Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into the beautiful and powerful words of the prophet Isaiah, focusing specifically on Isaiah 43:16-21. Our sermon will explore the importance of remembering the past and the mighty acts of God, becoming on fire for Jesus, and living in community. It's a message that is both timely and timeless for us as followers of Christ.

In the words of C.S. Lewis, "We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive." You see, there's something incredibly powerful about reflecting on our past, recognizing when we've strayed from the right path, and turning back to Jesus, the one who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Remembering the Past

It is through the lens of our past experiences, both personal and collective, that we can gain a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness, love, and power. The Scripture passage serves as a reminder of the importance of reflecting on the past and recognizing the mighty acts of God in our lives and the lives of those who have gone before us.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of God's past acts of deliverance and salvation, specifically referencing the parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent defeat of the Egyptian army. This miraculous event was a defining moment in the history of the Israelites, as it marked the beginning of their journey from slavery to freedom. By recalling this event, Isaiah reminds his audience of God's power and faithfulness, as well as the importance of trusting in God's plan and provision.

As Christians, we too must remember the past and the mighty acts of God throughout history. This includes not only the events recorded in Scripture, such as the creation of the world, the flood, and the exodus, but also the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

These events serve as a foundation for our faith, reminding us of God's love, mercy, and power. Furthermore, by reflecting on the past, we can gain a greater appreciation for the ways in which God has been at work in our own lives, guiding us, protecting us, and providing for us.

Remembering the past also involves acknowledging our own personal history, including our successes, failures, and moments of growth. As we reflect on our past experiences, we can identify patterns of behavior, areas of growth, and moments when God's grace was most evident in our lives. This process of self-reflection can be both humbling and empowering, as it reminds us of our dependence on God and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.

In addition, remembering the past can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for our present and future endeavors. As we recall the ways in which God has been faithful in the past, we can be reassured that God will continue to be faithful in the present and future. This sense of assurance can provide us with the confidence and courage we need to face the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that God is with us and for us.

However, it is important to note that remembering the past should not lead us to become trapped in nostalgia or paralyzed by regret. While it is important to reflect on our past experiences and learn from them, we must also be willing to embrace the present and look forward to the future.

As Isaiah 43:18-19 states, "Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" God is continually at work in our lives, and we must be open to the new things that God is doing, even if they are unexpected or unfamiliar.

One way to strike a balance between remembering the past and embracing the present is to practice gratitude. By cultivating a spirit of thankfulness for the ways in which God has been at work in our lives, we can acknowledge the past without becoming trapped in it. Gratitude can also help us to recognize the ways in which God is currently at work in our lives, even in the midst of difficult or challenging circumstances.

Another aspect of remembering the past is the importance of sharing our stories with others. As we share our personal experiences of God's faithfulness and grace, we can encourage and inspire one another in our faith journeys. This sharing of stories can also serve to strengthen the bonds of community within the church, as we recognize our shared experiences and the ways in which God has been at work in the lives of those around us.

On Fire for Jesus

Becoming on fire for Jesus is about being passionate, committed, and fully devoted to Christ in every area of our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO