{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":300,"width":600,"title":"Living in times of change, uncertainty and instability","description":"James preaches from Isaiah 6:1\u20138, where Isaiah sees the Lord in the year King Uzziah died. He begins by reflecting on Bob Dylan\u2019s song \u201cThe Times They Are A-Changin\u2019\u201d, using it to introduce the theme of living in times of change, uncertainty and instability. His central message is: In a time of change and uncertainty, we need to fix our eyes on the one who is unchangeable and completely dependable. James explains that Isaiah\u2019s vision happened at a real point in history, around the death of King Uzziah. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years, so his death marked a time of national transition. There was uncertainty about what kind of king Jotham would be, and Uzziah\u2019s own downfall was a reminder that even strong human leaders are flawed. Against that background, Isaiah says, \u201cI saw the Lord.\u201d James stresses that while earthly kings come and go, the true King remains seated on the throne. The Lord is high and exalted, in complete authority over history, nations, creation, and our personal lives. James then turns to the details of Isaiah\u2019s vision: the Lord\u2019s robe filling the temple, the seraphim covering their faces and feet, the shaking doorposts, the smoke, and the antiphonal cry: \u201cHoly, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.\u201d He explains that God\u2019s holiness is central to who he is. God is utterly different, pure, separate from sin, and glorious. The phrase \u201cLord Almighty\u201d or \u201cLord of Hosts\u201d reminds us that God has countless heavenly beings at his command, serving his purposes and ministering to his people. James also reflects on the glory of God in creation, using the Isle of Skye as an example of breathtaking beauty. But he says there is an even greater glory: the glory of redeemed humanity, people transformed by the grace of God and made part of the new creation. Isaiah\u2019s response is not pride but repentance. He cries, \u201cWoe to me! I am ruined!\u201d James points out that a true encounter with God reveals our sinfulness, even in our best actions. Isaiah recognises that he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips. But God responds graciously. A seraph touches Isaiah\u2019s lips with a live coal from the altar and declares his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for. James connects this to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood takes away sin. Finally, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, \u201cWhom shall I send? Who will go for us?\u201d Isaiah responds willingly: \u201cHere am I. Send me.\u201d James highlights that Isaiah offers himself before knowing the full cost. His surrender comes from having seen the Lord. The sermon ends by challenging believers to respond in the same way: in uncertain times, look to the unchanging Lord, receive his grace, and make ourselves fully available to him. 0:00 Introduction: The Times Are Changing 2:07 Change, Uncertainty and the Unchanging God 4:10 Reading Isaiah 6:1\u20138 6:12 The Year King Uzziah Died 10:15 Isaiah Sees the Lord on the Throne 14:20 The Seraphim Around the Throne 16:22 Holy, Holy, Holy 20:26 The Lord Almighty and His Heavenly Hosts 24:28 The Whole Earth Is Full of His Glory 28:30 Isaiah\u2019s Repentance and Cleansing 32:33 Here Am I, Send Me ","author_name":"Sermons from Aberdeen Christian Fellowship","author_url":"http:\/\/www.aberdeencf.com","html":"