Individual Sermon

In Isaiah 6 the prophet witnesses an encounter with God in what we could call a heavenly worship service. The reality of that encounter is the same as the one today when we meet the true living God:

God is holy, sovereign, and present, even when our circumstances are difficult. In times of crisis, we are encouraged to look first to who God is rather than becoming consumed by our circumstances.

Seeing God’s holiness changes how we see ourselves. In comparison with God’s holiness, human pride and self-righteousness are exposed. We recognize our own sin and our need for God’s grace.

Isaiah’s received atonement points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Redemption is received through the grace of God rather than achieved through personal merit.

God’s grace leads to service. Being forgiven is not presented as the end of the Christian life. Those who have received grace are called to serve God and share the Gospel.

Our perspective should move outward: first God, then ourselves, and finally others. Understanding God’s greatness and our own need for grace should shape how we relate to and respond to other people.