After speaking of a great judgment about to befall Jerusalem and Judah, there is a word of hope. God promises a future day pictured in a holy Jerusalem, wherein all the people there are declared righteous by the grace of God. This is to be a word of comfort in the face of judgment, for God's promises will not fail to stand!

Continuing through the early chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we see the consequences for Judah's sin. God is sending judgment against the nation, and against the city of Jerusalem. What will this judgment look like? This question is critical if we are to discern the signs of a nation under judgment. Join us as we look at this great chapter of Scripture, which explains God's means of judging a nation.

Having contrasted the Jerusalem that now is from the Jerusalem that one day shall be, the prophet Isaiah continues to lay charges against Judah. Though set-apart, they have desired to be like the nations. Though called to worship the Lord, they have dishonored Him. Now judgment shall befall them. Isaiah speaks of this judgment as a near and coming reality for the people of Judah, and as a foretaste of that great day of judgment that awaits all who are not found in Christ!

Approaching the end of chapter 1, we more charges levied against Jerusalem. God has found His people to be unjust, violent, and engaged in harlotry. Therefore the Lord shall come against them in judgment. Still, there is found great grace. God promises to use the judgment according to the promise, restoring His people. Further, at the beginning of the 2nd chapter, God reveals a vision for the Jerusalem that will be. It is a glorious picture of a Kingdom which draws the nations to the worship of God.

Entering the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we immediately see an indictment leveled against Judah and Jerusalem. It is a message of Covenant unfaithfulness on the part of God's people and sets the stage for this great letter. In the midst of stern consequences for a rebellious people, God holds out the hope of grace.

As we continue through Hebrews 13, we see that our inspired author is teaching the Hebrew recipients of this letter that they cannot return to the Old Testament sacrifices. Those old sacrifices are alien to a faith fulfilled in the work of Christ. It is only by trusting in Christ and the atonement that He has offered that one might find reconciliation with God. Having stated this, there is a -sacrifice- that is fitting for God's people...the offering up of thanksgiving and praise to our God-

Continuing in the 13th chapter of Hebrews, and its look at the unshakable Kingdom into which we are called, we see the theme of God's amazing grace. No one can enter this Kingdom except by that grace, and we are called to live by faith through grace, never trusting in lesser things. Let us go to Jesus-

Coming to the end of our letter, we look into the post-script of the Letter to the Hebrews. Here is an encouragement to bear with the message of this letter. We will also see a longing for Christian fellowship. Finally, as we prepare to come to the Lord's Table, we see that there is a note of grace in this text.

Returning to the characteristics of the unshakable kingdom outlined in Hebrews 13, we see that the kingdom of Christ is also an orderly kingdom. Not only has God authorized structure for His church, but He has given it the truth via His Word. Therefore, the church should not be blown to and fro, but should be orderly. This is a primary reason for the importance of reliable creeds, confessions, and catechisms in our churches. If Christ is unchanging, and His Word is unchanging, then our churches should remain standing on His unchanging truth-

Continuing the exposition of the characteristics of the unshakable kingdom of Christ, our author teaches us that we enter a covenant kingdom. We can rejoice, as the people of God, that our salvation is made sure through an everlasting gracious covenant. Realizing this, it should be our joy to live in a manner fit for the recipients of such amazing grace.