Shining Light: Embracing Hope in Uncertain Times

 

Summary

In this Easter message, we are reminded of the profound opportunity we have to be the light in a world facing unprecedented challenges. As we gather in spirit, if not in person, we are called to rise and shine, as Isaiah 60:1 encourages us, for our light has come, and the glory of the Lord is upon us. This is a time to embrace innovation and creativity in sharing the gospel, reaching millions with the message of hope and salvation. The current global crisis has heightened people's hunger for faith, prayer, and hope, as evidenced by the surge in online searches for these terms. This is our moment to step forward with confidence, holding fast to the message of Jesus Christ.

In Isaiah 7, we find a powerful reminder to remain calm and steadfast in our faith, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. The prophetic words, "It will not take place, it will not happen," assure us that God will not let us down. Standing firm in our faith, or our "Amen," is crucial. Just as Jehoshaphat trusted in God amidst overwhelming odds, we too must trust and believe that God is with us. This Easter, we are encouraged to be bold, to preach with greater confidence, and to expect the Holy Spirit's anointing to be evident in our lives.

The message of the gospel is more relevant than ever, as people around the world grapple with fear, isolation, and uncertainty. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate triumph over tragedy, and it is this life-changing message that we are privileged to proclaim. In a time when distractions are minimal, and people are more open to exploring faith, we have a unique opportunity to bring the church into homes and hearts. This is not a time to retreat but to advance the kingdom of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be the Light in Challenging Times: In the midst of global uncertainty, we are called to rise and shine, embracing our role as bearers of hope and light. This is a time to innovate and reach out with the gospel, as people are more open and searching for faith than ever before. [34:56]

2. Stand Firm in Faith: Isaiah 7 reminds us to remain calm and steadfast, trusting that God will not let us down. Standing firm in our "Amen" is essential, as it anchors us in God's promises and empowers us to face challenges with confidence. [37:24]

3. Embrace the Opportunity: The current crisis presents a unique opportunity to share the gospel with a world hungry for hope. With fewer distractions, people are more receptive to exploring faith, making this an extraordinary time for the church to advance. [42:23]

4. Preach with Boldness: We are encouraged to preach with greater confidence, trusting in the Holy Spirit's anointing. As we proclaim the message of Jesus, we can expect to see lives transformed and people drawn to the light of Christ. [39:50]

5. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim the gospel with boldness and creativity. As we open ourselves to His leading, we are equipped to share the most powerful message in the world, bringing hope and salvation to many. [44:17]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:26] - Encouragement to Be the Light
[34:56] - Arise and Shine
[35:25] - Innovating for Easter
[36:00] - Isaiah 7: A Message of Calm
[36:49] - Prophetic Assurance
[37:24] - Standing Firm in Faith
[38:13] - Facing Fear with Faith
[39:02] - Reaching More People
[39:50] - Preaching with Confidence
[40:19] - Baptism and New Life
[41:08] - The Power of the Gospel
[42:06] - Triumph Over Tragedy
[42:57] - Seeking Jesus in Crisis
[43:57] - Prayer for Holy Spirit Empowerment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."
2. Isaiah 7:4-9 - "Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart... It will not take place, it will not happen... If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Isaiah 60:1 encourage believers to do, and how is this relevant to the current global situation? [34:56]

2. In Isaiah 7, what specific instructions does God give to King Ahaz when he is faced with fear and uncertainty? [36:18]

3. How does the sermon describe the current global crisis as an opportunity for the church? [35:25]

4. What evidence is mentioned in the sermon that indicates a heightened hunger for faith and hope in today's world? [35:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the call to "arise and shine" in Isaiah 60:1 be interpreted in the context of the challenges faced by the church today? [34:56]

2. What does it mean to "stand firm in your faith" according to Isaiah 7, and how can this be applied to personal challenges? [37:24]

3. The sermon mentions that the gospel message is more relevant than ever. Why might this be the case, and how can this relevance be communicated effectively? [42:23]

4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to the current crisis with boldness and confidence? [39:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to be a light in a challenging situation. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [34:56]

2. In what ways can you personally "stand firm in your faith" when faced with fear or uncertainty in your life? [37:24]

3. The sermon encourages innovation in sharing the gospel. What is one creative way you can share your faith with others during this time? [35:25]

4. How can you use the current lack of distractions to deepen your own faith and help others explore theirs? [42:23]

5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. How can you open yourself to the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily life? [44:17]

6. Identify one person in your life who is searching for hope. How can you reach out to them with the message of the gospel this week? [35:44]

7. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions and words reflect the light and hope of Christ in your community? [34:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Rise and Shine with Purpose
In times of global uncertainty, individuals are called to rise and shine, embracing their role as bearers of hope and light. This is a moment to innovate and reach out with the gospel, as people are more open and searching for faith than ever before. The current global crisis has heightened people's hunger for faith, prayer, and hope, as evidenced by the surge in online searches for these terms. This is our moment to step forward with confidence, holding fast to the message of Jesus Christ. [34:56]

Isaiah 60:1-2 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you be a light to those around you today, especially in the midst of current challenges?


Day 2: Unwavering Faith Amidst Uncertainty
Isaiah 7 reminds us to remain calm and steadfast, trusting that God will not let us down. Standing firm in our "Amen" is essential, as it anchors us in God's promises and empowers us to face challenges with confidence. Just as Jehoshaphat trusted in God amidst overwhelming odds, we too must trust and believe that God is with us. This Easter, we are encouraged to be bold, to preach with greater confidence, and to expect the Holy Spirit's anointing to be evident in our lives. [37:24]

2 Chronicles 20:17 (ESV): "You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you."

Reflection: What is one fear or uncertainty you are facing today, and how can you stand firm in faith, trusting in God's promises?


Day 3: Seizing the Moment for the Gospel
The current crisis presents a unique opportunity to share the gospel with a world hungry for hope. With fewer distractions, people are more receptive to exploring faith, making this an extraordinary time for the church to advance. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate triumph over tragedy, and it is this life-changing message that we are privileged to proclaim. In a time when distractions are minimal, and people are more open to exploring faith, we have a unique opportunity to bring the church into homes and hearts. [42:23]

Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV): "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."

Reflection: Who in your life is open to exploring faith right now, and how can you intentionally share the hope of the gospel with them this week?


Day 4: Bold Proclamation of Faith
We are encouraged to preach with greater confidence, trusting in the Holy Spirit's anointing. As we proclaim the message of Jesus, we can expect to see lives transformed and people drawn to the light of Christ. The message of the gospel is more relevant than ever, as people around the world grapple with fear, isolation, and uncertainty. This is not a time to retreat but to advance the kingdom of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. [39:50]

Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: What is one area where you feel hesitant to share your faith, and how can you ask the Holy Spirit for boldness to proclaim the gospel?


Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim the gospel with boldness and creativity. As we open ourselves to His leading, we are equipped to share the most powerful message in the world, bringing hope and salvation to many. This Easter, we are encouraged to be bold, to preach with greater confidence, and to expect the Holy Spirit's anointing to be evident in our lives. [44:17]

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV): "And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in your daily interactions and conversations about faith?

Quotes


I love challenging our church to step out there and actually be the light when in Isaiah 16 the Bible says arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you and Kings shall come to the brightness of your rising and it goes on in that fashion. [00:34:53]

I think we with confidence and with faith in our heart need to hold close to the message that we have and realize that people need people want what we have already the Google searches for words like prayer and faith and hope have skyrocketed because people are hungry right now and we have the chance to be the light. [00:35:42]

Be careful, keep calm, don't be afraid, do not lose heart, great great words for us in this time. We're going to be the light so we must be careful we must keep calm we refuse to be afraid and we're not gonna lose heart but then it goes on in the NIV version and this is what it says. [00:36:57]

It will not take place, it will not happen, some of the things we may fear surrounding even the practicalities of bringing this message of Jesus to people as Easter why don't we take a hold of those prophetic words right there it will not take place it will not happen, God is not gonna let you down. [00:37:49]

If you do not stand in your faith you will not stand at all if you do not stand firm in your faith and you know that the Hebrew word for faith here is our main or our Amen it's saying if you do not stand firm in your Amen you will not stand firm at all. [00:38:56]

We're gonna report of reaching more people than we've ever ever reaped before we're gonna ask God to make us so innovative the people had drawn people are hungry in the middle of it let's not be fearful let's not be nervous let's remember that God is on our side. [00:39:59]

When it looks like the enemy is going to try and attack us and rob us it will not take place it will not happen if you don't stand firm in your faith you will not stand firm at all so thank God we can be people of faith and I find that when we live with a message of hope. [00:40:36]

This Easter is a fantastic and exciting challenge because we're not just doing more of the same and as we all together combine our forces I'm gonna pray that more people will be reached in this Easter 2020 than ever before in the history of the world and we have the technology. [00:41:48]

The message of the gospel is that God took the greatest tragedy of all time the cross and turned it into the greatest triumph of all time through the resurrection and this message of the life death and resurrection of Jesus is a life-changing message that is more relevant than ever. [00:42:57]

I've never known a time in my life when people are more open than they are now there are no other distractions there's no football there's no sport there's no entertainment and people have time to hear the gospel and people who've would never have gone to church ah the church is coming to them in their homes. [00:43:57]

This is the most extraordinary time to see the there's not a moment to retreat this is the time for the kingdom of God to advance and you have been anointed by the Holy Spirit to reclaim this message and I want to pray for you right now that the Holy Spirit will refill you reinvent you. [00:44:57]

I encourage you if you'd like to just maybe to open your hands as a way of saying Lord come and refill me re-indict me this Easter to proclaim the most powerful message in the world come Holy Spirit. [00:46:01]

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Transcript
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