Faith Church

Munster - God with Us

·36 min·3 clips
Dr. Lockridge describes Jesus as the King of kings, indescribable and irresistible, who death couldn't hold.
The episode begins with a reading from Isaiah 7:10-14, where God confronts King Ahaz of Judah to ask for a sign, leading to the prophecy of a virgin conceiving a son named Emmanuel. The speaker, addressing the congregation in Munster and online, notes it's November 30th, the start of Advent, a season marking the coming of Jesus. He introduces a new sermon series, 'The Promised One,' focusing on Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. The sermon explores two scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-14 and Matthew 1:18-25. The speaker provides historical context, explaining that Ahaz was a wicked king who worshiped idols like Baal and even sacrificed his son. When threatened by Syria and Israel, Ahaz sought help from Assyria instead of God, prompting God to send Isaiah with a message of assurance. Isaiah tells Ahaz to ask for a sign, but Ahaz refuses in false humility, leading God to give the sign of Emmanuel anyway. The speaker contrasts this with Joseph in Matthew, who initially plans to divorce Mary quietly upon learning of her pregnancy but believes an angel's message that it is from the Holy Spirit. This highlights a key theme: faith in God's word versus self-reliance. The speaker emphasizes foundational Christian beliefs, such as the virgin birth and resurrection, arguing that God is 'all or nothing.' He explains that the name Emmanuel means 'God with us,' and Jesus means 'God is salvation,' linking to Isaiah 9:6's titles for Jesus. The sermon builds to a climax with a lengthy quote from Dr. S.M. Lockridge, describing Jesus in poetic terms as the King of kings, irresistible and eternal. The speaker concludes with a prayer, thanking Jesus for his sacrifice and encouraging believers to share the gospel. Throughout, the tone is educational and narrative, blending biblical exegesis with personal application.

As heard by us

A grounded sermon on Emmanuel, fear, and the faith that helps people stand firm.

Faith Church's "Munster - God with Us" frames Isaiah's exchange with Ahaz as a sermon about fear and the way it presses on faith. The preacher stays with the promise of Emmanuel, then brings Ahaz's danger into ordinary life: when trouble comes, people still reach for their own…

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Why you'd press play

When fear has you reaching for your own strength, you need a reminder that God is still present.

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