Isaiah, based on his vocabulary (among other things), was a well learned Bible Prophet. This reminds one of the erudite Moses as well! (Definition: “having or showing great knowledge or learning,” from the Latin “erudire” meaning “to instruct or train.”)

Isaiah was a married man with one Wife and two sons, all mentioned in his Book, his Writing. He lovingly calls her “the prophetess!” (Isaiah 8:3 … “And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.” By the way, this is the longest name in the Old Testament!)

He is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, numerous times. But even in the Old Testament Book of Chronicles! “Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.” And this is just one example, 2 Chronicles 26:22.

Isaiah’s Ministry centered largely on the Kingdom of Judah, the Monarchy, he being (in the truest sense of the word) a “court” Preacher. He knew King after King personally! He associated with Royalty!

Isaiah (best I can calculate) is quoted more in the New Testament than any other single Old Testament Prophet! Quite an honor! John, Paul, Matthew, Luke and Jesus … all use this great man’s Material, either verbalizing him directly or (at least) mentioning him by name.

Speaking of his name, Isaiah … it’s a blend of two short Hebrew words (“yasha” and “Jah”) … meaning “Jehovah saves!” In my honest opinion, “Jesus saves!”

Wow!

And Isaiah enjoyed a long, singularly blessed ministry! Under the reigns of four (4) Kings of Judah! See the first verse Isaiah ever wrote, introducing his Book: “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Yes, this is Isaiah 1:1.

If ancient Jewish history is right, Isaiah died for his faith, too! He being the unnamed martyr mentioned in Hebrews 11: 37. “They were stoned, they were SAWN ASUNDER, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.” Isaiah was “sawn asunder” (cut in half, into two pieces) by wicked King Manasseh!

He died a victor, then!

One reputable Bible teacher often called Isaiah (the Book, the whole Prophecy) … the “Romans” of the Old Testament! 

Although the authorship of this great Book is currently under dispute … hence the false Dutero-Isaiah and Trito-Isaiah theories (terms just meaning two different “Isaiahs” and nowadays three different “Isaiahs”) … godly, fundamental Church men for hundreds of years have accepted this one man as a valid, literal character of history! And the only (under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit) author of the Book bearing his name!

Lastly, the Book divides itself into two “halves.” Two “sections” I had better say. Because they are not completely equal in volume. Chapters 1-39 basically focus on judgment! While Isaiah chapters 40-66 basically concentrate on hope, on good news!

As has been taught by thousands … this reflects the two division of the whole Bible. The Old Testament (Books 1-39, Genesis through Malachi) have a general theme of judgment! While the New Testament (Books 40-66, Matthew through Revelation) have a general theme of Hope, Good News, of JESUS and salvation!

Wow!

One well-known Preacher aptly labels Isaiah chapters 1-39 … condemnation! Then he calls Isaiah chapters 40-66 … consolation!

Yes, Isaiah is an evangelist!

Now, if we can master these few facts about this great man of God … our upcoming chapter by chapter survey will be more meaningful. If you possibly can, read this Lesson another time or two.

Knowing the man (always) helps in knowing his message!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Isaiah the Prophet has long been one of my “heroes!”

As is, of course, the Apostle Paul.

They both knew and loved Jesus so well. Yes, I really do mean Isaiah too, but through the means of Bible Prophecy!

So … the Lord willing … we are going to study the great Book this giant left us … “Isaiah, son of Amoz.”

My plan, which is always subject to change, to the specific leadings of the Holy Spirit … is to look at Isaiah, the Major Prophet’s Corpus, chapter by chapter.

So we are now beginning at least a 66 day/66 lesson journey … a trip which promises to be both informative and inspirational.

I keep calling Isaiah a Prophet, and indeed he is. But is also (at least in my eyes) an Evangelist! Constantly pointing folks to trust a coming Redeemer! 

He says as much about Jesus, perhaps more, than any other Old Testament writer. And to present Jesus is tantamount to presenting Salvation!

Amos was at home in the country.

Jeremiah was most comfortable all alone!

Hosea, when at home with his family (if his wife Gomer was there, anyway).

But ISAIAH … was most in his element when in the royal place, preaching to the Kings of Judah!

He was a “court preacher” indeed!

Well, tomorrow morning, the Lord willing … Isaiah chapter 1.

Wow, am I excited!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Thanksgiving is one of the few American holidays remaining that give at least a semblance of acknowledging Almighty God. Our Provider and Sustainer.

The first Thanksgiving in America was observed in 1621, best I can tell. It was a Pilgrim thing. Then much later in 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed that day one of National gratitude. President Roosevelt still later in 1941 declared the Holiday to be observed on the fourth Thursday in November.

It’s been a Custom ever since. (How much longer, no one knows!)

But today I’d like to show you a verse of Scripture that says, for us Christians, thanksgiving is more than a just once-a-year holiday. More than just an annual festivity.

Paul wrote it long ago: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I was in a couple of bookstores earlier this week. And in both locations I saw books (not just single titles) on the “Will of God.” I mean God’s “best” for each of our lives! God’s ideal “desire” or plan” for us.

That’s a noble topic, indeed.

But my verse today gives us one facet of God’s Will for our lives that is stable, never-changing, and equally applicable to every man, woman, boy and girl!

“This IS the Will of God” … in Christ Jesus, Paul wrote.

And what might that be?

The Giving of Thanks!

Tell us again, Paul: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

See that verb?

“Give thanks.”

It is spelled “eucharisteo” in Greek, literally the English word “eucharist.”

It technically means “good Grace!”

(I’d say if we ever see truly the magnitude of the Good Grace of God … we would give thanks forevermore! Or if we ever experience that Good Grace!)

But this is what I am trying to say.

This verb (“give thanks” or “eucharisteo”) is written in the imperative mood!

That means we are being COMMANDED, ORDERED, MANDATED to give thanks to God!

Maybe even to each other, when appropriate!

Bottom line, the heart of today’s Lesson … thanksgiving for you and me is more (much more) than just going along with a national custom. Or observing a Holiday. Or eating a lavish meal, for those blessed enough do enjoy such.

It is a DUTY before God.

It is a part of our fulfilling God’s Will for our lives!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

We are under constraint to give thanks every day!

What did Paul say, tell me again?

“IN EVERY THING” … give  thanks!

Technically he did not say “for” everything.

But “in” everything.

There may be a shade of difference there.

 

No Lesson yet … just keep reading to know why.

I’ve been preaching on Jesus all week! (Various Texts, approached in an expository manner, verse by verse.) Here is Brother Bud Stiltner reading the “Jesus Booklet” to us all. A total of 106 Verses … all about our Darling Saviour!

***

It’s an early preaching morning and I am preparing for the Message.

For that reason, I’ll write our Bible Study later today. At least, that’s my plan.

If not, tomorrow morning I’ll announce the new Series.

The Lord willing.

Today after the Morning (Camp Meeting, Jubilee) Service we will drive home.

Then I’ll preach at Faith Baptist Camp (Moderator Brother Sammy Allen) a time or two after Thanskgiving. Then Saturday we drive to North Carolina for another Meeting.

Our “Calendar Page” here on the Website will give you the details.

Pray for us please.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

If I have counted correctly, a total of 203 Galatians Lessons have been written and posted here for your Bible study pleasure (and profit). I have not included, of course, the travel days when writing a lesson was impossible, due to time restraints. (Nor do I any longer write a Lesson on Sunday Mornings. Already Preaching two or three times on the Lord’s Day is enough, in all likelihood!)

The first of these Lessons was written March 26, 2018 … according to my records. This is the longest chain of studies I have ever attempted on-line.

In one way I am thankful it is over. So we can go further in our daily Bible Lessons. So much “Law versus Grace!” So much contention, so much of Paul having to defend blatant Truth!

In another way, I am sad! Galatians has become one of my favorite Books of the New Testament! I plan to preach from its rich Pages soon, in a Revival Meeting! I mean every single Sermon for that week … taken from a amazing chapter in Galatians! The Lord willing, anyway. Including what was the “hardest” chapter to me, number 4. Including what was the most delightful, practical chapter to me, number 6. And including what was the most informative chapter to me, in regards to Paul’s life story, chapter 1.

Wow!

I am also currently preaching through another Book of the Bible, that of the Old Testament Prophet Hosea. And I mean verse by verse! These Sermons are being recorded, so far 10 chapters (of 14 chapters) have been covered, and mailed to our financial supporters … month by month. I told you that, rather private information in a way, to tell you this … I love that method of Bible Study! What was called in Isaiah’s great prophecy … “line upon line, precept upon precept!” And I plan to do some more, either via the pen or via the microphone, as the Lord gives me heath and strength to study and declare His precious Word.

Well, there are  my concluding remarks on the pivotal Book of Galatians.

Some have called it a “miniature” Romans, just appearing a little later in the New Testament! And it does discuss and emphasize many of the same issues, the same truths, that the larger (Romans) Book does.

So I shall begin praying and seeking God’s Will for our next Study here on the Website, the “Blog” I think they now call them.

Join me please in seeking such Wisdom from our Lord.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell