Isaiah 7-12

To Whom Will We Turn?

Read Isaiah 7:1-9. What do you remember about the historical context? Who are the main characters? What is about to happen? What nations are represented and what role do they play in the story?

Have you had many "crisis moments" where you were challenged to look to God ... or try to go it alone? Describe one of these crisis moments to the group.

How are we to understand prophecies like we find in Isaiah 7:10-14? When we talk about a "near / far" relationship in these prophecies, what does that mean?

Read 8:19 - 9:7. A people who were very lost and very godless suddenly found themselves in the light of the gospel - in the face of Jesus! Talk about the hope that this story should bring us.

Does anyone remember the story of Gideon from the book of Judges? Go back and find it and reflect on why it is referenced by Isaiah.

Jesus is given four beautiful names in 9:6. What do those names/titles mean and how do they impact your faith? How should they specifically be considered as you enter "crisis moments?"