There is a lot of talk about God’s electing us or choosing us to do something. Many have different ideas on what that election means. What does the Bible say about our election? Read Romans 8:28-29. What does God call us to? What does He choose us for? This passage specifically states that God predestined humans … Continue reading –>
The word “determined” found in Daniel 9:24, “Seventy weeks are determined”, literally means, “Seventy weeks are cut off”. Although the word translated as “determined” is not used anywhere else in the Bible, it is found in Jewish literature, and it means “cutting off” from something longer. Since Daniel 8 presents the 2,300-years prophecy, whose starting point … Continue reading –>
The task. It was time for the temple at Jerusalem to be rebuilt. We aren’t told this, but do you think Ezra and Nehemiah had special training for the work God assigned them to do? Or did God simply bestow on them the skills they needed? What were their spiritual responsibilities? Do you think every … Continue reading –>
Do you hear “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Calling”, Hymn 359 in our lesson study title for this week? Or, Hymn 287, “Softly and Tenderly”? I heard Hymn 361, “Hark! Tis the Shepherd’s Voice I Hear”. Ezra and Nehemiah certainly heard God’s voice calling them. These prophets were to lead the people, rebuild the sanctuary … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : The time of Christ’s coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His death, and the giving of the gospel is definitely pointed out in Ezra’s timeline related to Daniel chapter 9. October 19, 2019 1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 9:24-27 Ask class members to share a thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
In the first lesson of this quarter, we studied how God called Zerubbabel (c. 538 B.C). and Ezra (457 B.C). to special ministries. In the second lesson, we considered God’s call for Nehemiah (444 B.C.). We need to realize that these callings were performed in harmony with God’s foreknowledge. For example, Zerubbabel was moved by … Continue reading –>
We could say that Ezra was chosen for various reasons: 1. he was willing to go; 2. he was a leader; and 3. he was a skilled scribe and teacher. There are additional reasons that we could find, as well. But there is one verse that perhaps best demonstrates why Ezra was given this task. What does Ezra 7:10 say about Ezra? How … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Ezra 7:10; Neh. 1:1-11; Dan. 9:24-27; Daniel 8:1-27; Rom. 8:28-29; Romans 9:1-33; Exodus 3:1-4:31. Memory Text: “Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 7:27, NKJV). Does God call each person to … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Contemplate “A Man of Opportunity”, pages 628–634, in Prophets and Kings. Nehemiah was a man of prayer: “Nehemiah had often poured out his soul in behalf of his people. But now as he prayed a holy purpose formed in his mind. He resolved that if he could obtain the consent of the king, and … Continue reading –>
No question, the Lord had called Nehemiah to this task and would provide all that he would need. Armed with the knowledge of God’s promises and the certainty of the call by God, Nehemiah proceeded. But he moved ahead carefully and prayerfully. In other words, even though he knew God was with him, this knowledge … Continue reading –>
