Isaiah!

Background Passage: Isaiah Chapters 1-5, 2 Kings 15:32-21:18

Focal verses: Isaiah 1:4-5; Isaiah 5: 1-4, 5: 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22; Isaiah 1: 15, 5: 5-6; Isaiah 1:13, 14, 16, 17, 2: 22; Isaiah 1:19

Pictured at the right is the Isaiah Scroll, found in the caves in Qumran. It is the oldest existing copy of the Book of Isaiah, and is over 2,000 years old.

This week we are beginning our study of the Book of Isaiah. Many people view this book as a "mini-Bible". It tells the story of God creating an ideal setting for the growth and protection of His people, their rejection of Him, the separation from Him that their disobedience causes, and His subsequent plan for their redemption.

Isaiah was an amazing man as we will learn. His years of prophesy ran from 740 BC to 680 BC (60 years), during which 4 different kings reigned in Judah. In many ways, he appears to have similarities to many of us. He lived his life in or around Jerusalem, the major city in Judah. At this point in history the nation of Israel was divided into a northern kingdom (called Israel) comprised of the 10 most northern tribes of Israel and a southern kingdom (called Judah) comprised of the 2 most southern tribes of Israel-Benjamin and Judah. Isaiah was married and had 2 sons. He appears to have lived a middle to upper class life and he had relatively open access to the leaders of his city/ country (just like many of us have access to the city, county, and state leaders around us). I think his most amazing attribute was his consistency and steadfastness.

This week's lesson deals with the first 5 chapters of the book. I think it is best to view these chapters as an arraignment of the nation of Judah. Just like a person faces a preliminary hearing where a general overview of charges against them is presented when they are accused of a crime, so the first 5 chapters of Isaiah give us an overview of God's charges against Judah. As we study this book, I think it is useful to repetitively ask ourselves if we personally (first), locally (second), and nationally (third) are traveling the same path that Judah travelled.

Isaiah 1:4 The entire crux of the problem is listed here. The nation of Judah was sinful (a verb meaning that they had missed the mark). They had forsaken the Lord and turned their backs on the Holy One of Israel. Notice that they had "missed the mark" so far that they were traveling 180 degrees in the wrong direction (their back was turned to Him)! They had become a nation loaded with guilt (from a verb meaning to twist which implies that they were perverted), evildoers (looking for ways to do harm or injure others) and corrupt (actions that lead to decay or decomposition).

Isaiah 1:5 Their relationship had deteriorated so far to the point that further attempts at discipline were useless. God had tried to correct their behavior but it was no use. Their whole head and their whole heart was rotten.

Isaiah 5:1-4 God's plan for His people was certainly much different than the life that they led. These verses tell a parable of the Lord and His vineyard (Israel/ Judah). He planted it in fertile soil, first clearing all obstacles that would hinder growth, planted the best vines and provided protection against predators (the watchtower from where He would oversee the welfare of the vineyard). He built a wine press, ready to use the fruit of the vineyard for the production of choice wine. He gave it every advantage possible but despite His love and efforts, the vineyard yielded only evil fruit.

Isaiah 5: 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22 In these verses, 6 different specific sins of Judah are listed (land grabbing, drunkenness, blasphemy, perversion of moral distinctions, conceit, and judicial corruption/ bribery. It is easy to read this list and think that they don't apply to us. However, sins of greed (land grabbing), pursuit of physical pleasure (drunkenness), apathy toward finding God's plan for our life or turning our back on it (blasphemy), compromising our principles when threatened of uncomfortable situations occur (perverting moral distinctions), self-centeredness (conceit), and using influence to gain unfair advantage (bribery) occur in our lives on a regular basis.

Isaiah 5: 5-6, 1:15 Sin leads to separation from God. He simply removes His hand of protection and lets nature take its course. Notice in verse 5 that all God really does is to stop protecting (He removes His hedge and wall of protection) and caring for the vineyard. He simply leaves it alone. As a result, the vineyard becomes overgrown. It becomes choked with briers and thorns. Our lives need constant pruning and care if we are to be all that He desires. He is willing to care for us if we are obedient to Him (thereby producing fruit) and willing. If not, He allows us to continue down the path we have chosen and the consequence of our sin eventually chokes out what is good in our life. Verse 1:15 says that our sin leads Him to cover His eyes and ignore us when we pray. Sin causes us to appear so dirty that our Father (Abba) cannot even bear to look at us or listen to us when we talk to Him.

Isaiah 1: 13, 14b, 16, 17; 2:22 So, when trapped by sin, what is the solution? First, we must have a change of heart. The nation of Judah was going through the religious rituals prescribed by God but their actions were not a true reflection of their heart (and it is the condition of the heart on which God focuses). Their offerings were meaningless (Isaiah 1:13, 14b) because their hearts were corrupt, their lives riddled with guilt, and their actions full of evil. It is necessary to wash and make ourselves clean (Isaiah 1:16). Today, the only way to do this is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Without this initial change of heart, we cannot know God's will (because He is covering His eyes and not listening). Next, we must decide to be obedient to His leading/instructions. In verses 16 and 17, we are told to stop doing wrong and learn to do what is right. At the moment of our conversion/ salvation, we do not instantly become all knowing and immediately perfect. We are fully forgiven but transformation of our outward lives (sanctification) takes time. In 2:22, we are advised to stop trusting in man. To learn what is right, we have to listen to the correct teacher (the Holy Spirit) and use the best curriculum which is the Bible (Psalm 119: 9 says "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." and Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."). It takes time and effort along with a conscious decision to act to learn God's will for our life.

Isaiah 1:19 states a fact/promise. We are told that if we are willing and obedient to God, we will eat the best from the land! The choice is clearly ours. Why chose anything less than the best?

Have the Right Attitude

Focal Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

We are continuing our study of 1 Thessalonians this week and this will be our last lesson in this book. 3 weeks ago, we examined how our belief in Christ is to shape our personal goals and behavior. Today, we will be looking at the attitude and action we are to exhibit toward our Christian brothers. We will be focusing on our attitude toward our leaders, toward "weaker" members, and toward worship.

1Thessalonians 5: 12- 13

In these verses, Paul asks us to respect 3 different types of leaders, those "who work hard" among us, those who are "over us in the Lord", and those who "admonish" us.

Those that work hard are easy to identify. Simply observe the world around you each week when you come to church. Your Sunday school teachers, nursery workers, choir members, custodial crew, GA leaders, RA leaders, care group leaders, mission workers, camera men, sound crew, and other lay workers are there. Week in and week out they work hard.

Those who are over us in the Lord are the ministers and deacons of our church. The Holy Spirit is leading them and they in turn are leading us.

Those who admonish you are your friends and fellow believers who hold you accountable. Perhaps you have an accountability group or just a good friend that will hold your feet to the fire when needed.

Paul writes that we are to respect these people. This means that we are to listen to what they have to say to us, carefully consider their advice/ leading, and follow it if it is in line with God's word (see v. 21). Further, in verse 13, Paul writes that we are to "hold them in the highest regard" in love. The Greek work for highest is a double compound work meaning super super abundantly. Therefore, we are to demonstrate super super abundant love toward other believers that God has placed in leadership positions around us.

Consider how you demonstrate love to the Christian workers and leaders that influence your world each week. Are you demonstrating any love at all? Is it abundant? Is it super abundant? Or do you make an effort to show super super abundant love to them? Consider that this is important so that these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ will not grow weary. I can tell you from personal experience that it always lifts my mood and energy level when someone tells me they appreciate my efforts. Each worker wants assurance that their efforts are actually making a difference. It is true that heavenly awards await but it is also true that "a body gets tired".

Think of our ministerial staff:

Dr. Dan Spencer (Pastor): Bro. Dan was raised in a Christian home as a Pastor’s son. He received Jesus as his personal Savior at the age of 16. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Hannibal-Lagrange College and Troy University and is currently pursuing a degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Bro. Dan was called to First Baptist as Pastor in 2000. He is married to Tresa and they have two sons, Jeremiah and Jacob. Bro. Dan may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at dspencer@firstbaptistonline.com

Rick Jordan (Minister of Music): Bro. Rick has been the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church since 1973. Bro. Rick also provides the leadership for the Television Ministry. He holds music degrees from Shorter College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Margie and they have two grown sons, Kyle and Kevin. Bro. Rick may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at rjordan@firstbaptistonline.com.

Don McMillan (Minister of Discipleship and Administration): Bro. Don received Jesus as his personal savior at the age of 20 and surrendered to the Gospel Ministry at the age of 37. He received his Seminary degree in Education/Administration from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and began his ministry at First Baptist in 1987. He is married to Donna and they have two grown children, Kevin and Christy, and four grandchildren. Bro. Don may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at dmcmillan@firstbaptistonline.com.

Keith Stewart (Minister of Education and Outreach): Bro. Keith began his ministry at first Baptist in 2002. He is a graduate of Valdosta State University and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is presently pursuing a Doctorate degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Keith and his wife Beth were married at First Baptist in 1987 and they have 3 children, Hannah, Braden and Bethany. Bro. Keith may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at kstewart@firstbaptistonline.com.

Reid Wylie (Minister of Youth and Activities): Bro. Reid was born and raised in Americus Georgia and graduated from Samford University. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Bro. Reid enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he will obtain his Masters of Arts in Christian Education degree. Reid was called to the Ministerial staff of First Baptist Church in 2006. Bro. Reid may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at rwylie@firstbaptistonline.com.

Tom Jacobs (Minister of Senior Adults): Bro. Tom and his wife Jane are the proud parents of three grown children, Amy, Chad and Greg and proud grandparents of four grandchildren. Bro. Tom received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida, his Masters from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Doctorate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began his ministry to senior adults at First Baptist in 2006. Bro.Tom may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at tjocobs@firstbaptistonline.com.

Consider all that they do each week. What can you do to show them super super abundant love this week?

1Thessalonians 5: 14-15

In these verses, Paul urges us to:

• warn those who are idle (some of the Christians in Thessalonica used their expectation of the Lord's return as an excuse to stop working. Their attitude was "since Jesus is coming soon, we don't need to continue to work since it won't matter anyway". Paul is teaching that this is an improper attitude.
• Encourage the timid.
• Help the weak.
• Be patient with everyone. ( I think these last three are especially important when dealing with new, young, or immature Christians. They may not know exactly what their gift is. They may not have the extensive Bible knowledge you have. They may not understand how the church "process" works. However, they are often looking for ways to serve and get involved. The response that you have to them may determine whether they continue to find ways to be involved or not. The response that you have to them may lead to discouragement, embarrassment, and dissatisfaction. As a result, they may fall away and become prey for fringe groups or people looking to twist God's word for personal gain.)
• Do not seek revenge.
• Be kind to each other.

Paul again is urging us to encourage and edify (build each other up) each other (This is one of the major themes of 1 Thessalonians). We are family and we should all be looking for ways to help each other.

1Thessalonians 5: 16-22

In these verses, Paul is encouraging us to have a proper attitude concerning the leadership of the Lord. We are to be joyful always. This does not mean that we are never to be sad or afraid and that a permanent smile is to be tattooed across our face. Jesus wept (john 11:35). The women hurried away from the tomb afraid yet filled with joy upon discovering that it was empty (Matt 28:8). This joy comes from always remembering what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for us. In Acts 16: 34, the jailer was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God. In John 15: 10-11, Jesus tells us that our obedience to Him leads us to be filled with His joy and that as a result our joy is complete. We are joyful always when we are always in His will! We remain in His will by continually seeking His will through prayer. The natural progression for living an obedient, joy filled life is thanksgiving.

Finally, we need to have the proper attitude toward God's prophecies. In the old testament, God sent prophets to bring His word to His people. Today, God sends preachers to bring His word to His people. Again, we are to listen respectfully, test what is being said, decide if this is the Holy Spirit's leading, and then follow if the answer is yes. We are always to remain under the ultimate leadership of our Lord but clearly recognize that He puts pastors and preachers in our lives at certain times with certain messages to move us to action. Failing to respond is to put out the Spirit's fire and is out of line with God's will.

Do you feel joyful always? If not, first consider whether you have truly accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Then, consider whether you pray frequently/ continually during the day to determine His will for your every action. Remember, only complete obedience to our Lord will lead to complete joy. Consider whether you have an attitude of contempt for his prophesies (preaching of His word) or whether you are genuinely open to His guidance/ moving when you enter a worship service.

Have a great week! I love you all!

Here is Real Hope

Bible Passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 35-57

We have resumed our study of 1 Thessalonians and this week's lesson deals with the question about what will happen to a Christian if he dies before the Lord returns. This question was obviously important to the believers in Thessalonica. They came from various backgrounds and had differing ideas about what would have happened to a person if he died before the Lord's return. Paul wanted to set the record straight so that they would be reassured/comforted about their loved ones and not be like non-believers who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13). The word "hope" refers not to a wish that it will be true or a longing that it might be true. Instead, it conveys an expectation or comfort obtained from the fact that what he is about to state is factual/ certain.

In 1 Thess 4:14, Paul starts with the resurrection of Jesus. He reminds them that Jesus has already risen and therefore, living believers can be certain that dead believers will be raised in like fashion. In 1 Corinthians 15: 20-23, Paul writes that "Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep". In other words, he is the first of many to be resurrected in the future at the time of His return! We can be certain that we will be raised because Jesus already has been.

Next, in 1 Thess 4:15, he tells them that living believers will not precede those that have died in joining the Lord. In other words, there is no disadvantage in dying before the Lord returns. They will not miss out on ANY blessing, especially the joy that will be present among us when Jesus returns.

In 1 Thess 4:16, he describes a series of events that will take place. The Lord will come down from heaven, a loud command will be given, the voice of the archangel will be heard, and the trumpet call of God will sound! Then, the dead in Christ will rise first. The obvious question is, "What will they be like?" Paul addresses this question in 1 Corinthians 15: 35-50. In these verses, he explains that currently we have earthly bodies (referred to by him in 2 Corinthians 5:1 as a tent... a temporary dwelling place) that are perishable, natural, weak, and dishonored. When we are raised, we will have new imperishable, glorified, powerful, spiritual bodies. Personally, I believe that this means that our sin nature will be gone! Think about how great that will be. No longer will we be warring against ourselves (as expressed by Paul in Romans 7:15-25). Instead of bearing the likeness of Adam (sinful), we will bear the likeness of Jesus (sinless) (1 Corinthians 15: 49)!

Finally, in 1 Thess 4:17, Paul writes that living believers will, at that point, be caught up together with them (the resurrected dead) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is the event that we call the "rapture". Rapture is a term that never appears in the Bible but refers to the events described here. Many have tried to predict when this event will occur. There are many theories. In the end, it does not matter. It is enough to know that the event will occur and all believers, both living and dead will be included. Notice that Paul's account was not an attempt to record all of the events that would take place. Instead, his aim is stated in 1 Thess 4:18... to educate the Thessalonian believers so that they could "encourage each other with these words".

Similarly, Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 to consider these facts and therefore, stand firm in our faith. We are to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain. Our future, whether we live in the body or not is secure. When the Lord returns, we will be with Him!

Live in God's Will!

Background Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12

Today, we will be examining a passage where Paul is exhorting the Thessalonian believers to live within God's will. He is speaking in terms of God's will as it applies to all believers.

In verse 3, Paul writes that it is God's will for us to be sanctified. This means that we are to set apart for sacred use. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are told that every Christian is part of a royal priesthood. We are to be God's messengers in the world. Along with this responsibility comes the expectation that we will live in a way that is both holy and honorable (v.4). We must learn to control our own body and the physical lusts that all of us experience. This fact is especially true with regard to sexual sin (v. 3) which seems to be so rampant in our society today. The Lord will punish such behavior (v.6).

In verse 9, Paul reminds us that it is God's will for us to love each other (he is writing here specifically about brotherly love for other Christian believers). Jesus commands us to love one another in John 13:34-35. 1 John 3:16-20 tells us that love is an action verb, not an emotion or term of endearment. We demonstrate love through actions that encourage each other and build each other up.

Finally, Paul writes in v. 11 that we are to make it our ambition to live a quiet life and to mind our own business. What an oxymoron! We are not to pursue fame, notoriety, or monetary gain. Instead, we are to live in a way that does not purposely bring attention to ourselves, to go about our own business (which should be the Lord's business), and to work with our hands (supporting ourselves). We are to live in such a way that nonbelievers will respect our daily life. Hopefully, the end result of this type of life will be that we are then able to build relationships with the lost and share the gospel with them.