September 8th, 2025
Encountering the Glory of God: A Call to Radical Faith
In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters. But what if we could shift our perspective and see beyond our immediate circumstances? What if we could encounter the glory of God in such a profound way that it transforms how we view everything else?
Imagine standing before the throne of God, witnessing His majesty and power firsthand. This is precisely what the prophet Isaiah experienced, as recorded in Isaiah 6:1: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple." This vision came at a time of significant change and potential instability for Israel. Yet in the midst of earthly transitions, Isaiah was granted a glimpse of the unchanging, sovereign God.
This encounter with God's glory didn't just awe Isaiah—it changed him. It shifted his focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. And the same can happen for us today when we truly grasp who God is and allow His presence to fill our lives.
Too often, we limit our expectations of what God can do. We pray small prayers, dream small dreams, and live small lives. But the God of the universe, the One who created everything from nothing, is calling us to a radical faith. He's inviting us to believe Him for things so far beyond our reach that only a miracle could make them possible.
This kind of faith isn't about mustering up more willpower or trying harder. It's about surrendering completely to God and allowing Him to work through us in ways we never thought possible. It's about being "radically imprinted" by God—touched by Him and positioned for a special moment, a special task, or a special encounter that leads to breakthrough on the other side.
But make no mistake—this journey of faith isn't easy. It will cost you everything. It requires taking great risks and giving up control of your life to Someone beyond your full understanding. Yet when you do, you discover that what seemed impossible becomes not only possible but deeply fulfilling.
Imagine standing before the throne of God, witnessing His majesty and power firsthand. This is precisely what the prophet Isaiah experienced, as recorded in Isaiah 6:1: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple." This vision came at a time of significant change and potential instability for Israel. Yet in the midst of earthly transitions, Isaiah was granted a glimpse of the unchanging, sovereign God.
This encounter with God's glory didn't just awe Isaiah—it changed him. It shifted his focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. And the same can happen for us today when we truly grasp who God is and allow His presence to fill our lives.
Too often, we limit our expectations of what God can do. We pray small prayers, dream small dreams, and live small lives. But the God of the universe, the One who created everything from nothing, is calling us to a radical faith. He's inviting us to believe Him for things so far beyond our reach that only a miracle could make them possible.
This kind of faith isn't about mustering up more willpower or trying harder. It's about surrendering completely to God and allowing Him to work through us in ways we never thought possible. It's about being "radically imprinted" by God—touched by Him and positioned for a special moment, a special task, or a special encounter that leads to breakthrough on the other side.
But make no mistake—this journey of faith isn't easy. It will cost you everything. It requires taking great risks and giving up control of your life to Someone beyond your full understanding. Yet when you do, you discover that what seemed impossible becomes not only possible but deeply fulfilling.

Consider the community transformation that can happen when people of faith dare to dream big and act on those dreams. Where others see abandoned buildings and neglected neighborhoods, those with radical faith see potential and promise. They walk the land, pray over it, and believe God for restoration. They put in the hard work of clearing debris, both physical and spiritual, trusting that God will bring new life to what was once dead.
This is the power of perspective. When we view our circumstances through the lens of God's greatness and goodness, everything changes. What looked like insurmountable obstacles become opportunities for God to display His power. Our personal limitations become platforms for God's strength to be perfected in our weakness.
But how do we cultivate this kind of faith-filled perspective? It starts with worship. When we focus on who God is—His holiness, His power, His love—our problems are put into proper perspective. Like the seraphim Isaiah saw, we begin to cry out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). This declaration isn't just about acknowledging God's attributes; it's about aligning our hearts with His reality.
As we worship, we're reminded that God is sovereign over every situation. He's not wringing His hands over the state of the world or our personal challenges. He sits enthroned, calm and in control. This truth should fill us with peace and confidence, no matter what we face.
Moreover, encountering God's glory should ignite a passion within us to share His love with others. When we've truly experienced His presence, we can't help but want others to know Him too. We become aware that we carry "the hope of glory" within us—a message that can transform any situation or person.
This outward focus is crucial. It's easy to become self-absorbed in our struggles or even our spiritual experiences. But God calls us to look beyond ourselves, to be His hands and feet in a hurting world. He wants to use us to bring restoration, hope, and life to the "dry bones" around us.
This is the power of perspective. When we view our circumstances through the lens of God's greatness and goodness, everything changes. What looked like insurmountable obstacles become opportunities for God to display His power. Our personal limitations become platforms for God's strength to be perfected in our weakness.
But how do we cultivate this kind of faith-filled perspective? It starts with worship. When we focus on who God is—His holiness, His power, His love—our problems are put into proper perspective. Like the seraphim Isaiah saw, we begin to cry out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). This declaration isn't just about acknowledging God's attributes; it's about aligning our hearts with His reality.
As we worship, we're reminded that God is sovereign over every situation. He's not wringing His hands over the state of the world or our personal challenges. He sits enthroned, calm and in control. This truth should fill us with peace and confidence, no matter what we face.
Moreover, encountering God's glory should ignite a passion within us to share His love with others. When we've truly experienced His presence, we can't help but want others to know Him too. We become aware that we carry "the hope of glory" within us—a message that can transform any situation or person.
This outward focus is crucial. It's easy to become self-absorbed in our struggles or even our spiritual experiences. But God calls us to look beyond ourselves, to be His hands and feet in a hurting world. He wants to use us to bring restoration, hope, and life to the "dry bones" around us.

Speaking of dry bones, there's a powerful message for those feeling spiritually parched or lifeless. God is calling out to every area of dryness in our lives, commanding it to come alive. He's rebuking spirits of apathy and lukewarmness, stirring us to choose life over death. If you've been feeling stuck or stagnant, hear this word: It's time to arise, shake off the dust, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh!
Remember, no matter what your past looks like or what others have said about you, God has a purpose for your life. He delights in taking the unlikely and doing the extraordinary through them. Your current limitations or circumstances don't define your potential in God's kingdom.
As we wrap up, let's revisit the core message: God is calling us to a radical, imprinted faith. He's inviting us to dream bigger, believe stronger, and act bolder than ever before. This isn't about striving in our own strength, but about surrendering fully to His power working through us.
What dreams has God placed in your heart? What seemingly impossible situations are you facing? Bring them before the Lord now. Ask Him to expand your vision and increase your faith. Trust that if He's done amazing things for others, He can do them for you too.
Let's commit to living with an eternal perspective, knowing that our temporary struggles pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us. Let's choose to see beyond our immediate circumstances to the God who holds all things in His hands. And let's step out in faith, allowing God to use us to bring His kingdom to earth in powerful, transformative ways.
The invitation is clear: Will you allow yourself to be radically imprinted by God? Will you say yes to His call, even when it doesn't make sense to your natural mind? The journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth it. A life fully surrendered to God is the most adventurous, fulfilling life possible.
So today, let's echo the words of Isaiah when he encountered God's glory: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). Let's offer ourselves as willing vessels for God's purposes, trusting that He will equip us for whatever He calls us to do. The world is waiting for people of radical faith to arise. Will you be one of them?
Remember, no matter what your past looks like or what others have said about you, God has a purpose for your life. He delights in taking the unlikely and doing the extraordinary through them. Your current limitations or circumstances don't define your potential in God's kingdom.
As we wrap up, let's revisit the core message: God is calling us to a radical, imprinted faith. He's inviting us to dream bigger, believe stronger, and act bolder than ever before. This isn't about striving in our own strength, but about surrendering fully to His power working through us.
What dreams has God placed in your heart? What seemingly impossible situations are you facing? Bring them before the Lord now. Ask Him to expand your vision and increase your faith. Trust that if He's done amazing things for others, He can do them for you too.
Let's commit to living with an eternal perspective, knowing that our temporary struggles pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us. Let's choose to see beyond our immediate circumstances to the God who holds all things in His hands. And let's step out in faith, allowing God to use us to bring His kingdom to earth in powerful, transformative ways.
The invitation is clear: Will you allow yourself to be radically imprinted by God? Will you say yes to His call, even when it doesn't make sense to your natural mind? The journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth it. A life fully surrendered to God is the most adventurous, fulfilling life possible.
So today, let's echo the words of Isaiah when he encountered God's glory: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). Let's offer ourselves as willing vessels for God's purposes, trusting that He will equip us for whatever He calls us to do. The world is waiting for people of radical faith to arise. Will you be one of them?

Want to Go Deeper?
If this sermon spoke to you and you’re ready to explore it further, this study guide is for you! Inside, you’ll find key Scriptures, reflection questions, and practical applications to help you grow in your faith. Open it up, dig in, and let God’s Word transform your life!
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