Welcome to “Thoughts from the Bible!” I am Adam Zander and have been serving as a missionary in Romania for over a decade.Join me every week as we look at simple thoughts from the Bible, to help us in our daily walk with Christ, and our relationships with our fellow man.

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The 24th message from the book of Isaiah, “The peace of God.” &#34;Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:&#34; (Isaiah 26:3-4)This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible about peace. God wants you to have peace in your heart and mind. It is a theme repeated over and over in the Bible. It is clearly very important. I believe one reason is that it is easy to lose your peace. Life is full of stress and problems. Just driving in traffic can cause you to lose your peace, let alone family, health, and financial problems!I have taught and preached about having peace many times. I am sure you have heard many messages on the subject. However, it is a topic that needs to be repeated often. Isaiah 26:3 shows us how we can keep the peace of God in our hearts. Let’s look at this today.There are three main points in this verse about peace. We will look at them in the reverse order that they appear in the verse.

How to have peace in your heart

The 24th message from the book of Isaiah, “The peace of God.” 

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" (Isaiah 26:3-4)

This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible about peace. God wants you to have peace in your heart and mind. It is a theme repeated over and over in the Bible. It is clearly very important. 

I believe one reason is that it is easy to lose your peace. Life is full of stress and problems. Just driving in traffic can cause you to lose your peace, let alone family, health, and financial problems!

I have taught and preached about having peace many times. I am sure you have heard many messages on the subject. However, it is a topic that needs to be repeated often. 

Isaiah 26:3 shows us how we can keep the peace of God in our hearts. Let’s look at this today.

There are three main points in this verse about peace. We will look at them in the reverse order that they appear in the verse.

#24 The book of Isaiah: The peace of God

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The 23rd message from the book of Isaiah, “Praising God for his blessings.” &#34;O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.&#34; (Isaiah 25:1)Isaiah chapter 25 is divided into three sections. Each of these sections praises God for something. We will look at each of these three sections and find out how much God has and will bless his children.Prophetically, this passage is about the future judgment of God and the Lord’s millennium reign. We will not receive our full inheritance and rule with Christ until he comes back. However, we can apply many of the blessings and truths to the church now.Isaiah chapter 25 is an encouraging passage about praising the Lord.We can praise him for:<ul><li>His protection and righteous judgments</li><li>His blessings and benefits</li><li>Salvation</li></ul>

The many blessings a child of God has

The 23rd message from the book of Isaiah, “Praising God for his blessings.” 

"O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." (Isaiah 25:1)

Isaiah chapter 25 is divided into three sections. Each of these sections praises God for something. We will look at each of these three sections and find out how much God has and will bless his children.

Prophetically, this passage is about the future judgment of God and the Lord’s millennium reign. 

We will not receive our full inheritance and rule with Christ until he comes back. However, we can apply many of the blessings and truths to the church now.

Isaiah chapter 25 is an encouraging passage about praising the Lord.

We can praise him for:

His protection and righteous judgments
His blessings and benefits
Salvation

#23 The book of Isaiah: Praising God for his blessings

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The 22nd message from the book of Isaiah, “Glorifying the Lord in the fires.” Isaiah 24:14-15  They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. (15)  Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.Here in Isaiah 24, we have a picture of glorifying the Lord through the fires of this life. A good illustration of this is the three Hebrew men in Daniel chapter 3.In Daniel chapter three, we have one of the most exciting stories in all the Bible and it is a peculiar one. What makes this story different, is that these three Hebrew men were not delivered from their enemies at the beginning. God allowed them to go through the fire, walked with them in the fire, and then delivered them out of the fire.Even in the middle of the fires of life, we can sing praises to our God!

The fires of life

The 22nd message from the book of Isaiah, “Glorifying the Lord in the fires.” 

Isaiah 24:14-15  They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. (15)  Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

Here in Isaiah 24, we have a picture of glorifying the Lord through the fires of this life. A good illustration of this is the three Hebrew men in Daniel chapter 3.

In Daniel chapter three, we have one of the most exciting stories in all the Bible and it is a peculiar one. What makes this story different, is that these three Hebrew men were not delivered from their enemies at the beginning. God allowed them to go through the fire, walked with them in the fire, and then delivered them out of the fire.

Even in the middle of the fires of life, we can sing praises to our God!

#22 The book of Isaiah: Glorifying the Lord in the fires

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The 21st message from the book of Isaiah “Christ our King, Saviour.” Isa 22:20-25  And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 21  And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22  And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23  And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father&#39;s house. 24  And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father&#39;s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. 25  In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.Eliakim, a type of Christ.Today we will look at this passage as a type of Christ. It is clear it is a prophetic passage about the Lord Jesus Christ ruling and reigning, as well as paying for our sins.It is interesting to note how many of these points match the four gospels. Matthew shows Jesus as king, Mark as a servant, Luke as a man, and John as God in the flesh.This passage in Isaiah is not a perfect type of the four “faces” or sides of the character of Jesus, but it does show some of them to a certain extent.As a King of kings he did not come to his throne by birth, he earned the right by being the conquerer of all foes. And the last and greatest foe (enemy) was death.As a Servant, he came to bear our sins upon the cross.As a Man, he came to be the last Adam and the first of a new race.As God, he showed that his power is greater than sin, death, Hell, or Satan.

Eliakim, a type of Christ

The 21st message from the book of Isaiah “Christ our King, Saviour.” 

Isa 22:20-25  And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 21  And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22  And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23  And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house. 24  And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. 25  In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Today we will look at this passage as a type of Christ. It is clear it is a prophetic passage about the Lord Jesus Christ ruling and reigning, as well as paying for our sins.

It is interesting to note how many of these points match the four gospels. Matthew shows Jesus as king, Mark as a servant, Luke as a man, and John as God in the flesh.

This passage in Isaiah is not a perfect type of the four “faces” or sides of the character of Jesus, but it does show some of them to a certain extent.

As a King of kings he did not come to his throne by birth, he earned the right by being the conquerer of all foes. And the last and greatest foe (enemy) was death.

As a Servant, he came to bear our sins upon the cross.

As a Man, he came to be the last Adam and the first of a new race.

As God, he showed that his power is greater than sin, death, Hell, or Satan.

#21 The book of Isaiah: Christ our King and Saviour

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The nineteenth message from the book of Isaiah, “Egypt, A picture of the world coming to Christ.” This chapter is a great picture of the Gentiles and the Jews becoming the body of Christ, the church.Egypt in the Bible is a type of the world. In this chapter, we can find an illustration of how all are made one in Christ. We see the Gentiles (Egypt and Assyria) and the Jews becoming the children of God.

Egypt becomes God's people

The nineteenth message from the book of Isaiah, “Egypt, A picture of the world coming to Christ.” 

This chapter is a great picture of the Gentiles and the Jews becoming the body of Christ, the church.

Egypt in the Bible is a type of the world. In this chapter, we can find an illustration of how all are made one in Christ. We see the Gentiles (Egypt and Assyria) and the Jews becoming the children of God.

#19 The book of Isaiah: Egypt, a picture of the world

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The eighteenth message from the book of Isaiah “The Lord is not worried.” In this short chapter we have a vivid picture. Ethiopia and Egypt are advancing in battle against Assyria (verse 1-3). This was probably when Shabatok the Ethiopian was King of Egypt.In verse four the world looks and hears all that is happening. But then look at verse 4, the Lord is taking a rest. He is not concerned about this at all! The Lord gives them a victory against Assyria and then in verse eight they (the Ethiopians and Egyptians) give a gift to the Lord.Today we will look at how the Lord is calm and not worried, even though the world looks on with concern and wonder.I would like to contrast the excitement and agitation of the world, with the calm, restful, patience of the Lord.

The agitation of the world vs the calmness of the Lord

The eighteenth message from the book of Isaiah “The Lord is not worried.” 

In this short chapter we have a vivid picture. Ethiopia and Egypt are advancing in battle against Assyria (verse 1-3). This was probably when Shabatok the Ethiopian was King of Egypt. 

In verse four the world looks and hears all that is happening. But then look at verse 4, the Lord is taking a rest. He is not concerned about this at all! The Lord gives them a victory against Assyria and then in verse eight they (the Ethiopians and Egyptians) give a gift to the Lord.

Today we will look at how the Lord is calm and not worried, even though the world looks on with concern and wonder.

I would like to contrast the excitement and agitation of the world, with the calm, restful, patience of the Lord.

#18 The book of Isaiah: The Lord is not worried

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The seventeenth message from the book of Isaiah “Looking to your Maker.” Isa 17:7-8  At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. (8)  And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.Man is a creation of God. Someone created you—that means you have a maker. Many will try to deny this fact, but if you look deep in your heart you will know it is true. Isaiah 17 shows how all people, at some time in their lives, will respect their Maker. For many, this will be after they have respected other men and the work of their own hands.It would be much better if we respect our Maker now!Let’s look at what the Bible says about our Maker and his relationship with his creation.

What the Bible says about God our Maker

The seventeenth message from the book of Isaiah “Looking to your Maker.” 

Isa 17:7-8  At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. (8)  And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Man is a creation of God. Someone created you—that means you have a maker. Many will try to deny this fact, but if you look deep in your heart you will know it is true. 

Isaiah 17 shows how all people, at some time in their lives, will respect their Maker. For many, this will be after they have respected other men and the work of their own hands.

It would be much better if we respect our Maker now!

Let’s look at what the Bible says about our Maker and his relationship with his creation.

#17 The book of Isaiah: Looking to your Maker

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The sixteenth message from the book of Isaiah, “The Throne of Jesus.”This chapter has three parts: 1. An offer of mercy on condition they show mercy and help to the Israelites. (16:1-5), they reject this offer and are threatened (16:6-12), 3. The time is fixed for the judgement of Moab.In addition, in verse 5, there is a Messianic prophecy concerning the throne of the Lord Jesus Christ.Isa 16:5  And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.Today we will look at the future throne of the Lord Jesus Christ.The throne of the Lord Jesus Christ will be forever, established in mercy and truth, and it will be a place of active judgement and righteousness.

A prophecy about the future throne of Jesus

The sixteenth message from the book of Isaiah, “The Throne of Jesus.”

This chapter has three parts: 1. An offer of mercy on condition they show mercy and help to the Israelites. (16:1-5), they reject this offer and are threatened (16:6-12), 3. The time is fixed for the judgement of Moab.

In addition, in verse 5, there is a Messianic prophecy concerning the throne of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isa 16:5  And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Today we will look at the future throne of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The throne of the Lord Jesus Christ will be forever, established in mercy and truth, and it will be a place of active judgement and righteousness.

#16 The book of Isaiah: The throne of Jesus

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The fifteenth message from the book of Isaiah “Weeping for your Enemies.” Isa 15:5  My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.Isaiah chapter 15 is about the destruction of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. When the children of Israel came into the promise land the king of Moab, Balak, hired Balaam to curse them. Instead he blessed them!God told Israel to leave the Moabites alone. The Edomites and Moabites did not let Israel go through their lands, because they feared them. However, Moab had a history of being enemies of Israel.Let’s look at a few things about our enemies today.God wants us to love our enemies, not hate them. Treat people the way you want to be treated, even those that oppose you or cause you trouble. That is what a Christian should do!

How we should treat our enemies

The fifteenth message from the book of Isaiah “Weeping for your Enemies.” 

Isa 15:5  My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

Isaiah chapter 15 is about the destruction of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. When the children of Israel came into the promise land the king of Moab, Balak, hired Balaam to curse them. Instead he blessed them!

God told Israel to leave the Moabites alone. The Edomites and Moabites did not let Israel go through their lands, because they feared them. However, Moab had a history of being enemies of Israel.

Let’s look at a few things about our enemies today.

God wants us to love our enemies, not hate them. Treat people the way you want to be treated, even those that oppose you or cause you trouble. That is what a Christian should do!

#15 The book of Isaiah: Weeping for your enemies

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The fourteenth message from book of Isaiah, “The Danger of Ambition.” Isaiah chapter 14 is the most important chapter in the Bible about the fall of Satan. Satan was a beautiful cherubim above the throne of God. He was one of God’s finest creations. But as we read in this chapter that was not enough for him. He wanted more—much more. In his pride and ambition he tried to make himself equal with God. Because of this God cast him out of the 3rd heaven and Satan lost his place above the throne of God.This chapter tell us how much pride can cost us. It is also a good example of how personal ambition can be a very dangerous thing. Ambition can be good—in moderation. But like most things it has to be controlled.Isa 14:13-14  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14)  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Satan's ambition and pride

The fourteenth message from book of Isaiah, “The Danger of Ambition.” 

Isaiah chapter 14 is the most important chapter in the Bible about the fall of Satan. Satan was a beautiful cherubim above the throne of God. He was one of God’s finest creations. But as we read in this chapter that was not enough for him. He wanted more—much more. 

In his pride and ambition he tried to make himself equal with God. Because of this God cast him out of the 3rd heaven and Satan lost his place above the throne of God.

This chapter tell us how much pride can cost us. It is also a good example of how personal ambition can be a very dangerous thing. 

Ambition can be good—in moderation. But like most things it has to be controlled.

Isa 14:13-14  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14)  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

#14 The book of Isaiah: The Danger of Ambition

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The thirteenth message from the book of Isaiah, “The Day of the Lord.” This chapter is all about the day of the LORD. What is the day of the Lord? When will it happen? Who will be judged? We will look at what the Bible has to say about this certain future day.The phrase “the day of the Lord” is found 27 times in 26 verses. Other variations of this phrase are found many times. It is not to be confused with the “day of Christ” or other days. It is a very specific phrase applying to a certain day.The day of the Lord is the second coming of Christ. He came first as a Lamb to save men from their sins; the second time he will come as a Lion to judge the world.Isa 13:6  Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

What is the Day of the Lord?

The thirteenth message from the book of Isaiah, “The Day of the Lord.” 

This chapter is all about the day of the LORD. What is the day of the Lord? When will it happen? Who will be judged? We will look at what the Bible has to say about this certain future day.

The phrase “the day of the Lord” is found 27 times in 26 verses. Other variations of this phrase are found many times. It is not to be confused with the “day of Christ” or other days. It is a very specific phrase applying to a certain day.

The day of the Lord is the second coming of Christ. He came first as a Lamb to save men from their sins; the second time he will come as a Lion to judge the world.

Isa 13:6  Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

#13 The book of Isaiah: The Day of the Lord

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The eleventh message from the book of Isaiah called &#34;What the Lord is to me.&#34;Our verse for today is found in Isaiah 12:2:Isa 12:2  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Let’s also read Psalms 21:1 and Exodus 15:2:Psa 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?Exo 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father&#39;s God, and I will exalt him.I would like to look at what the Lord is to those who know him as their personal Saviour. He is our light and salvation, our God, and our life. The Lord is my strength and my song today.

He is our light, salvation, God, and life

The eleventh message from the book of Isaiah called "What the Lord is to me."

Our verse for today is found in Isaiah 12:2:

Isa 12:2  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Let’s also read Psalms 21:1 and Exodus 15:2:

Psa 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Exo 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

I would like to look at what the Lord is to those who know him as their personal Saviour. He is our light and salvation, our God, and our life. The Lord is my strength and my song today.

#12 The book of Isaiah: What the Lord is to me

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The eleventh message from the book of Isaiah, “The Branch.” Isaiah 11:1-2  &#34;And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: (2)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;&#34;Isaiah chapter 11 is about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Branch. It tells us of the second coming of Christ and the peace he will bring on earth.The second part of the chapter foretells how the nation of Israel will be gathered from all corners of the earth. They will no longer flee from their enemies and none will dare harm them.We also read about “a Branch.” This Branch is Jesus Christ who is a King, a Servant, a Man, and God.In the four Gospels, we find Jesus Christ as a King in the book of Matthew, a Servant in Mark, a Man in Luke, and God in John.Today, we will do a short study about Jesus as the Branch.

Jesus as the Branch

The eleventh message from the book of Isaiah, “The Branch.” 

Isaiah 11:1-2  "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: (2)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;"

Isaiah chapter 11 is about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Branch. It tells us of the second coming of Christ and the peace he will bring on earth.

The second part of the chapter foretells how the nation of Israel will be gathered from all corners of the earth. They will no longer flee from their enemies and none will dare harm them.

We also read about “a Branch.” This Branch is Jesus Christ who is a King, a Servant, a Man, and God.

In the four Gospels, we find Jesus Christ as a King in the book of Matthew, a Servant in Mark, a Man in Luke, and God in John.

Today, we will do a short study about Jesus as the Branch.

#11 The book of Isaiah: The Branch

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The tenth message from the book of Isaiah, “Instruments in the hands of God.” Isaiah 10:15  &#34;Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.&#34;Isaiah chapter 10 is about Assyria lifting itself in pride against the Lord. The Lord had given the Assyrians the power and ability to conquer and rule over nations. He also used them to punish Israel.But they became full of pride! The Lord clearly tells them that he will bring them down.I would like us to look at how this verse applies spiritually to the New Testament church.All saved people are instruments, or vessels, that can be used in the hands of God. God saved us and made us his children to do something. Yes, Jesus Christ died to pay for our sins and give us eternal life—but he has a much greater purpose for you and me than just going to heaven!You are his instrument! How do I know that? Because the Bible makes it very clear that he uses his people to tell the world of his saving grace, show the world his glory, and teach the world his ways. He uses us!

How we can become proud when serving God

The tenth message from the book of Isaiah, “Instruments in the hands of God.” 

Isaiah 10:15  "Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood."

Isaiah chapter 10 is about Assyria lifting itself in pride against the Lord. The Lord had given the Assyrians the power and ability to conquer and rule over nations. He also used them to punish Israel.

But they became full of pride! The Lord clearly tells them that he will bring them down.

I would like us to look at how this verse applies spiritually to the New Testament church.

All saved people are instruments, or vessels, that can be used in the hands of God. God saved us and made us his children to do something. Yes, Jesus Christ died to pay for our sins and give us eternal life—but he has a much greater purpose for you and me than just going to heaven!

You are his instrument! How do I know that? Because the Bible makes it very clear that he uses his people to tell the world of his saving grace, show the world his glory, and teach the world his ways. He uses us!

#10 The book of Isaiah: Instruments in the hands of God

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The ninth message from the book of Isaiah called “Who is Jesus?Our verses are found in Isaiah 9:6-7:&#34;For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7)  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.&#34;In this passage, we have the birth of Christ and prophecies concerning him. But we also read that the Saviour Jesus Christ has five names, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.I believe each of these names represents a part of his character and personality. Let’s see what each of these five names represents in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The five names of Jesus Christ

The ninth message from the book of Isaiah called “Who is Jesus?

Our verses are found in Isaiah 9:6-7:

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7)  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

In this passage, we have the birth of Christ and prophecies concerning him. But we also read that the Saviour Jesus Christ has five names, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.

I believe each of these names represents a part of his character and personality. 

Let’s see what each of these five names represents in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

#9 The book of Isaiah: Who is Jesus?

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The eighth message from the book of Isaiah called “A Stone of Stumbling.” Our verses for today are found in Isaiah 8:13-15:&#34;13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.&#34;Verse 14 says the Lord will be a sanctuary for some—but for others a stone of stumbling. Every person has a choice: the Lord can be your Saviour and sanctuary, or a stone to stumble over. You must decided what you will do with Jesus Christ.We are going to look at two ways people stumble when they hear the gospel or about how Jesus Christ paid for their sins. We will then look at the result of this stumbling.

Why some stumble at the name of Jesus

The eighth message from the book of Isaiah called “A Stone of Stumbling.” 

Our verses for today are found in Isaiah 8:13-15:

"13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken."

Verse 14 says the Lord will be a sanctuary for some—but for others a stone of stumbling. Every person has a choice: the Lord can be your Saviour and sanctuary, or a stone to stumble over. You must decided what you will do with Jesus Christ.

We are going to look at two ways people stumble when they hear the gospel or about how Jesus Christ paid for their sins. We will then look at the result of this stumbling.

#8 The book of Isaiah: A Stone of Stumbling

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The seventh message from the book of Isaiah called “The Virgin Birth.” Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.In Isaiah 7:14 we have a powerful verse proving that Jesus Christ, the promised Saviour, would be born from a virgin. His name would be “Immanuel” meaning “God is with us.” From this passage we find out God would come down and live with man—in a human body. Later it would be revealed he would be 100% God and also 100% man.The virgin birth is a doctrine that puzzles many people. They just don’t see how such a thing is possible and struggle to believe it. There are many who question whether God really created all things and is all-powerful. Therefore, they would certainly have a problem with the idea that a woman could conceive a child without the involvement of a man. However, for those who believe God and the Bible, it is not a problem. That God should become a man through simple maiden does not trouble them.For those who do believe in the virgin birth it is often overlooked, rarely meditated on, or studied. The virgin birth is simply in their doctrinal statement and many do not give it a second thought. It is very important to study this topic in light of the humanity of Christ as we will see throughout this lesson.

The importance of the virgin birth

The seventh message from the book of Isaiah called “The Virgin Birth.” 

Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

In Isaiah 7:14 we have a powerful verse proving that Jesus Christ, the promised Saviour, would be born from a virgin. His name would be “Immanuel” meaning “God is with us.” From this passage we find out God would come down and live with man—in a human body. Later it would be revealed he would be 100% God and also 100% man.

The virgin birth is a doctrine that puzzles many people. They just don’t see how such a thing is possible and struggle to believe it. 

There are many who question whether God really created all things and is all-powerful. Therefore, they would certainly have a problem with the idea that a woman could conceive a child without the involvement of a man. 

However, for those who believe God and the Bible, it is not a problem. That God should become a man through simple maiden does not trouble them.

For those who do believe in the virgin birth it is often overlooked, rarely meditated on, or studied. The virgin birth is simply in their doctrinal statement and many do not give it a second thought. It is very important to study this topic in light of the humanity of Christ as we will see throughout this lesson.


#7 The book of Isaiah: The virgin birth

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The sixeth message from the book of Isaiah called “The Requirements of a Missionary.”In chapter six we read of Isaiah having a vision of the Lord’s throne. It is one of the most vivid descriptions of the the throne of God in the Bible. When Isaiah realizes what he is seeing, he sees himself as unclean and unholy. In this chapter the Lord is looking for someone to go for him. Isaiah responds with these famous words: “Here am I; send me.”Today we will look at what is required of a missionary from this chapter. First, what IS a missionary? From reading the Bible (Especially the book of Acts) you will find a missionary is simply someone who gives the world the gospel. It is also someone who goes to a people who have never heard, or do not understand the gospel message.So a missionary is not someone who goes to a Bible believing church and preaches. No, it is a person who goes outside the church and preaches the gospel to this world.Every Christian should live as a missionary for God. Even if that means staying in the city you were born in for your entire life. Be God’s missionary and give the people in your town the gospel!

Every Christian is a missionary

The sixeth message from the book of Isaiah called “The Requirements of a Missionary.”

In chapter six we read of Isaiah having a vision of the Lord’s throne. It is one of the most vivid descriptions of the the throne of God in the Bible. When Isaiah realizes what he is seeing, he sees himself as unclean and unholy. 

In this chapter the Lord is looking for someone to go for him. Isaiah responds with these famous words: “Here am I; send me.”

Today we will look at what is required of a missionary from this chapter. 

First, what IS a missionary? From reading the Bible (Especially the book of Acts) you will find a missionary is simply someone who gives the world the gospel. It is also someone who goes to a people who have never heard, or do not understand the gospel message.

So a missionary is not someone who goes to a Bible believing church and preaches. No, it is a person who goes outside the church and preaches the gospel to this world.

Every Christian should live as a missionary for God. Even if that means staying in the city you were born in for your entire life. Be God’s missionary and give the people in your town the gospel!

#6 The book of Isaiah: Requirements of a Missionary

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The fifth message from Isaiah called “The Lord’s Vineyard,”In chapter five the nation of Israel is pictured as the Lord’s vineyard. He protected, prepared and planted his vineyard. He looked for it to bring forth good fruit, but instead it brought forth wild fruit. This was fruit that could have grown without the Lord’s help.So the Lord breaks down the walls, treads the grapes, and allows thorns and briers to come in the middle of the vines. He stopped the rain from blessing his vineyard, and did not prune it.And so the house of Israel slowly became ruined.This is a sad picture of what happens when you do not obey the Lord.I believe this is a good picture of how the church is slowly dying. The Lord has blessed and watered the church. He has taken great care of his church, in fact he died for it. But the church has neglected the Lord, it has denied him and turned it’s back to the Lord. And so the church is dying today. The influence of the world has entered. There are thorns and wild fruit. This is false doctrine and unbelievers. Yes, the church today is full of unsaved people and false doctrine!In chapter five of Isaiah we have six woes. These are warnings from the Lord because his people had forsaken him. We will look at each of them today.,

6 Woes in Isaiah chapter five

The fifth message from Isaiah called “The Lord’s Vineyard,” 

In chapter five the nation of Israel is pictured as the Lord’s vineyard. He protected, prepared and planted his vineyard. He looked for it to bring forth good fruit, but instead it brought forth wild fruit. This was fruit that could have grown without the Lord’s help.

So the Lord breaks down the walls, treads the grapes, and allows thorns and briers to come in the middle of the vines. He stopped the rain from blessing his vineyard, and did not prune it.

And so the house of Israel slowly became ruined.

This is a sad picture of what happens when you do not obey the Lord.

I believe this is a good picture of how the church is slowly dying. The Lord has blessed and watered the church. He has taken great care of his church, in fact he died for it. 

But the church has neglected the Lord, it has denied him and turned it’s back to the Lord. And so the church is dying today. The influence of the world has entered. There are thorns and wild fruit. This is false doctrine and unbelievers. Yes, the church today is full of unsaved people and false doctrine!

In chapter five of Isaiah we have six woes. These are warnings from the Lord because his people had forsaken him. We will look at each of them today.,

#5 The book of Isaiah: The Lord's Vineyard

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The fourth message from the book of Isaiah called &#34;The Bride of Christ.&#34;Chapter four begins by showing how terrible the battle was in chapter 3:25, 26. There will be so few men left, that there will be a ratio of 7 women to 1 man. The judgement of God is a fearful thing to behold.But there is good news in this chapter—the Lord will not judge forever nor will he forsake his people. In this day, after the chastisement, the Lord will come to heal and cleanse his people. Israel will be a glorious and holy people unto the Lord.In this passage, Israel is God’s people, often called his wife. For us as New Testament believers, we are part of the church, Jesus’s body, his bride.In this passage, we find a picture of how we are seen in the eyes of God as the bride of Christ.

What the Bride of Christ has

The fourth message from the book of Isaiah called "The Bride of Christ."

Chapter four begins by showing how terrible the battle was in chapter 3:25, 26. There will be so few men left, that there will be a ratio of 7 women to 1 man. The judgement of God is a fearful thing to behold.

But there is good news in this chapter—the Lord will not judge forever nor will he forsake his people. In this day, after the chastisement, the Lord will come to heal and cleanse his people. Israel will be a glorious and holy people unto the Lord.

In this passage, Israel is God’s people, often called his wife. For us as New Testament believers, we are part of the church, Jesus’s body, his bride.

In this passage, we find a picture of how we are seen in the eyes of God as the bride of Christ.

#4 The book of Isaiah: The Bride of Christ

Simple thoughts from the Bible, to help us in our daily walk with Christ

Welcome to “Thoughts from the Bible!” 

I am Adam Zander and have been serving as a missionary in Romania for over a decade.

Join me every week as we look at simple thoughts from the Bible, to help us in our daily walk with Christ, and our relationships with our fellow man.