SQJ Taipei

It would be nice if the Bible actually spoke of faith in that way. I believe that a growing “faith” probably does hold a lot in common with the imagery of building a house… but the Bible never really talks about it just that way. I wish it did.

I’m preaching this Sunday.

I like to preach… I’ve been told it is one of my spiritual gifts. I’m not really so sure… but I do enjoy it and there is a peace that fills me as I begin to walk to the stage or pulpit or microphone or whatever. I haven’t preached in Chinese for a long time… way over a year I’d guess. Of course I have lots of opportunities to speak Chinese… but I am a bit out of practice regarding this specific task. And with all we have going on… I haven’t been able to get to the sermon prep until today. That really isn’t all that uncommon for me. If I know my topic/theme ahead of time, I typically spend several hours meditating on the theme and reading scriptures the Lord brings to my mind. I look at the world with that theme in mind… current events and news, etc… it all takes place within the context of my theme….

Sunday’s theme? Isaiah - Prophecy. It is part of a series of 12 sermons called, “Stories of God’s Love.” Adam, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Isaiah, Zedekiah, Jesus, Paul, You, God. I’m not sure what role fulfilled prophecies play in your faith… but for me, they are one of the most important pillars upon which my faith is built. The others are:

• The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Jesus’ miracles
• Jesus’ life
• The existence of morality in the world

These 4 “pillars”, along with fulfilled prophecies, as best as I can tell… are FACTS of HUMAN HISTORY. Not because “the Bible tells me so”. Well… not for that reason ONLY I should say. But… this isn’t really about that. Maybe another post.

So anyway… the prophecies of Isaiah are quite powerful on their own… but especially so when looking at the role they can play in “building up” one’s faith so that it (faith) is firm, strong, and steadfast… not destroyed by shifting worldviews or tectonic plates… not moved by the storms of life and typhoons of the soul… and not succumbing to the attacks of aggressors whether they be in the earthly or heavenly realms.

I think I’ll share how prophecy relates to my personal testimony and then pretty much just read/share/point out these 3 powerful scriptures from Isaiah and their fulfillment… or, in the case of Isaiah 62 & 63… their coming fulfillment.

• Isaiah 6 - God calls Isaiah to service… but also tells Isaiah that his ministry will be considered a failure during his lifetime. However… the seeds sown during Isaiah’s ministry will pave the way for the Promised Savior!
• Isaiah 53 - This describes the death of Jesus with astounding accuracy. I probably won’t get through this without choking up.
• Isaiah 62-63 - These chapters speak of the glory of the coming Judge and King. When followed by a reading of Revelation 19… and parts of 20 and 21… I’ll be making a fool of myself by this time.

I’ve got to get back to my preparation… outline and translation and practice…
Thanks for your prayers as we look to the sky….

REVELATION 19:11-16

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I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.