IvoryEagle

According to this verse, what is the key to perfect peace? Leaning on Jesus What happens when we get distracted from trusting in the Lord? We worry needlessly Why is the Lord called the "Rock eternal"? The result is perfect peace because "the Rock eternal" anchors your life. He is solid. The weight of your burdens is light to him.

(Isaiah 25:7) Why does the promise that "he will swallow up death forever" provide such comfort to us when we grieve the death of loved ones? THEY ARE GOING TO A BETTER PLACE, IF THEY SERVED GOD BEFORE THEY DIED. When we contemplate our own death? EXPECT VICTORY ON THE OTHER SIDE What will we experience instead of death when Christ comes? VICTORY

Isaiah 25:6-8) Obviously this "feast of rich food for all peoples" is a symbol of something more than just good food. What does this theme represent in Isaiah and the New Testament? What does it promise about the Last Days? TOTAL INCLUSION OF ALL WHO SERVED GOD. Yahweh has not only destroyed the proud and wicked, he has aided the poor, those who cannot help themselves. "This mountain" doubtless refers to the New Jerusalem, as it did earlier in Isaiah (2:2) The great banquet that Isaiah foresees is referred to many times in the New Testament: "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."

Q1. (Isaiah 24) What is the reason that Yahweh will devastate the earth (24:5-6)? The reason for this destruction is sin and rebellion against God. The Gentiles are guilty before God, of course (Romans 1-2), but so is the covenant people to whom Yahweh revealed his law on Mount Sinai. Covenants come with curses to those who break them, as is seen in verse 6. Why do we feel so threatened by this kind of prophecy? Because we are looking like them: "The city -- here the world city, the representative of civilization -- is destroyed in all its urban sophistication and pride." Why is this kind of prophecy important to forming faithful disciples who “fear the Lord”? There is still time to get right. "While feasting and celebration of people on earth will cease (24:7-13), there will be celebration of God's righteous judgments (24:14-16a)." In what way does the glitter and glory of man (1 John 2:15-17) contradict this kind of prophecy? LOVING MAN INSTEAD OF LOVING AND FEARING GOD. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the **** of the flesh, the **** of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 jOHN 2:15-17

Why is Judah faulted for making necessary military preparations in the face of the Assyrian armies? BECAUSE HE DID NOT CONSULT THE LORD. What should they have done at the same time (verses 11-12)? LOOK TO THE ONE WHO MADE IT. What seems to be the sin of Shebna, steward of the palace (verses 15-19)? "This self-important man is preparing a fine tomb for himself on the heights of the city while Jerusalem itself is threatened. He is expendable (verses 15-19). Perhaps this is an example of corruption -- using the nation's resources to further one's own purposes and pride." Have you ever been guilty of selfishness instead of doing your duty to Christ? NOT KNOWINGLY

Q2. (Isaiah 20) Why did God command Isaiah to go naked for three years? Isaiah's nakedness is to be a constant reminder to Judah not to rely on Egypt, that Assyria will attack Egypt and carry off captives, who were often stripped just as Isaiah was. And that's just what happened. What was its meaning? THEIR SOLDIERS WOULD BE LED AWAY WITH THEIR BUTTOCKS BARED. What effect did this acted prophecy have on Judah’s foreign policy? In the Battle of Eltekeh in 701 BC, the army of Assyrian king Sennacherib (705-681 BC) met Egyptian forces, which were defeated and Judah would see streams of naked prisoners of war from Egypt/Ethiopia heading north to be resettled in other lands by the Assyrian victors. If you were Isaiah, would you have obeyed God? IT IS HARD TO GUESS; MY DESIRE IS ALWAYS TO PLEASE GOD, HOWEVER, UNLIKE ISAIAH, THE LACK OF A MESSAGE OF CLARITY DIRECTLY FROM GOD WOULD CLOUD MY JUDGEMENT.

Q1. (Isaiah 14) What was the attitude of heart in the ruler described in Isaiah 14:12-17? PRIDE TO THE POINT OF COMPARING HIMSELF TO GOD. What is the scriptural evidence that this indeed refers to Satan? It mimicks representation of Satan's rebellion against God and fall from heaven. Have you ever exalted your opinion and will over God's will and God's word? NEVER INTENTIONALLY! How does this differ from the ruler in 14:12-17? I KNOW GOD IS ALL OF THAT AND MORE! I am simply a tool in His hand and I never forget that! What is the best way to humble oneself before the Lord? STAY IN PRAYER AND SEEK TO DO HIS WILL! ACKNOWLEDGE HIM..Prov 3:4-6 "12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star,[101] son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13 You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.[102] 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' 15 But you are brought down to the grave (Hebrew, Sheol) to the depths of the pit. 16 Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: 'Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, 17 the man who made the world a desert, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?'" (14:12-17)

What does it mean that “the nations” will rally to the Messiah when he appears? Now Isaiah prophesies that the Messiah will gather his people together on the Last Day (quoted in Romans 15:12):"10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him,and his place of rest will be glorious Who are these “nations”? 11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the sea. Who else will be “gathered” at this time? 12 He will raise a banner for the nationsand gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth." (Isaiah 11:10-12) How does this prophecy relate to Jesus’ and Paul’s teaching about the Rapture (Mark 13:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1)? This is probably the first prophecy of what is known as the Rapture or great Gathering of God's people when Christ returns. In fact, the wording in Jesus' prophecy of the Last Day echoes Isaiah: "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather[99] his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." (Mark 13:26-27) In 2 Thessalonians, we see this same language regarding the rapture. "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered[100] to him...." (2 Thessalonians 2:1) When will this prophecy be fulfilled? No man knows the hour. Be ready.

The passage speaks in figurative language. What kind of peace does it describe? Absolute peace How far will this peace extend? All inclusive including animals According to Isaiah 11:9b, why will there be peace? Verse 9 sums up the peace "on all my holy mountain" -- which sounds like the whole earth and the reason for that peace -- "the knowledge of the Lord." What does “the knowledge of the Lord” mean? Here the prophet speaks of a personal relationship with the Lord, not just an intellectual awareness of him. How widespread will this “knowledge” be? To bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ."(Ephesians 1:9-10)

Who was Jesse? Jesse, of course, is the father of David (1 Samuel 16:1; Ruth 4:17), How does his name indicate that this passage speaks of the Messiah? The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed." (Revelation 5:5) "I am the Root and the Offspring of David,and the bright Morning Star." (Revelation 22:16) What attributes will he have due to the Spirit of God upon him? Isaiah continues with a description of Messiah's character -- in sharp contrast to Ahaz's injustice, idol-worship, and rebelliousness against Yahweh. "2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-- 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD." (11:2-3a) What do we learn about this Messiah from verses 4-5? The wicked should fear when he pronounces sentence. "4b He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist." (11:3b-5) Who seem to be the victims of injustice and oppression here? The needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth." (11:3b-4a) When the Messiah comes, what will happen to all who involve themselves in injustice?He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

Why do we humans tend to pass laws that oppress the weak and poor? Because we can. The weak and poor are least lackly to read and to know the law. They have the freedom to ignore the law. Because the impact is not immediate, they rarely align their choices with the consequences of their choices. Short-term and immediate gratification drives them. They are too busy trying to survive. The price is high as the laws passed because of their ignorance guarantees they will find it harder to survive. What can we as Christians do to prevent this? PRAY INCLUSIVELY. Inform the public. Encourage people to get involved in the laws of the land. What can we do to help the poor and weak in our communities? Same as above. When appropriate, aid them without creating dependence.

What in the text convinces us that the Child/Son is the Messiah himself? He is everything for everything; He is "all that." He is just like God. What do you learn about the Messiah from the four word pairs describing him? He is everything we need. He is all-encompassing Which of these saving attributes do you need most in your life right now? To relax in the knowledge and belief that with God, nothing is impossible; He is awesome! He is the master of this realm. He is all-encompassing peace.

In what sense is Yahweh (and his Messiah Jesus) a “stumbling stone” and “a trap and a snare”? God is our rock; when we have Him, we have everything. When this is recognized, he becomes our stepping stone to victory. When the stone is not used properly to step; we stumble over it. In what way are people broken in this stumbling? they will be snared and captured." (8:14b-15) Why do you think people stumble over a God who is almighty and righteous and must be obeyed? IGNORANCE & UNBELIEF. We just have to be sure, do we become snared and broken.

What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz? Isaiah conveys to Ahaz the word of Yahweh concerning this impending attack: "It will not take place, it will not happen." (7:7) Then he reassures Ahaz that these allied kings are mere men after all. He tells Ahaz not to panic. "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" (7:9b). His future will hinge on what he does here. Ahaz is at a point of no return; he must decide. Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What he thought he knew, unbelief, and pure fear What did Ahaz do instead? Ahaz chooses to become a vassal of Assyria, an enemy far worse than either Israel or Syria. King Ahaz does not believe or obey Isaiah's prophecy to trust in the Lord. He pays tribute to Assyria and becomes its vassal. What was the consequence of this disobedience? The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death." (2 Kings 16:7-9)True, Assyria destroys the Syrian and Israelite kings who had threatened Ahaz, but the cost of this protection is high indeed. Ultimately, the Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon Judah as a "razor" to shave them completely (7:20). Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God? FREE WILL, we think that we must THINK. To us, the evidence is not concrete. The devil loves a dialogue; he always win when we doubt God. Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do? Because God never gives us a guarantee; He only test our FAITH. Faith by its very nature is the things we HOPE for the evidence of things UNSEEN. In many cases, we live on "what you see is what you get." God says, what you BELIEVE is what you get. Man lives based on evidence that can be seen; It flies in the face of FAITH.

How do you make sense out of these verses? After reading it in old and new, it makes sense that some will receive and some will not. Those that do, will receive at different levels of intensity. Is Isaiah called to an impossible mission? NO, to God, nothing is impossible. Why will Isaiah's prophecy make the task worse? Yes, He doesn't know who is receiving In which parable did Jesus quote this passage (Matthew 13:1-23)? The Sower In Jesus' parable, is there any frustration in preaching the gospel? No, because He understands the levels Is there any hope? Yes,     

Isaiah 6:5-8) What is Isaiah's reaction to the vision? Fear and Awe. Seeing God made him feel he would die. How does God deal with Isaiah's fear? The hot coal cleansed him and God reassured him What question follows Isaiah's cleansing? Who will go for us? What is Isaiah's response to God's question? Yes, Lord, send me. What is your response when you sense God calling you? Go!

Why do you think Yahweh revealed himself in this way to Isaiah? To send the message and the image of power. Challenge at your own peril. In what ways does this vision reveal God's majesty? No one can control fire and light BUT GOD! His presence in the form of light and fire demonstrate the TOTALITY OF HIS POWER. What do we learn about Yahweh from the serphaim's chant? They recognized the undisputed TRUTH; GOD IS ALL OF THAT AND WORTHY TO BE PRAISED.

Isaiah 5:1-6) What was the vintner's vision for the vineyard? FRUITFULNESS IN ABUNDANCE: What did he do to accomplish his vision? Preparation for planting a vineyard. Land is cleared, the vineyard is surrounded by a thick hedge to keep out animals, and the soil is made ready. What happened when the crop came in? Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.[ What did the vintner say he would do with the vineyard? HE will take away its hedge of protection. Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall and it will be trampled. 6 I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it." (5:1-6) What does this parable mean? We, this present world is the vineyard..the message is for us in this present day.

"No more divisions; we are all the same. The plan is the same for Gentile and Jew. We will all hunger for God and His Word, Peace will be pervasive!! Like a prepackaged meal where you only need to add water; "just add God." Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow." What does this prophecy of the future Jerusalem tell us about God's plan for the Gentiles? Jeremiah 29:11 says it all About God's plan for the Jews? About spiritual hunger? About peace?

In what way is Judah confused about its identity, according to verses 2-4? They have rebelled against God..They have forsaken the LORD.they have spurnd] the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him." What are the consequences when Christians today suffer from such identity confusion? Confusion about the basics like gender, marriage, lawfulness, drugs, etc. What injustices does God accuse his people of in verses 15-17? " Your hands are full of blood; "not doing right! not seeking justice, ignoring the oppressed, the fatherless, and the widow." In verses 18-20 God argues that their behavior is "unreasonable." Why is it unreasonable? They are oblivious to their state and the consequences: "Be reasonable! says the Lord. You don't understand the terrible state you are in. I am willing to forgive and cleanse you, but if you rebel, your future will be terrible indeed." What does God offer as an alternative? Repentance: 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (1:18-20)

What does Jesus mean when he says, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit"? GOD'S HANDS & HIS SPIRIT constitutes TOTALITY of His being, his safety, and his PURPOSE. It is over and yet, it is the GREAT BEGINNING. Why does this saying comfort us so much? BY HIS STRIPES, WE ARE HEALED. HE PAID THE PRICE IN FULL FOR ALL OF US.

What does Jesus' Fourth Word from the cross teach us about faith? IT WORKS WHEN YOU DO NOT SEE BUT MUST PLOW FORWARD IN DARKNESS AND PAIN WITHOUT A GUARANTEE OF OUTCOME. About commitment? IT MUST BE UNCONDITIONAL AND GUIRDED IN PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. About love? YOU MUST LOVE ENOUGH THAT OUTCOMES DO NOT MATTER; ONLY GOD'S PLAN AS YOU KNOW IT. What effect should this understanding have on our lives? WE NEED TO LEARN TO LOVE LIKE THAT.

Why do you think David prepares for the temple, even after the Lord refuses to let him build it? IF HE COULD NOT DO ALL HE WANTED TO DO; HE WOULD DO WHAT HE COULD. How did David cooperate with the Holy Spirit in designing the temple and its worship? HE DOCUMENTED THE INSTRUCTIONS AND GAVE IT TO HIS SON. How did David's example in giving motivate others to give? PEOPLE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THEIR LEADERS.

Why does David choose the punishment of a plague on the people rather than his other choices? BECAUSE GOD IS IN TOTAL CONTROL AND NOT MAN. When men attack David, he defends himself, there is no defense against God and he knows it taking his punishment until he can appeal for mercy. David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the sacrifices. What principle drives this decision? GIVING GOD WHAT IS VALUABLE TO YOU MEANS SACRIFICE; IF IT COST NOTHING IT IS WORTH NOTHING. How should this principle guide our own giving to God? KEEP IT IN MIND IN OUR GIVING.

How does David describe himself in verse 1. "the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel's singer of songs." (23:1) In what sense was David a prophet? God spoke to him and through him. What is the main message of verses 3-7? God is looking at the righteous and the unrighteous. How can this psalm guide government officials and elected leaders in our day? FEAR THE LORD, NOT THE ELECTORATE!