“The principle which Paul is applying here is that behind every display of divine goodness stands a threat of severity in judgment if that goodness is scorned. If we do not let it draw us to God in gratitude and responsive love, we have only ourselves to blame when God turns against us…The Bible makes much of the patience and forbearance of God in postponing merited judgments in order to extend th...  Read More

“Isaiah’s new message is for people whose whole world has been shattered.” - Barry Webb“Enmity gives way to embrace.” - Graham Cole“The noun means ‘the double’, the dual usage suggests the two halves of something folded in half, the one being the replica of the other. This points to a meaning like “the equivalent” or “that which exactly matches’. For is a preposition of price, meaning ‘in payment ...  Read More

Sermon Overview:In Isaiah chapter forty, the tone changes from confrontation of sin and rebellion in the chapters leading up, to a tender voice speaking of comfort for God’s people. Surprisingly, this is God’s tender voice, and He has not forsaken His people. He repeatedly comforts them with news of peace and pardon through His full payment for their sin. A heralding cry will prepare the Lord’s wa...  Read More

Sermon Overview:Writing during a time of God’s judgement upon Israel through the invasion of Assyria, Isaiah prophecies that a king will rise up to deliver Israel from her oppression. The coming king will bring light where there was only darkness, and joy where there was only burden. Having an eternal governance over His people, this king will be a king like no other, and nothing less than the LOR...  Read More

“Judah was hardly the China of the ancient world; it was tiny in comparison to Egypt to its south and Assyria to its north-east. But together with its sister kingdom Israel it occupied a strategic place astride the land routes linking Africa with Central Asia and the Far East. It lay at the centre of the known world and made the astounding claim that its God, the LORD, was creator and effective ru...  Read More

Sermon Overview:These verses show us gifts, a Giver, and the greatest gift. God mercifully showers us with many gifts that we don’t deserve. This flows from His Fatherly character and changeless love. Ultimately, God has given us the greatest gift of regeneration. He took the initiative to save us and brought us forth as a new people through the gospel. All this should move us to deep gratefulness...  Read More