Sermons on Kingdom of God (Page 6)
Nahum
Nahum’s prophecy comes against Nineveh, shortly before it gives way to the rising empire of Babylon This prophetic book speaks of another nation, but is likely intended as encouragement for a people subjected to oppression and suffering. Nahum reminds his hearers that God holds human history. Sermon OutlinE “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7) Introducing Nahum and 7th BC Century Prophets God the Patient Judge…
Micah, Part 2
The final two chapters of Micah are bleak and challenging, as God directly addresses the failures of the northern kingdom of Israel shortly before their collapse before the Assyrians. In the midst of the misery, Micah calls the people to wait on God and watch for His deliverance. Sermon OutlinE “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your…
Micah, Part 1
Prophesying at the same time as the prophet Isaiah, Micah addresses the coming destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians, while also giving a challenge to the southern kingdom. In the midst of his rebuke against the rulers, Micah speaks of God teaching His people and a promised ruler arising from Bethlehem. Micah 1-5 Sermon OutlinE “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one…
Jonah
Jonah is unique among the minor prophets in that the entire book is an account of a resistant prophet sent to the capital city of the Assyrian kingdom, Nineveh, to proclaim God’s judgment. When the Ninevites respond with repentance and God gives them a second chance, the distance between Jonah’s heart and God’s heart is revealed in a way that implicates all of us. Jonah 1-4, with focus on 2:1-9 & 4:2, 10-11 Sermon OutlinE “In my distress I called…
Obadiah
Obadiah announces judgment on Edom, one of Israel’s neighbors (and relatives), for helping Babylon conquer Judah. Through Obadiah, God promises that judgment will come on all the nations, but that He will eventually establish His divine kingdom on earth. Sermon OutlinE “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.” (Obadiah 1:17) Introducing Obadiah Prophetic accusations against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-14) The Day of the Lord and the Nations (Obadiah 1:15-16) God’s Kingdom…
Amos
After searing prophecies against the surrounding nations, Amos turns his attention to God’s judgment on His own people in the northern kingdom of Israel. Of specific concern for God is a call to true justice within the public square as a reflection of His own justice in the covenant. Though judgment will come, God promises a remnant will be restored. Sermon OutlinE “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24) Introducing Amos Prophecies…
Joel
The prophet Joel is concerned with the coming of the day of the Lord, which is pictured like a plague of locusts descending upon the land. In the midst of this call to repentance, Joel simultaneously points to the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon His people. Joel 1-3, with focus on 2:12-14, 2:28-32 Sermon OutlinE “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young…
Hosea, Part 2
After the story of Hosea’s wife, the remaining portion of Hosea’s prophecy is an extended charge against Israel for failing the covenant, God’s just judgment against them, and God’s promise of restoration through His faithful love. Sermon OutlinE “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) God’s Faithful Love for His People (Hosea 2:19-20) God’s Case Against His People (Hosea 4:1ff.) God’s Desire for His People (Hosea 6:4, 6) God’s Encouragement to…
Hosea, Part 1
God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Their three children and the resulting family difficulties become an enacted parable of God’s relationship with his straying people, specifically the northern kingdom of Israel. In the midst of this we see a picture of God’s unchanging love for His people. Hosea 1-3 Sermon OutlinE “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.” (Hosea 2:19) Introducing Hosea Hosea’s Family as…
Seeing Jesus in the Ruins
This message will be an introduction to the Minor Prophets, including chronological and geographical background, overview of the message, and how they fit into our faith as Christians today. Sermon OutlinE “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Who Are the Minor Prophets? Nabi—“Prophet” (literally = “to bubble up”) “In the past God spoke to…
The Perfect King
Psalm 72 brings us into direct address of God on behalf of the king, who is described both as powerful to rule the nations and to bring justice and mercy. The king is blessed in order to be a blessing to the nations and ultimately to bless God through his reign. SERMON OUTLINE “Then all the nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.” (Psalm 72:17b) Praying for a Just and Right Ruler (Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14)…
The Beloved Anointed of God
Psalm 2 brings us into the conflict between raging nations and God and His people. The Messiah – literally, ‘the anointed one’ – is named as God’s own son and chosen king upon earth. This is a call to God’s people to serve him and the nations to revere him. The New Testament writers connect this psalm directly with Christ the king. SERMON OUTLINE “Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The…