No God Like Our God. Soar Like Eagles

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No God Like Our God Today s passage from Isaiah 40 reveals several qualities of God that give us confidence in his ability to comfort, guide, and strengthen us.

1 No God Like Our God Today s passage from Isaiah 40 reveals several qualities of God that give us confidence in his ability to comfort, guide, and strengthen us. Match each quality to the verse(s) that reveal it. A. Unequaled God 1. Verse 1 B. Glorious God 2. Verse 2 C. Strengthening God 3. Verses 3, 4 D. Comforting God 4. Verse 5 E. Creator God 5. Verses 6-8 F. Forgiving God 6. Verse 25 G. Eternal God 7. Verse 26 H. Prophetic God 8. Verses Soar Like Eagles In the box below, write about a problem in your life that is weighing you down and making you weary. Then write a verse from today s text that comforts you and gives you hope in God s power to help you. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 1, God Gives Strength (Isaiah 40:1-8, 25, 26, 29-31, NIV) 2

2 Who Is My Servant? Using today s text from Isaiah 41:8-10, 17-20; 42:1-4, 9, decide whether the phrases below refer to (A) Israel as God s servant, (B) Jesus the Messiah as God s servant, or (C) both Jesus and Israel as God s servants. Write your answers in the blanks. 1. The one in whom God delights. 2. Had Abraham as an ancestor. 3. God provided water in the desert. 4. Said to be chosen by God. 5. Is reserved and soft-spoken. 6. Called from the ends of the earth. 7. Given the task of establishing justice on earth. 8. Was not rejected by God. 9. Strengthened, helped, and upheld by God. 10. Received God s Spirit. A. Israel as God s Servant B. Jesus as God s Servant C. Both A and B Praying God s Words Back to Him Take a verse from today s text (such as Isaiah 41:10) and use words and phrases from it to write a prayer. The prayer should focus on praising God for his comforting presence and asking for his help in overcoming fear. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 2, The Lord Is Our God (Isaiah 41:8-10, 17-20; 42:1-4, 9, NIV) 2

3 Prophecies About Jesus Today s texts from Isaiah and Matthew and the verses around them are full of descriptive phrases about Jesus the Messiah. Fill in the blanks, and then search the puzzle for the words in the blanks. 1. To us a is born 2. To us a is given 3. He will be called Wonderful 4. God 5. Father 6. Prince of 7. He will reign on David s and over his kingdom 8. There will be no end to the increase of his 9. A from Jesse s roots will bear fruit 10. The will rest on him 11. He ll have the Spirit of and understanding 12. The Spirit of knowledge and of the of the Lord 13. He will not by what he sees 14. With his breath he will the wicked 15. and encircle him like a belt and a sash 16. The wolf will live with the 17. The shall eat straw like the ox 18. The will be with child 19. He will his people from their sins 20. He will be called, God with us T H R O N E R G B M A L I H S S D L I H C O U R A J U W P I E P F E G V S L A Y S S I E S W I V B L H R O N E B R F S A I A T R I G T H C M I G E V J S S N I F E P E H T W N O U E D P E A C E F N O C L C H G N O I M E A Y A F E U Y O D U I M T N S A T T R F L S U N X G M B R S C H O H M I J N J V R A V E R E G T D G O V S E K I Y O V L U I M M A N U E L S V A T O V A M D B U E L L P O S E R G F O R W H J V I O R N H D P J U G N I T S A L R E V E 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 3, A Child Is Born (Isaiah 9:7; 11:1-8; Matthew 1:21-23, NIV) 2

God Our Savior Within your teams work together to come up with a list of things from which God

Try to think of answers that will not occur to the other teams.

In Isaiah 43:2 God promises that when His people are in danger of drowning from their troubles or

Pick one of the symbols below that best represents what you (or someone you love) is currently

4 God Our Savior Within your teams work together to come up with a list of things from which God delivers people. The word or phrase must begin with one of the letters in the word DELIVERANCE. Try to think of answers that will not occur to the other teams. D E L I V E R A N C E About to Go Under? Having a Trial by Fire? In Isaiah 43:2 God promises that when His people are in danger of drowning from their troubles or feeling the heat of their problems, He will be there to help. Pick one of the symbols below that best represents what you (or someone you love) is currently experiencing and write a brief description of it. Then above it write in verse 2 and use it as a reminder this week of God s power and desire to help you. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 4, God Is with Us (Isaiah 43:1-7, 10-12, NIV) 2

Help for the Hurting How would you use information from today s lesson to help the following hurting people?

She says to you, It just feels like God doesn t love me anymore, since He let me get so sick. I think He s using this sickness to punish me for things I did before I became a Christian.

Even though he s been praying earnestly for God s help, he s beginning to doubt that it s making any difference. In fact, he tells you, I m beginning to think that praying is a waste of time.

5 Help for the Hurting How would you use information from today s lesson to help the following hurting people? Although Tamara has been a Christian for many years, she still feels guilty for sins she committed in the past. Recently she has been dealing with a serious illness and is depressed and discouraged. She says to you, It just feels like God doesn t love me anymore, since He let me get so sick. I think He s using this sickness to punish me for things I did before I became a Christian. What would you say to Tamara? Unemployed for several months, Franklin has been desperately searching for a job so he can support his family. Even though he s been praying earnestly for God s help, he s beginning to doubt that it s making any difference. In fact, he tells you, I m beginning to think that praying is a waste of time. Maybe this is just too hard for God, and He can t really help me. How would you answer Franklin? A friend s mom, a long-time Christian, has recently become anxious about the future. Although she isn t afraid for herself, she is worried about her children and grandchildren. Because she is unable to leave behind any inheritance, she s afraid her family will suffer if times become hard. She says, I know I should be trusting God to take care of my family, but I can t stop worrying. I just don t have any peace about it. How would you comfort your friend s mom? 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 5, God Is Our Redeemer (Isaiah 44:21-28, NIV) 2

The God Who Isaiah carefully qualifies the God on behalf of whom he writes in today s text, Isaiah 45:14-25.

6 The God Who Isaiah carefully qualifies the God on behalf of whom he writes in today s text, Isaiah 45: When you discover each of the following attributes and acts of 1God in today s text, write the verse number where it occurs into the large 1 to the right. Cr e at o r Ev e r l a s t i n g In s c r u ta b l e In v i t e s Ju d g e s Knows the Future Pr e s e n t in a n d w i t h His Pe o p l e Pu r p o s i v e Ri g h t e o u s Sav e s Sel f-revelatory Tr a nsce nden t Tr u t h f u l The God Who Hears and Answers Prayer Isaiah 45:19 affirms that the Lord s people do not seek Him in vain. The one who seeks Him in the Word and in prayer is not wasting time. What do you find in today s text that makes you want to praise Him? What do you find that makes you want to petition Him for help? Write your prayer here. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 6, Salvation for God s People (Isaiah 45:14-25, NIV) 2

7 Simple Imper atives The one who knows the beginning and the end (see Isaiah 48:12b) has every right to make demands on those He calls. All the following simple imperatives are part of today s study text. To the left of each, indicate the meaning, first to Isaiah s initial audience and then to us. To the right of each rate yourself as to how well you are doing: 5 for really well to 1 for barely submissive. He a r k e n! (v. 12) As s e m b l e your selv e s! (v. 14) Come ye near unto me! (v. 16) He a r h i m! (v. 18) Le av e Ba by l o n! (v. 20) Tel l o f y o u r f r e e d o m! (v. 20) Redemption Proclamation Hymn writers express the same encouragement that Isaiah did in 48:20. Edwin Excell wrote, I have a song I love to sing, Since I have been redeemed. Philip Bliss wrote, I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love to me. Fanny Crosby exulted, Redeemed, How I love to proclaim it! If you were writing Crosby s lyric, how would it read? Choose from the list of words below the five lines and write them in the blanks. Redeemed! How I Redeemed! How I Redeemed! How I Redeemed! How I Redeemed! How I proclaim it! proclaim it! proclaim it! proclaim it! proclaim it! boldly cannot commit to daily eagerly enthusiastically gladly hesitatingly joyfully long to loudly never often quietly seldom If you have chosen words other than passionate expressions of urgency, when are you going to change, and how? Jot your ideas below. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 7, Reassurance for God s People (Isaiah 48:12-22, NIV) 2

8 Called From the Womb The prophet speaks of Israel s being called by God from birth or from the womb (Isaiah 49:1, 5). David affirms that same realization about himself in Psalm 22:9, and Jeremiah is pressed by that reality as he expresses in Jeremiah 1:5. 1. In what sense do you believe that you were called by God from your conception? 2. What difference does such a realization make in your life? 3. What difference should it make? 4. How is Acts 7:51 a warning to you as you consider your calling? 5. How is Luke 13:34 a warning to you as you consider your calling? Mission Statement Writing mission statements became something of a fad for businesses and organizations in the late twentieth century. Most of those were high-sounding, altruistic, benevolent statements of noble service. Yet businesses and organizations must, of necessity, be self-serving on some level or they cease to exist. Businesses exist to make money. Organizations exist to promote their causes, whatever their intent. Write two personal mission statements in the boxes below, according to their headings. Do the two statements match? Should they? My Mission Statement for Me God s Mission Statement for Me 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 8, Light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:1-7, NIV) 2

Expectations and Reality For each of the following expectations one might have of an attractive leader, write the reality for Christ our Leader based on Isaiah s description in Chapter 53.

9 Expectations and Reality For each of the following expectations one might have of an attractive leader, write the reality for Christ our Leader based on Isaiah s description in Chapter 53. Worldly Expectations: Isaiah 53 Reality: An attractive leader is one who is a fine physical specimen. An attractive leader receives wide endorsement and esteem from others. An attractive leader demonstrates eloquence in speech on every occasion. An attractive leader avoids the shame and reproach of those in his charge. The funeral and burial of an attractive leader is a stately thing of beauty. Bookends The Servant Song of today s lesson actually begins in Isaiah 52:13. Look at Isaiah 52:13-15 and briefly describe the final result of Christ s work. Now complete this sentence with the last four words of Isaiah 53: The servant of God makes. How often do you make intercessory prayer for sinners? Circle one: OFTEN SOMETIMES SELDOM NEVER What should be different in your prayer life as you consider this? 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 9, Wounded for Our Transgressions (Isaiah 53:1-12, NIV) 2

10 Jesus, the Anointed One... The Christ, Greek for the Anointed One, is Peter s pronouncement of Jesus identity (Mark 8:29). Decide on a product name and a logo for the bottle of olive oil to the right as they reflect Jesus anointing as Messiah.... and Your Anointing Exodus 30:22-31 is a description of the holy anointing oil to be used on the priests of Israel. As a member of the royal priesthood described by Peter in 1 Peter 2:9, do you feel anointed to that task? Are you ready to declare the praises of the Anointed One, who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light? Shade in these drops of anointing oil to indicate the extent of your personal sense of anointing one drop for just barely aware of my anointing to priestly service to all five for fully aware and engaged in his service. Olive Oil Now look at the figurative anointing oil described in Hebrews 1:9. Although this passage relates the oil to the Son of God, to what extent (if any) does it apply to you as well? Jot your ideas below. Ideal for Anointing! 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 10, Jesus Is the Messiah (Mark 8:27 9:1, NIV) 2

Mountaintop Experiences The Bible describes several mountaintop experiences, including the one in today s study text of Mark 9:2-13.

Genesis 8 Exodus 19:20 20:21 Exodus 34:4-28 Deuteronomy 34 1 Kings 18:18-46 Matthew 5 7 Mark 9:2-13 Revelation 21:10-27 Metamorphosis Jesus change of appearance on the mountain in Mark 9 exemplifies

To be changed from a worldly caterpillar of sin into a spiritual butterfly of holiness is God s goal for every human.

11 Mountaintop Experiences The Bible describes several mountaintop experiences, including the one in today s study text of Mark 9:2-13. Draw eight peaks of a mountain range, one peak above each Scripture reference below. On each peak, write in a brief description of the text. Genesis 8 Exodus 19:20 20:21 Exodus 34:4-28 Deuteronomy 34 1 Kings 18:18-46 Matthew 5 7 Mark 9:2-13 Revelation 21:10-27 Metamorphosis Jesus change of appearance on the mountain in Mark 9 exemplifies the Greek word metamorphosis. The New Testament reveals that we who are in Christ also undergo metamorphosis. To be changed from a worldly caterpillar of sin into a spiritual butterfly of holiness is God s goal for every human. Look at these texts and write a transforming truth by each regarding our own metamorphosis. Romans 12:2 1 Corinthians 6: Corinthians 15:52 2 Corinthians 3:18 Philippians 3:21 1 John 3:2 Revelation 7:9-17 Most of us feel caught somewhere between worldly caterpillar and spiritual butterfly in our Christian growth (sanctification). Where on this line of process do you see yourself? What do you need to do to come closer to having wings? 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 11, Jesus Is God s Son (Mark 9:2-13, NIV) 2

Mount Rushmore If there were a Mount Rushmore of spiritual greatness, whose images would you place there? Choose and write in four names in these faces. Why did you choose those individuals?

Jesus had much to say about chairs, especially those chairs that signified desired positions of prominence and esteem. See Matthew 23:2-6; Luke 11:43; 14:7-11.

12 Mount Rushmore If there were a Mount Rushmore of spiritual greatness, whose images would you place there? Choose and write in four names in these faces. Why did you choose those individuals? What characterizes them as a group? Fighting Over Chairs Today s study text in Mark 10:35-45 finds the apostles fighting over chairs. Jesus had much to say about chairs, especially those chairs that signified desired positions of prominence and esteem. See Matthew 23:2-6; Luke 11:43; 14:7-11. Regarding literal and figurative chairs, which of the activities below does the one who would be great in Christ s name do? Check your choices. Saves seats for friends at a concert Gives up a seat on a bus for an elderly person Expects recognition for doing a good job in a church ministry Tries to be toward the front of the line at church pitch-in dinners Stays late after a church function to help clean up Gets to church early in order to get a back row seat Expects to have a certain parking spot at church Tries to think of ways to get a handicapped parking sticker 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 12, Jesus Came to Serve (Mark 10:35-45, NIV) 2

Solid Stone Walls Today s study of Mark 13:14-27, 31 is part of Jesus teaching after His disciples commented on the size and strength of the stones in the wall of Jerusalem (see Mark 13:1, 2).

13 Solid Stone Walls Today s study of Mark 13:14-27, 31 is part of Jesus teaching after His disciples commented on the size and strength of the stones in the wall of Jerusalem (see Mark 13:1, 2). Though the disciples accepted Jesus words of prophecy, they were startled enough to ask for help in understanding the whole thing. On the stone walls of the following image, write in some of the foolish things people put their confidence in for the future. Signs of His Coming Several images emerge when Jesus speaks of the pending fall of Jerusalem and His later return in glory. From the column on the left, match verses from today s text to ideas in the middle column. In the column on the right, match references to the same images; you may have more than one right-column item for a center-column match. Mark 13:14 Mark 13:17 Mark 13:22 Mark 13:24 Mark 13:25 Mark 13:26 Mark 13:27 Mark 13:31 1. abomination that causes desolation 2. coming in clouds 3. gathering of the elect 4. sun and moon affected 5. heavens and earth pass away 6. false Christs and false prophets 7. stars affected 8. woes of pregnant or nursing women A. Isaiah 13:10 B. Daniel 9:27 C. Luke 23:29, 30 D. Acts 1:9-11 E. Acts 2:20 F. 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10 G. Revelation 1:7 H. Revelation 18:4 I. Revelation 21:1 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 13, Jesus Is Coming Again (Mark 13:14-27, 31, NIV) 2

14 Lesson 1 No God Like Our God A-6, B-4, C-8, D-1, E-7, F-2, G-5, H-3. Lesson 2 Who Is My Servant? Although there is legitimate debate in some areas, here are suggested answers: 1-B (Matthew 12:18); 2-C (Matthew 1:1); 3-A; 4-A; 5-B (Matthew 12:19); 6-A; 7-B (Matthew 12:18); 8-could be A or C, depending on interpretation of Mark 15:34; 9-C; 10-B. Lesson 13 Signs of His Coming Matches left column to middle column: 1-v. 14; 2-v. 26; 3-v. 27; 4-v. 24; 5-v. 31; 6-v. 22; 7-v. 25; 8-v. 17 Matches middle column to right column: 1-B; 2-D and G; 3-H; 4-A and E; 5-I; 6-F; 7-A; 8-C Lesson 3 Prophecies About Jesus 1-child, 2-son, 3-Counselor, 4-Mighty, 5-Everlasting, 6-Peace, 7-throne, 8-government, 9-Branch, 10-Spirit of the Lord, 11-wisdom, 12-fear, 13-judge, 14-slay, 15-Righteousness, faithfulness, 16-lamb, 17-lion, 18-virgin, 19-save, 20-Immanuel. T H R O N E R G B M A L I H S S D L I H C O U R A J U W P I E P F E G V S L A Y S S I E S W I V B L H R O N E B R F S A I A T R I G T H C M I G E V J S S N I F E P E H T W N O U E D P E A C E F N O C L C H G N O I M E A Y A F E U Y O D U I M T N S A T T R F L S U N X G M B R S C H O H M I J N J V R A V E R E G T D G O V S E K I Y O V L U I M M A N U E L S V A T O V A M D B U E L L P O S E R G F O R W H J V I O R N H D P J U G N I T S A L R E V E Lesson 6 The God Who Possible answers: Creator, v. 18; everlasting, v. 21; inscrutable, v. 15; invites, v. 20; judges, v. 23; knows the future, v. 21; present in and with his people, v. 25; purposive, vv. 14 and others; righteous, v. 24; saves, v. 17; self-revelatory, vv. 18, 21, 22; transcendent, v. 21; truthful, v NIV Answer page 2

Would your description more reflect someone they would like or someone they would revere?

If you were to describe Jesus to your friends, what words would you choose to use? What picture would they draw in their minds using your description? Would your description more reflect someone they would