Trusting God's Sovereignty: The Hope of Christ's Reign

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of celebration and reflection as we witness the baptism of Robert Shamblin, a testament to new life in Christ and obedience to His call. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience to God's command. As we celebrate this new beginning, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and the importance of following Christ's example.

Turning to Zechariah chapter 6, we explore the profound imagery of crowns and chariots, symbols of authority, responsibility, and divine judgment. In a world where authority is often misused, Zechariah's vision reassures us of God's ultimate control and justice. The crowning of Joshua the high priest, an unusual act since priests do not typically wear crowns, points us to Jesus Christ, the ultimate priest-king who reigns with justice and peace. This vision challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and His chosen King, Jesus, who is already on the throne.

The chapter also speaks to the intertwining of the monarchy and priesthood, a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who embodies both roles perfectly. As our prophet, priest, and king, Jesus fulfills the promises of God, offering redemption and forgiveness, mediating between God and humanity, and ruling with perfect justice. His sacrifice was once and for all, and His reign is eternal, offering us hope and assurance in a world of uncertainty.

As we reflect on these truths, we are called to live holy and godly lives, anticipating Christ's return and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Our hope is not in earthly achievements or possessions but in the new heavens and new earth that God will create. This hope motivates us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His kingdom values.

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism is a powerful symbol of new life in Christ and obedience to His call. It is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience, reminding us of the transformative power of following Jesus. [00:00]
2. Zechariah 6 presents a vision of God's ultimate authority and justice, challenging us to trust in His sovereignty and His chosen King, Jesus, who reigns with justice and peace. [35:03]
3. The intertwining of the monarchy and priesthood in Zechariah's vision foreshadows Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both roles as our prophet, priest, and king, offering redemption and ruling with justice. [43:15]
4. Our hope as Christians lies not in earthly achievements but in the promises of God, who will create new heavens and a new earth. This hope motivates us to live holy and godly lives. [51:26]
5. Jesus, as our prophet, priest, and king, fulfills God's promises, offering redemption, mediating between God and humanity, and ruling with perfect justice. His sacrifice was once and for all, and His reign is eternal. [55:36]
** [55:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Baptism Celebration
[02:00] - Introduction to Zechariah 6
[03:45] - Announcement: Building Debt Relief
[07:30] - The Symbolism of Crowns
[10:15] - Vision of Chariots and God's Justice
[15:00] - The Crowning of Joshua
[20:00] - Jesus as Priest-King
[25:00] - Trusting in God's Sovereignty
[30:00] - Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
[35:00] - The Role of Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King
[40:00] - Our Hope in God's Promises
[45:00] - Invitation to Faith and Response
[50:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Sermon Clips

"Hey, church family, today is a special day. It's baptism day. I got here. My, my, my buddy and my brother in Christ, Robert Shamblin, who's being obedient to the Lord and not just publicly declaring his faith in Christ, but following in obedience to what the Lord's called us to do. And that is to be baptized." [00:13:56]

"Robert, it's because of your faith in Christ, I now get to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Woo!" [00:16:40]

"In Zechariah chapter 6, we are told of a vision where God is not only the judge of the nations, but also the one who crowns His chosen servant. This is a chapter filled with images of chariots racing across the earth to execute God's justice. And then, almost unexpectedly, we see the crowning of Joshua the high priest." [00:36:53]

"The prophet Zechariah speaks to us today because we live in a world where authority is often abused. We live in a world where leadership often fails and where justice feels delayed. But Zechariah 6 reminds us that God is in control. His judgment is sure. His plan is unfolding. And His chosen king is already on the throne." [00:39:53]

"Will we trust that knowing that He and He alone is the only one who can truly lead us and guide us and show us what true power looks like? Last week in Zechariah 5, we saw how only God and His Word reveals our sins and how only God can remove our sins." [00:42:44]

"These four winds or these four spirits, depending on your translation, they can point to the four directions on a compass signifying that whether you look to the north, south, east, or west, there God will be because his spirit hovers over the whole earth. Just like in chapter 1, these horses seem to represent God's omniscience and his omnipresence." [00:42:58]

"God is in total control of himself and all his creation. His power and his knowledge extend to all parts of the earth. The theological significance of the Lord's chariots coming from between bronze mountains indicates his absolute sovereignty that God holds over his creation." [00:42:56]

"The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day, the heavens will pass away with a loud noise. The elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed." [00:47:12]

"Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire, and the elements will melt with heat." [00:47:43]

"Our hope solely depends on the promises of God. Our hope in God is one in which He will bring about the new heavens and a new earth where He will make all things new after He has judged the nations." [00:49:19]

"One day, the church of God in Jesus Christ will be redeemed by Him forever, no longer to be trampled on by other nations. One day, the church will be adorned as a bride and the people of God will enjoy eternal blessings of having a forever fellowship with our Lord in His presence forever." [00:51:04]

"This is the picture of baptism, that we are dead to sin, and we have been raised to walk in a new way of life. Christ has made all the difference, and we walk now to please him." [01:05:13]

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