The Seed of the Woman

The Story of Isaiah's Immanuel

New Creation for the New Year, or The Anointed Savior Will Gather The Nations and Restore Zion (Isai

January 1, 2023 • David Schrock • Isaiah 55—66

At the end of the year, we often find ourselves tying up loose ends. Maybe it's taking the last of your vacation days, finishing up a 2022 project, or checking in to see if you completed your New Years Resolutions—you know, the one from January 1, 2022. For us, at OBC, we will finish the year (and start the new year) by looking at the last part of Isaiah. Since November, we’ve been seeing how the Lord promised to bring salvation to the world, and in the birth of Christ we have celebrated Salvation’s arrival. Now, as we come to the first day of the new year (Sunday is January 1), we will finish Isaiah and its promise of a new creation. Indeed, Sunday we will start the new year with a focus on the new creation. In doing this, we will tie up some loose ends from Isaiah, showing how the whole book fits together and leads us to Christ and the New Jerusalem. What better way to begin 2023? To prepare for our last look at Isaiah, take time to read Isaiah 65–66. That’s where we will be going on Sunday. As you ring in the new year, check out those chapters (or all of Isaiah 55–66) and pray that God would bless us as we gather to bless his holy name. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. May the Lord be glorified as we begin the new year worshiping him. For His Glory and your joy in Jesus, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 55 – 66 1. What has been eye-opening in reading / studying Isaiah? 2. What has been the most difficult part to grasp? 3. The next time you read Isaiah, how will you read it differently? (Why can’t you read Isaiah like John or Paul?) 4. What is the main point of Isaiah 55–66? How does it relate to Isaiah 49–54? And the beginning of Isaiah? 5. Who is the Spirit-anointed Savior? How do these “Spirit songs” anticipate the coming of Christ? 6. What does Isaiah 55–66 teach you about God? About humanity? About God’s plans for salvation and judgment? 7. What is final vision for humanity—for Israel and the nations? How does Zion play a part of that vision? 8. How is the church already experiencing Zion? See Hebrews 12:22–24. 9. What is the new creation? Is the new creation present? Future? Or both? 10. As you approach the new year, what promises of God are you hoping in?

Seeing the Glory of God's Salvation and Judgment (Isaiah 1-12)

November 13, 2022 • David Schrock • Isaiah 1—12

This Sunday we begin our new Advent series, The Seed of the Woman: The Story of Isaiah’s Immanuel. If you haven’t begun the reading plan, it’s not too late. You can find an explanation and a daily reading schedule https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3dfe9d5111a6%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7ce40493766dea41783b7408dac4300dd0%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638038007920813763%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=ott6u2rmmv43xs%2fuafjt7rrt%2f4yqirghzhri1hxrjxe%3d&reserved=0. Additionally, you can find a host of resources on my https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d676904bcc9%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7ce40493766dea41783b7408dac4300dd0%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638038007920813763%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=of98ac9bb%2fh7ia0kwvuuoujvtd0f0ixark6g5jtss1s%3d&reserved=0 to help you get the most of Isaiah. Yet before jumping to Isaiah, you might be asking, Why Isaiah? The answer is simple: Isaiah is the Fifth Gospel which prepares the way for the good news of Jesus Christ. Indeed, long before Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to pen one of the most glorious depictions of the coming Christ. And for the next six weeks, we are going to follow Isaiah’s message until we come to celebrate the birth of Christ. This Sunday we will begin that journey as we look at Isaiah 1–12. To help you see what is in the passage, you may find https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d31c598c606%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7ce40493766dea41783b7408dac4300dd0%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638038007920813763%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=5medbw8hqnkoqnoc85k6wl2mnp6don8wbqnj7slyye0%3d&reserved=0 helpful. In the weeks ahead, it is my hope to keep providing some resources as we read Isaiah together. We will link to those in upcoming Friday emails. As for this Sunday, please pray for our time. May God give us a fresh sense of his grace and glory as we gather together. In preparation, take a look (or a listen) at Isaiah 1–12. It will help you as we take a look at these introductory chapters. On Sunday, I won’t read everything in these chapters. Instead, like a tour guide, I will show the main points and draw some connections to Christ and ourselves. So, the more you read ahead, the more you will catch the turns in Isaiah’s Gospel. That is our plan. And Lord willing, I will see you on Sunday as we journey together from the beginning of Isaiah to the one who existed before the beginning and yet who entered in time, when he was born in Bethlehem. For His Glory and your joy in Jesus, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 1 – 12 1. When you think of Isaiah what comes to mind? What verses, truths, or questions? 2. What’s the difference between knowing verses from Isaiah and knowing the message of Isaiah? 3. Why does knowing the message of Isaiah, and not just parts or portions of the book, matter? 4. What’s the first step in discerning the message of Isaiah? How can you learn the structure of a book? 5. What is the basic arrangement of Isaiah? How do the first 12 chapters help find the book’s message? 6. When is Isaiah written (1:1)? What is going on in Israel / Judah at that time? What is the role of a prophet in Israel? 7. Where does the prophesy begin (1:2–20)? What are the problems in Israel? 8. What is the solution to the problem? What is Isaiah’s role? 9. Where do we find hope in Isaiah 1–12? How do the visions of glory (2:1–5; 4:2–6) fit together with the promise of a coming messiah (7:14; 9:6-7; 11:1-5)? 10. How does the theme of offspring hold the chapters together (see 6:13; 7:14; 9:6–7; 11:1-5)? 11. What do we learn about God and his plan of salvation? 12. How does this approach to Isaiah encourage or challenge you in reading Isaiah and the rest of Scripture?

Salvation & Judgment From Zion to Zambia: An International Comedy (Isaiah 13-27)

November 20, 2022 • David Schrock • Isaiah 13—27

Has the Bible ever made you mad? Have you ever stopped reading the Bible because you couldn’t understand it? Are there parts of the Bible that you avoid because they are too difficult to comprehend? I have. A number of years ago Isaiah 13–27 was one of those places. Or rather, it was somewhere in Isaiah 13-19. Reading those chapters, with their endless judgments against ancient foreign powers, I put the Bible away, because it made no sense. After all, what does Moab have to do with me? Fast forward two decades, and I can say that these chapters are some of the most exhilarating chapters in the Bible, if only we take the time to read all of them. On Sunday, we will do just that. Or actually, we won’t read them all, but we will look at them all. Isaiah 13–27 is a single unit, broken into three main sections, maybe four (13-19 / 20 / 21-23 + 24-27). On Sunday, we will look at each major section, to see the way that God in his perfect righteousness judges sin and saves sinners. This is the theme of the whole book, and it is the good news for the whole world. Take time to read or listen to as much as you can of Isaiah 13–27 before Sunday. We will be moving quickly again, but I trust it will be an exhilarating ride. Let’s pray that God would continue to show us his mercy as we study the whole canon of scripture. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 13 – 27Have you read Isaiah 13–27 before? How have you read it – chapter by chapter, or as one total unit? How does reading strategy help us (mis)understand the Bible?What is the big picture of Isaiah 13–27? Water evidence is for the big picture?In Isaiah, salvation and judgment or two inseparable themes. Where do we see that in these chapters?There are two sets of five oracles, Isaiah 13–19 and Isaiah 21–23. What is similar about these lists? What is different?What is the purpose of Isaiah 20? What do we learn from this chapter that applies today? Or doesn’t apply!Isaiah 24–27 is filled with good news. What did those chapters teach you about your salvation? What is personally encouraging?What was the most difficult thing to understand in these chapters? What would you like to look at more in the future?What have you learned about God in this series so far? What have you learned about man? Salvation? Jesus Christ?

Trust In the Lord: The Promises of God Incarnate (Isaiah 28-35)

November 27, 2022 • David Schrock • Isaiah 28—35

Thanksgiving is a good reminder of how many good gifts God has given us and how many gifts we need. From the necessities of life to the manifold blessings of spiritual life, we are a needy people. Each day we need food, water, oxygen, sleep, shelter, transportation, and a host of other physical needs. Just the same, we need the Son to uphold the universe, the Spirit to give us personal grace, and the Father to ordain it all. Indeed, the more that we think about it the more foolish self-reliance looks. Nonetheless, self-reliance continues to threaten all that we have and all that we are. On Sunday, we will come face to face with the way Israel relied on themselves and their political alliances. In Isaiah 28–35, God issues a warning for Israel to not seek refuge in Egypt. Instead, they must look to him in order to find strength. Simple as this command is, they do not well receive or obey the command. So too, today. The command to trust and obey is not as easy of the song suggests (Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey). Indeed, how often do we find ourselves trusting in other things, or invited to add levels of security to all that God promises us? Indeed, in a world where human plight and spiritual needs are manifold, this is common temptation. And in our study of Isaiah, we will see how our needs are met in the Lord and how the promises of God lead us to Christ and his daily grace. To prepare for Sunday, take time read Isaiah 28–35. If time is short, be sure to read the centerpiece of this section, Isaiah 30:18–33. On Sunday, we will again over view this whole section and see how God warns of trusting other saviors, so that we can trust in him alone. Indeed, such trust in the Lord is how the Lord proves who his children are and who they are not. May the Lord continue to give us faith as we seek him, and may he pour out his grace on us as we gather Sunday. As the Lord allows, I will look forward to seeing you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Jesus, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 28 – 35 1. As we come to the third section of Isaiah, are you starting to see some of the big themes of this book? What are they? 2. You’ve read Isaiah, what has been most helpful or illuminating for you? 3. In Isaiah 28–35, what are some of the key words or themes that hold this passage together? (Why do we read these chapters together?) 4. Read Isaiah 30:18–33 again. What is the center message? How does that impact your reading of this section? 5. What threat does Egypt pose for Israel? How does that translate today? Where are the places you are tempted put your faith? 6. Except for Isaiah 28, every chapter ends with good news. What does this tell you about the message of God? What does this teach us about sharing the faith? 7. Of the messages of hope, which is most encouraging? Why? 8. How do these chapters relate to other parts of Scripture? For instance, compare 32:9–14 with 3:16–4:1, 32:15–20 with 11:1–5; 42:1–4; 61:1–4. How does these connection help you read Isaiah? 9. In these chapters, what do you learn about God? God’s plan of salvation? Mankind’s condition? And the nature of faith? 10. What else stands out from these chapters?

Faith, Hope, Love, and a True Savior: Four Questions of Life and Death (Isaiah 36-39)

December 4, 2022 • David Schrock • Isaiah 36—39

In Isaiah, the middle of the book presents us with a series of question: Will you trust God when you are under threat? Will you turn to God when your life is in peril? Will you see God’s discipline as an act of love? And will you celebrate when you escape harm, but your children do not? Truly, the book of Isaiah is not only one that foretells the coming of the messiah. It is also one that calls us to trust in the God who promised to send his Son as our messiah. In the events of Hezekiah’s life, which take center stage in Isaiah 36-39, we find an example of how one man trusted God and then failed to trust God. Indeed, Isaiah 36–39 is both a living parable for believers and a series of historical events that moves the story along in Isaiah’s long book. This Sunday we will examine these four chapters to learn how to have faith, hope, and love in the midst of hard times. And we will see how the promises of a righteous king are momentarily visible in Hezekiah before they are not. Again, the whole book of Isaiah is moving towards the birth of Christ. And this Sunday, we will see how that is true and how the story of God’s salvation invites us to trust more deeply in the God who brought us salvation in Jesus. To prepare for Sunday, please read these four chapters and pray that God would show himself to us as we come to him for all of our needs. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you this Lord’s Day. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 36 – 39 1. Now that we have come to the middle of Isaiah, what have been some of the big take aways so far? 2. In these historical chapters, what are some of the key events that have taken place? Why might these chapters not follow historical chronology? 3. How do these chapters transition the book from first half of Isaiah to the second? (Hint: What countries are mentioned?) 4. What do we learn about trusting God in Isaiah 36? 5. What are the ways Satan tempts us to doubt God? Do these schemes ever change? 6. What do we learn about prayer in Isaiah 37? How does Hezekiah’s prayer motivate you to pray? 7. What do we learn about God’s love in Isaiah 38? 8. When you pray for healing, how should you pray? Compare Isaiah 38 to 3 John 2. 9. What is the problem in Isaiah 39? What does this teach us about Hezekiah? 10. How do these chapters prepare us for the coming of Christ? 11. What else do these chapters teach us about God? Man? Salvation?

Fear Not, The Servant is Coming to Remove the Idols (Isaiah 40-48)

December 11, 2022 • David Schrock • Isaiah 40—48

Sermon Introduction Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. These words in Isaiah 40:1 are some of the most striking in all of the Bible, as they touch off twenty-seven of the most hope-giving, gospel-promising, Christ-centered chapters in the Bible. Indeed, in Isaiah 1–39, the prophet is tasked with bringing a word of judgment to Israel, a nation obstinate and rebellious. Isaiah 6 gives his commission and it includes preaching to a people who cannot see, hear, or believe. In Isaiah 40, however, all of that changes. Isaiah is “recommissioned” and sent on a mission to bring the good news to the people of God exiled throughout the world. This time they will hear, as the message of the Suffering Servant initiates a new covenant and offers a new salvation. Beginning this Sunday, we will see in more full detail the promise of this coming servant, who is none other than the Son of God. To prepare for our time in Isaiah 40–48, take time to read as much of these chapters as you can. On Sunday, we will hit the highlights of those nine chapters, especially as they relate to the greatness of God and the folly of idols. So pray for our time as we gather to worship the only true God, by way of the Servant who died in our place for sins. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 40 – 48 1. Isaiah 40–48 marks a great difference in tone and content. Why is that? What is the historical and eschatological context of these chapters? 2. In Isaiah 40, there is a remarkable description of God. What do we learn about him? How does this lead you to trust him more? 3. In Isaiah 42, we are introduced to the Servant. Who is he? What do vv. 1–9 say? Where else is the servant described? 4. What is the relationship between the Servant (an individual) and the Servant (the nation of Israel)? 5. Isaiah 43 describes salvation in terms of the exodus. How so? And why does this “type” of salvation matter for our understanding of Christ. See Luke 9:31. 6. Isaiah 44 is the center of this section. What is it about? Why does that matter? 7. Where do we struggle with idol making today? 8. Who is Cyrus (Isa 45:1)? And what role does he play in history and in Isaiah? 9. What is the final condition of Babylon? How does this compare with Zion? (Take note of how this section begins and ends) 10. What else do you learn about God? Salvation? Yourself? The coming of Christ?

The Servant King Who Brings Peace to Earth (Isaiah 49-54)

December 18, 2022 • David Schrock • Isaiah 49—54

Sermon Introduction At Christmas, and throughout the rest of the year, we celebrate Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). But this week, as we take our next step in Isaiah, we will see how the promised messiah brings peace as a servant-king who lays down his life for the sins of his people. Indeed, the entire book of Isaiah has been awaiting the birth of the son, on whom the kingdom of God could be built. But now in Isaiah 49–54, we find out who this royal heir is and how he will bring peace to the earth. If you are looking for peace this Christmas, look no further than Isaiah. In Isaiah 48:22, we start with the sad and sober assessment that sin denies lasting peace. Yet, by Isaiah 54:10, we discover something called the covenant of peace, which cannot be removed. Wonderfully, Isaiah 49–54 tells us how this transition occurs and how the person and work of Christ stands at the center. This is what we are going to see on Sunday, as the Lord allows us to gather together. To prepare for worship, let me encourage you to read these six chapters (Isaiah 49–54) and pray for our time of worship. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, and to marveling with you at the God of peace, who makes peace with sinners, who do not deserve his peace. For truly, this is grace and the good news that we celebrate at Christmas and throughout the rest of the year too. For His Glory and your joy in Jesus, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 49 – 54 1. What is the problem that Isaiah 49-54 solves? Where do we see that (hint: Isaiah 48:22)? 2. Who is the servant? Why is it important to see the servant as national and individual? 3. Which passages describe the servant? What do we learn? 4. Jerusalem is described throughout these chapters. Why is she likened to a Mother? What is God going to do for Mother Zion? 5. How does these chapters tell the story of salvation? What do you learn about God as a Savior? 6. What is the central point of these five sections? How does that emphasize the message? 7. How does Isaiah 52:13–53:12 fit in this story? What does the Suffering Servant do? 8. What does reading Isaiah 53–54 together teach us? How does the sacrifice of the servant create a new covenant? 9. How does the New Testament apply Isaiah 53 to Jesus? See Matthew 20:28; 26:28; Acts 8:26–40; 1 Peter 2:24–25; 3:18. Others? 10. Where do we find good news in these chapters? What is most encouraging to you?