December 6, 2024
Last Sunday morning, Karen and I were blessed by the sermon that our son-in-law, Richie Pendred, preached at Christ Proclamation Church in Windsor, CT. Here is the link to the video: https://www.christproclamation.org/sermons/sermon/2024-12-01/bareness-to-blessing
You may have noticed that the title of the message is unusual. There are two letters missing in the first word of the sermon title. It is amazing how a couple of letters can make a big difference in the meaning of a word.
The theme of the sermon is as follows: God uses Elizabeth’s inability to have a child to demonstrate His almighty power and renew His work of salvation for His people. In the midst of barrenness, God brings joy to His people. So, Christians must trust God in our suffering, knowing His ways are good and our hope is sure.
Richie’s sermon outline has the following points: (1) Zechariah’s unbelief – Luke 1:5-23; (2) Elizabeth’s faith (Luke 1:24-25) and (3) Believer’s response (Application). Did you know that Zechariah’s name means “Yahweh has remembered again”? Even though Zechariah saw an angel of the Lord, he questioned what he heard. The angel answered “Ì am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to you and bring you these glad tidings” (Luke 1:19). He then told Zechariah “you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place” (Luke 1:20).
Just as there was a consequence to Zechariah’s unbelief, there is a consequence to the unbelief of all people. The apostle Paul declared “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). There is good news: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).
The month of December is one in which many people exchange gifts. We look forward to seeing the reactions of family and friends who receive our gifts. The Bible declares that God loves mankind so much that He sent His only Son to take the punishment that we deserved.
As the apostle John testified “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
Have you asked God’s forgiveness for your sins and trusted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord? If not, you can do so today. You will receive the most amazing gift of all: new life in Christ!
By His grace,
Steve