Podcasts about god isaiah

Passage Isaiah 54 Speaker Mike Hood Series Here is your God (Isaiah 40-57) Play Audio Download MP3 Download PDF

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Passage Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 Speaker Mike Hood Series Here is your God (Isaiah 40-57) Play Audio Download MP3 Download PDF

Passage Isaiah 51:17 - 52:12 Speaker Mike Hood Series Here is your God (Isaiah 40-57) Play Audio Download MP3 Download PDF

Study session scripture: Romans 3:27-31Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.Study session topics:Righteousness by faith for Jews and gentiles The salvation offered by God leaves no room for human pride Salvation, from beginning to end, is apart from worksWe cannot claim any credit for any part of our salvationBoasting is the most easily identifiable outworking of pride, the first and greatest of all sinsSatan's pride led him to rebel against God (Isaiah 14:12-15) Eve's pride in desiring to be like God, knowing good and evil, led her to take the fruit of the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:1-7) Pride is the greatest of all sins because it attempts to place us on the throne that belongs to God--It moves us away from worship of God and toward worship of self Pride lies at the root of all sins--We think we know better than God, and therefore our sinful way is better than God's righteous way Pride affects us all to one degree or another - western culture, particularly American culture, is very susceptible to pride. God, in His wisdom, made a path to salvation that excludes our pride by taking all the work and effort (and thus, all the credit and all the glory) upon HimselfJustification before God comes by faith, not by our own efforts Salvation is a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) (Romans 11:6) What is faith? What does faith look like? 3 elements of faith: knowledge, belief, and commitment (Romans 10:13-14) Knowledge--One must know the truth about God and ourselves to have effective faith Belief--Being moved in the heart, accepting the truth as the truth Commitment: putting one's complete trust in the object of one's faith Since God is God of all, both Jew and Gentile, there is only one way to gain salvation--by faith Paul affirms the Shema (Hebrew for "hear") (Deuteronomy 6:4)--"Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one," rebuking Gentile polytheism while also chiding the Jewish sense of superiority over being God's chosen people -Paul once again drives home to both audiences that it is not rote ritualistic obedience that saves, but faith Paul concludes this section by affirming that even though obedience to the Law cannot save, this does not mean we throw the Law away Faith does not mean we can do as we please regardless of the morality of our actions--indeed, true faith inspires us to uphold God's morality Study session audio:

Evangelical Free Church of Canton

Passage Isaiah 50:4-11 Speaker Mike Hood Series Here is your God (Isaiah 40-57) Play Audio Download MP3 Download PDF

Today's podcast honors God as being the Restorer and the Redeemer within relationships that seem irreparably broken. Kate Galat, from our West Cobb community (located just outside Atlanta, Georgia), shares her story of pursuing the Lord amidst the hardships within her marriage.   From separation to transformation through God and His Word to ultimately reconciliation with her husband, Kate beautifully illustrates what the Lord can do with a surrendered heart and how the unexplainable can happen when we position ourselves under His care.   VERSE OF THE WEEK: "You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God Isaiah 62:3   CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK: How is the Lord calling you to surrender to Him in your relationships? Practice the art of forgiveness and "out-serving" those around you.  ____________________________________________________   Listen to a similar story:  Ep. 197- Brenna Naufel: "Grace Like Rain: A Marriage Story"    The Power of A Praying Wife by Stormy Omartian   Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kate and any of our past storytellers!   Become a Patreon Insider to access more stories from our live gatherings around the country! Details on our Stories Of Hope luncheon on March 11th coming soon!!!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!?  Click HERE!   Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Why do people worship blocks of wood instead of their Creator? Find out with Nathan Jones and Vic Batista on the podcast, The Truth Will Set You Free!

Passage Isaiah 49:8-23 Speaker Mike Hood Series Here is your God (Isaiah 40-57) Play Audio Download MP3 Download PDF

Message: Pretending to Trust God Isaiah 1:2-20 Dr. Will Spivey, NextGen Pastor    Prayer Requests: https://bit.ly/2wuoRpR  FBCO Messengers: fbcopelika.com/messenger  Subscribe to our Email Messenger (Newsletter): https://bit.ly/3cscn78 Guest Registration: https://bit.ly/3beXWx6  Online Giving: https://www.fbcopelika.com/give  Serve: https://bit.ly/2NRdH78  Sermon Transcripts: http://bit.ly/43ADj9f  Sermon Archives: https://www.youtube.com/@FBCOpelika/streams

"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God." Isaiah 50:10

This week, we had a special guest speaker, Carl Gormley, our missionary to the Philippines. We're excited for what God is doing through the Gormley family. Carl's sermon was from Isaiah 58, "The Light of God."

Is it true that there's only one God, or are there many? Find out with Nathan Jones and Vic Batista on the podcast, The Truth Will Set You Free!

In Isaiah 6 the prophet Isaiah receives a shocking revelation of God. And chief among the attributes of God that are on display in this vision is his transcendent holiness. Indeed, the Seraphim, in their praise of God, cry out that, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts..."Sadly, there are many today, even amongst professing Christians, that have lost a sense of the holiness of God. But Scripture, on the contrary, is constantly pointing us toward this truth. In fact, Scripture seems to highlight this attribute of God as much or more than any of his other attributes. To learn more about the holiness of God, and how this passage points us to Christ, tune into this episode.

Over 1.6 billion Google results for "how to find peace" – yet anxiety continues to plague our generation. In this episode, we explore Isaiah 26:3-4 and discover why true peace isn't found through self-help books or better circumstances, but through a steadfast mind fixed on God.This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. To join thousands living in Freedom with nothing to hide visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. **Use our unique code: DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family Plan**KEY TOPICS COVERED: The difference between happiness and biblical peaceWhy God's peace is "shalom shalom" (perfect peace)How meditation on God's character transforms anxietyThe battle for the mind in the Christian lifePractical steps to experience lasting peaceMAIN SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal."Whether you're facing trials, anxiety, loss, or uncertainty, this conversation reveals how peace isn't something we pursue – it's something we receive when we fix our eyes on God's unchanging character.To read more on anxiety and what the bible says, read Jonny Ardavanis' book, Consider the Lilies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God” - https://a.co/d/hYKfnw6

Speaker: Senior Pastor Brian Charland"This is Our God"Text: Isaiah 25: 6-9Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church316 W Main St.Sanford, NC

Watch the Devotion Based on Isaiah 63:7-9 Remember the Many Good Things the LORD Has Done for You Now that we have firmly stepped into a new year I want to ask, how was 2025? There are plenty of after action reviews out there to remind us. Nearly every news organization publishes a “year in review”. Like a military storyboard, many showcase the top pictures of the year or the trending memes from 2025. Even your phone will create a collage of your most memorable moments and people to help you recall this past year. God does something similar. The pictures he uses are the stories and promises he makes in the Bible. He wants to help you remember the good things he has done for you. Listen to the prophet Isaiah: “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses” (Isaiah 63:7). First, Isaiah shares why the LORD has done good things for you: he is compassionate and kind. His heart is moved by his love for sinners and he puts that love into action on our behalf. Because he is a kind and loving God Isaiah says, “… he became their Savior” (Isaiah 63:8). We need a Savior God because if we were to look at your year in review through pictures, I am sure there are some you wouldn't want to see. There are certainly pictures you wouldn't want others to see… pictures that show the thoughts you had towards others, words spoken, actions taken, actions you didn't take but should have. Since your kind, loving God is your Savior, he removes those pictures from your storyboard and replaces them with pictures of Jesus' loving words, his kind actions, his charitable thoughts. God wants you to remember the good things he has done for you – how he saved you from your sins and saved you for himself. Isaiah writes, “In his love and mercy he redeemed them.” (Isaiah 63:9) Good thing God did for you is he redeemed you. Jesus paid a price – his very life – to make you his own. You belong to him. Usually when a person is owned by someone else, that's not a good thing. But in this case, it is one of the many good things the LORD has done for you. Listen! “He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9). The picture is of a child lifting up her arms saying, “Up! Up!” The Father lifts his child up in his arms. Because you belong to your Father in heaven he has lifted you up and carried you. Look back on the year and see how often the LORD did this for you. So instead of looking ahead to 2026 and wondering what this year will bring, start today by reading your bible every day and remember the many good things the LORD has done for you. Prayer: Eternal God, you are always the same and your years have no end. In your mercy we close another year and begin another. You have done good things for us. For this we humbly say, “Thank you.” Move us to devote our time to your Word this year, so that you may remind us of all the good things you have done and will continue to do for us. We march confidently into the New Year with your compassion and kindness to bless us. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

It is time this very minute to pray and seek God. Time to set our timers and pray for the minute. This podcast encourages us to stop for a minute and, now, in the presence of our Heavenly Father—with praise and prayer—worship Him in Jesus' name and in the power of the Holy Spirit. ———— *We do not own the rights to music played on this podcast.

In this in-depth Bible teaching, we explore two critical Hebraisms that unlock major New Testament passages: the Key of the House of David (Isaiah 22) and “All shall be taught by God” (Isaiah 54). First, we examine the Old Testament background of the Key of David and how it reveals delegated royal authority under the king. This foundation allows us to correctly understand Jesus' words to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 and His absolute authority to open and shut doors of access, ministry, and the Kingdom itself. Next, we tackle Isaiah 54:13 and its direct quotation by Jesus in John 6. By understanding Jewish interpretive methods (PaRDeS), we expose how this passage is often misused to support Calvinistic theology. When read in its proper Jewish and prophetic context, Jesus is not teaching mystical election, but showing that God draws people through Scripture itself. Those who hear and learn from the Father through the Word come to Christ by faith. This study dismantles common misunderstandings about divine drawing, salvation, and election, and reaffirms the biblical truth of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 22 Isaiah 53–54 John 6 Revelation 3 Matthew 16 Acts 2 Psalm 2 1 Corinthians 15

In this in-depth Bible teaching, we explore two critical Hebraisms that unlock major New Testament passages: the Key of the House of David (Isaiah 22) and "All shall be taught by God" (Isaiah 54). First, we examine the Old Testament background of the Key of David and how it reveals delegated royal authority under the king. This foundation allows us to correctly understand Jesus' words to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 and His absolute authority to open and shut doors of access, ministry, and the Kingdom itself. Next, we tackle Isaiah 54:13 and its direct quotation by Jesus in John 6. By understanding Jewish interpretive methods (PaRDeS), we expose how this passage is often misused to support Calvinistic theology. When read in its proper Jewish and prophetic context, Jesus is not teaching mystical election, but showing that God draws people through Scripture itself. Those who hear and learn from the Father through the Word come to Christ by faith. This study dismantles common misunderstandings about divine drawing, salvation, and election, and reaffirms the biblical truth of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 22 Isaiah 53–54 John 6 Revelation 3 Matthew 16 Acts 2 Psalm 2 1 Corinthians 15

Christmas Cards from God: Peace In the latest sermon, we explored the profound theme of peace as a divine gift, focusing on Jesus as the Prince of Peace. This theme is deeply connected to the Christmas story, which celebrates a time when God gave us what we could never achieve on our own: peace in the midst of chaos. The Gift of Peace The sermon began by highlighting the incredible generosity of the congregation, which raised significant funds for clean water projects. These acts of kindness symbolize how generosity contributes to peace in the world. This giving parallels the peace God offers us through Jesus. Understanding Peace The concept of peace was broken down into two key ideas: Being at Peace: An internal state of calm and acceptance, regardless of external circumstances. Being in Peace: A state dependent on external conditions aligning perfectly, which is often beyond our control. God desires both forms of peace for us. This truth is echoed in Jesus' words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Jesus, the Prince of Peace The title Prince of Peace carries deep meaning. As the ruler and keeper of peace, Jesus offers a peace that cannot be found anywhere else. This peace is not earned or bought; it is a divine gift, inseparably tied to His presence. Isaiah 9:6 foretells the coming of the Prince of Peace, emphasizing that Jesus' birth is God's gift of peace to humanity. His reign means He governs a kingdom of peace, offering citizenship through spiritual rebirth. Entering the Kingdom of Peace To enter this kingdom, a person must be “born again,” as explained in John 3:5–7. This spiritual rebirth is necessary because sin separates us from God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, peace with God becomes possible. Colossians 1:20 reminds us that peace comes through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Living in Peace The sermon also acknowledged a hard truth: while we can experience peace in this world, complete and lasting peace will only be fully realized in eternity. Ephesians 2:14–19 shows how Jesus has broken down walls of hostility, reconciling us to God and offering true peace. The Pathway, Presence, and Promise of Peace The Pathway of Peace: Walking in God's wisdom and commands leads to peace (Proverbs 3:13, 17; Psalm 119:165). The Presence of Peace: Even in hardship, the Holy Spirit provides peace that surpasses understanding. The Promise of Eternal Peace: Believers ultimately look forward to eternal rest and peace with God (Isaiah 57:2). Conclusion The sermon closed with a call to embrace the peace Jesus offers. It challenged listeners to reflect on their spiritual condition and to share this peace with others. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the Prince of Peace has opened the kingdom of peace to all who believe—offering peace for today and peace for eternity.

Jesus: Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) | David Platt

Description: Isaiah 9:6 proclaims that the child born to usher in light, joy, liberty, and peace is Jesus Christ. Defending the prophecy’s fulfillment against skeptics, the sermon considers Jesus’ majestic titles, focusing on “Wonderful Counselor” (the source of divine wisdom guiding creation, redemption, and history), and “Mighty God” (evidence of his full deity, demonstrated in Scripture and his works). Ultimately, this child is “given to us” personally—for sinners to receive by faith as their own Savior, Lord, and King. Here is […]

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Ultimate Reconciliation of All (1) (audio) David Eells – 12/10/25 I have found that the truth always motivates people to holiness, to turn loose of the world and run after God; but a lie always makes people comfortable where they are, and there are a lot of lies out there. People who like to make up their own gospel turn the grace of God into lasciviousness by choosing to believe that once saved is always saved. That means there's no use in taking any warning from the Lord seriously, since that false doctrine negates the possibility of being lost. These people are not motivated because they erroneously believe their “ticket's been punched.” Today, I'm going to speak to you about a doctrine that's in the church denominations called “ultimate reconciliation of all.” Many Unconditional Eternal Security people find this easy to fall into since in effect you cant be lost. Ultimate Reconciliationists believe there will come a time when the wicked, including the devil and his angels, in some cases, will come out of torment and be reconciled to God. This doctrine did not come from Christians but Unitarians and Universalists who brought it from England to the New England colonies in the 18th century. The fruit of this doctrine is the same as that of unconditional eternal security. If no one can ultimately be lost, why fear God or the warnings of Scripture? It destroys motivation to study and obey the Word of God or evangelize the lost and dying. Like the unconditional eternal security people, many of these will take the mark of the beast and are taking the spiritual mark now. What else would the devil have you believe? I have ministered in several churches that believed this. Generally, the people are very prideful and judgmental of those who do not have their “deep revelation”. They are forced to pick and choose verses in order to justify this doctrine, and it makes them disrespect the Word. I have debated many with this doctrine over the years, some on our live internet chat Bible study a few years ago. When they can't back it up with scriptures, they generally resort to insults. We who believe the Word just don't have “the revelation”. Reconciliationists say the Greek words for forever and ever mean “unto the age of the ages”, meaning when used of those in eternal punishment, it is only for a period of time after which everyone comes out of the lake of fire. They lie. “Unto the age of the ages” is only in one place. (Eph.3:21) unto him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever (unto the age of the ages) Amen. Here it says, “unto all generations unto the age of the ages”, which is only as long as men have children, clearly making it a period of time. In the four Greek manuscripts I have, which range from the oldest to the Received Text, the second-to-last Greek letter of “age” in this verse is an omicron, the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet, which makes this word singular, “Age”. In every other place, the second-to-last letter in the word “ages” is an alpha, the 1st letter of their alphabet, making this word plural, “Ages”. In every other case where “forever and ever” is the translation, “unto the ages of ages” is the literal wording, which has no end. The manuscripts and Bible Numerics prove this to be the case. (Rev.14:11) and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever (unto the ages of ages); and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name. There is no end to the fiery punishment. Many will receive the mark because of this false doctrine. That means that God would die if it were only a period of time. Notice in (Rev.15:7) And one of the four living creatures gave unto the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. So if they are correct, using the same words, when these people come out of hell, God dies. If it were only a period of time in the following verses, the devil, beast, and false prophet would come out of the lake of fire at the end of that time. (Rev.20:10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Even though many Reconciliationists say they do not believe the devil will be saved, according to this doctrine, he has to be. If there is an end to his torment, God will die for the same phrase is used for the longevity of each. They say that “forever,” Greek: “aionios”, meaning “unto the ages”, is for a period of time, but the Kingdom will cease if that is true. We are told forever is without end. (Luk.1:33) and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Vines says this is a Greek Idiom; i.e., an expression whose meaning cannot be derived from the elements of the word. Idioms can always be explained by their usage in the text. If one said, “After he kicked the bucket, I went to the funeral”, you know that “kicked the bucket” means death. It is so with the Greek word for “for ever” or “eternal”. Forever is clearly set apart from a period of time in this verse: (Phm.15) For perhaps he was therefore parted [from thee] for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever. Clearly “for ever” is far more than a period of time. They also say eternal, which is the same Greek word, “aionios”, meaning “unto the ages”, and has no end. (Joh.10:28) and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. Clearly the elect only are eternal and eternal is clearly set apart from a period of time in this verse: (2 Cor.4:18) while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal (temporary or for a season); but the things which are not seen are eternal. If eternal is only a period of time, then at the end of that period, the wicked come out of hell and God and the righteous die. (Mat.25:46) And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life. If “eternal” is only a period of time, then, according to this doctrine, God, the Holy Spirit, the Kingdom of God, the new body, etc., would come to an end; but God is also immortal, i.e., deathless (1 Timothy 6:16); the Holy Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14); the Kingdom is eternal (2 Peter 1:11); and the new body, which is also immortal, i.e., deathless, is eternal (1 Cor­inthians 15:52,53; 2 Corinthians 5:1). Here is the clincher: Those who do not have eternal life will “not see life”. (Joh.3:36) He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life (Greek: aionios; “unto the ages”); but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. We can't twist those words. “Not see life” clearly means never. Those who have eternal sin “never” get forgiveness. (Mar.3:29) but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. Once again, we can't twist those words. Reconciliationists use the following verse to claim that “eternal” has an end. (Rom.16:25) Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, (26) but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God. There is no end of eternity, just as God here is eternal, but there are points in eternity when things are manifested like the revelation of Christ here. From our point of view, eternity goes into the past and into the future. Something may be eternally future without being eternally past. For instance, we have eternal life because we entered into eternity. The spiritual man in Jesus is eternal for he came out of God. His flesh had a beginning for He was sown of God and born of Mary.  And even before that He was “the beginning of the creation of God” and “the first-born of all creation”. This was a point in eternity. When other terminology is used in the Word as we have seen, the Ultimate Reconciliationists are at a loss. (Isa.66:24) And they shall go forth, and look upon the dead bodies of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. Clearly the wicked souls do not die for they are in eternal fire. (Job.5:6) How much less man, that is a worm! And the son of man, that is a worm! Which will not come out of fire. (Mar.9:47) ... it is good for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell; (48) where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Notice that using different words they will always be in fire. (Psa.49:19) He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see the light. Again using other words they will never see the light of truth. They also say, “everlasting” is a period of time, but as we can see, it has no end! (Jer.20:11) But Jehovah is with me as a mighty one [and] a terrible: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly put to shame, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten. Everlasting here is clearly eternal. When I was younger, “Ultimate Reconciliation” was often called the “Restoration of All Things,” taken from the KJV. (Acts 3:21) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things (Things is not in the original Greek.), whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been. Restoration here is “apokatastasis,” meaning “back in order”. Only God's people can go back to order because the rest never had order. Notice that when the Lord returns after the Tribulation, the “restoration of all” of His elect is completed. At that time, He is not restoring the wicked but destroying them. (Rev.19:15) And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. Even a thousand years later, when all the wicked are resurrected at the Great White Throne judgment, they are taken from hell and thrown in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-15). That makes it clear that “all” is all of the elect, not all people, as even the Jews understood. To the Jews, “all” meant all of the elect. It is the same today. All of the elect, but without racial distinction, classes or conditions of people, rather than just physical Jews. All Israel is all elect Jews and Gentiles who are grafted into the olive tree (Romans 11:19-24,26), not those who are broken off. Compare the “all” in Mark 1:5 and Luke 7:29-30, where “all” is clearly the elect. The “all” whom the Father gives to Jesus are the elect in John 17:6,9 and in John 6:37,45. We see the same thing when we look at John 8:2, Acts 22:15, 2 Corinthians 3:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:22. Compare Romans 12:3 and 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Read 1 Timothy 2:6, Colossians 3:11 and Matthew 20:28. Jesus came to save only all of His own (Isaiah 53:8,11; Luke 1:68,77; Romans 9:21). God is not wishing that any of His people perish (2 Peter 3:9). (Rom.9:11) For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Reconciliationists say that God unconditionally loves the whole world and could not fail to save it. They like to use this verse as proof. (Joh.3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. Yet, God clearly specifies what part of the world He loves here as “whosoever believeth”. Jesus disagreed with their interpretation of this verse. (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. (22) Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (Joh.15:10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (15:14) Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. Here's even more proof from the Word: (Rom.9:13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. (Psa.5:5) The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (Psa.11:5) Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. (Pro.6:16-19) There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: (17) Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; (18) A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren. (Pro.8:17) I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me. (Hos.9:15) All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them: because of the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house; I will love them no more; all their princes are revolters. Friends, we cannot make God's love a worldly love. God would not be love if He permitted the wicked into His Kingdom to leaven the whole lump. God does not dwell in time and can, therefore, love by faith the elect whom He foreknew and foreordained. (Rom.9:11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. (Psa. 11:5) Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. God's people who live in sin will prove themselves called but not chosen, and He will love them no more. (Hos.9:15) All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them: because of the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house; I will love them no more; all their princes are revolters. This is not traditional, but I hope I've made it clear. (1 Cor.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Ultimate reconciliationists use this verse to say that those in Adam, the whole natural man creation, and those in Christ, the whole spiritual man creation, are the same people, so therefore God will save all. However, the next verse narrows those “in Christ” to those who are His at His coming. (23) But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. As most know, when Jesus comes, He will eternally destroy the wicked who were obviously not in Him. (2 Thes.1:7) and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, (8) rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: (9) who shall suffer punishment, [even] eternal destruction from the face of the Lord....   PREDESTINED AND CHOSEN Let us see who the full measure of those in Christ are, and also if God ever planned to reconcile all of Adam's seed. “Predestine” means “to determine destiny before it happens”. “Foreordain”, which is the same Greek word, means “to ordain an event before it takes place”. (Eph.1:4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. You who are manifesting sonship by bearing fruit have been chosen and are being drawn by God. (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (predestined) [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. God foreknew and decreed all who come to the likeness of Jesus, but not the apostate. “Foreknew” here does not mean that He looked into the future and saw what we would be. “Foreknew” here means “to know before” and is not connected with actions or events, but persons. God knew these people before the foundation of the world because He does not dwell in time. God conceives and knows what He creates before He speaks it into existence, just as we conceive and design something first in our mind before we make it. “Knew” speaks of intimate knowledge; for instance, Adam knew Eve. Jesus will say to those who called Him Lord but do not do the will of the Father, (Mat.7:23) “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (I.e.,from the foundation of the world): depart from me, ye that work iniquity”. To the foolish virgins who had not the oil of the Spirit, Jesus said, “I know you not”. The ones that God intimately knew He “foreordained” before the creation to be conformed to the image of Jesus. God is creating us through His gift of faith and grace and His Word in us. These are the people on the narrow road. This is grace. (Rom.8:30) and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. We see here that all who are foreordained will be called, justified, and glorified. They will not fall away but will bear the fruit of Christ. Are there others who are called but not foreordained? Let us see. (2 Tim.1:9) who saved us, and called us with a holy calling … Notice that only the saved are called. “Called” is from the Greek word “kaleo”, which means “to invite”. “Called” is an invitation given only to God's people (for more proof, read Hebrews 3:1; Hosea 11:1; 1 Timothy 6:11,12; Matthew 25:14; Romans 1:6,7) to partake of His heavenly benefits in Christ in order to bear fruit. Those who bear fruit 30-, 60-, or 100-fold will be proven to be the chosen, or picked. Naturally, if at harvest time you have no fruit, rotten fruit, or unripe fruit, you will not be picked. The called are the vineyard of God (Isaiah 5:7). The chosen are the much smaller percentage who bear fruit (verse 10). (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen (Greek: eklektos; “elect”). The “called” can fall, but the elect or chosen will not ultimately. (Hos.11:1) When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. (2) The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them .... The Lord saved those who ate the lamb and were baptized in the Red Sea. He then tried them in the wilderness to see who would be a believer in the midst of trials, and only those entered the Promised Land. Jude warned the called of this very thing. (Jud.1) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called ... (5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. Notice that the called were saved, but some did not continue in faith to bear fruit and were destroyed. Friends, God is not looking for what we loosely call “Christians”, but believers or disciples, as they were called. Jesus gave us very clear examples of His servants who are called but do not come and partake in order to bear fruit. Jesus shared a parable in which a king made a marriage feast for His son. (Mat.22:3) … and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden (Greek: “called”) to the marriage feast: and they would not come. They were full of excuses (a farm, merchandise, a new wife, etc.). (Mat.22:8) Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. Even one who appeared to come did not have on a wedding garment, which implies putting on Christ (Romans 13:14) or putting on righteous acts (Revelation 19:8). (Mat.22:13) Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few chosen. A few of the called are chosen or elect because they bear fruit. (Mat.25:14) For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants (Greek: “bondservants”), and delivered unto them his goods. (15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. Obviously, the man who went away was the Lord, and His bondservants are His people. Two of these example servants brought forth fruit of the talent given them (Matthew 25:20-22), but one buried his in the earth (used his talent for the earthly, Matthew 25:24,25). When our Lord returns, He will say, “And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth” (Mat.25:30). The apostle Paul, who said of himself that he was called in Galatians 1:6, also said, “But I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected” (That's the Greek word for “reprobated”) (1 Cor.9:27). There is much more proof that the saved and the called can fall. Some good examples are 2 Peter 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:11,12; Hebrews 3:1,6,12,14, and Romans 11:1-7,19-23. Friend, you probably know if you are called, but are you chosen? You must be diligent in your walk of faith to prove this with fruit. (2Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election (“choosing”) sure: for if ye do these things (the attributes of Christ listed in verses 5-7), ye shall never stumble: (11) for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God, at the cross, has already given us everything that we need to bear fruit through faith. (3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; (4) whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Faith in the promises through the midst of trials will give us the fruit. The called have the power and the opportunity. The called and the chosen, or foreordained, use the power by faith and take the opportunity. The only ones who will ultimately be with the Lord are identified in this verse. (Rev.17:14) These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they [also shall overcome] that are with him, called and chosen and faithful. Notice that the called who are chosen will be faithful. I did not make these verses up; they are the Word of God. Those who have eyes and ears will see and understand, but the rest will justify their religion and ignore the Scriptures. Before time and the future, God sovereignly spoke the end from the beginning, bringing these things into existence in time. Some would argue, “How could God make a promise to all of His called and then not keep it for those who do not bear fruit?” The answer is that every promise in the Bible is useless until someone walks by faith in it. Our part of the covenant is faith; God's part is power and salvation. We can break the covenant through unbelief. (Num.14:11) And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have wrought among them? (12) I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they. Notice that God is saying this to His own people who did not believe that He would disinherit them. Lest any believe that God cannot make a promise and then take it back when they do not walk in faith, pay attention to this: (Num.14:23) surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that despised me see it. (30) surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (34) and ye shall know my alienation (Hebrew: “revoking of my promise”). Unless we mix faith with God's promises, they are void. (Heb.4:2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they (God's people): but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. Many Israelites walked in sin and were disinherited and blotted out of God's book. (Exo.32:33) And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. The same is true of the Christians who do not overcome sin. Notice what the Lord said to the church. (Rev.3:5) He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life... They will be rejected from the body of Christ. (Rev.3:16) So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Many of God's people, Israel, were broken off because of unbelief, and Christians who were grafted in but do not walk by faith will be too. (Rom.11:20) Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. (22) Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Those who are still grafted in at the end are called “all Israel”… (26) and so all Israel shall be saved... Those who are still in the Book of Life, still grafted in, are the elect (Greek: “chosen”). (Rom.11:2) God did not cast off his people, which he foreknew ... (5) Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election (Greek: “chosen”) of grace. A remnant is the ones who are left. Notice that they are foreknown and chosen. Sovereign God will have those who are truly His. Abiding in Christ is where salvation is. Some say God gave us the gift of eternal life so He cannot take it back. In Galatians 3:16, we are told, “To Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ”. So the promises were given to Christ, not to us individually. The only way the promises are ours is if we abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ is bearing fruit (John 15:1-6), walking as he walked (1 John 2:3-6), believing the same teachings given by Jesus and the apostles (1 John 2:24; Jude 3; Matthew 28:20), not adding or subtracting from the Word (Revelation 22:18,19), not walking in sin (1 John 3:5,6), and keeping his commandments (1 John 3:24). In Christ is the only place we can claim the gift of eternal life. (1Jn.5:11) ... God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. God does not have to take His gift back; His people walk out of it. (1 Cor.6:18) ... Every sin that a man doeth is without the body ... When you walk in willful sin, you are not abiding in His body, for in him is no sin (1Jn.3:5). (6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not … For instance, fornication, whether spiritual or physical, takes away the members of Christ and makes them members of a harlot (1 Corinthians 6:15,18). Only Christ and those abiding in Him are chosen. (Eph. 1:4) Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world... Only Christ and those abiding in Him are going to heaven. (Joh.3:13) And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven... Jesus Christ is the Manna from heaven, the Word, Who takes up residence in those who love Him; this is the fruit that God is coming to choose. By this time, I am sure some are thinking that they do not measure up. We must first abide in Christ by faith accepting the gospel report that “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me” (Gal.2:20). Those who walk by faith that they are dead to sin and Christ now lives in them are accounted as righteous until God uses that faith to manifest righteousness in them. (Gal.3:6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Amen. Next, I'd like to share with you a couple of testimonies from our website of people who received the revelation of the error in their thinking concerning their own salvation.   Coming Judgment on the Lukewarm Sandy - 01/15/2014 I had a dream that thousands of demons entered my bedroom, then jumped on me while I was in bed, devouring my flesh. I was totally paralyzed. I repeatedly shouted out, “You must flee, in the name of Jesus!” These demons continued to attack me. There was total darkness -- no Jesus. It was HORRIFYING. I felt as though I was in the pits of hell, and this is where my soul is going if I don't change my ways. Then I was whisked away, and I was standing in front of a large cross. From the center of the cross, a bright light was shining. I heard the Lord say to me, “Come to the cross. I did not hear or respond to your cries because you are not abiding in Me. Horrific evil is here, and more is coming, and if you do not abide in Me, you will be devoured. I will not hear nor respond to your cries, if you do not abide in me, and you will not be able to fight off this evil in your own strength”.  Then I was whisked back to my bed, where the demons were devouring me again. I was once again paralyzed. I breathed on them, saying, “Jesus”, and they eventually all fled. I woke up with tears streaming down my face, crying out to the Lord. Now, here is what is so IRONIC: I considered myself to be a born-again, saved Christian! Over the past few years, I've started to walk in the ways of the world, thinking it is okay because ‘I know the Lord loves me; I am a good person and I am saved.' How many other Christians are thinking in the same way? How many other Christians are not truly saved? I turned away from Jesus in my walk. It was a slow and subtle turning away, convincing myself all along the way that I can walk my walk, give the Lord ‘courtesy prayer' and everything will be okay. I WAS SO WRONG.  Thank You, LORD, for Your warning, as horrifying as it was. Thank You, LORD, for giving me another chance to make You Lord of my life.   My Salvation and Deliverance from Satanic Music James Austin - 07/08/2008 When I was a child and up to the age of 15, I had gone to some Baptist and Methodist churches off and on. I had even been what I believed at the time to be saved and baptized. I never really placed importance in my salvation as most Christians at the time. I was scared about hell, so I thought if I got saved, then I would go to heaven and still do whatever I wanted. When I was about 16, I cared only about the world and gave God no attention at all. I was associating with people who weren't Christian and listening to music that wasn't Godly. I began to stop believing that there was a God and didn't care if He even existed. A year and a half ago, I was up late one night and I had nothing to do and I started thinking about life and the world and I felt a sudden loneliness and sadness, and I looked up and said, “God, if You are real and Your Word is true, then help me; I want to know the truth.” I don't think it was even two weeks and God led a brother I work with by the name of Nehemiah to me to inquire about carpooling with me. By this time, I had forgotten about what I had asked God. I was still listening to satanic music and living very worldly. The first week he rode with me to work, I didn't play any music because I began to feel ashamed and did not want people to know which music I listened to. At this time, I didn't know Nehemiah was a Christian. A few weeks later, someone else with whom we were carpooling informed me that Nehemiah was a Christian. Then I really felt low and inadequate to be around him. One day, I was looking at some space nebula and stuff, and I saw what looked like Jesus' face in one of these objects in space. Then I started thinking about God even more. I asked Nehemiah one day about it, and we began talking, and he told me some things the Bible spoke of. Then, after about two weeks of talking and debating with him, he led me to your website, and I started reading and listening to some of your stuff and became very fearful of where I was headed. That morning when I got home from work, I cried to God to forgive me and save me. I confessed to so many evil things I had done and wept, and then felt a peace come over me. I have been reading and listening to your programs and teachings ever since, and I feel the Holy Spirit every time I do. God began to work in me, and I bought your “Sovereign God” book and an ASV Bible. Now I have the New Testament on audio, and I only have the desire to listen to music that glorifies God, and I listen and read the Word of God. I have lost the desire to watch all TV programs because I can now see the sinful nature of TV and how TV glorifies sin. I believe God has saved me and He also healed me from plantar fasciitis (a painful tendon injury) by faith alone. Glory to God! God Bless you, brothers and sisters. I don't listen to evil music, and I feel better inside. God has really changed me. Thank you! I had sent an email about my wife a while ago, but I couldn't remember if I had ever given my testimony to you. My wife is still an unbeliever, but I continue to pray for her salvation. I believe that one day God, in some way, will also save her.

12/10/2025 - Isaiah 19:23-25 - Pastor Sean DemingSermon Videohttps://youtu.be/JKzh1Qz4EFYFull Worship Servicehttps://youtu.be/tm5qcTxMA5g~~Recent Videos:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/recent~~Prayer Requests:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/prayers~~Visit our web site to learn more about Faith Lutheran Church. Watch View past worship services, sermons, bible studies, and devotions.https://www.faithmoorpark.com/~~Support Faith Lutheran Church:Online Giving:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/giving~~Faith Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS) located in Moorpark, California.

To support the ministry of Immanuel Church visit https://www.immanuelnashville.com/give

Jim cracked me up with the story he told in his recent family newsletter. He and his honey were enjoying some personal time at the Atlantic Ocean, which is really big. Jim decided to take a picture of himself and the ocean, which is really big. Later, he made a disturbing discovery which he reported this way. "I think I missed the ocean!" Which is really big. Oh, he's in the picture, but the Atlantic is nowhere to be seen. Now how can a smart guy miss something as big and as beautiful as the ocean? Well, by totally focusing on himself. I've made that mistake. Missing the big thing because I was so focused on myself. I suspect I'm not alone. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "What You Miss When You're a Selfie." When we're hurting, when we're grieving, when we're grappling with this big problem, we tend to go inward and become all about ourselves. We miss the person we married because we're so focused on our frustrations with them. Before we married them, we magnified what we loved and minimized what bothered us. Now we're all about our frustrations with them, forgetting all we loved about them. So it's selfie time. All about me. Losing sight of the one we once could not live without. So we stop loving like we did, and they start responding to the change. We can miss our kids the same way. By dwelling on how they're disappointing us, defying us, or distancing themselves from us. So we're sucked into a cycle of seeing - and talking about - only what they need to change. Not seeing - and talking about - the big picture of their strengths and their potential. We focus the lens on our hurt and our fear and our frustration, and we miss the big stuff. That masterpiece God made and entrusted to you in that child. I know how much my picture can become a selfie when I'm going through a hurting time. Pain tends to make us selfish: self-centered, self-pitying and all those nasty self words. But my Bible tells me that there's always something bigger going on than the immediate situation. It's affirmed in our word for today from the Word of God from Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose." And the Bible says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). There's a Big Plan for my good. But I'll miss the big and beautiful part if I just focus on my pain. When my precious Karen was suddenly gone that May, my natural tendency was to be all about me - my grief, my life without her, my future. But, thankfully, God quickly rescued me from my selfie. And He began to show me what I could become through this greatest heartbreak of my life. I can honestly say my heart is more open than it's ever been - open to God's voice, open to letting my journey help somebody else on their journey, open to broken and breaking hearts that are all around me. What's scary is that our "selfie" can actually cause us to miss the biggest and most beautiful sight of all - the God who made us. We so want to have life our way that we live as if we've dethroned Him from the throne of our life. In the Bible's words, "Each of us has turned to His own way" (Isaiah 53:6). And, you know, all those choices where we've sort of said, "God, You run the universe, but I'll run me" - well, in the Bible's words they have "separated you from your God" (Isaiah 59:2). And you knew that without listening today, you could feel that gap between you and Him. All about me. Missing the God who's the reason we're here; whose love we're made for. Who thought we were worth sending His Son to die for. Maybe this is the day that you release the wheel of your life - your selfie life - to the One you were made to know and made to belong to. And the One who gave you your life is the One who's supposed to be running it. Would you tell Him today, "Jesus, from now on I'm yours." Go to our website. There's so much more there about how to be sure you've begun a relationship with God. It's ANewStory.com. The Ocean of God's great love is right there within my sight, that big thing, unless I'm blocking the view.

Kara Hackert, Director of Children & Family Ministries

In this week's message, guest speaker James Rickershauser leads us through Isaiah 55:1–13, showing how the deep need of every human heart—our hunger for meaning, joy, and fulfillment—is met not by striving or self-made solutions, but by the compassionate call of God to “come to the waters.” From the emptiness of chasing what cannot satisfy, to the Messiah's invitation to receive salvation freely, to the anchor of God's unshakeable promises, Isaiah 55 reveals that true life is found not in what we achieve but in the God who abundantly pardons, restores, and satisfies His people.In the end, Isaiah calls us to stop digging empty wells and to find our lasting joy, hope, and satisfaction in the glory of God alone.

Brent Wilson preaches from Isaiah 9:6 on December 7th, 2025.

Pastor Roger WilliamsIn a world that nurtures fear...we actively trust Jesus as a warrior who fights for his people (because he wants to!)

Transformative Truth: The infinitely powerful Son of God fights for His people. 1.  "Mighty God" on earth 2.  "Mighty God" in heaven 3.  "Mighty God" in heaven and on earth together

An ex-Jehovah's Witness turned pastor lays out a loving, Bible-first way to reach JWs—without shouting matches. Joel Settecase sits down with Pastor Jason Contino (former JW) to unpack the exact questions, Scriptures, and posture that opened his own eyes and is now changing conversations at the door.The nine verses discussed in this episode: John 8:58 (“Before Abraham was, I am”) Exodus 3:14 (“I AM WHO I AM”)John 1:1 (the Word is God) Isaiah 43:10 (“Before me no god was formed…”) John 10:31–33 (they pick up stones because He “makes Himself God”) John 1:3 (all things made through Him) Deuteronomy 32 (unique deity of Yahweh; likely 32:39) Isaiah 9:6 (“Mighty God”) Isaiah 10:21 (“Mighty God” again)

Support the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://bit.ly/MarinersGiveGet your copy of the 2026 Annual Read: Tozer on the Son of God by A.W. TozerFirst Time?Start Here: https://bit.ly/MarinersconnectcardCan we pray for you? https://bit.ly/MarinersPrayerOnlineYou can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://bit.ly/MarinersChurchSite. FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurch

In this sermon "Comfort in Sorrow," Pastor Patrick Austin begins a new Advent series exploring passages in Isaiah that prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's coming. Focusing on Isaiah 40:1-11, Pastor Austin observes that while the Christmas season offers temporary comforts through traditions and material things, we're all searching for something deeper—a comfort that truly saves and soothes our weary souls. The sermon reveals that just as the Israelites in Babylonian exile needed God's comfort, we too need the same message: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God" (Isaiah 40:1). Pastor Austin explains how this passage points to Christ in three ways: the promise of comfort (God's forgiveness and love), the person of comfort (Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy), and the proclamation of comfort (the good news that Jesus has come and will come again). He concludes with practical applications: rest in God's promise that He hasn't forgotten us, receive Jesus as the only true source of comfort, and proclaim this message to others who are searching for hope during the Christmas season.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Thank God (Isaiah 12) Chris Weniger November 30, 2025 by Deer Creek Church

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Kyle Olson, Technical Director

Rachel Klooster & Billy Heschl

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Who was this mysterious Rabshakeh and why did he foolishly challenge God? Find out with Nathan Jones and Vic Batista on the podcast, The Truth Will Set You Free!

In this powerful and sobering episode, we reflect on the recent deaths of Charlie Kirk and Pastor Voddie Baucham — two bold men who shaped our generation and challenged Christian men to stand firm in truth. Their sudden passing reminds us of life's fragility and the urgent call to live faithfully, boldly, and ready. What does it mean to be “ready” in our time? Spiritually, morally, practically, and missionally? This episode challenges Christian men to confront their mortality, examine their legacy, and rise to the calling God has placed on their lives.

Sitting in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, I visited with a mother as her newborn baby cuddled up against her chest. In this technologically advanced medical facility, the doctors had recommended a very low-tech “prescription” to improve and strengthen the child’s health—the new mom was to spend extended periods of time simply holding her daughter. There’s almost nothing like the overwhelming love and tender compassion of a parent to provide healing comfort for a child. We see this powerful imagery in the prophet Isaiah’s description of God with His people. Even after prophesying impending exile for the nation of Israel because they’d rejected God (Isaiah 39:5-7), Isaiah emphasized to the people that God still loved them and would always provide for them. God’s tender compassion and secure care is evident in the beautiful metaphor where He is described as a shepherd who, much like a loving father, gathers His sheep “in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (40:11). God’s presence grants us peace and protection and reminds us that He carries us close to His heart, like a newborn baby with its mother. As He “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (v. 29), the Spirit’s healing comfort allows us to meet the challenges of each day.