvement in our lives. He knows our needs, our struggles, and our joys, and He is always working for our good.
This understanding should lead us to a deeper trust in God. When we know that He is always thinking about us, we can rest in His care and provision. We can bring our worries and concerns to Him, knowing that He is already aware of them and is working on our behalf. This truth should also inspire us to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that our lives are always before Him. [42:39]
Psalm 139:17-18 (ESV): "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you."
Reflection: How does knowing that God is always thinking about you change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions?
Day 2: Holiness and Wholeness
God's holiness is His undivided nature. He is whole and complete, and His holiness is reflected in His power and purity. As believers, we are called to reflect this holiness in our lives, being undivided in our devotion to Him. This means that our lives should be marked by integrity, purity, and a single-minded focus on God. Holiness is not just about avoiding sin but about being fully devoted to God in every area of our lives. It is about being set apart for His purposes and living in a way that honors Him.
Reflecting God's holiness also means that we should strive to be whole and complete in our own lives. This involves seeking healing and restoration in areas where we are broken or divided. It means allowing God to work in us to bring about His wholeness and purity. As we grow in holiness, we become more like God and are better able to reflect His light and love to the world around us. [55:08]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's wholeness and purity? How can you be more undivided in your devotion to Him?
Day 3: Purification and Calling
Isaiah's vision of God led to his recognition of his own sinfulness and need for purification. God purified him with a coal from the altar, symbolizing the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. This purification prepared Isaiah for his prophetic mission, reminding us that we too must be purified and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling. Just as Isaiah was cleansed and called, we are also called to be ministers of God's word. This calling is not limited to those in formal ministry roles but extends to all believers. We are all witnesses of Christ, and our lives should reflect His light and holiness.
The process of purification is essential for us to be effective in our calling. It involves recognizing our own sinfulness and allowing God to cleanse us and make us whole. This purification is not a one-time event but an ongoing process as we grow in our relationship with God. As we are purified and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are better able to fulfill the mission that God has for us. [40:58]
Isaiah 6:6-7 (ESV): "Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: 'Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.'"
Reflection: What areas of your life need God's purification? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse and empower you for your calling?
Day 4: The Role of the Believer
Every believer is a minister of Christ, called to share the good news and reflect God's light in the world. This calling is not limited to formal ministry roles but extends to all who follow Christ. We must live lives that demonstrate God's love and truth, being ready to serve and witness at all times. This means that our faith should be evident in our actions, words, and attitudes. We are called to be salt and light in the world, making a difference in the lives of those around us.
Being a minister of Christ involves being intentional about our witness. It means looking for opportunities to share the gospel and to serve others in love. It also means living in a way that reflects the character of Christ, showing kindness, compassion, and integrity in all that we do. As we fulfill our role as believers, we become a testimony to the power and love of God, drawing others to Him. [41:48]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel and serving others in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's light to those around you?
Day 5: Prayer and Unity
In light of national and global events, we are called to pray for our leaders and our nation. Unity and peace come from God, and we must seek His guidance in all things. Our prayers should be fervent and continuous, asking God to reveal His will and to bring healing and unity to our land. This involves not only praying for our own needs but also interceding for others and for the world around us. Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us to bring about change and to align our hearts with His purposes.
As we pray for unity, we should also strive to be agents of unity in our own lives. This means seeking reconciliation and peace in our relationships and working towards harmony in our communities. It involves being peacemakers and bridge-builders, showing love and understanding to those who may be different from us. As we seek God's guidance and unity, we become a reflection of His kingdom on earth. [50:04]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in your prayers for your leaders and nation? What steps can you take to promote unity and peace in your own relationships and community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Consider this. Are you capturing something of what God is seeing when he looks at you? Because he's always looking at you. This past Wednesday night, we meditated on that reality that we are never out of the mind of God. We are never out of the heart of God. In other words, there is no time when God is not thinking about you." [42:13] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Are you ready to receive what God is ready to give to you today? Are you ready to see what God wants to show? Then let's pray. Let's pray in the attitude of readiness. Let's pray in the spirit of Isaiah who, when God said, Who can I send? Isaiah said, Here I am, Lord, send me. But how can he send you unless you see what he shows you, unless you hear what he speaks to you?" [47:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you are saved. I'm not talking about a political alignment. I'm not talking about membership in the church. It means you are holy in him. You say, but I don't feel holy yet. Good thing it's not based on your feelings. You say, I don't act holy yet. Well, then get your act together." [01:18:55] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The best way for you to share the truth of who God is is to live a life in which people can see him in you. You see, not a lot of people can say, I was in the throne room of God. But how many people don't realize that Jesus Christ is all around them all the time. That the Holy Spirit is operative around them all the time." [01:21:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you don't have any problem putting money in the bank, don't have a problem putting yourself in the center of a circle of prayer. Because I'll tell you, it's a far better investment. The money in the bank, you can't take it with you. But the prayer, that goes with God. So get ready, get eager. Because what God is saying is, they don't want it, but I'm still giving it." [01:45:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The prophets are people like you and me. But they are people who heard the Lord saying, what do you see? Who saw what the Lord was showing. Now, we will look today at one of the greatest of these prophets and certainly one of my favorites, Isaiah. And we'll look at a particular moment in the life of Isaiah." [45:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When Isaiah sees God, why does he say the hem of His robe filled the temple? It is as though Isaiah is saying, I saw God so huge that this extraordinary edifice which is the throne room of God on earth, this huge temple which in their days is the biggest building in the area. For most people, it's the biggest building they would ever see. It's huge. And it's filled just with the train, the trailing edge of God's robe." [56:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The freer you are, the more obedient you are. Let me reverse it, because it's better to say it this way. The more obedient you are, the freer you will be. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free, give you wings like eagles. It's only Satan that wants you down in the dust with him. But Jesus is the one who rose again. And He wants to elevate you too." [01:30:36] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you are forgiven in Christ, then you are forgiven indeed. It's not a license to live licentiously. In other words, it's not a license to sin. What would be the point of making you holy if your whole purpose was to keep on sinning? But you and I cannot redeem ourselves from our own sin. And we also struggle in a world in which it's not just us but even people around us." [01:41:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The word of God will remain. Hear me, heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word of God will endure forever. Will you? You will if the word of God is in you. Lord, we pray that your word would remain in us. We pray that your spirit would dwell in us. We recognize that we are people of unclean lips. We realize that we live in a land of people with unclean lips." [01:47:14] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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