Whatever begins with God's grace ends in God's glory. Preached at the time of Halloween, this message from Isaiah chapter 60 explains what can happen when God's people "Arise, shine," in contrast to the world's darkness. Pastor Brad Wells challenges the believer to let the glory of God shine through each of us.

The Bible aptly describes the role of a Christian in the world as that of an ambassador in a foreign land.

Distinguished speaker General John Teichert uses his experience with United States embassies to teach six principles that ambassadors– whether of a nation, or of Christ– should always follow.

This week in the Isaiah series focuses on three unusual metaphors found in Isaiah chapter 59– snake eggs, spider webs, and street riots.  Pastor Wells describes how the Bible relates to Western philosophy and the seven men that shaped secular Western thought, how a nation descends into collapse, and the importance of standing for truth.

The desire to know God's will is almost universally experienced.  What should I do? Where should I go? How am I to live?  Why is God not answering me?Isaiah 58 is a prime example of a people distraught by God's silence in response to their seeking.  Pastor Brad Wells unpacks the chapter as Isaiah offers correction, lays out God's choices, and encourages Israel to become a conduit of God's blessing.

Isaiah 57 addresses a dark time in Israel’s history.  Good and evil were being confused, and those standing up for righteousness were labeled as the problem.  The last verse concludes, “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”

But God promises peace to those who walk on His path. The humble can know God’s peace, regardless of circumstance.

Isaiah 56 is a rebuke to the leaders of its day, but also a welcome to all who desire to love and serve God.

Whether to an ancient nation, or to our own country, the invitation still stands: “take hold of my covenant” and exchange the death-grip of fear for the life-grip of faith.

Continuing our series through Isaiah, we find in chapter 55 the Messiah presented as the glorious Water of Life.  He alone is the One that can quench the thirst of every person.  The invitation has been given, but it will not be available forever.  Today is the day of salvation.

Isaiah had instructed the hurting people of Israel to sing their faith. Now, he explains why that is possible and expected. God is faithful to His promises and perfect in His plan. Knowing we can trust Him, we walk on in faith, our song renewed.

(Sermon delivered September 12, 2021)

As Isaiah's fourth "Servant Song" concludes in chapter 53, he glories in the ultimate victory over death.Immediately he turns to those who have gathered, listening with hurting hearts, and says, "Sing! Enlarge your tents. Strengthen your stakes."The Messiah has "borne our griefs and carried our sorrows– by His stripes we are healed." Therefore, sing! God has a plan to bless, increase, and stabilize you.But the shout of faith always preceded the blessing. According to your faith, be it unto you.

(Sermon delivered on September 5, 2021)

Our adversary is looking to scale our lives. Though we may believe our lives are like smooth, flat, sheer granite monoliths, our adversary will utilize the smallest cracks, fissures, undulations and imperfections as leverage against us.