Podcasts about Ahaz

2 Chronicles 29 says that Hezekiah was 25 when he began to rule and reigned for 29 years. Hezekiah walks in the ways of David (his spiritual father). Hezekiah was Judah's greatest ever king - read the testimony in 2 Kings 18 verse 5. This king cleanses the temple from the filth of his father, Ahaz. The Levites had to assist the priests with the task. Note the power of the words of verse 17 - the dedicated work began on the first day of his first month. They prepare for the Passover massive sacrifices and the offerings began as the music of praise and worship began. Seventy bulls were offered representing the 70 nations (Deuteronomy 32:8). Despite the suddenness of what the king did the people rejoiced and supported the Feast.Daniel 9 tells of the prophet's sadness when he realises that the exiles would be in Babylon for 70 years as spoken by Jeremiah in chapter 25. From verses 3-19 Daniel in his prayer confesses his sin and that of the nation expressing that they deserve what had befallen them. From the time he commences praying the angel Gabriel is sent to the beloved prophet to give him understanding of what is termed "the 70 weeks prophecy". That prophecy concerns the work of the Lord Jesus Christ - Messiah the Prince to bring in a "righteousness of the ages". The work is completed between AD30 with the crucifixion and the 70 weeks ending in AD32 with the stoning of Stephen. Each of the segments mentioned can be precisely dated from the archaeological records which exist. Because of the great sin of the nation in crucifying the Lord of glory and refusing the short period provided for repentance Rome would come and destroy Jerusalem. The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10?Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

2 Chronicles 29 says that Hezekiah was 25 when he began to rule and reigned for 29 years. Hezekiah walks in the ways of David (his spiritual father). Hezekiah was Judah's greatest ever king - read the testimony in 2 Kings 18 verse 5. This king cleanses the temple from the filth of his father, Ahaz. The Levites had to assist the priests with the task. Note the power of the words of verse 17 - the dedicated work began on the first day of his first month. They prepare for the Passover massive sacrifices and the offerings began as the music of praise and worship began. Seventy bulls were offered representing the 70 nations (Deuteronomy 32:8). Despite the suddenness of what the king did the people rejoiced and supported the Feast. Daniel 9 tells of the prophet's sadness when he realises that the exiles would be in Babylon for 70 years as spoken by Jeremiah in chapter 25. From verses 3-19 Daniel in his prayer confesses his sin and that of the nation expressing that they deserve what had befallen them. From the time he commences praying the angel Gabriel is sent to the beloved prophet to give him understanding of what is termed "the 70 weeks prophecy". That prophecy concerns the work of the Lord Jesus Christ - Messiah the Prince to bring in a "righteousness of the ages". The work is completed between AD30 with the crucifixion and the 70 weeks ending in AD32 with the stoning of Stephen. Each of the segments mentioned can be precisely dated from the archaeological records which exist. Because of the great sin of the nation in crucifying the Lord of glory and refusing the short period provided for repentance Rome would come and destroy Jerusalem. The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10? Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

2 Chronicles 28 tells of Ahaz' evil reign. That wicked king sacrifices his firstborn son to Molech and disfigures his younger son, Hezekiah, by passing him through the fire. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, kills 120,000 men of Judah and takes 200,000 captives to Samaria. The prophet Oded remonstrates with Israel and demands that the captives be fed, clothed, placed on asses and sent home to Jerusalem. The account is the basis of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 9. Because of the idolatry of Ahaz, the Philistines ransack Judah. Ahaz pays tribute to the Syrian king. That wicked king of Judah copies the Syrian altar in Damascus and worships the Syrian gods. Altars are made in every corner of Jerusalem. When Ahaz dies his son Hezekiah comes to the throne. Ahaz is not buried among the kings of Judah The events of Daniel 8 occur in the third year of Belshazzar. Daniel sees two beasts battling for ascendancy - the Persian Ram and the Grecian He goat. The Golden Fleece of the ram is legendary in Persian folklore. The goat is Alexander, who was known to the Greeks as 'the goat'. Philip of Macedon had united the Greek tribes. Alexander seeking revenge for the Persian ravages of two centuries earlier and urged on by his tutor (Aristotle) defeats a massive Persian army of over two million men at the Battle of Granicus in BC334. With the Persians in retreat, he smashes a similar sized army at the Battle of Isus. Verses 13-14 prophesy of a period of 2,300 day/years until the liberation of Jerusalem during the six-day war of June 1967. From verses 15-27 we have the vision interpreted and Persia and Greece as the named antagonists. Curiously we are told that this little-horn power would stand against, and be destroyed by, Messiah. We noted from the beasts of chapter 7 that elements of the third beast were incorporated into the Roman beast. Rome's first territory in the goat territory was the bequest in the will of Atallus of the territory of Pergamon, which becomes known as 'the little horn of the goat'. Alexander dies heirless and his Empire is divided among his four generals. Since the "king of fierce countenance" is to be destroyed by Messiah. Aspects of the second half of this chapter seem to indicate that this prophecy relates to events which we are witnessing and which will find their fulfilment in the near future. Surely we are witnessing the unfolding of these events in these last days with the rise of a "king of fierce countenance" in the north. Acts 8 records that Saul accented to Stephen's stoning and sets out on a course of destruction like an enraged bull. The objects of his persecution are the faithful believers in Christ. However, the greater the persecution, the faster the gospel spreads. Philip preaches Christ in Samaria and his testimony is supported by miracles. The city of Samaria had been bewitched by Simon the Sorcerer. However, Simon recognises the difference between his tricks and the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. The record tells us that baptism only took place for believing adult subjects. Verse 12 provides us with a definition of the gospel - "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ". Although Philip could perform miracles he could not bestow the gifts - that only occurred through the laying on of the Apostles' hands. Simon seeks to buy the gifts from Peter and John and is grievously condemned for attempting this. Philip is next told to join the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority under Candace their Queen. This eunuch was a proselyte and was reading Isaiah 53. The eunuch tells Philip that he fails to understand what the prophet spoke of. Philip commences with that chapter and explains Christ to the eunuch. No doubt Philip's preaching included the blessings from God on the eunuchs who choose the ways of God (Isaiah 56). Philip and the eunuch come to sufficient water for immersion. Philip explains to the eunuch that providing he has a wholehearted belief in Christ he may be baptised. Note how the record says that they both went down into the water and came up out of it together. The eunuch continues on his way rejoicing; but Philip is immediately snatched away to Azotus some 40 kilometres distant - the Lord having further work for Philip to do there. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

X2M.233 — Katabolē Series: CR17 Combat Runtime October 19, 2025 Runtime Thread: The Descent That Builds Before the world ever turned, the Infinite stooped toward nothingness and breathed being into it. This is katabolē — the laying-down of foundations, the moment when creation itself became the first act of mercy. In this descent, the universe received its shape from humility, not domination. The theologians later called it proto-kenosis, the self-emptying that makes space for life to emerge¹. Every act of true creation, whether cosmic or human, follows this same trajectory of relinquishment before realization². Katabolē is not failure — it is divine strategy. The downward motion of God is the secret architecture of existence. What looks like loss becomes the groundwork of renewal. This principle pulses through the ancient stories. David's exile becomes a royal kenosis. Driven eastward by Absalom, the king walks barefoot across the Mount of Olives, surrendering his right to rule³. Yet this humiliation conceals a deeper sovereignty: only the ruler who yields his throne can inherit it anew. His return west across the Jordan is not simply restoration; it is resurrection written in geography⁴. Elijah and Elisha enact the same descent in prophetic form. The Jordan divides; the elder crosses east into mystery while the whirlwind lifts him to heaven⁵. But the ascent of the master releases the descent of the mantle — the Spirit cast downward to the waiting apprentice⁶. Elisha's double portion arrives not by ambition but by posture; power is transferred through humility, not through grasping. The prophets prove that divine inheritance always travels the direction of gravity. Ahaz, by contrast, refuses the law of katabolē. When Isaiah offers him a sign from “the depths or the heights,” he declines⁷. His fear drives him north — toward Assyria's iron altars and his own illusion of control. By shifting the bronze altar, he shifts the axis of faith itself. Where David and Elisha move with the river's flow, Ahaz builds dams. Yet grace answers rebellion with incarnation: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive.” The sign he refused still descends. God Himself crosses the river the king would not⁸. This is the pattern behind all patterns — the downward river of God that becomes the foundation of worlds. The Jordan, whose name means to go down, runs like a vein through Scripture. It carries the current of proto-kenosis: power traveling downward so that life may rise upward⁹. Katabolē reveals that descent is not the opposite of glory; it is the hidden road toward it. Every cave, every mantle, every womb is a foundation stone in the architecture of divine humility. The Infinite still bends low — through creation, through Christ, through every soul willing to become a riverbed of grace¹⁰. ⸻ Glorification | The Final Frontier Going boldly where the last man has gone before! Decrease time over target: PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut Footnotes ¹ On the concept of divine self-emptying (proto-kenosis) in Trinitarian cosmology. ² Creation as humility preceding manifestation. ³ 2 Samuel 15–19 — David's exile under Absalom. ⁴ Return across the Jordan as type of resurrection. ⁵ 2 Kings 2 — Elijah's crossing and ascension. ⁶ Transmission of spirit through the falling mantle. ⁷ Isaiah 7 — the refusal of the sign of Immanuel. ⁸ Incarnation as God's own Jordan crossing. ⁹ The Jordan as symbol of downward grace and renewal. ¹⁰ The ongoing kenosis of God in creation and redemption.

Every generation faces moments when fear threatens faith. For King Ahaz of Judah, such a moment arrived as Israel and Aram's armies neared Jerusalem, gripping the court with panic. Instead of trusting God, Ahaz relied on alliances and strategy. Despite this, God did not abandon him. Through Isaiah, God offered a sign to confirm His promise, aiming to steady Ahaz, not strengthen Himself. Ahaz's refusal to ask for a sign showed unbelief disguised as piety, revealing a hardened heart against God.

Title: Eyes to See and Ears to Hear Text: Acts 28:23-31 FCF: We often struggle humbly heeding the Word of God. Prop: Because God alone acts to save sinners, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 28. In a moment we will read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 23 and going to the end of the book of Acts. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Today is a bittersweet day. Today we close out our exposition of the text of the book of Acts. Next week we will do one final review sermon as we provide a bird's eye view of the major themes in the book. It will be difficult to move on from this two-year study, but very soon we'll begin our next sermon series on the letters to the Thessalonians. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's be reminded of where we are in the book of Acts today. Paul has just settled in to his situation in Rome. He is under house arrest, guarded constantly by a Roman sentry. He does not have the freedom to leave his home to do any sort of preaching ministry within the city, but he has called the Roman Jewish leaders of the synagogue to come to him in his home. He has explained why he is here so they wouldn't think he was a criminal. Of course, they hadn't heard anything about Paul coming to Rome. But they had heard about the Nazarene Sect and how much trouble it has caused the Jewish communities around the Empire. They are very curious to learn more and understand why there is so much contention. Paul will now have an opportunity to meet with these Jewish leaders at length to speak about the hope of Israel. Which is the gospel of Jesus their Messiah. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Savior God, You are our Redeemer. Father You have planned our redemption within the counsel of Your will since before the dawn of Your creation. Jesus You have been eternally begotten of the Father to go and accomplish this Redemption for a people You have elected before the foundations of the world. Spirit You have proceeded from the Father and the Son and like the Son You raise us up and wash us in the waters of regeneration so that we may be united to the redemption provided to us by the Son. Savior God, You, and You alone, are our Redeemer. Nothing can save us but You. Help us then Lord to hear from Your Word today and believe that You act alone in our salvation, so that we can respond to this great salvation by humbly heeding Your Word. We pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Augustine of Hippo: “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation but makes them so.” Benjamin Beddome “God's grace can save souls without preaching, but all the preaching in the world cannot save souls without God's grace.” W.E. Best “The sinner apart from grace is unable to be willing and unwilling to be able.” These thoughts are fundamental to the message Paul has for the Roman Jews. Let's look at what he says. I.) Mere logic and persuasion cannot move the heart of sinful man to repent and believe the gospel, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (23-24) a. [Slide 3] 23 - And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God i. So, the Jews return in great numbers to Paul's rented abode. ii. They are highly motivated to learn about the Nazarene sect and why they are hearing reports against it from everywhere. iii. Paul begins by speaking intently with them. The one Greek word translated here “solemnly bearing witness” implies not simply testifying or giving of information but urgent reporting on matters of grave importance. iv. What is so important? v. It is the coming of the Kingdom of God. vi. This eternal Kingdom that is spoken of by their own prophets, greatest of which was John the Baptist – has now come. And they need to respond. This promise IS for the children of Israel. vii. But entry into this Kingdom is not granted based on that status. viii. Being born of Abraham is not enough to inherit this Kingdom. ix. So how do you enter? b. [Slide 4] and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, i. You must be born of the Spirit. You must go through Jesus. ii. As has been a central theme to the book of Acts since the beginning, the Jews have a unique position in the redemptive plan of God, in that Jesus is their Messiah. iii. Jesus is the central and key figure to gain access to God and to this eternal Kingdom. iv. Jesus is Yahweh's Servant who has borne griefs and healed wounds. He has purchased Israel's pardon. v. And they have been granted the Scriptures which contain prophesies concerning this one who will come to redeem not just them, but the whole world. vi. Paul takes them through these books to show them Jesus. c. [Slide 5] from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, i. What do they need to do then? ii. They do not need to join a new religion in order to inherit the Kingdom. iii. No. iv. They need simply to realize that to repent and believe on Jesus as the Christ is what their own law and prophets have told them to do since the beginning. v. If they intend to continue to be Jewish, in the truest sense of the word, they must repent and trust in their own Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. d. [Slide 6] from morning until evening. i. Paul earnestly contended with them on this point for many hours. ii. He probably showed them from their own scriptures how Jesus had fulfilled over 300 prophesies by his birth, life, death, and resurrection. iii. How Jesus becomes our new Adam, our new representative. How Jesus is the new Abraham in establishing a New Covenant. How He is the new Moses, being the Great Prophet. How Jesus is the Great High Priest offering a sacrifice that does not need to be repeated since He was the sacrifice. How Jesus is the Son of David and that human King prophesied to reign over Israel forever… and the whole world. iv. From morning until evening Paul gave it all he had. He preached, he discussed, he debated, he argued, he strove, with all the persuasiveness that he could. v. What were the results? e. [Slide 7] 24 - And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. i. Well, the results were decidedly… mixed. ii. Some of them were being persuaded. Notice the passive voice here. 1. While it largely depends on context, many times in scripture when the passive voice is used, it is what we call a divine passive. 2. This occurs when God does something but does not wish to overtly say He is doing the action in that specific context. 3. We know from the greater context of scripture, and even in this very text, that natural man is spiritually dead and unable to hear and respond to the gospel message unless the Holy Spirit actually enables them to hear it and respond to it. 4. No matter what theological background you come from, everyone prays for the lost the same. We all pray that God would open the eyes of sinners to help them receive the gospel. 5. Christians may define what happens there differently. But the long and the short of it is, that God must move first and God must move in an individual's heart not just in an event for a broader people group. 6. It is not Paul's words that are persuading them… it is God's Spirit opening their eyes to see the truth of what Paul is saying. iii. But the others, the majority, do not believe on Jesus. iv. But how does this happen? v. How can the apostle Paul, a skilled Rhetorician, speak for hours, expounding from the scriptures how Jesus is the Messiah, and yet many do not believe, and the ones that do believe do not do so because of Paul's persuasiveness? vi. If Paul cannot convince his own kinsmen, what hope do we have to convince anyone of the gospel? f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: In the last episode of Luke's record of the early formation of the church and the Kingdom of God expanding to the uttermost parts of the earth, Luke chooses to conclude on a sermon by Paul. It is a sermon preached over several hours to his own kinsmen, Jews of the city of Rome. Luke says he spoke passionately and urgently to them communicating from the Mosaic law and the prophets how Jesus was the Messiah and the King promised of old who would bring with Him a New Kingdom. Paul preached passionately that this kingdom has come and is here and the evidence that this is so, is the expansion of the church throughout the Roman Empire. But despite all his theological arguments, despite his rhetorical skill, despite his logic, despite his passionate pleas, most of those listening did not believe. Only some were persuaded as God opened their eyes and ears to receive the truth of what Paul spoke. Luke's purpose in this book is to give Theophilus assurances that what he has believed is true. One great assurance to Theophilus is that the wisdom of men in logic and persuasion cannot actually convince sinners to repent and believe the gospel. Theophilus was not conned by skilled speakers to believe a lie. Instead, his eyes were opened to believe the truth by God Himself. This is true of everyone who receives the gospel. God calls and draws. Then and only then do we respond. And so, what is our application to such a point? We must humbly heed the Word of God. We must be the kind of people who are ready to listen and to obey what God reveals. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] Still, our curiosity forces us to ask why don't they believe? Is there something deficient in them? What qualities make up a person who will not believe? And how do we avoid that? II.) God hides the gospel from the arrogant and disobedient, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (25-27) a. [Slide 10] 25 - And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, i. So, this devolves fairly quickly. ii. We have these once loosely untied Roman Jews, coming to Paul for information on the Nazarene sect of Judaism, and as the hours go on, now they are disagreeing so sharply that those who do not believe Paul abandon him and their fellow Jews and leave the house. iii. Luke records that they did this especially when Paul said one word. iv. Well which word? v. What follows is a sermon from Isaiah 6. vi. So which word makes them leave? vii. Well, the word translated “word” can mean a single word or it can mean a message. viii. In the expression “what's the word?” we are not asking what is the single word. We are asking, what is the news? ix. In a similar way, Luke records this mini-sermon that Paul spoke that turned out to be too much for the unbelieving Jews to handle. x. What did Paul say that chased them away? b. [Slide 11] “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, i. First of all, Paul goes to the prophet Isaiah. ii. Psalms and Isaiah account for half of the citations of the Old Testament in the New Testament. iii. Some commentators refer to the book of Isaiah as the fifth gospel. iv. Secondly, Isaiah's prophesies include both strong warnings and judgment proclamations as well as great and wonderful promises to the children of Israel. v. Paul is probably not going to the promises here. He is responding to the unbelieving Jews and their slowness to receive the message of their own Messiah. vi. In this way, he says that the Spirit of God inspired Isaiah rightly when he spoke to their ancestors. vii. This is a euphemistic way to say, in so many words, you are behaving just like your ancestors… that's good right? WRONG! viii. Notice that Paul does not claim them to be his own ancestors because he does not behave like them. ix. So, what does Paul quote for them? c. [Slide 12] 26 - saying, ‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY, YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; i. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 6:9-10. This is the initial call of Isaiah to be God's prophet to Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. ii. We'll take a look at this passage in a moment, but why is Paul quoting this passage? iii. Because he feels similar to Isaiah. Isaiah was told that he would proclaim the Lord's message but that Judah as a whole would not listen to him. There would no doubt be some who would and remain faithful to Yahweh, but the majority would not. iv. Paul has experienced the exact same thing as he has traveled through three different missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. Some Jews heard and believed on Jesus… but most did not. And it seems like the same will be true here in the city of Rome. v. So Paul quotes this passage to try to expose why these people are so slow to believe in Jesus. vi. Paul, through quoting Isaiah, gives two interconnected reasons that they do not believe. vii. First, though they will able to hear the truth of the gospel message, they will be unable to understand and perceive it… let alone believe it. viii. If we were to put this in medical terms, we would conclude that something in the brain is broken. ix. All the biological necessities are there for them to hear and see but something is broken to the point that the brain cannot interpret the signals coming from the eyes or the ears. x. They will be rendered unable to believe. xi. Well, why will this be their condition? d. [Slide 13] 27 - FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, i. Now it is interesting here that Paul quotes the Septuagint of this text. ii. Paul would have been familiar with the Hebrew version, but his hearers would not. iii. So, what are the differences between the Hebrew and the Septuagint? iv. [Slide 14] The Hebrew version puts these verbs in the imperative. They are commands of God to the people and to the prophet Isaiah. Let's look at the LSB's translation of Isaiah 6:9-10 to see the difference. 1. God tells Isaiah to tell the people… Keep hearing but do not understand 2. Keep seeing but do not know 3. These commands are given to Isaiah to tell the people. To command them to keep hearing and seeing without understanding or perceiving. 4. The next command seems to be issued to Isaiah with regard to his role in preaching this message. 5. Render the hearts of this people (notice God does not say my people) insensitive (or fat – full to the point of not being able to take any more in) 6. Render their ears dull and their eyes dim. Make them unable to perceive. 7. Lest (to keep them from) seeing with their eyes, and hearing with their ears, and understanding with their hearts, and return and be healed. 8. In other words, this doesn't read like a prediction but a judgment. v. So, does this mean that the Septuagint corrupted the text? No. vi. The translators of the Septuagint were obviously uncomfortable with assigning to God the blame for their condition of not hearing and obeying His Word. vii. Their dynamic interpretation of the Hebrew then, is to assume that God uses these words in hyperbole to get them to respond. viii. By setting the verbs into the indicative mood, the translators place the blame on their ancestors. ix. [Slide 15] But they do not remove God's role in this entirely. 1. Notice that the heart of this people has become dull. 2. Well, who made their heart dull? 3. The subject is not identified. 4. The Septuagint translators softened the text but did not completely change it. 5. They simply inserted a divine passive to take the place of the harshness of God's commands. 6. Meaning that within this last segment of Acts 28 those who are persuaded of the truth of the gospel and those who's hearts have become dull to the gospel are both activities God does but does not overtly say He is doing. x. But we need to understand the WAY Paul is using this. xi. Paul quotes the LXX which changes the commands into future tense verbs. That something WILL happen to the people. And why is he quoting it? He is quoting it because at this moment what WAS said in Isaiah, is being fulfilled. xii. In other words, God commanded Isaiah to render their hearts dull and eyes dim… and now Paul says… that has happened. Their heart has become dull. xiii. Paul uses the intentional softening of the Septuagint to pierce the heart of these Jews… showing them that they have succumbed to what God commanded Isaiah to accomplish by preaching to them. xiv. What Paul is saying is that the blindness of the Jews to the gospel in the 1st century AD is the fulfillment of Isaiah's preaching ministry in the 8th century BC. xv. By extension, of course, the Jews who have believed are also the fulfillment of that same preaching ministry. xvi. Again – Isaiah is the fifth gospel. And the gospel divides. xvii. So, how did they come into the state in which they could not believe? Well, in fulfillment of the preaching ministry of Isaiah, their hearts have become dull. And what else? e. [Slide 16] AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; LEST THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I HEAL THEM.' i. As the quote continues, and as we analyze the context of Isaiah 6 and the whole book itself, we recognize that God has only decreed this end upon them after the people have been continually a people characterized by unbelief and disobedience. ii. There is a necessary correlation here between God making their hearts dull and their rebellion and disobedience. iii. The sun's rays both hardens the clay and causes fertile soil to spring forth vegetation. iv. Already barren and rocky soil will only be baked in the sun's heat while fertile soil will produce crops and a harvest from the same sun's rays. v. In the same way, the Word of God preached, warnings given, commands expressed, to the heart of one who is humble and obedient will produce more of the same. vi. While the same words will produce resentment and disdain from those who are arrogant and rebellious. vii. Again, Isaiah's preaching ministry has two outcomes and both of them are present in this text. The Jews who believed on Jesus inherit the promises of the Servant songs in the latter half of Isaiah. But those who do not believe the gospel inherit the judgments of the same book. viii. So, although the first reason they do not believe is that they are not able to… the second reason is that they are unable because they are also unwilling. They are characterized by continued pride and disobedience. f. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Through the text of Paul's sermon from Isaiah, Luke stresses the key reason that these Jews, and by extension every other unbeliever, do not believe the gospel when it is preached. Why is it that two people can hear the same message and one believes and the other does not? We've already seen how those who believe do so because God enables them to. What about those who do not believe? Is that God's fault too? The scriptures are quite clear on this. Those who continue in obstinate rebellion and self-determined beliefs and values are not able to understand and perceive the gospel message. God only hides the gospel message from those who are arrogant and disobedient. God does not allow people to understand or perceive the gospel message who continually refuse to be humble and listen to Him. Paul says this is why these Jews today were walking away in disbelief. It is because the Holy Spirit prophesied rightly through Isaiah to their fathers whom they are living like. God has had enough and will not let them see or hear the truth. This is why it is abundantly necessary for all those under the sound of my voice to humbly heed the Word of God. Always. Not just the gospel itself but all that God has said, we must humbly heed it. Transition: [Slide 18 (blank)] So, what is the application of this text from Isaiah 6? How does Paul apply this harsh reality to them? III.) God saves all men by grace through faith in Christ, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (28-31) a. [Slide 19] 28 - Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” i. Because they have continually closed their eyes to the gospel and shut their ears to scarcely hear… ii. Because the soil of their hearts, the land of their souls has been polluted. iii. Because the hearts of the Jews have become rocky ground where little grows. iv. God has turned aside to shine His gospel light on different fields. v. This is not necessarily God turning his back on the Jews forever. We've seen this in Jeremiah where the Lord continues to call those whom He has divorced, to repentance. vi. But it is God leaving behind the Jews, extending the gospel to the gentiles, to make the Jews jealous. vii. And Paul's final comment is what ultimately forces the unbelieving Jews to walk away in disgust. viii. It isn't necessarily that the gospel will go to the gentiles. ix. But Paul says, they will also hear. 1. The word hear, is the same word used before to communicate their ability to hear even though they didn't understand. 2. But Paul uses the middle voice of this verb. 3. Middle voice is when the subject does the action… to or for themselves. 4. To hear for yourself… implies not just a perception of sound or noise, but to receive or heed it. x. This is quite shocking. xi. It is probably difficult enough for the Jews to accept that God is sending the message of salvation to the Gentiles. xii. But Paul intentionally, by wordplay, makes a direct comparison. xiii. The Jews before him today, what they cannot and will not do, the Gentiles will do. xiv. This last comment is too much for these Roman Jews to take. xv. This is the “word” that forces them to walk out. b. [Slide 20] 29 - [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.] i. You'll notice that I have this verse in brackets and in yellow on the screen. ii. Many of the oldest, and most reliable manuscript copies of the book of Acts that we have are missing this verse. iii. When the chapter divisions and verse numbers were assigned, we had not yet discovered these manuscripts and therefore had no reason to question the authenticity of this particular verse. iv. Since the KJV was translated we have discovered almost 6,000 manuscripts of the New Testament. Most of which affirm and authenticate the manuscripts that the KJV translators had available to them. v. But occasionally, we find a verse like this where the evidence does not support a verse being included. vi. As to the motive of the addition it is actually fairly obvious. vii. If this verse isn't in the text, we must make an intuitive leap that it was the fact that Paul said the Gentiles would believe the gospel that caused these Roman Jews to leave Paul's residence in frustration. viii. Everything in verse 29 is mentioned earlier which again reinforces the idea that this was probably added as a comment to remind the reader or point out to the reader that this was the real reason the Jews left. c. [Slide 21] 30 - And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, i. Finally, Luke concludes his book with a look to the remaining two years of ministry Paul has in the city of Rome. ii. For the next two years Paul welcomes all who came to him and we should very much see this as Luke's assertion that Jews and gentiles alike were welcomed to come and visit with him. Not just the gentiles. iii. Many of his visitors were his companions visiting with him and ministering to his needs. iv. From his letters we know that Paul had sent many of his visiting companions to relay messages all around the Roman Empire to various churches. v. We are reasonably sure that Paul wrote the letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during this time. d. [Slide 22] 31 - preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered. i. But Paul was not merely writing letters and entertaining Christian guests. ii. He was also preaching the gospel to all who would hear. iii. He did this boldly and without any restraint on him. iv. And so, the gospel goes to the Jews and the Gentiles of Rome, and Paul ministers to the church there while he awaits his trial. v. This is how Luke's record for Theophilus ends. vi. And we know that Paul will be released and will travel on a 4th missionary journey after this, and possibly even to Spain after that. vii. And so, the promise of Jesus from Acts 1, that His church will take the kingdom of God to the uttermost parts of the earth, has been fulfilled. viii. And with that bookend, the book of Acts is complete. e. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: Luke finishes his book declaring the wonderful grace of God. Though the soil of the Jews had grown rocky and hard, God is still gathering a people to himself from all nations. Jews and Gentiles will be gathered in by His grace. He will open their eyes and allow them to understand and perceive the truth of the gospel. He will enable them to believe on Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and Savior. He will graciously create a Kingdom of Priests who are the bride of His dear Son. As John the Baptist said, he could raise up stones to declare His praises to Him if He desired. So, God has determined to raise up a people that were not a people to be His people. A people made of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, rich and poor, from every tribe, tongue, nation and culture. And Paul spends the next two years in Rome with that application. That God is shining the light of the gospel to the gentiles and that they will hear it. So, what must we do today? Humbly heed the Word of God today my friends. Join this Kingdom that is and will be forever. Conclusion: So, what have we seen here today CBC that corrects and informs our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 24] How fitting it is for Luke to conclude his two-scroll tome to Theophilus with a scene in which Paul continues the same ministry he always had. Preaching the gospel to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. Paul's sermon demonstrates the final word to Theophilus on why he must hold fast to what he has believed. He did not believe because of the persuasive power of those who preached the gospel to him. Instead, he believed because the Lord opened his eyes so he could humbly heed what the Word of God said. He, like all other believers, was saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. All these points combine together to deliver to us a single message of truth. Theophilus must know the certainty of the gospel because… the gospel is that God alone acts to save sinners. He does so by the washing of regeneration so a sinner can grasp hold of the purchased redemption of Christ by faith. This is all according to the power of God to change people who are dead in their sins and children of wrath by nature… into sons and daughters. Theophilus must know that the gospel is true, because he has been brought to life by the power of God. No man can do what has been done to him. In fact, the litmus test for the true gospel, is how much of man's power is in it. If there is any at all… it is not the gospel. So, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Certainly, we must hear and heed the gospel command to repent and believe on Jesus Christ. But also, in every facet of life, we must humbly heed God's Word. No matter what it says no matter how much we naturally disagree, and no matter how much it means we must change. Let God's Word be true and everything else be a lie. But let me attempt to apply these concepts to our everyday life. 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that salvation is accomplished in an individual's life by God alone. a. Paul's sermon to the Roman Jews consisted of several hours of preaching the kingdom of God manifested in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth, which was predicted in the Mosaic law and the Prophets. b. For hours he reasoned with them passionately. c. In the end some did come to faith in Jesus Christ. But Luke does not give credit to Paul for this. d. God opened their eyes to the truth of what Paul taught. e. We saw this in Acts 16 when Lydia did the same. f. And Paul himself says this in I Corinthians 2, that this was true when he preached in Corinth. g. Paul didn't convince anyone of the gospel. Paul didn't lead anyone to Christ. h. The scriptures teach us that GOD draws sinners to Himself. How? Through the word of God being proclaimed. i. In this the preacher is merely the means God uses to connect those whom He is calling to faith in Jesus Christ. j. You see, not only has the price been paid through the redemption of Jesus Christ, but God even acts to bring sinners to that realization. k. If your view of the gospel has any whiff of man's effort, man's work, man's action, or man's ability… it is not the gospel you are believing. l. If your gospel says that God has done everything except for… you can stop right there… because it isn't the gospel anymore. m. God did not do 99.99% of your salvation and awaits you to contribute your .01%. n. God accomplished EVERYTHING. o. In Romans 8 we see that God foreordained, predestined, called, justified, and glorified His people. p. Paul takes us from before the foundations of the world to the eternal kingdom and shows that in an individual Christian's life… God has done everything. q. When He desires you to be connected by faith to the redemption Jesus has purchased with His blood, He will enable you to believe by opening your eyes to see the truth of the gospel and believe it. r. The scriptures clearly teach us that salvation is not of works, it is all a gift, so much so that even repentance and faith are called gifts of God in the New Testament. s. So, my friends, we must, for the sake of the purity of the gospel, we must eradicate every last shred of human work, no matter how small, from our understanding of the gospel. t. For if we don't… it just isn't the gospel anymore. 2.) [Slide 26] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God resists the proud and disobedient and hides the gospel from them. a. Do you remember the parable of the soils which Jesus taught. b. It is one of the few parables where Jesus actually explains its meaning to His disciples. c. The farmer is the same. The seed is the same. The distribution of that seed is the same. d. The only thing that changes is the soil in which the seed is cast. e. The first soil is soil that is hard. It is a pathway. It is not tilled. It is not soft. It is not open to receiving the seed. f. On this soil the devil comes and snatches away the seed scattered there because it did not penetrate the soil. g. This is essentially what Paul says has happened to the unbelieving Jews. They are so arrogant and so disobedient that though they have eyes, they cannot see, though they have ears they cannot hear… though the soil of their heart has dirt… it is hard, beaten down, and eroded. It is incapable of receiving the seed. h. James says that God resists the proud. i. The fact of the matter is that a heart that is proud, self-focused, self-ruled, disobedient and defiant… such a heart can never receive the gospel message. j. But there is a tension here that we need to recognize. 3.) [Slide 27] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God has given salvation to only one specific people group. a. As shocking as it was for the Jews to hear that God is giving salvation to the gentiles, so it will be just as shocking for us to hear that God is not giving salvation to one kind of people. b. God is giving salvation to Muslims, Mormons, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, Hindus, and even Satanists. c. God is giving salvation to homosexuals, pedophiles, transgenders, murderers, adulterers, thieves, traitors and liars. d. God is giving salvation to Democrats, Republicans, Rich people, poor people, black people, red people. e. As long as the heart of that person is soft to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ… they will receive it. f. But all these labels along with their beliefs, allegiances, and practices, all bow to the Lordship of Jesus Christ when one truly receives the gospel. g. Gentiles will hear the gospel… but that doesn't mean they can keep worshipping their pagan gods. h. But God is not just saving those who attend church all their lives. i. His people are scattered throughout the world. j. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers, your family, your friends, your nurses, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors. k. They may have a different political party than you. They may currently be practicing a different religion. l. We don't know who they are. So we preach Christ crucified and rely on God's power to change them. m. It is a lie for us to believe that anyone is beyond the reach of the gospel. n. Look at Paul… how many times has he preached to the Jews in various cities and how many times has the result been the same? Very few believe. Many do not… And then they oppose the gospel. o. Yet here he is again… preaching to Jews in Rome. p. May we have the same drive of Paul to preach the gospel to any and all we come into contact with. 4.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must humbly heed the Word of the Lord. a. Generally speaking, God resists the proud but exalts the humble. b. True and humble belief in His Word is always accompanied by obedience. c. James says we must be doers of the word and not hearers only. d. The Jews had a long history of struggling with this as a nation. e. There were always those who did humbly heed the Word of the Lord. f. They were the remnant. True Israel. g. If we are God's children, we too must humbly hear and heed the Word of God. h. Do you have that view of God's Word? Or do you find yourself always interpreting the of the Word of God to make it fit what you already believe or what you are already doing? i. When is the last time you had to crucify something you believed or practiced because of what God's Word said? j. If you can't think of a time that that has ever happened… or if that has rarely happened in your life…you may want to search your heart. Is it too hard to be molded by God's Word? 5.) [Slide 29] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Will you humble yourself and obey the gospel? a. The book of Acts really is part two of the gospel of Luke. b. It is a gospel. It makes much of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It does so by way of seeing His followers forever changed by His saving power in their lives. c. This rag tag group of 20 somethings, nothings from nowhere, had suddenly turned the world upside down with the message of the gospel. d. My friends… what will you do with this Jesus? e. He is not a great prophet who spoke many wise words. He is not an example for us to show kindness and love to all people. He is not someone we can quote to support this political position or that… f. He is the Son of God, the Lord of all, and He will come to judge the living and the dead. g. He will judge them according to their works. h. All those who are judged by the books which record their works will be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death. i. Only those who are not judged by those books but by the book of life… only they will enter into His Kingdom. j. So I ask again… what will you do with Jesus Christ? k. What should be done with Him? l. If all that Jesus said, did, and claimed of Himself, the world, and The Kingdom of God is true.. then you must humble yourself before His Lordship… beg for His mercy… and place all your hope in His death and resurrection to be your death and resurrection. m. Jesus Christ should become your… EVERYTHING. That is what it means to obey the gospel. n. It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, what you have believed up to this point, or where you think you are going… o. Humble yourself, repent and believe on Jesus and you will have life in Him. p. If this is you today – don't leave without talking to an Elder. We'd love to hear and help in any way we can. [Slide 30 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs. Lord, today you have set before me out of your word a glorious mystery—a righteousness of your Son that I did not know or care about before. I see now my happiness lies there. No matter what happens to me in the world, and no matter what happens to my name or my worldly possessions, I am forever secure if I have Christ to clothe me. Lord, if righteousness did prevail, then you would be honored more than ever. We would have the joy of our hearts, we would be delivered from the temptations we encounter, and your saints would not suffer as they do. We pray that you would make righteousness prevail in our hearts, in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: Eyes to See and Ears to Hear Text: Acts 28:23-31 FCF: We often struggle humbly heeding the Word of God. Prop: Because God alone acts to save sinners, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 28. In a moment we will read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 23 and going to the end of the book of Acts. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Today is a bittersweet day. Today we close out our exposition of the text of the book of Acts. Next week we will do one final review sermon as we provide a bird's eye view of the major themes in the book. It will be difficult to move on from this two-year study, but very soon we'll begin our next sermon series on the letters to the Thessalonians. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's be reminded of where we are in the book of Acts today. Paul has just settled in to his situation in Rome. He is under house arrest, guarded constantly by a Roman sentry. He does not have the freedom to leave his home to do any sort of preaching ministry within the city, but he has called the Roman Jewish leaders of the synagogue to come to him in his home. He has explained why he is here so they wouldn't think he was a criminal. Of course, they hadn't heard anything about Paul coming to Rome. But they had heard about the Nazarene Sect and how much trouble it has caused the Jewish communities around the Empire. They are very curious to learn more and understand why there is so much contention. Paul will now have an opportunity to meet with these Jewish leaders at length to speak about the hope of Israel. Which is the gospel of Jesus their Messiah. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Savior God, You are our Redeemer. Father You have planned our redemption within the counsel of Your will since before the dawn of Your creation. Jesus You have been eternally begotten of the Father to go and accomplish this Redemption for a people You have elected before the foundations of the world. Spirit You have proceeded from the Father and the Son and like the Son You raise us up and wash us in the waters of regeneration so that we may be united to the redemption provided to us by the Son. Savior God, You, and You alone, are our Redeemer. Nothing can save us but You. Help us then Lord to hear from Your Word today and believe that You act alone in our salvation, so that we can respond to this great salvation by humbly heeding Your Word. We pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Augustine of Hippo: “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation but makes them so.” Benjamin Beddome “God's grace can save souls without preaching, but all the preaching in the world cannot save souls without God's grace.” W.E. Best “The sinner apart from grace is unable to be willing and unwilling to be able.” These thoughts are fundamental to the message Paul has for the Roman Jews. Let's look at what he says. I.) Mere logic and persuasion cannot move the heart of sinful man to repent and believe the gospel, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (23-24) a. [Slide 3] 23 - And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God i. So, the Jews return in great numbers to Paul's rented abode. ii. They are highly motivated to learn about the Nazarene sect and why they are hearing reports against it from everywhere. iii. Paul begins by speaking intently with them. The one Greek word translated here “solemnly bearing witness” implies not simply testifying or giving of information but urgent reporting on matters of grave importance. iv. What is so important? v. It is the coming of the Kingdom of God. vi. This eternal Kingdom that is spoken of by their own prophets, greatest of which was John the Baptist – has now come. And they need to respond. This promise IS for the children of Israel. vii. But entry into this Kingdom is not granted based on that status. viii. Being born of Abraham is not enough to inherit this Kingdom. ix. So how do you enter? b. [Slide 4] and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, i. You must be born of the Spirit. You must go through Jesus. ii. As has been a central theme to the book of Acts since the beginning, the Jews have a unique position in the redemptive plan of God, in that Jesus is their Messiah. iii. Jesus is the central and key figure to gain access to God and to this eternal Kingdom. iv. Jesus is Yahweh's Servant who has borne griefs and healed wounds. He has purchased Israel's pardon. v. And they have been granted the Scriptures which contain prophesies concerning this one who will come to redeem not just them, but the whole world. vi. Paul takes them through these books to show them Jesus. c. [Slide 5] from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, i. What do they need to do then? ii. They do not need to join a new religion in order to inherit the Kingdom. iii. No. iv. They need simply to realize that to repent and believe on Jesus as the Christ is what their own law and prophets have told them to do since the beginning. v. If they intend to continue to be Jewish, in the truest sense of the word, they must repent and trust in their own Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. d. [Slide 6] from morning until evening. i. Paul earnestly contended with them on this point for many hours. ii. He probably showed them from their own scriptures how Jesus had fulfilled over 300 prophesies by his birth, life, death, and resurrection. iii. How Jesus becomes our new Adam, our new representative. How Jesus is the new Abraham in establishing a New Covenant. How He is the new Moses, being the Great Prophet. How Jesus is the Great High Priest offering a sacrifice that does not need to be repeated since He was the sacrifice. How Jesus is the Son of David and that human King prophesied to reign over Israel forever… and the whole world. iv. From morning until evening Paul gave it all he had. He preached, he discussed, he debated, he argued, he strove, with all the persuasiveness that he could. v. What were the results? e. [Slide 7] 24 - And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. i. Well, the results were decidedly… mixed. ii. Some of them were being persuaded. Notice the passive voice here. 1. While it largely depends on context, many times in scripture when the passive voice is used, it is what we call a divine passive. 2. This occurs when God does something but does not wish to overtly say He is doing the action in that specific context. 3. We know from the greater context of scripture, and even in this very text, that natural man is spiritually dead and unable to hear and respond to the gospel message unless the Holy Spirit actually enables them to hear it and respond to it. 4. No matter what theological background you come from, everyone prays for the lost the same. We all pray that God would open the eyes of sinners to help them receive the gospel. 5. Christians may define what happens there differently. But the long and the short of it is, that God must move first and God must move in an individual's heart not just in an event for a broader people group. 6. It is not Paul's words that are persuading them… it is God's Spirit opening their eyes to see the truth of what Paul is saying. iii. But the others, the majority, do not believe on Jesus. iv. But how does this happen? v. How can the apostle Paul, a skilled Rhetorician, speak for hours, expounding from the scriptures how Jesus is the Messiah, and yet many do not believe, and the ones that do believe do not do so because of Paul's persuasiveness? vi. If Paul cannot convince his own kinsmen, what hope do we have to convince anyone of the gospel? f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: In the last episode of Luke's record of the early formation of the church and the Kingdom of God expanding to the uttermost parts of the earth, Luke chooses to conclude on a sermon by Paul. It is a sermon preached over several hours to his own kinsmen, Jews of the city of Rome. Luke says he spoke passionately and urgently to them communicating from the Mosaic law and the prophets how Jesus was the Messiah and the King promised of old who would bring with Him a New Kingdom. Paul preached passionately that this kingdom has come and is here and the evidence that this is so, is the expansion of the church throughout the Roman Empire. But despite all his theological arguments, despite his rhetorical skill, despite his logic, despite his passionate pleas, most of those listening did not believe. Only some were persuaded as God opened their eyes and ears to receive the truth of what Paul spoke. Luke's purpose in this book is to give Theophilus assurances that what he has believed is true. One great assurance to Theophilus is that the wisdom of men in logic and persuasion cannot actually convince sinners to repent and believe the gospel. Theophilus was not conned by skilled speakers to believe a lie. Instead, his eyes were opened to believe the truth by God Himself. This is true of everyone who receives the gospel. God calls and draws. Then and only then do we respond. And so, what is our application to such a point? We must humbly heed the Word of God. We must be the kind of people who are ready to listen and to obey what God reveals. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] Still, our curiosity forces us to ask why don't they believe? Is there something deficient in them? What qualities make up a person who will not believe? And how do we avoid that? II.) God hides the gospel from the arrogant and disobedient, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (25-27) a. [Slide 10] 25 - And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, i. So, this devolves fairly quickly. ii. We have these once loosely untied Roman Jews, coming to Paul for information on the Nazarene sect of Judaism, and as the hours go on, now they are disagreeing so sharply that those who do not believe Paul abandon him and their fellow Jews and leave the house. iii. Luke records that they did this especially when Paul said one word. iv. Well which word? v. What follows is a sermon from Isaiah 6. vi. So which word makes them leave? vii. Well, the word translated “word” can mean a single word or it can mean a message. viii. In the expression “what's the word?” we are not asking what is the single word. We are asking, what is the news? ix. In a similar way, Luke records this mini-sermon that Paul spoke that turned out to be too much for the unbelieving Jews to handle. x. What did Paul say that chased them away? b. [Slide 11] “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, i. First of all, Paul goes to the prophet Isaiah. ii. Psalms and Isaiah account for half of the citations of the Old Testament in the New Testament. iii. Some commentators refer to the book of Isaiah as the fifth gospel. iv. Secondly, Isaiah's prophesies include both strong warnings and judgment proclamations as well as great and wonderful promises to the children of Israel. v. Paul is probably not going to the promises here. He is responding to the unbelieving Jews and their slowness to receive the message of their own Messiah. vi. In this way, he says that the Spirit of God inspired Isaiah rightly when he spoke to their ancestors. vii. This is a euphemistic way to say, in so many words, you are behaving just like your ancestors… that's good right? WRONG! viii. Notice that Paul does not claim them to be his own ancestors because he does not behave like them. ix. So, what does Paul quote for them? c. [Slide 12] 26 - saying, ‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY, YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; i. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 6:9-10. This is the initial call of Isaiah to be God's prophet to Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. ii. We'll take a look at this passage in a moment, but why is Paul quoting this passage? iii. Because he feels similar to Isaiah. Isaiah was told that he would proclaim the Lord's message but that Judah as a whole would not listen to him. There would no doubt be some who would and remain faithful to Yahweh, but the majority would not. iv. Paul has experienced the exact same thing as he has traveled through three different missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. Some Jews heard and believed on Jesus… but most did not. And it seems like the same will be true here in the city of Rome. v. So Paul quotes this passage to try to expose why these people are so slow to believe in Jesus. vi. Paul, through quoting Isaiah, gives two interconnected reasons that they do not believe. vii. First, though they will able to hear the truth of the gospel message, they will be unable to understand and perceive it… let alone believe it. viii. If we were to put this in medical terms, we would conclude that something in the brain is broken. ix. All the biological necessities are there for them to hear and see but something is broken to the point that the brain cannot interpret the signals coming from the eyes or the ears. x. They will be rendered unable to believe. xi. Well, why will this be their condition? d. [Slide 13] 27 - FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, i. Now it is interesting here that Paul quotes the Septuagint of this text. ii. Paul would have been familiar with the Hebrew version, but his hearers would not. iii. So, what are the differences between the Hebrew and the Septuagint? iv. [Slide 14] The Hebrew version puts these verbs in the imperative. They are commands of God to the people and to the prophet Isaiah. Let's look at the LSB's translation of Isaiah 6:9-10 to see the difference. 1. God tells Isaiah to tell the people… Keep hearing but do not understand 2. Keep seeing but do not know 3. These commands are given to Isaiah to tell the people. To command them to keep hearing and seeing without understanding or perceiving. 4. The next command seems to be issued to Isaiah with regard to his role in preaching this message. 5. Render the hearts of this people (notice God does not say my people) insensitive (or fat – full to the point of not being able to take any more in) 6. Render their ears dull and their eyes dim. Make them unable to perceive. 7. Lest (to keep them from) seeing with their eyes, and hearing with their ears, and understanding with their hearts, and return and be healed. 8. In other words, this doesn't read like a prediction but a judgment. v. So, does this mean that the Septuagint corrupted the text? No. vi. The translators of the Septuagint were obviously uncomfortable with assigning to God the blame for their condition of not hearing and obeying His Word. vii. Their dynamic interpretation of the Hebrew then, is to assume that God uses these words in hyperbole to get them to respond. viii. By setting the verbs into the indicative mood, the translators place the blame on their ancestors. ix. [Slide 15] But they do not remove God's role in this entirely. 1. Notice that the heart of this people has become dull. 2. Well, who made their heart dull? 3. The subject is not identified. 4. The Septuagint translators softened the text but did not completely change it. 5. They simply inserted a divine passive to take the place of the harshness of God's commands. 6. Meaning that within this last segment of Acts 28 those who are persuaded of the truth of the gospel and those who's hearts have become dull to the gospel are both activities God does but does not overtly say He is doing. x. But we need to understand the WAY Paul is using this. xi. Paul quotes the LXX which changes the commands into future tense verbs. That something WILL happen to the people. And why is he quoting it? He is quoting it because at this moment what WAS said in Isaiah, is being fulfilled. xii. In other words, God commanded Isaiah to render their hearts dull and eyes dim… and now Paul says… that has happened. Their heart has become dull. xiii. Paul uses the intentional softening of the Septuagint to pierce the heart of these Jews… showing them that they have succumbed to what God commanded Isaiah to accomplish by preaching to them. xiv. What Paul is saying is that the blindness of the Jews to the gospel in the 1st century AD is the fulfillment of Isaiah's preaching ministry in the 8th century BC. xv. By extension, of course, the Jews who have believed are also the fulfillment of that same preaching ministry. xvi. Again – Isaiah is the fifth gospel. And the gospel divides. xvii. So, how did they come into the state in which they could not believe? Well, in fulfillment of the preaching ministry of Isaiah, their hearts have become dull. And what else? e. [Slide 16] AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; LEST THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I HEAL THEM.' i. As the quote continues, and as we analyze the context of Isaiah 6 and the whole book itself, we recognize that God has only decreed this end upon them after the people have been continually a people characterized by unbelief and disobedience. ii. There is a necessary correlation here between God making their hearts dull and their rebellion and disobedience. iii. The sun's rays both hardens the clay and causes fertile soil to spring forth vegetation. iv. Already barren and rocky soil will only be baked in the sun's heat while fertile soil will produce crops and a harvest from the same sun's rays. v. In the same way, the Word of God preached, warnings given, commands expressed, to the heart of one who is humble and obedient will produce more of the same. vi. While the same words will produce resentment and disdain from those who are arrogant and rebellious. vii. Again, Isaiah's preaching ministry has two outcomes and both of them are present in this text. The Jews who believed on Jesus inherit the promises of the Servant songs in the latter half of Isaiah. But those who do not believe the gospel inherit the judgments of the same book. viii. So, although the first reason they do not believe is that they are not able to… the second reason is that they are unable because they are also unwilling. They are characterized by continued pride and disobedience. f. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Through the text of Paul's sermon from Isaiah, Luke stresses the key reason that these Jews, and by extension every other unbeliever, do not believe the gospel when it is preached. Why is it that two people can hear the same message and one believes and the other does not? We've already seen how those who believe do so because God enables them to. What about those who do not believe? Is that God's fault too? The scriptures are quite clear on this. Those who continue in obstinate rebellion and self-determined beliefs and values are not able to understand and perceive the gospel message. God only hides the gospel message from those who are arrogant and disobedient. God does not allow people to understand or perceive the gospel message who continually refuse to be humble and listen to Him. Paul says this is why these Jews today were walking away in disbelief. It is because the Holy Spirit prophesied rightly through Isaiah to their fathers whom they are living like. God has had enough and will not let them see or hear the truth. This is why it is abundantly necessary for all those under the sound of my voice to humbly heed the Word of God. Always. Not just the gospel itself but all that God has said, we must humbly heed it. Transition: [Slide 18 (blank)] So, what is the application of this text from Isaiah 6? How does Paul apply this harsh reality to them? III.) God saves all men by grace through faith in Christ, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (28-31) a. [Slide 19] 28 - Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” i. Because they have continually closed their eyes to the gospel and shut their ears to scarcely hear… ii. Because the soil of their hearts, the land of their souls has been polluted. iii. Because the hearts of the Jews have become rocky ground where little grows. iv. God has turned aside to shine His gospel light on different fields. v. This is not necessarily God turning his back on the Jews forever. We've seen this in Jeremiah where the Lord continues to call those whom He has divorced, to repentance. vi. But it is God leaving behind the Jews, extending the gospel to the gentiles, to make the Jews jealous. vii. And Paul's final comment is what ultimately forces the unbelieving Jews to walk away in disgust. viii. It isn't necessarily that the gospel will go to the gentiles. ix. But Paul says, they will also hear. 1. The word hear, is the same word used before to communicate their ability to hear even though they didn't understand. 2. But Paul uses the middle voice of this verb. 3. Middle voice is when the subject does the action… to or for themselves. 4. To hear for yourself… implies not just a perception of sound or noise, but to receive or heed it. x. This is quite shocking. xi. It is probably difficult enough for the Jews to accept that God is sending the message of salvation to the Gentiles. xii. But Paul intentionally, by wordplay, makes a direct comparison. xiii. The Jews before him today, what they cannot and will not do, the Gentiles will do. xiv. This last comment is too much for these Roman Jews to take. xv. This is the “word” that forces them to walk out. b. [Slide 20] 29 - [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.] i. You'll notice that I have this verse in brackets and in yellow on the screen. ii. Many of the oldest, and most reliable manuscript copies of the book of Acts that we have are missing this verse. iii. When the chapter divisions and verse numbers were assigned, we had not yet discovered these manuscripts and therefore had no reason to question the authenticity of this particular verse. iv. Since the KJV was translated we have discovered almost 6,000 manuscripts of the New Testament. Most of which affirm and authenticate the manuscripts that the KJV translators had available to them. v. But occasionally, we find a verse like this where the evidence does not support a verse being included. vi. As to the motive of the addition it is actually fairly obvious. vii. If this verse isn't in the text, we must make an intuitive leap that it was the fact that Paul said the Gentiles would believe the gospel that caused these Roman Jews to leave Paul's residence in frustration. viii. Everything in verse 29 is mentioned earlier which again reinforces the idea that this was probably added as a comment to remind the reader or point out to the reader that this was the real reason the Jews left. c. [Slide 21] 30 - And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, i. Finally, Luke concludes his book with a look to the remaining two years of ministry Paul has in the city of Rome. ii. For the next two years Paul welcomes all who came to him and we should very much see this as Luke's assertion that Jews and gentiles alike were welcomed to come and visit with him. Not just the gentiles. iii. Many of his visitors were his companions visiting with him and ministering to his needs. iv. From his letters we know that Paul had sent many of his visiting companions to relay messages all around the Roman Empire to various churches. v. We are reasonably sure that Paul wrote the letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during this time. d. [Slide 22] 31 - preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered. i. But Paul was not merely writing letters and entertaining Christian guests. ii. He was also preaching the gospel to all who would hear. iii. He did this boldly and without any restraint on him. iv. And so, the gospel goes to the Jews and the Gentiles of Rome, and Paul ministers to the church there while he awaits his trial. v. This is how Luke's record for Theophilus ends. vi. And we know that Paul will be released and will travel on a 4th missionary journey after this, and possibly even to Spain after that. vii. And so, the promise of Jesus from Acts 1, that His church will take the kingdom of God to the uttermost parts of the earth, has been fulfilled. viii. And with that bookend, the book of Acts is complete. e. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: Luke finishes his book declaring the wonderful grace of God. Though the soil of the Jews had grown rocky and hard, God is still gathering a people to himself from all nations. Jews and Gentiles will be gathered in by His grace. He will open their eyes and allow them to understand and perceive the truth of the gospel. He will enable them to believe on Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and Savior. He will graciously create a Kingdom of Priests who are the bride of His dear Son. As John the Baptist said, he could raise up stones to declare His praises to Him if He desired. So, God has determined to raise up a people that were not a people to be His people. A people made of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, rich and poor, from every tribe, tongue, nation and culture. And Paul spends the next two years in Rome with that application. That God is shining the light of the gospel to the gentiles and that they will hear it. So, what must we do today? Humbly heed the Word of God today my friends. Join this Kingdom that is and will be forever. Conclusion: So, what have we seen here today CBC that corrects and informs our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 24] How fitting it is for Luke to conclude his two-scroll tome to Theophilus with a scene in which Paul continues the same ministry he always had. Preaching the gospel to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. Paul's sermon demonstrates the final word to Theophilus on why he must hold fast to what he has believed. He did not believe because of the persuasive power of those who preached the gospel to him. Instead, he believed because the Lord opened his eyes so he could humbly heed what the Word of God said. He, like all other believers, was saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. All these points combine together to deliver to us a single message of truth. Theophilus must know the certainty of the gospel because… the gospel is that God alone acts to save sinners. He does so by the washing of regeneration so a sinner can grasp hold of the purchased redemption of Christ by faith. This is all according to the power of God to change people who are dead in their sins and children of wrath by nature… into sons and daughters. Theophilus must know that the gospel is true, because he has been brought to life by the power of God. No man can do what has been done to him. In fact, the litmus test for the true gospel, is how much of man's power is in it. If there is any at all… it is not the gospel. So, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Certainly, we must hear and heed the gospel command to repent and believe on Jesus Christ. But also, in every facet of life, we must humbly heed God's Word. No matter what it says no matter how much we naturally disagree, and no matter how much it means we must change. Let God's Word be true and everything else be a lie. But let me attempt to apply these concepts to our everyday life. 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that salvation is accomplished in an individual's life by God alone. a. Paul's sermon to the Roman Jews consisted of several hours of preaching the kingdom of God manifested in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth, which was predicted in the Mosaic law and the Prophets. b. For hours he reasoned with them passionately. c. In the end some did come to faith in Jesus Christ. But Luke does not give credit to Paul for this. d. God opened their eyes to the truth of what Paul taught. e. We saw this in Acts 16 when Lydia did the same. f. And Paul himself says this in I Corinthians 2, that this was true when he preached in Corinth. g. Paul didn't convince anyone of the gospel. Paul didn't lead anyone to Christ. h. The scriptures teach us that GOD draws sinners to Himself. How? Through the word of God being proclaimed. i. In this the preacher is merely the means God uses to connect those whom He is calling to faith in Jesus Christ. j. You see, not only has the price been paid through the redemption of Jesus Christ, but God even acts to bring sinners to that realization. k. If your view of the gospel has any whiff of man's effort, man's work, man's action, or man's ability… it is not the gospel you are believing. l. If your gospel says that God has done everything except for… you can stop right there… because it isn't the gospel anymore. m. God did not do 99.99% of your salvation and awaits you to contribute your .01%. n. God accomplished EVERYTHING. o. In Romans 8 we see that God foreordained, predestined, called, justified, and glorified His people. p. Paul takes us from before the foundations of the world to the eternal kingdom and shows that in an individual Christian's life… God has done everything. q. When He desires you to be connected by faith to the redemption Jesus has purchased with His blood, He will enable you to believe by opening your eyes to see the truth of the gospel and believe it. r. The scriptures clearly teach us that salvation is not of works, it is all a gift, so much so that even repentance and faith are called gifts of God in the New Testament. s. So, my friends, we must, for the sake of the purity of the gospel, we must eradicate every last shred of human work, no matter how small, from our understanding of the gospel. t. For if we don't… it just isn't the gospel anymore. 2.) [Slide 26] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God resists the proud and disobedient and hides the gospel from them. a. Do you remember the parable of the soils which Jesus taught. b. It is one of the few parables where Jesus actually explains its meaning to His disciples. c. The farmer is the same. The seed is the same. The distribution of that seed is the same. d. The only thing that changes is the soil in which the seed is cast. e. The first soil is soil that is hard. It is a pathway. It is not tilled. It is not soft. It is not open to receiving the seed. f. On this soil the devil comes and snatches away the seed scattered there because it did not penetrate the soil. g. This is essentially what Paul says has happened to the unbelieving Jews. They are so arrogant and so disobedient that though they have eyes, they cannot see, though they have ears they cannot hear… though the soil of their heart has dirt… it is hard, beaten down, and eroded. It is incapable of receiving the seed. h. James says that God resists the proud. i. The fact of the matter is that a heart that is proud, self-focused, self-ruled, disobedient and defiant… such a heart can never receive the gospel message. j. But there is a tension here that we need to recognize. 3.) [Slide 27] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God has given salvation to only one specific people group. a. As shocking as it was for the Jews to hear that God is giving salvation to the gentiles, so it will be just as shocking for us to hear that God is not giving salvation to one kind of people. b. God is giving salvation to Muslims, Mormons, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, Hindus, and even Satanists. c. God is giving salvation to homosexuals, pedophiles, transgenders, murderers, adulterers, thieves, traitors and liars. d. God is giving salvation to Democrats, Republicans, Rich people, poor people, black people, red people. e. As long as the heart of that person is soft to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ… they will receive it. f. But all these labels along with their beliefs, allegiances, and practices, all bow to the Lordship of Jesus Christ when one truly receives the gospel. g. Gentiles will hear the gospel… but that doesn't mean they can keep worshipping their pagan gods. h. But God is not just saving those who attend church all their lives. i. His people are scattered throughout the world. j. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers, your family, your friends, your nurses, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors. k. They may have a different political party than you. They may currently be practicing a different religion. l. We don't know who they are. So we preach Christ crucified and rely on God's power to change them. m. It is a lie for us to believe that anyone is beyond the reach of the gospel. n. Look at Paul… how many times has he preached to the Jews in various cities and how many times has the result been the same? Very few believe. Many do not… And then they oppose the gospel. o. Yet here he is again… preaching to Jews in Rome. p. May we have the same drive of Paul to preach the gospel to any and all we come into contact with. 4.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must humbly heed the Word of the Lord. a. Generally speaking, God resists the proud but exalts the humble. b. True and humble belief in His Word is always accompanied by obedience. c. James says we must be doers of the word and not hearers only. d. The Jews had a long history of struggling with this as a nation. e. There were always those who did humbly heed the Word of the Lord. f. They were the remnant. True Israel. g. If we are God's children, we too must humbly hear and heed the Word of God. h. Do you have that view of God's Word? Or do you find yourself always interpreting the of the Word of God to make it fit what you already believe or what you are already doing? i. When is the last time you had to crucify something you believed or practiced because of what God's Word said? j. If you can't think of a time that that has ever happened… or if that has rarely happened in your life…you may want to search your heart. Is it too hard to be molded by God's Word? 5.) [Slide 29] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Will you humble yourself and obey the gospel? a. The book of Acts really is part two of the gospel of Luke. b. It is a gospel. It makes much of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It does so by way of seeing His followers forever changed by His saving power in their lives. c. This rag tag group of 20 somethings, nothings from nowhere, had suddenly turned the world upside down with the message of the gospel. d. My friends… what will you do with this Jesus? e. He is not a great prophet who spoke many wise words. He is not an example for us to show kindness and love to all people. He is not someone we can quote to support this political position or that… f. He is the Son of God, the Lord of all, and He will come to judge the living and the dead. g. He will judge them according to their works. h. All those who are judged by the books which record their works will be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death. i. Only those who are not judged by those books but by the book of life… only they will enter into His Kingdom. j. So I ask again… what will you do with Jesus Christ? k. What should be done with Him? l. If all that Jesus said, did, and claimed of Himself, the world, and The Kingdom of God is true.. then you must humble yourself before His Lordship… beg for His mercy… and place all your hope in His death and resurrection to be your death and resurrection. m. Jesus Christ should become your… EVERYTHING. That is what it means to obey the gospel. n. It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, what you have believed up to this point, or where you think you are going… o. Humble yourself, repent and believe on Jesus and you will have life in Him. p. If this is you today – don't leave without talking to an Elder. We'd love to hear and help in any way we can. [Slide 30 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs. Lord, today you have set before me out of your word a glorious mystery—a righteousness of your Son that I did not know or care about before. I see now my happiness lies there. No matter what happens to me in the world, and no matter what happens to my name or my worldly possessions, I am forever secure if I have Christ to clothe me. Lord, if righteousness did prevail, then you would be honored more than ever. We would have the joy of our hearts, we would be delivered from the temptations we encounter, and your saints would not suffer as they do. We pray that you would make righteousness prevail in our hearts, in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Until we meet again, go in peace.

2 Chronicles 27:1-28:15

Life can shake confidence, and crises make even the strongest tremble. Isaiah 7 depicts such a moment in Judah's history. King Ahaz faced overwhelming threats as Israel and Aram allied against Jerusalem. Despite these intimidating plans, God declared they would not prevail. The people, filled with fear, faced a choice: trust in the Lord or succumb to unbelief. This tension is not just in history but also in daily life. A doctor's diagnosis, job loss, or global unrest can shake hearts and create fear. The choice, like Ahaz's, is to stand firm in faith or fall in fear. Isaiah's message is that genuine stability comes from trusting the Lord, not human allies or material security. The real battle is resisting doubt in God's promises; faith anchors us against fear.

10/5/2025 Hosea 3:4-5 Great News For Israel ….Jesus Will Be their King Intro: Hosea was to the northern kingdom what Jeremiah was to the southern kingdom, a weeping prophet. Hosea looked in the future to the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom, just as Jeremiah looked forward to the Babylonian captivity of the southern kingdom. Hosea's prophecy is closely related to that of Amos. Both Amos and Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom, although Amos was a native of the southern kingdom and Hosea of the northern kingdom. Hosea was the younger contemporary of Amos, and because their ministries overlap, there is much similarity in the sins they condemn. In Amos, the prophetic discourses are very pronounced, while in Hosea, because of the intense personal involvement of the prophet, they are not very distinctly defined from one another, a fact that makes the book difficult to outline. Hosea dates his prophecy” in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel” (1:1). Hosea's ministry extended from about (770 to 725 B.C.). Thus, his active ministry ceased a few years before Assyria carried the northern kingdom into captivity (in 722 B.C.). The theme of Hosea is God's loyal love for His covenant people, Israel, in spite of their idolatry. Thus, Hosea has been called John (the apostle of love) of the Old Testament. The Lord's true love from His people is unending and will tolerate no rival Hosea's message contains much condemnation, both national and individual, but at the same time, he poignantly portrays the love of God toward His people with passionate emotion. Hosea was instructed by God to marry a certain woman and experience with her a domestic life which was a dramatization of the sin and unfaithfulness of Israel. The marital life of Hosea and his wife, Gomer, who at times was a prostitute, provide the rich metaphor which clarifies the themes of the book; sin, judgment and forgiving love.

Episode Summary: When we think of Christmas, we picture the manger scene, shepherds in the fields, angels singing, and a star guiding the way. But what if we’ve been missing one of the most important parts of the story all along? In her new book, The Spirit of Christmas, award-winning author Cynthia Ruchti invites us to rediscover the Holy Spirit’s presence woven throughout the Christmas narrative—from Genesis in the Garden of Eden to the cry of a baby in Bethlehem. This conversation will open your eyes to the power, presence, and promise of the Spirit of God in ways that may forever change how you experience Christmas. Quotables from the episode: Christmas often stirs our hearts with nostalgia—decorations, carols, and retelling the story of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Yet, as beautiful as those traditions are, there’s more to the Christmas story than we typically notice. Before the babe was conceived, the Holy Spirit was already at work, setting the stage and preparing the hearts of the biblical characters we know and love. This season, let Him set the stage and prepare your heart too. In her book, The Spirit of Christmas, Cynthia Ruchti helps us uncover the often-overlooked role of the Holy Spirit in God’s plan of redemption, reminding us that the Spirit has been present from the beginning—guiding, comforting, and empowering. If you’ve ever longed to experience Christmas with fresh wonder and deeper meaning, this conversation will encourage you to see the season through new eyes. I have found it fascinating that over the course of my life and maybe others have been in the same boat, we might grow up understanding Jesus quite well, or, and we hear Jesus loves me from when we're newborns and aren't even aware, perhaps, of that. And then I personally had gone through some seasons of my life where I thought, "I think I understand Jesus pretty well. I'm getting a good handle on who is this Jesus. I'm not sure I'm as familiar with God the Father as I need to be." So, I had a season of my life that was in my early 20s where I dove in and thought, "I need to know you better, God, my Father," and took an approach as I looked at the Word and noticed that throughout the Old Testament, God described himself as a God of love, which I thought was a New Testament idea. I understood who he was as the majestic Creator, and I think probably it kept him a little distant from me because I saw just that. Then a relative of mine had a heart transplant and I took a fresh Bible, and I circled everywhere in the Bible where the word love or heart appeared because I wanted this person who wasn't close to the Lord at the time to know and understand that God has been talking about the subject of love for a very long time. He's all over the Bible, so page after page was filled with the circled or the little heart drawn around the word love or the word heart. Then there came a season in my life where I thought, "I think I better understand now. We will never fully understand, but I think I better understand. God the Father, God the Son. Do I really understand the Holy Spirit? I know he is. I believe what the Bible tells me about the Holy Spirit, but do I really understand his role or how the different roles of the Trinity make a complete God for us? So, I investigated that, and I watched for his presence, but not as deeply as I did after I was challenged to look for the Holy Spirit's presence in the Christmas story. There was an editor who challenged me with that at a writer's conference. I found it fascinating. I thought that would be a very interesting study. We assume, I think, in the back of our minds that maybe the Holy Spirit is that presence that comes upon Mary in that moment when she conceives Jesus, the baby Jesus, as an infant just minutes old. And then we're not sure where else he might actually show up in the Christmas story. So that was a challenge to me, and I thought it sounded fascinating, but I didn't take the invitation from that editor seriously until a couple of weeks later, when she wrote to me and said, "I want you to write that book." So, then I got very serious and started the deep dive research of where is he? And in some ways, it was kind of a where's Waldo of the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story. That's what began this adventure. And for me, it really did alter my view of how I approach Christmas now for many reasons. And that was one of the reasons that I wanted us to have this conversation because I don't think we're alone in that tendency to not really acknowledge the Holy Spirit as much as we acknowledge Jesus or God the Father. I grew up in a denomination that the only time the Holy Spirit got mentioned was when it was God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, period. So, I like that You took that editor up on the challenge to look for the Holy Spirit throughout the Christmas story. I wondered how far back I would have to trace to find the first evidence of the Holy Spirit and Christmas being linked together. And I realized it was in verse one. It was when the Spirit was hovering over the waters of a world that had yet to be created that was going to need a Redeemer. As we know, God has no beginning and no end, eternity past, eternity present farther than man can imagine. I realized that this in the formation with at creation, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, at creation forming a world that they knew was going to need a Redeemer and that that Redeemer was going to be thousands of years away from that moment. I saw the person of the Holy Spirit caring about what was going to happen all those centuries later, even in the creation process. How does that first crime connect to Christmas? There would have been no reason for Jesus to come as a human being if there were any way that we as humans could have behaved ourselves without him. And it wasn't very long into that early beginning creation story before that was so evident that without Christ present, without the Holy spirit present within us. We were never going to be able to satisfy what needed to be satisfied and keep us in a place where we could walk daily, in essence, walking by the Spirit like it talks about in the New Testament. When I began to put the pieces together of this incredible depth of story, this depth of even the communion of the Father and the Son and the Spirit, we saw the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament present in brief moments leading up to when Jesus would be born and then later on as we take that story even farther to his death and his resurrection and his intentional promise, “Hang in there people it's not only okay that I go back to heaven it's better for you that I do because then the Holy Spirit can come, reside inside you, and help you operate out of a place of knowing exactly my heart, knowing what God my Father,” Jesus said, “wants of you, and what will help you to live a life that will allow you to pillow your head every night in peace, no matter what's going on in the rest of your life.” The other thing that I really appreciate about Jesus knowing our every need is when he reminds us that he's got to send the Holy Spirit to remind us of all truth. As a neuropsychologist, that's one of the areas that I love to focus on the most because I have a short memory, and I need those reminders. I love how the spirit of Christmas is our reminder of the gift of the spirit. I didn't grow up in a denomination that had an actual practice of Advent, of intentional preparation for Christmas season. I knew the word, Advent. I knew it was a good word. I knew it was a healthy word and lovely, but we just didn't have that particular practice. We oftentimes, even with Lent, that was another, it seemed like it was for a denomination that was more liturgical, let's say, in thought. But I think more and more these days, we're realizing that every heart needs to be prepared. Every heart needs to “prepare him room” as the one Christmas carol says. It’s actually for any day, but when we think about Christmas in particular, it is so easy to get caught up in all the to -dos and all the menus and all the party planning and all the some-things we're very happy to participate in, some things that just seem like one more chore. And it's kind of this wild cacophony of noise and tension, and there may be relationships that are especially challenged at Christmastime, there may be work -related things that are especially difficult at Christmastime. That is not at all what this is supposed to be about. But we early church members apparently understood that we need time to get our hearts ready for this such, such a holy, holy season. And the Holy Spirit is part of that. As we take a look at what was the Holy Spirit's role in the original story that began way back at creation, but was threaded throughout Scripture as He was present in speaking to Isaiah about a virgin shall conceive way back then. And it didn't say shall conceive in the next day or two. Again, thousands of years from that prophecy, but the Holy Spirit was inspiring that prophet Isaiah to speak of that. And as we look at it in the time period in which those words were spoken, there was chaos. There was political chaos. There was trouble on every hand. There was the son of a king who was now the king, and he was being a lousy king. And this interesting thing: I think he wanted to do the right thing. King Ahaz, I think, wanted to do the right thing. He heard from God, but he didn't trust that what he heard from God was enough. He needed to find other voices that he would listen to. He was getting influenced by all kinds of other people. And Isaiah was trying to bring him back to, "No, there is one God, and you can trust him." And as the Spirit was inspiring Isaiah to speak the words, he was saying to King Ahaz, "Ask God, ask him for a sign, and he'll tell you.” Ahaz didn't have that kind of relationship with God. So, he said, "Oh, I don't want to test God in any way." And through the Holy Spirit's words, through Isaiah, we hear, and if we set it in modern language, we might say, "I'll give you a sign. A virgin is going to conceive and bear a son." And then, and we know some of the rest of that wording. How interesting that in a chaotic world, with a king who wasn't paying attention to the right voices, not unlike the worlds we might be operating in: maybe our boss isn't listening to the right voice, but we have to respond to the boss. Maybe our family members are all chaotic and confused and worrying about where are we going to set Uncle Ralph this Christmas, because he's going to torture these family members even with just teasing. That's the very world that a savior was promised to that world, promised by the Holy Spirit. And it's the same with us now. When I started to study, what was the Holy Spirit's role? He often came to those in the biblical story, some of it in the New Testament now, he came to those who were fearful. They were in danger for their lives. And the Holy Spirit would come on the scene and bring peace or hope or comfort. He would bring guidance where there wasn't any guidance. He accompanied Mary on her journey to visit Elizabeth. Nobody else did. We're not told anybody else was there on that journey, which was a long journey for Mary, except the Holy Spirit, who had to have been whispering comfort and strength, and “you will get through this. I'm here for you. I am with you. I am always with you.” And then Mary and Elizabeth met one another and the baby in Elizabeth's womb knew the Savior was being carried by this woman who couldn't even feel kicks in her own body yet. It was too new, too soon. So, as I look at whether it's darkness or depression or anxiety or legitimate fear or relationship troubles, those scenes were the scenes where the Holy Spirit showed up in the Bible. Those are the scenes I need him to show up in my Christmas. He is there. I just may not have observed that he was there, is there, and was there in the original Christmas story too. The Spirit of Christmas reminds us and brings us back to that recognition that he always was there, and he is there today. To us, waiting often seems purposeless and painful, yet the cry of “how long?” appears throughout scripture. I think one of the things that is toughest about any waiting time is believing you are alone in the waiting. I think honestly, whether it's waiting for a diagnosis or it's waiting for the medicine to kick in, or it's waiting for family members to reconcile, or it's waiting for the job that we believe is out there somewhere that we haven't found yet, whatever the situation is, I believe that what intensifies that waiting experience and makes it full of tension in the natural is the belief that we're alone. Even if we have a loving spouse to share with or we have other family members or a good friend we can converse with, deep down in our soul, it's that misunderstanding that makes us believe that we are alone. And the Holy Spirit is saying, "Untrue. This is untrue. I am here in the waiting, and that's what will make everything change." Mary had a long wait after that moment when the angel said, "You will bear a Savior." She had waiting even from those early days of raising this little baby. Before Jesus' ultimate ministry began, there was another waiting time where she was by his side before the ultimate reason he came to earth was fulfilled. Mary got to witness much of that, even being at the foot of the cross as she watched that ultimate moment then that we relate to Easter but it's so much part of the Christmas story too. As we discover where the Holy Spirit is present, we mimic what he did or what he said. If we see him as comforter, who can we be a comforter for? If we see him as a provider, who can we be a provider for? One of the tips that was given in the book as an idea was, do you really need your Christmas meal more than you need to give your Christmas meal to a family that has none? Can I have turkey any time of the year? Absolutely I can. Would it be a better move for our family to take our meal and give it to someone who has none? I would be acting like the Holy Spirit did and like the heart of Jesus is to forego a need that I think is a need of my own to meet somebody else's need. I make a parallel of the idea of if I'm looking for the Holy Spirit, what I'm looking for is the kind of fruit that he provides: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self -control. So, if I'm going to give good gifts like the Holy Spirit gives, how can I be peace for someone who needs it? How can I be a presence? How can I be evidence of faithfulness? That might be in a visit to someone who is ignored or overlooked during the holiday. We think of those things as philanthropic sometimes or we think of them as just plain old kindness but on the other hand if we see it as the kind of thing the Holy Spirit does, then we realize this is far holier of an act than just a kind deed. When we look at it from that approach and we take that approach we're fueled to be able to and do it more and more and enjoy the process and not see it as an obligation. It has always bothered me the idea of anyone spending Christmas alone. When we discuss the idea of the Holy Spirit is always present, what a better way to show that presence and that love that Jesus came to offer us by reaching out to those who might be alone, who are wondering “where is God today? Does he even see me?” Those are the people who are the most grateful for the smallest of acts because they feel seen. And isn't that what we all want? It's such a gift to know that we are seen by the Holy Spirit. The day after Christmas we're often sitting in a pile of opened packages and empty boxes and toys that the batteries have run out already, and maybe disappointments for how we hoped it would go that it didn't. There are people who are taking ornaments out of the box and it might be baby's first Christmas. We may remember that special day and the ornament brings us pain because hanging it on the tree may be a reminder that that child is no longer here or is estranged from us. Someone will have a Christmas like that. We intentionally set up the devotional to be a short read, one a day, so that for day after day after day of December, including the day after Christmas, there's a reminder of places you might not have thought to look, until I wrote the book. And then we also include a list of helpful hints. We include a downloadable that has to do with how many of these different roles did the Holy Spirit play in this actual event? Part of the advice and the very practical advice is maybe do what I did and make it an actual adventure. Take time to intentionally watch for his presence or be his presence. Let his presence in you shine somehow throughout the holiday season. It can't help but change what your Christmas looks like. One of the outcomes of my own journey to take a better, stronger look at what is this all about is that it really helps us to understand where the meaning of Christmas is and where the meaning isn't. The meaning of Christmas isn't how many parties can I get on my calendar. The meaning is likely more in what can I remove and not lose anything but instead gain. I might gain time that I needed. I might gain a more peaceful attitude toward this season. I might see that some of the things I have worked so hard to do or thought they were so important to make Christmas perfect, aren’t that important. How can we make Christmas any more perfect? Something that God did, that God was all over and did. What we often call essential to Christmas, whether it's that meal or the certain decorations or the tradition that we had of cutting down our own tree or the special hot cocoa that grandma makes; If any of those things are removed from our traditions, is Christmas still going to happen? Absolutely. What's our heart going to be like if we miss the cocoa? Not much difference. What if we miss the Holy Spirit in Christmas? That will make a huge difference - For sure. The idea that the Trinity loved what they created together despite humanity's fall is so powerful. We are the ones He came to save. The Bible would call us Gentiles; we were not born into the original children of Israel. We all can trace our lineage way back to the beginning, but we weren't considered the original children of Israel to which much of the Bible was written. But we are the ones he came to save. There's a verse in Galatians that I don't have memorized yet, but I want to, where it talks about God sent the Son so that we could have the Holy Spirit. When I stumbled on that verse, I thought, He sent Jesus to save us, yes. Jesus had to come as a human, had to leave everything he knew that was so perfect and come into this imperfect world and tolerate us. So, I'm now just fascinated by that idea that God the Father sent the Son to save the world so that we could have the Holy Spirit. That makes the complete picture. And that makes the waiting easier. It makes the feelings of defeat easier. And it makes those times of joy richer. The Holy Spirit, like God the Father and Jesus the Son, is always true to Himself. But that truth shows up in his behavior, we might say, throughout the Christmas story. And it will always be related to something that is so completely positive, but also so completely meeting the needs of the human heart, which is the need for his presence, the need for his comfort, the need for his peace. Scripture References: Luke 1:49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.” Recommended Resources: The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence Throughout the Advent Season by Cynthia Ruchti Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X / LinkedIn For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Cynthia Ruchti is an acclaimed writer and speaker. A former radio producer, she is a popular media guest and has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online outlets. Her written work has received recognition with Publishers Weekly starred reviews, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, Readers' Choice Awards, Reviewers' Choice Awards, The Carol Award, two Christy finalists, and more. Her tagline is, "I can't unravel. I'm hemmed in Hope." Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We often ask God for signs to confirm His will, but what happens when He gives a sign we didn't request? Learn how Isaiah's prophecy to Ahaz reveals both the grace and the patience of a God who reaches out—even when we resist.

Isaiah 7 drops us into a moment of national crisis: kingdoms conspiring, hearts trembling, and fear spreading like wildfire. In this message, Pastor Dave unpacks Ahaz's defining moment: a choice between trusting the living God or running to the powers of this world for rescue.This passage invites us to bring our own fears before the Lord, to resist the urge to control or compromise, and to rest in the promise of Immanuel—God with us. Come and discover how the God who gave a sign to Ahaz has given us an even greater sign in Christ, calling us to stand firm in faith, even when everything around us is shaking.September 28, 2025

King Ahaz of Judah begins his reign at age twenty. Unlike his ancestor David, he follows the sinful practices of the kings of Israel, even burning his son as a sacrifice and worshiping idols.When Syria and Israel attack Judah, Ahaz seeks help from Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria, sending him treasures from the temple and palace as tribute. Assyria defeats Damascus, capturing its people.While in Damascus, Ahaz sees a pagan altar and orders Uriah the priest to build one like it in Jerusalem. He then replaces the bronze altar of the Lord with this new altar, offering sacrifices on it and relegating the original altar to secondary use. Ahaz also makes changes to the temple furnishings to please the Assyrian king.The chapter ends by noting that the rest of Ahaz's deeds are recorded in the chronicles of Judah's kings. After his death, his son Hezekiah succeeds him.

King Ahaz of Judah begins his reign at age twenty. Unlike his ancestor David, he follows the sinful practices of the kings of Israel, even burning his son as a sacrifice and worshiping idols.When Syria and Israel attack Judah, Ahaz seeks help from Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria, sending him treasures from the temple and palace as tribute. Assyria defeats Damascus, capturing its people.While in Damascus, Ahaz sees a pagan altar and orders Uriah the priest to build one like it in Jerusalem. He then replaces the bronze altar of the Lord with this new altar, offering sacrifices on it and relegating the original altar to secondary use. Ahaz also makes changes to the temple furnishings to please the Assyrian king.The chapter ends by noting that the rest of Ahaz's deeds are recorded in the chronicles of Judah's kings. After his death, his son Hezekiah succeeds him.

My third podcast with Kurt Hoyer about his archeological work in Israel.  The first extra biblical links to the book of Isaiah have been found.  We talk about Scarabs Seals and Bullae.  Seals are the objects, often rings used to mark a document with the ancient equivalent of a signature, scarabs, can be seals but are usually carved in the shape of a scarab beetle. Scarabs also have names of powerful Egyptian kings on them and were used for good luck charms. (Not really going to talk about scarabs much) Bullae are small dabs of clay that were used to seal documents and other things. They have the impression of the seal on them.  Why care?  Seals and bullae give us attestation of the names of biblical figures. Most recently an official from the court of Josiah, was found in Jerusalem.  Other Biblical names found include. Hezekiah, Jeroboam II, Ahaz, Isaiah, and Baruch, among others.   Link to the st. Anthony Liturgical House where Kurt Hoyer is teaching. https://www.stanthonysliturgicalhouse.org/product-page/bib050-introduction-to-archaeology-for-bible-student-ceu          

August 13, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   In this episode the speaker examines the reign of King Ahaz of Judah (c. 735–715 BC), weaving biblical history, recent archaeological news, and pastoral application. The episode opens with a brief news item about a rare biblical seal with an ancient fingerprint found in debris near Jerusalem's Temple Mount (reported in early August), then moves into a detailed study of Ahaz using primary passages: 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, and key sections of Isaiah (especially chapters 7–8), with contextual mentions of Micah. A recorded illustrative clip from Dan Winkler is played to help listeners picture Ahaz's geopolitical choices. The host summarizes Ahaz's life and reign: he became king at twenty, reigned sixteen years, followed the idolatrous practices of Israel, made metal images for the Baals, sacrificed his sons, removed treasures from the temple to buy Assyrian support, and copied foreign altars. Isaiah's direct confrontation with Ahaz is highlighted (Isaiah 7:3–12), including God's offer of a sign and Ahaz's refusal—choosing Assyria over trust in God. The narrative also covers how Israel and Syria attacked Judah, how captives were taken and later released, and how Assyrian intervention ultimately afflicted Judah rather than securing lasting protection. Key themes and takeaways are emphasized for contemporary listeners: the dangers and consequences of compromising moral and spiritual values—especially in moments of weakness; the importance of heeding God's counsel even when fear seems rational; the reality that children do not always follow their parents' faith; and the practical counsel to draw closer to God during crises rather than pull away. The episode stresses that short-term political or material fixes (like Ahaz's deal with Assyria) can cost far more in the long run. Listeners can expect historical background, scripture-based exegesis, pastoral application, and practical lessons for faithfulness under pressure. The episode references the Fox News report on the Temple Mount seal; the biblical texts listed above and includes the Dan Winkler illustrative clip to connect ancient decisions to modern dilemmas.   Duration 37:17

Bible Readings: Luke 15:11 – 32 Isaiah 1:1 – 31 Sermon outline: Isaiah 1:1–4 (NKJV) 1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken:… The post 21/09/2025 – Morning Service: Introducing Isaiah – Isaiah Ch. 1 appeared first on Maroubra Presbyterian Church.

In the record in 2 Kings 20, at the time of his nation's greatest need, their captain (LXX 'archegos' - used consistently in Hebrews of our Lord Jesus Christ - the captain of our faith chapter 2 and the "author" of our faith chapter 12 etc); is struck with leprosy (see Isaiah 53;4). But, says the prophet, lay a poultice of figs on the boil, and Hezekiah will recover, and he will go up to the temple in 3 days' time - a time in the Bible symbolic of resurrection. The king was the representative of Judah as Isaiah 1 tells us. But when Hezekiah is faced with certain death, unless God cures him, the king has another dilemma - he is unmarried, and he has no seed i.e. offspring to continue the 'house of David'. Will he die and will the line Judah be brought to an end and will the "lamp" promised to David be extinguished? The sign of the faithful king's recovery is the sun dial of Ahaz going backwards by 10 degrees. Hezekiah's prayer in his extremity is recorded in Isaiah 38. But after his recovery Hezekiah was for a time lifted up in pride and sins in the matter of the envoys from Babylon (compare 2 Chronicles 32 verses 25-31; and also 1 Timothy 6 verses 17-19). An obvious reflection for us in life is that the more acute trials in life may be easier than the less obvious and more insidious ones such as pride. Ezekiel 10, although a short chapter, is of paramount importance. It tells of the departure of the glory from the eastern gate of Jerusalem's Temple. That glory will return when the Lord Jesus Christ returns by that very gate - see Ezekiel chapter 43 verses 1-5.Luke chapter 6 tells us of the rebuke that our Lord Jesus' foes to issue Jesus' disciples for supposedly breaking the Sabbath. The Lord shows from the Scriptures that, based on the record of David in 1 Samuel 21 - the disciples, like David were blameless and that the Son of God was "the Lord of the Sabbath". Next our Lord cures a man with a withered hand also on the Sabbath. This man had undoubtedly been placed in the synagogue to trap the Lord. Instead, Jesus' enemies found that they themselves had the tables turned on them. Jesus uses the occasion to teach the lessons of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is for helping and healing verses Isaiah 561-8; 58 verses 13-14. Read those words aloud and ponder their meaning for the way we must live. After a night in prayer to His Father Christ chose his twelve Apostles. The record says that multitudes come to him and are cured. The chapter follows by outlining our Lord Jesus' Sermon on the Plain. No doubt this is a separate occasion from Matthew 5-7. The themes are common as the message did not change. The Beatitudes, or blessings producing happiness, to the citizens of Zion who will be granted glory in Messiah's kingdom are outlined. They present a complete picture of the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. On this occasion the counterpart of the curses upon the enemies of the Kingdom are enumerated. Like the Matthew record, we are once more told, that we 1) need to love our enemies in order to be as our Father; 2) must not to be censorious and hypocritical by finding fault in others; 3) a tree is to be known by its fruits i.e. the outcomes, or behaviours, of our lives; 4) need to build our faith and lives on the rock that is our Lord Jesus Christ verses Ephesians 2 verses 17-22.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

2 Kings 16 deals with Ahaz's succession to Judah's throne. He was one of the worst kings to sit on the southern throne as the Isaiah prophecy records. Ahaz sacrificed his firstborn son to Molech and passed the younger brother of the slain infant, Hezekiah, through the fire scarring him greatly. Tiglath Pileser, the Assyrian king came and put Judah under tribute. Ahaz took the silver and gold from the temple to avert ruination. The idolatrous Ahaz sent Urijah the priest to copy the altar in Damascus and set up a duplicate in Judah. The substitution by Ahaz of the true altar with the Syrian altar is equivalent to the very human tendency in all ages to replace the commandments of God with the traditions of men verses Matthew 15 verses 1-9. Thus, the incident teaches a timeless lesson. Ahaz destroyed the laver to give the bronze to the Assyrians. It was during the end of Ahaz' reign and the start of Hezekiah's rule that the Immanuel prophecies of Isaiah chapters 7-11 were written. Ezekiel 6 tells of the destruction of the idols and the incense altars. Verses 1-7 proclaims the LORD's intention to destroy these altars. Ironically this would be done by a totally idolatrous nation - the Babylonians. The end of the seventh verse picks up the refrain that is used over sixty times throughout Ezekiel's prophecy verses "And they shall know that I am Yahweh". Verses 8-10 declare that their Sovereign would leave to Judah a remnant to be His witnesses. That remnant of the nation will be preserved by the Almighty for future salvation. Verses 11-14 tell us that the Almighty asks His people to endorse the justice of His judgments, and the refrain is again used in verse 13. In Luke 2 we have the record of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was turned upside down by the decree of Caesar Augustus that there must be a census. This required vast movements of people to their ancestral homes. Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, Mary, are caused to go to Bethlehem. When there was no room in the inn (Chimham's lodging house from the time of king David) they found lodging among the cattle. In such humble circumstances the king of the world is born. A multitude of angels appear to the Bethlehem shepherds, who were watching over the lambs which were to be sacrificed at the next Passover. The message of the angels was that when God is glorified in the earth then there would be peace among men of good will. We then find the record of Jesus being taken to the temple for the required offerings. Mary's offerings were for those of the poorest. We are told of the faithful Anna and Simeon who were in expectation of Messiah's redemption of the nation. Jesus is taken by Joseph and Mary to Egypt in order to escape Herod the Great's slaughter of the babes of Bethlehem (this is recorded in Matthew 2). Luke takes up the story after Herod's death, when they were returned from Egypt and their moving to Nazareth in Galilee. Here Jesus remains until the age of twelve when he went with his parents to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus became "lost" when the family was returning to Galilee. When the family came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus, they found him in the temple discussing the Law with the doctors of the Law. What child was this? The record tells us that as well as hearing these learned men Jesus was also asking questions of them. Our Lord gave the rejoinder to Joseph, his stepfather and Mary - where else did you think I would be? It is my Father's business that motivates me. Mary kept these matters in her heart and often pondered them. On returning to Nazareth, he took the appropriate role of an obedient child. Jesus' wisdom increased rapidly, as did the pleasure of His Father in His wonderful Son. People found him amiable and agreeable in every capacity.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Recall that in our timeline of Judah's kings the most recent king was Ahaz, who proved to be the most evil in king in Judah's history up until that time. He not only worshipped other gods, but sacrificed his children to them as an act of pagan worship. When his son Hezekiah comes to power, he literally cleans house, restoring the temple of the Lord so that all Israel could be called back to worship the God of their ancestors. The priests and the Levites are called upon to consecrate themselves for worship, and they do everything by the book. When the temple has been made ready, they celebrate the Passover early because the people had not done so in a long time. Scripture records that nothing like this has happened since the days of King Solomon. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We are back in the book of Isaiah, and as you'll hear the prophet himself mention, we are in the time period surrounding the death of Ahaz, that wicked king of Judah who not only created an idolatrous altar and set it up adjacent to the altar of God, but who sacrificed his own children to the gods of foreign nations. We begin with a pronouncement against Babylon, which contains assertions that they are God's chosen weapon of wrath against his disobedient people, AND that they will become desolate for their actions. Israel will return to the land and the king of Babylon will fall. Pronouncements against Philistia, Moab, and Damascus follow, and we'll conclude with a prophecy of judgment against Israel. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Isaiah 7:14 declares, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” But was Isaiah pointing to Mary and the birth of Jesus—or someone else in his own day? In this episode, we explore the historical context of Isaiah's prophecy, King Ahaz's crisis, the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘almâh, and the different interpretations that have been offered throughout history. Was the sign fulfilled in Isaiah's time through Hezekiah, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, or the remnant of Israel? Or is Matthew correct in applying it directly to the virgin birth of Christ?In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Stephen Boyce unpacks Isaiah's prophecy, exploring both its immediate context and ultimate fulfillment, and shows how the New Testament identifies Mary—the mother of Jesus—as the true fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, ‘God with us.'

The Assyrians are coming.This causes a devastating civil war between the northern and southern states, and a total capitulation in Jerusalem to Assyrian idolatry.

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 16:10-18 and 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, tracing the tragic reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Faced with military threats from Israel, Syria, Edom, and the Philistines, Ahaz turns not to the Lord but to Assyria for help—paying tribute with treasures from the Temple and even remodeling Judah's worship to imitate pagan practices. Instead of rescue, Assyria brings further oppression, and Ahaz sinks deeper into idolatry, closing the Temple and filling the land with altars to false gods. Curtis and Sally reflect on how Ahaz's decisions reveal a familiar human pattern: seeking success by imitating worldly power, trusting in human alliances instead of God, and hardening the heart when things go wrong. They contrast this with the call of Christ's kingdom, where true greatness comes through servanthood and trust in the Lord. The conversation challenges listeners to examine where they place their hope, to repent when tempted to rely on their own understanding, and to remember that ultimate victory belongs to God alone.

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20   1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.   10 Hear the word of the Lord,     you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God,     you people of Gomorrah! 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—     what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings,     of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure     in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to appear before me,     who has asked this of you,     this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!     Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—     I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals     I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me;     I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,     I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers,     I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash and make yourselves clean.     Take your evil deeds out of my sight;     stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice.     Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless;     plead the case of the widow. 18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”     says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet,     they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,     they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient,     you will eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel,     you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

The signs, visions, and prophecies included into today's reading span from the death of King Uzziah into the beginning of Ahaz's reign, who continues the lineage of Davidic kings. In chapter 6 we get an awe-inspiring sneak peek into the throne room of God. Isaiah senses that he is unfit to be in God's presence, but an angel approaches to cleanse him in a unique way. After this, the Lord God commissions Isaiah to be his messenger. In chapter 7, Isaiah prophesies to King Ahaz of a virgin who conceive and give birth to a son and name him Immanuel. This prophecy had an immediate fulfillment, as a statement about the amount of time which would pass between then and the invasion of the Assyrian king, but it has it's ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Christ.Isaiah 6 - 1:06 . Isaiah 7 - 4:16 . Isaiah 8 - 9:44 . Psalm 128 - 14:10 . Psalm 129 - 15:00 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Entrance Hymn #637 How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the LordSequence Hymn #393 Praise Our Great and Gracious LordOffertory Anthem Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Cobb)Communion Anthem The Lord Is My Shepherd (Pote)Post-Communion Hymn #423 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Soloists for today's service: Lawren Casagrande and Margret CelicoTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYGrant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.FIRST READING Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me.New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation-- I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to...

Friday Bible Study (8/1/25) // 2 Kings 23:1-20 // Website: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... 2 Kings 23:1-20 (ESV)Josiah's Reforms23 Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. 2 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.4 And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. 5 And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens. 6 And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the Lord, outside Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron and beat it to dust and cast the dust of it upon the graves of the common people. 7 And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes who were in the house of the Lord, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah. 8 And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had made offerings, from Geba to Beersheba. And he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on one's left at the gate of the city. 9 However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers. 10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech.[a] 11 And he removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the entrance to the house of the Lord, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the precincts.[b] And he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. 12 And the altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord, he pulled down and broke in pieces[c] and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. 13 And the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 14 And he broke in pieces the pillars and cut down the Asherim and filled their places with the bones of men.#mbchicago #2kings #BibleStudy #DanielBatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #versebyverse #church #chicago #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained

Ahaz: 2 Kings 16:1-20 (Nathan Betts) by Highlands Community Church

Pastor Jim walks through the reign of King Ahaz and the nature of fear in leadership. Unlike his ancestor David, Ahaz responds to threats with frantic fear rather than trust or "faithful fear", leading to idolatry, poor alliances, and the abandonment of God's worship. Jim challenges us to examine how we respond to fear: do we panic and grasp for control, or do we redirect that fear toward deeper reliance on God? Through the words of the prophet Isaiah, listeners are reminded that God is present, faithful, and calling His people to trust Him even when life feels overwhelming. This message offers a clear call to be impressed by God's faithfulness rather than intimidated by present threats and encourages us to build regular rhythms of prayer and reflection so that fear becomes an invitation to faithful obedience.

In this Bible Story, we learn about the tragic downfall of Israel. Fully immersed in evil, they find themselves captive to the dark nations they swore allegiance to. Captives, stolen away from their country, they still fail to cry out to God for help. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 17. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 17:39 from the King James Version.Episode 148: King Hezekiah bore the burden of having Ahaz as his father, but he was nothing like him. Hezekiah held fast to God and encouraged the people to do the same. He led the people in restoring the temple of God. He restored the priests to the temple. And he led the people in true repentance and trust in God.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bible Story, we learn about the wicked King Ahaz. He rules Judah with idolatry and evil, and his twisted practices and unstable mind make Judah vulnerable to attack. This story is inspired by 2 Chronicles 28 & 2 Kings 16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 28:22 from the King James Version.Episode 147: Every year, King Hoshea would send a tribute to Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, to protect them. One year however, he betrayed his allegiance by sending a plea to the king of Egypt begging for his help against his current masters. However, Assyrian spies found out before the message could arrive and their fate was sealed. Because of his rebellion, Shalmaneser raided Israel, uprooted its people, and imprisoned its king. After years of rebelling against God and ignoring His warnings, all were led back to Assyria as slaves.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bible Story, we learn about the faithful reign of King Uzziah. Although he does not finish well, the majority of his life was spent under the wisdom and guidance of God. He fortifies Judah, and protects them from harm. Then, his son Jotham follows by restoring Israel back to a loving relationship with God. This story is inspired by 2 Chronicles 26-27 & 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 26:18 from the King James Version.Episode 146: Ahaz son of Jotham did not share his father's will to follow God, instead, he followed evil. He followed the footsteps of the kings of Israel and the wickedness of their neighbors. He even killed his own children as a sacrifice to foreign gods. God would not tolerate this and so he sent the armies of Aram and Israel to raid them and take captive their men. But even in this punishment, God had a plan to protect those who were innocent and to remove those who led them astray.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to see the Bible as fable, a kind of religious fairy tale with a moralistic sting in its tail.Passages like this one show that much of the book is rooted in actual historical events.These chapters are a snapshot of the late eighth century BC Middle East.The prophet Isaiah is begging the king of one of these nations (Ahaz of Judah) not to enter an alliance with two others (Israel and Aram) against the threat of an invasion from the Assyrian Empire.Instead, Ahaz should rely on God.In his prophecy which involves naming his own children as a sign to Judah and describing dead bodies lying like excrement on Jerusalem's streets, Isaiah appears to predict the arrival of Jesus, a divine rescuer who he refers to enigmatically as 'The Light of the World.'Written and produced by Chas BayfieldMusic by Michael Auld and Jon Hawkins MusicCover art by Lisa GoffSend any comments or feedback to contact@whollybuyable.comX: @WhollyBuyable

Ahaz, Hezekias, Manasseh, Amon & Josias(buletin aki)

The promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ.From the series: The Story of God(bulletin here)

2025-07-06 Understanding the Timesby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Micah 1:1The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

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Two more events round out the account of Hezekiah's reign in Judah. When Hezekiah becomes sick and learns that he will die, the king does not react to the LORD's Word with despair but with faithful prayer, calling upon the LORD to remember. The LORD's answer through Isaiah is immediate, promising life from death for Hezekiah. The LORD graciously gives Hezekiah a sign that His Word is true, which Hezekiah receives in faith rather than unbelief like his father Ahaz. When Babylonian envoys come to Hezekiah, however, he receives them as a potential military ally, as his father Ahaz had once wrongly trusted in Assyria. When Hezekiah hears of the LORD's coming judgment, he responds with indifference. Hezekiah was a faithful king, to be sure, but even he needed the Savior who would be born from his line, Jesus.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 20:1-21.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit www.stpaulpaducah.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Fr. Mike reflects on Hezekiah's righteousness as king of Judah, and his pivotal work of restoring true worship and removing false idols. By undoing all of the corrupt things his father, king Ahaz did, Hezekiah shows us that our ancestors do not define our destiny. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The reign of Hezekiah is a breath of fresh air after the wickedness of his father Ahaz. In faithfulness to the LORD alone, Hezekiah works to root out all sorts of idolatry in Judah. Hezekiah reigns over Judah during the destruction of Samaria, and the Assyrian threat comes against Judah next. The tribute Judah pays isn't enough to keep Assyria away, and Assyrian officials come to threaten Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh's speech taunts not only Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem, but ultimately mocks the one true God. Where Ahaz did not trust the LORD to deliver, Hezekiah will.  Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 18:1-37.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit www.bethany-lcms.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

During the reign of Ahaz in Judah, Hoshea comes to the throne of Israel, and he is the last king to reign in the northern kingdom. About the year 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire besieges Samaria and conquers Israel. The Scripture makes plain that this was no matter of historical accident, but rather, the LORD was bringing about His judgment against Israel for their idolatry which had characterized Israel from the days of Jeroboam son of Nebat. Judah too walked in these ways, but their destruction was yet to come. After Assyria conquered Israel, they moved some Israelites to other parts of their empire and moved other conquered people into Israel. The resulting conglomeration of people and religions provides the background for the enmity between Judeans and Samaritans in the New Testament.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 17:1-41.  To learn more about Crown of Life, visit www.crownoflifesa.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The reign of King Ahaz in Judah is filled with the same wickedness that has characterized the northern kingdom, even the abominable practice of child sacrifice. When Ahaz is faced with the threat of an alliance against him, he chooses to make himself a son of the king of Assyria rather than trust in the promise made by the LORD through the prophet Isaiah. As part of appeasing the Assyrian king, Ahaz tours the pagan temple in Damascus and instructs the high priest in Jerusalem to remodel the LORD's temple accordingly. Ahaz keeps the LORD's altar off to the side, in case of an emergency, but his gesture is hollow. God be praised that the reign of Ahaz's son Hezekiah is faithful.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 16:1-20.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit www.holycrosswarda.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Fr. Mike talks about how we see both an abundance of faith, and a great lack of faith in our readings today. While the widow Elisha visits shows us a beautiful example of walking in faith, king Ahaz fails to repent as he falls deeper into sin. Today's readings are 2 Kings 4, 2 Chronicles 28, and Psalm 127. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we work through the Book of Isaiah, we are increasingly seeing Christ's kingdom come into focus. Today, we look at Isaiah 7, we're going to study a spectacular prophecy that we usually talk about the miraculous birth of Jesus and how we know that, indeed, Jesus is the long-awaited King of the Jews.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Verse 1 mentions King Ahaz? What was he and what kind of king was he? 2.    In verses 1 & 2, what was the setting that was troubling Ahaz? What was Ahaz's response in verse 2?  3.    What was the gist of the Lord's words for Ahaz in verse 4-9? Why do you think the Lord would have this message for Ahaz?  4.    If the Lord were to give such a practical promise to you, what would be your response? From your study of the next few verses, what was Ahaz's response (specifically verse 12)? This seems like it might be a righteous response, why wasn't it? What in his character produced this kind of response?  5.    What reply does the Lord give to Ahaz in verses 13 to 16? What was the gist of this prophecy? Who was the near fulfillment of this promise? Who is the ultimate fulfilment? How was He a fulfillment of these prophecies? 6.    Read over the rest of this passage, what kinds of things does the Lord promise to Ahaz? Would these be fulfilled in Ahaz's days? According to the podcast, when would they be fulfilled?  7.    The podcast mentions that Isaiah's son Shear-jashub means “the remnant shall return”. What might be the significance of Isaiah bringing Shear-jashub to this meeting with Ahaz and then giving these prophecies?  8.    When you think of the desolation that Judah was going to experience, what kind of hope would these promises give to those people in the exile? What kind of hope does it give to us today?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Friday Bible Study (5/30/25) // 2 Kings 20:1-11 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... 2 Kings 20:1-11 (ESV)Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery20 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.'” 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3 “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: 5 “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, 6 and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.” 7 And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”8 And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the Lord on the third day?” 9 And Isaiah said, “This shall be the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he has promised: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?” 10 And Hezekiah answered, “It is an easy thing for the shadow to lengthen ten steps. Rather let the shadow go back ten steps.” 11 And Isaiah the prophet called to the Lord, and he brought the shadow back ten steps, by which it had gone down on the steps of Ahaz.#mbchicago #2kings #BibleStudy #DanielBatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #versebyverse #church #chicago #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained

Isaiah 7:1–16 (Listen) Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz 7:1 In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah the king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but could not yet mount an attack against it. 2 When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with1 Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz2 and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. 3 And the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub3 your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. 4 And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. 5 Because Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying, 6 “Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it4 for ourselves, and set up the son of Tabeel as king in the midst of it,” 7 thus says the Lord GOD:   “‘It shall not stand,    and it shall not come to pass.8   For the head of Syria is Damascus,    and the head of Damascus is Rezin.  And within sixty-five years    Ephraim will be shattered from being a people.9   And the head of Ephraim is Samaria,    and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah.  If you5 are not firm in faith,    you will not be firm at all.'” The Sign of Immanuel 10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the LORD your6 God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” 13 And he7 said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.8 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. Footnotes [1] 7:2 Hebrew Syria has rested upon [2] 7:2 Hebrew his heart [3] 7:3 Shear-jashub means A remnant shall return [4] 7:6 Hebrew let us split it open [5] 7:9 The Hebrew for you is plural in verses 9, 13, 14 [6] 7:11 The Hebrew for you and your is singular in verses 11, 16, 17 [7] 7:13 That is, Isaiah [8] 7:14 Immanuel means God is with us (ESV)