Adat Hatikvah Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes

Adat Hatikvah Messianic Synagogue - Deerfield, IL

ADAT HATIKVAH is a Messianic Synagogue that celebrates Yeshua the Messiah and the Judaism he represents. We reflect the Jewishness of Yeshua. Our mission is to return to the God of our fathers by becoming fully devoted followers of Yeshua.

Our Core Values are: 1. A House of Prayer for all Nations 2. Centered on the Biblical Calendar 3. Spirit-filled blended worship made up of contemporary music and liturgy 4. A congregation of people who are discovering God, becoming who He created us to be, and investing in God’s kingdom.

Does God have preferences, and is there a better way to live?

You can watch or listen to this sermon from our HEROES OF FAITH Series or any of our past series now using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How does the Bible define being a hero, and are we living in the same way?

You can watch or listen to this sermon from our HEROES OF FAITH Series or any of our past series now using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How does our identity of “saved” change how we look at the world?

You can watch or listen to All of the Identity Sermons and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to be a witness of others?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How does being Chosen affect your identity?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

Is there anything missing from your salvation, or are you complete?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV! #identity #adatchicago

How does our true citizenship change how we grow, mature, and interact with other believers?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to be Children of Light, do you have anything you need to bring into the light?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

Does our past define us, or were we made for a greater purpose?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How do we see ourselves, and how does God describe us?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to be set free from our slavery to Idols, and how does it change our identity?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean for our life if we are God’s children?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to have an identity as a letter of the Messiah?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean for our calling and identity if we are considered new creations?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to be the Body of Messiah, and how does that affect our identity?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV! #identity #adatchicago

www.adathatikvah.org/sermons

What does it mean to have an identity that is unleavened?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV! #identity #adatchicago

What is the power of being accepted, and how does it affect our identity?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series NOW!! Online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV! #identity #adatchicago

www.adathatikvah.org/sermons

What is an identity of self-justified, and how does it affect our lives and the lives of others?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What is an identity of self-justified, and how does it affect our lives and the lives of others?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does having an identity of being "branches" have to do with living in a world full of trouble?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How does an identity of being Valuable change how we approach the world?

You can watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How do salt and light reflect God’s perfection? How can our identity be diminished?

Watch or listen to this and other sermons from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to be a disciple, who are we supposed to be a disciple of, and what characteristics define a disciple?

Watch or listen to "Disciples" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

How can we be called Blessed? How do we become God’s possession?

Watch or listen to "Called Blessed" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What does it mean to be “Sons of the living God”?

Watch or listen to "Sons" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

If God is the Shepard, then what are we?

Watch or listen to "Sheep" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What are the effects of believing and living in the reality of being redeemed?

Watch or listen to "Redeemed" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

Did you miss our Purim Worship Experience? Here is the Special Dance and Play with worship in between!!

Watch or listen online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV! www.adathatikvah.org #identity #adatchicago

What is the true identity of Israel, and how can we encourage them to live up to it?

Watch or listen to "Israel's Idenity" from our IDENTITY Series on our website or using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

Do you believe God knows the best future for your life?

Watch or listen to "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What are the Two Pillars of Identity?

Watch or listen to "Pillars of Identity" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

What if God called you back to an identity of holiness?

Watch or listen to "Return to Holiness" from our IDENTITY Series now online using the Adat app, Roku, AppleTV, Google TV, and Fire TV!

Is your Identity defined by the boundaries God has set up?

Watch or listen to "Boundaries" from our IDENTITY Series at www.adathatikvah.org, The Adat App, Apple TV, or Roku! #identity #adatchicago

How will your past relationship with God be reflected when you arrive in the inheritance He provided for you?

Watch or listen to "Back to Your Future" from our IDENTITY Series at www.adathatikvah.org, The Adat App, Apple TV, or Roku! #identity #adatchicago From February 3rd, 2024

What does it look like to have an identity of Holiness?

Watch or listen to "Holy" from our IDENTITY Series at www.adathatikvah.org, The Adat App, Apple TV, or Roku! #identity #adatchicago

How do we guard our true Identity? And how do we get back if we lose our way?

Watch or listen to "Identity Guard" from our IDENTITY Series at www.adathatikvah.org, The Adat App, Apple TV, or Roku! #identity #adatchicago

When we lose sight of God, we lose our true identity. How do we get it back?

Watch or listen to "Journey to Identity" from our IDENTITY Series at www.adathatikvah.org, The Adat App, Apple TV, or Roku! #identity #adatchicago

This special service goes deeper into the meaning and application of the Passover story.

This is a special sermon that builds a theology from Revelation to the Torah and back showing the plan of God for the world and in turn the vision and purpose for our lives and Adat Hatikvah.

Background: God’s mercy, and hope in the Day of the Lord for those who put their trust in Him.

Joel 2:1-2a
Joel 2:2b-11
Joel 2:12-14
Joel 2:15-17
Joel 2:18-27
Joel 2:28-32

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Joel 2:1-11; 2:11, 31; 3:14; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:14
Look again at the “Day of the LORD”
What is the description of the Day?
Read Joel 2:12-17; Deuteronomy 4:29; Jeremiah 4:1, 2; Ezekiel 33:11; Hosea 12:6
What dose God want us to do in response to the trumpet blast?
What verbs are used to describe our actions?
Read Joel 2:18-20; Jeremiah 31:12; Hosea 2:21-22; Malachi 3:10
How will He respond?
Read Joel 2:21-27
Circle the emotions in these verses
vs. 28: What happens “after this”?
What does they Day of the LORD look like now?

Background: Not a clear indication of when this book is written. He knows and quotes many of the other prophets, but does not accuse Israel of any specific sin. He writes to tell us about disaster, God’s mercy, and hope in the Day of the Lord . He assumes you already know.

Joel 1:2-4 - Elders
Joel 1:5-7 - Drunkards
Joel 1:11-12 - Farmers
Joel 1:13-14 - Priests
Joel 1:15-20 - Lamentation

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Joel 1:1; Jeremiah 1:2; Ezekiel 1:3; Hosea 1:1
What does it mean for a prophet to receive the word of the LORD?
Read Joel 1:3; Exodus 10:2; Psalm 78:4
Why tell our children about negative things in our past?
Read Joel 1:5-13; Isaiah 33:4; Nahum 3:15-16; Revelation 9:1-12
What do locust symbolize in the Bible?
What happens to resources when locust attack?
Read Joel 1:14-20; Isaiah 13:9; Jeremiah 30:7; Amos 5:16
What is the Day of the LORD like in this passage?
What should we do in response?
What is one of the purposes of fasting?

Background: The majority of the book of Ezekiel is about judgment for Israel's rebellion but in chapter 37 Ezekiel experiences one fo the most well-known prophetic moments in the Old Testament, giving hope to the people in an impossible situation.

Ezekiel 1:1-10
Ezekiel 1:11-14
Ezekiel 1:15-23
Ezekiel 1:24-28

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Ezekiel 1:1-3
Do you ever feel like you are not going to make it?
Read Ezek 8:3; 11:24; 43:5; Acts 8:39
Is anything impossible for God?
Read Ezekiel 1:5-6; Gen 2:7; Ps 104:29, 30; Ezek 37:9, 10, 14
What is the importance of God's spirit in our life?
Read Ezekiel 37:12-14; Is 32:15; Ezek 11:19; 36:27; 37:6, 39:29; Joel 2:28, 29; Zech 12:10
What does God want to do regarding his spirit and us?
Read Ezekiel 37:21-23
What will our relationship be with God in the future?
Read Ezekiel 37:21-23
Who will be the king?

Neil Lindwall has served as lead pastor of Light House Church AG in McHenry, IL since he and his wife Marcie planted it in 2005. Neil previously served for seven years as associate pastor at Woodstock Assembly of God, and more than two years as youth pastor at Christian Life Fellowship AG. He earned his BA in Pastoral Studies from Christian Life College has also completed coursework with Global University and the National Institute for Christian Leadership. Neil and Marcie have been married since 1992 and have one daughter.

Earthly License for Heavenly Interference

1 Thessalonians 5:16 1 Corinthians 2:12-14

Harry Stackhouse has ministered the gospel for over 35 years, 28 years as co-founder of The Sign of the Dove Church. He earned a BA in Biblical Counseling from Trinity College of the Bible in Indiana. Harry’s gift is bringing ministers and churches together across racial, ethnic, and religious lines. He is the founder of ROPE Ministries, established to help people who were incarcerated for drug and alcohol addictions regain their lives. He and his wife Deborah are the overseers of approximately 40 churches in East Africa and five churches in the USA.

Background: Ezekiel chapter eight's vision of the pollution of the temple ends with a view of judgment and a future hope. It then shows God's departure from his sanctuary, the city, and the land. This offers us both a glimpse into God’s love for his people and his sadness over their sin.

Ezekiel 11:1-13 “Alas, Lord God! Will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?”
Ezekiel 11:14-21 “I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh...”
Ezekiel 11:22-25 “So the vision that I had seen left me.”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Ezekiel 11:1-4; Proverbs 3:5-7; Romans 12:1-8
What is often the cause of our bad decisions and sin?
Read Ezekiel 11:5-12; Psalm 139:1–6; Daniel 2:30; Acts 1:24
What does it mean that God judges the heart?
Read Ezekiel 11:13-20; Isaiah 11:11–16; Jeremiah 3:12, 18; 24:5; Ezekiel 20:41, 42; 28:25
What is the pattern of Return in these verses?
What has to happen in the lives of Israel?
If you are able to trade your heart and receive a new spirit today, how would your life change?
In the past, what has gotten in the way of change
What would have to change in order for you to move move to the next level with God?

Background: A vision of the sinful, idolatrous practices in chapter eight closes with an announcement of judgment. Chapter nine continues with a vision of destruction for Jerusalem while the faithful are saved.

Ezekiel 9:1-8 “Ah, Lord God! Are You destroying the whole remnant of Israel”
Ezekiel 9:9-11 “Then He said to me...”
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 “...sealed us and gave us the Spirit...”
Revelation 7:3-12 “until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Ezekiel 9:1-8; Exodus 12:7, 13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:19; Revelation 7:2, 3; 9:4; 14:1
What does it mean to be under the sign of God?
What does it mean to not?
What does it mean to grieve and lament sin?
Read Exodus 12 and Joshua 2
What do these passages have in common with Ezekiels vision?
Read 2 Kings 21:16; Jeremiah 2:34; Ezekiel 7:23; 22:2, 3
How do we defile the temple today?
Read 2 Corinthians 1:20-22; Revelation 7:3-12
What does it take to be sealed for the day of judgement?

Background: Ezekiel is a priest who was taken into Babylon during the first wave of the captivity. He laments not being called as a priest and God sends him a massive vision. He is sent to warn the people that the second wave will be as bad as the first.

Ezekiel 4:1–8 “Now, son of man, take a clay tablet...”
Ezekiel 4:9-17 “You shall eat it as a barley cake, having baked it in their sight over human dung.”
Acts 10:10-20 “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Ezekiel 4:1; Isaiah 20:2; Jeremiah 13:1; 18:2; 19:1
Why do you think God ask the prophets to use physical illustrations when giving prophecy?
Read Ezeekiel 4:14; Acts 10:10-20
Compare this story to the one from Ezekiel
What happens when we defile ourselves?
How can we become clean?
Is there anything you missed out on because you were not ready?

Background: The people who are left in Jerusalem approach Jeremiah to have him validate their plans. Through prayer, he gives a word from the LORD that causes them to drag him to Egypt where he will ultimately die. The people chose not to listen, what will we do?

Jeremiah 42:1-6 “...pray for us...”
Jeremiah 42:7-12 “The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.”
Jeremiah 42:13-22 “But...”
Romans 6:16-23

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jeremiah 42:1-6; Exodus 8:28; 1 Samuel 7:8; 12:19; 1 Kings 13:6; Isaiah 37:4; Jeremiah 37:3; 42:20; Acts 8:24; James 5:16
What generally happens when we ask others to pray for us instead of praying ourselves?
When you pray do you treat God as if he is your God?
Read Jeremiah 42:7-12; Numbers 14:9; 2 Chronicles 32:7, 8; Psalm 46:7, 11; 118:6; Isaiah 8:9, 10; 43:2, 5; Jeremiah 1:19; 15:20; Romans 8:31
If God is for you, what should we expect him to do if we listen to him?
What was the last thing God asked you to do?
Did you do it?
Are you willing to do it Today?

Background: Jeremiah has given an unwelcome prophecy to Zedekiah, that he will not succeed if he fights the Chaldeans. Jeremiah is told by God to prepare for captivity by investing in the return of Israel from Babylon.

Jeremiah 32:1-5 "...Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up...”
Jeremiah 32:6-15 “...The word of the Lord came to me...”
Jeremiah 32:16-25 “...then I prayed to the Lord, saying...”
Jeremiah 32:26-36 “...is anything too difficult for Me?...”
Jeremiah 32:37-44 “...I will make an everlasting covenant with them...”
Jeremiah 31:31-34

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jeremiah 32:1-5
How do you think people feel about the judgment of God?
Read Jeremiah 32:6-15
Have you thought God has said something that made you nervous? How has the LORD confirmed it?
What did he ask you to do next? Did you do it?
Read Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 30:18; 31:5, 12, 24; 32:37, 43, 44; 33:12-13; Amos 9:14-15; Zechariah 3:10
If God redeems Israel, what does this mean for your life, your family and the world?
Read Jeremiah 32:26-44
Is there anything to difficult for God?

Background: Jeremiah received information that false prophets in Babylon were telling the exiles they would return home soon. Jeremiah sends a letter, exhorting them to settle down, build homes, and plant gardens; for he knew they would be in Babylon many years.

Jeremiah 29:1-3 “Now these are the words of the letter...”
Jeremiah 29:4-7 “...to all the exiles...”
Jeremiah 29:8-9 “seek the shalom of the city...”
Jeremiah 29:10-14 “For I know the plans that I have for you...”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jeremiah 29:1-3, 2 Kings 24:1–16; 2 Chronicles 36:9
What is the background and context of this letter?
Read Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 40:9–11; Jeremiah 30:18–22, Hosea 2:15
What are some ways you recognize the “weaving” of God in your life up until now?
What do you expect for the future?
Read Jeremiah 29:12; Psalm 50:15; Jeremiah 33:3; Daniel 9:3
What does it mean to call upon the Lord?
Read Jeremiah 29: Deuteronomy 4:29, 30:1–10; 1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalm 32:6; Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9
How should we seek the Lord?
If we seek him will we find him even in exile?

Background: In chapter 16 God tells Jeremiah not to get married, Mourn, or celebrate. Judah “polluted” the land. However, the Gentiles will believe God.

Jeremiah 17:1-4 Sin engraved
Jeremiah 17:5-8 Cursing or blessing choice
Jeremiah 17:9-12 Heart is deceitfully sick
Mark 7:1-23
Jeremiah 17:13-18 Heal me and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved
Jeremiah 17:19-27 The Sabbath

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jeremiah 16:10-13, 18; Numbers 35:30-34; Jeremiah 2:5-7, 3:8-9
In what way is the land polluted?
List why God is going to punish Judah
Read Jeremiah 17:5-8
Compare a cursed man to a blessed man.
Read Jeremiah 17:9-13; Ecclesiastes 9:3; Mark 7:21, 22
What is our problem?
Read 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 139:23; Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 11:20, 20:12; Romans 8:27; Revelation 2:23
What does it mean for God to search our hearts?
Jeremiah 17:19-27 The Sabbath
Why does God want Jeremiah to understand and teach people about Sabbath?

Background: God can no longer tolerate the stubbornness of the people. Jeremiah’s goal is to intercede for the people but he ends up repenting for himself. The Exodus language in the text reminds us to compare God’s judgment to his salvation.

Jeremiah 15:1-4
Jeremiah 15:5-14
Jeremiah 15:15-21

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jeremiah 15:1-4; Exodus 32:11–14; Numbers 14:13–20; Psalm 99:6; Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 1 Samual 7:9, 12:23
Why does God bring up Moses and Samuel?
What do we deserve?
Read Jeremiah 15:11; Psalm 138:3; Isaiah 41:10
What is the reason God won’t relent?
Read Jeremiah 15:15-21
Compare the words “remember,” “care,” “avenge,” and “do not take me away.” with the four cups of Passover. ("I will bring out," "I will deliver," "I will redeem," and "I will take.”)
Discuss what it means to receive grace when we don’t deserve it, and the role of repentance to God remembering us

Background: If the rain does not fall at the proper time the middle east the result can be overwhelming. Either a massive drought or a series of droughts creates a crisis for Judah and the main motivation for a prayer of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 14:1-6 “...in regard to the drought...”
Jeremiah 14:7-9 “...for your name’s sake...”
Jeremiah 14:10-12 “Thus says the LORD...”
Jeremiah 14:13-18 “...Ah, Lord God...”
Jeremiah 14:19-22 “Have you completely rejected Judah?”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jeremiah 14:1-6, Jeremiah 2:24, Joel 1:18, 20
What does times of drought feel like?
How do we expect the Word of the LORD to feel in times of drought?
Read Jeremiah 14:7-9, Exodus 3
Why would God save us when we have so many sins?
What are some of the names of God in the Bible, why are they important?
Read Jeremiah 14:10-12
What should God do in response to out sin?
Read Jeremiah 14:19-22
Has God completely rejected Judah?
Has God given us what we need when we need it?

Background: Jeremiah’s testing included refusal, mockery, loneliness, and intimidations. He was close to thinking that God was not impartial, was ignorant, or was being fooled by false piety. His prayer is

Jeremiah 12:1-4 “Righteous are You, O LORD...”
Jeremiah 12:5-6 “If you have run with footmen...”
Jeremiah 12:7-13 “I have forsaken My house...”
Jeremiah 12:14-17 “...concerning all MY wicked neighbors...”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jer. 12:1-6; Ezra 9:15; Ps 51:4; 129:4; Jer 11:2
Discuss why God uses courtroom motif.
Read Job 21:7; Pss 37; 49; 73; Hab 1:2–4; Mal 2:17; 3:14–15
Why has the way of wicked prosper?
Read Is 29:13; Jer 3:10; Ps 12:2; Prov 26:25, Ezek 33:31; Titus 1:16
What does it mean to give lip service or flattery?
Read Rev 1:16, 2:12, 2:16, 19:21
Compare what people say to the power of God’s Word?
Read Jer 12:14-17; Amos 9:11-15
What does it mean to us that God restores Israel?

Background: Jeremiah gives us an apologetic for comparing God to Idols. Jeremiah 10 is a rebuke interspersed with contrasting words of the incomparability of God.

Jeremiah 10:1-5 “Do not learn the way of the nations.”
Jeremiah 10:6-10 “There is none like You, O Lord...”
Jeremiah 10:11-16 “Thus say to them...”
Jeremiah 10:17-25 “Correct me, O LORD...”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jer. 10:1-5; Ex. 20:4, Ex. 32; Num 25:1–3; Psalm 115
How are Idols described in these verses?
What can these Idols do?
Read 1 Cor. 8
How should we act around Idols?
Read Jer 10:6; Ex 15:11; Deut 33:26; Ps 48:1, 86:8-10
What do these verses say about God?
Read Jer. 10:7-16
Compare Idols to God
How can this help us share with others?

Coming of Hope - Isaiah 9:1-7

Pastor Craig Baldacci

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. (Isaiah 9:1-3)

1. HOPE DESCRIBED in their SITUATION

God is the One who initiates this HOPE
DARKNESS will become LIGHT

he LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

“ … the glory of the Lord gives it light and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23b)

God is the One who initiates this HOPE
DARKNESS will become LIGHT
JOY of God’s people will INCREASE

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:4-7)

2. HOPE EXPLAINED

The Lord will deliver them by:
removing the yoke of OPPRESSION
putting an end to war against His people
BRINGER of HOPE will be a KING
Of human descent
Of divine nature
Of royal lineage … sit upon the throne
Supernatural wisdom
God is a HERO
LORD Unending
Administer PEACE
Messiah
Establish Justice and Righteousness

BIG IDEA

Through Immanuel … God with us … the Messiah, God is bringing HOPE for all people, Jews and gentiles alike.

HE IS OUR HOPE!

Background: Chapter 7 has a long discourse on the Temple, possibly during the High Holidays. People have become confident in the Temple instead of uprightness, faithfulness and obedience to God. This is a similar message he gives in Chapter 11 and 26.

Jeremiah 7:1-4
Jeremiah 7:5-15
Jeremiah 7:16-20
Jeremiah 7:21-34
1 Tim 1:20; 1 Cor 5:5
1 John 1:5-9

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jer. 7:4-8, Micah 3:11, Gen. 17:7-8, Exodus 19:5-6, 2 Sam 7:16, Ps 132:13-14
Is it possible to believe more in a promise rather than the one who promises?
Read Deut 7:12–15; 28; cf. 1 Kgs 8:27; Isa 57:15
What is required for obedience?
Read Her 7:5-7, Ezek. 18:5–9; Mic 6:6–8; Jas 1:26–27
What is the type of religion that pleases God?

Background: True repentance requires admitting we are sinners, sorry for what we have done, and turning back to the LORD.

Jeremiah 4:1-2
Jeremiah 4:3-4
Jeremiah 4:5-10
Jeremiah 4:11-18
Jeremiah 4:19-22
Jeremiah 4:23-28

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jer. 4:1-2
What does it mean to put away detestable things?
Read Jer 4:3-4; Deut 10:16; 30:6; Rom 2:28, 29; Col 2:11
What does it mean to circumcise our hearts?
Read Jer. 4:5-18
What can we do to get away from the wrath of God?
Read Jer. 4:19-28
What is Jeremiah so upset about?
Are we upset about the same things?

Background: In his first letter to the Corinthians Rabbi Paul makes an argument for the resurrection and the effects it has on our lives.

1 Cor. 15:1-11
1 Cor. 15:12-19
1 Cor. 15:20-33
1 Cor. 15:34-44
1 Cor. 15:45-58

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read 1 Cor. 15:1-11, Is 53:5–12; Matt 26:24; Luke 24:25–27; Acts 8:32f; 17:2f; 26:22
What does according to scripture mean, in terms of the Messiah death?
How many people were witness to the resurrection?
Read Ps 16:8ff; Acts 2:31; 26:22
What does according to scripture mean, in terms of the Messiah resurrection?
Read 1 For 15:20-33 Then v45-58
Yeshua dies on Passover and resurrects on First Fruits what does this mean for us?

Background: God chose Jeremiah to speak to the people of Judah on the Lord’s behalf, even though they would not listen; the question is will we hear?

Jeremiah 1:1-3
Jeremiah 1: 5-8
Jeremiah 1:9-10

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Jer. 1:1-3; Matt 24:9; John 15:18–21; 17:14
How many today could continue faithfully proclaiming God’s word for forty years in spite of total rejection, ridicule, and threats? (F.B. Huey 1993)
Read Jer 1:8, Ex 3:12; Deut 31:6; Josh 1:5; Jer 15:20
If God is for us then who can be against us, whom shall we fear?

Background: In 62:11 we were called to watch for a coming salvation…

Now we are invited right into that situation, and given a privileged position alongside watchmen on Zion’s walls as a mysterious figure approaches majestically and proclaims the execution of vengeance, redemption and salvation. Motyer, J. A. (1999). Isaiah: an introduction and commentary - Isaiah 63:1-6 - Isaiah 63:7-9 - Isaiah 63:10-14 - Isaiah 63:15-19 - Isaiah 64:1-12

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Isa. 63:1-6, Rev 19:13-15
Why is Messiah’s clothing covered in blood?
Read Isa. 63:7-9; Ps 25:6; 92:2
What is lovingkindness?
Read Ex 6:7; Is 3:15; 51:4
Circle the descriptive words in Isa 63:7-9.
In what ways is Isaiah playing off of Passover?
Read Isa. 63:10-19
But…what is the our problem?
Read Isa. 64
In what ways do we need God to set things ablaze in our lives?
How can we be surprised by his presence?

Background: Isreal then receives a new, more profound level of glory and praise throughout the entire earth.

Isaiah 62:1-3 “ For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent…”

Isaiah 62:4-5 “For the Lord delights in you…”

Isaiah 62:6-9 “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen…”

Isaiah 62:10-12 “Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes…”

Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Isa. 62:1-3
How is silence different that quietness?
How long will the Messiah keep going?
Read Is 28:5; Zech 9:16; 1 Thess 2:19
What is the role of Israel for the world in this passage?
Read Isa. 62:4-5
List the names given to Israel that will be taken away
List the new names
Pray and ask God if there are any names that he would like to change for you as well?
Read Isa. 62:6-12, Gen. 8:1, 19:29, 30:22; Ex 2:24
42 times in Torah
What will God do?
What are we called to do?

Background: After painting a picture of what God’s salvation will look like in Isa 40–55, God tells us how we should behave. In addition, we should expect the gathering of scattered Israel along with others.

Isaiah 56:1-2 “Preserve justice and do righteousness...”

Isaiah 56:3-8 “Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say...”

Eunuchs (Deut. 23:1) What do they receive?

Foreigners const. נֵכַר (ne-kar) something strange—does not belong by ancestry. What do they receive?

Going Deeper group study questions: Read Isa. 56:1-2, Is 1:17; 33:5; 61:8 • What are some of the things God expects his people to do? • What things does God bring?

Read Ex 20:8–11; 31:13–17; Is 56:6; 58:13; Jer 17:21, 22; Ezek 20 ,20:12 • Why is the Sabbath used as the example of doing righteousness?

Read Isa. 56:3-8 • Is it different for Foreigners and Eunuchs? • How does this effect your understanding of Sabbath? Doing right? • Why is this considered a blessing?

This is the second time in the Hebrew Bible that we have heard the story of Hezekiah becoming ill. This time we are given insight into the healing that has to happen beyond the physical and the prayer that goes with it.

Isaiah 38:1-8 “In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill...”

Isaiah 38:9-11 “after his illness and recovery...”

Isaiah 38:12-14 “From day until night You make an end of me.”

Isaiah 38:15-16 “What shall I say?”

Isaiah 38:17-22 “Cast all my sins behind Your back.”

Luke 5:17-26 “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”

Going Deeper group study questions: Read 2 Kin 20:1–6, 9–11; 2 Chr 32:24; Is 38:1–8 • Why would God have this story mentioned 3 times in scripture?

Read Isa 38:12-14; 2 Cor 5:1, 4; 2 Pet 1:13, 14 • What is the difference between our earthly bodies and our heavenly dwelling?

Read Ezek 7:16; Nah 2:7 • How does it feel to recover from recovering?

Read Isa 38:16; Ps 119:25, 71, 75 • Describe God’s affliction based on these verses

Read Isa 38: 17-22 Is 43:25; Jer 31:34; Mic 7:19, Luke 5:17-26 • Why is the hope we have in salvation better than healing of the body?

Background: After a unique look into the process of prophetic prayer and receiving a word from the LORD. Isaiah gives us one of his first prophetic expectations for the Messiah and a lesson on praying for the Lord presence.

Isaiah 7:1-3 “Now it can about...Ahaz...”

Isaiah 7:4-9 Care • Calm • No Fear • Not Fainthearted

Isaiah 7:10-16 “The LORD himself will give you a sign...”

Isaiah 9:1-7 “And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God”

Isaiah 11:1-5 “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse...”

——————————————————— Going Deeper group study questions:

Read Isaiah 7:1-3, 10-12; 2 Kings 16:5; 2 Chron. 28:5-6 • Ahaz battle has happened before, how many times has the battles you have been in happen before?

Read Isaiah 7:4 • Try to break down each word and compare how you respond to attack. (Care, Calm, No Fear, Not Fainthearted)

Read Isaiah 7:10-16 • What would you ask if God said you could ask for any kind of sign?

Read Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-5 • What is Yeshua’s responsibly and what is yours?

Isaiah 1 (see also Isaiah 16) Isaiah 59

Going Deeper group study questions: Read Isaiah 1:1-15, 16: • Why would God hide his eyes and not listen?

Read Isaiah 1:16-31, Isaiah 59:1-15 • What is the solution? How often do we keep coming to God with the same Sin?

Read Isaiah 59:16-21 • What is God’s Solution? Compare to Eph. 6:10-20

Read Isaiah 60:1-5 • What does this mean for you?

Background: After Sennacherib was able to destroy Jerusalem, Hezekiah finds out that he is dying. He offers a prayer of lament to the Lord and gets an amazing answer. 2 Kings 20:1-3 “In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill...” 2 Kings 20:4-7 “Thus says the Lord...” 2 Kings 20:8-11 “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me...” Psalm 90 Matthew 10:29–31

Going Deeper group study questions: Read 20:1-3 Have you ever gotten such bad news that you wept bitterly? How have you prayed in the past? • Is it okay to be sad? • Is it okay to ask God for a change? Read 20:4-7 notice there is always word and sign Read 20:8-11 Ho can this story affect how you pray for your life?