New Beginnings
I. Intro
A) Three pastors from different congregations were having lunch and sharing experiences and ideas to help each other out with their different fellowships.
After several minutes of animated conversation, the first one remarks, "Hey, you know, we’ve got a serious problem at our church that I want to discuss with you guys." The other two pastors nod and he goes on, "Well, it’s bats. We can’t seem to get these bats out of our attic. The singing and organ playing wake them up, and they start flapping around. Then when I start to preach, we can still hear them moving around up there and it’s really hard for anyone to pay any attention. The kids start to cry and, well, it’s starting to really get in the way of a good church service." The second pastor says "Well that’s interesting, because we’ve had the same problem, they won’t stay out of our belfry. We’ve tried ringing the bells at all hours, spraying chemicals, we’ve even had a couple of exterminator companies out. Nothing’s worked yet." He throws up his hands in exasperation and shakes his head. The third pastor smiles and nods his head knowingly. "Well, gentlemen. We had that problem a few years ago, and we found a quick solution." he says. The other two pastors look up with hope on their faces, and he goes on, "It was easy. We got up there, got to know ’em a little bit. Pretty soon we had them come on down, got ’em baptized and part of the congregation. Haven’t seen ’em since."
Received from Frank J Billington IV.
B) A lot of times this is the beginnings we see in our churches
C) We must learn to not let decisions be the beginning of a church thing and make it about God.
Isaiah 6:1-13
II. An encounter with God
A) Something happens in our life that makes us take an account of our strong points and weak points.
(V1) big change was at hand with the death of the king.
B) We see God and all his glory
(V1-4) Isaiah sees the glory and strength of God.
C) In the presence of God we begin to fill our sinful nature.
(V5) Isaiah fills his sin and the sin of the people he is around
III. What we need
A) We need a cleansing
(V6-7) The angel cleanses him with the coal used to make a sacrifice offering
B) We need a conviction
(V8a) The lord is speaking indirectly to Isaiah of a need he has
C) We must give God a confirmation of our willingness
(V8b) Isaiah says “send me”
IV. What am I being asked to do
A) Tell the people about God and his saving grace
(V9-10) Make them hear and be converted and healed
B) If they don’t listen how long must I continue to try?
(V11) till there is no one to tell
C) Just Be faithful and God will send the Harvest
(V13) it will come in Gods timing
V. Conclusion
A) Take an account of your life, your friends, your sin, and the sins of your friends. Are you in the will of God?
B) Do you need a cleansing only God can give?
C) Has God asked you to do something?
D) Have you given him an answer?
E) Are you telling others about Jesus?
Wherever you are in your relationship with God. It is never to late for a new Beginning!
