The book of Isaiah includes prophecies of the coming Messiah. But it also contains a prophecy of a prophet who would arrive to prepare the way for the coming king. His name is John the Baptist, and he has a lot to say to us about how we can get ready for the arrival of the Christ.

The world we live in can be a dark place and sometimes it seems we can be swallowed up by the darkness and distress. And in a dark time in Israel’s history God promised to give the people a future king who would bring light into a dark world. That promise is for us today as well.

The book of Isaiah includes some of the most inspiring and beautiful prophecies on the coming Messiah, sent by God to rescue his people from sin and death. In part 1 of "The Future King," Pastor Matt looks at the messianic prophesy of Isaiah 11, in which the future messiah is predicted to be more than just another failed Jewish king.

Have you ever wondered if this life is all there is? Disaster, despair, and darkness seem to be all around us in our daily lives. Luckily, God has not forsaken us, but instead, he promises to make all things new.

As South Africa came to terms with its racial past, leaders realized they had no future without forgiveness. None of us do. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises his people that he has a plan to rebuild their nation. But first they must be forgiven. We do, too. None of us has a future without forgiveness.

Judah lived in a world of constant warfare. Isaiah, was sent by God to tell them of a time in the future, that would be ruled by peace. The people could imagine such a beautiful time. We live in a similar world of constant warfare. Wars outside our country, wars within our country, hostility and discord in our own homes and personal lives. God has a promise of peace for us today as well.

The Old Testament people of Judah had to cross a barren desert to get back home to the Promised Land, following captivity in Babylon. God promises to create streams in the wasteland for them to drink on their way home. He also promises to “pour out” the Spirit on their descendants, and turn their deserts into gardens. What did this promise mean to them, and what should it mean to us?

As God leads the people of Judah on the path back home from exile, there’s one big thing God’s people must listen and do to avoid pain, regret, and pink puke; obey what he has commanded.

By the power of the resurrection, Jesus shows us what only God can do. So stop trying to live life on your own wake up to new life today.

As we continue through our series “The Way Back”, this week we see God confront His people Israel about their hypocritical ways. They exalt God with their mouths, and go through the motions of obeying Him, but their hearts are not truly for Him. He calls them to lose their false religion, and to instead pursue True Religion which is loving Him with their heart.