The Ultimacy of the Gospel
Introduction
Celebrating 200 years
Also to acknowledge the difficulties
Scotland declares itself a secular nation
Pride marches
Politicians without faith
The enemies of the gospel are gloating
This is not the real story
Isa 60 – we find a man in equally trying days
He reminds us of the ultimaticy of the Gospel
Overview:
Undeniable Darkness
Unstoppable Hope
Unshakeable Purpose
Undeniable Darkness (v2a)
v2 – darkness and deep darkness
Darkness: the absence of light
Deep darkness: absolute blackness
Isaiah had watched the darkness coming over many years
Example
For decades: good/bad kings, with hope/promises of better things but it is deep darkness
History:
The kingdom is divided
Southern Israel was conquered by Assyria
Judah hung by a very, very thin thread – explanation
You can almost sense satan waiting to cut the thread
We can see a growing darkness
A focus on money, casting off religion
Quote from CK Chesterton
* Also an unstoppable purpose v2b-4
Unstoppable Hope (v2b-4)
Also an unstoppable purpose v2b-4
Isaiah is giving us a glimpse into the gospel hope of Jesus Christ
This is unstoppable – definition
Unstoppable:
Because God is at work – Dan 2:44
Jesus would triumph at the cross
v4-7: the nations would no longer harass Israel but come and bring gifts to God
The enemies would become servants
Example of the salvation of other nations
v14: to Zion
God’s people
We need to be careful how we speak about the Church of God
It will be glorious
It is God’s purpose and design
Unshakeable Purpose (v19-22)
We are caught up in an unstoppable hope because it is routed in an unshakeable purpose
How do we live?
v19
Rev 22:5
We are moving towards this day – which will come
The Cross of Christ has won everything – explanation
To heed the warning
(v12) – not to reject the gospel
Come to Jesus this morning
Live everyday in the wonder of the day to come
Do not just look at the darkness
Look to the day we will stand with Christ
Example of Brownlee brothers – will Christ not do the same for you?