Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 24, Day 4, Conqueror

[Rev 17:14 ESV] 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

The "they" here in this verse are all those who "hand their power and authority over to the beast (Revelation 17:13)." In other words, these are those who are being used of Satan to accomplish his antagonistic purposes contrary to the ways of God and His Kingdom (Ephesians 6:11-12). We find ourselves in a spiritual warfare every day that challenges our allegiance. The Word of God tells us to put on the whole armor of God, which entails: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit [Which is the Word of God] (Ephesians 6:13-17). The called, chosen, and faithful will reign with Christ when all is said and done. Make sure you are on the right side of prophecy.

In conclusion, our RSVP should remind us of the following acronym:

R- Repent, turn from sin to the ways of God
S- Surrender or Submit, God is the boss, not us
V- Value the things of God, make Him your top priority
P- Partake, when you give up the world and its ways, He will give you something better

May the Lord bless and keep you as you conform more and more to His perfect image.

*Life Point* Lord, I want to live like I am called, chosen and faithful

Bible Study notes in Isaiah- Chapter 47

Isaiah 47

 

-Isaiah’s lament over the corrupt kingdom of Babylon can be summed up with the tenth verse of this chapter, “You felt secure in your wickedness and said, ‘No one sees me,’ your wisdom and your knowledge, they deluded you; for you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’” Babylon did not realize that the LORD, the God and Holy One of Israel, was always in ultimate control. He used them to bring judgment on the wickedness and depravity of His people, but they became conceited in this conquering state with the pride of self-reliance. Babylon showed no mercy on their captives, in contrast to what the Medes and Persians would latter do. Babylon falsely thought they would be “a queen forever (Isaiah 47:7).” They did not consider the righteous things of God in their conquest with a heavy yoke, nor did they remember the consequences of their brutality and ruthlessness. Therefore, God promises that in one day they will lose their children and have widowhood in full measure in spite of their many “sorceries” and the great power of their “spells (Isaiah 47:9).” Evil will come upon them that they cannot “charm away,” and disaster will befall them for which they cannot atone; it will be sudden destruction (Isaiah 47:11). In the end of the analysis, God mocks them to continue in their self-reliance of spells, sorceries, false counsel, astrology, and false prophets by the stars and new moons. There is no salvation in these and no deliverance from the power of God’s flame (Isaiah 47:12-15). Caught up in the pursuit of power and pleasure, this pagan nation believed in its own greatness and denied God’s power. *Application* Our current American culture is also addicted to power and pleasure, much like the ancient Babylonians. We often do not realize how quickly the LORD can take our nice things away. He declares responsibility every time He blesses, whether it’s Israel or any other nation of the world. What concerns me is our current climate of separation from the people of God in Israel. The Word of God holds true to the promise in Genesis 12:3. If we forget that it is God who has blessed our nation based on our blessing of His children post World War II, and turn to our own devices and false wisdom, it will delude us to the point that we will be cursed with the judgment of the Almighty. Our self-reliance in American security is a facade, our trust must be in the LORD or we will pay dearly and perhaps suddenly. This is the hard lesson from this poignant chapter.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 47:10

Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 24, Day 3, Parable of the Sower

[Mat 13:18-23 ESV] 18 "Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

What person are you in this parable? Are you the hard hearted rejecter of the word of the Kingdom who has been snatched away? Are you shallow soil in rocky ground who receives with joy, but then falls away with tribulation or persecution that will inevitably arise on account of the word of the Kingdom because they are not rooted? Are you among thorns with the cares of this world and the pursuit of riches that lead to spiritual complacency and carnality, which are choking the word of the Kingdom and yielding no fruit? Or, are you good soil who is hearing the word of the Kingdom and understanding it in its fullness, bearing good fruit over and over and over again?

It's time for us to look in the mirror and evaluate who we really are. Jesus confronts us with the truth. He also gives opportunity to turn back to Him and repair the damage done. He is the God of the second chance. He is patient and wants to produce good soil in you and your ministry. Be stretched, broken, and healed by the Lord. Let Him do His refining work in you.

*Life Point* Be good soil in receiving the word of the Kingdom.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 46

Isaiah 46

 

-The contrast between Babylon’s false idols and the One-True God is postulated in this powerful chapter of Scripture. Graven images are just burdensome and have no value in comparison to the Maker of the Universe. God is the only Rescuer. He is always the same (immutable). He will carry His people, bear them, and deliver them. There is no one like the LORD. The idols cannot answer, and they certainly cannot deliver. Be assured and remember that God is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He declares the end from the beginning (omniscient), and His purpose will be established without anyone to stand in the way of its completion, all in God’s good pleasure. His call is irrevocable, even from a far country (reference to Cyrus again). The stubborn-minded who are far from righteousness would do well to listen because the LORD is bringing His righteousness, and it is not far off. His salvation will not delay coming to Zion (the coming of Messiah Jesus), which will make Israel His glory (Isaiah 46:1-13). *Application* Let nothing stand in the way of your relationship with the LORD. He is great and His wisdom is what we need for successful life. Don’t trust in anything else. God, in three persons (the Trinity), is the end all, be all.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 46:4

Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 24, Day 2, Knowing Christ

[Matthew 22:14 ESV] 14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

Jesus directly confronts where we stand with Him in this comment at the end of the parable. To be called (kletos) means to be "invited." To be chosen (eklektos) means to be "picked" or "elected." While there is a general calling for every person ever born on this earth to be saved by the given grace of God through Jesus Christ, His Son and Savior, there is an effectual-specific choosing that the Father makes based upon His omniscience (the all-knowing aspect of God) and our own response to His invitation. Where do you stand? Have you answered "yes" in your spirit to the Lord's invitation to become a part of the family in His Kingdom?

To be a family member, there must be relationship. God's offer to you is that you simply believe, have faith, trust in what He did for you on the cross to atone for your sins, along with His burial and His bodily resurrection from the grave. If you have received this gift on the basis of faith, you are a born-again, Spirit-filled saint who has a new identity (John 3:3-17, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 4:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:3). This is how you can "know" Him!

*Life Point* Make the choice today, be a chosen follower of Jesus Christ. He wants to pick you!

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 43

Isaiah 43

 

-God, the Creator and Former of Israel, is the Redeemer who calls His people by name so they are commanded not to fear. When His people pass through the waters, their Redeemer will be with them and the rivers will not overflow them in a destroying flood. When they walk through the fire, they will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn them. For the Holy One of Israel will save them and give their enemies (Egypt, Cush, and Seba) as their ransom. His people are precious in His sight; they are honored and loved by the Father. They (Everyone called by the Name of the LORD created for His glory) will be gathered back into the land from the north, south, east, and west, all the ends of the earth (Isaiah 43:1-7). *Application* God’s call for the redeemed is certainly not limited to the Jewish race, though they have a special place in His economy. All who have believed in the Messiah are invited, even here in the Old Testament, to participate by faith in the Kingdom of God. Do not fear, He is with us. Pass through the waters of tribulation and the fires of trials knowing you won’t drown or be burned.

-The next section can be labeled Israel, God’s Witness. The plea is given in verse eight to bring out the people who are blind though they have eyes and deaf though they have ears. This is to be interpreted as spiritual misperception and hardness. All the nations have gathered to hear the declaration and proclamation of the former things, but there is none to speak for their justification and truth. It is the Jewish people that He has revealed His plan through in clarity. They are the servant that He has chosen so that all may know and believe in Him (God, Jesus) and understand that He is the One. There is none before or after. He alone is God. There is no Savior besides Him. It is the LORD that has declared and saved and proclaimed. There was no strange substitute in any other god among His revelation to His people; so they are His witnesses by the LORD’s declaration. God is eternal, keeps what’s His, and all-powerful. None can reverse His righteous acts (Isaiah 43:8-13). *Application* Justification by faith in the eternal Son of God is God’s plan for salvation given through the covenant to His people for all the world to know.

-The Redeemer of Israel, who is the Holy One, will bring down Babylon (the world system set up against God and His people, this has literal and symbolic significance). God makes the way possible. The former captivity are things of the past. “Behold, I (the LORD) will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” The beasts like the jackals and the ostriches will glorify the LORD because of His abundant resources in a parched land, which will give drink to His chosen people. The people whom God formed for Himself will declare His praise (Isaiah 41:17-20; 43:14-21, Matthew 24:15-21, Mark 13:14-19, Luke 21:20-24, Revelation 12:6). *Application* God will bring us through every tribulation in our lives, even the Great Tribulation, for His glory. He has a plan and a purpose for everything.

-Even though God had been at work through His people from the start and would use them for His ultimate glory at the end of the age, they, at the time of Isaiah’s writing, had not called on Him and had become weary of Him. They didn’t bring burnt offerings (a sign of repentance and a whole heart) or honor (fear, reverence, awe) to the LORD with sacrifices. They had not filled God with praise, but had burdened Him with their sins and wearied Him with their iniquities. He, even with these imperfections listed, wipes out His people’s transgressions for His Name’s sake. He will not remember their sins. He commands that they put Him in their remembrance, and encourages them to argue together to establish the facts. They will find that they are indeed guilty and that God will be vindicated by every one of His actions (Isaiah 43:22-28). *Application* How does God see you today? Let Him establish every fact in your life. Let His cleansing flow enlighten and draw you into His good graces through the payment of the cross of Christ Jesus.

 

Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 43:1-2, 10, 18-19

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 45

Isaiah 45

 

-God speaks to Cyrus, the Gentile King of the Kingdom of Persia, and calls him anointed for the work of subduing nations and open doors. This is the only time in Scripture where a Gentile is called anointed of God. He has a special work of bringing back the children of Israel into the land to rebuild the Temple and return from their time of captivity in Babylon. God’s power upon Cyrus is palpable with strength, honor, and dignity. It is all for the sake of Jacob, His servant and chosen people. Even though it is stated that Cyrus doesn’t even know the LORD, the LORD will gird him for the purpose of men knowing from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is none other besides the Living God, “the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity (Isaiah 45:1-7).”

-God’s supreme power is further extrapolated in the text in the context of the Gentile ruler. The clouds will pour down righteousness and God’s salvation will bear fruit. God’s indwelling will make people spring up with His righteousness that imparts salvation. He, the LORD, has created it (Isaiah 45:8). He is the Potter, His creation has no right to quarrel with their Maker. At His bidding, the great King Cyrus will be aroused in righteousness and have smooth sailing as he builds back the LORD’s city (Jerusalem) and lets His people, the exiles, go free without any payment or reward (Isaiah 45:9-13). The products of Egypt, the merchandise of Cush (Ethiopia), and the men of stature in Seba (the Sabeans were people in southern Arabia) will come under King Cyrus’ authority bowing down to him and making supplication to him. God is with this Gentile king, and there is none else, no other God. Again, idol manufactures are derided by the prophetic Word for their shame and humiliation, all of them. “Israel has been saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation” through His amazing grace, but those who trust in idols will be shamed and humiliated for all eternity (Isaiah 45:14-17).

-The LORD has spoken these things openly and in a straightforward fashion through His prophet Isaiah. He reiterates His greatness in creation and calls all the nations to gather themselves and come to Him in order to gain knowledge and belief in the true God. They are described as fugitives (runaways, deserters) who have wondered from the truth into the error of idolatry. There is none other beside God, He is righteous and the only real Savior. The plea is to turn to Him and be saved, all the ends of the earth. His Word has gone forth in righteousness from His mouth and it will not turn back. To the LORD every knee will bow, and every tongue will swear allegiance (Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10-11). “Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength, men will come to Him, and all who are angry at Him will be put to shame. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel (the Israel of faith including Gentiles, Romans 9:20-11:27) will be justified and will glory (Isaiah 45:18-25).” *Application* God so loves the world and is working in it to draw all men unto His grace and truth for salvation. You may not have been born a Jewish person, like myself, but God has a definite call on your life to bring you into relationship with Him and to live out His purposes on this earth. Call upon the Name of the LORD, there is no other name by which man can be eternally saved (Acts 4:12).

 

Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 45:9, 19

Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 24, Day 1, All About Christ Jesus

[Mat 22:1-2 ESV] 1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son,"

Notice here who the wedding feast is for. It's all about Jesus Christ. It's His Kingdom. We are able to partake in it, but He is who it is all about. Tony Evans one time made this statement about the theme of the entire Bible, which I think is on point, "The Bible is about the glory of God through the advancement of His Kingdom." The Bible tells us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). Remember to glorify Christ as the center of things and you will do well. Esteem Him highly. The wedding feast is for Him.

*Life Point* It's all about Christ, not me, myself, and I.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 44

Isaiah 44

 

-Much of the language of chapter 44 is a reiteration of God’s calm assurance to His people (see notes on Isaiah 41 & 43). He promises to pour out living water (John 4:10-15; 7:37-39) on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground. It is His Spirit that He will pour out on their offspring, and He will bless their descendants (Isaiah 44:3). His people will claim the LORD as their own and call upon His Name (Isaiah 44:5). There is none other besides the LORD for creation, stability, easing fear, and continuance. *Application* God wants desperately to pour out His Spirit into His children. He is the One we can cling to for salvation. He will come in and take up residence within us by His indwelling Presence when we open up the door of our heart to His grace and mercy (Revelation 3:20). Belong to the LORD!

-The folly of idolatry is expanded in the verses from 9-20. All who trust in graven images put their faith in futility, which are of no eternal profit. Even their own witnesses fail to see or know. They will be put to shame (Isaiah 44:9-11). Idols are manmade by weakness and natural means. Though man worships it, it has dual purpose for making fire to eat food. Idols have no power for deliverance, they do not know anything, they cannot understand, they cannot comprehend, and they deceive the hearts of those who turn to them for help. *Application* God is completely rational and the wise man will turn to Him as the only hope for salvation and complete clarity in human existence.

-In light of all that has been stated, the prophet, in poetic language again reiterates the exclusivity of the LORD as Redeemer and Forgiver. He is the One who can give joy, and He is the only One who deserves ultimate glory. He makes fools out of diviners and the worldly wise. He confirms His Word with His servant, the true prophet, and He performs the purpose of His messengers. The LORD will have the final say as to the habitation of Jerusalem, the building of the cities of Judah, the depth of the sea and rivers, the world leaders (the name Cyrus is accurately mentioned here 150 years before he ruled), and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple (Isaiah 44:24-28). Isaiah accurately predicted the fall of Jerusalem 100 years before it actually happened and that the Temple would be rebuilt 200 years before it happened. It should be clear to us that this messenger was a true prophet called by the God who knows the future. *Application* God doesn’t do anything unless it is first revealed by the prophets (Amos 3:7). Search His Scriptures to know what will happen in the coming days. It is written.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 44:3

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP Day 12, The Reality of Hell

[Mat 22:11-14 ESV] 11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

We cannot read this passage and not be smacked in the face with the reality that there is a place of eternal torment. The very words of Jesus prove that hell is real. Think about those words, "eternal torment" for a moment (Revelation 20:10). His message is designed to do everything possible to keep people from going to this horrible destiny. In fact, it is Jesus who gives us just about everything we know biblically about the reality of hell. His message was intense simply because He did not want anyone to go to this place forever (1 Timothy 2:3-5, 2 Peter 3:9).

Many are called, but few are chosen. The chosen are the ones who respond in faith to the message of the gospel, trusting Christ Jesus to save them. His garments are what we must have on to escape the torment of hell. This message is worth sharing, even if we are ridiculed for it. Jesus certainly was.

*Life Point* Hell is a  biblical reality, no matter what the world says.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 42

Isaiah 42

 

-Chapter 42 begins with some Messianic prophesy with Isaiah calling Him, God’s Servant whom He upholds. He is the chosen One and God delights in Him as He brings justice to the nations. He will not have to cry out or raise His Voice in the street. In contrast to worldly conquerors, He will be a bruised reed that will love people rather than control them as He brings His justice. He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established His Kingdom and Law. The Creator who gives breath and spirit to those who walk on the earth has called Him (the Messiah) in righteousness and will hold Him and watch over Him for protection. He (the Messiah) is appointed as a covenant to the people, all the people and nations, to open blind eyes and bring prisoners out from the dungeon. He makes their darkness light. God will not give His glory to another and is declaring new things prophetically. Therefore, sing a new song or praise unto the LORD from the end of the earth! Give Him glory unceasingly and declare His praise. The LORD goes forth like a warrior with His zeal as He prevails against His foes (Isaiah 42:1-13). *Application* Christ has answered all of these questions and incarnated all of these qualities. His first coming paid the price for our sin and He will come again with power to destroy the enemy. Trust in His Word.

-The LORD has kept silent and still for a long time restraining Himself. But, there is coming a time when He will lay waste the mountains and hills and wither all their vegetation. He will make the rivers into coastlands and dry up the ponds. He will lead the blind by a way they do not know as a guide in the Light. The rugged places will turn to plains. These are the awesome things God will do. He is overseeing it, and it will be left undone. Those who worship idols and graven images will be turned back and be utterly put to shame (Isaiah 42:14-17).

-Finally in this chapter, God attempts to wake people up through His prophet. The people continue to be deaf and blind despite His clear Word and direction. God says, “You have seen many things, but you do not observe them (Isaiah 42:18-20).” The LORD was pleased to make the Law great and glorious for His righteousness’ sake. But rejection of it has left His people plundered and despoiled and trapped in caves or hidden away in prisons. They have become a prey with none to deliver them. The LORD allowed this to occur because they sinned against Him and they would not walk in His ways to obey His Law. “So He poured out on him (Israel) the heat of His anger and the fierceness of battle; and it set him aflame all around, yet he (Israel) did not recognize it; and it burned him, but he paid no attention (Isaiah 42:21-25). *Application* God craves our attention. Going His way is always for our good and benefits us greatly. Walk in His statutes to gain His Divine favor and blessing. Remember than when He discipline you, it is for your good, so pay attention.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 42:6

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP, Day 11, Humble Submission

[Mat 22:11-14 ESV] 11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

This guest, called a friend by the king, came before the sovereign's presence with contempt and extreme pride. This disrespect was out of place because as an invited individual he refused the king's ordinary demands made upon him for the party.

As people born with a sin nature we often use the excuse, "I was born that way." From anger issues to deception to lust and sexual orientation we see common excuses based on habit and natural instinct. It is true that we "are born that way." To do righteousness, we must yield to the Holy Spirit and have a rebirth in our spirit through the work that Christ accomplished (see John chapter 3). The King's clothes are His gift to us, which we can freely receive. Humbly accept them rather than show contempt.

*Life Point* Lord, You are the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to You except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 41

Isaiah 41

 

-The coastlands are to listen in silence as they gain new strength. Eventually they will come forward and speak and come together for some kind of judgment. The one aroused from the East is probably referring to Cyrus II of Persia, and could possibly be the one from the north referred to as well (Isaiah 41:1-2, 25). The Medes from the north and the Persians from the east. This is at least what many scholars will interpret. He conquered Babylon, who had conquered Judah, in 539 B.C. and was responsible for releasing the exiled Jews so that they could return to Jerusalem. Although Cyrus II is in no way a believer, he executes the righteous acts of God’s Divine plan in the world (Isaiah 45:1-5). Truly it is God as the Ultimate One who performs and accomplishes these events. He is the first, and with the last as the Great “I AM (Isaiah 41:4, Revelation 1:8; 2:8; 22:13).”

-Though the coastlands (Tel Aviv, the political capital of modern Israel and where most of the Jewish people live, is on the Mediterranean coast) were afraid when they saw the trembling to the ends of the earth with the approaching doom from the enemies of the people of God, they are told to say each to his brother, “Be strong!” and “It is good!” Israel, God’s servant, whom He has chosen and is His friend, has now at this time (obviously a prediction we are seeing in present times in the here and now) been taken from the ends of the earth in its remotest parts and put back together again. God reassures them that He has chosen them and not rejected them. He tells them not to fear, for He is with them. They are not to anxiously look about, for He is their saving God to strengthen and help. He promises to uphold them with His righteous Right Hand (Isaiah 41:5-10). All those who are angered at Israel “will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you (Israel) will be as nothing and will perish.” In fact, all those who quarrel with God’s people will not even be found. “Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent (Isaiah 41:11-12).” The LORD doubly assures over and over again His promises for protection and help, so they can be released from all fear and doubt (Isaiah 41:13-14a). He is their Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. He makes them to prosper in weapons, which can thresh (to beat, to pound) and pulverize the mountains. The hills will become like chaff, which the wind can carry away. The storm will scatter the enemies of God, but His people will rejoice in the LORD and glorify the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:14b-16). *Application* Any recent attention to the news about what is going on in Israel today with her enemies looming and threatening should excite us as believers to the prophesies given here thousands of years ago. Watch the signs of the times and look to the LORD on high. The Redeemer is alive!

-“The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open the rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water.” God will put the cedar in the wilderness, the acacia, the myrtle, the olive, and juniper trees in the desert together with the box tree and the cypress. The purpose, that they may see and recognize and consider and gain insight as well for the fact that God has done these miraculous things by His creative powers (Isaiah 41:17-20, Revelation 12:6).

-The rest of the chapter mocks the absurdity of those who go to idols for their security and well-being. They amount to nothing. Their arguments are vain. They cannot prophesy (tell the future). They are an abomination to the true LORD and King. These idols are deception and lies, which lead people astray. They are false and futile, absolutely worthless. They are wind and emptiness (Isaiah 41:21-29). *Application* Seek the authentic God and have faith in Him.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 41:4

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP, Day 10, Cost of Discipleship

[Mat 22:11-14 ESV] 11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

This invited guest came to the king on his own terms. He wanted to join the party without having to actually submit to his reasonable rule. There is evidence that in the ancient world a king would supply all of his guests with the proper attire freely (Genesis 45:22, Esther 6:8-9) and God does the same for His people (Ezekiel 16:10-13).This parable shows us the cost of discipleship, which is often lost on our current generation in its self guided and soft approach to faith.

While no one is worthy of salvation on his/her own merit, one must put on the right kind of clothes in carrying out the profession of our faith. For us this means submission and the devotion to follow through on our call to be a genuine disciple of Christ Jesus (Luke 9:23). Christ's call to us is to lay aside a wasted, self-centered, dying life and put on His life, which is eternal, growing, and abundant (2 Corinthians 5:1-7).

*Life Point* Come to Christ on His terms by faith and follow Him devotedly.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 40

Isaiah 40

 

-This section, which are the prophet’s Word of God for comfort to His people, spans from chapter 40 through the rest of the book. These are unmistakably events that occur after the Babylonian captivity, so there is a distinct break in the action and tenure of the prophecy. The message begins with the words “Comfort, O comfort My people,” from the LORD and there are assurances that Jerusalem will be well taken care of post warfare. Sins will be removed and the corrective-punishing judgment will be completed (Isaiah 40:1-2). The beginning of this healing is the ministry of John the Baptist, which is prophesied by Isaiah here in verses 3-5. God’s Word will be confirmed by earthly circumstances and actions as the voice of the prophet will clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness (the desert region in the Jordan Valley north of the Dead Sea). Repentance, although not explicit in this passage, is the smoothing effect to get people ready for the Messianic King as the glory of the LORD is revealed, which all flesh will see together (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 3:4-6, John 1:23). A beautiful and creative picture of the eternality of the Word of God is given next in the text as the grass withers and the flower fades, as well as people and nations, when the breath of the LORD blows upon them in comparison to His complete and authoritative Word (Isaiah 40:6-8). *Application* Preparation is key to finding spiritual success. The Holy Spirit convicts and wants to heal and comfort you, but are you willing? Just like the King’s invitation in Matthew 22, please make sure you are not guilty of paying no attention and going your own way rather than God’s (Matthew 22:5a). His voice is calling, repent (turn from wickedness) and trust in Me for wholeness and wellness.

-Verse 9 tells LORD’s people not to fear in Zion or Jerusalem in the high mountain of protection in God’s care and comfort. “Here is your God!” This refrain echoes into the future second coming of the Messiah, as so much of prophecy does. At this time God will come in might with His (the incarnate Son) arm ruling for Him (the Father). “His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes (Isaiah 40:10-11).” *Application* Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (John 10).

-The Spirit of the LORD is uncontainable. He needs no counsel or informer. He has all understanding, justice, and knowledge. The nations hold no sway to His ultimate authority. They are like a drop in the bucket and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales. Even whole islands are lifted up by Him like fine dust. The nations are naught before His majesty and regarded as less than nothing, totally meaningless when it comes to the execution of His Divine plan. God is Sovereign; the LORD of Jacob is in control. He is omnipotent (Isaiah 40:12-17). *Application* O child of God, weary in this world, don’t worry ‘bout a thing, cause every thing’s gonna be alright (taken from Mr. Bob Marley in partJ). Trust in Your Savior.

-Idols are railed against as a prophetic theme in verses 18-26. God is incomparable to images made by man. We should know, we should listen. It has been declared from the beginning, from the foundations of the earth in creation. “It is He who sits above the circle (proof that God revealed we live on a sphere, not a flat earth, thousands of years before Columbus) of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers… (Isaiah 40:22a).” God’s power reduces the rulers of this world to nothing, and He makes the judges of this earth meaningless. There is no One like Him. He is the Creator, and there is none other. He calls the universal stars by name because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power. Not one of them is missing from His awareness. This unbelievable statement could not have even been fully comprehended until our recent human developments in telescopes and space technology.

-Because of this incredible ability Jacob, or anyone else, would be foolish to say, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God (Isaiah 40:27). Then one of the most comforting passages of Scripture is written for our edification:

”Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:28-31).”

*Application* Just sit and meditate a while, as long as it takes…forget time, on the greatness of our God.

 

 

Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 40:8, 28-31

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP Day 9, Righteousness of Christ

[Mat 22:11-14 ESV] 11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

Notice the first thing in this passage. The parable states that the king came in, and he looked at the guests. God is the ultimate Judge (Psalm 58:11). He is the One who examines us, and He is the One who decides between right and wrong. He has made himself clear through His Word. His demands expect perfection (Leviticus 19:2). He clothes Himself in righteousness, and the only way we can be right before Him is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ is our way into the party of the Kingdom of God. He is our wedding garment. Without Him we are speechless and without excuse. Put on Christ to receive His righteousness (Colossians 1:30, Philippians 3:9).

*Life Point* My own works won't do. It is Christ's righteousness that makes me whole.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 39

Isaiah 39

 

-At the time of Judah’s salvation from Assyrian oppression and Hezekiah’s healing from his disease, the king of Babylon, Merodach-baladan, who was trying to establish independence from Assyria upon the death of Sargon II in 705 B.C., came on the scene in the narrative. He was likely trying to split the Assyrians attention by opening up another front from which they would have to fight for their empire. They were at that time allies to Judah and King Hezekiah. Well wishes and presents were sent by Merodach-baladan to Hezekiah, which the king of Judah understandably welcomed gladly. Hezekiah, whose faith stood firm in the face of Assyrian intimidation and arrogance, now melts in the face of Babylonian flattery. He presents all the treasures of the Judean Kingdom for the envoys from Babylon to view. This was a foolish move because he did not discern, as Isaiah did, the ulterior motives of these foreigners to lust for the riches which were opened up to them. Isaiah, remarkably for the time, predicts the coming days when Babylon will carry away all that is in the king’s house and that which his fathers had stored up to their nation. Isaiah by the word of God says that “Nothing shall be left…and some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall become eunuchs (have their manhood taken away) in the palace of the king of Babylon (Isaiah 39:1-7).” Irresponsibly, Hezekiah thinks only of himself in his response by claiming the word of the LORD spoken was good and that they would enjoy peace, truth, and security in his days (2 Kings 20:19, Isaiah 39:8). Even though he was described as a good king in Judah, he ended up not being a very good steward of his father David’s dynasty (2 Kings 18:3-6, 2 Chronicles 29:2). *Application* Satan has more than one way of attacking and oppressing the righteous children of God. If he can’t get you through intimidation, he may very well try flattery or some other comfort deception. Stand firm against the devil and all his evil schemes as you walk with the LORD circumspectly (2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 5:15).

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 39:6

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 38

Isaiah 38

 

-In those days of seeing God’s Hand of deliverance from Assyria, Hezekiah became mortally ill with some type of boil that the LORD, through the prophet Isaiah, said would take his life (Isaiah 38:1a, 21). The king was told to get his house in order for he would shortly die and enter eternity. With the hearing of this catastrophic news, Hezekiah set his face away from all distractions toward the wall and prayed to the LORD. His prayer is significant for us. He asked the LORD fervently to remember how he had walked before his King in truth and with a whole heart, and how he had done what was good in the LORD’s sight. He wept bitterly before his God with reckless abandon in complete distress (Isaiah 38:1b-3). Isaiah got a further word from the LORD at this point to go to Hezekiah with splendid news. The king would be given fifteen more years to his life since God had heard his prayer and seen his tears (Isaiah 38:4-5). God promised continued deliverance from Assyria as the city’s Defender. He gave the king a sign of moving the shadow on the stairway back ten steps. God was showing that He is the Controller of time and all events on the earth and in the universe (Isaiah 38:6-8). *Application* Our prayers are heard and our situation is seen when we live a life worthy of the LORD’s calling. Sometimes He will put us in situations that require our all-out beseeching before Him in prayer and petition so He can come through in miraculous ways. God always loves to hear our cries for help and somehow draws us closer to Him through them. The lesson for us is to always passionately pray in the important matters of our lives.

-Hezekiah produces a writing that is recorded in the Scriptural text through the next twelve verses (Isaiah 38:9-20). He spoke of his state in the middle of his life and the depravation he felt when removal was ordained. He spoke of the composure of his soul in constant and unrelenting praying through the night as it felt like God was breaking all of his bones like a lion. He was laid weak as a bird as he looked up for help to the Almighty in his oppression. He pined for security in the Savior. He resigned himself to the possibility of the bitterness of the soul in his state, but then recognized that “by these things men (really) live, and in all these is the life of my spirit.” The restoration of health from insurmountable distress is an overcoming worth testifying. Hezekiah gives God His glory for it is solely His power that that kept his soul from nothingness, and it is God who casts all sin away behind His back. There is no praise in Sheol, death cannot give glory to the King of all. The lost without a Savior cannot hope for His faithfulness. It is the spiritual living who can give thanks to the LORD as Hezekiah was doing. He will tell of the LORD’s great and mighty deeds of faithfulness to his sons, for the LORD surely saves. He will sing in jubilation on stringed instruments all the days of his remaining earthly life at the House of the LORD. *Application* Recognize that life events allowed by the LORD, which are hard and difficult to handle, actually bring us into a closer intimacy with our God so that we can have a great testimony of His goodness. Don’t waste the hurtful times in your life. See how God has used them to make you better as a person who can share with others. Life is about learning and growing in our relationship and fellowship with our Creator.

-Isaiah gives the command to take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil on the king so that he would recover (Isaiah 38:21). The chapter ends with a question in the Masoretic text from whence we get most of our translations, “What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD (Isaiah 38:22)?” This is a difficult verse for interpretation, which may be best understood in the Septuagint’s rendering of it as a statement rather than an interrogative, “This [is] the sign that I will go up to the house of the Lord God.” If this is a question, there is certainly room to interpret this as Hezekiah’s statement of a possible double-minded unbelief in expecting more and more out of the LORD. If we take the Septuagint’s understanding, we take a more positive approach and see that Hezekiah is accepting the LORD’s sign of the previous moving shadow and health provision so as to give glory to His redeeming actions.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 38:5

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 37

Isaiah 37

 

-When Hezekiah heard the words of the king of Assyria, he tore his clothes in anguish and covered himself with sack cloth and entered the house of the LORD. He sent Eliakim, Shebna, and the elders of the priests, covered with sack cloth to Isaiah the prophet in their day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; “for children have come to birth, and there is no strength to deliver (Isaiah 37:1-3).” In other words, they knew their weakness and were absolutely willing to do what the LORD said in this dire situation. They were broken and desperate for His will and His answers. A beseeching prayer for the remnant of the people of God left in Jerusalem was given in this exchange to the prophet (Isaiah 37:4). Isaiah responded to tell the king to not be afraid of the words he had heard from the servant of the king of Assyria, which blasphemed God. The LORD will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land. And the LORD will see to it that the king of Assyria will fall by the sword in his own land (Isaiah 37:5-7). This occurs by the end of the chapter as his own sons take Sennacherib’s life (Isaiah 37:37-38).

-Then Rabshakeh, Sennacherib’s servant, returned to find the king of Assyria fighting in western Judah in Libnah for he heard that the king had left Lachish (Isaiah 37:8). There were more derogatory words thrown back at Hezekiah in an effort to discourage and dismay the people of Jerusalem and take their faith away from God (Isaiah 37:9-13). Hezekiah took this letter from the messengers and read it, then went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD in prayer (Isaiah 37:14-15). The king praised the LORD who is enthroned above the cherubim as the only true God alone and transcendent over every nation and kingdom as the Creator (Isaiah 37:16). He humbly asked for the LORD to incline His ears and eyes to the arrogant words of the enemy who was reproaching the majesty of the Almighty. He acknowledged their earthly power and destructive capabilities, and then he petitioned the LORD for deliverance from their hand for the sole purpose of magnifying the glory of the LORD to all the kingdoms of the earth (Isaiah 37:17-20). *Application* A right heart before the LORD will bring His intended purposes and give Him ultimately glory. We cannot ultimately solve all of our problems with earthly clout. Only God can really save the day eternally speaking. Turn to Him in humility for deliverance that lasts.

-Isaiah responds with a sent word from the LORD. Because of the king’s prayers about the specific situation with the king of Assyria, God has spoken against the foe. The LORD calls Assyria by the feminine gender as a mocker and despiser of His people and His authority. Assyria made the mistake of thinking that the God of Israel was like the other false gods of the nations they had destroyed. Their reproach of the LORD would have catastrophic consequences. God knows their going out and coming in and all their rage against Him. Because of their raging against God and their arrogance in His ears, He will put His hook in their nose and a bridle in their lips and turn them back by the way which they came to Judah. The promise is given to God’s people that their remnant will remain and eat the fruit of their own land for years and years and years as the “house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem will go forth a remnant and out of Zion survivors. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 37:21-32).” God will not allow the king of Assyria to come to the city of Jerusalem or shoot an arrow there. It is prophesied that the king of Assyria will not come before it with shield or throw a siege ramp against it (Isaiah 37:33). God, Himself, will defend the city to save it for His own sake and for His servant David’s sake to whom He had promised (2 Samuel 7, Isaiah 37:34-35). Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians in the night. When the remaining men arose in the morning they rightly decided to depart and return to their land and the king returned to Nineveh where his home was. This is where he met his doom at the hands of his sons, who escaped to the mountains of Ararat in modern day Turkey. Sennacherib’s other son, Esarhaddon, became king in his place (Isaiah 37:38). *Application* God certainly responds to the prayers of His humble people when they cry out for help. Go to God in your time of need and watch Him perform miracles by His own zeal and passion for you and His ultimate glory.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 37:20

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP Day 8, Go

[Acts 13:2-4 ESV] 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

To go with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ's love and salvation, we must first pray that the Holy Spirit will send us and give us opportunities for spreading the gospel. After we get the call, we proceed to give the invitation to the Kingdom in appropriate way as the Lord leads in conversation and communication. Once the invitation has been given, we continue to invest in the lives of others so that they truly know our love, care, and concern for their well-being. Pray, invest, and invite!

*Life Point* God help me seek You on how I can further Your Kingdom by going and doing.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 36

Isaiah 36

 

-In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s 29 year reign in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 29:1) Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and seized them. Rabshakeh, whom Sennacherib had sent, came from Lachish (in the western part of Judah) to Jerusalem and spoke to the Jewish leadership, Eliakim (over the king’s household), Shebna (the scribe), and Joah (the recorder). He berated his enemies and tried to destroy their confidence. He attempted to produce fear, anxiety, panic, and demoralization in the people of God by telling them their counsel and strength for war are only empty words, their God was not able to rescue, Egypt was a weak ally that could not be counted on for deliverance (which was accurate, Isaiah 31), and that King Hezekiah was a deceiver. In other words he gave a false report and hope for the purpose of overthrowing the people of Jerusalem. He promised a new land with grain and new wine, bread, and vineyards (Isaiah 36:1-20). As these words were spoken, the leaders were silent and answered him not a word for this was King Hezekiah’s commandment (Isaiah 36:21). The leaders then came to King Hezekiah with their clothes torn in despair and told him the words of Rabshakeh. *Application* We have a multitude of voices vying for our attention and capitulation. The only Voice we need to receive is the Voice of God on any matter. What He says is what really counts. So, seek out His opinion on every matter from His Word, the Bible, in connection to the Spirit that is speaking to your inner man.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 36

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 35

Isaiah 35

 

-The happy future of the redeemed is portrayed in this wonderfully hopeful chapter of Scripture. The Arabah, which is east of the Jordan in a very dry and desolate place, is said to burst forth with gladness, rejoicing, and blossom like the lilies of the meadow (crocus). The land will blossom profusely with shouts of joy with glory and majesty like the fertile places of Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon to the north. The people will see the glory of the LORD and His majesty (Isaiah 35:1-2). Therefore, the Word is said to “encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense will come, but He will save you (Isaiah 35:3-4).’” In Matthew 11:5, Jesus quotes these next verses as Messianic prophecy with the eyes of the blind being opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame leaping like a deer, and the tongue of the mute shouting for joy (Isaiah 35:5-6). The Arabah will become fruitful and abundant with water. A highway will be there called the “Highway of Holiness.” The unclean will not travel on it, nor will fools wander on it. No lion or wild beast will be there, only the redeemed of the LORD. “The ransomed of the LORD will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:7-10).” *Application* While this passage speaks of a future utopia in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, we can now, even now, experience this kind of joy and peace in our inner man by His awesome and wonderful Presence. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with His abundant life and live securely in His care. God loves you and desires to bless you. Let Him reign and rule in your heart with all His powerful glory and majesty!

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 35:4

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP Day 7, Give

[2Corinthians 9:7 ESV] 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

There are three basic areas where we can give from this pure and cheerful heart of devotion in the Kingdom of God. First is in the area of time. We must prioritize our time to make the most of it for Christ because it is limited (Ephesians 5:15-17). Everyone has the same amount of time, where are you spending your time and in what way?

Second is in the area of talent. When you are serving people you are serving Jesus. God has given you gifts and abilities to use in His plan and purpose. Don't ever waste what God has bestowed to you, and do it for His glory in His strength.

The third and final area is that of treasure. As we see, "God loves a cheerful giver." Everything we have is from God. When our heart is right, we will give to support what His church is doing in our own community and all over the world. Be generous, abundant, and joyful in your life through giving. You will be blessed in so many ways!

*Life Point* It is more blessed to give than to receive- Jesus (Acts 20:35)

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 34

Isaiah 34

 

-God speaks forth indignation (wrath, righteous anger, splintered twig) against the nations of the world with a singling out in particular of Edom (Idumea, from Esau, Jacob’s unfavored son who rebelled against the LORD). God will utterly destroy them (Isaiah 34:1-2, 5). There will be a slaughter from the sword of the LORD in judgment and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll with brimstone much like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with only wild animals and wild plants abiding in the region (Genesis 18:20-19:29, Isaiah 34:2b-15, Revelation 6:14-17). God will fulfill His intended purpose in this apocalyptic scene. We are told in verse sixteen to “seek from the book of the LORD, and read.” God’s prophetic “mouth has commanded” these events to come to pass and “His Spirit has gathered them.” From generation to generation the wild animals will dwell in the place of this destruction (Isaiah 34:17). As so often occurs in prophecy, the partial fulfillment occurs with some completion still to come. In interpreting this passage, the question which arises is this: Is this referring to the actual events of a historical people group, or is it spiritualized denoting the rebellious enemies of God in the end times? In other words, who are the Edomites presently? For an interesting read on this perspective see http://endtimepilgrim.org/edomites.htm. *Application* Seek from the book of the LORD and read. His Word is always true and will be carried out to complete fulfillment. “The LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion (Isaiah 34:8).” Strongly support the children of Abraham, Israel, and you will end up being blessed by the Living God (Genesis 12:3). Defy Him and pay the price.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 34:8

Kaleo Sermon Notes- RSVP Day 6

[Romans 12:5 ESV] 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Community, its what God is and what He desires. Check out these two fun videos for more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfZGBI7Zldo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF_Y5FCiVqc

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 33

Isaiah 33

 

-Woe is pronounced on the destroyer as the theme of the judgment of God is delineated in this chapter (Isaiah 33:1). On the other hand, God’s people will receive His grace as they wait for Him. The LORD is their strength every morning and salvation also in the time of distress. Nations will disperse before them as the LORD is exalted filling Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the stability of their times, “a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is his treasure (Isaiah 33:2-6).” When times get so bad and discouraging, God will then arise and exalted and lifted up. His breath will consume like a fire as His enemies are “burned to lime, like cut thorns (an object of the curse, Genesis 3:18) which are burned in the fire (Isaiah 33:7-12).”

-God implores those who are far away to hear what He has done and turn to Him acknowledging His might. Trembling will seize the godless as the LORD consumes with fire, a continual burning. The ones who can live through this the Word says are the ones who walk righteously, speak with sincerity, reject unjust gain, does not agree to bribes, stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil (Isaiah 33:13-15). The LORD’s people will dwell on the heights, his refuge will be the impregnable Rock, his bread will be given to him, and his water sure (Isaiah 33:16). God’s people will see the King in His beauty and behold a far-distant land. They will no longer see a fierce people that has unintelligible speech which is not comprehended in this time. They will look to Zion, the city of their appointed feasts, and see Jerusalem with undisturbed habitation and complete security. “There the Majestic One, the LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals on which no boat with oars will go, and on which no mighty ship will pass (Isaiah 33:16-21).” God is His people’s judge, lawgiver, king, healer, forgiver, and savior (Isaiah 33:22-24). This will be the indicators of His righteous reign on the earth following the great tribulation (Revelation 20:1-4). *Application* God’s people must wait, but their waiting will be rewarded. The LORD will destroy the destroyer and come to the rescue of His people. The only question for us is this, “Are we His people?” You can accept His free offer of His grace by trusting in His salvation. He desires to have you in His eternal Kingdom. Do you want to be a part of it? I sure hope so.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 33:2

Kaleo Sermon Notes- RSVP Day 5

[Matthew 22:1-10 ESV] 1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast."' 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.


Today focuses on the difference between a servant and an invited guest in the parable. The servants were the ones who were insiders and invested in the work of the King. The guests were merely people who showed up to see what was going on. They were outsiders and had no real connection to the King yet. They were interested, but not yet plugged in to the service of the Kingdom.

When we serve in the Kingdom of God, we are directly serving the Lord in His work. Too many sit on the sideline and observe in the Christian community. For those, the real-deep question needs to be, "Am I really a genuine part of the Kingdom?" If we are not careful, we can deceive ourselves and be around Christianity, but never actually connected to the inner workings of the King. It would be tragic if in the day of judgment we failed to hear those precious words of Jesus, "Well done good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Master (Matthew 25:21, 23)."

*Life Point* When you serve the Church of God, you directly are serving Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40).

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 32

Isaiah 32

 

-The Messianic expectation is given for Israel in this description of their glorious future. He will reign righteously, and His princes will rule justly (Isaiah 32:1). “Each will be like a refuge from the wind and a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry country, like the shade of a huge rock in a parched land (Isaiah 32:2).” They will lift blindness and open ears to listen and minds to the truth. The twisted tongues will speak clearly. Only the righteous and blameless will be called noble, not the foolish. Only the truly generous will be called by that name, not the rogue (Isaiah 32:3-5). “For a fool speaks nonsense, and his heart inclines toward wickedness, to practice ungodliness and to speak error against the LORD, to keep the hungry person unsatisfied and to withhold drink from the thirsty (Isaiah 32:6).” “As for a rogue, his weapons are evil; he devises wicked schemes to destroy the afflicted with slander, even though the needy one speaks what is right. But the noble man devises noble plans; and by noble plans he stands (Isaiah 32:7-8).” *Application* God’s people will reign with Him in righteousness one day. The wicked and wayward who do not turn from their sin by faith in Him will perish. Whose side are you on?

-Women who are at ease and complacent will be troubled and their produce will not come in to them. They are told to tremble in fear and put on sackcloth of repentance beating their breasts for better times. Difficult times will come upon them until the Spirit is poured out among His people from on high. Then the wilderness will become a fruitful field and justice will dwell there along with the abiding of righteousness. Peace will occur and the service of righteousness will yield quietness and confidence forever. Security will happen, which is so longed for currently in this land. The people of the LORD will be blessed and sow beside all waters with abundance (Isaiah 32:9-20). *Application* Good times are coming for the people of God. His promises endure to every generation.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 32:1

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 31

Isaiah 31

 

-The ones who trust in God cannot turn to man for help relying on their mere mortal power to save them because they may have military or economic might. God warns the children of Israel and pronounces woe upon them for going down to Egypt in trust for help and reliance on a godless ally who have many chariots and strong horsemen. These do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor do they seek the LORD (Isaiah 31:1). The LORD, who is wise, will bring disaster and will not retract His prophetic Word as He arises against the house of evil doers and the help of those who work iniquity (Isaiah 31:2). Egyptians are mere men and not God. They work in the flesh and the natural, not by spirit. So the LORD God will stretch out His Hand making them stumble and fall bringing an end to their false sense of support for His chosen people (Isaiah 31:3).

-The LORD Himself will be the protection of His covenant in Mount Zion. He will come down and wage war in the mountains of Jerusalem and protect her and deliver her. He has their back and will guard His estate. He will pass over and rescue it (Isaiah 31:4-5). The Word is all about return. “Return to Him from whom you have deeply defected, O sons of Israel. For in that day every man will cast away his silver idols and his gold idols, which your sinful hands have made for you as a sin (Isaiah 31:6-7).” Even the Assyrian will fall and be devoured by an inescapable supernatural sword not of the flesh of man making them slaves of forced labor. God’s rock and standard will exact reverence and awe like no other. His declaration is a fire in Zion and a furnace in Jerusalem (Isaiah 31:8-9). *Application* Our reliance and protection come solely from the LORD. Don’t put your trust in man. He will end up letting you down every time. Your help comes from the LORD, the maker of Heaven and earth (Psalm 121).

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 31:1

Kaleo Sermon Notes- RSVP Day 4

[Matthew 22:5a - But they paid no attention and went their way...]

God expects us to be observant when He offers an invitation to the Kingdom. Sadly, we see the spirit of delusion, apathy, and complacency in our world today in vast quantities (2 Timothy 2:1-12). Don't be caught in the cares and concerns of your own little world and miss the greatness of God's Kingdom. If we are not careful, we will miss the most blessed opportunity ever. Pay attention, seek God and His righteousness, don't go your own way (Matthew 6:33). Follow Christ Jesus and enjoy its benefits.

*Life Point* Lord, help me pay attention and go Your way, not my own (Proverbs 14:12).

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 30

Isaiah 30

 

-Judah is warned of forming an unhealthy alliance and dependence with Egypt in this section. The Judeans are called rebellious by the LORD who desires to cover them with His almighty power, but they lack faith and turn to natural means of protection in their hearts. They execute a plan, but it is not of God; they make an alliance, but it is not of the Holy Spirit. In this they add sin to sin because they go against the LORD’s divine plan by proceeding down to Egypt, not consulting with God. They take refuge in the perceived safety of Pharaoh and seek shelter in their shadow. But, this will be to their shame and humiliation. Egypt will in the end be of no profit or help to them, and they will become a reproach (a people of scorn and contempt, blamed, accused, Isaiah 30:1-6). God says that Egypt’s help is “vain and empty.” He asks the prophet to write it on a tablet and inscribe it on a scroll that this word may serve in the time to come as a witness forever. “For this is a rebellious people, false sons, who refuse to listen to the instruction of the LORD (Isaiah 30:7-9).” They do not want the seers to see visions or the prophets to prophesy what is right. They only want pleasant words spoken to them with illusions (deception). They do not want to hear any more from the Holy One of Israel, and they turn aside from the righteous path. Therefore, the LORD speaks this, “Since you have rejected this word and have put your trust in oppression and guile, and have relied on them, therefore this iniquity will be to you like a breach about to fall, and bulge in a high wall, whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant, whose collapse is like the smashing of a potter’s jar, so ruthlessly shattered that a sherd will not be found among its pieces to take fire from a hearth or to scoop water from a cistern (Isaiah 30:10-14).” God continues, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).” But, the prophet’s commentary is that they were not willing. They wanted to take matters into their own hands and flee on horses to the Negev of Egypt. God gives them their heart’s desire, but warns that their pursuers will not be afraid of them and they will end up being a symbol of weakness (Isaiah 30:15b-17). *Application* Make sure God is in the middle of your plans if you want real success. It is interesting to me that even today we see Israel looking to Egypt for peace treaties and proposals to ease their conflicts. They still have some resistance it seems to consulting God alone on security matters.

-What a comfort verse eighteen is. The LORD longs (not just a casual desire, but a heart-felt yearning) to be gracious to His people. In fact the Scripture says He waits on high to have compassion on His people for He is a God of justice. How blessed are all those who reciprocate their longing back to Him. The LORD instructs them to inhabit Jerusalem on Mt. Zion, and they will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to them at the sound of their distressful and repentant cries. He will hear and respond (Isaiah 30:19). Even though there has been privation (hardship, adversity, poverty) and oppression at His allowance, He will not forever hide Himself. Their eyes will see their Teacher and their ears will hear the wonderful words behind them saying, “This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:20-21).” At that time they will defile their graven images (idols) and scatter them as an impure thing and say to them, “Be gone (Isaiah 30:22)!” Then God will bless them afresh and anew with rain for agricultural growth and prosperity (Isaiah 30:23-25). In that day the LORD will bind up the fracture of His people and heal the bruise He has inflicted in His righteous indignation to draw them back to Him for the purpose of correction. The light of the moon will be as the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days (Isaiah 30:26). *Application* God’s grace wants to extend to you wherever you are at. Even with the rebellious and depraved, God is waiting for your decision to turn and repent. He longs for you desperately!

-God’s vengeance on His enemies resumes in the final verses of the chapter (Isaiah 30:27-33). His Name comes from a remote place; He is burning with anger and indignation against the usurpers of His authority. His tongue is like a consuming fire. His breath is like an overflowing torrent to shake the nations of the world back and forth in a sieve. The LORD will cause His voice of authority to be heard, and His arm will descend to be seen in fierce anger of retribution. In the flame of a consuming fire, in cloudburst, downpour, and hailstones Assyria will be terrified when He strikes with the rod (Ezekiel 13:13; 38:22, 2 Peter 3:7, Revelation 16:21; 19:15). In battles, brandishing weapons, He will fight His enemies, and the place of human sacrifices to the false demon god Molech, Topheth, who has long been ready for judgment, will receive its just torrent of brimstone and fire. *Application* It is a terrifying thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31). Make sure you are on His side by His amazing grace. Don’t fight God. It is Christ or judgment, you choose.

 

Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 30:15, 18, 21

Kaleo Sermon Notes: RSVP Day 3

[Matthew 22:4 ESV] 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast."'

God will use you and "other servants" to bring invitation to the Kingdom. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you are alone in the battle for souls (for more on that read 1 Kings 19:14-18). God has His servants in every place to do His work faithfully. You are never alone or outnumbered as a believer.

The word AGAIN is important here in the text. God pursues us, even the insiders who don't at first get it, with a passion and purpose over and over and over again. He doesn't give up; He chases hard after us with His offer of love and salvation.

He has prepared everything in His awesome strength and ability. Everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast!

*Life Point* God has made a way over and over AGAIN, everything is ready, you are invited to partake in His Kingdom, and you are not alone.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 29

Isaiah 29

 

-First, a note as to the reference of Ariel. Ariel was another name for Jerusalem, a special name biblically referred to only in this passage. It has a couple of meanings that are interesting. First, the word means “lion of God,” which has Messianic implications and importance. Secondly, it is understood in terms of the “name of a chief of the returning exiles.”

(see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H740&t=NASB)

This would solidly appear to be Messianic prophecy, which Jesus ends up quoting from in Matthew 15:7-9 and Mark 7:6-7 during His first incarnation (Isaiah 29:13-14).

-Isaiah seems to indicate some passage of time in his Holy Spirit inspired writing. The adding of year to year and observation of scheduled feasts demonstrate for us that time will elapse and traditions will build upon one another through the ages (Isaiah 29:1). There will be many arduous times in this city with lamenting and mourning, beseigements and battles, and conquering Gentiles as the people of God are brought very low for a long period of time (Isaiah 29:2-4). This, we know from history and other biblical accounts, has certainly transpired. But, there will come a day when the reckoning of God will occur, and His enemies will become like fine dust, blown away instantly and suddenly. The LORD of hosts will punish with thunder and earthquake and loud noise. With whirlwind and tempest and a flame of consuming fire He will vindicate all that has gone wrong in humanity and in particular those who wage war against Ariel (Jerusalem) to distress her. The evil of nations will never be satisfied and their thirst never quenched as their dream and lust for power and authority is denied by the Almighty (Isaiah 29:5-8). *Application* The end of the world will come in twinkling of the eye. It will happen so fast that there will be no time for contemplation or deliberation. This is why Jesus simply warned us to vigilantly be “alert” and “ready” for His return (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21).

-While the Jewish traditionalists will never get it, Isaiah distinctly points out the blindness and stupor of those who do not have a heart for the true God. Their vision is sealed and they cannot receive the true revelation “because this people draw near with their words and honor Me (the LORD) with their lip service, but they remove their hearts from Me (the LORD), and their reverence for Me (the LORD) consists of tradition learned by rote (repetition, habit, memorization, routine, Isaiah 29:13).” However, in spite of this neglect and lack of zeal for their King, God will keep His covenant in this future time with a marvelous dealing with this people. He (the Messiah) will visit them in a wonderfully marvelous way (humility) and the “wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed (Isaiah 29:14, 1 Corinthians 2-4).” Isaiah finishes up this expose on the waywardness of the religious hypocrites with the fact that all of their hidden secrets and deeds are visible by the LORD’s knowledge who sees and knows all. Therefore, they are commanded to “turn things around!” as His chosen people. The clay is not equal to the Potter. God has the ultimate understanding and will execute His righteous justice (Isaiah 29:9-16). *Application* Come clean with God. He knows the true you. Don’t go through the motions of religious ceremony and traditional rites and rituals without passion for the One who saves. He is alive and personal, and He wants your whole being to fall deeply in love with Him. Anything less amounts to unfaithful idolatry.

-The LORD promises blessing after discipline in the remaining verses here. This appears to be in the context of Christ’s eschatological rule in a world far different than what we are experiencing today. There will be no more criticizing, violence, or gloom. The new world will be characterized by sight, gladness, joy, understanding, justice, truth, guiltlessness, and sanctification with eternal awe, support, and praise to the LORD. *Application* Oh what a world we can look forward to in God’s Kingdom. Hold on Christian believer, good times are on the way!

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 29:13

Kaleo Sermon Notes- RSVP Day 2

[Matthew 22:3 ESV] 3 and (the king in the parable, God in the spiritual sense) sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.

The invitation of God is clear in Scripture:

[1Ti 2:3-4 ESV] 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

[John 3:16 ESV] 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Notice here in the Matthew 22:3 text, the sending agent. The sending agents are His servants, that's you and me who are already in the family of God. We are to live "sent" lives in pursuit of calling people to the wedding feast of the Kingdom of God. Is it your responsibility to save people? Of course not! Perceive from the Scripture here that many "would not come." Our job is to basically present the facts about the love of God and let His Spirit do the convicting and convincing. We are simply bearers of the "good news" of salvation. God is the One who does the saving. That takes the pressure off of us and should give us more courage to "invest" and "invite" our neighbors to Christ and His Kingdom!

*Life Point* We who have believed in Christ Jesus are sent servants proclaiming His good news.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 28

Isaiah 28

 

-Ephraim, or in other words the Northern Kingdom, has captivity predicted by Isaiah at the Word of the LORD. They are like drunkards wearing a crown of pride, but their glory is fading quickly as the LORD is sending His strong and mighty agent as a tempest of destruction (Isaiah 28:1-4). “In that day,” the day of future restoration, the LORD of hosts will become a beautiful crown of glory to His remnant people, and a Spirit of justice and strength will preside giving God’s people power to repel the onslaught at the gate. The priest and the prophet who are drunk on their worldly power will reel, stagger, totter, and be confused in their deception. Their tables are full of “filthy vomit” without a single clean place (Isaiah 28:5-8). They are detestable in the LORD’s sight. God says, “Order on order, line on line, a little here, a little there.” Ephraim wanted to have rest for their weariness apart from looking to the LORD. God says that since they would not come to Him, He would give them the Assyrians as conquerors because of their haughty, high-minded, selfish attitudes of mockery. They treated the prophet Isaiah like a disrespected school teacher. Their minds were made up and they weren’t changing. Therefore, God will turn them over to going away into captivity, stumbling backward, unrelenting brokenness, becoming ensnared (Isaiah 28:9-13). *Application* Here is a matter of influence. Who influences your daily decisions? Are you doing things in your own power looking to the influencers of the world like a drunkard? Or, are you turning your focus to Christ and His Word for peace, rest, and success? God’s ways are not hard when we learn to submit to His authority and wisdom and learn from His ultimate precepts (Psalms 19:8; 119).  

-Judah is also warned in this passage. The rulers of the people in Jerusalem are called scoffers. They have made a covenant with death and a pact with Sheol (the underworld, hell). They falsely assumed the overwhelming scourge of foreign invasion would pass by them. They made falsehood their refuge and concealed themselves with deception (Isaiah 28:14-15). Because of their waywardness and in spite of their unfaithfulness God pronounces a Messianic claim in verse sixteen, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in It will not be disturbed.” The LORD “will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level; then the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies and the waters will overflow the secret place (Isaiah 28:17).” The covenant of death will be canceled by the Messiah and the pact of Sheol will not stand. The LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim and Gibeon (Where God fought for David and Joshua, 2 Samuel 5:20, Joshua 10:1-14). He promises to do His task, His unusual task to work His work as only He can. It is an extraordinary work (Isaiah 28:18-21). There can be no mistaking that this is the work of the sacrificial atonement by the cross of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. Because the Lord is the Redeemer, His people are commanded not to carry on as scoffers. If they do there will be the consequence of their fetters being made stronger. His decisive destruction on all the earth has been made known to the true prophet, which calls for repentance and faith (Isaiah 28:22). The last part of the chapter reflects in poetic prose the need to listen to God’s wisdom for healing and proper instruction for the purpose of wisdom. God, while He expects pain in the offering, will not continue to thresh the humble forever. He will eventually make the weak strong. “This comes from the LORD of hosts, who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great (Isaiah 28:23-29).” *Application* There is amazing power in our weakness before God. If He will use His own Son as an example of suffering and weakness for the greater Kingdom purposes, why would we expect anything different? This is simply the way of God (1 Peter 1:6; 2:4-10; 4:12-14). God wants to instruct and teach you properly (Isaiah 28:26). Go through all that the LORD asks of you in humble submission to His plans and purposes. He will lift you up too in the end. Seek perseverance and steadfastness!

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 28:16