"Big Man—Big Message"
As we begin a new year, we are also walking into our second year of Reading Through the Bible here at Mount Olive. I pray that you have been blessed thus far as you have walked through the pages of the Old Testament, filled with proclamation, prophecy and promise. If you had stopped reading, or have yet to begin, I invite you to begin anew in 2012 and join us on the journey which will lead to Christ, the fulfillment of all Scripture.
And with our new year we will also begin a new book in January, a very influential Bible book written by a big man (well-known) with a big message—Isaiah. The theme of this book is expressed in the meaning of the name Isaiah: "the Lord saves" or "the Lord is Savior."
As a prophet, poet and politician, Isaiah was a giant in his day, respected in royal
circles despite his unpopular message. Known for his beautiful images and profound insights into the nature of God (who Isaiah calls "The Holy One of Israel"), the prophet Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than all other prophets combined.
The book of Isaiah contains more prophecies about the Messiah than any other book in the Old Testament. Salvation is revealed so comprehensively in Isaiah’s writings that Augustine (5th century theologian and philosopher) called the book the "Fifth Gospel." Others have referred to it as "the Bible in miniature" because it contains sixty-six chapters (the Bible has sixty-six books).
Whatever you call it, the message of Isaiah is clear—our awesome and almighty God is both judging (law) and redeeming (gospel) the whole world.
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5)
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned...For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:2, 6)
There are study guides available each week to assist you in your reading—they are available in the Welcome area. There are also several groups which meet weekly to go through the week’s readings. New members are always welcome. See page 7 or the bulletin for groups and when they meet.
May you be blessed as you walk into this new year. May you be blessed as you walk through the pages of Isaiah. May its message and promises empower you.
Pastor Jon
Mount Olive’s "Read Through The Bible" continues! Join us in the Coffee Shop on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. We will review the discussion questions each week and meet until 9:30 AM. The Elders will be facilitating this study.
Read Through the Bible Discussion Groups. A discussion group opportunity is offered weekly on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the Meeting Room. John and Ellen McKee facilitate this group. We will always discuss the previous week’s reading schedule.
The Wednesday Morning Men’s Bible Study meets at 6:00 AM in the coffee shop where they are also studying "Read through the Bible." Contact Jeff Paschke at 763.427.5539 for more information.
Various HOME Groups are also studying "Read through the Bible" as they meet. Email randy@mtolive-anoka.org for more information on these groups.
If you choose to use your own Bible, the reading schedule for each month are listed below.
Read through the Bible in Two Years Schedule and Discussion Questions:
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