Dear Brothers and Sisters, Prayer will be held at the Burke home.

On Sunday we will continue the saga of Rabshakeh’s threatening words (and army) inciting fear, while Hezekiah and Isaiah are appealing to the people to trust – Isaiah 37:6-20. When threatening and fearful situations come, there are always two voices. First, there is the voice of blasphemy that diminishes trust. Second, there is the voice of faith that believes God is in control. There are four sections of this text. First, Isaiah sends a message to Hezekiah, v6-7. Second, Sennacherib sends a letter to Hezekiah, v8-13. Third, Hezekiah reads the letter and spreads it before the Lord, v14. Fourth, Hezekiah prays, v15-20.
The theme that we have observed since chapter 36 continues – how the blasphemers attempt to discourage the people of God through deception, luring them away from trust in God. He plays on the weakness of every person on the earth – fear. That weakness is to undervalue His worth, underestimate His power and misunderstand His sovereignty. The Rabshakeh has been saying, “thus says sennacherib.” Isaiah now says, ‘Thus says the Lord.” There is no greater comfort than to believe, “Thus says the Lord.” Hezekiah has embraced this message and he responds in faithful prayer. The prophet has told him that Sennacherib will be divinely subjected to and diverted by “spirit” and a “rumor.” Hezekiah shows us what it looks like to believe in “the Lord of Hosts,” and as a result, “Let your requests be made known to God.” He takes the threatening letter, spreads it out before the Lord and prays.

Changing from grape juice to wine. As most of you know, we first began to consider this two years ago and now we are ready to make the change. Attached is a document that makes the argument from scripture and history that wine should be used in the Lord’s supper. If you have objections or questions you would like to speak to the elders about, please seek us out by Nov 26. Our plan is to begin on Sunday November 30.