What does it mean to live in this world as part of the church. We know that we are sinful and that the church has its faults. At times it seems that the church is weak, half asleep, luke-warm. Do we really have anything to say to unbelievers? But then we can look at a… Continue reading Those around
Category: Bible Study
Light in the darkness
Chapter 8 finishes with a sobering prophecy, all that the people will see if they look away from God is gloom and darkness. Without God, all there is for us is hopelessness. Read Isaiah 9 Whilst the present situation seemed pretty hopeless and Israel were about to face judgement, shame and destruction, Isaiah looks ahead… Continue reading Light in the darkness
It shall not stand
Imagine that you have an uneasy relationship with a close family member. You have your differences, your squabbles and fights but at the end of the day you are family. Then one day you discover that they have been working with someone else, a rival, an enemy of yours to bring you down. Imagine the… Continue reading It shall not stand
The idols must go
The things that we fear and the things that we put our trust in are the things that become our idols. They become our idols because we give power and authority to them. We think that they have control and influence over our lives. We are scared that if we do not do what they… Continue reading The idols must go
The limits of persuasion – when explaining doesn’t help
If only people knew what was really going on, they’d quickly change their minds and behaviour. If I could just sit down face to face and talk with them, then they would see that I was for them, they’d understand the decisions I’d made and the actions I’d taken. They might not like it but… Continue reading The limits of persuasion – when explaining doesn’t help
Introducing Isaiah
Backdrop The setting for the book of Isaiah is the reigns of four kings of Judah, Uzziah, Ahaz, Jotham and Hezekiah. The kingdom of Israel had split into two after Solomon’s death. Israel in the north was the larger, with most of the tribes joining and also the more prosperous due to its situation on… Continue reading Introducing Isaiah
Becoming like our idols
What is it that we most need in this uncertain and chaotic world? What is it that will change our perspective on everything? Isaiah ch 6 gives us some pointers! Read Isaiah 6 Uzziah had been a successful king but in his later years lost his way becoming puffed up with pride. He sought to… Continue reading Becoming like our idols
The Vineyard
Isaiah continues with the horticultural theme of vines, branches and vineyards. God is the farmer who plants a vineyard (Israel) but what does he find when he comes to it? Read Isaiah 5:1-7 This section takes the form of a song, a love song with echoes of Song of Songs, Isaiah sings of the Lord… Continue reading The Vineyard
purification
Reading through the early chapters of Isaiah, it becomes clear that the coming “Day of the Lord” when judgement and punishment will be visited on Israel is not just about punishment, not just about the destruction of wickedness but rather it is about purification and restoration. The aim is that through this refining experience that… Continue reading purification
chaotic folly
What does judgement look like? What would judgement on a church, a community, a nation? Read Isaiah chapter 3:1-4:1 Judgement for Israel and Judah involves the stripping away of all of their resources and means of support including food supplies. It then leads to the removal of leaders and protectors. The wise, experienced and strong… Continue reading chaotic folly
