The second part of Isaiah (chs 40-66) deals with the Israelites during the Babylonian captivity. In chapter 40, Isaiah writes to a people whose whole world has been shattered, and they have numerous questions regarding their relationship with God. Isaiah seeks to comfort the people and give them hope by reminding them of the foundational truths of God. (we apologize but the last few minutes of the service were not captured because of a computer crash).

In Isaiah, Judah is threatened to be overrun by the nation of Assyria, and they turn to Egypt for protection. Isaiah calls out the leadership and people of Judah yet again for their rebelliousness against God and failing to wait and trust in the Lord. But he shares how God is eager and longing to bless his children yet again. Join Pastor Greg as he shares from Jesus' story of the prodigal son steps that we can take to fully experience God's blessings.

In working through Isaiah, we have seem him depressed by the painful realities of his people's current situation of dealing with the horrors of being overrun by an invading army. We have also read of his excitement at the glorious prospect of the future in God's perfect world. Between these two extremes lies the settled disposition of patient, trustful waiting to which the people of God must return to again and again. It is to be our hallmark as we live out our lives in this world as it is.

In the second major second of his book, Isaiah prophecies against many of the surrounding nations. Chapter 25 provides another glimpse of the end of time when death, pain, and suffering are eradicated, and people from all around gather to celebrate God at a universal banquet. Join Pastor Greg as he shares how Jesus referred to this banquet and gave his followers some "Invitation Guidelines" so that we would enjoy God's banquet to the fullest.

Isaiah continues looking ahead to a day when God's people will no longer be in distress but will be receiving comfort from God, not anger. Join Pastor Greg as he shares how God is a God of comfort (2 Corinthians 1.3-4) and we might better be able to receive all of the comfort God desires to give us.