Podcasts about his servant

April 25, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 2 - 3:30PM Session   Rick addresses the ability of Isaiah to predict events in the future to significant detail while being a significant number of years (700) before the events would come to pass.   Isaiah 48-53 - Israel Refined for God's Glory 48 “Hear this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the wellsprings of Judah; Who swear by the name of the Lord, And make mention of the God of Israel, But not in truth or in righteousness; 2 For they call themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is His name: 3 “I have declared the former things from the beginning; They went forth from My mouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. 4 Because I knew that you were obstinate, And your neck was an iron sinew, And your brow bronze, 5 Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.' 6 “You have heard; See all this. And will you not declare it? I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them. 7 They are created now and not from the beginning; And before this day you have not heard them, Lest you should say, ‘Of course I knew them.' 8 Surely you did not hear, Surely you did not know; Surely from long ago your ear was not opened. For I knew that you would deal very treacherously, And were called a transgressor from the womb. 9 “For My name's sake I will defer My anger, And for My praise I will restrain it from you, So that I do not cut you off. 10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. God's Ancient Plan to Redeem Israel 12 “Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last. 13 Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; When I call to them, They stand up together. 14 “All of you, assemble yourselves, and hear! Who among them has declared these things? The Lord loves him; He shall do His pleasure on Babylon, And His arm shall be against the Chaldeans. 15 I, even I, have spoken; Yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way will prosper. 16 “Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit Have sent Me.” 17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. 18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants also would have been like the sand, And the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; His name would not have been cut off Nor destroyed from before Me.” 20 Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, Declare, proclaim this, Utter it to the end of the earth; Say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!” 21 And they did not thirst When He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. 22 “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” The Servant, the Light to the Gentiles 49 “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” 3 “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.' 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, And my work with my God.' ” 5 “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' ” 7 Thus says the Lord, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, To Him whom man despises, To Him whom the nation abhors, To the Servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the Lord who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel; And He has chosen You.” 8 Thus says the Lord: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.' “They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. 10 They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them. 11 I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated. 12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim.” 13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. God Will Remember Zion 14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. 17 Your sons shall make haste; Your destroyers and those who laid you waste Shall go away from you. 18 Lift up your eyes, look around and see; All these gather together and come to you. As I live,” says the Lord, “You shall surely clothe yourselves with them all as an ornament, And bind them on you as a bride does. 19 “For your waste and desolate places, And the land of your destruction, Will even now be too small for the inhabitants; And those who swallowed you up will be far away. 20 The children you will have, After you have lost the others, Will say again in your ears, ‘The place is too small for me; Give me a place where I may dwell.' 21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me, Since I have lost my children and am desolate, A captive, and wandering to and fro? And who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; But these, where were they?' ” 22 Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, And set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms, And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; 23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, And lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. 26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the Lord, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” The Servant, Israel's Hope 50 Thus says the Lord: “Where is the certificate of your mother's divorce, Whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, And for your transgressions your mother has been put away. 2 Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. 3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, And I make sackcloth their covering.” 4 “The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away. 6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. 7 “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely the Lord God will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up. 10 “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord And rely upon his God. 11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled— This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment. The Lord Comforts Zion 51 “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.” 3 For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness will be found in it, Thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 4 “Listen to Me, My people; And give ear to Me, O My nation: For law will proceed from Me, And I will make My justice rest As a light of the peoples. 5 My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait upon Me, And on My arm they will trust. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished. 7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.” 9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days, In the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, And wounded the serpent? 10 Are You not the One who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep; That made the depths of the sea a road For the redeemed to cross over? 11 So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? 13 And you forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day Because of the fury of the oppressor, When he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, That he should not die in the pit, And that his bread should not fail. 15 But I am the Lord your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared— The Lord of hosts is His name. 16 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, ‘You are My people.' ” God's Fury Removed 17 Awake, awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem, You who have drunk at the hand of the Lord The cup of His fury; You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling, And drained it out. 18 There is no one to guide her Among all the sons she has brought forth; Nor is there any who takes her by the hand Among all the sons she has brought up. 19 These two things have come to you; Who will be sorry for you?— Desolation and destruction, famine and sword— By whom will I comfort you? 20 Your sons have fainted, They lie at the head of all the streets, Like an antelope in a net; They are full of the fury of the Lord, The rebuke of your God. 21 Therefore please hear this, you afflicted, And drunk but not with wine. 22 Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: “See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it. 23 But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.' And you have laid your body like the ground, And as the street, for those who walk over.” God Redeems Jerusalem 52 Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean Shall no longer come to you. 2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! 3 For thus says the Lord: “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.” 4 For thus says the Lord God: “My people went down at first Into Egypt to dwell there; Then the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. 5 Now therefore, what have I here,” says the Lord, “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail,” says the Lord, “And My name is blasphemed continually every day. 6 Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I.' ” 7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, With their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye When the Lord brings back Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God. 11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there, Touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, Be clean, You who bear the vessels of the Lord. 12 For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. The Sin-Bearing Servant 13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider. The Sin-Bearing Messiah 53 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnGl00h-CJo   Duration 37:06

April 26, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 3 - 9:00AM Session   Whitney leads a bible study reflecting on how to know God. Using the book of Isaiah and other passages she shows how God reveals himself.   Isaiah 49 - The Servant, the Light to the Gentiles 49 “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” 3 “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.' 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, And my work with my God.' ” 5 “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' ” 7 Thus says the Lord, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, To Him whom man despises, To Him whom the nation abhors, To the Servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the Lord who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel; And He has chosen You.” 8 Thus says the Lord: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.' “They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. 10 They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them. 11 I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated. 12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim.” 13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. God Will Remember Zion 14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. 17 Your sons shall make haste; Your destroyers and those who laid you waste Shall go away from you. 18 Lift up your eyes, look around and see; All these gather together and come to you. As I live,” says the Lord, “You shall surely clothe yourselves with them all as an ornament, And bind them on you as a bride does. 19 “For your waste and desolate places, And the land of your destruction, Will even now be too small for the inhabitants; And those who swallowed you up will be far away. 20 The children you will have, After you have lost the others, Will say again in your ears, ‘The place is too small for me; Give me a place where I may dwell.' 21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me, Since I have lost my children and am desolate, A captive, and wandering to and fro? And who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; But these, where were they?' ” 22 Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, And set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms, And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; 23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, And lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. 26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the Lord, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”   Isaiah 66 -True Worship and False 66 Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. 3 “He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man; He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog's neck; He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine's blood; He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol. Just as they have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their abominations, 4 So will I choose their delusions, And bring their fears on them; Because, when I called, no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight.” The Lord Vindicates Zion 5 Hear the word of the Lord, You who tremble at His word: “Your brethren who hated you, Who cast you out for My name's sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, That we may see your joy.' But they shall be ashamed.” 6 The sound of noise from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, Who fully repays His enemies! 7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; Before her pain came, She delivered a male child. 8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children. 9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God. 10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, And be glad with her, all you who love her; Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; 11 That you may feed and be satisfied With the consolation of her bosom, That you may drink deeply and be delighted With the abundance of her glory.” 12 For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” The Reign and Indignation of God 14 When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, And your bones shall flourish like grass; The hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, And His indignation to His enemies. 15 For behold, the Lord will come with fire And with His chariots, like a whirlwind, To render His anger with fury, And His rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire and by His sword The Lord will judge all flesh; And the slain of the Lord shall be many. 17 “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens After an idol in the midst, Eating swine's flesh and the abomination and the mouse, Shall be consumed together,” says the Lord. 18 “For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. 19 I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. 20 Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the Lord out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the Lord, “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. 21 And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites,” says the Lord. 22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord, “So shall your descendants and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord. 24 “And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHsbriSQBks   Duration 43:03

Isaiah 42 begins with a section in which God introduces His Servant to us.  Who is this Servant?  What will He do?

Isaiah 42:1-25 God reveals His Servant as the one empowered to bring justice, light, and healing to the world--not with force, but with quiet strength and compassion. Through Him, God establishes a covenant that reaches to the Gentiles, open blind eyes, and sets captives free. The Lord declares His name and His glory, refusing to share it with any idol. All creation is called to sing of His victory, yet He also grieves the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to hear. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

Since God is sovereign and has sent His Servant to bring salvation, we should place our hope in Him and join His mission. Scripture: Isaiah 41 Isaiah 42.

January 11, 2025 Today's Reading: Introit for Baptism of our Lord - Psalm 2:7-11,12c; antiphon: Isaiah 42:1aDaily Lectionary: Ezekiel 33:1-20; Romans 3:1-18Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights. (Isaiah 42:1a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God delights in whom He chooses. This phrase is a comfort to us because we know that God chose to give His only-begotten Son for the entire human race. Not just to some. Not just to those who would choose Him back (as if any sinful human being could apart from the Holy Spirit). But to all. That includes you. God delights in you!This is a marvelous thing to ponder. God chose to love sinful human beings, even though they turned from His desire for them and even turned on one another. The Psalmist lays it bare in Psalm 2: entire nations rage, people plot and scheme– but it is in vain. The love of God remains freely given to all. This is the good promised when we yield our will to God's will, and permit Him to do the choosing.Unfortunately, we like to be ‘choosy.' It makes us feel powerful, like God. Sometimes, we even convince ourselves that we have chosen to follow God of our own ‘free will.' This is nothing but the Old Adam within us, attempting to deny the brokenness of the human will apart from Jesus. It wants to claim some part, however small, in choosing Him. Drown that fellow in the memory of your Baptism each day. Because the fact is that we are not as ‘choosy' as we think. Apart from Christ, our will is bound to sin. But we know that we are not apart from Christ. He has taken the part of the Servant, suffered and died for our sins, and now is upheld by God to all eternity! Praise be to God that He alone is the ‘Chooser!' Luther describes the daily victory God wins within us: “For He slays our will in order to establish His own will in us. He puts to death the flesh and its lusts in order to make alive in us the Spirit and the things that He desires.” In moments of weakness, turn to your Baptism, that moment when God chose you. Remember that He sees in you His Servant whom God upholds, whom He Himself has chosen, in whom He is well-pleased. Find your delight in Him, too.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee; That, I know, could never be; For this heart would still refuse Thee Had Thy grace not chosen me. Thou hast from the sin that stained me Washed and cleansed and set me free And unto this end ordained me, That I ever live to Thee. (LSB 573:1)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Prof. Tom Rank was preacher for this service. Isaiah 49:5-6: And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'

Order of Service: - Technical note: The first portion of the recording is missing. - Hymn 167 - How Lovely Shines the Morning Star: vv. 1, 2, 5, 6 - Isaiah 49:5-6: And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' - Devotion - Prayer: Lord Jesus, anoint our eyes, that we may walk in Your Light all our days. Grant us grace to believe Your Word, lift Your banner high, and hold fast the confession in hope of eternal life. Amen. - Hymn 148 - Praise God the Lord, Ye Sons of Men: vv. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 - Blessing - Postlude - Prelude Service Participants: Prof. Tom Rank (Preacher), Laura Matzke (Organist)

Join Dr. Dennis Wiles, Katy Reed-Hodges, and Luke Stehr as they dive deeper into the powerful message of Christmas Lights, inspired by Isaiah 42:1-9. In this episode, the team explores the prophecy given to Isaiah during the reign of King Hezekiah—a time of spiritual renewal, but also forewarning of Judah's future exile.Discover how God's promise of a Deliverer, His Servant, brings hope and light to a dark world. Together, they unpack the identity and mission of this Servant: chosen, anointed, and called to bring righteousness, covenant, light, freedom, and glory.Drawing connections to Psalm 137:1-6, the conversation will reflect on the Servant's role as our Shepherd and the ultimate Christmas Light. This is a perfect episode to deepen your understanding of the hope we celebrate during the Christmas season.Tune in and let the light of Christ shine brightly in your life!

4. Messiah's Encouragement Isaiah 51:9 - 52:12 Please do read Isaiah 51:9 to 52:12 Be Encouraged People of God! In the first few verses of Isaiah 51, we see that faith is nurtured by listening and hearing. People are encouraged to look back and see what God has done with just one man, Abraham! How from him came an entire nation! This bodes well for the future when all history is consummated - have faith in your God who will lead you into the next world! But for now, don't be afraid of what other people will do - stay close to God, have faith in Him, trust Him patiently and live obedient and righteous lives. For as verse 6 states "my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished." Then we come to a mounting anticipation with baited breath. Quickly the phrase "awake awake" is repeated, as if to give a sense of urgency. The exodus from Egypt, an event remembered well by the nation of Israel and alluded to in verses 9 & 10 of chapter 51, will be surpassed by a new age of righteousness at the end of time. All those "ransomed by the Lord", those set free by God will enter the city of God with joyous singing which will be their crown! Sorrow and sadness will no longer exist! Gladness and joy will be triumphant! Alleluia! Despite many obstacles in the way, the Lord God will reign triumphant. His Messiah, His Servant will deliver you. His Servant will be triumphant. Wake up! Note that the people themselves are to wake up, not the Lord God or His Servant! All that will be fulfilled is not waiting for God, but waiting for people and their spiritual inertia! It's their unwillingness to be obedient to God that is stopping the fulfillment of history! While Isaiah is clearly eager, it seems the nation of Israel is not - they have forgotten about their awesome and Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth! So Isaiah shouts out "Wake up!!" I am your God and you are my people is to remind Israel of the covenant that exists between themselves and God! It is a covenant that signifies relationship, care and commitment! Israel may have forgotten this, but God had not! God is in the relationship, He is trustworthy and faithful, so therefore there is no need to fear! God's commitment is faultless and worthy of obedience! This commitment deserves active obedience on the part of the people of Israel and not their overwhelming spiritual laziness. While overwhelming fear inhibits and destructs, the love of God frees. Isaiah urges them to live an active and obedient life worthy of their freedom and not a life of spiritual inertia and rebellion. One last time, Isaiah urges action when crying "Awake! Awake!" in 52:1. Salvation is nearing and coming quickly, are you ready? Be alert, people of Israel and live as if you are the freed people of God and not as if you are rebellious captors. Be ready, just as your ancestors were the night before the Exodus from Egypt commenced. Be expectant and ready. One difference to note. With the exodus, the Israelites took what they could from the Egyptians - gold, silver, jewelry and clothing. This time, everything will be left behind. All this bears in the mind the Servant. The Servant, who as a King dispenses justice and as a Prophet speaks for God, will usher in this new period. When Isaiah writes in 52:11 "Depart, depart, go out from there", he must be urging people to respond to the Servant. Respond by living a holy and righteous life of obedience to God as one who is on a lifelong pilgrimage. Stop rebelling against Him and love Him who first loved them. Where is Jesus in this? Jesus during his earthly ministry always urged people to be active in obedience to God. Jesus comforted the lonely, oppressed, the weak and the poor. He urged people to come back into relationship with God. With a sense of urgency, He told people to be ready and alert for the day when history will end. Jesus urged his listeners to be spiritually awake. Jesus said in Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus who remarkably stated in John 8:34-36 "Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." When Jesus Christ the Servant King comes back, He will come back like a thief in the night - with surprise! But for those who love and trust in Him, it will be a day of gladness and joy because their King will have returned to gather them. This Jesus who in Mark1:15 issued these words ""The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Truly we concur with Isaiah when he wrote in Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"" Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, through whom is salvation alone. Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.

Last week we saw the need for Jesus—we are sinners who deserve death.  We also saw that God promised to send someone to save us.  This morning we're going to learn more about that One whom God promised to send—His Servant.  And we'll see that this Servant is going to do some amazing things. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

The proclamation of salvation reaching to the end of the earth is reinforced; His Servant will be the light to the Gentiles. God will remember Zion and there is a promise of Israel's restoration, looking even to the future kingdom age where Israel will be at peace and prosperous.

The proclamation of salvation reaching to the end of the earth is reinforced; His Servant will be the light to the Gentiles. God will remember Zion and there is a promise of Israel's restoration, looking even to the future kingdom age where Israel will be at peace and prosperous.

The proclamation of salvation reaching to the end of the earth is reinforced; His Servant will be the light to the Gentiles. God will remember Zion and there is a promise of Israel's restoration, looking even to the future kingdom age where Israel will be at peace and prosperous.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 25th of October, 2024, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Old Testament to the Book of Isaiah 50:10:“Who among you fears the Lord?Who obeys the voice of His Servant?Who walks in darknessAnd has no light?Let him trust in the name of the LordAnd rely upon his God.”Are you going through a rough time at the moment? Oh yes, I know those rough times very well. Is everything dark? Have you lost direction? Do you know where you are going? Is there anybody to help you? Listen to this beautiful reading that I stumbled across early this morning, written by a man by the name of Richard Fuller. He says, “In fierce storms,” said an old seaman, “we can do but one thing. There is only one way; we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.” This, Christian, is what you and I have to do today. Sometimes, like Paul the Apostle, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you (a massive storm). Then you can do one thing, there is only one way. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light, even prayer fetches no consolation. Only a single course is left. You must put your soul in one position and keep it there. You must stay upon the Lord; come what may—whether there are winds, waves, lightning, thunder, huge rocks, roaring breakers— you must tie yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His sovereign engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus, and He will see you today through that storm, and the sun will shine again, and He said, “I will never leave you and I will never forsake you.”Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,Goodbye.

Send us a text““And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you. And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.””‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭26‬ ‭Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

By His almighty power God created the heavens and the earth, breathes life into human beings and through His Servant gives light and liberty to those who walk in darkness. Isaiah 42:5-9 LD9

God's promise concerning His Servant, here the LORD's chosen Servant is Christ, prophesied 750 years before His incarnation. Isaiah expresses a song of praise to the LORD, rejoicing in the mightiness of God and his faithfulness to His people.

God's promise concerning His Servant, here the LORD's chosen Servant is Christ, prophesied 750 years before His incarnation. Isaiah expresses a song of praise to the LORD, rejoicing in the mightiness of God and his faithfulness to His people.

God's promise concerning His Servant, here the LORD's chosen Servant is Christ, prophesied 750 years before His incarnation. Isaiah expresses a song of praise to the LORD, rejoicing in the mightiness of God and his faithfulness to His people.

Isaiah - Israel encouraged. God's promise concerning His Servant. The blindness of the people. Romans - Believers untied to Christ. The conflict of two natures.

     For Christians, there is blessing through submission to God. This blessing comes from operating within the sphere of God's love and laws, which establish boundaries for us to thrive and survive.[1] This is because “a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer 10:23); rather, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way” (Psa 37:23). As God's children, we are instructed, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5-6).      Living in submission to God means putting His will above our own, trusting in His plan, and following His directives. It entails aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's will and commandments. This submission is characterized by humility, trust, and obedience to follow God's directives over personal desires.      In the Old Testament, Abraham exemplified submission when God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Moses wrote, “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you…So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him” (Gen 12:1, 4). Abraham's obedience to the Lord made him “the friend of God” (Jam 2:23; cf., 2 Ch 20:7; Isa 41:8). When God said to Isaiah, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? (Isa 6:8a), Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8b). And when it was revealed to Mary that she would conceive in her womb and bear the humanity of Christ, she said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Jesus, the Perfect Example of Submission      Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of submission to God. He's the perfect example because He is perfect and never disobeyed the Lord. Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30), and “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). In the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matt 26:39; cf., Matt 26:42, 44). Paul tells us that Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). Jesus' willingness to submit to the Father's will, even to the point of death, is the ultimate example of submission. Jesus never deviated from the Father's course for Him.      Jesus' submission to the Father started when He was very young. By age twelve, Jesus knew God was His Father and what the Father's mission was for Him (Luke 2:40-47).[2] Isaiah wrote, “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple” (Isa 50:4). This passage refers to Jesus' humanity, where God the Father would educate Jesus as His disciple. This education enabled Him to minister to others, as He says, “that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isa 50:4b). To those who are weary in their souls, a divinely spoken word can lift the spirit and revive the heart (see Matt 11:28). And Jesus' discipleship training took place in the early morning hours, as Messiah states, “He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple” (Isa 50:4c). According to Arnold Fruchtenbaum, “During His boyhood in Nazareth, every morning, Jesus was awakened by His Father in the early hours of the morning to receive instruction. In this way Jesus learned who He was, what His mission was, and how to act and react accordingly.”[3] As a human boy, Jesus had to be educated, which meant the discipline of acquiring knowledge over time. Because of His daily discipline, Jesus was fluent in the Scriptures by age 12. Fruchtenbaum states: "The New Testament gives us an account of a 12 year old Jesus visiting the Temple in Jerusalem for the first time (Luke 2:41–50). By the age of 12 Jesus was fully conversant with the Hebrew Scriptures and able to debate deep spiritual matters with the leading theologians of the day. Furthermore, when Jesus is later rebuked by His mother for remaining in the Temple, He replies, “Did you not know I would be in My Father's house?” This one statement shows that by the age of 12 Jesus knew that Joseph was not His father, knew that God was His Father, and therefore understood that He was the Messiah of Israel."[4]      Jesus was fully submissive to the Father, saying, “The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back” (Isa 50:5). Another translation reads, “The sovereign LORD has spoken to me clearly; I have not rebelled, I have not turned back” (Isa 50:5 NET). The word “disobedient” translates the Hebrew verb marah (מָרָה), which, according to HALOT, means “to be recalcitrant, rebellious.”[5] Jesus was not hardhearted nor defiant to the Lord in any way. When God spoke to Messiah, His Servant, He was in total submission to God in everything. Throughout Scripture we observe where other servants of the Lord tried to escape His call to service. When Moses was called by the Lord (Ex 4:1-12), he replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else” (Ex 4:13 CSB). When God called Jonah, we're informed His prophet rebelled, and “Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD” (Jon 1:3a). But Messiah never rebelled against the Lord. He was in total submission to Him. And such submission required a mind that was saturated with divine viewpoint, and a will that was totally surrendered to God. Warren Wiersbe states: "His mind was submitted to the Lord God so that He could learn His Word and His will (Isa 50:4). Everything Jesus said and did was taught to Him by His Father (John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28). He prayed to the Father for guidance (John 11:42; Mark 1:35) and meditated on the Word. What God taught the Servant, the Servant shared with those who needed encouragement and help. The Servant sets a good example here for all who know the importance of a daily “quiet time” with the Lord. The Servant's will was also yielded to the Lord God. An “opened ear” is one that hears and obeys the voice of the master. The people to whom Isaiah ministered were neither “willing” nor “obedient” (Isa 1:19), but the Servant did gladly the will of the Lord God. This was not easy, for it meant yielding His body to wicked men who mocked Him, whipped Him, spat on Him, and then nailed Him to a cross (Matt 26:67; 27:26, 30)."[6]      Later, Jewish scholars would marvel at Jesus' wisdom (Matt 13:54; John 7:15); yet, they were unwilling to submit to Him as Messiah. This is an amazing thing, for though “the Light has come into the world” (John 3:19a), and that Light was bright and clear, we are informed that “men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil” (John 3:19b). Here, we are reminded that at the heart of every problem is the problem of the heart, and the human heart is very corrupt and in great need of life and light. King David: An OT Example of Submission      David provides a good example of an OT believer who lived in regular submission to God. The Bible describes David as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22). David walked faithfully with the Lord and surrendered to His will. David was an obedient king, for the most part, and subsequent kings were measured by him (1 Ki 3:14; 9:4-5; 11:4-6, 31-34, 38; 14:7-8; 15:1-5; 11-15; 2 Ki 14:1-4; 16:1-3; 18:1-3; 22:1-2). David set the bar for what it meant to be a good king, and this allowed others to have a standard to guide them. However, we should not conclude that David was perfectly obedient and kept the Lord's will in all matters in his life. He did not. No believer ever does, for there are none who are sinless (Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10), except the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 John 3:5).      David personally acknowledged his sins, saying “my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me” (Ps 38:4). He also wrote, “My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; they are more numerous than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed me” (Ps 40:12). Among David's recorded sins, the most offensive was his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Sam 11:1-17). Scripture tells us that David had slept with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed; and “the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Sam 11:27). What is commendable about David is that he handled his sin in a biblical manner by confessing it and seeking the Lord's forgiveness. Concerning Uriah and Bathsheba, David said, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Sam 12:13; read Psalm 51 for the longer version of David's confession). And upon his confession, the prophet Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die” (2 Sam 12:13). Here we see God's grace and government at work; for though David was forgiven and restored to fellowship with God, there were still consequences for his actions and the Lord dispensed judgment upon David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:14-18).      On another occasion, David followed Satan's temptation and “sinned greatly” by taking a census in Israel (1 Ch 21:1, 8), presumably because he was trusting in his military strength rather than the Lord. When God judged David for this, David confessed his sin and declared, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing” (1 Ch 21:8a). Not only did he confess his sin, but he also sought the Lord's forgiveness, saying, “Please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly” (1 Ch 21:8b), and “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great” (1 Ch 21:13). It is a hallmark of mature believers to humble themselves before the Lord through confession.      Furthermore, David practiced the sin of polygamy contrary to the Law of Moses, which specifically commanded the king of Israel, that “he shall not multiply wives for himself” (Deut 17:17). From Scripture we know the names of eight of David's wives: Michal (1 Sam 18:27), Abigail (1 Sam 25:39-42), Ahinoam (1 Sam 25:43), Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:24), Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah (2 Sam 3:2-5). And he had other wives and concubines that are not named, as Scripture reveals, “David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron” (2 Sam 5:13a). Interestingly, the Bible says nothing about David's practice of polygamy, and though it is a sin according to Scripture, it was apparently tolerated in David's life, perhaps because it never resulted in his wives leading him into idolatry as it had with his son, Solomon (see 1 Ki 11:1-11).       Despite David's imperfections and sins, he was still regarded as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22). His life demonstrates several key areas of faithfulness that are instructive for Christians. David exhibited a deep love and devotion to God, as reflected in his heartfelt expressions throughout the 75 Psalms he wrote (see Psa 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; 8:1; 9:1; 11:1; 12:1; 13:1; 14:1; 15:1; 18:1; etc.).[7] Many of the Psalms reveal David's heart of worship to the Lord. His repentance and humility are evident after his sin with Bathsheba, where he sincerely sought God's mercy and forgiveness (Psa 51:1-2). David's trust in God's sovereignty was unwavering, as witnessed in his confrontation with Goliath and his reliance on God (1 Sam 17:37). His obedience to God's commands is seen in his refusal to harm King Saul, respecting God's anointed king (1 Sam 24:1-6). His commitment to justice and righteousness was evident in his reign, where he sought to administer justice and equity for all his people, for “David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people” (2 Sam 8:15). Even in difficult times, David depended on God for guidance, protection, and comfort, as beautifully expressed in Psalm 23. Lastly, his desire to build a house for God, although fulfilled by his son Solomon, demonstrated his dedication to honoring and prioritizing the Lord (2 Sam 7:1-2). These aspects of David's life highlight the important areas of faithfulness: devotion to God, humility, trust in God's sovereignty, obedience to God's commands, a heart for worship, commitment to justice and righteousness, dependence on God in difficult times, and a desire to honor and prioritize the Lord. The life of David demonstrates that believers can have a healthy walk with the Lord and be in submission to Him and doing His will in the major areas of their lives. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] This truth can be compared to the relationship between a loving and wise parent and their child. Just as a parent establishes boundaries and rules to protect and guide their child, God provides His commandments for our well-being, and this because there is much evil in the world. A loving parent sets these boundaries to ensure the child's safety from evil and help them thrive. They know that without guidance, a child might make harmful decisions because they lack the wisdom and experience to navigate life's complexities on their own. Similarly, God's laws create a framework within which we can experience true freedom and blessing. By submitting to God's guidance, we avoid the pitfalls and dangers that come from relying solely on our own understanding. When we trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our ways, He directs our paths, leading us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. [2] Jesus, in His humanity, was not omniscient, and needed to develop and grow in His understanding. Luke tells us that Jesus “continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). When Jesus was twelve, He traveled with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-42), but after they left, we're informed “Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:43b). Joeseph and Mary were not aware that Jesus had stayed behind (Luke 2:43-44), but when they looked for Him and could not find Him, “they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him” (Luk 2:45b). Luke tells us, “Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:46-47). Jesus, in His humanity, had great biblical wisdom, but not because He learned from the Rabbinic scholars of the day. The Jewish leadership understood this. John wrote,  “The Jews then were astonished, saying, ‘How has this man become learned, having never been educated?'” (John 7:15). Jesus replied to them, saying, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). [3] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament Prophecy Concerning the First Coming of the Messiah (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1998), 51. [4] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament Prophecy Concerning the First Coming of the Messiah (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1998), 51. [5] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 632. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Comforted, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 126. [7] King David is traditionally attributed with writing 73 of the 150 Psalms in the Book of Psalms. These Psalms often bear his name in their superscriptions, indicating his authorship. Additionally, the New Testament ascribes two other Psalms to David (Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25 and Psalm 95 in Hebrews 4:7), bringing the total traditionally attributed to David to 75.

Summary God has a grand destiny for Israel. They would transform the world and many would be drawn into a relationship with God. Israel does not accomplish God's call for them. So He must do it himself. He must become the Servant. The Lord will fulfill his law and call as was required. God God is the Creator God who makes everything, holds everything in his hand, and works in the world to continue creating life. The reality of this world is corrupt and dark, yet God is invested in its redemption. Israel was called to reveal this God to the world - yet still they failed. So it becomes necessary that God correct Israel. The people He called became like the rest of the world. Gospel It is good news that God sends His Servant. Jesus is the One who God chose, the beloved Son in whom God is pleased (Matthew 3:17). God is bringing justice through Jesus because he never did any wrong. Not even the weakest was threatened by Him. Jesus will not falter, he will definitely not fail. Yet Jesus didn't seek fame and glory. In fact he avoided it. He would rather be incognito and insignificant in the world's standards. Jesus exudes humility.   Reflection What do people see when they see you? 

Main point: God’s work is at work through your work. The hand of God moves Kings (1-8) The hand of God moves His Servant (9-16) The Hand of God moves You (17-20)

In Zechariah's fourth vision, the prophet sees the high priest, Joshua, standing in the heavenly courtroom clothed with filthy garments. This shows his own uncleanness and the uncleanness of all the people of God. Just as Satan stands ready to accuse and condemn Joshua, the messenger of the LORD steps forward to rebuke Satan and give Joshua new garments. This is a picture of the LORD's cleansing forgiveness of His people. Newly forgiven, the LORD promises Joshua that He will have the right of access. The LORD also promises that He will send His Servant, the Branch from Jesse's stem and the Cornerstone of His Church. Both promises point forward to Jesus, who removes the iniquity of His people on Good Friday.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 3:1-10.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the LORD encourage His people in the work of rebuilding the temple, but even more than that, He pointed them forward to the fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises in the coming kingdom of our true King and great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

So how does it end? How do the pieces of Isaiah fit together? Well, today we dive into Isaiah 66 and see the Lord's glorious plan for His Servant, His people and His kingdom. Join us in this exciting conclusion to this wonderful book! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    As we wrap up our study in the book of Isaiah, what key truths were taught about sin in the following verses:  a.    Isaiah 1:3 b.    Isaiah 59:2 c.    Isaiah 64:6  2.    What key truths are taught about the New Kingdom and her King in the following verses:  a.    Isaiah 2:2 b.    Isaiah 7:14 c.    Isaiah 9:1 d.    Isaiah 9:7 e.    Isaiah 11:2 3.    In Isaiah 66, verse 1, what can mankind make for God to dwell in? Why? According to verse 2, where does the Lord abide? Who might abide with Him? What does it mean to tremble at the Word of God? Would you say that this phrase describes your disposition to the Lord and His Word?  4.    Verse 3 describes the religious hypocrisy of Isaiah's day. What does it sound like the people were doing? Why was this the equivalent of sacrificing dogs and pigs? Does God embrace this kind of worship? How do people make up their own worship today? Why might the Lord reject that worship too?  5.    How does verse 4 show that the people's worship was truly hypocritical? How might a person today act like they are listening to God when they're really not? 6.    In verse 5, the people who tremble at God's Word even face persecution from their own family. What does it look like in this verse? Have you ever seen this kind of persecution in our world today? How does a person's resilience in the face of persecution demonstrate the genuineness of their trust in the Lord?  7.    In verse 6, what is the Lord's response to those who revile His people? What kind of confidence should this give to God's people when they're facing persecution for the Lord? 8.    Verses 7 to 9 is speaking of how the Lord will form a new people and give birth to a new nation. In light of everything we've studied so far in the book of Isaiah, what is this new nation being spoken of here? What kind of hope do you think the Lord intends to convey to His people in these verses? Why would they need this kind of encouragement?  9.    In verses 10 to 14, what is the appropriate response to this work of God? How was the Lord guiding Jerusalem to fulfill her purpose to be a spiritual mother to the nations of the world? 10.    How does the arrival of this new nation also bring judgment in verses 15 to 18? Why?  11.    Verse 19 speaks of how the Lord will send messengers throughout the world. What will be the result of their ministry in verse 20? What is a grain offering? What is the significance of these people being grain offerings to the Lord? 12.    Think about the statement in verse 21 that these people from the nations will be legitimate priests and Levites. Under the Old Covenant, how did a person become a priest? What kind of selection process did they undergo? Why are these Gentiles given such a privileged role and place in this new nation? 13.    In verse 23, how long will this new nation and these new people last? What will all mankind do before the Lord? What does this also say about the endurance of the people's worship? 14.    Read over verse 24, what is the final point of the Book of Isaiah? How is this still a warning to the world today? 15.    Think back to what we have learned from Isaiah about this coming kingdom. Has this kingdom come yet? In this study of Isaiah, how have you seen what it means to be living in light of this future kingdom? 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.    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.   

Tuesday, 25 June 2024   So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, Acts 28:25   A more literal translation is, “And being non-symphonic with one another, they were departing, Paul having said one word, ‘That rightly the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,'” (CG).   In the previous verse, and without indicating whether any actually believed Paul's words in their hearts, it said, “And these, indeed, were persuaded these by speakings, and those disbelieved.”   There were some who were persuaded Paul's analysis was correct, whether they believed or not. On the other hand, there were those who simply disbelieved. The state of these people is next described by Luke, saying, “And being non-symphonic with one another.”   It is an adjective found only here in Scripture, asumphónos. It is derived from the negative particle a and the adjective sumphónos, to be harmonious or agreeable. One can see the etymological root of the word symphony in it. With the negative particle beginning it, the word thus indicates “non-symphonic.”   Not agreeing among themselves seems to point to more than just happily agreeing to disagree. Instead, it shows a complete schism between the two that necessitates the next words of Paul which come as “they were departing.”   The verb is imperfect showing that the day is winding down and the people are getting ready to leave, all the while disagreeing with one another. Therefore, Luke continues, saying, “Paul having said one word, ‘That rightly the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers.'”   Some texts say, “your fathers.” Paul, not including himself in this thought seems hard to imagine, but either way, he – acting just as Moses and the prophets after him – proclaims the word of the Lord to the stubborn and rebellious people of Israel.   In this case, he cites Isaiah, but he also shows that Isaiah was not merely speaking on his own behalf but on that of the Lord. This is evidenced in the words, “the Holy Spirit spoke...” But more poignantly, he says that He spoke “rightly.”   In other words, the message from God through Isaiah was as relevant at Paul's time as it was when Isaiah proclaimed it to their ancestors. But there is more underlying his words. Not only is he saying that Isaiah proclaimed certain words to Israel, but that the words he spoke support his position, not theirs!   It is he who claims to be in line with the intent of Scripture and thus that of God. It is they who are rebelling against God by rebelling against the message of Christ. What Paul will quote lies ahead, but if he is quoting Scripture against Israel, it means he is quoting God's word against them. The word of the Lord is set, and it has context and purpose that Paul is saying applies directly to those who have rejected his message of Jesus the Messiah.   Life application: To this day, Israel is not listening to the words of their own Scriptures. The very words that have established them as a people are ignored or manipulated according to the situation at hand.   In other words, it is not uncommon to hear Jewish speakers in government quote Scripture when it fits with their opinion of how things are at the time, regardless of the context of what is actually said in that passage. But if one is to rightly apply context concerning what is being said about Israel of today, and cite that to (or about) the Jewish people, you are bound to get knocked on the head, cursed, or otherwise accused of being an antisemite.   Paul is disliked by the Jewish people because he clearly, precisely, and unambiguously excoriates his people for their rejection of God's provision in Christ. They malign Jesus, curse His name, and want nothing to do with Him.   And yet, He is the One who was promised to restore them and give them life. But the problem rests with Jesus' greater purposes, which are clearly laid out in the words of Isaiah –   “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'” Isaiah 49:5, 6   The Jewish people as a whole perceive themselves as God's gift to the world and only they are worthy of participating in His prophetic plan and sharing in His salvation. When Jesus brought the need for salvation from sin into the equation, the people rejected Him, feeling that they were secure from sin because of the provision found in the Mosaic code.   Then, once Gentiles were brought into the equation as being just as acceptable as the Jews to be brought into God's redemptive plans, the Jews went ballistic in their thinking, completely rejecting any hint of what their own Scriptures state. Paul will show them this in the verses ahead.   This state of “feelings of superiority” is not one isolated to the Jews alone. There are many people groups and cultures on the planet who think they are God's favored people and superior over all others. The difference is that the nation of Israel received God's word, maintained it, and then incorrectly identified what it is conveying to them and the people of the world.   Because of this, they have had – and will continue to face – many evils. In the days ahead, they will enter into a time of disaster so great that it will make what has come upon them for the past two thousand years pale in comparison. And this fate will be shared by all the peoples of the world.   Let us be found right with Jesus before that day comes. And be sure, it is coming. The book is written. Find your safety in the goodness of God in Christ. Do it today!   Lord God Almighty, we know dire times are coming upon the whole world. But You have offered You people – those who have come to Jesus – a better hope. We thank You. It is not that we are any better than any others, but that Christ, in whom we are, is our place of safety. Thank You for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has made us acceptable to You. Amen.

Al-Inshirāḥ ( الانشراح, "Solace" or "Comfort"), or ash-Sharḥ ( الشرح, "The Opening-Up of the Breast") [1] is the ninety-fourth chapter of the Qur'an, with eight or verses. Because of its subject matter, length, style, and placement in the Qur'an, this sura is often coupled with Surah ad-Dhuha (Sura 93). They are generally considered to have been revealed around the same time. Al-Inshirāḥ's subject matter seems a continuation of the reassurance and encouragement given in the preceding chapter and so closely resembles it that both these Surah seem to have been revealed in about the same period under similar conditions. It is an earlier "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, instead of later in Medina. It is typically assumed that this sura is referring to the early days of Muhammad's prophethood when he would have been unsure about how his people would receive him Summary 1-4 God made Muhammad's mission easy for him 5-8 He is exhorted to labor and pray after the mission is ended The passage asks the reader, who is Muhammad specifically, if God has been a comfort and a remover of obstacles. Whatever personal sorrows this may bring to mind, "Surely, with each difficulty there is ease" This may indeed be the key phrase of this sura; it is repeated in lines 5 and 6 Conversely, the reader is asked to continue their work diligently, even when it grows simple again - for God, Himself is what you are working for. The aim and object of this Surah too is to console and encourage the Holy Messenger (upon whom be Allah's peace) Before his call he never had to encounter the conditions which he suddenly had to encounter after it when he embarked on his mission of inviting the people to Islam. This was by itself a great revolution in his own life of which he had no idea in his life before Prophethood. No sooner had he started preaching the message of Islam than the same society which had esteemed him with unique honor, turned hostile to him The same relatives and friends, the same clansmen and neighbors, who used to treat him with the highest respect, began to shower him with abuse and invective. No one in Makkah was prepared to listen to him; he began to be ridiculed and mocked in the street and on the road; and at every step he had to face new difficulties Although gradually he became accustomed to the hardships, even much severer ones, yet the initial stage was very discouraging for him. That is why first Surah Ad-Duha was sent down to console him, and then this Surah In it, at the outset, Allah says: "We have favored you, O Prophet, with three great blessings; therefore you have no cause to be disheartened. The first is the blessing of Sharh Sadr (opening up of the breast), the second of removing from you the heavy burden that was weighing down your back before the call, and the third of exalting your renown the like of which has never been granted to any man before Further below in the notes we have explained what is implied by each of these blessings and how great and unique these blessings indeed are! After this, the Lord and Sustainer of the universe has reassured His Servant and Messenger (upon whom be peace) that the period of hardships which he is passing through, is not very long, but following close behind it there is also a period of ease. This same thing has been described in Surah Ad-Duha, saying: "Every later period is better for you than the former period, and soon your Lord will give you so much that you will be well pleased" In conclusion, the Holy Prophet has been instructed, so as to say, "You can develop the power to bear and resist the hardships of the initial stage only by one means, and it is this: `When you are free from your occupations, you should devote yourself to the labor and toil of worship, and turn all your attention exclusively to your Lord'."This same instruction has been given him in much greater detail in Al-Muzzammil: 1-9

The LORD calls His people to behold His Servant high and lifted up on the cross in divine glory. Although His appearance did not attract us to Him, His suffering has sprinkled us with His cleansing blood so that we can truly see the only God. Men despised and rejected Jesus and hid their faces from Him. He suffered this willingly; all our sin and shame and pain were placed upon Him in order to give His healing and forgiveness to us. Jesus endured this great shame and suffering to the point of death, and He was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Yet Isaiah not only saw Jesus' suffering and death; he also saw Jesus' resurrection. The LORD's will was to crush Jesus in order to then prolong Jesus' days. By His work as the Servant of the LORD, Jesus has accounted us righteous. Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 52:13-53:12. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

A Sunday sermon by Pastor Brett Deal. Of all the Servant Songs found in Isaiah, the fourth is the best known. In it we begin with the triumphant voice of God pointing our eyes towards His Servant, and we end rejoicing in His glory. But this isn't why most of us know this song found in Isaiah 52.13-53.12. We know this prophetic hymn because of what it sings to us in the middle. In the heart of Isaiah's song, we find God's Servant, not in victory or revered, but as a man of suffering familiar with pain. What began in loud voice and rejoicing and ends in celebration encloses the reality of agony and affliction. In the heart of Isaiah's song, we find God's Servant who was pierced for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquity. In these short verses we find a Savior who personally knows our most profound pain and deepest despair. How do we understand this? How do we take this truth to heart? K.J. Ramsey once wrote, “Suffering is not a detour or a delay but the place where Love finds us. Suffering is a place where what feels like absence is actually a safe haven where the truest love is formed.” This week, as we press on through Lent, hear the heart of Jesus singing over you. Yes, He is victorious! Yes, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But also, yes, He is God's Suffering Servant who takes our pain and bears our suffering. If you are walking through the middle of a difficult time, be embraced in the safe haven of Christ's love.

Today, I want to talk to you about a love story of a father finding a bride for the son that he loves dearly.  Actually, I want to talk about two love stories, with two Fathers, two Sons, two Servants, and two brides.   One is Abraham, who, as a father, sends his servant back to the land that Abraham came from to find a bride for Isaac.  This unnamed servant is following the leading of the God of his master, Abraham, when he comes upon the house of Bethuel, where Rebekah lives.  His mission is to find the bride that has been selected by God for his master's son, Isaac.   The story of Abraham's search gives us the type, or symbol, of a much greater, second, love story.  This second love story is the description of God the Father, determining from the foundations of time, that He would choose a bride for His Son, Jesus Christ.  Upon the completion of Jesus' work at Calvary, which was the finished salvation that He has provided for each of us, God the Father sends the Holy Spirit as His Servant to gather together the bride for Jesus.  This bride is the church of the body of Christ, which is made up of believers that have come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior during this age that we live in today.  It is called the Church Age.   Two tremendous love stories, two Fathers, two Bridegrooms, two Servants, and two brides.  Isaac loves Rebekah, but that is pale in comparison to the love of the Father, Son, and Spirit for the Bride of Christ.   Click on the link below to hear about the greatest love story that has ever been told.  God has commissioned to me today to ask you a question. Are you ready for it? My Heavenly Father has said to me, “Keith, go teach this lesson. Tell people about Jesus. I want them to be Jesus' bride. Tell them how wonderful Jesus is. And then, tell them that He who loves you is coming back for you one day.” My question to you is, will you receive Jesus as your Savior and seek to make His will yours?  God said, “Tell the people, Keith, that whosoever will may come.”  Don't be left out of this love story.  Accept Christ today and be with Him for all of eternity. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.

Isaiah 49 1 Listen to Me, O islands, And pay attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He named Me. 2 He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. 3 He said to Me, “You are My Servant, Israel, In Whom I will show My glory.” 4 But I said, “I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity; Yet surely the justice due to Me is with the Lord, And My reward with My God.” 5 And now says the Lord, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the Lord, And My God is My strength), 6 He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” 7 Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and its Holy One, To the despised One, To the One abhorred by the nation, To the Servant of rulers, “Kings will see and arise, Princes will also bow down, Because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen You.” 8 Thus says the Lord, “In a favorable time I have answered You, And in a day of salvation I have helped You; And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; 9 Saying to those who are bound, ‘Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.' Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights. 10 “They will not hunger or thirst, Nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; For He who has compassion on them will lead them And will guide them to springs of water. 11 “I will make all My mountains a road, And My highways will be raised up. 12 “Behold, these will come from afar; And lo, these will come from the north and from the west, And these from the land of Sinim.” 13 Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people And will have compassion on His afflicted. 14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And the Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. 16 “Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. 17 “Your builders hurry; Your destroyers and devastators Will depart from you. 18 “Lift up your eyes and look around; All of them gather together, they come to you. As I live,” declares the Lord, “You will surely put on all of them as jewels and bind them on as a bride. 19 “For your waste and desolate places and your destroyed land— Surely now you will be too cramped for the inhabitants, And those who swallowed you will be far away. 20 “The children of whom you were bereaved will yet say in your ears, ‘The place is too cramped for me; Make room for me that I may live here.' 21 “Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me, Since I have been bereaved of my children And am barren, an exile and a wanderer? And who has reared these? Behold, I was left alone; From where did these come?'” 22 Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations And set up My standard to the peoples; And they will bring your sons in their bosom, And your daughters will be carried on their shoulders. 23 “Kings will be your guardians, And their princesses your nurses. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth And lick the dust of your feet; And you will know that I am the Lord; Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maranatha-ministries/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maranatha-ministries/support

The Covenant Keeper2 Samuel 9:6-8IntroductionJesus in Moses and the Prophets.  We get some beautiful pictures of Jesus that help us understand who he is, and how amazing his love for us is! Seeing him demonstrated through history in so many ways, not just through prophecies, but through the lives of those who believe and trusted in God long before Jesus came.  We can trust God's Love, God's Word, and God's Character.  “We can see that his love is compellingly intentional. It is not random nor sporadic. It is utterly reliable and full of purpose.”Last week we saw in the life of David, that he foreshadowed Jesus by being a prophet, priest, and king. Today I want to look at how David was a covenant keeper.Read TextThe Story! It all starts with a relationship between David and Jonathan. After David kills Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, David and Jonathan enter into a covenant. “Now it came about, when he had finished speaking to Saul, that Jonathan committed himself to David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his military gear, including his sword, his bow, and his belt.”1 Samuel 18:1-4The nature of a covenant is that all you have, all your potential, all your life, and all those who are in your seed, all you will ever be is given to your covenant partner. It was usually sealed by blood since life is in the blood. So, the death of Jonathan caused his son to grow up in fear of David, and believe his life was ruined by him. When he is found, he assumes he will be killed as an enemy who wants to subvert David's kingdom.  Thus, his response is amazement.The focus though is for us to see Jesus as the covenant keeper.  Look at what Jesus does in creating a covenant with his father, in his own blood. That means that all who are in the blood of Jesus are recipients of all he gets from his Father! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17The sign of the covenant – includes blood! Let it be unto me like this, if I do not keep this covenant!“It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' God raised up His Servant for you first and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.””Acts 3:25-26 “God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.”Genesis 17:9-11“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 The faithfulness of the covenant keeper – in word, including promises:“I will not violate My covenant, nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.” Psalms 89:34 “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deuteronomy 7:9 “¶He has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations, The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac.” Psalms 105:8-9Our signs of the covenant: baptism at the start and communion to constantly remind us of who we are!Baptism as a sign of entering the covenant. “Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”” Acts 2:38-39“And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant in My blood.” Luke 22:20 Our confidence and role in the covenant - “Such is the confidence we have toward God through Christ. Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 Are you in Christ? You can't fool God and you can't pretend to be what you are not. You want the benefits of the covenant, then you must be born again.  

Title: Enduring Faith Amidst Trials: Unpacking Isaiah 50Isaiah 50, nestled within the book of the prophet Isaiah, is a profound chapter that speaks to the endurance of faith in the face of adversity. This chapter is part of what scholars often refer to as the “Servant Songs,” a collection of passages in Isaiah that describe the service, suffering, and exaltation of the Servant of the Lord. The Servant's Obedience and Suffering (Isaiah 50:4-9)The heart of this chapter lies in verses 4-9, where the Servant of the Lord describes his mission and the suffering he endures.The Servant is depicted as a disciple who listens to and learns from the Lord daily. Despite the challenges and suffering, including being beaten and humiliated, the Servant remains steadfast. This portrayal is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, especially in the context of the New Testament. The Servant's confidence in God's help and vindication is evident. He stands firm in the face of adversaries, certain that God, who is his helper, will justify him. The rhetorical questions in verses 8 and 9 underline this confidence – no accusation or judgment will stand against the Servant because the Lord is on his side. A Call to Trust in God's Light (Isaiah 50:10-11)The chapter concludes with an exhortation to the people. Those who fear the Lord and obey the voice of His Servant are called to trust in God's name and rely on Him, even when they walk in darkness and have no light. This is contrasted with the plight of those who kindle their own fires and walk in the light of their torches – they are warned of the torment that awaits them. This is a powerful metaphor for relying on human wisdom and resources instead of trusting in God. Contemporary Relevance: Faith in Dark Times Isaiah 50 remains deeply relevant for believers today. It speaks to the experience of enduring faith amidst trials and persecutions. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that following God's path may involve suffering and opposition, but steadfast trust in God leads to ultimate vindication and salvation. Lessons from the ServantThe Servant's attitude provides a model for believers. The discipline of listening to God, the willingness to endure hardship for the sake of obedience, and the unwavering confidence in God's justice are qualities that believers are called to emulate.Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Perseverance Isaiah 50 offers a rich tapestry of themes – the faithfulness of the Servant, the call to trust in God even in darkness, and the warning against self-reliance. For those walking through challenges, this chapter is a beacon of hope, encouraging steadfastness and trust in the Lord. It reassures believers that, though the path of faith may be marked by trials, God's presence and promise of vindication are ever sure.

This text urges God's people to respond with joy to the salvation that He has provided through His Servant. This sermon also deals with the relationship of the New Covenant to the Old.

This text urges God's people to respond with joy to the salvation that He has provided through His Servant. This sermon also deals with the relationship of the New Covenant to the Old.

This text urges God's people to respond with joy to the salvation that He has provided through His Servant. This sermon also deals with the relationship of the New Covenant to the Old.

In this message, we look at what God promises to accomplish through His Servant, why we can trust that promise, and how we should respond. Isaiah 42:1-13

If you're wondering if it will be nice day tomorrow to mow the lawn, the odds are good that you can count on that forecast you heard on TV before going to bed.  However,  if you're planning to head to beach in two weeks, and want to know if it will be sunny, you may as well flip a coin. Now imagine how the people must have felt to hear Isaiah describe what God him store for them – and what they must have thought when they heard the work of His Servant to come!

Over the next two weeks we're gonna be looking at Psalms 67 and 68, and my plan, God willing, is to preach two sermons about our missionary calling as the people of God. Today's sermon is a Part One; next week is a Part Two — and my prayer for these sermons is pretty simple: I'm asking that God by his Spirit would lead our church to greater faithfulness in his purpose to magnify his glory among all nations. God has given us — as the people of God, the church of Jesus Christ, this local assembly called Cities Church — God has given us a calling for the sake of his name among all peoples, and I believe that now is a good time — as a church rooted — now is a good time for us to step into that missionary calling with a renewed passion and energy. And I think Psalm 67 and Psalm 68 will help us. There are two basic things we're gonna try to do today in Psalm 67: the first is that we want to understand the meaning of Psalm 67, and then second we want uncover (from Psalm 67) a central message in the grand storyline of Scripture. Understand the meaning here; uncover a theme in the whole Bible. And I'm excited to show you this, but I need to give you a heads up. This is gonna be one of those sermons that feels more like a Bible study. I'm gonna ask you to turn to a couple different places with me and look at the words — there's a few things I want you to see — but then I promise that at the end there will be some application, and even a little plot twist … so hang in there with me.Let's pray:Father in heaven, thank for your word, and for how you, by your Spirit, work through your word. In this moment, by your grace, we humble ourselves before you and ask you to do in us and through us whatever you want, for your glory. In Jesus's name, amen. Understanding Psalm 67First, let's try to understand Psalm 67. This psalm can be divided up into two parts, verses 1 and 2 stand alone as the theological heart of the psalm, and then the last part, verses 3–7, is the hope that flows from that heart. So heart and hope. (We'll start with the hope and come back to the heart.)The HopeThe hope here is that all nations of the earth will worship God. Start with verse 3: “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!”Anytime we see a word like “peoples” (plural) in the Old Testament (and especially in the Psalms), it's talking about all the nations of the earth outside of Israel. These are Gentile, pagan nations, and sometimes the enemies of Israel. They are peoples outside of, not part of, ethnic Israel. We're taking about all non-Jewish people — the apostle Paul calls them “strangers to the covenants of promise” (Eph. 2:12).Sometimes the text calls them “peoples” or sometimes “nations” or “foreigners” or “all mankind” or “the ends of the earth” — or sometimes the Bible will mention the people group by name like Egyptians or Cushites or Hittites or Philistines. The Bible has a lot to say about “all nations” and once you get the idea, it becomes something that's hard not to see. In fact, in the immediate psalms leading up to Psalm 67, there's been an “all nations” theme that's been building. Just note the language:Go back to Psalm 64:9 and look at that little phrase, “Then all mankind fears.” God's justice for his people gets the attention of all mankind, and in response to God's work, all mankind fears him. Psalm 65:2 — “O you who hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come.” — So the God who hears is not just a hearer of Israel, but of all flesh. All flesh shall come to God.65:5 — “O God of our salvation [“our” as in David's and Israel's — God is our salvation, but more than that: he's the] the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas”65:8 — God's power is displayed “so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs”Then in 66:1 there's a command to all nations, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth” 66:4 — “All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Then verse 8 — “Bless our God, O peoples”See, before we get to Psalm 67 we've seen talk about the nations, in the immediate context and really since the very beginning of the Psalms. Remember back in Psalm 2, which is all about the Messiah, one way that God the Father honors the Son, the Messiah, is he says to him, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:8). The same idea is repeated in Psalm 22, verse 27. As a result of the Messiah's suffering and exaltation, David writes,All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. So Psalm 67 verse 3 is just joining an already established theme. [And I want you to see this.] There are six jussive verbs in a row here — these are 3rd person commands that express a wish or hope of the speaker. They each start with that little word “let.” Look at verse 3:Let the people's praise you, O God;Let all the peoples praise you [this is repeated again in verse 5]Verse 4: Let the nations be glad and sing for joyVerse 7: Let all the ends of the earth fear him!Does everybody see this? That's the hope. I want to make sure it's clear. The hope of Psalm 67 (and leading up to Psalm 67) is that God will be worshiped by all nations on the earth. All nations will worship God. That's the hope, and it flows from the heart. The HeartThe heart is verses 1–2, and at one level, these are simple words. We could just fly past these in our Bible reading, but, if we slow down for a minute and look closer, here's where we're gonna find that Psalm 67 verses 1 and 2 lead us to uncover a central message in the entire biblical storyline. And I know that's a big statement, but track with me here. Look at verse 1:May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us. [Selah — which means, Stop for a minute and think about if you've ever heard these words before.]And we have. Psalm 67:1 sounds like one of the most famous blessings in the Bible, going way back to Numbers 6. [Turn back there for a minute.]Numbers 6 …In Numbers 6, verse 22, God told Moses to command Aaron and his sons to speak God's blessing on Israel. God told him the exact words to be spoken. Aaron and his sons, serving as priests, were to say to the people of Israel, verse 24:24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. And three of those same phrases in Numbers 6 are repeated in Psalm 67:1 — graciousbless, andmake his face shine. But notice a difference in Psalm 67: instead of these words being spoken in second person (you), they're in the third person (us). The psalmist is taking the position here as a representative of all Israel and he's invoking Aaron's blessing on the people. He says:May God be gracious to usMay God bless usMay God make his face to shine upon us —And that's amazing by itself, but look at verse 2. This blessing has a purpose. The psalmist is saying:Apply Aaron's blessing to us — God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, verse 2: “so that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” In other words, bless us for the sake of the nations! I'm asking you, God, to do good to us in order that all nations may see you and know you. Bless us so that we will be a blessing to all.That's the heart of Psalm 67. That's where the hope of all nations praising God comes from. And here's where Psalm 67 starts to uncover a central message in the whole storyline of the Bible. One way to say it is that God has always meant for his people to be a “so that” people. We exist not only for ourselves to know and enjoy God, but also so that others may know and enjoy God — which means we have a missionary calling. We have a purpose that extends beyond ourselves. That's what it means to be a “so that” people. And this has been God's will since the very beginning. He is worthy of the worship of all nations, and so he will have it — and he has determined that his people be a means to how he will have it. And what I wanna do now for most of the rest of our time is make this point clear. So we're gonna step out of the Book of Psalms, go back to Genesis, and I want to show you that God's plan from the start was to have a “so that” people. The people of God has always had a missionary calling to magnify his glory among all nations. Uncovering a Central MessageThis is the second part. There's some uncovering to do here. Turn back to Genesis 12. We will pick up the story with Abraham in Genesis 12 — which is a solution to the problem created in Genesis 1–11. In Genesis 1, God created Adam and Eve as his image-bearers to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Adam and Eve were to expand the Garden of Eden — life in the presence of God was God's plan for the entire earth. That's how the glory of God would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea — BUT in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve rebelled against God and his word; because of their sin they brought the curse of sin on this world. And the rest of these chapters, Genesis 4–11, basically lays out the implications of that curse. By Genesis 10 — after God sent the judgment of the flood, after he hit a hard reset with Noah — we see the descendants of Noah have become seventy nations (and when I say “nations” think “peoples”). Genesis 10 lists out these seventy nations/peoples, and the list is meant to be representative of all the nations on the earth. Genesis 10 is meant to give us a universal perspective — this is all of humanity. And then in Genesis 11 what happens? Well rather than these nations do what God had told Adam and Eve to do, and later Noah to do — rather than be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth — these nations try to consolidate in rebellion against God. That's what Babel is about. And so God brings judgment again. He confuses their languages and scatters them over the face of the whole earth — which is a mess, because now instead of the whole earth being an expanded Garden of Eden with image-bearers who worship and enjoy God, the whole earth is filled with different peoples alienated from one another and set against God. There is horizontal and vertical brokenness among all nations. And we have to understand that this is a universal problem. This is a problem for all nations. And it's that universal, all nations problem that Genesis 12 is going to address.Genesis 12 …In Genesis 12, God looks out, as it were, at all these nations on the earth and he chooses one man, Abram. And God makes a stunning, radical promise to Abram in Genesis 12:1–3. Look at this, Genesis 12:1, Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” You see what God said? Verse 2: “I will bless you and make your name great” — WHY? — “so that you will be a blessing.” In you, Abram, all the families of the earth shall be blessed! And Abram became Abraham (father of a multitude).Here's what's going on: Against the universal bad news of curse and alienation, God promises the universal good news of blessing and restoration.There was an “all nations problem,” and God has an “all nations solution.” Through Abram he would have a nation, a people of his own, to be a “so that” people. God would bless them so that they be a blessing to all. That was the plan from the start. And so now we can see it — Psalm 67 is echoing Genesis 12. This is a central theme in the whole storyline of Scripture.Through a Centripetal NationAnd later in the Book of Exodus, God's plan and promise for Abraham is repeated for Israel when they're established as a nation. Exodus 19:5–6, God tells Israel …if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.This gives us more details as to how Israel will be a blessing to all nations. It's through their being a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. Theologian Michael Goheen says Israel's calling here was centripetal. Things are moving to the center. Israel was a people meant to draw all nations to them, to the center of God's presence with them. Goheen writes, Israel is to embody God's creational intention for all humanity for the sake of the world, living in such a way as to draw the nations into covenant with God. (Light to the Nations, 39).It was “Come and see!” That was Israel's missionary calling. Question: How'd Israel do with that calling?One thing the Old Testament history makes clear is that Israel failed in this calling. They were not the “so that” people they were meant to be, which is one reason this missionary-all nations-hope is picked up so boldly in the Psalms and the Prophets. The only way that Israel could fulfill their missionary calling is if God intervened and did something.Hope ContinuesIn the Book of Psalms, there's at least 175 references to the nations. In the Prophets, when men like Isaiah spoke on behalf of God about the future God would bring, God said things like this: Isaiah 45:22 — “Turn to me and be saved all the ends of the earth!”Isaiah 56:7 — “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples”Isiah 49:6 — God, speaking to Israel (or His Servant), says: “I will make you as a light for the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”There's a hope in the Psalms and the Prophets that one day a true Israel including all nations will be gathered to God in worship. The Book of Isaiah ends with God saying, Isaiah 66 verse 19, I will send survivors to the nations … to the coastlands afar off, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.Verse 23: “All flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord.” It's been his plan from the beginning, to be accomplished through his people. Israel failed in that calling, so what does God do?God sends his Son. The TrueR and BetterJesus came to this world as the offspring of Abraham through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Jesus himself became the true and better Israel. He embodied the missionary calling of Israel, and he, by calling all people to himself, he began to create a new Israel, reconstituted under a new covenant.That's why he called 12 disciples, like the 12 tribes of Israel, and at the beginning of the Book of Acts, when Jesus commissions his apostles, he says: You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8)Hear that? Jesus is the truer and better “all nations solution” to the all nations problem. And we actually see this happening in the Book of Acts through the church. The church of Jesus receives the missionary calling of Jesus himself, the calling God has always meant for his people. And we see unfolding in Acts as the gospel advances to the nations, to the Gentiles. In Acts 13, when the apostle Paul says he's gonna preach to the nations, he quotes Isaiah 49:6, “I have made you a light for the nations, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” This is amazing because it means that what God first spoke to Israel, and then was fulfilled in Jesus, is now applied to the followers of Jesus. We are blessed to be a blessing. God's saving power to us is so that his saving power would be known through us.All nations will hear God's fame and see God's glory because Jesus by his Spirit is at work through his people — his people … the church … us — we have a missionary calling to spread his gospel to all nations … so that all the nations alienated from God and one another in Genesis 11 become in Revelation 7 a great multitude from all tribes and peoples and languages who, standing together before the throne and before the Lamb, cry out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God!”Psalm 67 is the future. It's where everything is headed: “Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you!”Where Are We?And here is where there might need to be a little twist in our thinking. Before we jump in and say, Yes, we have a missionary calling to take the gospel to all nations, we need to realize that we, in this room, are all nations. When the Old Testament talks about the ends of the earth — and even in Acts 1:8 when Jesus says his apostles will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth — that's us. If we're thinking biblically, we are the ends of the earth! We are a long ways from Jerusalem, y'all.And I think this is important for us to understand. (I'll talk more about this next week too, because I think it's so important), but I'll just say for now, we should never think that our role in global missions is us doing a favor for the peoples way out there, instead, we owe our very existence to global missions. We have heard the gospel because global missionaries were sent. It's because Jesus did have witnesses to the ends of the earth.Which means this: our work in global missions is not us trying to start anything new — we're not trying to be on the front edge of anything — we just want to join in on the grace that is behind our existence. We've inherited a missionary calling. We've been welcomed into this. God has blessed us to be a blessing, to be a so that people. And I think this is the first thing we should embrace as the Spirit leads us to greater faithfulness in God's purpose to magnify his glory among all nations. We should be humbled by the plan of God, that we're here, and then we want to surrender to his calling.And that's how we come to this Table.The TableThe Table both looks backwards and forward. We remember here the death of Jesus for us in the past, and we look forward with hope to the day, because of his death, when all nations will worship him together.This is not our table, this is the Lord's Table — and as we share in it here, there are local, visible churches all around the world who share in it too. We each share in now as we're spread out everywhere, but one day this will be a feast for all nations together. And so in that hope, if you trust in Jesus this morning, if you worship Jesus, we invite you to eat and drink with us in praise.

Having introduced this Messianic Servant, the prophecies of Isaiah start to hone in on Him in more detail starting in Chapter 50. God has always had a plan for His Servant to work among His people. That plan is wonderful and there is no question that it will be done. We can trust Him for […]

So how does it end? How do the pieces of Isaiah fit together? Well, today we dive into Isaiah 66 and see the Lord's glorious plan for His Servant, His people and His kingdom. Join us in this exciting conclusion to this wonderful book! 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.   

So how does it end? How do the pieces of Isaiah fit together? Well, today we dive into Isaiah 66 and see the Lord's glorious plan for His Servant, His people and His kingdom. Join us in this exciting conclusion to this wonderful book! 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.   

What about the blind and lame? How do they fit in the kingdom and purposes of God? They may wait on the Lord. He will take them where they have not gone. God said His Servant, the Lord Jesus, was blind.

Donnie speaks on some tough love today out of Acts 5:29 and Luke 17:1-10 speaking of the parable of A Master and His Servant.  The main points are: You protect others Faith by the Way you Live, We have a Responsibility to Correct and Forgive, and Obedience does not require a Thank you.  Take a listen and Let God speak a good word to you today, enjoy!

Wednesday, 4 January 2023   “after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Acts 13:24   Paul is in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. He has been addressing those gathered on the Sabbath, telling them about God's plan of salvation. In the previous verse, he specifically introduced Jesus as the Savior. He now notes that Jesus' ministry began “after John had first preached.”   This is referring to John's preaching which immediately preceded the ministry of Jesus. It was not that John preached before the coming of Jesus at His birth, but before the designated time for His ministry to begin.   The significance of this was that John didn't preach like the other prophets as if the Messiah was coming at some unstated point in the future. Rather, his words indicated that the Messiah was right at hand and ready to appear. This was, as Paul continues to note, “before His coming.” The Greek literally reads “before the face of His entrance.”   It is a Hebrew expression indicating an appearance, the face representing the person's presence. In this, a new word is used, eisodos. It is essentially the opposite of exodus. It indicates an entrance and extends to a means or place of entrance. Because Paul is connecting John's ministry to that of the coming of the Messiah, he is indicating that the two events are inextricably linked. The herald had come and then the One he proclaimed had immediately followed. As for John, his proclamation was “the baptism of repentance.”   The meaning is that John called the people to repent. In his calling, those who agreed with his proposition were then baptized to outwardly acknowledge the inner change that had taken place. It was a symbolic act of repentance. The word “repent” must be defined to understand what is being said –   “A word compounded of the preposition μετά, after, with; and the verb νοέω, to perceive, and to think, as the result of perceiving or observing. In this compound the preposition combines the two meanings of time and change, which may be denoted by after and different; so that the whole compound means to think differently after. Μετάνοια (repentance) is therefore, primarily, an after-thought, different from the former thought; then, a change of mind which issues in regret and in change of conduct. These latter ideas, however, have been imported into the word by scriptural usage, and do not lie in it etymologically nor by primary usage. Repentance, then, has been rightly defined as ‘Such a virtuous alteration of the mind and purpose as begets a like virtuous change in the life and practice.' Sorrow is not, as is popularly conceived, the primary nor the prominent notion of the word. Paul distinguishes between sorrow (λύπη) and repentance (μετάνοια), and puts the one as the outcome of the other. ‘Godly sorrow worketh repentance' (2 Corinthians 7:10).” Vincent's Word Studies   It was this changing of the mind that John was called to proclaim. The Messiah was soon to appear and there was to be a national preparing for His arrival –   “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!' 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.”'” Matthew 3:1-3   This call for the people to change their minds was “to all the people of Israel.” Jesus came to the people of Israel. His ministry was to the nation of Israel. No Gentiles were a part of the nation. He had come to fulfill the law and then initiate a New Covenant. This covenant was to be “with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah” as stated in Jeremiah 31:31.   As such, what Paul is conveying to those at the synagogue is a restating of the process of preparation for Israel to enter into this New Covenant based on their lives under the Law of Moses. As the Gentiles were never under the law of Moses, what Paul says here does not apply to them. It is simply a restating of the facts as they occurred just as the Messiah was ready to come forth. That was prophesied by the prophet Malachi –   “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:4-6   Commentaries quite often shove Paul's words here in Acts 13 into their “Gentile” theology concerning entry into the New Covenant, meaning “how to be saved.” But this is entirely inappropriate. Christ has come. And more, the Law of Moses was never in effect for any Gentile at any time or place in human history. The entrance of Gentiles into the New Covenant was anticipated by Isaiah, and it is something that was only available after the work of Christ was accomplished –   “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'” Isaiah 49:5, 6   Israel had to repent because they were under the law. To be brought out of that state, they needed to be in the right condition for that to occur. Now, with Christ's work complete, salvation is solely by faith in what He has accomplished.   Life application: Remember the basics of the gospel –   “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3:4   By faith in this message, one is saved. At that time, the Holy Spirit is given as a seal, a guarantee, of that salvation –   “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14   The process is of God. The work is accomplished by Jesus. Belief in this results in eternal salvation. Nothing can be added to this message without causing damage to its purity.   Glorious God, we stand in awe of what You have done. You have brought us from darkness into the wonderful light of Christ. Thank You for restoring us to Yourself. And thank You for Your word that reveals these things to us. We can have confidence in our walk and hope concerning our future because of what You have provided for us. Hallelujah! Amen.  

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, ‘Look at us!' And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Yeshua the Messiah the Nazarene—walk!' And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, ‘Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Yeshua, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Yeshua which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Messiah would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Yeshua, the Messiah appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. Moses said, “THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED [Deuteronomy 18:15-16] to everything He says to you. And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.” And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, “AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED” [Genesis 22:18; 26:4]. For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways'” (NASU).

Sunday, 2 October 2022   The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— Acts 10:36   Peter is responding to the reason why Cornelius had summoned him. He just noted that those who fear God and work righteousness are acceptable to Him. He continues now, beginning with, “The word.”   Peter is now going to convey the divine utterance of God, the word, that came to those of Israel. He understands more fully now that this divine declaration was not to be limited to Israel at all but that it is a word that is to extend beyond its borders to all people. With that, Peter continues by sharing what the word is. It is that “which God sent to the children of Israel.”   This is exactly what the law and the prophets indicated. There was the law, but it was spoken in a manner that indicated there must be One who would come and fulfill it. From there, the prophets spoke of this coming One, hinting at His ministry and how He would accomplish the things set before Him. Within the prophets was also the promise of a New Covenant. That New Covenant was promised to the people of Israel –    “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—” Jeremiah 31:31   In reading this, one might assume that the covenant was limited to Israel and Judah, but that would be a myopic view of the matter. Rather, though it is made with the house of Israel and Judah it was never intended to be limited to them. Rather –   “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'” Isaiah 49:5, 6   This is the word that Peter is now conveying to Cornelius, explaining that God was “preaching peace through Jesus Christ.” The translation is correct, cleaning up the faulty rendering of the KJV which says, “by Jesus Christ.” It is God in Christ who preached through Jesus. Jesus is the means of God transmitting the message. One can see the human united with the divine in this. It is a necessary point of doctrine that Jesus Christ is God rather than a created being. God has accomplished all things through Jesus directly. And thus, Peter says, “He is Lord of all.”   The words are their own independent part of the divine declaration. Jesus Christ is not just the Lord over Israel but over all people. The message that God in Christ preached through Jesus is a single, unified message that issues to all people. One must remember that Peter had just said in verse 10:34, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” What is being expressed by him concerning the word, the divine utterance of God, is as much of a surprise to him as it might be to Cornelius.   It may be true that Peter knew there is only one God, but he assumed that the message of peace was one limited to Jews alone. He now perceives that this is not the case. The Mosaic Covenant was with Israel alone but the New Covenant, though being made with Israel and Judah, extends out to all who will accept God's offer of peace through Jesus.   Life application: The substance of the gospel is to be found in Peter's words of this and the coming verses. It teaches that Jesus is God incarnate. It teaches that Jesus died for sins. It implicitly teaches that Jesus was buried, and it teaches that God raised Him on the third day. This is the exact same message that Paul will express in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. It is the reason that Paul then says while speaking of Peter and the other apostles –   “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” 1 Corinthians 15:11   This is the one and only gospel given by which men must be saved. Luke is providing a description of what Peter said for us to understand that what God has determined sets the boundaries for salvation, whether it is for that of a Jew, for that of a Gentile, or for that of national Israel. The message is the divine declaration of God that tells us of His incarnation in the Person of Jesus Christ.   Lord God, thank You for the wonderful thing You have done. You have spoken forth Your message concerning the coming of Christ, and He spoke forth the good news to the world. We have a full and complete explanation of this through the hands of the apostles, telling us of this wonderful thing. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God's unexpected plan for His Servant continues to be revealed. This Messiah/Redeemer/Ruler will only get His "spoils" after giving Himself as a guilt offering for sinners. The heart of the gospel and substitutionary atonement was revealed centuries before Jesus died on the cross. crosstocrown.org https://www.newcovenantschooloftheology.org

So how does it end? How do the pieces of Isaiah fit together? Well, today we dive into Isaiah 66 and see the Lord's glorious plan for His Servant, His people and His kingdom. Join us in this exciting conclusion to this wonderful book! STUDY & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. As we wrap up our study in the book of Isaiah, what key truths were taught about sin in the following verses: a. Isaiah 1:3 b. Isaiah 59:2 c. Isaiah 64:6 2. What key truths are taught about the New Kingdom and her King in the following verses: a. Isaiah 2:2 b. Isaiah 7:14 c. Isaiah 9:1 d. Isaiah 9:7 e. Isaiah 11:2 3. In Isaiah 66, verse 1, what can mankind make for God to dwell in? Why? According to verse 2, where does the Lord abide? Who might abide with Him? What does it mean to tremble at the Word of God? Would you say that this phrase describes your disposition to the Lord and His Word? 4. Verse 3 describes the religious hypocrisy of Isaiah's day. What does it sound like the people were doing? Why was this the equivalent of sacrificing dogs and pigs? Does God embrace this kind of worship? How do people make up their own worship today? Why might the Lord reject that worship too? 5. How does verse 4 show that the people's worship was truly hypocritical? How might a person today act like they are listening to God when they're really not? 6. In verse 5, the people who tremble at God's Word even face persecution from their own family. What does it look like in this verse? Have you ever seen this kind of persecution in our world today? How does a person's resilience in the face of persecution demonstrate the genuineness of their trust in the Lord? 7. In verse 6, what is the Lord's response to those who revile His people? What kind of confidence should this give to God's people when they're facing persecution for the Lord? 8. Verses 7 to 9 is speaking of how the Lord will form a new people and give birth to a new nation. In light of everything we've studied so far in the book of Isaiah, what is this new nation being spoken of here? What kind of hope do you think the Lord intends to convey to His people in these verses? Why would they need this kind of encouragement? 9. In verses 10 to 14, what is the appropriate response to this work of God? How was the Lord guiding Jerusalem to fulfill her purpose to be a spiritual mother to the nations of the world? 10. How does the arrival of this new nation also bring judgment in verses 15 to 18? Why? 11. Verse 19 speaks of how the Lord will send messengers throughout the world. What will be the result of their ministry in verse 20? What is a grain offering? What is the significance of these people being grain offerings to the Lord? 12. Think about the statement in verse 21 that these people from the nations will be legitimate priests and Levites. Under the Old Covenant, how did a person become a priest? What kind of selection process did they undergo? Why are these Gentiles given such a privileged role and place in this new nation? 13. In verse 23, how long will this new nation and these new people last? What will all mankind do before the Lord? What does this also say about the endurance of the people's worship? 14. Read over verse 24, what is the final point of the Book of Isaiah? How is this still a warning to the world today? 15. Think back to what we have learned from Isaiah about this coming kingdom. Has this kingdom come yet? In this study of Isaiah, how have you seen what it means to be living in light of this future kingdom? The Key Chapters Bible Podcast is a daily, 15ish minute podcast that goes over the key chapters of the Bible, one per day, explaining how it fits into the overall message of God and how it relates to our lives now. Jump in today or start back in Genesis 1! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Available on all major podcast platforms, and now on The YouVersion Bible App 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.