The Sounds of Moab

Editor's note: Due to an error, the recording equipment did not capture the final few minutes of this sermon.

Aim: To go from wailing (in sin), to singing for joy (in Jesus).

Doctrine: Sin turns false mirth into bitter moaning. This may not happen right away, but without repentance it lasts forever.

Exegesis: How to avoid Moab-like wailing: sincerely seek the God of truth (vv. 30-33), diligently worship the true God (vv. 34-36), and acknowledge the truth of God's word (vv. 37-39).

Further application: The journey from howling, to hallelujahs requires a new heart (by faith) and hearty faith (in Christ).

Key verse: v. 33 ''Joy and gladness are taken from the plentiful field and from the land of Moab; I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses; no one will tread with joyous shouting—not joyous shouting!''