Israelite kingdom, c. 930–c. 720 BCE
POPULARITY
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
In this sermon, Dr. Roger L. Smith addresses the series "Reaping Destruction, the Effects of Bad Investments" emphasizing its relevance beyond recent events, attributing it to God's foresight. He asserts a spiritual war for people's hearts is underway, referencing Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, as an example of leadership that plays to the crowd rather than leading toward truth. Dr. Smith warns against misusing authority and highlights an experiment illustrating people's tendency to follow authority, even to harmful extremes. Jeroboam, to maintain power, corrupted worship by creating golden calves, rewriting history, and appointing unworthy priests. This, Dr. Smith claims, resonates today as society shifts from holiness to convenience.
In this sermon, Dr. Roger L. Smith addresses the series "Reaping Destruction, the Effects of Bad Investments" emphasizing its relevance beyond recent events, attributing it to God's foresight. He asserts a spiritual war for people's hearts is underway, referencing Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, as an example of leadership that plays to the crowd rather than leading toward truth. Dr. Smith warns against misusing authority and highlights an experiment illustrating people's tendency to follow authority, even to harmful extremes. Jeroboam, to maintain power, corrupted worship by creating golden calves, rewriting history, and appointing unworthy priests. This, Dr. Smith claims, resonates today as society shifts from holiness to convenience.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
In this episode, we examine the short yet tragic reign of Abijam in 1 Kings 15:1–8, exploring how God's enduring faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant shapes His dealings with unrighteous kings in Judah. Despite Abijam's clear failure to walk in the ways of David, the kingdom is not torn from his line. Why? Because of God's promise to David.We explore how this divine loyalty can create the appearance of partiality, especially when compared to the judgment God brings on the kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Is God playing favorites—or is something deeper at work?Zooming out, we reflect on how the book of Kings functions like an autopsy report, diagnosing the spiritual and moral decay that led both Israel and Judah into captivity. The civil war between Abijam and Jeroboam becomes a tragic symbol of Israel turning in on itself—God's chosen people, called to be agents of healing, now self-destructing like a cancerous body at war with itself. The irony is profound: the nation meant to heal the world has become a source of its own affliction.But this is not where the story ends.We turn to Luke 1:30–33, where the angel announces that God will give Jesus the throne of His father David. Here we see the beauty of God's faithfulness—God does not break His promises. Instead, He actively advances the Davidic Covenant through Jesus, who will inherit the Davidic throne in Jerusalem not merely to rule, but to redeem. In Jesus - the Son of David and Son of God, God picks up the broken pieces of Israel's failure and continues the project to heal human nature from the inside out.We close by wrestling with the tension this raises: God's covenant faithfulness may sometimes feel like favoritism, but ultimately it is our hope. Because God keeps His word, the mission is still alive. The King has come—and He's finishing what Israel started.Key Passages: 1 Kings 15:1-8Luke 1:30-33Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.orgLeave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
You ever feel like the world's going down the drain, and no one cares... and you thought God cared, but He doesn't appear to either? Enter into the Northern Kingdom if Israel where powers and principalities ruled it, but one man rises up to face the tide of the culture with truth: it is indeed Yahweh who brings the rains, not Baal.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee discusses the identity of the “lost sheep of the House of Israel”? Many in the Two-House sub-movement conclude that Yeshua was speaking of the exiled Northern Kingdom of Israel/Ephraim. Throughout a great deal of Messianic Judaism, Yeshua going to the “lost sheep of the House of Israel” is used to support the importance of Jewish evangelism. A more detailed, text conscious review is needed. This is then followed by a review of important stories and issues from the past day or so, largely witnessed on social media.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Daily Dose of Hope August 22, 2025 Scripture – Luke 10:25-42 Prayer: Lord, How we need you. Thank you for your presence, thank you for the way you continue to pursue us. Lord, in these next few moments of silence, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts. Happy Friday! Today, we dive into the second half of Luke 10. The first portion of today's reading is the parable of the Good Samaritan. The story begins with an expert in religious law asking Jesus, “What should I do to inherit eternal life?” It's possible this lawyer/religious academic type is actually trying to trap Jesus. These guys tended to think Jesus had a low regard for Law. But this man didn't realize that Jesus was actually smarter than him. Jesus answers, “What does the law say?” As you know, the Old Testament law is really long and rather than just starting to read the whole law in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, it was not uncommon to summarize it with two precepts: · Deut. 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with your soul and with all your strength.” · Lev. 19:18 says, “...love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Now, these are really, really hard principles. The law expert, a smart man, would have known there was really no way for him to obey this law on his own. But he wanted to justify himself. He wanted to keep trying to find a way that he could obey the law in his own power, so he asks Jesus, “Well, who is my neighbor?” And, as we know, Jesus uses this opportunity to share a parable. He says that a man was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Now, the first thing we need to understand about this road is that it was really, really dangerous. Think more dangerous than Nebraska Ave. at midnight. But there weren't a whole lot of options so people did it. Now part of what made the road so dangerous was its geography. It was 17 miles long and drops 3,000 ft. during those 17 miles. The geography also lended itself to lots of caves and nooks where bands of thieves and robbers could hang out and just wait for their next victim. What's kind of interesting here is that Jesus does not give us a lot of information about the man who is traveling. The people Jesus was speaking to would probably automatically assume the man was a Jew like them. What we do know is that he was beaten, stripped, is probably unconscious, beaten, bloodied, and is unidentifiable. The guy was left for dead. Now, the first man that walks by this poor guy, lying half-dead on the road, is a priest, a man of God. The Scripture says that “he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.” Then a temple assistant, a Levite, walked by. This time, we are given information that he looked at the man lying there, but he also decided to walk to the other side and pass the dying man without providing any help. Next comes a Samaritan man. Many of you know that the Samaritans were despised by the Jews. 800 years before Jesus, the Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians. What the Assyrians did was disperse the Jews living there and sent groups of pagan peoples to settle in the area. The result was a lot of intermarrying between the Jews and these other people groups. So, the “purer” Jews, from the Southern Kingdom, considered the Samaritans half-breeds and looked on them with extreme contempt. In fact, the relationship between the Jews and Samaritans could probably best be described by the relationship between Jews and Palestinians – conflict, violence, and hatred. The Samaritan finds the man half-dead along the road and he decides to care for him. He treats the man's wounds, puts him on a donkey, and carries him off to an inn. He pays for his care and makes sure that he is nursed back to health. He offers over the top kindness, the kind that is never expected and never could be repaid. Okay, let's start with the most obvious questions. Why did the priest and Levite walk by the dying man? Why did the neglect someone who was obviously suffering? Well, it would have made them ritually unclean to come into contact with blood. They were afraid of that. They would have found it time-consuming and maybe even embarrassing to arrive at the Temple and say, “Hey, guys, I'm unclean, can't do my work today.” There was also the fear of physical harm (are the guys who robbed him still around?) and the reality of inconvenience. All of these are excuses that could have been overcome and dealt with but they weren't willing to do it. The Samaritan man could have been plagued by the same fears. He could have been attacked, he dealt with inconvenience, he gave sacrificially in order to save this man's life. But he did it anyway. And that is what we are called to do. What does it mean to be a neighbor? It means being like this Samaritan. It means dealing with the mess, the risk, and the inconvenience to show love and mercy to another person. The last portion of today's reading is the story of Mary and Martha. I think we often misunderstand this story. Afterall, the problem with Martha is not that she is busy serving and providing hospitality. Certainly, Jesus commends this kind of service to neighbor many times, notably in the parable of the Good Samaritan that we just read. The problem with Martha is not her serving, but rather that she is worried and distracted. She is fluttering about, messing with the food preparations, legitimately more concerned with finishing dinner than anything else. Martha's distraction and worry leave no room for the most important aspect of hospitality--gracious attention to the guest. In fact, she breaks all the rules of hospitality by trying to embarrass her sister in front of her guest and by asking her guest to intervene in a family dispute. She even goes so far as to accuse Jesus of not caring about her (Lord, do you not care...?). Martha's worry and distraction prevent her from being truly present with Jesus. She has missed out on the “one thing needed” for true hospitality: listening to your guest (especially if the guest is Jesus!) Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her. Jesus' words to Martha may be seen as an invitation rather than a rebuke. Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. The one thing needed is for Martha to receive the gracious presence of Jesus, to listen to his words, to know that she is valued not for what she does or how well she does it, but for who she is as a child of God. In a culture of hustle and bustle and over-scheduling, we are tempted to measure our worth by how busy we are, by how much we accomplish, or by how well we meet the expectations of others. We are often Marthas, thinking the busier we are, the more productive we must be. But being distracted and worried often gets in the way of our spiritual walk. Being distracted and worried gets in the way of us listening to Jesus. When is the last time you sat at the feet of Jesus and simply listened to him? How often do you set aside time to just be still before God? Even Jesus himself made time, in the midst of a very busy schedule, to be alone with God. We know that God calls us to be listeners of his Word and doers of the Word. But how often do we participate in activities without really soaking up God first? When we do that, we are bound to serve without joy, with pride, for the wrong reasons. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
In this episode, we dive into the sobering story of Jeroboam's rebellion and the prophetic judgment spoken through the aging prophet Ahijah in 1 Kings 13:33–14:18. Jeroboam's sins—establishing idols, appointing illegitimate priests, and turning his back on the Lord—weren't just political missteps; they were like a spiritual cancer that metastasized through the whole of Northern Israel, and this cancerous corruption set the Northern Kingdom on a trajectory toward exile.We also explore the irony that Jeroboam, the man once prophetically appointed to rule Israel, had no real relationship with the prophet who anointed him. So distant was he from Ahijah that he believed his wife had to disguise herself to visit the prophet about their sick child—unaware that Ahijah was now blind. This small detail reveals a larger truth: Jeroboam had cut himself off not only from God's voice, but from God's prophet.Ahijah's message is devastating but precise: God's judgment is never random. It always corresponds to human choices—it either amplifies their consequences or accelerates their arrival. And in Jeroboam's case, the judgment stretches far beyond his family. Ahijah prophesies the eventual captivity of Israel—a prophecy that foreshadows the rise of Assyria and the disappearance of the ten northern tribes. This moment is one of the most significant turning points in Israel's history and still reverberates today. or example, it's quite possible the Northern tribes of Israel are still scattered ampong the nations and awaiting a return to the land of Israel. We turn to Romans 3:20–24, where the Apostle Paul announces the good news of a far greater redemption. Unlike Jeroboam, who led Israel into exile, Jesus leads us out of captivity—not to a foreign empire, but to the deeper slavery of sin. This redemption isn't merely something Christ offers us from a distance—it is something God locates in Christ himself, in his own transformed humanity. God rescued Jesus from death and raised him into new life—and through Christ, God invites us into that same new life.Key Passages:1 Kings 13:33-14:16Romans 3:20-24Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.orgLeave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
The prophet speaks of the corrupt power structure in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There the wicked people in the government have no real fear of being stopped and so spend their time devising schemes to use their positions for personal enrichment.
In this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, we welcome Dr. Jason Staples, Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at NC State University. Dr. Staples' expertise spans biblical literature, early Judaism, Christian origins, ethics, and more—but today we're diving deep into his groundbreaking book, Paul and the Resurrection of Israel.Jason shares how his research challenges the assumption that Paul's mission to the Gentiles conflicted with his vision for Israel. Instead, he lays out a compelling case that Paul's gospel flows directly from Israel's restoration promises, redefining how we understand “Israel” in the New Testament.We explore:The core thesis of Paul and the Resurrection of Israel and how it reframes Paul's theology.Why “Israel” in Paul's writings often means more than just “the Jews.”How Old Testament prophecies about the Northern Kingdom connect to Paul's Gentile mission.The “potter and clay” metaphor in Romans 9—and why our modern reading might miss Paul's point.How Matthew's “lost sheep of the house of Israel” fits into the bigger gospel narrative.Why understanding the ancient craft of pottery can improve our biblical interpretation.Jason's upcoming projects, including a more accessible version of his Paul book and a study on C.S. Lewis' use of Scripture.Whether you're a pastor, Bible study leader, or a curious student of Scripture, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for Paul's coherence, God's faithfulness, and the beauty of biblical narrative.
Welcome to Day 2693 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2693 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 780:1-6 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2693 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2693 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Shepherd's Hidden Face – A Cry for Restoration - A Trek Through Psalm 80:1-6 Today, we begin a powerful and deeply moving trek through Psalm 80 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its opening verses, 1 through 6. Psalm 80 is a communal lament, a desperate and repeated cry for God to restore His people. Like the lament psalms we've recently explored, such as Psalms 74 and 79, it is steeped in national tragedy and the anguish of God's apparent absence. However, this psalm is unique in its focus on God's identity as a Shepherd and its use of agricultural and shepherding metaphors to articulate the nation's pain and their fervent desire for revival. The psalmist pleads for God, the Shepherd of Israel, to remember His flock, to turn His face back to them, and to act with His saving power. This psalm gives voice to that difficult, often-long season of suffering when God's anger feels prolonged, and our pleas seem to go unanswered. It's a prayer for a fresh start, a powerful yearning for divine intervention to reverse a season of national turmoil and public disgrace. So, let's immerse ourselves in this desperate plea for divine restoration, feeling the weight of a people crying out from the wilderness of God's silence. The Shepherd's Call to Action (Reads Psalm 80:1-3 NLT) Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead the descendants of Joseph like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your glory and power! Stir up your mighty power! Come to our rescue and save us. Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm begins with a tender and intimate plea to God as the Shepherd: "Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead the descendants of Joseph like a flock." This imagery is both ancient and deeply personal to the Israelite people. God is not just a distant king; He is a caring Shepherd, and Israel is His flock. This echoes the portrayal of God's leadership in Psalm 78, where "he led his own people like sheep through the wilderness." It's an appeal to God's paternal, protective, and nurturing nature. The psalmist specifically mentions "the descendants of Joseph," which refers to the prominent tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Given their significance, this might suggest the lament comes from the Northern Kingdom, or it could be a general plea for the entire nation, with Joseph representing all of Israel. Regardless, the appeal is to God's faithfulness as their leader, a plea for Him to remember His flock and return to His shepherding duties. The plea for God to act is filled with anticipation and
Fr. Mike explains the relationship between idolatry and adultery, and how one can easily lead to another, especially in our relationship with God. He also talks about the difference between discipline and abuse, as we cover some tough topics today. Today's readings are Isaiah 65, Ezekiel 23-24, and Proverbs 13:21-25. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
“Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent; if we wait until morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”” (2 Kings 7:9 NAS95)
“Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent; if we wait until morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”” (2 Kings 7:9 NAS95)
Is the division of The Land imminent? When is the next UN meeting regard the division? With what High Holy Day does this scheduling coincide? What lands will be involved in Eze. 38-39? What judgments will be delivered upon these involved countries? Are Orthodox Zionists planning on returning to Ukraine? From what experience did the elites of Judea learn money magic? Why was ancient Israel continually attracted to pagan worship? Are any of these aspects of pagan worship still present today? What could the celestial body 31/ATLAS bring with it? Please join me for a look at our exciting and sobering future as Yeshua opens the door to the final prophecies before His return. FALL OF CHRISTIAN WEST Crypto currency voted in by US: https://x.com/505Cali2/status/1946500208457585052 Kalergi Plan underway: https://substack.com/@lastcall1/note/c-122832681?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e Is Canada's “dying with dignity” painfree?: https://www.bitchute.com/video/DO1QBiiE6XkW Surveillance in 15-min city: https://substack.com/@stephengarvey/note/m-820235ca-098e-4f4b-9f85-f094f1532d7f?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e 15-min city in reality: https://substack.com/@fallofthecabalofficial/note/c-134501284?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e China – no digital ID, no food: https://substack.com/@endtimesnewsupdates/note/m-a99c0e23-c2fc-4af5-981e-eabad5e54ed3?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e Catherine Fitts, always a sharp mind, connecting the dots, missing $20+ trillion, DOD, vaxxes: https://substack.com/@sensereceptor/note/c-134106879?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e AI can create fake vid's/info: https://substack.com/@paigeturner391634/note/c-134471822?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e Epstein “List” from 2004-05, according to Josh : https://joshwho.net/EpsteinList/black-book-unredacted.pdf All states to have an “alligator alcatraz”?: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5407040-alligator-alcatraz-states-who-could-follow/ WWIII Russia threatens US with pre-emptive strike: https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-threatens-west-preemptive-strikes-nato-looks-deliver-patriots-as-quickly-possible US/UK/Israeli forces combined to invade Iran?: https://rumble.com/v6va17x-breaking-news-regime-change-next-us-british-and-israeli-special-forces-to-i.html Knesset to AIPAC – attack Iran: https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/news-selections/world-news/president-of-israeli-knesset-tells-aipac-we-may-have-to-attack-iran-again Henry Gruver, another western country to be attacked in Eze 38?: https://youtu.be/WLpwQ4l-s-o?si=R738VpWwNXRbgsXk Henry Gruver see USA attacked by missiles from Russian submarines along our coasts: https://www.henrygruvertribute.com/part-1-henry-gruver-steve-quayle-russia-to-nuke-the-usa/ Ken Peters, “I saw the tribulation”: https://youtu.be/EHtSCWCSe2Q?si=FmR7zx8sI24Z-s7V BIOMETRIC ID Opt out of ANY biometric ID: https://youtu.be/wqSJZhRbc6I?si=YxW03p_QCjWT5vPy Do not comply with Stablecoin: https://youtu.be/kzIeVyEtlsc?si=7zlYg8hjoLPa-wwy Genius Act will allow control just as during Covid vaxx hoax: https://open.substack.com/pub/lionessofjudah/p/while-you-were-distracted-trumps?r=12g59e&utm_medium=ios Peter Thiel – AI will help enforce compliance: https://rumble.com/v6vl64j-peter-thiel-unveils-u.s.-social-credit-score-system-to-eradicate-non-compli.html Sam Altman pitches biometric ID: https://thelibertydaily.com/sam-altman-pitches-world-id-bankers-as-ai-2/ UK to forced private sector to enforce digital ID: https://open.substack.com/pub/thewinepress/p/verify-uk-to-force-private-businesses?r=12g59e&utm_medium=ios GREATER ISRAEL IDF ordered to stand down Oct. 7: https://youtu.be/IhEN14luMHI?si=_GF9avL6qwJvJbht Israel to annex Northern Kingdom, aka, West Bank (of Jordan): https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lawmakers-vote-71-13-in-favor-of-non-binding-motion-calling-for-west-ban...
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Isaiah lived during one of the saddest times in the history of God's people. He saw God's judgment unleashed on his cousins to the north - the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their stubborn and consistent unbelief. God sent the powerful nation of Assyria to conquer their land and carry off their people. Isaiah's message to people of Jerusalem and Judah was that the same fate was coming their way, too. They had committed many of the same sins and had angered God just the same. Isaiah called the people to repentance and warned them that God would come down in justice against them as well. How sad it must have been for Isaiah to record his God given prediction of the future fall of his beloved city, Jerusalem.Yet God spoke hope to his people as well - to his people in Isaiah's day and ours. Isaiah proclaimed the mercy and compassion, the forgiveness and love that God would show to his people in bringing back the remnant from captivity and to all believers in the sending of the Messiah to be our Savior from sin. Indeed, the meaning of Isaiah's name is true, the LORD is our salvation. We are hoping that you will join us in reading one chapter of the book of Isaiah each weekday and then in listening in on our discussion of each chapter. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.
Welcome to Day 2680 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2680 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 78:9-16 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2680 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2680 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: Remembering God's Wonders, Recalling Our Failures - A Trek Through Psalm 78:9-16 Today, we continue our crucial and comprehensive trek through Psalm 78 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 9 through 16. In our last conversation, we opened Psalm 78, a powerful didactic psalm by Asaph. We heard his solemn call for God's people to listen to his "teaching" and "parables" – profound truths from their collective past. The purpose was clear: to ensure that the next generation would "not hide these truths from our children," but would learn from history, set their "hope anew on God," obey His commands, and avoid being "stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful" like their ancestors (Psalm 78:1-8). Asaph was setting the stage for a critical history lesson, explaining why it was so vital to pass on the glorious deeds of the Lord. Now, Asaph begins that very history lesson, starting with a stark example of early Israelite failure, followed immediately by a powerful reminder of God's overwhelming, miraculous power during the Exodus and wilderness journey. This juxtaposition is key: human unfaithfulness contrasted with divine faithfulness. It challenges us to examine our own patterns of forgetting God's past goodness when faced with new trials. So, let's lean in and absorb the hard-learned lessons and awe-inspiring wonders of Israel's early history. (Reads Psalm 78:9-11 NLT) The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned and fled on the day of battle. They did not keep God's covenant; they refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done— the wonderful miracles he had shown them. Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph immediately plunges into a painful historical example of Israelite failure, focusing on a prominent tribe: "The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned and fled on the day of battle." Ephraim was a powerful and numerous tribe, the descendants of Joseph, and often held a leadership role in the Northern Kingdom. The "bow" was a significant weapon in ancient warfare, implying they were well-equipped and prepared for battle. Yet, despite their military readiness, they "turned and fled" when it counted most – "on the day of battle." This wasn't a strategic retreat; it was a humiliating defection, a failure of courage and commitment. This military failure, however, was not simply due to a lack of skill or strength. Asaph reveals its deeper, spiritual root: "They did not keep God's covenant; they refused to live by his law." Their military cowardice was a symptom of their spiritual unfaithfulness. The "covenant" (berit) was the foundational agreement between God and Israel, establishing their...
Today we read about the critical moment when Assyria destroys the Northern Kingdom, and the ten northern tribes are exiled and assimilated among the nations. Fr. Mike explains how this moment and the foreign possession of Samaria is key in order to understand Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4. We also read about how the prophet Micah beautifully foreshadows the birth of Jesus. Today's readings are 2 Kings 17, Micah 5-7, and Psalm 140. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
When we walk with the Lord, we will see His work in our life, but if that work seems to stop, we should seek to figure out why. Today, as we dive into Jeremiah 2, we see the sins of Israel and how they hard caused a rift in their fellowship with the Lord. Join us as we examine this key chapter on ways we break our fellowship with the Lord. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Think back to our first study yesterday in Jeremiah 1. What was God's call upon Jeremiah? What kind of message was Jeremiah to bring to the people? What would be the people's reactions? What kind of determination was Jeremiah to have? 2. In verses 2 & 3, the Lord remembers the early days when Israel was a new nation. How does He describe her devotion to the Lord? In practical terms, what do you think this looked like? 3. Verses 4 & 5 start to get to the problem. Why does the Lord ask, “What injustice did your fathers find in Me?” What do we know to be the answer? Why, then, did the people turn from God? 4. How does the Lord describe His care and provision of the people in verses 6 &7? 5. Despite God's faithfulness, how did the people respond to Him at the end of verse 7? What did the priests fail to do in verse 8? What did they do instead? 6. What did the podcast suggest that we should do when God seems distant? In these opening verses, what did the people and leadership do instead? 7. Verses 9-12 ask a question that could be just as relevant today. Think back to the nations of the world, how many can you think of have changed it's “god” or it's religion? If you can think of this ever happening, how central was the Lord to that change (either way)? Why do you think that is? 8. Verse 13 is a key verse for the entire Book of Jeremiah. What does it say? What does it mean? How were the people going after broken cisterns that could not hold water? Have you ever done this in your life? What was the outcome? 9. In verses 14 to 19, what is the state of the nation of Israel? Is this referring to just the Northern Kingdom or both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms? What difference does this make in the interpretation of these verses? 10. What were they doing in verse 18, going down the road to Egypt? According to the podcast, how does the Battle of Carchemish factor into this situation? 11. In verse 19, what were the people lacking? Why is this so vital to restoring a relationship with the Lord? 12. In verse 22, how is the people's manmade attempts at righteousness just vain attempts at moral reform? Why is their stain still before the Lord? How does this speak to people's modern-day attempts at personal reform and self-improvement? 13. In verse 23, what were the people saying about their own sin? Why did they have no shame in verse 26? What did they declare in verse 35? Do this self-evaluations represent people who know God and walk with Him? If not, what do these traits point to in their own spiritual condition? 14. How do verses 27 & 28 characterize their idolatry? How do people make these same statements today? What are the modern-day “idols” that people say these kinds of things to? 15. In verse 30, how did the people respond to the Lord's chastening? What does it look like to have a heart that is sensitive to the Lord's rebuke and discipline? 16. Skim verses 31 to 37. These verses reflect the hard-hearted callousness of people who have turned from God. What are some principles that you can see in these verses? Has any of these principles ever been part of your walk with God? What happened to shake them from you? 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.
Hosea, a contemporary of Isaiah (for most of his ministry) and Amos (in his earlier years) was the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. His main target was the Northern Kingdom, yet his message was for the people of God. When Solomon died, Jeroboam rebelled and plunged the Northern Kingdom into a prosperous but idolatrous separation. After two centuries of abandoning their heritage, God sent Hosea to present His indictment and declare that He would use their enemies as His judgment. Amos was sent to Israel at a time when the nation feels militarily secure and prosperous, yet is turning to idolatry and abandoning their heritage. Misplaced confidence; false sense of security; abandonment of the greatness of their nation... (Sounds familiar, doesn't it?) In many ways a complement to Hosea, this perspective on the plight of Israel parallels the predicament of our country today. This study contains 13 hours of verse by verse teachings. Copyright © 11-01-2010
Hosea, a contemporary of Isaiah (for most of his ministry) and Amos (in his earlier years) was the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. His main target was the Northern Kingdom, yet his message was for the people of God. When Solomon died, Jeroboam rebelled and plunged the Northern Kingdom into a prosperous but idolatrous separation. After two centuries of abandoning their heritage, God sent Hosea to present His indictment and declare that He would use their enemies as His judgment. Amos was sent to Israel at a time when the nation feels militarily secure and prosperous, yet is turning to idolatry and abandoning their heritage. Misplaced confidence; false sense of security; abandonment of the greatness of their nation... (Sounds familiar, doesn't it?) In many ways a complement to Hosea, this perspective on the plight of Israel parallels the predicament of our country today. This study contains 13 hours of verse by verse teachings. Copyright © 11-01-2010
Hosea, a contemporary of Isaiah (for most of his ministry) and Amos (in his earlier years) was the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. His main target was the Northern Kingdom, yet his message was for the people of God. When Solomon died, Jeroboam rebelled and plunged the Northern Kingdom into a prosperous but idolatrous separation. After two centuries of abandoning their heritage, God sent Hosea to present His indictment and declare that He would use their enemies as His judgment. Amos was sent to Israel at a time when the nation feels militarily secure and prosperous, yet is turning to idolatry and abandoning their heritage. Misplaced confidence; false sense of security; abandonment of the greatness of their nation... (Sounds familiar, doesn't it?) In many ways a complement to Hosea, this perspective on the plight of Israel parallels the predicament of our country today. This study contains 13 hours of verse by verse teachings. Copyright © 11-01-2010
Hosea, a contemporary of Isaiah (for most of his ministry) and Amos (in his earlier years) was the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. His main target was the Northern Kingdom, yet his message was for the people of God. When Solomon died, Jeroboam rebelled and plunged the Northern Kingdom into a prosperous but idolatrous separation. After two centuries of abandoning their heritage, God sent Hosea to present His indictment and declare that He would use their enemies as His judgment. Amos was sent to Israel at a time when the nation feels militarily secure and prosperous, yet is turning to idolatry and abandoning their heritage. Misplaced confidence; false sense of security; abandonment of the greatness of their nation... (Sounds familiar, doesn't it?) In many ways a complement to Hosea, this perspective on the plight of Israel parallels the predicament of our country today. This study contains 13 hours of verse by verse teachings. Copyright © 11-01-2010
Hosea, a contemporary of Isaiah (for most of his ministry) and Amos (in his earlier years) was the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. His main target was the Northern Kingdom, yet his message was for the people of God. When Solomon died, Jeroboam rebelled and plunged the Northern Kingdom into a prosperous but idolatrous separation. After two centuries of abandoning their heritage, God sent Hosea to present His indictment and declare that He would use their enemies as His judgment. Amos was sent to Israel at a time when the nation feels militarily secure and prosperous, yet is turning to idolatry and abandoning their heritage. Misplaced confidence; false sense of security; abandonment of the greatness of their nation... (Sounds familiar, doesn't it?) In many ways a complement to Hosea, this perspective on the plight of Israel parallels the predicament of our country today. This study contains 13 hours of verse by verse teachings. Copyright © 11-01-2010