The Word

  The Valley The world tends to punch us when we’re down. Outside of our control, we may have enemies, especially due to the Cross and the truth found in Scripture. This morning let’s consider David and how he was called – anointed- and found himself often at odds with his environment. We are called to obey Christ, we are called to spread the Truth in love, we are called to care for our fellow man, and we are called to view heaven as the end game, not this world – all things that will put us at odds with the world.   As we recall, Jesus stated in Matthew 10:  “… and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ”   And in John 15, speaking of how the world will view His disciples:   “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.   19  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That ...

Isaiah 9-12  Immanuel, Judgement, and Immanuel’s Rule  Chapter 9, Immanuel V1-7  I. V1, 2 – V1 The Hebrew Bible has 9:1 as 8:23; but remember there were  no such divisions in the ancient manuscripts. Zebulun and Naphtali had land north of Mount Caramel and west of the Sea of Galilee. Galilee of  the Gentiles had a mixed population according to Shackleford (132). This  is also the territory of Nazareth. God has held them in contempt, but glory is coming. V2 “walk” or “walk” and “dwelt” or “live” is in the same perfect tense in the Hebrew indicating the action was certain. John in  Chapter 1:9 states,” the true Light which, coming into the world,  enlightens every man” and then verse 12, “I am the Light of the world…”  II. V3 – The result of that light? Increased joy and rejoicing! III. V4,5 – Two historical references here, Egyptian bondage and then the  defeat of Midian (Judges 6-8).  IV. V6 – The declaration – In the...

  Deuteronomy Chapter 12: Overview : Moses outlines instructions for worship and the proper handling of offerings in the Promised Land. Verses 1-7 : The Israelites are to destroy all places where the nations worship their gods and bring offerings and sacrifices to the place that the Lord chooses. Verses 8-14 : They must no longer do as they do today, everyone as he sees fit, but are to follow specific guidelines for sacrifices, which are to be offered at the specified place. Verses 15-18 : While they can slaughter and eat meat within their towns, they are not to consume blood and must ensure ceremonial offerings are brought to the designated place. Verses 19-28 : Detailed instructions on offerings, tithes, and the importance of avoiding idolatrous practices. Repeated emphasis on doing what is right in the Lord’s eyes. Verses 29-32 : A warning to avoid adopting the detestable practices of other nations and to strictly follow God’s commands without adding or taking away from them. De...