THE COMFORT OF THE GOSPEL

This sermon was given by Rev. Anthony Carter in the Saturday session, and I must say that it quite possibly was the best sermon I've ever heard. Never has a sermon convicted me the way this one did in regards to my charge and duties as a Minister of the Gospel. Because of this sermon, I have a whole different outlook on the people I preach to and thus my preparation, delivery, and (especially) my content will forever be effected by this revelation.

Rev. Carter took his text from Isaiah 40:1-5, and he asked us, as ministers: Are we discerners of misery? Rev. Carter stated that each and every Christian in the pew has faced a battle during the week with Satan. And this battle has left them beat up, tired, frustrated, agitated, and sometimes doubtful in the salvation they have. However, it is at this time, where we should comfort them in the words of our LORD who says:

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned,that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins". (Isaiah 40:1-2)

And why should this be a comfort to the believer? Because:

"A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken'." (Isaiah 40:3-5) [Cited in Matt 3:1-3]

In other words, the LORD Jesus' work in life, death, resurrection, and ascension has defeated the pains and struggles that we face as Christians, and has given us victory and eternal life. So while these battles are going to go on in our lives, we should encourage Christians not to look at their battles from the perspective of "Kill or be killed". But rather, Christians should go into their battles with the truth that the victory is already won through Christ.

This is why it is imperative that the Gospel message is preached every week from the pulpit (as well as anytime believers get together). Quite simply, it is our spiritual fuel. We truly need it for our very sustaining and strength.

There were many poignant parts to this sermon, but this one stuck out in my mind more than any other! Anthony, you did an UNBELIEVABLE job in delivering this message to those called in this work of God, and I definitely can say that we all thank God for his preparation of you to deliver this Word from Heaven.