03 Why God Doesn’t Need Your Plans to Succeed (Isaiah 40:12-31)

03 Why God Doesn’t Need Your Plans to Succeed (Isaiah 40:12-31)

The exiles in Babylon faced three insurmountable obstacles: the nations, their rulers and their religions. These 3 obstacles dominated and permeated every aspect of their daily lives. How could they be overcome? In 40:12-31, Isaiah contrast these three formidable adversaries with the power of God as author and creator of history. He concludes this new kingdom God is announcing is so powerful nothing will threaten it and it will stand forever because it is build by the word of the Lord.

02 Can You Start Over After You’ve Gone Too Far? (Isaiah 40:1-11)

02 Can You Start Over After You’ve Gone Too Far? (Isaiah 40:1-11)

The nation of Judah was facing exile, the destruction of their land, their community, their temple, and their religion. The critical question before them was: Have we forfeited the promises God made to Abraham and David? Into that despair and doubt, Isaiah announces the end of the exile, the birth of a new kingdom and the arrival of its King.

16 Prayer & Legalism (Romans 10)

16 Prayer & Legalism (Romans 10)

In Romans 10, Paul is answering the question of why some people who have little knowledge are saved while some who have much knowledge are not saved. He gave part of his answer in Romans 9. All of us are born lost, and God in His mercy and grace chooses to call some people to him. Paul continues his answer into chapter 10. Taking religion seriously is not the answer.