JANE VAUGHAN and MARY SEABROOK, parishioners at ST. JOHN’S PARISH CHURCH, received a wonderful surprise when they attended the 2023 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. This was the first time these two members of the Charleston chapter of Word Weavers International attended this large, prestigious conference, held every May at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC.  

Months earlier, Jane and Mary each made a brave first step into the publishing world by submitting a personal story for a chance to be included in an anthology of encouraging stories from special needs families. From the many submissions, both of their stories were accepted. Quite an honor for a first effort! The book, Room at the Table: Encouraging Stories from Special Needs Families, published by Mt. Zion Ridge Press LLC,  was entered in the conference’s elite Selah Award contest by its lead authors/compilers, Stephanie Pavlantos and Starr Ayers. The contest, for works published in 2022, had more than 450 entries in 29 categories. Room at the Table won FIRST PLACE in the Anthologies category!  

The book was also submitted to the conference’s coveted Director’s Choice Award contest in which the 29 Selah Award categories were condensed to 5 related-genre groups. The Anthologies category was included in the Devotions/Bible Studies/Gift Books group. Both past and present conference attendees could submit a 2022 published work and a total of 80 entries vied for a top spot in one of the 5 groups. Room at the Table won FIRST PLACE AGAIN! Happy tears of surprise were shed at the Awards ceremony held on Wednesday night, May 31, and these two Godly women, with their first ever submissions, can now call themselves published AND (1st place) award-winning authors. Congratulations and Praise be to God!  

Well worth the read, Room at the Table: Encouraging Stories from Special Needs Families is available at Amazon in both Kindle edition and paperback.  

Anyone desiring information about Word Weavers International, a global organization of support/critique groups for Christian worldview writers, can contact Timothy Griggs, president of the Charleston chapter, at media@stjohnsparish.net, or visit the World Weavers International website at www.word-weavers.com. You, too, could spread the GOOD NEWS as a published, award-winning author!

Members of our group were blessed to gather at Resurrection Hall  several weeks ago.  Needles flew, as did the conversation and laughter.  It was suggested we answer some frequently asked questions about Prayer Shawls.  

Who can receive a shawl? 
Anyone whom God puts on your heart and mind who might be blessed by having it.  There is no requirement the receiver be a member of St. John’s Parish Church or any church.  Our labels express the hope that the person receiving the shawl will feel our prayers for comfort and healing.

Who can give a shawl? 
Everybody who learns about this ministry and feels moved to do so.

If the receiver no longer needs the shawl, what happens to it?  
Whatever the receiver wishes.  Sometimes a family member will feel comforted by keeping the shawl.  Other times the receiver will think of someone else who might be blessed by having it and pass it on.

Are there other occasions where a gift from this ministry can be offered? 
We also celebrate new members in the body of Christ by giving baby blankets to new little ones
especially as they are welcomed through the sacrament of Baptism.

How can I get a shawl?  
A limited number are currently at Resurrection Hall, and we have extra inventory available.  

Want to know more?  
Contact Susan Neville at  sneville1027@yahoo.com or Polly Sosnowski at polly.sosnowski@gmail.com.

Through the forty days of Lent, we invite you to join the Psalmists and our parish by exploring how God’s hesed love works to transform our hearts to make us holy. For each week until Easter, we’ll provide a word study guide to help you discover the depth and breadth of God’s hesed along with questions for personal devotion and group or family discussion.

Why Hesed? 
Hesed is a Hebrew word so rich and comprehensive that there isn't a word for it in the Greek or English languages. Translations for this word include lovingkindness, steadfast love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. While these words express aspects of hesed, they fall short because the complex nature of hesed is best conveyed through relationship, imagery--word pictures--and story.

For example, in the story of Hosea, the prophet's forgiveness and redemption of his adulterous wife serves as a parable of God's hesed shown to Israel.  Through the poetry of the Psalms, we enter into the psalmist's remorseful cry over the consequences caused by the pervasive, destructive nature of his sin; however, remembering the hesed of God becomes the turning point leading the repentant into a transforming experience of cleansing, renewal, and restoration.  In his book, Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God's Lovingkindness, singer, writer, and teacher, Michael Card shares his personal journey of exploring the depths of God's hesed in Scripture. Hesed is  "[w]hen the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything" (5).

Through the poetry of the Psalms, we encourage each parishioner to embark on their own pilgrimage into the beautiful mystery of God's Hesed.

Resources to Explore Hesed:

To begin with a big-picture of God’s hesed love throughout the story of scripture, watch The Bible Project’s Loyal Love.

Questions for Devotion and Discussion

Word Study

Card, Michael. Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God's Lovingkindness. IVP Press, Downers Grove, IL. 2018.

Moore, Jason. Say it Again. Song Performed by JMo and the Funk Disciples.

Kairos Art Gallery
Psalms and Saints and Psalms and Lamentations
St. Andrew’s Church, Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Parking is available.

Kidner, Derek. Kidner Classic Commentaries: Psalms 1-72, 73-150. IVP Press, Downers Grove, IL. 1973.

Other Resources for Lent
From the Anglican Church of North America

To begin with a big-picture of God’s hesed love throughout the story of scripture, watch the Bible Project’s Loyal Love.

This year we're offering a curriculum to engage and equip our entire parish called The Story of the Church: Mission Unstoppable. Through Luke's Acts of the Apostles, we will behold the continuing mission of Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit births, empowers, and grows the church to be His witnesses. Through persecution and trials from within and without, Christ's mission through His church is unstoppable as the gospel spreads from "Jerusalem,... all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). From the roots of early church to the historic beginnings of the Anglican Church in North America to St. John's Parish Church on the move today, Christ's mission continues to be unstoppable.

Simultaneously, we're encouraging each adult member of St. John's Parish Church to read "The Awakening of Washington's Church" by JB Simmons. To learn more about the Story of the Church, read our Fall Discipleship Guide.

Click here for the Fall Discipleship Guide

The Awakening of Washington's Church is an engaging read, delving into events leading up to (and beyond) the departure of The Falls Church Anglican from their historic buildings and grounds in 2012. The Rev. John Yates led the congregation in standing firm for the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the legal battles that raged on for several years.

This story is one that we here at St. John's Parish Church can relate. It provides a very helpful outline and reminders of why we left The Episcopal Church and - more importantly - provides a great amount of hope for our future.

We are not alone in this battle. There are others who have gone before us and there are others who will come after; it is important to know that we are not alone - just as the author of Hebrews reminds us, the Lord has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you". I hope you find the book to be as engaging and encouraging as I have.

Blessings in Christ Jesus,

Fr. Jeremy+

'THE AWAKENING OF WASHINGTON'S CHURCH' AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Join us April 2 at 10AM for our Palm Sunday service at Haut Gap Middle School. We will start outside with the liturgy of the palms, have a palm procession to continue worship and close with a reading of the Passion.

Join us for our Maundy Thurday service on April 6 at 12PM or our 7PM service which will have music and the Stripping of the Altar. Both held in Resurrection Hall.

Join us April 7 at 12PM for our Good Friday Service or our 7PM service with music. Both in Resurrection Hall. 

Join us April 9 at 6:30AM for an Easter Vigil with baptisms in Resurrection Hall.
We will also have our Easter Service at 10:00AM at Haut Gap Middle School.
At our 10:00AM service, we will have the Flowering of the Cross and celebrate His resurrection.

The Charleston County Youth Detention Center houses 13-17-year-olds. The population is predominantly male with 1-5 females. St. Johns is collecting specific items for 30 Easter gift bags (we already have the bags) and are asking for your prayers for the youth to know Jesus.

(Full size items only)

Cards from children are welcome. Unsealed and signed with first name only. Please print your message (no cursive). If you do multiples, please rubber band together.

Please pray for the youth!
Collection bins will be available Sunday, March 12, 19 & 26.
For more information contact Chrissy Binz or Libby Puckette.
Thank You!

St John's Parish Church is happy to be helping with Haut Gap's Spring Festival again this year.
If you are interested in volunteering,
please sign up with Sally Frazier: sally_frazier@yahoo.com
or contact Lori Moore: lori@stjohnsparish.net  for more information.

Click on the images below to order from Amazon

The Barna Group characterizes Gen Z as the first truly 'post Christian' generation with only 4% adhering to a Biblical worldview. As the authority of scripture continues to be undermined, fewer youth know and trust what the Bible has to say about contemporary issues.  In addition, studies reveal that the “10-40” window of reaching an unreached generation occurs for between the ages of 4 - 14, so we need to be prepared for challenging conversations with our children and grandchildren while they are young.  Most Christian parents and grandparents have struggled to make disciples of their children because we’ve misunderstand that taking them to church is enough; we do not how because it hasn’t been modeled to us at home, or adding to the daily pressures of raising a family, we’re overwhelmed by occasional or ongoing crises and cultural bombardment.

Through Moses, God tells his people what His mission in our homes should look like:
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

As a means of reaching the unreached Gen Z with the gospel of Jesus Christ, we’re offering Moms' and Dads' Discipleship Groups. Whether first-time parents, those seasoned by teenagers and adult children, or grand and great grandparents, we aim to come alongside one another in equipping the next generation of Christ’s witnesses. The Dads' and Moms' groups meet for six week intervals in an intentionally inter-generational and single-gender context. By exploring a variety of core values including word-inspired and Spirit-filled prayer; regular family worship; healthy and holy relationships; growth in Christ; and outreach to others, we desire to engage and equip thriving families who make a difference in our communities with the gospel for generations.  Periodically, these families will gather over table fellowships to share and celebrate God’s work in and through them.  

Our first Dads’ and Moms’ Discipleship Groups will meet from 7:30 – 8:30 PM on Tuesday evenings in the Library at Resurrection Hall on 1811 Paulette Drive. After the first meeting, members may decide on a different time and location if needed.  Dads’ Groups begin meeting February 21; then, after Easter break, Moms’ Groups will begin meeting on April 18.

Sermon on World Mission Sunday by Bishop Thadeus R. Barnum

Video Transcript
"Blessings in the Name of the Lord to the entire community of St. Johns Parish Church, my beloved and loyal friends in Jesus Christ. As the Anglican Church of Peru, we would like to thank you for your prayers and for sharing your blessings with us. We think of the first community in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2 as a calling of reality when you share your blessings with us.

Today we ask for prayers for peace in Peru. We are passing through a difficult situation—our brothers are against brothers, leaders against leaders; our families are divided as well as some churches. The images you are seeing are violent, and they are helpless people injured on the streets. Help us pray for peace. We need peace in our country.

Psalm 40:1-2 says, 'I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, the mud, and the mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.' We believe that will happen. Thank you.
Have a great Mission Sunday"

Over the last thirteen years, St. John’s Parish Church has partnered with two godly bishops, the Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba and, currently, the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum, who serve the Lord by preaching the gospel to rebuild their communities. Early in our relationship, we provided resources to build a guest house for short-term mission teams, housing for the theological college’s principal, and the bishop’s visitors. In addition, we've contributed to fund a maternity wing and laboratory for the Diocesan health clinic that serves everyone in the nearby communities. Through the Anglican Diocese of Northern Uganda, we’ve witnessed God’s grace in healing the trauma of years of civil strife and war.
The parishioners of St. John’s who have journeyed on short-term mission trips have been blessed to worship, pray, and develop relationships with our Acholi Christian brothers and sisters in Christ. Nearly everyone who goes to Uganda finds it to be a transformative experience. An African proverb that says, “you may leave Africa, but Africa will never leave you.”

Join Bishop Godfrey as he prays for God's Mission through our partnership.

We are happy to welcome Archbishop Foley Beach, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America to St. John's Parish Church Sunday January 29th. Please join us at Haut Gap Middle School. We will also have a reception after the worship service at Resurrection Hall, 1811 Paulette Drive, Johns Island, SC.

The Most Reverend Doctor Foley Beach is the Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America (www.anglicanchurch.net), and he is Chair of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON; www.gafcon.org) representing over 50 million Anglicans worldwide. He also serves as the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the South (www.adots.org), headquartered in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Georgia State University, the University of the South, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Archbishop Beach has ministered with Young Life, the Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Church in North America. His A Word from the Lord radio ministry can be heard on radio stations in the U.S. and around the world on the Internet. His weekly, One-Minute Message, can be received by email (sign up at www.awordfromthelord.org). He and his wife, Allison, have two adult children.

What are you doing here?
Where did you come from and where are you going?
What did you  come into the desert to see?
What do you want me to do for you?
What is that in your hand?

In this day-long workshop, Eva Marie Everson shows writers the method God used with her to bring her writing to a deeper level, her role in Christian publishing to a higher place, and her heart to a new understanding of what it is exactly that God wanted from her.
This event requires registration. Please contact Bonnie Anderson or Timothy Griggs.

So often, as writers, we ask God questions. Daily, we run to Him with concerns and pleadings. “When is this going to happen?” and “When is that door going to swing open for me?” We wonder, “Why her and not me?” or “Should I take this road to publication or that one?” With enough time, the whole thing becomes exhausting, especially if we feel God is either ignoring us or that He hears and refuses to answer. But what if God is waiting for us to hear His questions? And what if we could dig into those questions and discover the answers we’ve been waiting on all along … or perhaps find a different path?

Bring: A Bible, a journal, a pen, and a copy of the book that inspired you to be a writer. Come prepared to listen, write, and share so that at day’s end, you will not only know the hows of writing, but the “why for” as well.
When: Saturday, February 18, 2023 (There is no charge for this workshop)
Time: 9:00 a.m. Meet and Greet
           9:30 to 3:30 Workshop (Lunch provided)
3:30 to 4:00 Eva Marie Everson Book Signing (Books available at discounted prices)
Place: St. John’s Parish Church Resurrection Hall
            1811 Paulette Drive, John’s Island, SC 29455

Ben Dixon (Sr. Warden), Ann Edenfield,   Barbara Johnson, Jeff Lamberson, Don Machiorlete, Becky Nisoff, Lindy Reynolds, Jay Withington (Jr. Warden), Todd Young and new vestry members for 2023 Charlotte Crosland, Jim Irvin and Eddie Porcher.

Skill set

• Knowledge of website content management, HTML a plus
• Adobe Elements or comparable image and video editing software
• Mailchimp, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram management and posting
• Microsoft office or Mac equivalent
• Knowledge of copyright & licensing as it applies to media
• English grammar and writing abilities, Spanish a plus

Elementary and Pre-School Childrens Sunday School

St. John's Prayer Shawl Ministry, which began in the fall of 2013, is composed of a diverse group of creative women - novice to accomplished - with a passion for prayer and a deep concern for the welfare of others. Shawls are lovingly knitted or crocheted and given as tangible evidence of God's love and His desire for the comfort of each recipient. Recipients may be parish members or relatives or friends of parish members, or simply those made known to anyone at St. John's. Recipients may be struggling with a serious illness, facing a difficult surgery and recovery, homebound, transitioning to hospice care or other similar situation. Members meet the first Saturday of each month at 10:45am in the PLB for a dedicated time of stitching, praying and exchanging ideas. For more information, to join or to make a referral, please contact either Polly Sosnowski.

Sunday Service is held at 10 a.m. at Haut Gap Middle School
1861 Bohicket Rd. Johns Island, SC 29455

Mail & Gifts: PO Box 125, Johns Island, SC 29457
Phone 843-559-9560 or 843-619-3558

Our office is located at 1811 Paulette Drive, Johns Island SC, 29455.
Office hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Closed Friday - Sunday

Mail & Gifts: PO Box 125, Johns Island, SC 29457
Phone 843-559-9560 or 843-619-3558

Fr. Jeremy Shelton. Rector. frjeremy@stjohnsparish.net
Rob Schluter. Family Pastor.  rob@stjohnsparish.net
Lori Moore, Community Connections Pastor. lori@stjohnsparish.net
Administration sdixon@stjohnsparish.net
E-News and Updates for website. media@stjohnsparish.net

St. John’s sends Christmas blessings to the youth at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center.
Thank you, St. John’s, for your prayers and generosity for the youth at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center. Over 40 bags of donated toiletries and snacks were delivered to the Detention Center on December 20. Each bag was overflowing with love! A total of 482 cards were written which meant each youth received 16 cards!

Juvenile detention Center receive the Christmas bags from St. Johns Parish.

Complete the form below, then click the submit button and let us know how you can help.

Focus Scripture
“It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it.”—Isaiah 2:2

Transformation and Witness
God’s dream for world peace is fulfilled in the coming of His Son to expectant people. Walking in the light of King Jesus is the way to bring peace to our homes, city, and world.
 
Up in Worship
Read Psalm 48 to discover what God intends for Zion, the city of His people.
What attributes of God move you to worship Him as a result?

Into Community
What does God see when He looks at the Holy City of Charleston and our community on John's Island? What would you like to see Him do in our city and community?

Read Isaiah 1:1-16
1. In contrast to God’s vision for Zion, what was the Jerusalem of Isaiah’s day really like, and what consequences resulted?
2. What invitation and corresponding promise does God offer to His religious yet faithless people in Isaiah 1:17-20, 24-28?
3. What do these verses teach you about the character of God?

Read Isaiah 2:1-5
4. Against the background of Chapter 1, what do you find interesting about Isaiah's vision concerning Jerusalem?
5. Use the following scriptures and any others you know to describe what is meant by the last days.
6. Isaiah speaks of the mountain of the LORD throughout his prophecy. How do the following references help enrich your understanding of God’s vision for His people?7. A. How is Isaiah’s vision of God’s word meant to encourage the nation of His people in decline? (2-3)

B. What hope do you receive for a broken, deteriorating world under the Lord’s rule? (4-5)
C. What is your response to Isaiah’s invitation in verse 5?To whom will you extend this invitation?

Read Matthew 24:36-44
8. Jesus teaches His disciples about the signs of His coming at the close of the age. What does he reveal about the time of His return (36)?
9. How will the days of Noah be similar to the day when the Son of Man comes? (37-39 with Genesis 6:5-7; 7:7)
10. What will it look like for you, your family, or church to live in expectation for the coming of King Jesus (40-44).

Out in Mission
What distinguishes you from those in Noah’s day? Or What indicators in your life show that you are prepared for the coming of King Jesus?
How Is God calling you, your family, and life group to walk in the light of the Lord so that your city, nation, or world can be prepared for the coming of King Jesus?

Focus Scripture
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him.”—Isaiah 11:1-2a

Transformation and Witness
Only the reign of King Jesus will produce the kind of justice that brings lasting peace.

Up in Worship
"When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream" (Psalm 126:1).
Read Psalm 126 to identify the fruit of sharing in God’s dream of restoration. How does this passage cause you to praise God today?

Into Community
What would you say is the chief difference between God’s dream and our own dreams? What truths about God and man can help you distinguish between the two kinds of dreams?

Read Isaiah 11:1-10
1. What does Isaiah mean by the stump of Jesse and a branch from his roots that will bear fruit (1)?2. What kind of king does Isaiah prophesy will come (2-5)?
3. Why would God’s dream promised through Isaiah be a source of good news for the people of his day? How is i
t also good news for those in our day?
4. Describe the extent to which the kingdom of Isaiah 11:6-10 differs from all other kingdoms of the world.
Note: Seven hundred and fifty years after Isaiah’s prophecy, Luke records the fulfillment of God’s dream in a synagogue of Nazareth. Reading from the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus reads, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19, 21).

Read Matthew 3:1-12
5. What is significant about the way John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming kingdom (1-6, 11-12)?
6. How does John the Baptist warn the rulers of his day—the Pharisees and Sadducees (7-10)?
7. Using the lessons from Isaiah and Matthew, what is required for God’s dream to become your own— as an individual, family, life group, or community?

Out in Mission
How will you devote more of your energy, resources, and time to live according to God’s dream (so that others may also share in the only dream that will not disappoint because it’s His)?

Focus Scripture 
“[B]ut the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads…” —Isaiah 35:9b-10a

Transformation and Witness
Looking at life through today’s disappointments makes you a captive of your expectations.  But looking at life through the glory of the Christ’s redemption releases you to sing for joy.

Up in Worship
How has God enabled you to worship Him by letting go of your own dream in order to embrace His?

 Into Community
1.  Name something or someone you looked forward to, believed in, and worked for recently that did not turn out the way you expected. How did you respond to your disappointed expectations?

Read Isaiah 35:1-10
2.  What happens to the desert wilderness when the Lord comes to save his people (1-7)?
3.  Why do you think the Lord’s coming has this kind of effect on the land itself?  
(See also Genesis 3:13-19; Romans 8:18-25).
A.  What does this effect reveal about God who is coming to save and restore His world?
B. How might land also picture the landscape of our hearts and the impact of God’s salvation spiritually as well as physically?
C. What do the patterns from Isaiah 1 and 2; 10 and 11; and 34 and 35 teach you about how God’s salvation will come to people?
4.  From Isaiah 35:8-10, other passages of scripture, and a dictionary, what does it mean to be “redeemed”?
5. How is the Lord Jesus Christ a Redeemer? (See also I Peter 1:18-19). How has he redeemed your life, and what is your response as a result?
6. Describe the highway leading God’s people to their eternal home in Zion (8-10). What will this highway be like and what kind of people will be able to walk on it?

Read Matthew 11:2-11
7. Why do you think John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one (2-3)?
8. What signs does Jesus give as proof that he is the promised Messiah King? How does he also affirm John the Baptist, his ministry, and others who labor in His kingdom (4-11)?
 
Out in Mission
 Jesus says, “…blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (11:6). 
 
What do these words reveal about what it means to look for and labor in Christ’s kingdom in the now and not yet of its fulfillment?
How may God redeem your disappointed expectations regarding His work, promises, and move in your life? What hope as a result could you offer those who are disappointed around you?                                    
How does focusing on the joy before you enable you to live as a witness of King Jesus wherever He has place you?

Focus Scripture 
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”—Isaiah 7:14

Transformation and Witness
Only God who is with us is able to save us.

Up in Worship
In The Book of Mysteries, Jonathan Cahn writes, “you can never judge a story by its beginning or middle or by any of its parts before the ending.  It is the ending of the story that determines everything that went before it” (343).
How does God’s promise to his people—of an eternal home in everlasting joy— help you worship Him in your current situation?

Into Community
1.  What signposts over the last year has God used to confirm His promise(s) to you, your family, church, or community?
2. As you consider the miracles of Jesus, from the book of John for example, why does God use signs, and how can we know they are from Him?

Read Isaiah 7: 1-10
3.  From 2 Kings 16:1-10 and 2 Chronicles 28:16-21, what do you learn about the rule of King Ahaz over Judah?
4.  Why do you think the Lord God would command King Ahaz to ask for a sign (10-11)?
5. How does Ahaz respond, and what does God think of his response (12-13)?
6. What sign does God give and what does it communicate (14-17)?
7. When have you refused to obey God recently because you insisted on your own way of salvation in threatening circumstances? What did God teach you about His ways?

Read Matthew 1:18-25
8. In what way does God fulfill the sign he gave through Isaiah 750 years later? What does the scope of fulfillment—in the days of King Ahaz and much later—teach you about the nature of prophecy? (See also 1 Peter 1:10-12.)
9. How is the virgin birth of King Jesus a necessary factor in the salvation He offers humanity?
10. What difference has knowing Immanuel, God who is with us, made in the way you serve, work, and play?

Out in Mission
The refusal of the King and His conditions is man’s greatest problem.
What do you think about the above statement? 
Where do you and others often look to be saved? 
In your current circumstances—at home, work, or church—how is God calling you to look to Him as the only one who is able to save you?
What difference would your looking to God alone for salvation make in the lives of others?