Introduction

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters, to this sacred gathering, this blessed assembly of God's children. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. Our lives, like streams flowing towards the ocean, have led us to this moment, to this place, where we can drink from the wellspring of God's word.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Matthew, specifically Matthew 3:2, which reads,

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

This single verse, simple in its structure, yet profound in its implications, will be the cornerstone of our sermon today.

This reminds me of a quote from the great theologian, J.I. Packer, who once said, "There's a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him."

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, as we gather here today, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts and minds to the truths found in Your word. Help us to heed the call to awakening, to experience the power of Your nearness, and to harvest the fruits of spiritual awakening in our lives. We thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, let's embark upon this sacred endeavor together, as we heed the call, harness the power, and harvest the fruits.

Heeding the Call for Awakening

When we consider the call to awakening, we are drawn to the image of a person rousing from sleep. Sleep, in this context, is not a physical state but a spiritual one. It is a state of spiritual lethargy, of indifference and apathy towards the things of God. The call to awakening, then, is a call to shake off this spiritual slumber and rise to a state of alertness and readiness for God's kingdom.

A loud and clear trumpet blast: It is a call that demands our attention, a call that cannot be ignored. It is a call that resonates deep within our souls, stirring us from our spiritual stupor and compelling us to respond. It is a call that invites us to a radical transformation, a metamorphosis of the spirit.

Its urgency: The call is not for a future time but for now. It is a call to immediate action, to immediate change. It is a call that does not allow for procrastination or delay. It is a call that demands our immediate response. The urgency of this call is underscored by the phrase "the kingdom of heaven has come near." The kingdom is not a distant reality but a present one. It is here, and it is now.

Its inclusivity: The call is not for a select few but for all. It is a call that transcends barriers of race, class, and gender. It is a call that embraces all of humanity in its wide and welcoming arms. The inclusivity of this call is underscored by the use of the word "repent." Repentance is not a privilege of the few but a responsibility of all. It is a universal call to turn away from our sinful ways and turn towards God.

Its transformative power: The call is not a mere invitation but a catalyst for change. It is a call that has the power to transform us from the inside out. It is a call that can turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh, a call that can turn a life of sin into a life of righteousness. The transformative power of this call is underscored by the phrase "for the kingdom of heaven has come near." The nearness of the kingdom is not a passive state but a dynamic, life-giving force that has the power to transform us.

Its enduring nature: The call is not a fleeting whisper but a lasting echo. It is a call that endures through the ages, a call that remains relevant and resonant today. It is a call that continues to stir hearts and transform lives, a call that continues to draw people to God. The enduring nature of this call is underscored by the phrase "repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." The call to repentance and the proclamation of the kingdom's nearness are as relevant today as they were in the days of John the Baptist.

Harnessing the Power of Nearness to God

As we embrace the divine summons to spiritual awakening, we find ourselves drawn closer to the heart of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO