Fellowshipmtz

Can a Man Be Profitable to God?

Ray Clark, pastor of sister church Baptist Bible Church in Decatur, guest speaks at Fellowship today.  His church has been working its way through the poetic narrative of Job.  Our church is treated to one slice of the unfolding and intensifying drama!

Fear and Anger (In Our Current Environment)

Guest speaker, Curt Fleck, opens God's Word this week in Cliff's absence.  Curt is the Director of Civil Servant Ministries in Springfield, the Illinois State Capitol -- a ministry especially devoted to politicians and elected officials.

God's Own Gospel Sermon

Chapter 55

Charles Spurgeon (in introducing one of several sermons he preached on this chapter) begins:
"THIS very memorable chapter may be called God's own gospel-sermon.  In reading it we forget Isaiah, and only remember Jehovah.  He speaks not here by the prophet, but in the first person.  God Himself says, "Incline your ear, and come unto Me."  Now, we value every single word of Holy Writ, but especially those words which come direct from the mouth of God Himself: not so much spoken for Him as by Him.  Take heed that you turn not away from Him who speaks from heaven."

God's Covenantal Progression

Isaiah 54
Given the short amount of time, this is a mere introductory lesson on the redemptive progression of God's covenants.  Not all covenant are covered, and the ones that are, are not described in significant detail -- but hey, you have to start somewhere!  Diagram #1 represents how Gentiles were largely prevented from enjoying the promised blessings of God's unconditional covenants to Abraham and Israel by the Law Covenant. Diagram #2 shows the difference subsequent to the successful work of Christ.
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"Covenant of Peace!"

Isaiah 54 (part 2 of 3)

Chapter 54 is a celebration of the Servant's great success and accomplishments! There is no celebration apart from the Servant's sacrificial death in chapter 53, and it is because of the Servant's success that a "covenant of peace" is not in place.  "Peace" is a key word of theology throughout Isaiah's prophecy...

The Servant's Success & Isaiah's Scope of Prophecy

Isaiah 54 (Introduction)

Today we jump from chapter 48 (where we have been the past two weeks) to chapter 54 (chapters 49-53 were taught weeks earlier).  To prepare for the significance of chapter 54's content, we step back and rehearse the scope and (lack of) sequence in Isaiah's vision/prophecy.  In other words, today's message provides parameters and principles for understanding what Isaiah's book.

Defining the Relationship (Part 2) / PROVIDENCE!

Isaiah 48:12-22

Part 2 moves from the LORD defining the relationship as it exists in the present moment to defining the relationship moving forward.  The unfolding narrative relies heavily on the doctrine of GOD's PROVIDENCE (which is explained).

Isaiah 48 -- "Defining the Relationship"

Isaiah 48:1-11

Chapter 48 stands as a summary of what the LORD has been saying all along in chapters 40-47, only now the prevailing themes only intensify! The LORD is merciful and holy; Israel is idolatrous and unrighteous.  Unless something or someone relents or changes, the relationship will end as an eternal stalemate/deadlock.  In chapter 48, the LORD challenges Israel (Jacob) to define the relationship.  Verses 1-11 define the relationship in light of the present moment.  Next week, in verses 12-22 the relationship will be defined moving forward.

Isaiah 47: Babylon's Demise! (Then & Now)

Isaiah 47 -- In the Bible, "BABYLON" represents much more than just a particular nation/people in a particular time in history — though they are that too.  Babylon turns up in the Bible beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation.  Lessons are abundant!  Sadly, the United States seems intent on going the way of Babylon.  It will not end well.

Isaiah 46 - "Burdensome Idols or a Burden Bearing God"

Isaiah 46 -- The Bible and Church history are filled with persons who have received God's grace.  Unsurprisingly, believers love God's wonderful promises (think of Abraham, of Israel); what we commonly struggle with are God's methods (again, Abraham & Israel).  For the LORD to accomplish His good purposes of salvation, it requires Him to expose and to purge our idolatries.