Fellowshipmtz

Isaiah 41

The LORD God summons the nations before Him to answer the important question: "Who qualifies as God?"  God presents His own credentials and challenges the nations (along with their idols) to do the same.  They have no answer; they remain silent (save for the noise of creating new idols!)

But Israel has no reason to fear, because of the LORD's own gracious purposes on their behalf.

Isaiah 40

Isaiah's vision (1:1) decidedly turns from messages of confrontation & judgment (chapters 1-39) to messages of comfort.  By a long series of questions, God addresses Israel's fears and doubts, and three voices cry out God's gracious purposes for "His people".

Introduction, Setting, and Context to our new series: Isaiah, chapters 40-66!

Hebrews, chapters 1-2

Today is the last installment of this short series and we consider something of Christ's Incomparable Accomplishments!  A very important distinction is made between the Eternal Sonship of Christ (His eternal "being" and existence as GOD) and the Messianic Sonship of Christ (what He became, acquired, attained in light of His incarnation).  The complete sermon notes are also provided (separately) to assist in grasping these truths.

2 Corinthians 8:9 / Christ's Incomparable Condescension

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich."

Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:21-35The first lesson from what will be a short themed series on the Incomparable Person of Christ!

James 5:19-20

James ends his address/sermon with a final situation (he has already described three):  A brother who "wanders from the truth".  A longer than usual sermon today; but with this, we are now finished with James' "epistle".

James 5:13-18

We spend the largest portion of our time considering the Bible's teaching on the relationship between sin sickness:

ALL sickness & disease is the result of sin's entrance into the world.

It is also true that NOT every sickness and disease is the direct result of some specific and personal sin.

GOD does not always purpose/intend to bring healing in this life.

In some instances, sickness & disease ARE the direct consequence of some personal sin or disobedience

When afflicted, self-examination is an appropriate consideration.

James 5:12-16

"Swearing" and "anointing the sick" -- the two topics are not directly related.  Interestingly, very different groups appeal to verses 13-18 as the basis of their theology and practice.  Roman Catholics maintain the verses support a sacrament of extreme unction.  Many "word of faith" preachers maintain the verses support the teaching that physical healing is readily available to all who will only believe (receive it by faith).  What does the text teach...?