The Consequences of Unbelief; Luke 1:18-25

Delivered during the Sunday morning worship service, 1/24/2021. As the dramatic meeting between Zechariah the priest and Gabriel the archangel continues, Zechariah makes an epic blunder. Gabriel has just delivered God's message to Zechariah, that even in his old age he would have a son who would be great and would be the forerunner of the Messiah. Rather than rejoicing in praise and thanksgiving, Zechariah responded in skeptical disbelief-- a mistake for which he was punished with muteness. We will analyze the reason for Zechariah's punishment and thereby emphasize the serious consequences when God's Word is either questioned or disobeyed. As a result, we will underscore the vital importance to every Christian of unwavering faith in every Word and Promise that God has made in His Bible. We will learn to trust Him not only for salvation, but for sanctification and ultimately glorification-- thereby avoiding the dire consequences of unbelief.