God's working in the silent years is a faith-building consideration. Dom uses a poem to teach the high points of this time in Israel's history.

In this Message, we consider the beauty of God's great Christmas Gift and the needed response of each of us.

What a gift God gives us in contentment. To learn the way of satisfaction in Him is not necessarily a secret, but it is not often tapped into. In the previous sermon, we found the well in Isaiah 55 - where do we go for satisfaction- In this sermon, we discover the key that unlocks that door. Or, I guess you could say the bucket that draws the water out of the well of satisfaction. See the text and questions below.

Isaiah's prophetic ministry called people to satisfaction. Isaiah 55-leads us to-these streams of joy more than any other passage in Isaiah. In this passage, we will dig into the well of contentment as we discover the call and source to satisfaction. Come and be satisfied- Come and be content-

-This is a test.- Actually thanksgiving is a test. The heart of gratitude tests whether or not someone is actually living out a genuine faith. We learn about this from a story in the book of Luke that tells of a team of ten lepers whom Jesus healed. But only one was thankful. In this message, Luke encourages us to follow that one leper's example.--Text and questions--11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him- 13 and they raised their voices, saying, -Jesus, Master, have mercy on us-- 14 When He saw them, He said to them, -Go and show yourselves to the priests.- And as they were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, -Were there not ten cleansed- But the nine-- where are they- 18 -Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner-- 19 And He said to him, -Stand up and go- your faith has made you well.- 20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, -The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed- 21 nor will they say, 'Look, here it is-' or, 'There it is-' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.- -Lk. 17-11-21 NAU- -1. What is significant about the location of this story -v.11---2. -As they were going,- what does this teach us about faith -v. 14---3. Can you think of what verses 20-21 have to do with the story in verses 11-19

In this sermon, we finish our series on Isaiah 53 as Isaiah prophesies of Jesus' death, resurrection and now glorification -see text and questions below-. What a confirmation of our faith to know that the Lord's ministry was prophesied so carefully 700 years before Jesus was born. In our worship service, the Scripture and songs will highlight this theme. Text and Questions-10 But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief- If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11 As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied- By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong- Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors- Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors. -Isa. 53-10-12 - 1.How is it that the Father is -pleased- to crush the Son-2.In what way does Jesus see His offspring-3.Count how many phrases in these verses point to substitution, Jesus paying the penalty for the sins of others.

Christ, Our Sacrificial SubstituteIn this message, we will continue our series on Isaiah 53 as Isaiah prophesies of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. What a confirmation of our faith to know that the Lord's ministry was prophesied so carefully 700 years before Jesus was born. In our worship service, the Scripture and songs will highlight this theme. See below to read the text ahead of time.

Closing Hymn-----Who are you, Lord--, cried Paul brought low----From -poverished state began to grow----In grace, enriched- by love, to know----As Christ drew near, Himself to show.----The Christ, Creator, Sinner's Friend,----High Priest, our Life, from heav'n descends.----The Mighty God became a Man,----The Shepherd good, yet God's own Lamb.----Jesus, both Judge and Paraclete----The King of kings who washes feet----Physician great, and Vine Divine,----Door, Way, the Truth, and Light sublime.----In royal dress, not of my own----I stand complete in God's rich Son.----Ne'er eye had seen, nor ear e'er heard----For heirs of Christ, such wealth assured.----The Spirit, gift from Heaven's throne,----So like the Son, indwells God's own-----Helps, Comforts, Guides - our Paraclete----Christ's work in us, He will complete.----Refrain-----Christ, rich in mercy, rich in grace----More than enough for Adam's race.----Unsearchable- Yea, fathomless-----Christ's riches are my glorious dress.

Isaiah 53 is such a wonderful prophecy in how it portrays Jesus crucified and risen FOR US. Enjoy this Gospel passage written 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem.