God had been so good to Israel but Israel and turned away from God. He was nowhere in their plans. God desired His name to proclaimed to the surrounding nations but Israel failed God and themselves.

It might not be something that we all want to talk about, but we've all been there a time or two. When the storms around us are great, our faith is put to the test, and we've got a decision to make; are we going to trust in God's plan or are we going to succumb to the fear of the storm and allow anxiety to take over? In this message, we'll learn that when Jesus is in the boat, we can sit back, put our feet up, and relax even in the midst of a storm.

To grieve the Holy Spirit is a great offense. A great example is when Saul was confronted by Samuel and made all kind of excuses but never acknowledged his failure. David, on the other hand, quickly repented and God's Spirit never left him.

Our God is a loving God and He does so much for us. Yet we have a tendency to forget His blessings and begin to drift away from Him. When we do that we grieve the Holy Spirit--we literally vex Him or cause Him pain. How can we keep from doing that? Let's talk about it.

After reminding us that the Church is the bride of Christ, Isaiah issues a challenge and some great words of encouragement. The challenge is to fulfill the Great Commission and help others get to heaven. The encouragement is that God is watching over us and is there to empower us for that ministry.

Traditions are a part of every family, both cultural and biblical. God commands us to pass on His Word through traditions from generation to generation. We have 3 types, or categories, of traditions that are part of our lives: daily, weekly and life-changing. The question is: what traditions are you passing down to the next generation and WHY?

After reminding us that the Church is the bride of Christ, Isaiah issues a challenge and some great words of encouragement. The challenge is to fulfill the Great Commission and help others get to heaven. The encouragement is that God is watching over us and is there to empower us for that ministry.

God makes numerous promises through the Prophet Isaiah. Some of them are recorded in the first 5 verses of chapter 62. Let's view a few of those promises.

God does not mince words. His word is always true even if the truth hurts. There will be a judgement and everyone will spend eternity somewhere. God not only warns us, He encourages us. He gives a message of comfort and hope.

Isaiah continues to share both the positive and the negative of future events. In chapter 60 he celebrates the fact that the light has come and not only Jews will come to the light but also the Gentiles. Zion will once again be the focal point of God's glory.

At the close of Isaiah 59 the prophet makes two great promises. He promises the Redeemer will come and the Holy Spirit would come. The Redeemer and the Spirit would be the light that would come into the world. The world would resonate with His promise. Rise and shine: the light has come.

Isaiah continues to confront the nation of Israel with unrepented sins. He reminds them that he still hears their prayers and is still able to answer but first they need to humble themselves, repent and pray. The same warning and message is going out to the church today.

What does true fasting look like? What does it mean when God speaks of the emptiness of fasting? Let's look at it.

Isaiah addressed a people that were doing religious things--even fasting--yet they were not trusting nor believing. Both are key elements in a Godly life. God is looking for a contrite heart. What is a contrite heart? A broken heart. God is still looking for broken people to use to build His church.

When Jesus walked the earth in human form, His greatest rebuke was not to the most evil people but those that were in leadership. He called them snakes or vipers. God desires all of us, but particularly leaders to not only talk the talk but to walk the walk. Let's each of us determine that we will accept our spiritual responsibilities.

Isaiah made some profound comments when he spoke of salvation not being just for the Jews. He emphasizes this point by saying the foreigner and eunuch would not be excluded from God's family.

God's Word is transforming. It can not be proclaimed, read, or heard without it accomplishing what God intends for it to accomplish. As our thinking is transformed our actions are changed and directed. Let God's word cleanse you, challenge you, and change you.

Isaiah offers us an invitation to come to the table: to come eat and drink without cost. God has an open invitation to come to him not just for physical food but every need that we have. Come to the table.