IvoryEagle

What does the promise mean that no weapon formed against you shall succeed? THOUGH THERE WILL BE ATTEMPTS TO DESTROY YOU; GOD WILL NOT ALLOW IT. Does it mean we won't have to conduct spiritual warfare through prayer and faith? NO, FIGHTING IS A PART OF LIVING. What then does it mean? IT MEANS GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING, EVERYBODY, AND EVERY WEAPON; HE WILL, THROUGH US, REFUTE EVERY ATTEMPT TO USE MAN MADE WEAPONS OF ALL KINDS AGAINST US.

In what sense was Jerusalem "barren" without God's favor? To be barren was considered a source of shame. Recall the struggle of some of the Bible's barren wives -- Sarah, Rachel, Hannah -- who later bore children. What does it imply when Isaiah says "your Maker is your husband"? HE WILL PROTECT AND TAKE CARE OF YOU. For your Maker is your husband -- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. What does the husband do in this analogy? HE WILL PROTECT AND TAKE CARE OF YOU In the New Testament "bride of Christ" analogy, who is the wife, who is the husband? "THE CHURCH" IS THE BRIDE AND CHRIST IS THE HUSBAND What is expected of the wife? SUBMISSION: "Wives submit to your husbands; husbands love your wives.." Ephesians 5:22-33

Why is a messenger or carrier of good news so beautiful? JOY IS NOT ONLY COMING IN THE MORNING; JOY IS RUNNING TOWARDS ME: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy." (52:7) What is the original historical context of these verses ?Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy." (52:7) "Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem." (52:9) How does Paul apply this verse in Romans 10:15? "And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15 Romans 10:15 ...with reference to evangelists bringing the gospel. You may have sung these words in the song "Our God Reigns."

How can you trust the Lord to guide you when you can't see where you're going? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God." (50:10) Have you ever experienced fear in this situation? MORE LIKE UNCERTAINTY. How do you continue? TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OF MY HEART, LEAN NOT ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING, ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL MY WAYS, AND HE WILL DIRECT MY PATH Prov.3:5-6 What is the danger of creating your own "light" to substitute for the invisible God? But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment." (50:11)

Who does Isaiah seem to speak about in our passage? the Messiah! JESUS CHRIST In what way is he open to the Lord? We know that each morning Jesus would rise early and get away to talk with the Father (Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42; 6:12). In what way does he suffer? False charges, arrested and crucified When was the Messiah vindicated in history? AT THE RESURRECTION: God will ultimately vindicate him by resurrection no matter what accusations are made. How will he be vindicated at the end of the age? This is that final day at Christ's return when, "... every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11) Come soon, Lord Jesus What character quality is necessary for believers when their vindication doesn't seem to happen soon enough? Patience, trust, and belief: Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:23)

Why do people tend to disregard or even discriminate against aliens in their country? THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THEM. PEOPLE ARE OFTEN THREATENED BY WHAT THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND. How can you increase your love for people of other nationalities? LOOK THROUGH THE LENS OF GOD. God's people are called to be a "light to the nations." What might that entail for the church in your community? MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO RECOGNIZE, ACKNOWLEDGE, AND INCLUDE THOSE WHO ARE UNLIKE OURSELVES. In your country? IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, SHOW THEM THE PATH OF CITIZENSHIP. MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO RECOGNIZE, ACKNOWLEDGE, AND INCLUDE THOSE WHO ARE UNLIKE OURSELVES. SHOW THEM THE PATH OF CITIZENSHIP.

In what sense does God "bring prosperity and create disaster"? AS DEMONSTRATED WITH PHARAOH GOD CAN AND WILL CREATE AND/OR ALLOW DISASTER TO GAIN THE ATTENTION OF ONE WHO DOES NOT RECOGNIZE HIS POWER UP TO AND INCLUDING KILL THE FIRST BORN. Is God the source of evil? SOMETIMES. IT IS NOT PERCEIVED AS EVIL SINCE IT IS DESIGNED TO BRING HIS PEOPLE UNDER SUBMISSION BUT IT CERTAINLY FEELS EVIL TO THE RECIPIENT. Of trouble? Yahweh is the Initiator and the Determiner of man's future for good or for ill. Therefore, to worship him is very much in one's best interest. Of prosperity? Yahweh is the Initiator and the Determiner of man's future for good or for ill. Therefore, to worship him is very much in one's best interest. Of poverty? Yahweh is the Initiator and the Determiner of man's future for good or for ill. Therefore, to worship him is very much in one's best interest. In what sense is he responsible for these? Yahweh is the Initiator and the Determiner of man's future for good or for ill. Therefore, to worship him is very much in one's best interest. In what sense are we responsible for these things? DISOBEDIENCE AND/OR DISRESPECT Since we know that God is the source of both prosperity and disaster, what should we be doing? STRIVING TO STAY IN HIS WILL

How can Cyrus be called by name more than a century before he was born? GOD CALLS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING; In what sense is Cyrus "anointed" by God? HE WAS CREATED FOR SUCH A PURPOSE AS THIS HUNDREDS OF YEARS BEFORE IT LOOKED POSSIBLE. How can an unbeliever accomplish God's purposes? ACCEPT JESUS AS SAVIOR AND BELIEVE What does this tell us about God? HE IS ALL OF THAT ALL OF THE TIME; IF HE SAYS IT, BANK ON IT. HE WILL DO IT EVEN IF WE FAIL IN OUR PART T ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. About being humble in our judgments of others? DO UNTO OTHERS AS GOD DOES UNTO ME.

This chapter tells us specific purposes that God's people have been created for. How can you fulfill your purpose to show God's glory (verse 7)? PROCLAIM GOD'S PRAISE To be his witness (verses 10, 12)? TELL IT EVERYWHERE I GO To proclaim his praise (verse 21)? "WE WERE CREATED TO WORSHIP HIM... the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." (43:21) What are the obstacles you are facing in fulfilling these purposes? NONE How do you benefit from fulfilling God's purpose for you? IT ASSURES ME THAT AS LONG AS I STRIVE TO BE OBEDIENT IN MY PRAISE AND WORSHIP; I WILL HAVE THE FAVOR OF GOD.

According to this passage, in what ways is God's "servant" blind? THOUGH THEY HAVE EYES AND EARS, THEY DONOT SEE OR HEAR. Why? OBLIVIOUS TO THE WAY GOD SPEAKS Who is the "servant" in this passage? ISRAEL How would you assess your own degree of spiritual blindness in the last 5 or 10 years? IT IS NOT GETTING BETTER AS MY INVESTMENT OF TIME IN THE WORD CREATES A PATH OF UNDERSTANDING. How effective is a blind servant in accomplishing his master's purposes? INEFFECTIVE. How effective have you been? AS EFFECTIVE AS I KNOW TO BE.

What does it mean for God's people to be "a light to the nations"? "To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." (42:6b-7) In what ways are you "letting your light shine"? SHARING MY JOY WITH ALL PEOPLE WHO MAKE EYE CONTACT. WHEN ENGAGED IN CONVERSATIONS AND ASKED THE REASON FOR MY JOY; I RESPOND THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. How well do you represent God's covenant in your everyday life? IT IS A CONSTANT AND CONSISTENT PART OF ME, BY CHOICE AND CHANCE.

What do these verses teach us about the Messiah? HE HAS THE SPIRIT OF GOD AND ALL THAT COMES WITH IT.. HE IS NOT A WARRIOR. HE IS A SAVIOR. What will characterize him and his actions? GENTLENESS What does it tell us about his quest for justice? HE IS ALL ABOUT JUSTICE AND RESTORATION. HE IS ABOUT UPLIFTING THE BRUISED REED. About his tenderness? UNYIELDING If this describes our Messiah, what difference should it make in our lives, values, and demeanor? OUR GOAL IS TO BECOME LIKE JESUS

Q1. (Isaiah 40) What does Isaiah 40 teach us about the necessity of preparing ourselves for the Lord (verses 3-5)? READY OR NOT, HE WILL COME! NO ONE WILL ESCAPE About God’s tenderness and compassion (verse 11)? THOUGH HE IS MIGHTY, HE IS BOTH COMPASSIONATE AND TENDER. About God’s glory vs. the glory of nations (verses 15-17)? REGARDLESS OF HOW POWERFUL MEN APPEAR TO BE; GOD IS MORE POWERFUL. GOD'S POWER WILL LAST FOREVER, THE NATIONS WILL SURELY PASS AWAY. Why do we get so enamored by the glitter and glory of the world? UNINFORMED OR UNBELIEVERS What pieces are we missing (verses 15-17, 21-26)? GOD IS INCOMPARABLE; THERE IS NO ONE LIKE HIM!! According to verse 31, how can we draw strength from the Lord? WAIT!!

(Isaiah 38:3) What is the basis on which Hezekiah asks for healing? HE COULD NOT PRAISE GOD IF HE WERE DEAD. Why is personal righteousness and holiness important in getting your prayers answered? YOU MUST HAVE A HEART TO SERVE GOD EVEN IF NOT PERFECTLY. How can unrighteousness prevent answered prayer if all gifts from God are by grace anyway? THE HEART TO SERVE MUST BE THERE.

Why is Hezekiah's healing important for his nation? HE HAD NOT YET GROOMED A SUCCESSOR; THE PEOPLE WOULD BE LEFT LEADERLESS. How did it relate to God's promises made to David (2 Samuel 7:11b-16)? GOD HAS PROMISED AN UNBROKEN LINE God promised an unbroken line of David's sons upon the throne.

(Isaiah 37:16) How do the first two sentences of Hezekiah's prayer (verse 16) correspond to the first sentence of the Lord's Prayer? BOTH BEGIN WITH A DECLARATION THAT GOD IS GOD AND THERE IS NO OTHER; HE ALONE DETERMINES OUR FATE. How are they important to faith? AS LONG AS WE ACKNOWLEDGE, BELIEVE, AND CONCENTRATE (ABC) ON THAT REALITY; OUR FAITH WILL BE PRESENT AND STRENGTHENED. How are they important to God answering the prayer? WHEN HE KNOWS THAT WE KNOW HIM AND ARE BELIEVING IN WHAT HE SAID--HE WILL ANSWER OUR PRAYER ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES AND GLORY.

What is the significance of Hezekiah spreading out the enemy's message before the Lord? ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE INSULT AND THE THREAT WAS MORE TO THE LORD THAN HEZEKIAH What is the underlying principle illustrated here? WITHOUT GOD, WE ARE ALREADY DEFEATED! How can we apply this principle to our own lives? REMEMBER HEZEKIAH'S PRAYER AND FORM A PERSONAL PATTERN. What happens when we don't apply this principle? WE BECOME VICTIMS RATHER THAN VICTORS.

How do you think these verses brought hope to their first readers? IT EFFECTIVELY DESCRIBED SOMETHING THAT WAS DEAD OR DESERTED AS COMING BACK TO LIFE. What is promised here? HOPE, RESCUE, AND RESTORATION. Why do you think Isaiah relies on heavily figurative language to communicate these promises? THE HUMAN MIND CANNOT CONCEIVE OF THE PLAN; HE HAD TO USE SOMETHING WE UNDERSTAND AND CAN VISUALIZE. How does he describe the "highway of holiness"? "And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. Who will walk on it?" it will be for those who walk in that Way; Who won't? "..wicked fools will not go about on it." What does it mean to be redeemed and ransomed? "Redeemed" in verse 9 is gāʾal, here a passive participle describing those who have been bought back by the gōʾēl, the kinsman-redeemer, who is responsible to pay for the release of family members who have been sold into slavery to pay their debts. The kinsman-redeemer frees them. "Ransomed of the Lord" means "ransomed by the Lord." The word is pādâ, "ransom, rescue, deliver." The basic meaning of the Hebrew root is "to achieve the transfer of ownership from one to another through payment of a price or an equivalent substitute." Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer who paid the price for our redemption, "the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18-19). And so the joyous pilgrimage of former exiles and captives approaches Jerusalem with joyful music. These prophecies were fulfilled in part when the exiles returned to Jerusalem beginning in 538 BC following their Babylonian captivity. There was great joy and profound recognition that God had released them from their bondage.

(Isaiah 33:14-16) How does ethical behavior display love for God? IT IS AN INDICATOR OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. How does it display love for man? JUSTICE How does the corruption of taking bribes destroy righteous government? INJUSTICE WHICH INDICATES THE ABSENCE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Why do we tend to seek help from every source except the Lord? MAN IS VISIBLE-GOD IS NOT. WE DON'T TRUST GOD OR OUR OWN JUDGMENT. OTHER SOURCE APPEAR ACCESSIBLE AND AT THE TIME, MAKE SENSE. In what way is this similar to idolatry? GOD WILL SHARE HIS GLORY WITH NO MAN. ANYTIME WE GO AWAY FROM GOD, HE SEES IT AS AN IDOL. People haven't changed. Jesus recognized this tendency. What was the remedy he taught his disciples in Matthew 6:31-33? SEEK GOD; IN THE END, HE ALWAYS WINS!! IT IS HIS WORLD AND ALL THAT IS IN IT.

(Isaiah 30:15-29) Why does God long to show us grace (30:18)? HE WANTS TO CONFORM US TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON; TO DO THAT HE HAS TO GIVE US A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE HIS GRACE AS A FORM OF JUSTICE. What does that say about God's character? HE IS A PATIENT GOD OF MANY CHANCES. What prevents his grace? DISOBEDIENCE & REBELLION. Have you ever experienced the kind of guidance Isaiah mentions in verse 21? YES "This is the way; walk in it." What is necessary in us so that we can hear God's voice? BEING STEEPED IN HIS WORD, WILLING TO LISTEN, TRUST, AND OBEY.

Have you ever seen a religious person go through all the religious motions, but whose heart is far from God? YES! How can we detect this in ourselves if it applies to us? WE WON'T STUDY THE WORD ENOUGH TO RECOGNIZE WE ARE OFF TRACK. What is the remedy? STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED & STUDY TO ENSURE WE CONTINUE TO SEE THE POWER OF IT. How can you tell if your practice of religion is merely following "rules taught by men"? THE BIBLE IS ALIGNED WITH MY WORDS, HEART, AND ACTIONS. What is the danger of a rule-based faith? IT LEAVES NO ROOM FOR REPENTANCE OR GOD'S JUDGEMENT. How does it differ from a love-based faith? JESUS AND ALL HE REPRESENTS, IS PREEMPTIVE.

How are we humans able to justify and deceive ourselves so easily? DELAY OF CONSEQUENCES LEADS US TO BELIEVE THERE ARE NO CONSEQUENCES. Why do we hold onto lies that guide our lives? THE TRUTH IS DELAYED. Why do people stumble over Christ, the tested foundation stone, and his righteous standards? CHRIST APPEARS IN THE SPIRIT AND WITHOUT FORCE. THEY ASSUME HE IS NOT THERE. How can we help people come to the truth? SHARE THE WORD. What is the alternative if they don't, according to Isaiah 28:21? THEY WILL BE DESTROYED! "Now the prophet turns to the Lord's "strange work," his "alien task" (28:21) of bringing destruction to his own people."

Q6. (Isaiah 27:12-13) When Isaiah prophesies the gathering of all his people at the sound of a great trumpet call, to what New Testament event does this correspond? Jesus prophesied this day as well: "And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (Matthew 24:31)

Does this passage actually teach a bodily resurrection? NO, IT WILL BE SPIRITUAL What does it teach us about resurrection? Daniel sees this resurrection clearly. "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:2-3) When will this resurrection take place, according to the New Testament? Prior to this resurrection, however, there will be terrible judgment upon the earth -- as so graphically spelled out in the Book of Revelation.