Delivered

Q7. (Isaiah 54:16-17) What does the promise mean that no weapon formed against you shall succeed? God's promise to Israel that no weapon formed against them will succeed means, even though many nations may plunder Israel, God's people, as (Isaiah 17: 13) tells us, those nations will become mere tumbleweeds rolling before the whirlwind of God's judgment - and be warned today you nations that plan to do evil against Israel and all of God's children, the Christians. Does it mean we won't have to conduct spiritual warfare through prayer and faith? The spiritual warfare is the battle "We" are called to fight, our battle calls us to stand strong in "FAITH" as we fight against the wiles of the Devil, therefore we are commanded to put on the whole armor of God that will enable us to stand strong in righteousness for our Passover Lamb calls us to put on the "loins girded with truth" faith (Ex. 12:11) And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S Passover. And as He tells us in (Luke 12:35-37) Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. (Eph 6:18) Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – for the prayers of a righteous man avails much.

Q6. (Isaiah 54:1-8) In what sense was Jerusalem "barren" without God's favor? Jerusalem without the favor of God, is as a wife who is "barren", a wife whose relationship with her husband has become "sterile" - the roots of their relationship describe a wife who has not felt the tender feelings and joy of motherhood, the joy that binds a family together, therefore she is as a wife who has not experienced the blessings of her Maker, her husband. What does it imply when Isaiah says "your Maker is your husband"? The husband of Israel is the LORD of hosts, he is their Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth is their Maker. What does the husband do in this analogy? As their head and not their tail, He will gather Israel under His wings, and he will comfort her with everlasting mercies. In the New Testament "bride of Christ" analogy, who is the wife, who is the husband? All those who believe in God's Son, the Messiah of Israel, are those who have excepted His proposal of marriage, they are the ones who will take and drink from the glass of wine set before them, they are the ones who will display their “faithfulness” is to the Bridegroom. What is expected of the wife? She will be loyal to him and will joyfully respect His headship over her.

Q5. (Isaiah 52:7-9) Why is a messenger or carrier of good news so beautiful? They for so long saw the ugly face of affliction, sin, how beautiful, how pleasant it is for Zion to hear the good news, God will redeem His people and will bring peace to them and to their soul. What is the original historical context of these verses? The original context, the "good tidings" refers to their returning from Babylon, however, the "beautiful tidings" refers to their future, when Zion will be awake and will put on beautiful garments of circumcised hearts and will no longer be unclean. (Isaiah 52:1) How does Paul apply this verse in Romans 10:15? How glorious it is for us that the prophets brought forth news of "good tidings", how beautiful it is for those who have ears to hear the message, they can be redeemed from their "Babylon", the affliction of sin that separates them from the LORD, how pleasant it is to have a new song written on the heart, as the watchman of the soul looks forward to the day the "Messiah" will come and bring "PEACE" and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Q4. (Isaiah 50:10-11) How can you trust the Lord to guide you when you can't see where you're going? The reason I can walk in darkness is because I fear the LORD and I have placed my trust in His Son, who has not left me alone, I have the calming spirit the Holy Spirit.

Q3. (Isaiah 50:4-9) Who does Isaiah seem to speak about in our passage? Isaiah is speaking of the Lamb of God, the soon coming Messiah of Israel. In what way is he open to the Lord? He came to do the will of the Father, He was open to the divine commission God called him to and he would not shrink from the goal set before him, when insults are hurled at him, he would not retaliate, he would not threaten to call a thousand angels to come, instead, He put his trust in His Fathers love. In what way does he suffer? His suffering was of the highest order - taking on himself the calamity of "SIN" and all its attributes of insults, torture, and degradation of all kinds. When was the Messiah vindicated in history? When He conquered sin and death and rose from the dead, as prophesied. How will he be vindicated at the end of the age? Every knee will bow and understand - He is the Messiah called to bring peace to the world. What character quality is necessary for believers when their vindication doesn't seem to happen soon enough? We must stay strong in the "LORD" - We are to be light when there is only darkness, a light that will shine glory up to God by placing our trust in His love.

Q2. (Isaiah 49:14-50:3) Paul teaches that "all Israel will be saved." According to Isaiah in our passage, what will happen to the scattered Jews in the Last Days? God will bring them back to their promised land, we are witness to this very prophesy coming to life, they are returning from all parts of the world. Does God seem to love Jews who haven't trusted in Messiah Jesus yet? Those who love God and yet do not believe that Yeshua is the Messiah have hardened hearts to the truth, however, one day we will see the promises of (Ezekiel 36:26) A new heart God will give to them, a new spirit God will put in them, and they will walk in His statutes and will dwell in the land God gave to their fathers. I believe this is when the remnant will be grafted in and every knee will bow in worship of the Messiah. How can you show your love for Jews? we can show our love by praying for their spiritual needs, for "all Israel" will be saved is referring to the Jewish nation as a corporate whole, and it is most important that we stand in support of Israel and not ever to allow Anti-Semitism to fill the heart, and always, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." for in so doing, we are praying for the Messiah to return.

Q1. (Isaiah 49:1-13) Why do people tend to disregard or even discriminate against aliens in their country? America has opened its arms to “ALIENS” and do not want to discriminate against those who come in by “illegal” means, instead, America seems to be and “ARE” discriminating against those “CITIZENS” who love and have faith in God, this government has slowly been discriminating against their freedom to worship God, and are replacing it with the philosophies’ of the alien god's. What this speaks to me is - God's people are to stay strong in their faith, and are to have love one for another, (1 John 3:10) because we love not in word only is why we do not discriminate against a brother in need, instead, we have compassion for him, and we offer him love, our deeds of righteousness. I would ask, what nations are out to discriminate against, whose goals are to "VEX" - "DESTROY" God's servants, Israel, and the Christian, those who believe in Israel's Messiah? How can you increase your love for people of other nationalities? Love is increased as we daily walk in His love, however, there are many warnings given to the Christian to why we are not to marry "alien's" to our faith, the danger lies in the fact that our love could wan for God, and increase our love for the people of other faiths, and their god, as I think on King Solomon, who in his wisdom, did not heed the warning of God. God's people are called to be a "light to the nations." This is why we support many missionaries. What might that entail for the church in your community? Our church does not discriminate against others. In your country? Pray for the "Peace of Jerusalem"

Q7. (Isaiah 44:7b) In what sense does God "bring prosperity and create disaster"? God brought forth His laws, a "LIGHT" before me, for they are given for "MY WELL BEING" so that my soul may prosper and be in health, avoiding the disaster, the distress that disobedience of sin may bring. Is God the source of evil, trouble, prosperity, and of poverty? God will bring distress (evil) to those who do not put their trust in Him, that he has their "well being" in mind in order for them to prosper, instead of facing the opposite, that of trials, and disappointments, the consequences of sin. In what sense is he responsible for these? He is a Holy God who calls his people to walk in obedience so they may "PROSPER" In what sense are we responsible for these things? We who are faithful have a great responsibility to walk in the light of God's grace and mercy - for there is coming a day when great "EVIL" – “DISTRESS” - will fall on the earth – that of God's judgment. Since we know that God is the source of both prosperity and disaster, what should we be doing? We should be a faithful and holy people, a prosperous people whose lives give praise to God for sending to us His Son.

In what sense is Cyrus "anointed" by God? Cyrus was anointed in the sense – he will accomplish what Isaiah prophesied God said he would do. A shepherd reflects on a person who is anointed, one who is anointed is one who will follow and be obedient to their calling. How can an unbeliever accomplish God's purposes? God allowed other nations to take Israel captive, therefore fulfilling His purpose of bringing judgment on them, there is no holding back God from allowing what an unbelievers motive might be, here the motive of Cyrus was to bring good, however, even if an unbelievers purpose was to bring harm, God can turn it around with the purpose of bringing good; God knew ahead of time what was in the heart of Cyrus, and he used it for His purpose. What does this tell us about God? God is an awesome God of whom I can put my faith and trust in, knowing He has my good in mind. About being humble in our judgments of others? My purpose is to treat others as I would like to be treated; the purpose of my life is to "trust" in God, and not in man.

How can you fulfill your purpose to show God's glory (verse 7)? I can fulfill it by following the cry of my heart, my heart’s desire is now to walk in righteousness, I take serious God's calling, the "PURPOSE" of my life no longer is a yoke, a burden for me to bare, the desires of my heart have changed from pleasing "SELF", to showing forth "praise" to the “LORD” for what God's Son has done in my life, my life’s "PURPOSE" is now to demonstrate to the world what the power and "GLORY" of God can do in the life of a servant. To be his witness (verses 10, 12)? My life will be a "WITNESS" - It will exhibit a life of a servant, not just any servant, but a servant that will give honor and respect, a servant who will be obedient to the voice that called me out of darkness, it will be a life that shows respect to the Holy One of Israel for sending his "SERVANT", His Son, who showed me the way of pleasing the Father is by loving the Son. Therefore "PRAISES" will be proclaimed, a sweet aroma up to God. What are the obstacles you are facing in fulfilling these purposes? Each and every day I try to stay alert to the obstacles that Satan might put in my way to take my praise away, therefore, I stay in God's word, and I try to stay in tune and listen to the small voice that calls me onto righteousness, righteousness that stems “NOT” from rules and regulations, but stems from a changed heart, a heart whose purpose is to “Glorify God and to enjoy Him forever”.

Q4. (Isaiah 42:18-25) According to this passage, in what ways is God's "servant" blind and why? They observed, they were witnessed to many wonderful workings by the hand of their God, how sad it was, they did not take heed to guard in their hearts the wonders they saw and heard; Their ears did hear, their eyes did see, but because their hearts were far from God, they did not pay attention, they did not give honor to what they heard and saw, therefore they walked in “disobedience” to the laws, the teachings of God. Who is the "servant" in this passage? God's servants, His chosen people Israel.

Q3. (Isaiah 42:6-7) What does it mean for God's people to be "a light to the nations"? (Matthew 5:13-16) After the manner of the rabbis, Yeshua, (Jesus) seated himself and he began to teach his Jewish disciples the importance of being salt and light to the earth. Jewish believers are salt, (Num 18:19) All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee. Not only are the Jewish believers to be "salt"- to preserve - be faithful, so are the Gentile people, they who believe in the Messiah of Israel. They are to be a light, (Pro 4:18) But the path of the just, righteous, is as the shining light, that shines’ more and more unto the perfect day. All believers are to be salt, “faithful” and a continuous "light" that shines on the world that of "righteousness".

Q2. (Isaiah 42:1-4) What do these verses teach us about the Messiah? What it teaches me is - the first time God sent His Son it was not as "MESSIAH" - He first came as a "Servant" unto his Father, therefore he did "NOT" cry out - "I am the Messiah", nor did he "LIFT UP" his voice as to cause disputes and contention, so not to bruise or break the reed, those who are unstable in their faith, instead he came as a gentle lamb, for it is in meekness, in that quiet spirit that truth will be found, avoiding the snare of the devil. What will characterize him and his actions? His actions are those of a faithful servant unto God, a servant of righteousness and obedience.

Q1. (Isaiah 40) What does Isaiah 40 teach us about the necessity of preparing ourselves for the Lord (verses 3-5)? V3.The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare (to turn) ye the way of the LORD, make straight (be upright) in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah was speaking to God’s people the Jews that they prepare, turn from their wicked ways and make changes in their life, for God will redeem them. However, Isaiah is teaching me the importance of holiness, it is important that I “CONTINUE” to walk the path the Messiah has prepared and has set me on to walk, a highway of "HOLINESS" – I received my garments of righteousness so that I may walk on that highway, it is there in the wilderness when testing’s do come, that I may proclaim my desire is to remain "FAITHFUL" - I am preparing the way, I have put on His garments of righteousness and I am walking in them, for they are now "MY RIGHTEOUSNESS" a sign to Him that I am anxiously awaiting for my Bridegroom, the Messiah of Israel to return. Isa 35:8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. About God's tenderness and compassion (verse 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.)? I not only find tenderness and compassion in this verse, I find "HOPE" - this is the hope that lives within me = Revelation 7:17 The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water: and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. About God's glory vs. the glory of nations (verses 15-17)? Isa 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he takes up the isles as a very little thing. Nations should tremble at the power and glory of the LORD, who is the true and living God: it is his wrath they should be fearful of. As of right now I am fearful for the greatest nation in the world, America, a nation that was founded on God and His principles, a God fearing nation that had the blessings of God over it, only to witness the fall of this great Nation, for the "Land of the Free" has turned its back, and are trampling on the very mercy and grace of its foundation, the "God of Israel" - to become a nation to proclaim, they no longer are a Christian Nation, a nation that believes in the Messiah of Israel, and in its stead are demonstrating to the world, "America is a nation of many god's" Our days are numbered, so I ask, how long will America be able to abide God's indignation that is to come? (Jer 10:10) The LORD, Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to abide his indignation.

Q4. (Isaiah 38:3) What is the basis on which Hezekiah asks for healing? The basis on which Hezekiah asked for healing came from his heart of love for the Nation, for God, and for God’s precepts and laws. Why is personal righteousness and holiness important in getting your prayers answered? Personal righteousness is the result of faith that has been planted deep within where they can take root, and when it is sprinkled with the desire to abide and to be obedient to the Lord’s word and his commands, is when we will see the joy of its results, as it produces the delicious fruits of righteousness and holiness, therefore what you shall ask, it shall be done unto you. How can unrighteousness prevent answered prayer if all gifts from God are by grace anyway? God's grace is not a gift given in order for man to produce "UNRIGHTEOUSNESS" - When God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, God was sorry he made man, as it grieved him in his heart, except for Noah, a righteous man who was saved as he found grace in the eyes of the LORD. God's Son teaches us how we my go boldly before His Father, "I am the vine and you are the branches: He that abides, stays in me, and I in him, is the one who will bring forth much fruit (righteousness) by which the Father is glorified - "IF" (conditional) you will abide in me, and my words abide in you, you may ask and it shall be done - "IF" you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Q3. (Isaiah 38:2-3) Why is Hezekiah's healing important for his nation? Hezekiah's plea was not just for himself, he was a king pleading for his nation and the promises that God made to the nation, was it not the righteous prayer of "faith" that touched God, therefore he sent an angel of the LORD and put to death a hundred and eighty five thousand men in the Assyrian camp, is this not why he wept sore, because he was concerned he would go to the grave at a young age, when he did not have his house in order and would leave the government without a successor. How did it relate to God's promises made to David (2 Samuel 7:11b-16)? Hezekiah's concern as king was for God's covenant people and for God's promises to King David, that God will appoint in time a place for His people Israel, and he will plant them that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more as before.

Q2. (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? When we pray the LORD’S prayer, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” - it corresponds with the same LORD Hezekiah was praying to, the God of Israel, He is the LORD of Hosts who sent His Son to earth so that He may tear the veil of separation down, so that the Gentile's may go boldly to the LORD in prayer, just as Hezekiah did, so that we who are faithful may spread our message out before him, believing that He will see and hear our requests. When Hezekiah prayed "The battle is the LORDS” the meaning of his prayer was that all the kingdoms of the earth would see and know, that the LORD, God of Israel, is the only one that sits upon the throne, (we believe the Son of God is seated at his right hand, a seat of honor, glory, and power) this corresponds with "HALLOWED" be your name, for the verb means, "May Your name be hallowed on earth" may the earth know that you are the only LORD. How are they important to faith? Without trusting faith, how could anyone go "BOLDLY" spreading out their message before the LORD? Faith and obedience is what opens the door to heaven. How are they important to God answering the prayer? It is important that we understand what kind of "FAITH" opens doors, the prayers of a righteous man availed much, it is a heart that has been circumcised by the Son of God with that of love, a heart whose desires have been changed from that of pleasing self, to that of pleasing God the Father, a heart that hungers after righteousness, and a desire to walk blameless before Him, therefore when we spread our message out unto the throne of grace, it is through faith that we believe we will receive mercy, it is faith that we believe we will find grace to help us in times of need, for it is this kind of faith that says, "Hallowed be your name in all the earth"

Q1. (Isaiah 37:14) What is the significance of Hezekiah spreading out the enemy's message before the Lord? I believe when Hezekiah spread out the Assyrian's arrogant and blasphemous message before his LORD, the God of Israel, the Lord of Host who is enthroned above the cherubim, who commands an army that is above all armies, the significance to me reveals not only does Hezekiah fear God, he also has a "HUMAN LIKE" relationship with the God Almighty, a significance that displays a man of great "FAITH" – Hezekiah easily spread the message out before God for him to see and hear their pride and arrogance was placed in their god's. Hezekiah was only human, he knew how strong and mighty they, the Assyrian’s were, as they blatantly concurred nations, however, Hezekiah knew the might of the Assyrian’s did not stem from their gods, he knew the problem was the sin of God's covenant people, and it was the LORD'S instrument of judgment that was set against them, a disobedient and wicked people of covenant. What is the underlying principle illustrated here? The underlying principle is to make sure we walk in faith and in obedience, that we be a covenant people that are faithful. What happens when we don't apply this principle? We can expect testing’s to come, to prove us.

Q6. (Isaiah 35:1-10) How do you think these verses brought hope to their first readers and what is promised here? Hope filled the hearts of the house of Israel who were faithful (Psalm 98:3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.) for the "promise" will come when the Messiah of Israel will be seated in Zion, this brings hope to me also, because of the Messiah I have been grafted into the promises of God. How does he describe the "highway of holiness"? The “highway of holiness" - a narrow road, that many sad to say, have chosen not to tread, however, for those of circumcised hearts, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for them the "highway of holiness" is where God promises they will be comforted with springs of living water, refreshed from the scorched and parched land filled with persecution, the results of "sin" Who will walk on it? The faithful remnant of the house of Israel will return from captivity, making access to the Messiah's reign, a road of holiness would be open to the redeemed, those ransomed by God's Son, whose end is to glorify God and to love him forever. Who won't? The wicked and unclean will not be there, for they chose to walk the wide road instead. What does it mean to be redeemed and ransomed? Isaiah's prophesy to the House of Israel and to Judah is that they who are faithful will be ransomed from their circumstances - Jeremiah 33:14-16 Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. Jeremiah 32 says the LORD, God of Israel, concerning this city that I in my anger and wrath delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, famine and by pestilence in order to bring them to repentance, that I will "ransom" them, they will dwell safely, they will be my people, I will give them one heart that they may fear me forever, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that they will not depart from me, and I will assuredly plant them in this land. I too have a song to sing, for the promised King and Messiah of Israel has placed a song in my heart, Zion's Passover Lamb has "ransomed" me from the bondage of sin, my eyes have been opened, my ears can hear, and my lips sing a rejoicing song of gladness and joy, for the LORD does what he promises.

Q5. (Isaiah 33:14-16) How does ethical behavior display love for God? God tells the believer how to display our love for Him, "If you love me, keep my commandments." This is the man who will dwell on the heights, he will walk righteously and will speak what is right, he will reject gain from extortion and will not keep his hand from accepting bribes, he will not plot to do evil, and therefore by this ethical behavior he will display his love for the LORD, Jehovah. How does it display love for man? God’s love when displayed will overflow to ones neighbor. How does the corruption of taking bribes destroy righteous government? A government that takes bribes would not be called a "righteous government"

Q4. (Isaiah 31:1) Why do we tend to seek help from every source except the Lord? Only a fool would seek help elsewhere, but for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. In what way is this similar to idolatry? Serving other gods is that of idolatry. People haven't changed. Jesus recognized this tendency. What was the remedy he taught his disciples in Matthew 6:31-33? When Jesus said, take no thought, do not be negative and anxious to what you shall eat, drink, or to be clothed in, for this is what the Gentiles seek after, he was relating this to Lev 25:20 And if you shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year (year of Jubilee) because we did not sow, nor did we gather in our increase - for such are those of little faith, disbelieving the promise as those not belonging to God, Jesus revealed to them, it is by "faith" and "obedience" that they will be able to take no thought of tomorrow and will say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Q3. (Isaiah 30:15-29) Why does God long to show us grace (30:18)? God's mercy and grace is there for those who have wisdom enough to see their sin and to fall on their knees in repentance and turn back to God. However, one day that door will be closed, today is the day while it is still today. Isaiah is encouraging Israel, those who are waiting on the LORD to stay faithful through the trials to come, for God will restore Israel, the nation to himself. What does that say about God's character? This tells me that "PATIENCE" is seen as a character of God (everything is done in God's timing) Isaiah prophesied that when they cry out for deliverance that the remnant of His chosen people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem, for God is gracious and in his mercy he will hear their voice of repentance. What prevents his grace? Because God is holy, holy, holy, it is the deliberate and willful "SIN" that turns one away from God, therefore sin prevents the covering of his grace to be upon us. What is necessary in us so that we can hear God's voice? In order for one to hear the voice of God, It is necessary that one have a heart that is "WILLING" and open to hear and to follow the voice of God. It is a rebellious and lying people that "WILL NOT" hear the law, the voice of God, those who are disobedient to the voice of God are those who have contempt for God’s word, and it is because of their contempt that they will not hear the counsel of God and instead will put their trust in man, therefore desiring to hear a voice that speaks only the positive, deafening their ears in hearing the voice of the prophets, trusting instead in the wickedness and philosophy of the world.

Q2. (Isaiah 29:13) Have you ever seen a religious person go through all the religious motions, but whose heart is far from God? I have seen religious people who will never miss a church service and yet think nothing of cheating on their taxes, I have heard many gossip about others with no concern of the hurt they may be causing, and yet will "NOT" miss going to prayer meeting. The church is full of hypocrites, and I do not mean imperfect people, a hypocrite is one who outwardly speaks one thing and inwardly is not what they speak. How can we detect this in ourselves if it applies to us? The Holy Spirit keeps me in line with His mighty sword, of which I am forever thankful. How can you tell if your practice of religion is merely following "rules taught by men"? It is important we have rules to follow, however, when one holds the rules of man higher than that of God's laws displays a heart that is not in communion with God, therefore all the outward acts of being pious and religious is looked upon by God as deceitful above all things. What is the danger of a rule-based faith? There is great danger of falling in the sin of "PRIDE" if the foundation of one’s faith is based on following rules and traditions of the church, having therefore a righteousness that pleases man and self. How does it differ from a love-based faith? Faith whose foundation is placed on the Messiah is faith that "LOVES" God's commandments to do them, it differs greatly because their faith is based on pleasing the Father rather that of man, a sweet aroma up to God.

Q1. (Isaiah 28) How are we humans able to justify and deceive ourselves so easily? Sin widens the gap between man and God; it is because of this deliberate disobedience to the precepts of God, and to His commandments and rules that the gap becomes wider, easily deceiving mankind into thinking that the mercy of God is covering their willful disobedience. Why do they hold onto lies that guide their lives? They hold unto lies because they have chosen to listen to the deceiving spirits, the philosophy of this world which are contrary to that of God, therefore, they allow this spirit to guide their life instead of God and his precepts, it then becomes easier for the spirit of the world to take hold onto one’s life, just as we saw in the Garden of Eden. Why do people stumble over Christ, the tested foundation stone, and his righteous standards? Many stumble because the calling of Christ is for a righteous people, a people who will follow his Father's precept, his laws, just as many in Israel stumbled over righteousness, and chose the wide path of sin, the same is true for the Gentile people, many stumble over the Messiah of Israel because they choose the wide path of sin, over that of "RIGHTEOUSNESS" How can we help people come to the truth? We can help others by being a "LIVING" witness to the "TRUTH" of what the Messiah and the Spirit can do in their life, we can also hold them up in prayer and letting them know, we will be there if needed to help them along the path God is calling them to walk. What is the alternative if they don't, according to Isaiah 28:21? Judgment.

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? One of the New Testament events that corresponds with the prophesies of Isaiah is (Matthew 24:31) When He sends his angels with a loud call of the trumpet, is when he will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Jesus is echoing the promise to the house of Israel of (Jeremiah 31: 33-34) This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.