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This material is intended for either personal or group discussion.

Please use the material as best suits your needs, usage and learning situation.

GATHERING

· Welcome

· Check in—updates, prayer requests, sharing

· Opening Prayer(s)

· Opening songs (with or without instruments)

PASSAGE: Isaiah 43:14-21 [April 3, 2022 Nelson Ave Morning Message]

· Before you read ask each person to (1) close their eyes for the reading and (2) listen for the word or phrase in the reading that they connect with the most.

· Read Isaiah 43:-14-21. Sit in silence

· Read Isaiah 43:14-21 a 2nd time. Ask each person to share the word of phrase that connected with them.

· Read Isaiah 43:14-21 a 3rd time. Any other words or phrases connecting with the listeners?

After the 3rd reading and sharing:

· What do you notice about these verses?

· What questions do you have about these verses?

· What do you sense is the tone of this passage?

VIDEO: Watch: “Isaiah 40-66” (Bible Project)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TzdEPuqgQg

· What comments do you have about this video?

· What is your understanding of the book of Isaiah? What are some of the passages / verses you know from this book of the Bible? What is this book mostly about?

· How does this video help you understand the main theme(s) of Isaiah 40-66?

· Does this video help put Isaiah 43:14-21 into context? If so, how?

QUESTIONS [Isaiah 43:14-21]

· Where do you think the people of Israel are when they receive this message? [does verse 14 help answer this question?] Does knowing this location help you better understand these verses?

· What event(s) is verse 16 referring to?

· Where else do God speak about doing a “new thing” in the book of Isaiah? [see Isaiah 42:8-10; 48:5-7] What are these “new things” the prophet is announcing?

· What is the “new thing” the prophet speaks about in verse 19?

· If there is a “new thing” what was the “old thing”? How is the “new thing” better than the “old thing”?

· As we fast forward from Isaiah to the 4 Gospels what in the ministry and work of Jesus is “new”? Are these things totally new?

· Do you think the following New Testament verses connect with the “new things” prophesied in Isaiah?:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [2 Corinthians 5:17]

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [Revelation 21:5]

· What are some of the “new things” Christ is doing in your life these days?

· Do you have any final comments or questions about this passage?

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

FINAL WORDS OF BLESSINGS / SONGS?

DISMISSAL

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