North Johnson City Baptist Church

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.

Continuing through the 12th chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews, our author sets a contrast between two great mountains, representing two great covenants. These Hebrew Christians seem to desire to return to Mount Sinai and the Old Covenant, but our author instructs them that such a move is incompatible with the blessings of the New Covenant and the new, heavenly Jerusalem.

As we continue through Hebrews 13, we see that our inspired author is teaching the Hebrew recipients of this letter that they cannot return to the Old Testament sacrifices. Those old sacrifices are alien to a faith fulfilled in the work of Christ. It is only by trusting in Christ and the atonement that He has offered that one might find reconciliation with God. Having stated this, there is a "sacrifice" that is fitting for God's people...the offering up of thanksgiving and praise to our God!

Continuing through the 12th chapter of this amazing letter, we see the author stressing the importance of the Christian community. He also offers a warning to not be another Esau...someone in the presence of the glories of God's covenant, who only realized what they had despised when it was too late.

Continuing in the 13th chapter of Hebrews, and its look at the unshakable Kingdom into which we are called, we see the theme of God's amazing grace. No one can enter this Kingdom except by that grace, and we are called to live by faith through grace, never trusting in lesser things. Let us go to Jesus!

Having noted the pattern in which difficulties lead to growth, we are reminded that, although God could remove all difficulties from our path, He allows us to go through them. This is not for a wrathful purpose, but rather His means of our sanctification for His glory and our good-

Having noted the pattern in which difficulties lead to growth, we are reminded that, although God could remove all difficulties from our path, He allows us to go through them. This is not for a wrathful purpose, but rather His means of our sanctification for His glory and our good-

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 in Hebrews 12, we are called to consider the example of Jesus, who endured the cross for sinners. We consider this text as we gather to partake of the Lord's Supper.

Continuing in Hebrews 12, we are called to consider the example of Jesus, who endured the cross for sinners. We consider this text as we gather to partake of the Lord's Supper.

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 12th chapter, we are encouraged to see our Christian life as a race for God's glory- So we are to look unto Jesus and lay aside everything that would slow us down. Let us run the heavenly race-

Entering the 12th chapter, we are encouraged to see our Christian life as a race for God's glory- So we are to look unto Jesus and lay aside everything that would slow us down. Let us run the heavenly race-

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 bring the 11th chapter of Hebrews to a close, we consider the author's reminder that he could have provided many additional examples of faith in the history of the Old Testament, but it should not be necessary. The history of God's dealings with man is the call to faithfulness despite the often difficult circumstances of the lives of God's servants. Yet they all have one thing in common- faith. Even so, while they foresaw the promise of better things, and were saved by faith in that promise, the promise would come to us in the fullness of time.

As we bring the 11th chapter of Hebrews to a close, we consider the author's reminder that he could have provided many additional examples of faith in the history of the Old Testament, but it should not be necessary. The history of God's dealings with man is the call to faithfulness despite the often difficult circumstances of the lives of God's servants. Yet they all have one thing in common- faith. Even so, while they foresaw the promise of better things, and were saved by faith in that promise, the promise would come to us in the fullness of time.

As we continue through the 11th chapter of Hebrews, we encounter a surprising example of faith. Rahab, a Canaanite harlot, has heard of the God of Israel and believes that He will deliver the city of Jericho into the hands of His people. In other words, she believes that God keeps His promises. By grace through faith, she is delivered.

As we continue through the 11th chapter of Hebrews, we encounter a surprising example of faith. Rahab, a Canaanite harlot, has heard of the God of Israel and believes that He will deliver the city of Jericho into the hands of His people. In other words, she believes that God keeps His promises. By grace through faith, she is delivered.