Everyone wants to belong—to become part of a circle of friends or a group where they will be accepted, valued and loved. But often the price of admittance is costly and one’s ongoing status is fragile. So what does the Word offer to those who feel like they do not belong or think they will not become anyone of value? 

A lecture from WSC's new Associate Professor of New Testament, Dr. Bradley J. Bitner

It is one thing to hear that the Word is eternality itself and is the fountain of life and is the light of the World. It is another thing altogether to acknowledge it—which is what most people are unwilling to do. 

The Lord’s oath-bound deliverance of Israel and the world is surely coming.

Fear drives us to find security in the idols we make instead of the God who has made us, chosen us and redeemed us.  Isaiah 44 justifies trust in the God of Israel and displays the foolishness of trusting idols. 

The prologue of John states that the Word “was life, and the life was the light of men.” He gives what he is. For those who live in a world of darkness what truth could offer more hope than this? He who is “the light of life” intrudes himself upon the deepest shadows to bring a redemption no one else can.

In this episode, Office Hours talks to the newest faculty member at Westminster Seminary California, Dr. A. Craig Troxel. Dr. Troxel joins the faculty as Professor of Practical Theology.

God encourages his exiled people by assuring them of his presence through trials, reminding them of their value to him, and promising to re-gather them.

Like Cyrus, which this text anticipates, the “Servant of the Lord” (in which he is announced in this passage) will bring forth Justice when he comes.  But what kind of justice is anticipated?

The Lord called into existence the things that do not exist, demonstrating his sovereign power through a simple, creative word. Christ’s ministry is nothing less than this. The outpouring of his divine authority is evident in what he accomplished and has promised for his new creation.  

Isaiah 40 not only contains God's call to comfort his people but also addresses the concerns of the people and the prophet in light of God's judgment.