December 13/14, 2017 December 13/14, 2017 Pastor Jeff Hesse Pastor Jeff Hesse

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness... (Isaiah 61:10a) His righteousness... (Isaiah 61:10a)

Welcome / Opening Prayer Welcome / Opening Prayer Opening Conversation: What is a “prophet”? Who was Isaiah? Opening Conversation: What is a “prophet”? Who was Isaiah?  Isaiah means “The LORD saves.” “Major” prophet of OT (along  Isaiah means “The LORD saves.” “Major” prophet of OT (along with Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel). with Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel)  Theology / unveiling of God’s plan: The Book of Isaiah (“mini”  Theology / unveiling of God’s plan: The Book of Isaiah (“mini” Bible – 39 + 27 chapters) … an un-veiling of the fullness of God’s Bible – 39 + 27 chapters) … an un-veiling of the fullness of God’s judgment and salvation in the advent (comings of the Messiah). judgment and salvation in the advent (comings of the Messiah).  Political/societal context: The time of the kings and  Political/societal context: The time of the kings and unfaithfulness… the coming of Assyria and Babylon… and the unfaithfulness… the coming of Assyria and Babylon… and the coming of the King of Creation. Isaiah likely sawed in half. coming of the King of Creation. Isaiah likely sawed in half.

Bible Study: Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading”) Bible Study: Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading”) Step #1: Read Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11. Quietly reflect on the text. Step #1: Read Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11. Quietly reflect on the text. Step #2: Re-Read Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11. What does God say about Step #2: Re-Read Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11. What does God say about Himself, His Kingdom? What does God promise? **Table Talk** Himself, His Kingdom? What does God promise? **Table Talk** Step #3: Read Luke 4:14-21. Reflect. What did Jesus not quote? Step #3: Read Luke 4:14-21. Reflect. What did Jesus not quote? Step #4: Re-read Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11- What might God be saying to Step #4: Re-read Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11- What might God be saying to you as a member of His Kingdom right now? **Group Discussion** you as a member of His Kingdom right now? **Group Discussion**

Read John 1:6-8, & 19-28 Read John 1:6-8, & 19-28 i. Who was John “the Baptist”? What did he do? i. Who was John “the Baptist”? What did he do? ii. What are some of the similarities between Isaiah and John (over ii. What are some of the similarities between Isaiah and John (over 770 years apart)? What about the planned actions of God? 770 years apart)? What about the planned actions of God?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 i. What commands does Paul give as an apostle of Christ? i. What commands does Paul give as an apostle of Christ? ii. What blessing does Paul give? ii. What blessing does Paul give? iii. What encouragement does Paul give you? iii. What encouragement does Paul give you? iv. How does this impact you as you live your life in God’s Kingdom? iv. How does this impact you as you live your life in God’s Kingdom?

Final Thoughts, Questions & Closing Prayer Final Thoughts, Questions & Closing Prayer