The sermon by Joel Coyoc centers on the themes of redemption and the sovereignty of God as demonstrated through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The preacher highlights the significance of God's providence in moving King Cyrus of Persia to decree the rebuilding of the temple, illustrating how God's plans unfold through His chosen instruments, including imperfect leaders. Scripture references such as Ezra 1:1-4 and 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 emphasize God's control over history and His promise of restoration. Coyoc argues that while humanity’s rebellion leads to failure, God's mercy is evident in His choice to redeem and transform His people, culminating in the ultimate revelation of Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament narrative. The practical significance lies in understanding that true transformation comes not from human effort or adherence to the law, but through faith in the redemptive work of Christ.
Key Quotes
“Dios tenía el propósito no solo de mostrar su eterno poder, su deidad, su justicia, sino también de mostrar su gracia y su misericordia.”
“El único que puede hacer un cambio de corazón es Cristo.”
“La esperanza de un cambio de corazón es conocer a Cristo.”
“Hermano, la prueba de que un día viniste a Cristo es que estás viniendo a Cristo.”
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, including the hearts of kings, and His purposes cannot be thwarted (Proverbs 21:1).
God's sovereignty is a foundational truth throughout Scripture, demonstrating that He has authority over all creation and human affairs. Proverbs 21:1 explicitly states that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, and He directs it wherever He wishes. This implies that even the actions of worldly leaders are ultimately under God’s control, whether they acknowledge Him or not. This sovereignty is not just passive; it is active and purposeful. For instance, in the accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah, we see God moving the heart of King Cyrus to fulfill His promise to Israel by allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. God's orchestration of history affirms His providential care and His ultimate plan of redemption.
Proverbs 21:1, Ezra 1:1-4, Nehemiah 2:1-8
The New Testament writers reveal that Jesus fulfills key Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah, showing that all Scripture points to Him (Luke 24:27).
Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. Luke 24:27 highlights this when Jesus, after His resurrection, explained to His disciples the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures, including the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. These prophecies encompassed not only His birth, life, and death but also His resurrection and reigning as King. Events in the life of Christ correlate precisely with the foretold events in the Old Testament, solidifying the belief that He is indeed the prophesied Messiah. His lineage from David, the virgin birth, and the manner of His suffering and subsequent glory are key elements that fulfill God’s redemptive plan as detailed by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Luke 24:27, Isaiah 53, Jeremiah 31:31-34
Grace is central to the Christian faith as it signifies God's unmerited favor towards sinners, essential for salvation and spiritual growth (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Grace is fundamental to the Christian belief system and is articulated as God's unearned favor toward humanity. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that it is by grace that we have been saved through faith, and this not from ourselves; it is the gift of God. This grace is crucial because it emphasizes that our salvation is not based on our works or merits but solely on God's initiative to redeem His people through Christ. Understanding grace leads to a humble acknowledgment of our utter dependence on God. Furthermore, grace transforms lives, enabling believers to grow spiritually and to embody the love and will of God toward others. It is because of grace that we can live in the freedom and joy that accompanies life in Christ, reflecting His character in our interactions.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 5:20-21
The Bible teaches that the human heart is deceitful and wicked, needing transformation through Christ for true righteousness (Jeremiah 17:9).
Jeremiah 17:9 presents a sobering reality about the human heart, declaring it to be deceitful above all things and desperately sick. This reflects the depravity inherent in humanity due to sin. The sinful nature of humans calls for a divine intervention for true change. Only through Jesus Christ can one receive a new heart, as emphasized in the New Covenant promised in Ezekiel 36:26, where God promises to give His people a new heart and put a new spirit within them. This transformation is necessary for salvation and a genuine relationship with God. Christians are called to recognize this truth about their hearts in order to rely on Christ for spiritual renewal and growth, understanding that apart from Him, they can do nothing that is truly good or pleasing in the sight of God.
Jeremiah 17:9, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 3:10-12
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