North Johnson City Baptist Church

Peter calls on Christians to live as holy sojourners and pilgrims in a foreign kingdom, emphasizing that believers are to be distinct from worldly immorality not merely for personal benefit, but because their King is holy and they are His ambassadors. 1 Peter 2:13–17 argues that submission to civil authorities—despite their imperfections—is a moral and theological duty, grounded in God's design for order and justice, as government is ordained to punish evil and commend good. This submission is not blind obedience, but a disciplined freedom exercised in service to Christ, where liberty is never a cover for vice, and resistance is required only when civil commands directly contradict divine law. The passage calls for a life marked by honor toward all people, deep love for fellow believers, reverent fear of God, and respectful acknowledgment of earthly rulers, all as a credible testimony to the unshakable kingdom of heaven. Ultimately, the Christian's life is to be a living defense of the gospel, where conduct aligns with proclamation, and even in uncertainty, believers are to wrestle faithfully with conscience, Scripture, and community, reflecting the hope that transcends the world's instability.

Peter calls on his hearers to embrace being pilgrims and ambassadors in a world not their own. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:11–12, this message emphasizes that suffering and opposition are not signs of failure but evidence of faithful citizenship in Christ's unshakable kingdom, where hardship serves the purpose of sanctification and divine glory. The central message reframes trials as opportunities for holiness, witness, and mission, urging believers to live with moral integrity and distinctiveness so that their good works may point others to God's grace. The passage calls for a life of intentional separation from worldly lusts, grounded in the Spirit's work, and a posture of honorable conduct among non-believers, not to earn justification (which is by grace alone) but to create space for the gospel to be received. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that the Christian life is a sacred vocation—marked by exile, holiness, and mission—where the believer's very existence becomes a testimony to the transforming power of Christ, culminating in the day when Gentiles, by observing godly lives, will glorify God in His visitation.

We focus on Peter's call for persecuted believers to embrace their identity as 'living stones' built upon Christ, the rejected yet divinely chosen cornerstone, reframing suffering and rejection as evidence of divine favor and participation in God's redemptive history. Drawing from Old Testament prophecies in Psalm 118 and Isaiah, we see that Christ's rejection by humanity was foreordained by God and that the Messiah serves as the cornerstone of a spiritual temple—God's church—composed of a chosen, royal priesthood called out of darkness into His marvelous light. The passage underscores that salvation is not by ethnic lineage or law, but by faith in Christ, fulfilling God's eternal purpose to gather both Jews and Gentiles into one people, as foreshadowed in Hosea and realized through the gospel. Believers are thus called to rejoice in their suffering, not as defeat, but as sanctification by God's grace, and to live as a holy nation, offering spiritual sacrifices through Christ, who alone is the way to reconciliation with a holy God.

The sermon presents the office of Deacon as a divinely established office rooted in Scripture, first seen in Acts 6 where the deacons are appointed to manage the charitable needs of the congregation. In this way, Deacons are called to serve alongside Elders in a cooperative ministry, with both offices essential for the church's health and unity. We also see that the qualifications for the office are drawn from Scripture, particularly Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, underscoring that these men must be spiritually mature and morally upright. The sermon highlights that faithful service as a deacon brings not only a good reputation among believers but also a deepened boldness in faith, as the Holy Spirit empowers them with boldness in the faith. Ultimately, the church is blessed when elders and deacons work in harmony, reflecting God's design for a unified, gospel-centered community that glorifies Christ through mutual accountability, service, and shared mission.

The sermon unfolds the redemptive arc of Scripture by highlighting three pivotal moments in Old Testament history—Abraham, David, and exile—as divine milestones leading to Christ's advent. It emphasizes that while Abraham's covenant initiated God's promise of a nation and blessing, and David's reign symbolized the pinnacle of earthly kingship, both were ultimately insufficient, pointing to a greater fulfillment yet to come. The exile, though a time of profound despair and divine judgment due to national unfaithfulness, becomes the necessary context for God's promise of a new covenant—unlike the broken Sinai covenant—where His law is written on hearts, sins are forgiven, and all will know Him personally. This new covenant, fulfilled in Christ, is not a renewal but a qualitative transformation, establishing an eternal, unbreakable relationship grounded in grace rather than law, making Advent not merely a nostalgic celebration but a joyful recognition of God's sovereign victory over sin, death, and human failure through the incarnate Son.

This text focuses on the Davidic covenant as a pivotal moment in redemptive history, revealing God's dual purpose in establishing a temporal kingdom through David's lineage and an eternal, messianic promise fulfilled in Christ. It highlights how David's desire to build a temple for God is redirected by divine sovereignty, emphasizing that God, not David, establishes the dynasty, underscoring His initiative and faithfulness. The sermon unpacks the dual nature of the covenant—earthly, conditional, and tied to the kings' obedience, yet ultimately fulfilled in a glorious, everlasting kingdom that transcends human failure. Through the lens of covenant theology, it contrasts the temporary, flawed reigns of David's descendants with the eternal, unbreakable promise of a Davidic heir who is both human and divine, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of blessing for all nations. The message culminates in the hope of a new covenant, where God writes His law upon our hearts, pointing to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises.

The sermon centers on the significance of Abraham as a key figure in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing his story as both historical and representative of faith grounded in divine grace. Through an examination of Genesis 15 and the following chapters, we see God's promises to Abraham—of a miraculous heir, a vast posterity, and a covenantal land—were fulfilled not through human effort or legalistic obedience, but through faith alone, as Abraham believed God and that faith was accounted to him for righteousness. The sermon distinguishes between the Abrahamic covenant's national and typological dimensions, arguing that while circumcision marked a physical lineage, true righteousness comes through faith in the coming Messiah, not through works or the Mosaic Law. This promise ultimately points forward to Christ, the true seed of Abraham, who fulfills all that to which the Old Testament points. The message culminates in the Advent truth that salvation is entirely of grace, secured by God's faithfulness, not human merit, and is now accessible through Christ alone.

Peter focuses on the transformative power of grace, emphasizing that believers, though enduring trials, are called to live holy lives as citizens of an eternal kingdom. Rooted in the truth of being sanctified by God's Spirit and born again through the incorruptible Word of God—forever enduring unlike the fleeting glory of this world—Christians are urged to reject malice, deceit, envy, and gossip, and instead cultivate sincere, sacrificial love for one another. This new life is sustained by a deep, ongoing hunger for the pure milk of Scripture, growing from spiritual infancy toward maturity, so that believers may honor God as their Father and reflect His grace in faithful, Christ-like living. The message is both a call to gratitude and a charge to holiness, grounded in the eternal gospel revealed to the saints...the revelation of which both the prophets and angels desired to know.

This sermon, drawn from the lamentation of Psalm 6, presents a call to continual thanksgiving, Even in suffering, the believer's posture should be one of gratitude rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. This text shows David's plea for life so that he might continue to praise God, showing that thanksgiving is the natural response of a life sustained by divine grace. Through the lens of David's affliction—physical weakness, emotional despair, and spiritual distance— we see how God's discipline, though painful, is an expression of paternal love, not abandonment, and that the ultimate hope lies in God's unchanging character. Ultimately, the sermon calls the congregation to live in perpetual gratitude, recognizing that every breath, every blessing, and even every trial are grounds for thanksgiving to the God who is faithful, merciful, and sovereign.

The sermon focuses on the truth that Christian holiness is rooted not in legalistic effort but in the transformative reality of God's redemptive work through Christ. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:17–21, it emphasizes that believers are called to live in reverent fear before a holy and impartial God, not out of dread, but as children of a Father who disciplines for their good. This holy living is made possible and appropriate because believers have been redeemed not with perishable silver or gold, but with the precious, eternal blood of Christ—foreordained before the foundation of the world and revealed in these last times. The gospel's glory lies in the fact that God's plan of salvation was eternally conceived, executed through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, and now secured for believers, who are called to live in joyful, thankful obedience, knowing their inheritance is secure and their hope anchored in the eternal glory of God.

The sermon presents a call to Christian living rooted in the believer's identity as a holy, chosen people set apart by God's grace through Christ. Drawing from 1 Peter, it emphasizes that believers are to prepare their minds for action, remain sober-minded, and anchor their hope not in fleeting circumstances but upon the promise of Christ's return. This hope fuels a life of deliberate obedience, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a fitting response to being adopted as children of a holy Father. The central imperative is holiness—living set apart from the world's patterns and conformed to Christ's image—both by rejecting past sinful lusts and actively pursuing purity through faith, the renewing of the mind, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the Christian life is portrayed as a disciplined, joyful pilgrimage marked by perseverance through trials, confident in the eternal inheritance and glory that await, which transforms suffering into worship and fuels an unshakable song of praise.

This text in 1 Peter calls for believers to rejoice amid suffering by anchoring their hope in the fullness of God's redemptive plan revealed through Christ. It emphasizes that the prophets, though they longed to understand the salvation now fulfilled in Christ, were merely pointing forward to a reality that believers today can see and celebrate. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of Christ, inspired these prophets to testify of Christ's sufferings and subsequent glory, revealing that suffering is not meaningless but part of a divine pattern leading to eternal glory. The sermon underscores that believers today possess a greater revelation than even the prophets—access to the complete canon of Scripture and the historical fulfillment of the gospel—making their gratitude and joy all the more warranted. Ultimately, the message is one of profound thanksgiving: because Christ has come, suffered, and triumphed, believers are called to walk by faith, endure trials with hope, and recognize that even the angels longed to glimpse the grace now revealed in the gospel.

This text focuses on the enduring hope and joy available to believers amid life's trials, grounded in the eternal inheritance secured by Christ's resurrection. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:3–9, it emphasizes that while earthly things are fleeting and corruptible, the believer's hope is anchored in a living, incorruptible, and reserved inheritance in heaven, safeguarded by God's power through faith. The reality of suffering is acknowledged as inevitable, yet its purpose is revealed as divine refinement—like gold tested in fire, trials purify and strengthen faith, producing a character that glorifies God at Christ's return. The call is not to avoid hardship but to rejoice in it through faith, trusting that God is working all things, even suffering, for the believer's sanctification and ultimate glory, affirming that true joy comes not from circumstances but from the unshakable reality of God's eternal plan.

Continuing in this great epistle, Peter outlines the profound hope, inheritance, and security that believers possess in Christ. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:3–5, we affirm that God's abundant mercy has begotten believers to a living hope through Christ's resurrection, securing an incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance reserved in heaven. This inheritance, grounded in God's covenant faithfulness and secured by His power, is not earned but received by grace through faith, with believers kept by God's might, not their own efforts. While believers currently endure trials and grieve in the present, their joy is inexpressible and full of glory, rooted in the certainty of a future revelation of salvation when Christ returns. This message calls the faithful to rejoice in their glorious God, their eternal inheritance, and their certain future, even amid suffering, because their hope is anchored in the unchanging promises of a faithful, sovereign, and loving Father.

Peter's First Epistle, written to persecuted Christians in Asia Minor, opens with a profound Trinitarian affirmation, grounding their identity in God's eternal election, sanctification by the Spirit, and redemption through Christ's blood, affirming that their suffering does not negate their divine citizenship. Peter addresses a people who feel like strangers and exiles in their own culture, encouraging them to see that their current displacement actually points to their Heavenly status—they are elected by God the Father, set apart by the Spirit, and cleansed by Christ's sacrifice, making them a holy nation. Far from despair, this reality calls for joy and steadfast hope, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of an imperishable inheritance reserved in heaven. The greeting of 'grace and peace' is not a mere formality but a powerful declaration of their present reconciliation with God and their ongoing need to be reminded of the abundant, multiplying grace and peace they already possess in Christ. This truth is embodied in the Lord's Supper, where believers, regardless of earthly rejection, are invited to a table of divine grace and reconciled fellowship, celebrating the peace that transcends the world.

Looking at Psalm 5, David presents a profound meditation on a life of faith centered on prayer, the holiness of God, and the joy of trusting His faithfulness. It emphasizes that in the midst of personal trials and spiritual warfare, believers are called to turn to God in persistent, heartfelt prayer—seeking Him first thing each morning, not as a last resort but as the foundation of daily life. Such prayer is grounded in a deep understanding of God's holy character: He abhors wickedness, detests deceit and pride, and cannot tolerate evil, yet graciously invites sinners into His presence through the 'multitude of His mercy.' This recognition of divine holiness leads to a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that only God's righteousness—alien and imputed—can make one right before Him. Ultimately, the psalm calls for unshakable joy, not in the absence of suffering, but in the confident hope that God is sovereign, faithful, and will vindicate His people, even as He judges the wicked, thereby affirming that true joy is rooted in God's promises and His eternal reign.

Looking at Isaiah 23, the Prophet delivers a powerful reminder of God's sovereign control over all nations, using the fall of the once-mighty city of Tyre as a vivid illustration. It unfolds through three movements: first, the shocking collapse of a seemingly impregnable economic powerhouse, symbolizing the fragility of human pride and worldly systems; second, the humbling of a proud people whose identity was rooted in commerce and self-sufficiency, revealing that God alone determines the rise and fall of nations; and third, a surprising note of grace, where Tyre's eventual restoration—though marked by continued worldly entanglements—points to a deeper eschatological truth: that even the wealth and influence of the nations, once used in defiance of God, will ultimately be sanctified and dedicated to His eternal purposes. The sermon underscores that while judgment is certain for pride, God's sovereignty also includes redemptive plans that extend to the ends of the earth, culminating in a kingdom unshakable by any earthly turmoil, where all things are ultimately brought under Christ's lordship.

Focusing on Isaiah 22, the prophet contrasts the figures of Shebna and Eliakim to illustrate the spiritual condition of Judah and the ultimate need for a faithful, divine Savior. Judah's self-reliance, idolatry, and worldliness—despite God's repeated warnings and blessings—highlight their failure to honor Him as they should. Through the judgment on Shebna, a corrupt steward who prioritized self-glory over service, the text reveals the consequences of misplaced trust and human pride. In contrast, Eliakim, a faithful appointment, symbolizes God's provision of trustworthy leadership, yet the passage ultimately points beyond him to the greater, eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ—the true, perfect, and everlasting Servant who alone bears the keys of authority, fulfills all divine responsibilities, and offers salvation through His sacrificial death. The sermon concludes by affirming that while earthly figures like Eliakim serve as types, only Christ is the sufficient, final, and eternal steward of God's kingdom, whose sacrifice alone atones for sin and invites believers to partake in the kingdom's feast by faith.

Isaiah presents a powerful indictment of Judah's spiritual complacency, exposing the nation's misplaced trust in human effort and military preparedness rather than divine sovereignty. Through a prophetic contrast,we see the irony of Jerusalem—once a city set on a hill as a beacon of God's presence—now described as a 'valley of vision,' symbolizing spiritual blindness and moral decline. The people, celebrating a recent deliverance from Assyria, fail to recognize that their reliance on weapons, repaired walls, and reservoirs reflects a faithless approach, ignoring the very God who has saved them. The sermon underscores that God's judgment is certain and not merely a consequence of foreign invasion, but a divine response to national unrepentance and self-reliance, culminating in the chilling declaration that 'for this iniquity there will be no atonement.' Ultimately, the message calls the hearers to repentance, faith, and a reorientation toward God, echoing the Puritan insight that true vision and grace are found not in triumph, but in the humility of the valley where one sees God most clearly.

Isaiah offers a powerful theological vision of God's sovereign control over world events. Through oracles against Babylon, Edom, and Arabia, warning is given against placing hope in human alliances rather than in the Lord. God's declarations are not mere predictions but acts of divine will that inevitably come to pass, as seen in the swift and certain judgment of nations like Babylon and Kedar, which serve as warnings to Judah and all who trust in worldly powers. Through vivid imagery of watchmen, fleeing caravans, and the silence of the grave, the message underscores the futility of human strength and the necessity of trusting in God's providence, especially in times of distress. There is a need, within the church, to recover a robust understanding of divine sovereignty, rooted in Scripture and affirmed by the Reformation and Puritan traditions, where God's word is not a passive forecast but a living, authoritative decree that shapes history. Ultimately, the passage points to the gospel's foundation: God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in Christ, saving sinners because they could not save themselves.

Isaiah presents a prophetic vision of Babylon's fall as both a historical judgment and a symbolic representation of human pride opposed to God's sovereignty, revealing that no nation, however powerful, can withstand divine judgment. Through vivid, apocalyptic imagery—whirlwinds, a watchman on a tower, and the sudden collapse of a city reveling in its own strength—Isaiah conveys the inevitability of divine justice, where even the most exalted empires are brought low. The vision, though distressing to the prophet, serves as a divine warning to Judah: trust in human alliances, such as Egypt or Babylon, will fail, but God's promises endure, even in exile. Ultimately, the message points forward to the gospel—the deliverance of God's people not through military might, but through the coming Messiah, whose redemptive work fulfills the ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. Thus, the judgment on Babylon becomes a prelude to hope, affirming that God remains faithful to His covenant and will one day bring salvation to all nations through Christ.

This message centers on Isaiah's prophetic sign of walking naked and barefoot for three years as a dramatic illustration of divine judgment and the futility of trusting human alliances, particularly Egypt's promise of deliverance from Assyria. Set against the historical backdrop of Assyria's dominance and Egypt's false confidence, the message reveals that Egypt, despite its boasts, will be humiliated and delivered into slavery—fulfilled both in the immediate defeat of Ashdod's king and in the broader historical collapse of Egypt's power. The prophet's shocking sign exposes the deeper spiritual truth: national trust in military might or political power is futile, and true deliverance comes only through reliance on God. This leads to a profound gospel application: salvation is not earned by human effort or righteousness, but is received by grace through faith in Christ, whose perfect life and sacrificial death alone make reconciliation possible. The Lord's Table, therefore, becomes a living symbol of this grace—a place not earned, but freely given, where all, regardless of heritage or merit, are invited to partake in Christ's righteousness.

The sermon centers on Isaiah 19, portraying both Egypt's impending judgment and ultimate redemption, revealing God's sovereign plan to draw all nations—especially enemies like Egypt and Assyria—into worship of the one true God. Through vivid imagery of collapsing idols, a withered Nile, and national chaos, we see that Egypt's confidence is shattered and its strength removed, not by human might but by divine judgment. Yet the message pivots to hope: in the eschatological day, Egypt will fear the Lord and worship Him. This vision of unity—Egypt, Assyria, and Israel as one people blessed by God—fulfills the Abrahamic promise that salvation extends to the ends of the earth, demonstrating that God's grace is not limited to Israel but extends to all who turn to Him in faith. We see that this is not merely a political alliance, but a spiritual transformation, where even the most hardened nations will recognize the Lord, cry out to Him, and be saved through Christ, the Mighty Savior, whose work draws men from all nations.

The sermon centers on Isaiah's prophecy concerning Cush (Nubia), a distant and powerful nation that, despite its strength and diplomatic reach, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. Through vivid imagery of buzzing wings and distant ambassadors, the text reveals that even the most formidable nations—like Egypt and Cush—are temporary and will be judged if they rely on human alliances rather than God. The central message is that God's promises endure, and His judgment is certain, yet He also announces a glorious gospel hope: nations, even those as far off as Cush, will one day bring offerings to Mount Zion, worshiping the Lord of Hosts. This vision of global redemption, rooted in Scripture and fulfilled in the New Testament—particularly in the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion—affirms that God's salvation extends to every tongue, tribe, and nation, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereign grace.

Looking at Isaiah 17 and the prophetic judgment against Damascus, Isaiah warns against trusting human alliances and idolatry... only God's promises shall endure. Drawing a parallel to King Ahaz's failed alliance with Assyria, Isaiah illustrates how fear and pride lead nations to forsake God, ending ultimately in judgment. Yet there shall be a remnant—small but preserved—whose faith in the Holy One of Israel stands in contrast to the idolatrous nations that will be swept away like chaff before the wind. Ultimately, the message is one of hope: though nations rise and fall, God will vindicate His people, and His kingdom shall last forevermore!

Today, we focus on Isaiah's prophecy concerning Moab which serves as a representative of all nations, illustrating that true hope lies not in earthly power or national pride, but in the enduring promise of God's Messianic kingdom. Through vivid imagery of judgment, exile, and the collapse of Moab's pride, God's Word reveals that even powerful nations will fall, while God's redemptive plan—foreshadowed in the Davidic covenant—will ultimately prevail. Moab's attempt to find refuge in its own gods fails, but a remnant will be preserved through submission to Judah's throne, symbolizing faith in the coming Messiah who will reign in truth and justice. The passage underscores that salvation is not ethnic or national, but available to all who turn from pride to trust in God's promises, with Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the hope promised to Abraham, David, and all nations.

Today, we look at the Lord's Table as an expression of God's love, urging attendees to view participation not as a duty but as a joyous privilege rooted in Christ's sacrifice. Drawing from 1 Corinthians, the message highlights the table's significance as a reminder of Christ's atoning work, His future return, communion with Christ, and unity within the body of believers. It calls for a love-centered approach, emphasizing that true discipleship is demonstrated through mutual love and a recognition of the table as a place of nourishment, blessing, and a testament to Christ's redemptive grace.

Today's message is Isaiah's burden against Moab, framing it within a broader narrative of divine sovereignty and judgment over nations. Moab must fall due to its wickedness, its rejection of God, and its betrayal of its kinsman relationship to Israel.

Titus 2 presents a call to accept and proclaim sound doctrine. What is more, there is a call to embody that sound doctrine through disciplined conduct, humility, and sacrificial service.

The sermon contrasts the futility of Philistia's human plotting against the sovereignty of God. Isaiah says that earthly powers, though seemingly formidable, are ultimately subject to God's plan. Likewise, God's people will find refuge and safety in Him.

Continuing through Isaiah 14, we see God announce His great sovereignty. How can Judah know that the promises of God shall stand? Because there is no person, nation, or force that can thwart God's decrees. It is this truth that will always comfort God's people!

Returning to the oracle concerning Babylon, God has Isaiah focuses upon the King of Babylon. This King imagines himself to be like the Most High, but God will humble him. In this way, the King of Babylon is a type of the ultimate rebel, who is cast down and awaiting certain judgment.

Returning to the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we see the beginning of a series of messages concerning the nations. Isaiah speaks of the pride of Babylon and how the Lord shall surely bring her low. In this way, Babylon will be a preview of what will come to pass on the Day of the Lord.

Returning to the Psalms, we come to an exposition of Psalm 4. This Psalm of Davis is said to have been written (as was Psalm 3) about David's trouble during the uprising of Absalom. Psalm 4 reminds us that our hope and peace are found in the Lord. Even in a time of crisis, David can sleep for he knows that he rests in God's almighty hand.

Concluding our series in Philemon, we look at Paul's closing words in this letter, as well as the strong presentation of providence that is found throughout the Epistle's twenty-five verses.

Continuing into the heart of Paul's Epistle to Philemon, we see that Paul is requesting that grace be shown to Onesimus. This request calls for Philemon to recognize the goodness and grace of God at work in this situation by the transformative power of the Gospel.

Beginning our short journey through Paul's Letter to Philemon, we want to focus on the background and greeting of this letter of grace. Here, Paul greets a friend and fellow laborer in the Gospel, preparing to ask him to do something fitting in the Lord. It would seem that Paul is confident that Philemon will answer positively based on Philemon's history of gracious acts in service to Christ and his people.

Continuing in the Psalms, we come to Psalm 3, a Psalm of David. David wrote this great Psalm about his time fleeing from Absalom. It laments the dangers that he faces, but demonstrates his belief in the providence of the Lord.

Continuing our series through the Psalms, we arrive at Psalm 2- one of the great Messianic Psalms. Here, we find that in the midst of the rebellion of the nations, God has placed His King upon the throne. This king, His son, shall rule and reign, and the nations are called to recognize the wisdom in submitting to his rule.

Beginning a series on the Psalms, we are going to look at the entry way to the Psalter, Psalm 1. Here is a Psalm of wisdom for the people of God. It is also a Psalm which demonstrates our need of a Redeemer and Mediator, pointing to Christ.

Chapter 12 brings the first major section of the Book of Isaiah to a close. It continues the glorious picture of Ch. 11, offering a day of glory under the Messianic King. Chapter 12 reveals the song that the people of God will sing on that day when we give praise to our God and acknowledge our trust in Him.

Having seen the message of judgment upon Israel and Assyria (ch. 9-10), Isaiah prophesies the glories of what is beyond the Assyrian and Babylonian assaults on Judah. God promises that a remnant shall be preserved, and that the Messianic Son of David shall reign. The promise enlarges to go beyond a vision of a restored United Kingdom of Israel to a glorious vision of the Messianic King reigning over a world-wide kingdom in a new heavens and new earth.

Having seen in the previous section, the judgment of God upon the Northern Kingdom for their pride, the focus now moves back to Assyria. Is Assyria sovereign in their dealings? No, they are the means of God's judgment, a tool in His hand. Once He has achieved His ends, the Lord will discard this tool. Yet this passage also speaks of God graciously preserving a remnant according to His promise, and a great victory over Assyria which typifies the eschatological victory over all the Lord's enemies.

Instructing Judah to believe the promises of God, the example of the near fate of the Northern Kingdom is examined. Soon, because of their pride and disobedience, devastation shall come upon Israel. Will Judah learn from their example? Let the people consider their ways and to whom they will turn in the day of destruction.

Continuing our journey through the Emmanuel prophecy and its surrounding passages, we come to an equally famous text. Here, at the start of chapter 9, Isaiah prophecies about the mission of God to bring the Gospel light to the nations, but how will He accomplish it? In the most extraordinary way!

Continuing through the Emmanuel prophecy and its surrounding message, Isaiah receives a strong word from the Lord. He should not walk the faithless path that the majority of those in Judah are traveling. Instead, trust in the Lord and He will be a sanctuary to the faithful; however, to those who will not believe, He shall be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. This ultimately reminds us of the great fulfillment of the Emmanuel prophecy, Christ, who is a sanctuary to His people, but a stumbling block and rock of offense to those who do not believe.

Continuing our exposition of the Immanuel prophecy, God now calls upon Isaiah to prophecy again concerning the sign of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. Through this Word, God not only assures Judah that the Syro-Ephraim coalition will fail, but also calls Judah to respond in faith. If they turn to Assyria in place of God, Assyria will be like a wild river which they will not be able to control, bringing destruction upon them.

Continuing the exposition of the Immanuel prophecy, we find a word of judgment against Ahaz, Jerusalem, and Judah. Refuge has been sought in Assyria, instead of the promises of God. Now, Assyria will be your oppressor. In fact, the calamity to come will be remembered on par with the days when the United Kingdom split in two. The message is that there is great folly in unbelief, a folly which is self-destructive.

In preparation for the evening Lessons and Carols service, we want to look at the culminating text, John 1:1-14. Here, John reveals the mystery of the incarnation.

Continuing through Isaiah's prophecy, we come to the 7th chapter and the promise of the advent of Christ. Here, we see King Ahaz, and the nation of Judah, in a time of crisis as they fear an invasion from Israel and Syria. To whom will they turn? Will they trust in the Lord or in Assyria? God offers King Ahaz a sign, but he refuses it. So God gives a sign to the House of David that a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son and shall call His name Immanuel.

Continuing through the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we come to one of the most important passages in the Scriptures- Isaiah's vision, calling, and mission. Here, we see the holiness of our God and that His reign is without comparison. We also see the need for justification if we are to stand before our holy God. Finally, we will consider the mission which is given to this great prophet and that it comports with the revelation of the first five chapters of this Book.