A New Creation

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come, worship the eternal God. All earthly things shall pass away, but God endures forever. Amen.

HYMN

Great is our redeeming Lord (StF 683)

GATHERING PRAYER

Father, we gather here before you, uncertain and fearful of many things. We remember past wars, present tensions, and we worry about the future. Shield us with your wings, nurture us in your Spirit. Let us learn wisdom from your words and endure. Amen.

Approaching the God of peace, we remember times of war. You did not lie to us, Lord Jesus, you said such things would be. Strengthen us now to confront the past, to consider the present and what we might do, and to face the future with hope renewed. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

We confess that peace is lacking in our hearts and minds; with hateful thoughts and hurtful intent, we sow the seeds of unrest. We confess that peace is lacking in our lives; with careless words and unkind deeds, we create disharmony. Like a stone cast on water is the hatred of the human heart; the ripples grow, and multiply, and become the madness of war. Forgive each and every one of us, we humbly pray, and let peace begin inside ourselves. Amen.

Before we call, God answers us.

While we are still speaking, God hears us.

Let us confess our sin to God,

who even now is waiting to say,

“I forgive you.”

 Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven,

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those that trespass against us,

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

Forever and ever Amen.

HYMN

He is exalted (StF 52)

Introduction

Our first passage this morning is from Isaiah, it’s a reading which gives a vision of hope and renewal. It was written as the Jewish community was returning to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon, but the people face disappointment as their home Jerusalem was still in ruin. But Isaiah describes God's promise to create "new heavens and a new earth," a future where all troubles are forgotten and everlasting joy abounds. This reading explores what it means in the context of faith, daily life, and that of spiritual restoration.

READING 1

Isaiah 65: 17-25

The New Creation

17 The Lord says, “I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten. 18 Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. The new Jerusalem I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy. 19 I myself will be filled with joy because of Jerusalem and her people. There will be no weeping there, no calling for help. 20 Babies will no longer die in infancy, and all people will live out their life span. Those who live to be a hundred will be considered young. To die before that would be a sign that I had punished them. 21-22 People will build houses and get to live in them—they will not be used by someone else. They will plant vineyards and enjoy the wine—it will not be drunk by others. Like trees, my people will live long lives. They will fully enjoy the things that they have worked for. 23 The work they do will be successful, and their children will not meet with disaster. I will bless them and their descendants for all time to come. 24 Even before they finish praying to me, I will answer their prayers. 25 Wolves and lambs will eat together; lions will eat straw, as cattle do, and snakes will no longer be dangerous. On Zion, my sacred hill,[a] there will be nothing harmful or evil.”

The Promise of Renewal

Isaiah 65:17 begins with the declaration, “I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten.”

What a promise this is, it tells believers then and now, that God is not idlily waiting but is actively working towards a future where pain, sorrow, and injustice are replaced by peace and happiness.

What a great thing to look forward to.

A future where all our suffering and past mistakes are forgotten and we receive comfort and freedom, We, are invited to look forward with hope rather than dwell on old wounds or to hold onto passed disappointments.

This vision fosters hope, encouraging believers to look beyond their current struggles and find comfort in God's ultimate plan for joy and renewal. It highlights the connection between these promises and the hope Christians find in Christ, who in himself embodies this new creation and assures us of its fulfilment.

Joy and Gladness in the New Creation

The passage continues by emphasising joy: 18 Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. The new Jerusalem I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy "

Here, Jerusalem is not just a city, but it is in fact the people of God, and their transformation into a source of delight and joy that reflects the depth of God's love and commitment to His creation. There will be no more weeping and distress, looking at this, we see God’s plan then and for us today through Christ’s sacrifice, if we truly take this onboard, we can experience a radical change in our human experience, one that is marked by contentment. The knowledge that we are loved and forgiven by God.

This offers a glimpse of God's perfect future, showing us that the hardships of our present life are temporary. We are called to live with the assurance that God will redeem every tear and loss, guiding them towards a redemptive purpose in Christ, who seals this promise through His resurrection.

Justice, Longevity, and Security

Isaiah speaks of a time when "never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years. " The promise of long life and the end of premature death point to a world where justice and equity reign. People "will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit."

Again God gives words suggest security, stability, to a people who have gone through so much, but this alludes very much I feel when Christ returns, this verse is full of promises we certainly don’t see as yet and when we look around us today these words seems to contrast sharply with the our experience of exploitation and instability that we find in our present in the world. But I t6hink the words we need are NOT YET this I believe is our hope.

Harmony with Creation

One of the most striking images in this passage is, "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox."

This amazing vision of harmony between creatures that are natural enemies and gives a picture of the complete restoration of peace—not only among humans but throughout all creation. It is a reminder that God's redemption is all-encompassing, affecting every aspect of existence.

God's Immediacy and Care

Isaiah 65:24 offers assurance of God who listens to our prayers: "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." What an amazing image of intimacy. It reflects God's the amazing desire for a close relationship with His people, one where prayers are heard and met. It invites us to trust and have confidence in God's care for his people.

Application for Today

In Isaiah 65:17-25, we are encouraged to live with hope, trusting in God's promises even when we are facing difficulties. These verses challenge us to work towards justice, and peace, in our communities, we are all called to mirror this vision that God shows us.

These words also invite us to look beyond our own situation and embrace a faith that anticipates transformation.

Conclusion

Finally, Isaiah paints a picture of a world renewed by God's grace, where sorrow is replaced by joy, a time of justice, and harmony. This passage can if we trust in God’s word inspire us to hold fast to hope, to pursue righteousness, and join in actively with God's ongoing work of renewal.

We need to focus on God’s promises to His people, illustrating a reality where prayers are answered before spoken and harmony is the norm. But we are blessed as believers in how Christ bridges this gap between humanity and God, inviting us to experience a foretaste of this intimacy now through faith.

HYMN

Through the love of God our Saviour (StF 639)

Introduction

In our Gospel reading believers are called to find hope and strength in God's promises of restoration, living with the assurance that Christ will bring about the new creation through the trials of this world.

READING 2

Luke 21: 5-19

Jesus Speaks of the Destruction of the Temple

5 Some of the disciples were talking about the Temple, how beautiful it looked with its fine stones and the gifts offered to God. Jesus said, 6 “All this you see—the time will come when not a single stone here will be left in its place; everyone will be thrown down.”

Troubles and Persecutions

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will this be? And what will happen in order to show that the time has come for it to take place?”

8 Jesus said, “Watch out; don't be fooled. Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ But don't follow them. 9 Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen first, but they do not mean that the end is near.”

10 He went on to say, “Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. 11 There will be terrible earthquakes, famines, and plagues everywhere; there will be strange and terrifying things coming from the sky. 12 Before all these things take place, however, you will be arrested and persecuted; you will be handed over to be tried in synagogues and be put in prison; you will be brought before kings and rulers for my sake. 13 This will be your chance to tell the Good News. 14 Make up your minds ahead of time not to worry about how you will defend yourselves, 15 because I will give you such words and wisdom that none of your enemies will be able to refute or contradict what you say. 16 You will be handed over by your parents, your brothers, your relatives, and your friends; and some of you will be put to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a single hair from your heads will be lost. 19 Stand firm, and you will save yourselves.

     Sermon

1. Astonishing Predictions of Ruin

Luke 21:5-6

This reading begins with the awe the disciples felt while admiring the Temple’s beauty and grandeur. But Jesus' prophecy of its destruction it serves as a reminder that earthly splendour is temporary. I remember speaking to a friend of mine who I was visiting he had just moved into a lovely house, and I commented on it he said to me “we are only caretakers in a few years it will be occupied by someone else” which is true in many ways.

Anything we build in this world is destined to decay and ruin, what is new and modern in as little as ten years looks dated.

 What I think Jesus is pointing us to is to shift our focus from the fleeting beauty of the world offers to the eternal reality offered in Christ. It is a call to all of us to put our dependence on the lasting promises of God rather than temporary structures, in Christ if we truly put our faith in him, he sees and fulfils all needs. His promise is he will always be there for those who put the trust in him.

2. Alarming Signs and Sovereignty

Luke 21:7-11

In the following verses, Jesus speaks of wars, uprisings, and natural disasters.

As we look around the world today and after last week as we remembered those who lost their lives in war, we are more than aware that there are still wars of nations against nation as mankind seems determined to destroy itself.

We hear of earthquakes natural disasters like the people suffering in Jamacia after a great storm Melissa that has destroyed homes and lives.

It’s easy to imagine that we live in the end times.

But here I think Jesus is preparing His disciples and us today not be alarmed by these signs, because they are part of God’s ultimate plan. What is important for his disciples then and us now ,that among all the troubles we see and experience we need to keep our eyes in Jesus and the importance of maintaining faith in such times, trusting that these events are under God’s control even when it seems everything is out of control, remember if we keep our faith that they point us to the greater hope we have in Christ.

3. Assured Testimony in Trials

Luke 21:12-15

Jesus goes on to assure His followers will have opportunities to testify amidst persecution. Have you ever been in that position? Have you had to rely on the Holy Spirit during such times. If we are truly open at times the Holy Spirit’s presence provides strength and guidance, and sometime that very opposition can become an opportunity to witness, I remember at work they guys who worked for me new I was at the time studying to become a local preacher, and one time it was mentioned to my direct boss he had this condescending smirk on his face, it faded when I stared at him no words needed, I was not going to be cowed down, I told him why I was doing what I was doing because of my faith in God.

We are all called as believer’s, to remain steadfast and courageous in proclaiming the gospel. We are called never to bow to peer pressure but stand strong in faith and ask God to give us the right words to say. This is not about argument but a statement of truth.

4. Assurance Despite Tribulation

Luke 21:16-19

Jesus warns of betrayal and hatred but promises ultimate spiritual safety. In life we will all face trials some that threaten to break us, some that make us doubt. I remember hearing a story about a lady who lost her husband and the due to the cost couldn’t afford her house. In desperation she turn to God and shouted “I don’t believe in you” “its all a lie” then she laughed and thought “if I don’t believe in you who am I shouting at” a simple story but there is an element of truth in it, we can in times of trouble turn from God or run to him I know which is the best.

You see if we focus on how enduring such trials relying on Jesus’ promise of eternal salvation and His assurance that not a hair on our heads will perish. By persevering, believers demonstrate the power and presence of God in their lives, leading to eternal life. No matter how hard it is at the times, We face the paradox of earthly loss and heavenly gain through Christ. Many believers experience suffering and loss, but this can lead to greater spiritual rewards and a deeper connection with Christ as it says in Philippians 1:21 “For me to live in Christ and to die is gain”

The question we face today in a country that a best ignores our find the idea faith something to mock, how do we follow Christ’s instructions how do we reflect and share our faith to those we meet, I remember many years ago seeing a notice saying “if Christianity was illegal would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

A sobering thought that we all need to examine.

      HYMN

My soul finds rest in God alone (StF 633)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Trusting in the power of God to deliver us,

let us make our prayers of intercession for all,

saying: God our Saviour, hear our prayer.

We pray for the church . . .

Let us not be idle or grow weary,

but strengthen us, by your Spirit,

as we seek to do the work of the Lord.

God our Saviour, hear our prayer.

We pray for the world . . .

Let the waters roar and clap their hands,

and let the hills sing together for joy

at the coming of your new creation.

God our Saviour, hear our prayer.

We pray for this community . . .

Let us live as on your holy mountain,

where the wolf and lamb feed together

and none will hurt or destroy.

God our Saviour, hear our prayer.

We pray for loved ones . . .

Let them draw water from healing springs

and give thanks for your gracious works.

Help them to trust in you and not be afraid.

God our Saviour, hear our prayer.

Merciful and mighty God, as you are one,

make us one with you through Jesus Christ,

whom you have sent to redeem us,

and in whose holy name we pray. Amen.

HYMN

Fight the good fight with all your might (StF 634)

BLESSING

In a world of warfare, be a beacon of hope. Amid the strife, fight for justice. Pray for peace, and walk in God’s ways. Amen.