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July 28, 2024 - Glory Given through Christ 그리스도를 통해 주시는 영광 (Isaiah 사 61:3)

Writer's picture: Immanuel DallasImmanuel Dallas



Glory Given through Christ (Isaiah 61:3)


Rev. Myung-Sin Choi


And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.


Introduction 

Last week, I was able to have a meeting with the pastors in Korea. Within that meeting, we spoke about what we are going to do if a homosexual person came to our church? This problem can arise within our church and among all churches. Within this situation, what should we do as Christians? We need to receive an answer Biblically. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” - The scripture says that they will not inherit the kingdom of God. Leviticus 18:22 “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” - If this is so, do we need to stone homosexuals to death as the Bible says? We need to hold onto the Bible correctly. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:11 - The church at Corinth tells us that we need to rethink our mindset. Before 2,000 years ago, during the time of the Apostle Paul, a similar problem arose. But Paul tells us people who commit homosexuality were washed and sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ. If that is so, what must we do when they come to church? We shouldn’t stone them to death but we need to share the accurate and correct gospel of Christ with them. We need to share the accurate gospel so that they can receive the correct gospel. We need to pray for and help them. Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love.” - Then as people of God who come to church, we are all sanctified and washed in the blood of Christ. This means that anyone who comes to church, they are sanctified and washed in the blood of Christ. We need to help people who come to church experience this. Someone consulted with a pastor who was a homosexual. This homosexual person said that he was born this way but wants to have a good walk of faith in church. Then, how should a pastor or a person of God respond? God has given us the gospel. We need to share with them the fundamental problem of mankind. The reason why mankind is born that way is not their fault. Why are homosexuals born with that problem? It all starts with the problems of the family line. We need to accurately share this with them. Homosexuality is definitely not the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a spiritual battle that they must fight. This is a generational problem that they must fight through. Last week, we spoke about Jesus Christ. When the Messiah comes, it says that He will help the poor and those who are prisoners. Jesus Christ came to help those who are poor and are prisoners. He helped them as the Christ. I held onto only one Biblical scripture for today’s sermon. This is because we only need to hold onto only Christ. No matter what problem comes to us, if we hold onto only Christ, then we will live a life of blessings. 


1. Grace Given by Christ

1) To give them beauty (crown of flowers) for ashes

Verse 3 - It doesn’t just speak about those who have scars but those who are brokenhearted. They are so brokenhearted that they have no one to speak to. God said that He will solve and forgive their sins on their behalf. What does this mean? Through our walk of faith, God will answer us when we pray to them. Only Jesus Christ can solve our problems. People who are brokenhearted, they are drowning within their sins. But it says those who are brokenhearted, God said that He will give them the crown of beauty instead of ashes on their head. This is astounding. Beauty and ashes seem to be opposite but when Jesus forgives us of our sins, then we will turn from ashes to beauty. If we hold onto Christ as our mediator, then we will change from ashes to beauty. Our fate will change. The great works of Christ are astounding. He is able to change our fate. This is amazing. 

Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.” - There was a situation where all of Israelites were about to be destroyed. Under Haman, all of the Jews were about to be killed. They were about to be killed so Mordecai became sad and cried bitterly before God. When Esther heard this, she started fasting prayer before God. God solved this very simply. Mordecai put on ashes and sackcloth, and God changed him by allowing him to wear a crown and royal garments in Esther 8:15 When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.” - This is the crown of God’s glory. 

2 Timothy 4:8 “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” - Paul was in prison and the crown of righteousness was upon him. Paul used to persecute Christians and throw them into prison. But after Paul met God, he was thrown in prison for God. If we meet Christ, then we will wear the crown of righteousness. Our fate will change. 

1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” - This was what Peter was saying to elders and church officers. We will receive the crown of glory. I am sure of this. Our church officers and elders will wear the crown of glory. 

Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” - This was what John was testifying. If we are faithful till death, then we will receive the crown of victory. We will face difficulties within our walk of faith but if we are faithful till the end, we will receive the victor’s crown. What the Bible tells us, it will absolutely be fulfilled. We have received these tremendous blessings because of Jesus Christ. Our fate has changed because of Christ. 

   

2) The oil of joy for mourning (captives)

Verse 3 - This is speaking about those who are captives, the joy given to them. Freedom will come to them. The Israelites who were captives, imagine how much sorrow they faced but after they were freed, they were so overjoyed. When we become freed from Satan’s captivity, we will face great joy. There are so many people who are suffering from mental illness and depression. There are people where it seems like nothing is working out for them. But God said that He will give them freedom. Those who experience true freedom in Christ, then they will experience the peace and happiness in Christ. The freedom that comes from Satan’s bondage is true happiness and joy. Who receives this freedom? Those who confess the name of Jesus Christ. What is this oil of joy? It is the promise of the Holy Spirit. The moment we receive the Holy Spirit, we will receive unfathomable joy. 

Acts 2:33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” -  The Holy Spirit has come upon us. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is our comforter and counselor. He is the Spirit of Victory. This Spirit of Victory is within us. He will eternally be with us. This is a tremendous blessing. 

1 John 2:20 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” - Who is “you?” It is speaking about you and I. We who received Jesus Christ. We have been anointed. This is because we have received Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is anointing us with the Spirit of wisdom and truth. 

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” - This is the message that Jesus Christ has given to us. The authority and power of Christ has come upon us. Do you have absolute assurance that you have received this? If you are truly saved then you must enjoy this. If you have assurance that you are a child of God, you possess all of this great power and authority. You are not a powerless being. We must know this truth. 

 

2. Glory Given by Christ

1) The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (for the imprisoned)

When people are freed from prison, they are able to take off their clothes that they wore as prisoners. They are able to take off their clothes of sin once you accept Christ. We are able to wear the garment of praise. Do you believe in this? 

The prodigal son was having a hard time so he wanted to return back to his father. When he returned back to his father, he pleaded for forgiveness from his father. His father didn’t say anything but only said one thing in Luke 15:21-22 “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.' ” - This is us. When the father approached his son, his son’s status, inheritance, and power was given back to him. Why did Jesus give us this parable? This is what we are able to restore when we receive Christ. We are able to receive the inheritance, power, and status as children of God when we accept Christ. 

What is more astounding is written in verse 3 -  We are planted within the Christ of righteousness. This oak of righteousness was what Jesus Christ had planted. This is speaking about those who are righteous. Those who received the grace of salvation. This is the amazing blessing that has come to us. We have become righteous. 

   

2)  Glory for the righteous to enjoy

Romans 8:29 “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” - This is astounding. The reason why God saved us was that we can hold onto the image of Jesus Christ. The reason why God saved us was so that we can save our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is something that God has predestined before the creation of this world. This will absolutely happen. 

Hebrews 2:11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” - This is an amazing message. When I read this Scripture, I wondered how this could be. Who is the righteous one? He is the Christ. We are being sanctified. It says that we are all from one God. We are one with Jesus Christ. This is an amazing blessing. It says that Jesus came from the bosom of God. Who are we? We were born from the breath of life from the breath of Christ. We are nothing compared to Jesus Christ who was born from the bosom of God. But it says that we are all one family. We are born from one God. Jesus Christ came from the body of God and we came from the breath of Christ. But we are all one body. Then, Jesus says something astounding. He calls us His brothers and sisters. How can this be possible? We just wear the body of Christ but Christ calls us His brothers and sisters. Our Jesus Christ is our older brother. The Creator God is our brother. We can call Him our brother. 

1 Corinthians 15:49 “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” - We are nothing but dust. But because of Jesus Christ, we possess the image of God. Do you believe in this? 

Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” - Who is speaking about? It is about Jesus Christ. Jesus is God. This means that we have become one with God and Jesus Christ. This is the greatest miracle of all miracles. We possess great blessings and we are able to enjoy these blessings. This is God’s absolute plan. 

 

3. Treasure In the Jar of Clay

1) Life given by the Triune God

Verse 3 - In order for God’s glory to be revealed, God gave us everything. Are you suffering from problems and Satan’s captivity? Discard all of that down before God. Free yourself in Christ and shine the glory of God. Hold onto Christ and be victorious. If we hold onto Christ, then there is no reason why we shouldn’t be victorious. The problem is that we don’t believe in this. We must gain this faith. Why is this Christ? This Christ is within us. That is why God calls us His greatest treasure. Our life was given to us by the Triune God. 

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” - This is important. We were born with the image of God. 

Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. - The life of God and the Spirit of God entered into us. We were created as living beings and with the image of God. But mankind lost hold of this. We became deceived by Satan. 


2) Treasure of the promise salvation

God loved us so much that He gave us the covenant of Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” - Through Christ, all of our problems were solved. 

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” - God Himself came but He came to earth through a virgin and will bear a Son, and His name will be Immanuel. This did happen. 

Jesus Christ did come to earth and what did He say to His disciples? Matthew 16:16 “Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' ” - He solved all of our problems fundamentally as the Christ, the Son of God. The moment you confess the name of Christ, all of our problems will be solved. And the glory of God will come upon you.  


3) Treasure to save the world

God called us to shine the light and to stand as evangelists. 

2 Corinthians 4:5 “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” - There is nothing else for us to do but to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. We need to testify that He is our Lord and Savior. This is so easy. All we have to do is proclaim this and God will do the rest. 

2 Corinthians 5:19 “That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” - The absolute desire from God is this. God doesn’t need anything from us. He is Almighty God but He has one request from us. He wants us to testify of the word. This is what pleases God the most. The least we can do is fulfill God’s desire. Be blessed in the name of Jesus Christ. 


Conclusion

1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” - Truly enjoy this. The almighty God’s glory is within us. This is realistically within us. Enjoy this. This Almighty God possesses the image of God. This God is within us. Give glory to God. Then, God will shine His glory through you. 


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