The Minister-in-Charge delivered this Sermon. Bible References: Is40:1-11; 2Pet3:8-15a and Mk1:1-8
We are in the period of Advent- a time of expectation of the coming of the Lord.
Isaiah's message was a message of hope, a clear departure from the earlier portion that was a message of condemnation, punishment and woes. God's instruction to him to cry out was to declare reward and forgiveness of sin; that God was coming with a strong hand to save his people. He will come with reward for his faithful people and to lead them like a shepherd. This message of hope was to overcome the idea of man being like grass.
The coming of the Messiah was a message of hope for his people and a message of judgement for the oppressors of God's people.
John's Ministry was prophesied by Isaiah. Mark confirmes that Jesus is the Messiah. The Jews, however could not realise the kind of utopia or rest or peace the person of Jesus Christ brought- it eluded them and they still expect the Messiah. However, believers are expecting the 2nd coming and they are made up of people from all nations, not only Israel.
Believers have two Advents in view:
the first in which Christ came as a human being and grew as any other child; which we usually celebrate at Christmas and
the second coming- which 2Peter tells us will happen in a dramatic way- the earth and heavens will give way and there will be nothing to hold onto. Therefore we have to live a life of holiness and righteousness. But that day will bring relief and rest for God's people - a day of hope, not a day in which we bow our heads because of judgement. As believers we must look forward to that day with joy and blissful expectation because our redemption draws nigh. It is a time when our deeds of holiness and righteousness will come to light and we will be rewarded. It will be a time when we will enter into the joy of the Lord. The shame and reproach of the Saints will be removed - a time of glory for the people of God.
The early Church's daily prayer was 'Maranatha' meaning 'Come Lord'. But Rev'd Kissi asked' are we longing for the Lord's second coming? Is what we are enjoying in this world make us pray for the delay of His coming? - the joy of a new marriage, a new car, celebrating important anniversaries etc. cannot be compared to the joy of His coming. How are we therefore supposed to be living if such is the joy we expect?
Rev'd Kissi gave 3 ways believers are expected to live:
1) Constant expectation and constant anticipation
2) Keep what we have - our holiness and righteousness; and what we are - 'without spot or blemish' and
3) Endeavour to live in the Word of God and work with what he has given us until he comes. He has given us talents, skills, wealth and opportunities and we must use these for the work of the Kingdom.
Pilate found no sin in Jesus, therefore we must emulate him and receive the day of his coming with joy.
