Sermon Tone Analysis

Main Idea

Only through the blood of Jesus Christ, is the stain of our sin is atoned, by our profession/confession of faith in Jesus Christ which leads us to works of justice.

Sermon Purpose

We sometimes follow along with tradition and do not take the time to make sure that we know God.

Sometimes the church can get so caught up in worship inside the building that we forget to be obedient do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

This passage should challenge our congregation (audience) to do more than just come to church to worship and give offerings.

We should be convicted to turn to the LORD, with repentant hearts, knowing the LORD God will forgive us and that our sins have been atoned for by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Illustration: “Think” by Aretha Franklin (Cameo appearance in Blues Brothers)

Amazing Grace

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Rock Steady

Mary Don’t You Weep

Respect

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman

Chain of Fools

According to Rolling-stone Magazine, The vocal achievements of Aretha Franklin have informed much of modern soul, gospel, R&B, dance music and especially rock.

Beyoncé considers Franklin’s voice “one of God’s blessings.”

Said Mary J. Blige, “When it comes to expressing yourself through song, there is no one who can touch her.

She is the reason why women want to sing.”

Patti Labelle described Franklin simply as “the best singer in the world.”

Franklin’s powerful instrument can be heard across a recording career that spans nearly 60 years.

On the Columbia sides of the early Sixties, she laid into standards like then-current stars Sinatra or Nat King Cole, rivaling her backing orchestras for sheer power.

Her classic Sixties and Seventies sides soundtracked the Civil Rights Movement, an object lesson in how a singer can embody and define her time.

As poet Nikki Giovanni wrote, Franklin “lifted her voice in question and complaint and why not and we’re going to and voiced the needs of a generation.”

Then there was “Think”

This song was released on May 2, 1968, less than a month after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4. Franklin's family was close to King, and Aretha attended his funeral.

The song's insistent refrain of "freedom" evoked one of King's famous quotes: "Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last."

I think it's pretty obvious what this song it about.

Some guy made a big mistake, but she's willing to forgive him, if he is willing to think about what he did...

In Aretha’s hit single “Think”, she sings about women’s rights too.

This became a feminist anthem because of the strong attitude in the lyrics, having men THINK twice about ever crossing a woman!

With its defiant lyrics and fervent vocals, this No. 1 R&B hit is a cousin of "Respect," Franklin's rallying cry for any woman who has felt mistreated.

"You better think ... about what you're trying to do to me," she warns, and woe to the man who stands in her way.

You better think (think)

Think about what you're trying to do to me

Think (think, think)

Let your mind go, let yourself be free

Let's go back, let's go back

Let's go way on, way back when

I didn't even know you

You couldn't have been too much more than ten (just a child)

I ain't no psychiatrist, I ain't no doctor with degrees

But, it don't take too much high IQ's

To see what you're doing to me

You better think (think)

Think about what you're trying to do to me

Yeah, think (think, think)

Let your mind go, let yourself be free

Oh, freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom)

Oh, freedom, yeah, freedom

Freedom (freedom), oh, oh freedom (freedom)

Freedom, oh freedom

Hey, think about it, think about it

There ain't nothing you could ask

I could answer you but I won't (I won't)

But I was gonna change, but I'm not

If you keep doing things I don't

You better think (think)

Think about what you're trying to do to me

Oh Lord, think (think)

Let your mind go, let yourself be free

People walking around everyday

Playing games, taking scores

Trying to make other people lose their minds

Ah, be careful you don't lose yours, oh

Think (think)

Think about what you're trying to do to me, ooh

Think (think)

Let your mind go, let yourself be free

You need me (need me)

And I need you (don't you know)

Without each other there ain't nothing people can do, oh

Oh, hey, think about it, baby (What are you trying to do me)

Yeah, oh baby, think about it now, yeah

(Think about forgiveness, dream about forgiveness)

Think about forgiveness

Think about it, baby, baby

Think about forgiveness

Think about forgiveness

Think about forgiveness

Transition To Body- The Scene of the Heavenly & Earthly Court

The scene remains in the court room.

But the prosecutor, the LORD God, weaves in imagery as he makes his case against the people of God.

This weaving, helps make the case because the imagery, such as the totally bruised whole body, is so vivid.

People who are continually struck down

The people of God do not understand and are not aware (or have considered) the holy ways of God versus their wicked (unholy) ways.

Body

The LORD's Surprising Revelation Regarding Sacrifices (Isaiah 1:10-11)

Uninspiring Sacrifices Of Irreverent Worshipers

Ritual infractions called for sin and guilt offerings (Lv 4:14, 16; 5:2, 3; 22:14; Nm 15:22–29).

Ritual acts in the OT were expressions of faith and devotion, reflecting a universal human tendency to substitute the outward act for the proper heart attitude (Hos 6:6).

All sins committed “inadvertently” could be atoned for by sacrifice (Lv 4:2, 13, 22, 27; 5:14) but only after the offender had realized his guilt (Lv 4:13, 14; cf.

5:17; 14:23, 28; Nm 15:24).

Challenging The Unfaithful Congregants' Hollow Religiosity (Isaiah 1:12-17)

Powerless Prayers Of Unrepentant People

Sociologists of religion have observed that an individual's experience, beliefs, sense of belonging, and behavior often are not congruent with their actual religious behavior, since there is much diversity in how one can be religious or not

Social Justice Issues of Isaiah’s time:

oppression, justice for the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause