Isaiah 25 (including communion by Tom Schinkel)

1)  How should an understanding that we can speak to God directly and call Him “my” God affect our daily lives?(Romans 8:14-17) What effect should it have on us with regard to our involvement in church?(1 John 1:1-7) Why should knowing that we can call God “my” God affect our desire to know Him better? (John 17:3, Psalm 63:1)

2) Isaiah praises God for His miraculous deeds, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness, but then centres his praise on God’s punishment of the city of strong and ruthless people. Why do you think that is?(Revelation 19:1-2) What does this tell us about our praise of God?(Psalm 96:10-13)

3) Verse 4 emphasizes that God is a stronghold and refuge for the poor and needy.
How can the Church reflect this aspect of God’s character in its shared life? (Galatians 2:9-10) What does Jesus’ ministry show us about where best to focus our outreach and evangelism? (Luke 14:12-14; James 2:5)

4) Verses 6–8 give a picture of life in the City of God.
Which of His promises means the most to you today, and how might it bring hope and comfort to people in different ways and at different times?

• A banquet of the finest delicacies
• Death being defeated
• God wiping away your tears
• Reproach being removed

5) What does verse 8 teach us about how people are saved? (Romans 8:23-25, 10:9; Titus 2:11-13) How does this speak against the notion that we can contribute to our salvation?

6) Jesus calls His disciples “the light of the world, a city set on a hill.”
What does it mean for you individually, and for the whole Church, to be a city on a hill? How can we live as the people of God’s city today? (Philippians 4:14-15; Matthew 5:16)