Preacher without a Pulpit Podcast

           Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                 “Contrasting Kingdoms”                             Isaiah 32:9-201.    The Kingdom of Humanity - vs. 9-14         Two Foundational Principles of Humanity’s Kingdom:      A.     False Security Notice, in the first three verses the women of Judah feel secure; thus they are complacent and confident about their situation. In Isaiah 3:16, Isaiah addressed the ‘daughters of Zion’ because he found them the epitome of their mother’s character.They are content with their situation.Complacency is a destructive human trait spoken of by Jesus:Mt. 24:38-3The men failed to listen; thus, maybe the women can make a difference. (rise up and listen) Repentance:  Isaiah 31:6     B.      Destruction Destruction is on the way; The Assyrian invasion of 701 B.C. is little more than a year away, the the people are to carefree to see it coming. Take off your dress clothes and prepare for enslavement; You are not heading to a party: Nahum 2:7This is a false escapist joy which can be seen in Isaiah 24:7-11The Assyrian invasion is a warning for the future.2.    The Kingdom of God - vs. 15-20        Two Foundational Principles of God’s Kingdom:     A.      Restoration (Instead of Disaster) Salvation is beyond all human capability.The first fruits of the Spirit was inaugurated at Pentecost and will be complete when Jesus returns: Acts 2:16-17The one who is spirit not only defends his people but enriches them with new life.Humanity and the Earth will be restored: Rom 8:19-22      B.     True Security It is this abundant righteousness which will produce true peace and Security. He has given them the antidote to their problems: Isaiah 30:15     Isaiah concludes the vision of the contrasting Kingdoms with two metaphors:    1)   The Destruction of Assyria and the humbling of Jerusalem   -    V. 19The forest represents Assyria, while the City represents Jerusalem.    2)   The Undisturbed Peace of the Messianic Kingdom    -    V-20 Both Judgment and glory lie ahead and now is the time to choose!  1 Pet 3:9Which Kingdom do you want to be associated with?Which foundation?  Mt. 7:24-27 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

           Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                   “Kingdom Leadership”                               Isaiah 32:1-8 The Messianic Age is again in view: Isaiah 9:7This is the state of affairs we pray for in the words of the prayer Jesus taught us: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Mt. 6:10)Kingdom leadership is characterized by Righteousness and Justice. Three results of Kingdom Leadership:1.        Security  Complete security is expressed by the two contrasting dangers   of wind and storm;       there is protection from every threat. Isaiah 25:4God has promise to send good shepherds: Jeremiah 23:4Water and shadow are the two components of provision and refreshment, therefore symbolizing every beneficial care.  Ps. 23:1-42.        Insight and Understanding  It is best to take the blindness and deafness of verse 3 in the same    metaphorical sense as in Isaiah 29:11, namely, unresponsiveness    to the word of God especially among the nations leaders.Spiritual clarity is the result of walking the path of God:  Proverbs 4:18-19Grasping the truth leads to proclamation. Psalm 40:9-10 3.         Prestige based on Noble Character An imperfect society imperfectly accords honors.It accords honors, regardless of character to the rich and powerful; Social Ideas are redefined so that prestige goes only to the truly Noble.‘Seldom are the significant famous and seldom are the famous significant.’ (Dennis Prager)The fool is amoral while the scoundrel is unscrupulous.     Verses 6 & 7 further define the fool and the scoundrel.Again, the fool denies God and thus spreads error about God: Psalm 53:1Instead of heeding the just plea of the needy bad leaders  refuse to do what God has instructed them to do: Isaiah 1:17The worlds values are that the rich are the winners and the poor are the losers.In God’s economy moral behavior gives us a firm place to stand:  Psalm 20:7-8Leave with encouragement:  Psalm 24:3-4Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                   Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                           “The Fire and Furnace”                                        Isaiah 31:1-9The fire denotes both Gods Holiness and his Judgment: Isaiah 33:14            Three ways to Escape God’s Judgment: 1.       Consult the Lord  Judah has completely overlooked God’s counsel, which God provided through his prophet.They are overlooking his word and His way.Judah had questioned God’s wisdom: Isaiah 29:15-16Those who thought they were wiser than God are about to learn otherwise: Isaiah 5:21Consult God’s Holy Word: 2 Tim 3:16-17  2.      Trust in God, Not in Man  God is so sovereign that he just has to stretch out his hand.We have to understand that God cannot be manipulated before we are ready to throw ourselves upon his mercy.God is not your personal Genie!You can trust God to protect you: 1 John 5:18These two illustrations point to the fact that the Lord, himself is ready to fight and defend his people if they would only humble themselves.This promise was in effect to the bitter end (King Hezekiah Prayed for deliverance): Isaiah 37:33-35 3.        Repent  God is always ready to forgive, even in the midst of an all out revolt: Isaiah 1:2Repentance is more than mental; it involves the redirection of life: Isaiah 2:20, 22The Assyrian army was no match for God: Is. 37:36His Rock refers to the king of Assyria, in contrast with the Rock of Israel: Isaiah 30:29When Assyria attacked Jerusalem they walked into a furnace: Is. 30:33         Conclusion:  Three ways to Escape God’s Judgment:                                     1.   Consult the Lord,                                      2.   Trust in God, not in man, and                                      3.   Repent: Rom 12:2 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                       Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                                      “Universal Judgment”                                             Isaiah 30:27-33   The Lord’s action as Judge is the final expression of his grace to those who have cried out to him for salvation: Isaiah 30:19 The distance points to their believe that he is disconnected from them; It also points to the fact that although God seems far off,  He is wholly involved in world history.You may feel alone, but you are not: Dt. 31:6Jesus made the same promise: Mt. 28:20        Three Metaphors:       1.   The Torrent: An overflowing torrent speaks to a desert community that understood                         the   issue of flash floods; thus, God’s judgment will be sudden and without warning:                       Nahum 1:8Rising up to the neck: If Assyria had come in upon Judah like a torrent, God would sweep over them: Isaiah 8:5-8      2.     The Sieve;  It separates the true believer from the false: Am.9:9      3.      The Bit;   Its purpose is to control and direct: Isaiah 37:29 The coming defeat of the Assyrians will be a foretaste of that final victory and just as the victory at the Red Sea was celebrated in song, so will his final victory be celebrated: Ex. 15:1-4His Arm recalls his promise to his people: Ex. 6:6Again, it comes swiftly without warning: 1Thes 5:2The voice that created can also destroy: Psalm 29:5-9Topheth: a region outside Jerusalem where children were sacrificed to Molech in the fire: 2 Kings 23:10Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                   Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                                         “Effective Grace”                                           Isaiah 30:18-26      Four Effects of God’s Grace:1.       Compassion - He demonstrates compassion in his waiting! Earlier Isaiah realizes that he must wait and trust:Is. 8:16-17 He can’t dispense grace without their recognition of their rebellion, but there is always a remnant who are waiting and trusting in the Lord as evidenced in Isaiah 8:16-17.To be given time to repent is a great mercy which should be grasped with profound gratitude: Romans 2:4God does not want anyone to parish: 2 Pet 3:8-9 2.       Comfort - He comforts through answered prayer. After punishing Israel God will once again bless them:  Isaiah 40:2God’s judgment is tempered by grace and ultimately fulfilled through the cross of Christ: Col. 1:21-22 3.        Clarity - He is recognized as their teacher. Because of judgment their eyes and ears will be opened to what it is he has been trying to say: Isaiah 26:9God’s Spirit will guide us: John 16:13We are defined by who we follow: Rom 8:14The casting away of idols is the natural consequence of a vibrant relationship with God; For idols speak of divided loyalties: Ex. 20:3 4.       Covenant Blessing Restored If chapter 1 refers to the devastation caused by Assyria's invasion, this present passage refers to the restored covenant blessing promised in  Dt. 28:11-12 Remember first comes Judgment and then the blessing: Isaiah 1:7The outpouring of creation’s bounty speaks, of the end of sin and the curse and of the return Eden: Amos 9:13When the towers of Judah’s pride are smashed, she may expect a new era of unbelievable fruitfulness: Isaiah 2:12-17Instead of the darkness of despair, uncertainty and sin, and the misery of the pains resulting from running into God in the darkness, there will be perfect clarity  and the tender ministry of the Father bandaging our  wounds and bruises: Isaiah 60:19-20 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                    Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                            “Everlasting Witness”                                    Isaiah 30:8-17The purpose of the writing is of great importance to the interpretation. The written material was to stand as an eternal witness about the days to come.Its chief value was not for the present deaf generation but for the next generation: Isaiah 8:16Even the New Testament uses the failures of God’s people for our benefit: 1 Cor 10:1-6Notice, Isaiah as well as the Apostle Paul strongly emphasizes its everlasting value: 2 Tim 3:16-17They are in rebellion against their Father: Isaiah 30:1 Isaiah’s message did as God predicted.  It had the effect of blinding and deafening them because they refused to hear or see what contradicted their wishes: Isaiah 6:9-10       Here he recounts the three strikes against them:       1.    Rejection of the Message       2.    Oppression:  Especially in Domestic Policy: Isaiah 29:21         3.    Deceit:  Especially in Foreign Policy:   Isaiah  29:15       This impending disaster is described in two figures, both of them indicate suddenness                and  totality:       1.     Collapsing Wall:  Instead of the wall assuring their safety and prosperity, it will                                   collapse on them.       2.     Smashed Jug:  This double figure of brokenness stresses both  suddenness and                completeness.The NT also picks up the same kind of warning about the final judgment:  1 Pet 3:8-10      The Prescription:        1.    Repentance & Rest: The active pathway back to the Lord: Isaiah 1:27This will bring them rest or peace in the Lord: Isaiah 26:3        2.   Quietness and Trust:  God offers himself and they choose horses: Ps. 33:17Nevertheless, God gives them hope: Isaiah 5:25-26The end game is always redemption: Isaiah 17:6Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                   Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                            “Rebellious Children”                                     Isaiah 30:1-7        Two Acts of Rebelliousness:1.          Human Plans instead of Divine Help - vs. 1-5  While there are political overtones in this text, the primary reference here is to rebellion against God.This is clear from the word children (literally, sons) which points at once to the special relationship between the Lord and those who are addressed here: Isaiah 1:2Their determination to rebel against Assyria (with Egyptian support) is the political expression of a rebelliousness which runs far deeper: Isaiah 28:15 Remember, Israel was delivered from Egypt and to go to them for help was a blatant act of rebellion against the Fathers Lordship:  Dt. 17:16 Instead of confessing our sin, we compound it:2 Pet 2:14They did not consult with the Prophet of God because they wanted to do it their way: Mark 14:36They had exchanged the large shadow of the Almighty for the small shade of the Egyptian Pharaoh: Psalm 91:1The words shame and disgrace are synonymous.  They place more emphasis on ‘reaping shame’, than on ‘feeling embarrassed’.   Shame is the result of  the mistrust of God! 2.          Foolishly Risking all for the help of Humans - vs. 6-7 Ironically, they are retracing the Exodus: Dt. 8:15 They are trusting man instead of God: Isaiah 2:22Isn’t that just what we do? Rahab is a poetic name for Egypt: Psalm 87:4 Rahab is the sea monster (Dragon) of popular legend.  She is the ancient chaotic Matter against whom the gods struggle for survival. It is a metaphor for the struggle against chaos: Job 26:12 God always overcomes chaos!The future for Ancient Israel looked grim; one day there would be nothing left of the rebel’s grand plan; Jerusalem itself would stand isolated and under siege: Isaiah 1:8Peter addresses the Rebellious Children: Acts 2:36-39 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                           Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                              Foolish Leaders/Foolish Counsel:                                     “The Northern Kingdom”                                                Isaiah 28:1-13          Three Sections:1.        Prophecy Fulfilled: A Warning to Judah - vs. 1-4The woe here anticipates Ephraim’s or Samaria’s imminent fall, that in fact occurred in 722:  2 Kings 17:5-6Pride was their main issue: Isaiah 16:6Drunkenness is a symptom of Pride: Isaiah 5:11Rather than face judgment soberly, the leaders instead drink themselves into a drunken stupor; this is a constant reaction for the ungodly: Isaiah 22:12-13The chastisement is described as a Hailstorm, flooding and downpour:  Isaiah 8:7-8 2.        Light for the Remnant - vs. 5-6 Instead of the drunken rulers Israel and Judah had come to expect, God will bring a new spirit to the throne:  Is 11:1-4There will be a change of atmosphere and empowerment: Isaiah 44:3  3.         Faulty Leadership -vs. 7-13      A.    Irresponsible Self-indulgence - 7-8 The priest had broken the divine law: Lev. 10:9They should have chosen the spirit instead of wine: Eph. 5:18What hope is there for a nation when even its spiritual leaders have given themselves over to debauchery:  Isaiah 5:11-12      B. Taunting - vs 9-13  Isaiah is responding to sarcastic taunts: Isaiah 5:19They failed to listen to the message of opportunity; they had a chance to rest or trust in the Lord: Isaiah 30:15Ultimately, the only security is in the conviction that God cares for us and will bring all the strands of the life committed to him to a joyous climax: Ps 56:10-11God will not be mocked!  Gal. 6:7Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                 “The Ultimate Purpose for Israel”                                   Isaiah 27:2-13Three facts about Israel’s Ultimate Purpose:1.         Israel is the Lord’s Vineyard People - vs. 2-6This section stands over Isaiah 5:1-7      There are five contrast in this section:       1) Good fruit instead of bad fruit: Isaiah 5:4       2)  Lack of water to continual watering       3)  Abandonment to well guarded.  It is not some lesser being, some hireling, but the Lord himself who watches over his own: John 10:11-13Instead of conflict God gives an invitation to the opponents of the vineyard; thus, indicating that vineyard membership is open to all: John 3:16This is the fulfillment of the promise made to   Abraham: Gen 12:2-3 In the light of NT teaching, Israel here must include all the children of Abraham, Jew and Gentile alike, those who walk by faith: Rom 11: 25-272.       The Lord’s Dealings with Israel - vs. 7-11            Three things are said about the Judgment:           1)   Israel’s Judgment has been less harsh than their enemies.The Assyrian casualties: Isaiah 36:36There is always divine restraint: Jer. 5:18           2)   Israel’s Judgment is carefully controlled.Like the searing wind roaring out of the east, here fate would come upon her and sweep her away: Jer 18:17          3)   Israel will have to atone for her guilt in the coming judgment.Israel’s punishment was for the purpose of discipline and purification: Heb 12:11The pagan altars represented disobedience to the very first command. Ex. 20:3The fortified city may be Jerusalem, but more likely its representative of the many fortified cities in Judah: Isaiah 1:7They could not see the wisdom of entrusting themselves to the only one who could save them; there was a much better choice: Is 1:183. The Lord’s Harvest of Israel              Two images are used to express the final Destiny of God’s people.              1)  Agricultural: HarvestThe verb to thresh was also used of beating an olive tree, which then the fruit was picked up off the ground: Isaiah  24:13The picture of God gathering each of the scattered ones individually is a very tender one: Is 49:14-16           2)  Religious: Call to WorshipSupport the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                    Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                           “Song of Thanksgiving”                                    Isaiah 25:1-12  The world-wide song, entitled ‘Glory to the Righteous One’ (24:16a), is now heard in detail as the world pilgrimage arrives in Zion: Isaiah 24:16aThree Parts of the Song of Thanksgiving:1.        The Praise God’s actions are not off-the-cuff. They are part of the divine purpose in the universe: Isaiah 14:24God’s plan was to humble all the works of human pride and opposition, here typified as the walled city and the fortified town: Isaiah 24:10Before God all humankind’s securities and do-it-yourself salvation are helpless: Isaiah 24:20A demonstration of God’s power leads to faith: Is. 24:15It’s time to bend the knee to Jesus: Phil 2:9-11Storms and heat are problems for desert communities; thus this metaphor is perfect; God provides relief from the heat and shelter from the storm: Psalm 46:12.       The FeastlLike the vision of Isaiah 2:2-4, this one too has both an inclusive and an exclusive aspect: it is for all peoples, but it is provided at only one place; thus the onus is on the nations to come there if they wish to partake.This feast is all about the food and drink of life: Jn. 6:35Death the great swallow-er will be swallowed: 1Cor 15:54 ‘The disgrace is the fact that the people of God have always been disrespected: 1 Pet 4:14 3.        The Joy ‘We waited for him’ expresses a fundamental element of the OT, and the Isaianic, concept of trust: Psalm 130:5-6 4.         The Judgment Moab is used as a symbol of the nations that taunted Judah: Jerimiah 48:26-27So Moab sinks further in her pride the more frantically it seeks to save itself: Isaiah 16:6 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                              Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                             “The Destruction of the Earth”                                                   Isaiah 24:1-23 Isaiah lived every day of his life expecting the judgment of God, as we should also do: 2 Pet 3:10 Scatter the inhabitance: Isaiah 2:19God is no respecter of persons: 1 Sam 16:7Every aspect of life is under sentence along with every group and individual: Phil 3:9The laws and statutes refer to the basic standards of right behavior given to the man and woman at creation; Isaiah is using law here just as Paul uses it in Romans: Rom 1:20-21This verse points to the final diagnosis; destruction is the result of a curse brought on by sin: Isaiah 13:11-12       Four Results of the Destruction of the Earth:1.      The Stilling of the Song of the World vs. 7-12  Merriment ceases wherever joy is dependent upon alcohol and material blessings instead of trust in a God whose grace does not fail: Joel 1:5Wine with a song: Characteristic of Judah: Isaiah 5:11-12The ruined city, lit. The formless city.  The Hebrew word 'tohu' is used in Gen 1:2 referring to the beginning of the creation of the earth: Jeremiah 4:23The city of tohu lives without the ordering, life-giving hand of God, opting for a life on its own, within itself, depending on itself; consequently, it is unstable and without purpose.2.       The Rising of the Song of the Remnant vs. 13-16a It is the new song of the redeemed: Rev 5:9-10 3.         The Hopeless Flight vs. 16b-20  Isaiah now feels the condemnation of others as deeply as once he felt his own: Isaiah 6:5 4.         The Lord’s Reign vs. 21-23 The punishment of the powers in the heavens above refers to Satan and the fallen angels: Eph 6:11-12Bound in a dungeon: Jude 1:6And so, the chapter ends fittingly with a Burst of light so brilliant that it shames the sun: Isaiah 60:19-20His Reign includes the Elders, the redeemed: Rev 4:10-1Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                        “Spiritual Transformation”                                     Isaiah 29:15-24       Three Kinds of Transformation:1.   The Subverting of Reason - vs. 15-16They have lost their faith (trust) in YHWH.They have become fools: Psalm 14:1They have upside down thinking: Isaiah 5:20              They deny three facts about God:      1.) His Distinctiveness (He is not like the clay)Unlike hand-made god’s, Israel’s God is the real deal: Isaiah 17:7-8      2)  His Sovereignty (He did not make me!)As the creator of the world, God has a right to choose its direction: Rom 9:20-21     3) His Wisdom (You know nothing).God has all the answers in the Scriptures: 2 Tim 3:16-172.    The Coming World Renewal - vs. 17-21In verses 17-21, God promises some overturning of his own; there will be a complete reversal of the present situation. Even the seemingly ordered creation is out of wack and needs to be put back to the correct order: Rom 8:19-22 Let us not forget the self-imposed blindness that God has heightened:  Is. 29:9-11          Three kinds of corrupt leaders:         1)  The ruthless          2)  The scoffer         3)  All who have an eye for evil           Corrupt Leaders corrupt the Legal system in Three ways:          1)  False Testimony: False witness           2)  Tampering: Bent Lawyer          3)  Depriving the innocent of Justice: Corrupt JudgeWhen values decline in society the legal system is not immune: Amos 2:6-83.   The Changed Fortune of Jacob - vs. 22-24 As Israel was delivered out of Egypt, so Abraham also was delivered out of the pagan world: Gen 12:1        There are two aspects of the individuals transformation:        1)  They will experience Steadiness of life through the Spirit of God.        2)  They will be TeachableSupport the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

         Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                    “Spiritual Blindness”                            Isaiah 29:9-14  At his inauguration Isaiah was warned that he was called to a prophetic office at a crisis point:  Isaiah 6:9-10            Three Facts about Spiritual Blindness:1.         Spiritual Blindness is a Choice They were literally drunk in: Isaiah 28:7-8Now, it is figurative, a spiritual stupor.If you refuse to listen to God today, you may be unable to hear him tomorrow.      Hebrews 4:6-7   2.        Spiritual Blindness is Part of God’s JudgmentInterestingly enough it is not the priests who are chiefly to blame for the blindness of the people; it is those who had access to God--the prophets and the seers:1 Sam 9:9Paul’s message escaped the grasp of the Philosophical elite: Acts 17:32-34The sheep are without shepherds:  Mt 9:36  3.         Spiritual Blindness leads to Manipulative Religion Manipulative religion is the very worst kind of pride because it attempts to make God our servant instead of recognizing that we are his servantThis verse is quoted in part by Jesus to show the hypocrisy of the Pharisees: Mt. 15:8-9God will do a wonder that will destroy the wisdom and intellectualism of the world: Jeremiah 8:9True wisdom recognizes that the meaning of life is to be open to God, to give him freedom with us, and to live in radical trust of him:  1Cor 1:18-21 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                                                Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                                                     “Chastisement & Deliverance”                                                                      Isaiah 29:1-8           Two Sections:1.        Chastisement - vs. 1-4  (Rebuke)Jerusalem prided herself on her pure worship as opposed to idolatrous Samaria, but in fact pure worship does not replace a pure heart, and the very source of her pride was her downfall: Isaiah 1:13-14  ‘Worthless Worship’The Lord is going to light another kind of fire in Jerusalem; the fire of judgment, and when he does so the entire city will be like one vast blazing altar hearth: Isaiah 4:4If we treat lightly the sacrifice God has made available, then we ourselves become the sacrifice; we will then carry the burden of our sin: Hebrews 10:26-27We all sin/point in time: 1John 1:8-10The Hebrews writer is talking about life-style sin:1Jn 3:6Back to Basics: Walking in the Light (episode 2)Whisper was used by mediums and spiritists: Isaiah 8:19Judah speaks as from the realm of the dead--so much for their covenant with death:  Isaiah 28:15 2. Deliverance   -  Vs. 5-8  (Always the End Game or Goal) Because of our fear of humanity, God becomes less and less significant for us.  The fact remains that it is God who is the real threat.  His instant judgment reduces the human factor to its appropriate place: Psalm 56:4The weighty, powerful enemies are in fact no more substantial than powder or wind-driven chaff. There was no actual noise or upheaval when God suddenly defeated the Assyrians:  Isaiah 37:36-37What a relief it was to wake up and discover it was not so.  It must have seemed that way when Sennacherib was suddenly gone from outside the city: Is 37:36-37Who hasn’t dreamed of satisfaction only to awaken to wanting? But we will not be wanting on that last morning when we awake to the knowledge that once and for all we are truly awake, forevermore with Him: 1 Thes 4:16-17 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                  Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                   “Illustrating the Wisdom of God                                  Isaiah 28:23-29       Three Keys to Gaining the Wisdom of God:1.   Pay Attention to the Voice of God Here we have the call of the wisdom teacher: Proverbs 4:1Scripture is where we hear God’s voice: 2 Timothy  3:16-17James says to just ask: James 1:5 2.   Follow God’s Life PrinciplesThere are principles in both realms upon which life depends and which, if followed, will lead to life. Somehow we don’t have a problem understanding physical principles, so Isaiah reverts to that realm, to show his people, and us, the importance and the simplicity of God’s ways. 3.   Understand that God’s Discipline is not the End Game Just as the purpose of threshing is to create usable wheat; God ultimate Purpose is redemption: Is. 27:12God’s Disciple demonstrates our position in the family: Hebrews 12:4-11This is the conclusion of the argument found in Isaiah. 28:14Wisdom denotes the foresight which plans ahead, hence effective wisdom, the wisdom which knows how to achieve results:  Isaiah 9:6 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                            Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                           “Israel's Covenant with Death”                                     Isaiah 28:14-22  They had a choice to choose life or choose the death, to trust God or trust mere humans: Isaiah 2:22 Jesus made it clear: John 14:6 Scoffer or Mocker’ is a strong indictment, since scoffing, in the OT is the very last degree of ungodliness: Psalm 1:1-2They rule faithlessly in the city of faith: Isaiah 1:21-23There agreement with Egypt will not exempt them from the wave of God’s wrath: Isaiah 8:6-8  In his life and work all that the Bible teaches about the trustworthiness of God comes to fulfillment:  1 Peter 2:4-6 Their defender has become a gatherer of troops against them: Isaiah 5:26 Like the fools house in Matthew It would be swept away:  Mt. 7:26-27The first account was at Mount Perazim, where God broke out against the Philistines:  2 Samuel 5:19-20The second was in the Valley of Gibeon he sent a hail storm to demolish the Amorites: Joshua 10:11 God never belongs to anyone, he will side with those who want to serve him:  1 John 2:3-6 The sin from which there is no return is not merely refusing to listen to God, but making fun of the very means by which he addresses us: Heb 10:26-31 Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                               Hebrews – A Call to Commitment:                     “Demonstrating Confidence In Your Leaders”                                                 Hebrews 13:17-25            Three Ways to Demonstrate Confidence in Your Leaders:I.         Submit to Your LeadersSubmission is about modeling: 1 Pet 5:3We are to be examples to the flock! 1 Cor. 11:1We are not talking about Authoritarianism!Mutual submission: Eph. 5:21Keep Watch: Sentry guarding His or Her post.  Why?They are responsible: James 3:1 II.       Pray for Your LeadersWe are dependant on the prayers of the Saints.We need prayer in order to live godly lives!Success in his mission is dependent on their prayers.He has urged them to focus on the Word: Heb 2:1 This prayer summarizes the content of the Sermon.God brings peace to the table; he brings unity.God can raise the dead; He brings life!God is the great Shepherd: Ps. 23God will be with us as we suffer.Equip can means mend: Mt. 4:21 He fixes the broken.  Why?We are fixed to serve!When he calls, he empowers.Again, he has challenged them and us. He urges them to take his sermon to heart.“Word of Exhortation.” Acts 13:15 He will come to inspect what he expects. III.      Greet Your Leaders Leadership is about friendship Leaders need relationships.It’s all about Grace!Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                  Hebrews – A Call to Commitment:                               “Stability in a Shaky World”                                            Hebrews 13:7-16 The Main Idea is found in V-8Leaders will change but Christ remains the same: Heb 1:10:12 (Ps. 102:25-27) The quoted psalm is about YHWH; Jesus is God incarnate; the second person in the Trinity.  John 1:1It is all about Jesus: 1 Cor. 2:2            Four Steps to Stability in a Shaky World:1.        Remember and Imitate Godly Leaders  In Chapter 11, “Hero’s of the Past.”             Two Behaviors to  imitate:           1)    Their focus on the Word: Acts 20:26-27           2)   Their Faith (Trust or walk) 2 Tim 4:6-8 2.         Be Strengthened by Grace not Regulations Carried away: Don’t get sidetracked!The gospel is not about food: Rom 14:17Friend of one of my daughters: Mark 7:19What happens outside the camp is significant: Lev 16:27 3.         Embrace the Disgrace – Come to the Cross! Moses regarded this disgrace: Heb 11:26Sharing in his sufferings is a common theme: Phil 3:10-11Following Christ means preparing for hardship: Luke 9:23 “Here,” we are on shaky ground: Heb. 12:27 4.         Sacrifice Worship and sacrifice are synonymous: Rom 12:1            Four ways to sacrifice:           1)   Praise: Psalm 54:6           2)   Confession: Rom 10:9-10           3)   Deeds of Kindness (Empathy)  Heb 13:3           4)   Gifts:  Phil 4:18Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                 Hebrews – A Call to Commitment:                             Essential Christian Qualities                                          Hebrews 13:1-6Five Essential Qualities:1.         Family Love (Brotherly Love)Notice, Keep on: Don’t stop! Lit. let brotherly love continuePresent tense/Continuous Action.Jesus gave us this command: John 13:34-35This is not mere sentiment: 1 John 3:16-18True love results in action. 2.       HospitalityInn’s were filthy, expensive and full of vice.Some are called to be missionaries.Where do they lodge?The house church: 3 John 5-8He thinks back to the book of Genesis: Gen. 18:2-3There are angels among us.Angels are ministering spirits: Heb 1:14 3.        Empathy  (put ourself in their shoes) Continue to do what you have done in the past.Brings us back to Acts 18:1-2Heb 10:32-34; Their responseWhat we do to others; we do to Christ: Mt. 25:37-40When one suffers we all suffer: 1 Cor. 12:26 4.         PurityGod has a problem with sexual immorality. 1 Cor. 6:18-20God is a “Consuming fire.” Heb 12:29 5.            Contentment This is critical to grasp for our consumer society.Money loving leads to division: Mt. 6:24Contentment comes from trusting God: Phil 4:11-13Don’t act like a pagan: Mt. 6:31-33Contentment comes from being confident in God’s promises.Our author goes to the well of scripture: Psalm 118:6-7Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com

                                   Hebrews – A Call to Commitment:                                                 “The Unshakable Kingdom                                                           Hebrews 12:25-29Intro:   The Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989.  Oct 17th, 7.1 centered in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  33 Years since the earthquake. Main Verse: Heb 12:28Three Responses to our standing within the Unshakable Kingdom:1.            Obedience: “Do not refuse him who speaks.” The Wilderness generation instantly disobeyed God.While Moses was on the mountain they had Aaron craft an Idol.Ex. 32:35: God sent a plague!He warns us from Heaven: Jesus, high-priest…Again, our author gives an additional how much more argument : Heb 2:3 2.            Confidence  We will not be shaken is a promise.The earth shook at Sinai: Psalm 77:18The earth will shake at the end of time: Haggai 2:6But God promises a New Heaven and … 2 Pet 3:10-13The physical will pass; the spiritual last.Remember, their physical world was coming apart.Esau, who clung to his appetites: Heb. 12:16Our earthly life does not revolve around comforts.This is our confidence: Rom 8:38 39 3.            GratitudeConfidence does not lead to arrogance.How do we show our Thankfulness?    1)     Worship Acceptably  Worship is about how we live: Rom. 12:1-2God has not changed.Judgment is so fiery; how can we waiver?  Isaiah 33:14Support the showEmail the Broadcast at: amart65@gmail.com