The Conversation

JANUARY 2023: 9am Sundays. We dig deep with an open spirit into questions of faith and life. Use the Sunday worship zoom link (website front page) or join us (with mask) in-person, in the library.

Slow Read:

Isaiah 6, Isaiah 40

What’s God up to in our lives, and what does Jesus have to do with it? In answering these questions, the New Testament writers constantly referred to the prophet Isaiah.

A primary theme of Isaiah fits well the New Year: an end followed by a new beginning; judgment by promise; from exile to homecoming. We’ll focus on two key chapters: Isaiah 6 (ending) and Isaiah 40 (new beginning) and seek hope for our own lives.

Other themes (with texts) we’ll touch on or explore: prophecy, meaning of “God’s word,” justice for the vulnerable, disturbing passages about punishment, images for and presence of God, Zion, the Messiah, the Servant, the word “gospel.”

Images of valleys and mountains are prominent in Isaiah – especially Mount Zion, location of Jerusalem. This painting depicts Glacier Park in Montana, and is by Albert Bierstadt.

Tentative Schedule:

Jan 8 – Chapter 5 “parable of the vineyard” – why the judgment? What will happen?
Jan 15 – Chapter 6 Isaiah’s vision in the temple and his call to proclaim judgment.
Jan 22 – Chapter 40:1-9 God commissions a message of comfort.
Jan 29 – Chapter 40:10-31 Who is this God?
February 5 – Ch. 41:1-13 How God will save: Messiah and Servant

February 12: Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Servant; February 19: Isaiah 60

In the library and on zoom (use “worship” link on front page of website).

Previous Conversations

March 26, 2023

The Conversation

Slow Read:

Isaiah 6, Isaiah 40

Images of valleys and mountains are prominent in Isaiah – especially Mount Zion, location of Jerusalem. This painting depicts Glacier Park in Montana, and is by Albert Bierstadt.

Tentative Schedule:

Previous Conversations

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The Conversation: Isaiah

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