Isaiah 17-19; Psalm 62; 1 Corinthians 1
Isaiah 17-19
In these chapters, Isaiah emphasizes that God controls all nations and events. One of the recurring themes in Isaiah is the eventual repentance and restoration of Israel: "In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 17:7). This reflects the central message of the book: although God will discipline His people, a remnant will return to Him, and Israel will be restored.
Isaiah also underscores God's sovereignty over the affairs of all nations. He controls civil wars: "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians—brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom" (Isaiah 19:2). He controls the delusions of kings: "The Lord has poured into them a spirit of dizziness; they make Egypt stagger in all that she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit" (Isaiah 19:14).
Ultimately, God's purpose is not only the salvation of Israel but also the nations: "In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth" (Isaiah 19:24).
More detailed in the sermon: Salvation is the Main Theme of History https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKfQlTtLWl8&list=PLIFIkcuQvvn8PC6pJxM45LC6ARE4GLDV5&index=14
Psalm 62
David teaches the importance of finding rest and peace in God. He had experienced this personally and encouraged the people to trust in God at all times: "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 61:8-9).
1 Corinthians 1
Paul begins addressing the divisions in the Corinthian church by reminding them of the essence of the gospel. Conflicts among Christians often arise from a misunderstanding of the message of Christ. Christianity is built on recognizing one's weakness and relying on Christ's strength and sufficiency: "so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:29-30).
Paul points out that the message of the cross contrasts the world's wisdom and power. Instead of boasting about human leaders or abilities, believers are called to boast only in the Lord, recognizing that their salvation and transformation come entirely from Him.
In these chapters, Isaiah emphasizes that God controls all nations and events. One of the recurring themes in Isaiah is the eventual repentance and restoration of Israel: "In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 17:7). This reflects the central message of the book: although God will discipline His people, a remnant will return to Him, and Israel will be restored.
Isaiah also underscores God's sovereignty over the affairs of all nations. He controls civil wars: "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians—brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom" (Isaiah 19:2). He controls the delusions of kings: "The Lord has poured into them a spirit of dizziness; they make Egypt stagger in all that she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit" (Isaiah 19:14).
Ultimately, God's purpose is not only the salvation of Israel but also the nations: "In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth" (Isaiah 19:24).
More detailed in the sermon: Salvation is the Main Theme of History https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKfQlTtLWl8&list=PLIFIkcuQvvn8PC6pJxM45LC6ARE4GLDV5&index=14
Psalm 62
David teaches the importance of finding rest and peace in God. He had experienced this personally and encouraged the people to trust in God at all times: "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 61:8-9).
1 Corinthians 1
Paul begins addressing the divisions in the Corinthian church by reminding them of the essence of the gospel. Conflicts among Christians often arise from a misunderstanding of the message of Christ. Christianity is built on recognizing one's weakness and relying on Christ's strength and sufficiency: "so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:29-30).
Paul points out that the message of the cross contrasts the world's wisdom and power. Instead of boasting about human leaders or abilities, believers are called to boast only in the Lord, recognizing that their salvation and transformation come entirely from Him.
Posted in Reading Bible Together