Light on a Hill

Mike gives us some history on the idolatry of Israel and their resistance to listening to God's prophets. God reaffirms His calling on Cyrus, rebuking His people for their stubbornness. Link to downloadable notes. Mike https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmD3DYJ5-dtTufVqd?e=dCSwcR Richard https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmDtcZEIeva1BQosK?e=K09EeV

God continues His case on the folly of idol worship. The rejection of God is always the cause of social deterioration, and we are experiencing that now. The mention of Cyrus as God's appointed agent for their deliverance has ties to the Triumphal Entry of Christ. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmC8EKenVr9Is2ueg?e=xZaq5x

The see the result of man suppressing God's truth. idolatry is the folly that comes with it. God is still the redeemer for those who abandon it. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmDCWMOpRfc01fwfz?e=cuZ2P0

Alive and Active; anyone who places their hope in any other than the Living God will find themselves without deliverance and more than likely worse off than when they started. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmCaHe7Uz6RjCsdSC?e=QabyRP

God, through Isaiah brings home the folly and futility of idols by pointing to the logic used in selecting the material and the skill level of the craftsman factoring in to the finished product. He also points out that idolators live beneath the dignity in which God had designed them. Link to downloadable notes, https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmCPOgq68g-8a_fDu?e=3LqLcU

Though Israel goes after other gods (idols), God still loves them and will discipline them to bring them out of idolatry. God chose them so they are His and He is theirs. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmCT_ehy-g35vDQ4s?e=ERvbZ2

We see the depth of Israel's disobedience to God and why He had to discipline them. This doesn't mean that God is finished with them, but they must understand His plan for them. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmCIdddUcjk7QaOto?e=ZUfCu0

Israel's worship of God became mechanical as they went through the motions but failed to realize the significance of it. To have our sins forgiven allowing us to fellowship with God should be a joy to us not a burden or an "obligation". https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmCBaIuHALmwJYWPh?e=jmdQoy

Isaiah points out the root cause for Israel and Judah's captivity. They didn't obey God's law and had no desire to. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmB8UR_F8Im48nAZ0?e=2zeJZY

Because God has bound Himself to Israel and Judah, He will not forsake them even though they will go through trials. Their spiritual condition was intentional. God will sacrifice other nations to insure Israel's survival and it's all about God's glory and honor. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmB6znoX2eUfYh984?e=zieIHP

With revelation from God comes an obligation to share it, Israel failed to realize the spiritual importance of the revelations God had revealed to them. They were given the law and it was for all the nations but they thought it was only for them. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmB0rH8L2SmjE4mYh?e=YKIQBh

God did all He could to show Israel His love for them and the purpose He has for them. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOmBzhEo--msyeLAC5?e=gbdLhY

Jesus is revealed in this chapter, noting His mission and method. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl3sc0a9eOKzeqFm8?e=7tKdLC

We see a glimpse of the traits of the Messiah, He will be compassionate to those who seek Him, He will not be deterred from his tasks of healing and teaching, and He will be God. We also see that there was only one Isaiah that wrote this prophesy. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl3rzeJ-Ky6qm3IjV?e=D3F5fr

We get the first clue of another powerful king coming into the picture. God is making it clear that He will be the power behind him and that he will be God's servant. In all of this God comforts His people that there will be a remnant that returns. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl2H5OD1JFVdZMFG7?e=iPbRU1

God reminds us of His faithfulness; that His perfect love casts out all fear and he also drives home the futility of trusting in idols. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl232cOfAlqQatbFN?e=ydiqD3

God will show His greatness to the faithless as well as the faithful of Israel. The trial comes to an end and the verdict is the idols are useless and God is faithful. God is constantly reminding us in the Bible of His faithfulness and how fear is counterproductive and destructive. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl2_5ksf1tjRFbN43?e=cnyWAT

Though Judah and Israel will go through adversity God will uphold them with His mighty right hand. God desires a relationship, but it will be on His terms, there is a standing open invitation. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl2LFBsIY6gABb-OP?e=vfpVpg

Isaiah shows us the futility of idols and where idolatry leads. We were designed by God to worship Him. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl1-n_BcwKGmS3nhv?e=NACx07

God began and ended this chapter with words of comfort, and the contrast between Himself and idols in the middle. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl2D64dwBluqpHk7R?e=srvBsd

God reveals and explains the futility of worshipping idols and that we are to worship Him alone. Link to downloadable notes. Mike https://1drv.ms/w/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl1Y-rNXfwTN2b_R4?e=dnu31i Richard https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl1Wbsq8hwTEX--RI?e=L1kg34

I released our third butterfly today. I wasn't sure this one would make it as it had problems attaching itself to make a chrysalis. Notice it is suspended using dental floss.

After all the judgment God had proclaimed against Judah and Israel; His people that He had set apart for a specific purpose, He now proclaims comfort to them through the messenger we believe to be the Messiah. John the Baptist His forerunner is proclaimed as well. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOl0WAjkWKu0m3kHN_?e=nhdYho

Mike goes to Hosea for how God saw Judah's idolatry and assures them of His unfailing love for them.

We see the contrast between chapters 38 and 39 in Hezekiah's attitude toward what God had done. Showing off the riches that God had blessed him with as if he had a part in it. Link to downloadable notes. https://1drv.ms/b/s!At2FDwpq3eCOlzkj_FTYKcXvOmva?e=rqCUF9