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The Efficacy Of God’s Word
"Is not My Word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”—Jeremiah 23:2 By a variety of comparisons, the Lord conveys His mind and will unto us. Seeing we are dull of apprehension, He uses words expressive of things with which we are familiar. Fire softens and melts the hardest metals, and is capable of consuming all that is consumable. The Word of the Lord tries sinners' hearts and ways, and all their carnal notions and vain thoughts of God are consumed by the fire of His Word. God's fire is attended with light, and that light discovers the darkness of the sinner's heart, but the darkness comprehends it not: "The entrance of Thy words giveth…
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Israel Loses The Ark Of God
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The Oil Of Joy
The close connection between this chapter and Luke 4:14-21 means there is no doubt as to the identity of the preacher said to have been anointed by the LORD. Isaiah is prophesying the very words of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus read this passage in the synagogue at Nazareth at the commencement of His ministry and declared it fulfilled in Himself. God the Holy Spirit descended upon the Lord Jesus, as a dove at His baptism. This was witnessed by John the Baptist who declared ‘for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him’. A well-informed people We are again reminded how much of Christ the Messiah these Old Testament believers understood. By prophetic revelation they looked forward to Christ’s coming in faith, being…
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Arise, And Shine
FOR A COMPLETE ORDER OF WORSHIP, INCLUDING BIBLE READING, HYMNS AND SERMON...
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Arise, And Shine
This is a chapter full of positive promises and good hope for the church of Jesus Christ. As we have seen in earlier passages there may be occasional references to the return of the exiled Jews from Babylon. However, there is much deeper spiritual depth and meaning to the prophet’s words when seen through New Testament eyes. Isaiah speaks of the church’s enlargement, victory and ultimate triumph. He provides some beautiful references to our Saviour and Redeemer. He emphasises Christ’s success in gathering His church for the glory of Jehovah God. Light shining in darkness The opening call to ‘arise, shine’ may be understood as a call from God the Father to the Lord Jesus Christ to rise up and shine forth in His covenant…
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After Easter