Isaiah

‘A brief survey of the cross – from long distance’ (Isaiah 53:4-6)

AudioPhilip

When God revealed something of a glimpse of the future to the prophet Isaiah who lived 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet saw the person who was to come, the ‘Servant of the Lord’, the Saviour and Redeemer of God’s people. The 53rd chapter of his prophecy is well-known for the way it so accurately describes the death of Jesus on the cross (especially Isaiah 53:4-6). These things were yet to be for the prophet, but now we can look back upon them and see wonderful things!

Message

Outline

• A text from the past, Isaiah’s great prophecy
• ‘Survey’ the cross?!?
• The cure to our doubts…
• Note well that Isaiah foresaw ….

  1. A release from a burden (v.4)
  2. A demonstration of love (v.4-6)
  3. A transfer of a debt (v.6)

The only safe ground…
What a wonderful Saviour!
Good news indeed!

‘The coming of the Messiah as told to …King Ahaz’ (Isaiah 7:1-14)

AudioPhilip

The setting of the well known prophecy about the birth of Jesus through a virgin in Isaiah 7:14 is set in a context of a fascinating story about King Ahaz of Judah in Isaiah 7:1-14. Ahaz was in a bit of a spot, politically. The neigbouring nations of Syria and Israel (!) were threatening to attack and he was afraid. It was then that the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz with a message that basically said, ‘trust Me, I’ll even show you a sign if you want one…’ But Ahaz refused. So the Lord gave Ahaz another sign, one of His own making, about the coming Messiah. But this sign wasn’t for Ahaz, but for us who live in this age (A.D.). The sign, of course, is Jesus!

Message

Outline

• This Christmas series!
• Learning from the past
• The chapter’s context…
• See how the text tells of …

  1. A King who was afraid to trust (v.1-9)
  2. A sign that was offered to assist (v.10-11)
  3. A virgin birth was promised as proof (v.13-14)

Who was the sign for?
Will you be like this faithless King?

‘The appearing of the Messiah… viewed from long distance’ (Isaiah 11:1-10)

AudioPhilip

Isaiah 11:1-10 is a record of one of the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the coming of the Messiah. Although Isaiah lived 700 years before Jesus Christ was born, he foresaw the arrival of Jesus the Messiah and the effect of his ministry that would in turn transform the whole world. Christians rejoice in the gift of God’s Son at Christmas, but also know that the fulness of his ministry is not yet seen in this world. However, when Jesus comes again, things will be very different. Isaiah prophesied of this too and we now await the Lord’s return.

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Hark! the Herald Angels
00:20 Introduction
00:47 Prayer
06:04 Children’s talk (with thanks to Kidswise)
Song: The Greatest Treasure
09:35 Bible reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Song: What Child is This?
11:10 Bible reading: Revelation 21:1-7, 22-27
Song: The Servant King
13:34 Sermon: Isaiah 11:1-10
Song: O Come, O Come, Immanuel
35:59 Closing

‘The best of times…. the worst of times’ (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Philip

There’s so much in the Old Testament about the coming of the Messiah, Jesus, and the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7 is a great place to look. The text not only tells us about Jesus’ first coming as a baby, but also points toward His eternal rule as King, ultimately found in His second coming as Lord. Best of all the text relates so well to this crazy, best of times/worst of times world…!