March 17, 2024
80th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
THEME: RENEW, REJOICE, RECONNECT
SERMON: GRACE TO HELP YOU RENEW, REJOICE, RECONNECT
Isaiah 28-31
life is a battlefield. We are all soldiers, each fighting our own personal battles. Some battles are visible, like financial difficulties, health issues, or conflicts in our relationships. Others are deep within us, like feelings of inadequacy, fear, or doubt. These battles can be intimidating, overwhelming us with their intensity. But we are not alone in our struggles. We have a Commander who is always with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and ultimately leading us to victory.
The book of Isaiah speaks of this divine strength. It tells us that even when we are weary and weak, when we feel like we can’t go on, there is a source of power that never fails. This power comes from our hope (confident expectancy) in the Lord. It is hope that renews our strength, allowing us to soar on wings like eagles, to run and not grow weary, to walk and not be faint.
In a world often filled with busyness and distractions, this anniversary theme: Renew, Rejoice, Reconnect invites the congregation to pause, renew their spiritual commitment, and rejoice in the blessings of faith.
This theme emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with God and with one another. I want to spend the rest of our time in verse 31b. In that short, but powerful verse, the Lord makes a promise to His people. In this passage of Scripture, God’s grace can help you renew, rejoice, and reconnect.
THERE IS GRACE TO HELP YOU SOAR
There are times when it seems there is little energy left in our spiritual sails. There are times when we feel defeated and deflated and unable to rise above our circumstances. My brothers and sisters regardless of how low you may feel spiritually, you can find help in the Lord!
God promises in this text to help you, “mount up with wings as eagles.” The words “mount up” mean “to ascend.” When an eagle flaps its wings and heads into the sky, it is a wonderful thing to behold. This great bird, held to the ground by the same gravity that binds us to the earth, stretches out those massive wings and with one great flap, it is airborne. It quickly rises, breaking the grip of gravity, rising higher until it is able to soar high above this world with its dangers, its strife and its problems.
Just like the eagle can soar above the world’s problems, we can have “hope in the Lord” find that same kind of liberty in God. He has a way of helping us to get above our problems, other people, sins, valleys, emotions, etc. God has a way of allowing us to soar above the difficulties of this life.
When an eagle in the sky encounters a storm, it does not have to land. It does not have to fly through that storm. The eagle turns its eyes toward the heavens and it rises above the approaching storm. While the storm lashes the earth beneath with its wind and rain, the mighty eagle flies above the clouds with its face toward the sun.
My brothers and sisters, that is possible for us as well. The Lord promises to give you the strength you need to be able to overcome your storms and fly high above them through His grace.
God’s grace can help you renew, rejoice, and reconnect.
There Is Grace to Help You Soar
THERE IS GRACE TO HELP YOU SPRINT
Not only is there grace for those who soar in life, but there is grace for those who sprint. The word “run” means, “to dart, or to move swiftly.” This word let us know that the Christian life is classified as a race. Paul saw his own life as a race:
! Cor. 9:26-27; 2 Tim. 4:7; Phil. 3:13-14
Where did Paul get this strength? He got it from looking to the Lord. Paul got his strength from the only dependable, reliable, and unfailing God. In order to renew, rejoice, and reconnect, we have to end well. Do not become weary and drop out of the race. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, and sprint to the finish for His glory.
God’s grace can help you renew, rejoice, and reconnect.
Thers is Garce to Help You Soar
There Is Grace to Help You Sprint
THERE IS GRACE TO HELP YOU STROLL
Not only is there grace for those who soar or sprint in life, but there is grace for those who stroll in life. Not every day of our lives is filled with excitement and adventure. I believe this last movement of grace describes most of life. Most of the time, our day to day lives are just spent walking with the Lord.
There are days when you are flying high and it seems like blessings are coming up all around. Then, there are days spent in a run, sprinting from one thing to the other. Those kinds of days are exciting, but they are only a small part of our existence. Most of our days we live are spent just strolling along with the Lord.
God gives grace to those who are just walking through the ordinary events of their daily existence. We think that we are serving God when something big is happening in us and through us. The fact is, there is nothing bigger than a Christian who simply walks with the Lord, day by day.
GOD’S GRACE CAN HELP YOU RENEW, REJOICE, AND RECONNECT
There Is Grace to Help you Soar
There Is Grace to Help You Sprint
There is Grace to Help You stroll
Responsive Reading: Isaiah 40:26-31
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