Week 6, Introduction (06/25/07 - 06/29/07)

We've been looking into the Scripture now for the past six weeks. These Women of Faith walked through their lives with a "story to tell to the nations." Their heritage, hope, and healing came from a merciful, holy, and loving God. Each woman had her own set of difficult circumstances. Yet over and over again God brought about a miracle birth and child of promise. God has a plan, and His plan will be carried out. With this thought in mind, let's explore our final lesson in this series, From Barrenness to Blessedness. Please stay with me in our study this week. I'm convinced the LORD will bless you as we explore Israel, the Church, and the Bride of Christ.

Week 6, Day 1

A BRIEF HISTORY:
In Genesis 32:28, we see that Jacob was given a new name by God. That name was Israel. In Genesis 35:10-12, God again confirmed Jacob's name as Israel and told him that a great nation would come from him. To this nation of 12 tribes, God would give a special land for them and their descendants.

In Exodus 4:22 God said, "Israel is My son, My firstborn." Later, God delivered Israel into the promised land. With Joshua in charge, God gave Israel, His chosen people, the Book of the Law which contained all the commands they were to follow. They were to meditate on it day and night. If they would do this, then their way would prosper, and they would have success. The people followed Joshua and agreed to obey the law. (Joshua 1:1-18)

Eventually Israel fell into a cycle of giving in to sin, suffering the consequences, repenting and following God, experiencing His deliverance, then falling into sin again. This happened over and over (see the book of Judges). Their sin eventually led to a condition of barrenness in the hearts and homes of the nation of Israel. Captivity and distance from God finally brought about a change of heart.

Isaiah 54

1. Read Isaiah 54:1-3, 62:1-5, and Galatians 4:21-31. Who do you think the "barren woman" is?

2. Read Isaiah 54:4-10, Jeremiah 31:18-20, and Ezekiel 16:59-63. Who do these passages refer to?

3. From Isaiah 54:5 list all the names for the "husband" or God. (Psa. 95:6-7, 149:1-2) You may want to write your thoughts as you meditate on this passage.

4. In verse 5, Redeemer is given as a name for God. Read Isaiah 1:4 and 41:14 and explain why a redeemer is necessary.

5. In Isaiah 54:9-10, God gave a promise to the Bride, Israel. What is it? (Psa. 46:1-3, 102:18-28; Jer. 33:17-22)

(Heb. 5:6-10, 6:19-20, 7:11-25)

The barrenness of Israel was complete. They had turned their backs on the Holy One of Israel. The Old Covenant of the Law condemned them. They rejected its commands and ended up in exile and barrenness. The Redeemer, however, has compassion on the barren and does not hold sin against them forever. The future of Israel will be fruitful. The kindness and mercy of the Husband, Maker, and God of the earth will bring His promises to fulfillment.

LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

1. God keeps His promises and is filled with compassion. How expectant are you in the promises God has given you?

2. God is the restorer of the barren one. How has God restored you out of your barrenness this week? Have you shouted for joy in this blessing?

3. God's covenant of peace will not be shaken. (Isa. 54:10) Do you have peace with God? What can you do today to experience His peace?

Week 6, Day 2

"The Church"
Isaiah 54:11-17, 55:1-13

1. Read Isaiah 54:11-17 and describe the loveliness of this new city. (Heb. 12:18-24; Rev. 21:1-27)

2. In Hebrews 12:23, what is meant by the "church of the firstborn"? Who are they, and how does this tie into Israel as the firstborn from the Old Testament passages?

3. Read Isaiah 55:1-13. Ask God to show you who Isaiah was writing to. (key verses: 3, 4, 13b)(Jer. 29:10-14)

LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

1. The new Jerusalem is real and will be established one day! Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Jerusalem and Christ's return?

2. The Church of the firstborn is the Church of the New Covenant, which was established by Jesus to the glory of God. Those who believe in Jesus are God's children. Write a prayer praising God that you are His child.

3. God's firstborn, Israel, is promised everlasting blessings (along with those who believe in Jesus). Do you know a person who needs to be introduced to Jesus? Pray about your witness to that person, and then just do it!

Week 6, Day 3

Isaiah 56

1. Yesterday we saw the word "church" associated with firstborn. Read Isaiah 56:1-12 and prayerfully note what is said about the people listed below. (I have used the New American Standard Version.)
v. 3 - FOREIGNER
v. 4 - EUNUCH
v. 6 - FOREIGNERS
v. 7 - PEOPLES/THOSE
v. 8 - OTHERS

2. Look at Isaiah 56:8 and explore the meaning of the two groups "who will be gathered" by comparing the following passages: Isaiah 11:11-12, 60:3-11, 66:19-22; John 10:16.

3. How does this fit with the New Testament passages of Revelation 7:9-10 and 19:1-6?

LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

1. God has called people from all nations to be part of the New Covenant. Who do you know that needs to hear the message of the gospel today?

2. When did you accept the call of God on your life?

3. Where does God have you today as a witness of Himself to the nations?

Week 6, Day 4

Church and the Bride

1. Read Joel 2:1-28 and write your thoughts regarding the Day of the LORD. (vv.1-11)

2. Read Joel 2:28-29 and explain what is meant by, "I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind." (see Acts 2:1-4, 10:23-48)

3. Look up 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 and Galatians 3:23-29. From these passages, describe who is included in the body of believers.

4. Whom do we belong to as stated in Galatians 3:29? Whose offspring, heirs according to promise, do we become?

5. How is this accomplished according to the following verses?
-Romans 4:13
-Galatians 3:18
-Galatians 4:21-31 (Rom. 9:6-8)
-Romans 10:6-13

6. If we are heirs of the same promise of Abraham, how did we arrive at this place? Was it by law or grace? Use all the passages you have studied today to answer this.

LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

1. Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are heirs with Christ and in the same spiritual family as Abraham. In what way are you rejoicing over your joyful heritage in Christ?

2. How does your life reflect the great joy of your salvation?

Week 6, Day 5

The Bride and the Bridegroom

This week we examined passages in Revelation where the bondservant of the Lord gave praise to God and where the bride, the wife of the Lamb, was described. These passages are very important; however, they must be studied in great detail for a fuller understanding of their significance. We would also need to do word studies to begin to understand the depth of meaning of such profound words and wonders.

1. Read 1 Peter 2:1-12. Who is the living stone, and who are the living stones?

2. In Acts 26:15-18, Paul told King Agrippa about his call. What was it, and who was it for?

What do you learn from this?

3. Read Revelation 19:7-10 and 21:1-9. Describe in your own words who the marriage of the Lamb is speaking of. Give companion passages to verify your findings.

4. Read Ephesians 5:15-21. Make a list of things you are to do as you live each day.

5. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. Under each category below, write every reference you find to Jesus, marriage, and the Church.

JESUS:

MARRIAGE:

CHURCH:

6. Summarize what you learned about the connections between Jesus, marriage, and the church.

Week 6, Conclusion

The Church is the bride. The bridegroom, who is spotless and without wrinkle, is our great and glorious Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ! What a beautiful picture-perfect ending this is to our series on From Barrenness to Blessedness. Christ our Savior is preparing to come to earth and establish for us, His bride, the eternal new Jerusalem. There He will reign, and we will be blessed and filled with continual praise, worship, wonder, and awe toward Him forever and ever!

Our time together has been well spent. Our fellowship is sweet when it is with members of the body, the Bride of Christ. Let us remember to always--speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with our hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. Let us be subject (accountable and available) to one another in the fear of Christ remembering to be ready and diligent because HE IS COMING AGAIN!