A Child is Born: Hope
In Isaiah 9:1-7, Isaiah, the prophet, moved by God, speaks words of comfort to the Israelites of the eternal Messiah over 700 years before Christ was born of Mary.
As mentioned in the teaching episode on Habakkuk, this is a unique book. Where most prophetic books address a people group, Habakkuk is an account of dialogue between a prophet and God.
When we’re reading this, we shouldn’t be thinking so much about what’s happening to Habakkuk as what the Lord is saying about His plan for His people.
Dr. Collins is a professor of Old Testament at Covenant Seminary. Before joining Covenant Seminary in 1993, Dr. Collins served as a church planter in Spokane, Washington. His background also includes advanced studies in linguistics and biblical languages, and practical experience in Bible study and discipleship ministry. He has written extensively on biblical languages and interpretation, and on science and the Christian faith.
Dr. Collins has received grants from the John Templeton Foundation and from the Center for Science and Culture for his work in science and faith. He is the author of Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?: Who They Were and Why You Should Care; The God of Miracles: An Exegetical Examination of God’s Action in the World; Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?; and Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary. Professor Collins also served as Old Testament chair on the translation committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, and Old Testament Editor for the ESV Study Bible.
Our thanks to Dr. Collins for sharing his time and expertise with us!
In Isaiah 9:1-7, Isaiah, the prophet, moved by God, speaks words of comfort to the Israelites of the eternal Messiah over 700 years before Christ was born of Mary.
The best investment any one of us can make is the one many of us struggle to prioritize. If you’ve struggled to spend time in the Word lately, this message is for you. In this sermon, originally recorded at Mood Bible Institute’s Founder’s Week in 2019 at the Moody Church in Chicago, IL, Michael teaches through 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and demonstrates that scripture—all scripture—is profitable in a person’s life in every way.
What’s the “therefore” there for in Hebrews 12:1? This is a unique “therefore,” occurring only one other time in the New Testament. It’s, perhaps, a “therefore” of exasperation. The Hebrews Hall of Faith is not just some boring list of old names that are dead and turning into dust in some grave—they’re evidence.
We have so many men and women of faith who have gone before us, who believed in something they didn’t see and are now witnesses. Therefore: look back. Consider the evidence. Lay aside every encumbrance. Consider Him who endured the greatest hostility against Himself by sinners so that you and I will not grow weary and lose heart.