Key truth: God cannot bless sin — but He delivers the humble who trust Him. 

1. The Pride of Ariel Humbled (Isaiah 29:1–16) 

Jerusalem (“Ariel” = Lion of God / Altar Hearth) became God’s altar of judgment. 

Empty rituals masked rebellion. 

Assyria’s siege was God’s discipline. 

Yet God intervenes — the proud city becomes His altar, but not abandoned. 

2. Judah’s Oppressors Judged (Isaiah 29:5) 

God suddenly struck down Assyria — 185,000 soldiers destroyed (Isaiah 36–37). 

Nations fall speechless before His judgment. 

Judah spared, but still rebellious. 

3. False Faith (Isaiah 29:13–16) 

Mouths near, hearts far. 

Hearts hardened through repeated sin (Samson example). 

Judicial hardening: resisting God until you can no longer hear Him. 

Human pride turns truth upside down: man as creator, God as creation. 

4. God’s Intervention & Future Joy (Isaiah 29:17–24) 

Creation renewed, blind see, deaf hear. 

Joy for the humble and poor who return to God. 

God draws near to those who love and obey Him. 

5. The Futility of Egypt (Isaiah 30:1–17) 

Judah turned to Egypt for safety — the land God had already delivered them from! 

“Adding sin to sin”: rejecting God’s counsel, trusting man’s strength. 

Desire for “smooth things” over truth leads to ruin. 

The call: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” 

6. The Promise of Renewal (Isaiah 30:18–33) 

God gracious to His people when they cry out. 

Idols cast away, hearts purified. 

The voice of the Lord guides His people: “This is the way, walk in it.” 

Future restoration and joy for the remnant who trust Him. 

The Fall of Babylon and the Spirit of the Age

Text: Isaiah 13

Pastor Tom Zimbelman

1. Proclaim the Day of the LORD (Isaiah 13:1–8)

God summons nations to execute judgment

Babylon is identified as the future oppressor, though not yet dominant

The Day of the Lord reveals the fear and collapse of those who oppose God

God encourages His people: even the instrument of their discipline will be judged

2. Picture of Wrath (Isaiah 13:9–16)

Cosmic signs accompany divine judgment

God strikes not just a nation but all human pride and idolatry

Nature responds—sun and moon go dark, just as at the cross

God’s wrath distinguishes between the arrogant and the faithful

3. Permanence of Divine Justice (Isaiah 13:17–22)

God foretells the exact nation—Media—that will initially overthrow Babylon

The eventual fall is complete and irreversible—Babylon becomes a desolate ruin

The spirit of Babylon continues even after the city is gone

Babylon is more than a city—it’s a system: humanism, globalism, rebellion against God

4. Stand Against the Spirit of Babylon 

Modern expressions of Babylon: false spirituality, syncretism, economic and moral compromise

God’s people must remain sober, alert, discerning

There is a scale of judgment—and only those clothed in Christ are found weighty

Time is short. The invitation is urgent. Judgment is real. Christ is enough.

Scripture Cross References 

Luke 21:25–27 (NKJV)

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

Luke 21:28 (NKJV)

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Psalm 139:7 (NKJV)

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

Jeremiah 23:24 (NKJV)

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.

Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV)

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Revelation 6:15–16 (NKJV)

“And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’”

Isaiah 11–12 | Pastor Tom Zimbelman 

1. Shoot of Hope (Isaiah 11:1–5) 

A Branch from a dead stump—Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God. 

He fulfills the sevenfold Spirit of God. 

His Word judges in righteousness and truth. 

He came as a Nazarene—approachable, humble, divine. 

2. Picture of Peace (Isaiah 11:6–9) 

A radically transformed world under Christ’s reign. 

Natural enemies live in harmony. 

Peace comes when Christ rules over creation. 

3. Gathering Grace (Isaiah 11:10–16) 

God regathers His people from all corners of the earth. 

A new exodus marked by internal transformation. 

Jew and Gentile united in Christ. 

Jesus reigns with His saints over all nations. 

4. Shout of Salvation (Isaiah 12:1–6) 

Praise for God's mercy, salvation, and comfort. 

Joy from the wells of salvation. 

The Holy One of Israel now dwells in our midst. 

Scripture Cross References  

Matthew 2:23 (NKJV) 

“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’” 

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) 

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 

1 Timothy 6:9–10 (NKJV) 

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, 

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 

Romans 8:3–4 (NKJV) 

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, 

God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: 

He condemned sin in the flesh, 

that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” 

Matthew 24:31 (NKJV) 

“And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” 

Romans 1:16 (NKJV) 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, 

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, 

for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” 

Who’s Tool Are You? 

Main Passage: Isaiah 10 

1. Warning Against Injustice (Isaiah 10:1–4) 

God condemns leaders who oppress the vulnerable. 

Injustice is a sign of spiritual rebellion. 

God defends His people—but judges hypocrisy. 

Today’s corruption echoes Israel’s fall. 

2. Wielded by God’s Sovereignty (Isaiah 10:5–11) 

Assyria is God’s tool—but doesn’t know it. 

God uses the wicked—yet holds them accountable. 

Even evil can serve God’s purpose. 

Sovereignty does not excuse pride. 

3. Warning on Arrogant Assyria (Isaiah 10:12–14) 

Assyria boasts in its own power. 

Pride leads to downfall. 

God will judge their arrogance. 

No one is greater than God. 

4. Human Might vs. God’s Might (Isaiah 10:15–19) 

Can the axe boast over its wielder? 

Human strength is nothing without God. 

Judgment burns beneath worldly pride. 

God is the fire that consumes. 

5. Hope Through a Holy Remnant (Isaiah 10:20–34) 

God preserves a faithful few. 

They depend on Him—not man. 

He removes their burden and yoke. 

Judgment refines; grace restores. 

Scripture Cross References 

1 Samuel 2: 

Details about the wicked sons of Eli: corrupt priests committing gluttony and sexual sin. 

Jeremiah 22-23: 

Rebuke of King Jehoiakim for injustice and prophecy of the Branch of Righteousness. 

Micah 3: 

Prophets, priests, and rulers take bribes and still claim to serve God. 

Genesis 50:20: 

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 

Ecclesiastes 12:14: 

For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. 

Romans 12:19: 

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. 

Psalm 37:28: 

For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. 

Revelation 20:12: 

.. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 

Proverbs 21:4: 

A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. 

Psalm 101:5: 

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 

Psalm 18:27: 

For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks. 

John 1:9: 

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 

“NEVERTHELESS, A LIGHT HAS SHINED” – Isaiah 9 

I. A Divine Interruption: The Promise of Light 

Darkness leads to Judgement, “Nevertheless…” God interrupts with grace 

Christ, the Light, would shine in Galilee, the land first judged 

II. Peace, Joy, and the Breaking of Burdens 

From starvation to harvest, from defeat to spoil 

The yoke of oppression is broken by Christ 

III. The Person of the Son of God 

Fully God, fully Man; eternally existent 

He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace 

IV. The Perils of Pride and Rejection 

Israel’s response: “We’ll rebuild” instead of repent 

Judgment increases as pride deepens 

V. The Purifying Fire of Christ 

Sin spreads like wildfire—until God prunes to a stump 

Jesus defeats darkness, destroys the enemy’s tools, and brings peace 

Conclusion 

Judgment was deserved. Grace was not. 

Christ took our judgment, offering Light and Life  

Scripture References (Outside Isaiah 9) 

Matthew 4:13–16 – He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” 

John 10:10 – The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 

Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. 

Acts 26:18 – ...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 – For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

Philippians 4:7 – and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 

Psalm 141:5 – Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. 

Romans 2:21 – You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 

Matthew 7:1–5 –...First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye... 

Mark 14:53–72 contrasts Jesus’ unjust trial and Peter’s denial, revealing God's sovereignty in suffering, the danger of sin, and the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice.

Main Idea: Jesus stood silent and sovereign under unjust accusation, while Peter fell under fear—yet stumbled toward restoration. 

1. Silenced But Sovereign (Mark 14:53–59) 

Jesus is brought to an illegal trial—at night, in private, on a feast day, with false witnesses. 

The religious leaders become the accusers, violating Jewish law (Deut. 16:18, 17:5–6, 5:20). 

Jesus’ words are twisted—a tactic as old as the garden. 

2. Steadfast Amid Shame (Mark 14:60–65) 

Jesus breaks silence not to defend Himself, but to declare the truth: “I AM.” 

He quotes Psalm 110 and Daniel 7—directly claiming to be the Messiah and Judge. 

The high priest tears his clothes (against the law), and the crowd assaults Jesus in hate. 

3. Stumbling Toward Salvation (Mark 14:66–72) 

Peter denies Jesus 3 times, intimidated by a servant girl and others. 

After the rooster crows, Jesus looks at Peter—who weeps bitterly. 

This is not the end of Peter’s story. He will repent, be restored, and lead others. 

-Mark 2:1-14

“'If You are willing, You can make me clean.' Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'”

Mark 1:40–41.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Col 3:16–17.