Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

  To get the most from this week's SS Notes shown below, I would suggest you read the Introduction which is Robert Frost's poem,  The Road Not Taken.  Then skip to the end of the Notes (For Further Reflection) and read the excerpt taken from the book,  The Wisdom of the Crowds  by James Surowiecki. With those thoughts and questions in mind, review the Notes on Isaiah 7 and 8.  Ask yourself what lessons can be learned from how the King of Judah led his people to a near-spiritual ruin. In that context, how significant is the name, Immanuel? There is much to consider. The Hard Way &  “The Wisdom of the Crowds”   Diversions Ahead:  Be Careful but Be Not Afraid   Isaiah 7:14-8:22   The American Poet, Robert Frost, wrote one of my favorite poems entitled,  The Road Not Taken.  Note how Frost describes life’s journey.   Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in

At War with the Real God A Leadership in Crisis   Larry Evans There is a saying that "all politics is local." The phrase was coined by U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil.  The idea was that a politician's success is directly related to his ability to understand and influence the issues of his constituents. When it comes to understanding the call of Isaiah, however, it becomes clear that his power of influence begins by first understanding who God is and why He has called Isaiah to ministry. Our class study will explore Isaiah's calling found in Isaiah 6. Here are some questions we will pursue:   Reflective Questions   1.       True or False?  Spiritual leadership is the ability of a leader to get individuals to accomplish what he or she believes is important.  2.      True or False?  God’s blessings can become a curse. 3.      True or False?  Experiencing the holiness of God can be a fearful experience? 4.      True or False?  Isaiah cried out “Woe is me”, becau