North Johnson City Baptist Church

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.

Continuing the warning of the disappointing vineyard, Isaiah explains the types of sour grapes which the vineyard has brought forth. He finds the fruit of greed, self-indulgence, wickedness, perversion, foolishness, and corruption. Such a harvest is ripe for judgment, thus there is offered here a word of woe to the grapes of wrath.

Isaiah addresses Judah and Jerusalem through a parable and song, singing of His Beloved and His Beloved's Vineyard. This incredible song calls upon the people of Jerusalem to assess judgment upon the vineyard detailed in the song. In doing so, they ultimately pass judgment on themselves.

After speaking of a great judgment about to befall Jerusalem and Judah, there is a word of hope. God promises a future day pictured in a holy Jerusalem, wherein all the people there are declared righteous by the grace of God. This is to be a word of comfort in the face of judgment, for God's promises will not fail to stand!

Continuing through the early chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we see the consequences for Judah's sin. God is sending judgment against the nation, and against the city of Jerusalem. What will this judgment look like? This question is critical if we are to discern the signs of a nation under judgment. Join us as we look at this great chapter of Scripture, which explains God's means of judging a nation.

Having contrasted the Jerusalem that now is from the Jerusalem that one day shall be, the prophet Isaiah continues to lay charges against Judah. Though set-apart, they have desired to be like the nations. Though called to worship the Lord, they have dishonored Him. Now judgment shall befall them. Isaiah speaks of this judgment as a near and coming reality for the people of Judah, and as a foretaste of that great day of judgment that awaits all who are not found in Christ!

Approaching the end of chapter 1, we more charges levied against Jerusalem. God has found His people to be unjust, violent, and engaged in harlotry. Therefore the Lord shall come against them in judgment. Still, there is found great grace. God promises to use the judgment according to the promise, restoring His people. Further, at the beginning of the 2nd chapter, God reveals a vision for the Jerusalem that will be. It is a glorious picture of a Kingdom which draws the nations to the worship of God.

Entering the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we immediately see an indictment leveled against Judah and Jerusalem. It is a message of Covenant unfaithfulness on the part of God's people and sets the stage for this great letter. In the midst of stern consequences for a rebellious people, God holds out the hope of grace.

Coming to the end of our letter, we look into the post-script of the Letter to the Hebrews. Here is an encouragement to bear with the message of this letter. We will also see a longing for Christian fellowship. Finally, as we prepare to come to the Lord's Table, we see that there is a note of grace in this text.

Returning to the characteristics of the unshakable kingdom outlined in Hebrews 13, we see that the kingdom of Christ is also an orderly kingdom. Not only has God authorized structure for His church, but He has given it the truth via His Word. Therefore, the church should not be blown to and fro, but should be orderly. This is a primary reason for the importance of reliable creeds, confessions, and catechisms in our churches. If Christ is unchanging, and His Word is unchanging, then our churches should remain standing on His unchanging truth-

Continuing the exposition of the characteristics of the unshakable kingdom of Christ, our author teaches us that we enter a covenant kingdom. We can rejoice, as the people of God, that our salvation is made sure through an everlasting gracious covenant. Realizing this, it should be our joy to live in a manner fit for the recipients of such amazing grace.

Entering the 13th and final chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, our inspired author will begin to tell us about the characteristics of the unshakable kingdom of Christ. The first point that he will make is that it is a kingdom of Love. Therefore, love is a key to the Christian life- love for God and love for His people. The Hebrew Christians, as well as we who receive this letter, must continue in brotherly love.

As we near the end of the final chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews, we notice that our author speaks of the Everlasting Covenant. It is important that we consider this important phrase, and see that it is revealing the wondrous and gracious covenant in the blood of Jesus.

Near the end of the Letter to the Hebrews, the reader is brought to a glorious doxology, which also serves as a benediction and a prayer. It speaks of the glory of our triune God in the salvation of His people. Here is a Gospel doxology to the glory of our great God!

Continuing in the 13th chapter of this great letter, our divinely inspired author reminds the recipients of his need for them to remember him in prayer. It is a good reminder to the church that we should ever be in prayer for one another.

Returning to the 12th chapter of Hebrews, we draw to the end of the chapter's argument. Particularly, we want to see that the author of this Epistle draws our attention to the unshakable kingdom. The Kingdoms of this world are shakable, but the Kingdom of our Lord is perfect in its stability.

As we continue through the lessons of Hebrews 13, we come to the command to obey the leaders that God has placed over the church. In the context of this letter, this refers to the need to heed the instructions of the Pastors who are warning the church that they cannot return to Moses and the law. Still, this command also functions as a constant reminder to the church that God has not left His church without structure.