Isaiah - Salvation Is Of The Lord

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Today: KD’s birthday

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: Salvation Is of the Lord

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

Opening Scripture:

Isaiah 53:6 “6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah Intro and The Sin Cycle - Nathan McElhaney

In Isaiah’s Day People Had “Gone Astray”

(Source Hayford’s Bible Handbook)

Secret places of pagan worship were tolerated

The wealthy oppressed the poor

The women neglected their families in the quest of carnal pleasure

Many of the priests and prophets became drunken men-pleasers

See Isaiah 5:7–12, 18–23; 22:12–14

Isaiah’s Name Means “Yahweh’s Salvation”

In The Midst Of Darkness Our God Speaks

Isaiah 1:1–2 “1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.”

Conclusion/Reflection:

Concluding Reflection: In the darkest times of our lives, we must attune our hearts and minds to listen for God's voice, as He speaks hope, direction, and reassurance to us.

1. God Speaks Into Chaos

Genesis 1:1–3 “1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

God speaks into the void, creating order from chaos.

God can speak hope and new beginnings into our lives, just as He did in creation.

In the NT The Gospel of John Tells us that Christ, the Word, brings light into our world.

2. God Whispers Through Despair

1 Kings 19:11–13 Goldingay’s Translation:

1 and 2 Kings for Everyone The Low, Murmuring Sound (1 Kings 19:1–21)

11 He said, “Come out and stand on the mountain before Yahweh.” And there—a great, strong wind was passing by, splitting mountains and breaking up crags before Yahweh (Yahweh was not in the wind), after the wind an earthquake (Yahweh was not in the earthquake), 12 after the earthquake a fire (Yahweh was not in the fire), and after the fire a low murmuring sound. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat and went out and stood at the cave’s entrance.

God is the God of the earthquake, wind, and fire but God is not those things.

As Jayden noted in January, God is the God who shows up and speaks in the midst of our despair.

This suggests that in our struggles, we should seek to hear God's guidance and reassurance.

3. God Leads Through Shadows

Psalm 23:1–4 “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Even in the valley of the shadow of death, God’s voice leads us.

We are assured God is present as the Great shepherd who guides, comforts, and sustains.

We can trust Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to walk with us through our darkest valleys, speaking life and protection into our fears.

4. God Protects His Sheep

John 10:27–30 “27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.””

Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd whose sheep listen to His voice.

As Christians, are assured that knowing Christ, the Word made flesh, means we are never truly lost in the darkness.

Talk It Over

What does Psalm 23 say about God's presence during difficult times?

Why is it important to understand Jesus as the Good Shepherd in relation to our relationship with God?

How can we attune our hearts and minds to hear God's voice during chaotic situations in our lives?

Sources:

Goldingay, John. 1 and 2 Kings for Everyone. Old Testament for Everyone. Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2011.

Webb, Barry. The Message of Isaiah: On Eagles’ Wings. Edited by J. A. Motyer and Derek Tidball. The Bible Speaks Today. England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1996.