The Chosen Servant - Isaiah 42 / Matthew 12

The whole block of Isaiah 40 - 55 conveys God's desire: that people are restored, picked back up and set right. God literally sings over His people and His servant, using poetic language to express His deeply held intent. Chapter 42 is the first of four 'servant songs', conveying emotional language: 'a bruised reed he will not break, a smouldering wick he will not snuff out'.

[UP] Do you get how much God is for us?

Challenge: Ask God 'who do you say I am?'

Healing in Jesus - Isaiah 53 / Matthew 8

Isaiah 53 is one of the richest passages in the Bible to preach from - so here we will only scratch the surface. It conveys the notion of a servant, stemming from chapter 40 through to 55, which can be taken as a complete block. But note the servant does not match super-hero expectations. He does not look the part. Through the chapters the servant at first appears to be the people/nation of Israel, but later it seems to narrow to a single person - the anointed one sent by God, the one we know as Jesus.

Kingdom Life / Kingdom Sign - Isaiah 35 / Matthew 11

A couple of weeks ago we saw how John the Baptist was excited to meet Jesus. 'Behold the lamb of God' he called out, and on baptising Jesus saw the Spirit rest on him. It was a great moment. But now, some time later, Jesus is out ministering but John is confused. Thats because John is now in prison.

[OUT] Where do you see signs of the Kingdom?

Challenge: Add to a conversation: “I believe in Jesus who can change things ...”

The Spirit Rested on Him - Isaiah 40 and Matthew 3

Comfort, comfort my people - Prepare the way for the Lord - His glory will be revealed - The word of the Lord endures for ever - The Lord comes with power, and cares tenderly. These are the voices calling out in Isaiah 40. Like an echo chamber the sentences bounce around in verses 1 - 11.

The Sign of the Times - Isaiah 7 and Matthew 1

The country is in crises! The people don't know if their country will still be able to function in a few months time. The government and the rulers don't know either! Ordinary folk, business leaders, those in power - all are tearing their hair out. Other neighbouring countries have formed alliances which wields huge power. The country is hoping it might form new alliances to help out ...

[IN] What is God up to among us?

Challenge: Ask that question for your family, your ministry, and for church

Hebrew - Series Summary Sheet

The summary sheet covering this series used this morning can be downloaed here!

Continual Praise - Hebrews 13:1 - 16

Recall last week considered the journey up the mountain, to the heavenly city in reverence and not fear. This week we continue on up in worship. Yet we can't worship without it changing us, for example our attitude to others. Hence the call to love others, to show hospitality even to strangers, and identify with the prisoner. We cannot truly worship without it affecting our life, how we are with others, and this becoming action. That's why we have the slogan Seeking to Worship, Seeking to Serve. The two go together: our worship leads us to serve, and we cannot go on serving without ongoing worship.