IvoryEagle

How can strong desires erode our faith and corrupt our lives? THE MORE WE THINK ABOUT THOSE DESIRES, THE LESS WE THINK ABOUT GOD. What strong desires can build our faith? DESIRES TO KNOW GOD AND HIS TRUTHS MORE THAN OUR DESIRE TO SIN. What does a strong desire for God have to do with the "knowledge" of God, or "knowing" God? IT IS OUR ONLY DEFENSE AGAINST THE FLESH. How are God's promises and evil desires at odds with each other? GOD IS INTOLERANT OF SIN. TO ANTICIPATE SIN IS TO DEGENERATE OUT LOVE AND FAITH IN GOD AND HIS PROMISES. How does one build and the other erode our faith? WHAT WE FEED WILL GROW. FEED OUR FAITH; IT GROWS. FEED OUR DESIRES, THEY GROW.

What does it mean for you personally to be called "by his own glory and goodness"? I AM SET APART TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT COMES WITH THAT GLORY WITH THE FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD ALREADY KNOWS ME; AND THE BOUNTY OF THAT GLORY IS MEASURED WITH MY NAME ON IT. How does God's glory and awesome Presence affect you? IT GIVES ME AN ASTOUNDING MEASURE OF SECURITY IN MY RESPONSES TO LIFE AND THOSE THINGS THAT ATTEMPT TO AFFECT ME BOTH POSITIVELY AND NEGATIVELY. How does his goodness and moral excellence affect you? IT IS A GUIDE AND A PATTERN TO GAUGE MY BEHAVIOR AS I STRIVE TO REPRESENT HIM ACCORDING TO THE KNOWLEDGE I HAVE OF HIM.

Meditate on this verse for a few minutes. It is a verse about provision. What are the scope and extent and boundaries of "everything we need for life and godliness"? THERE ARE NO BOUNDARIES IF WE KNOW HIM ACCORDING TO THE KNOWLEDGE HE HAS PROVIDED. What does "knowledge" or "knowing God" have to do with this promise? TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM, TRUST HIM, AND TO DEPEND ON HIM.

What does "received a faith as precious as ours" mean in this verse? Peter considers all faith equal and not based on seniority. How does our faith compare to St. Peter's faith? Faith is in the heart of the believer, each believer and not to be compared. Is our faith equal to his? Immeasurable Why or why not? Jesus required faith the size of a mustard seed to be acceptable How do you explain the discrepancy? The standard is established by Jesus

Why do you think eternal punishment is mentioned at the end of such a glorious prophecy as Isaiah? To bring unto the forefront of all the consequences of disobedience. Why is the enduring, eternal kingdom mentioned? The pleasure for obedience will be equal pain for disobedience--FOREVER! Who will be included in this kingdom? All who recognize Jesus Christ as Lord! "The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:32b-33) Revelation declares: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.'" (Revelation 11:15) Who will be excluded from it? Those who reject the invitation of Jesus.

If God prescribed temple worship in the Pentateuch, why does he seem to prohibit it in 66:3? It is for Him, but He is not recognized. "1 This is what the LORD says:'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? 2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?' declares the LORD." (66:1-2a) What is missing from their worship? Now the prophet comes to the point -- the heart condition of the worshippers. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." (66:2b) Have you ever had this element missing from your worship? Not intentionally. What kind of heart is God looking for (66:2)? "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." (66:2b)

Why do you think the final state is referred to as the new heavens and the new earth? "That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." (2 Peter 3:12b-13) What is new about them? "17 Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more." (65:17-19) Which verse talks about the end of pain and sorrow? "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'" (Revelation 21:4b-5a) Which verse mentions instant communication? Communication with God will be instantaneous and intuitive. "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (65:24) Which verse illustrates the peace of this Kingdom? "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD." (65:25)

What is the basis of Israel's expectation of salvation according to this prophecy? God as our Father will not give up on those He created. What does 64:5-7 teach us about the quality of our righteousness? We have much work to do. How are we to see our relationship to God according to 63:16 and 64:8-9? Though we know that God does not lead us into temptation. Rather he allows us to be tempted and tested. What does this passage teach about grace? We need God's Grace and must continually pray...

Hallelujah! Q2. (Isaiah 62) The Jewish people have been humbled, scorned, and persecuted through the ages. According this passage, what will be their final state? "Full inclusion; if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again" Will Christians be included in these blessings? Yes, After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! (Hint: Romans 11:11-24). If God has purposed to restore his people, why is intercessory prayer called for in 62:6-7? Like the scaffolding in building a home, prayer will continue to support the work of the Lord. Where in the New Testament are we told to pray for what God has purposed? You Kingdom come; Your Will be done... (Hint: the Lord's Prayer).

Are words like "captive" and "prisoner" used literally or figuratively? FIGURATIVELY. How did Jesus intend them to be understood when he read them and spoke of their fulfillment? IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD; DEBTORS PRISONS, SLAVERY FOR DEBT, ETC. How are you personally doing in adopting Jesus' agenda here? ENGAGED AT RANDOM/RESPONSE. How is your congregation doing? THE CHURCH AS A HEART TO SERVE; SOME OF THE PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS

How do disobedience and lack of repentance prevent our prayers from being answered? God will not hear through disobedience and hipocracy. According to verse 2, who is causing the separation from God? We are through our iniquities. How can it be corrected? Repent.

In these verses what positive actions align themselves with a true keeping the Sabbath? Love and obedience. What negative actions should be avoided in a true keeping of the Sabbath? Totally ignoring it or pretending to care, along with total insensitivity.

In these verses what positive actions align themselves with a true keeping the Sabbath? Love and obedience. What negative actions should be avoided in a true keeping of the Sabbath? Totally ignoring it or pretending to care, along with total insensitivity.

In what ways are people injured by backbiting, judgmental attitudes, and harsh criticism? Their truth looks like a lie and their lives are impacted negatively. How are they injured by false accusations and slander? Not only does Their truth looks like a lie and their lives are impacted negatively, sometimes they are denied rewards and financial opportunities for the wrong reason. Legally and in general they are defending the indefensible. How can we change our church cultures to banish this kind of behavior? Truth starts from the pulpit. The pastor needs to send the signal that it is known, condemned, and will not be ignored. What would it require of us to really "spend ourselves in behalf of the hungry"? A decision to do it. What would this look like for an individual? Setting aside the resources as a family For a congregation? Making it a part of the budget, sharing from the heart of the pastor, walking the talk.

What kinds of injustice does Isaiah condemn in these verses? Hypocrisy, showmanship, and not sharing with the fellow man. What excuses do we use to rationalize not being generous to the poor -- in our communities or in our families? We say they should pull themselves up by their own bootstrap, they only want money to buy drugs, etc. In what ways is "tough love" important to help people? Teach them to try through accountability. In what ways could it hurt them? Perhaps they have no foundation to try and need a leg up.

Now the Lord speaks to this faithful remnant. "For this is what the high and lofty One says -- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live[214] in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (57:15) What things do we learn about God in this verse? GOD IS MORE IN THE HEART THAN THE PLACE. What is the great paradox here? GOD IS THE ULTIMATE IN THE HIGH PLACE AND ULTIMATE IN THE LOW PLACE. Why does God care so much about the downtrodden and the contrite? IF THEY LOVE HIM, HE WANTS TO LIFT THEM UP. Do you and your congregation care for the downtrodden and contrite with the same intensity? WE WOULD LIKE TO THINK SO. I THINK WE HAVE HEART WORK TO DO.

Why does keeping a sacred day of rest honor God? Christians practice this different ways: (1) Sabbath worship and rest, (2) Sunday worship and rest, (3) Sunday worship, no rest, or (4) no worship, no rest. Which of the various options might best honor God? 1-3 Which of these might dishonor God? 4 Which of these keep the spirit of one "who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it"? 1-2

What is the significance of God's welcome of believing and ethical foreigners and eunuchs to full status in his temple? God's standard is based on justice and righteousness. It is not based on WHO it is based on obedience. "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line." What are the implications of that for the church? The church should not judge based on what they see but based on God's standard of measurement. Justice and righteousness. God is the only judge. Who does your congregation tend to exclude from its fellowship -- if not explicitly, then by emphasis and focus? Those who appear to be unacceptable by man's standards. What could you do about this? Welcome them, create a platform for service without condition.

Which single New Testament passage best sums up for you the lessons of Isaiah 53? (Philippians 2:9-11) Why did you chose this passage? (Select from Matthew 26:38-42; Luke 22:37; John 1:29; Romans 3:24-26; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; 1 Peter 2:24-25; 1 Peter 3:18; Philippians 2:5-11 -- or any other passage you can think of.) This verse says it all. It is already done. As a result, He is exalted beyond human measure and ultimate power. "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus 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 2:9-11)

In addition to our sins, the Servant also bears the punishment deserved by sinners. In what sense, if any, did Jesus bear the punishment due you when he died on the cross? Either we could bear our own cross or he would bear it for us; He did it for us, the price was death to assure us the gift of eternal life.

Isaiah 53 teaches what theologians call "the substitutionary atonement." In what sense does the Servant act as a substitute to bear our sins? Put it in your own words. Clearly we were sinners and God being a righteous God had to hold us accountable. Jesus, though not a sinner, served as a pure sacrifice undergoing all of the punishment, even death, due a sinner. To me, it has the essence of bailing someone out of jail only the bond is HIs life, forever.

Which New Testament parallels to Isaiah 53 convince you that Jesus himself saw his own mission and destiny spelled out in Isaiah 53? "It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment" (Luke 22:37).

From how large a group of people does God remove sins in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? Anyone, anywhere, people believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. In what sense is this a universal sacrifice of salvation? No exceptions, He simple said: "Come." In what sense is Jesus’ sacrifice wasted on some people? Their eyes and hearts are closed. The gift must be personally accepted.

What does seeking the Lord entail? "Seek" (dārash) means "to seek with care" with the purpose of knowing. This isn't passive but active. Jeremiah writes to people of the same era -- exiles right before God delivers them: 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back from captivity.'" (Jeremiah 29:13-14a) If God's ways and thoughts are different than our own human way of thinking, what are the implications of this for success in our lives? TRUST GOD EVEN THOUGH WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND HIM. THE JOB IS TO TRUST AND BELIEVE. Why is repentance necessary to this process? WE MUST TURN AWAY FROM SIN TO TURN TOWARD GOD. Why is humility necessary? HUMILITY IS THE OPPOSITE OF PRIDE. IT IS WHAT GOT SATAN IN TROUBLE. WE MUST DECREASE SELF TO CREATE THE PATH FOR GOD. HE WILL NOT SHARE HIS GLORY. What happens to us if our seeking is shallow? GOD KNOW THE HEART. HE SAID SEEK ME WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART; HE IS THERE AND WILL REJECT ANYTHING LESS THAN "ALL." What happens if we put off seeking the Lord when we hear his invitation? We cannot come to God at any time. There are times when he is near and we must seize the day and turn to him when we can. We can't assume that we can put this off. "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Is it ever too late to seek the Lord? AFTER DEATH Can any real success be found by other means than seeking the Lord? NO

Why do people "spend" their lives doing things that they know won't satisfy them deep down? IGNORANCE, UNINFORMED, AND JUST PLAIN WEAK IN THE FLESH. Where does hedonism or a love of pleasure lead? hell What are the gracious elements of Yahweh's invitation in this passage? COME AS YOU ARE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE; ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS COME What is the cost of accepting the invitation? NO COST, SALVATION IS FREE. Will this invitation be perceived as "good news" to those who hear it? NOT ALL.. IN EARLIER CHAPTERS, IT WAS NOTED; SOME WILL LOOK AND NOT SEE, HEAR BUT WON'T LISTEN, ETC. How can you issue this invitation in today's vernacular? INVITE PEOPLE TO CHRIST, CHURCH, OR OTHERWISE ENGAGE THEM IN THE GOSPEL.