What order should we choose? Our lesson does not recommend an order of elements to include in our work of confessing and repenting before God, but what order do you prefer in your prayers to God for these items: 1) praise 2) repentance 3) celebration 4) confession 5) other.. Fasting and worship. Instead of a joyful celebration … Continue reading –>
This week we ask “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive”, Hymn 299 and “Hymn 412, “Cover With His Life” as we have a forgiving God. We are so thankful that “He Hideth My Soul”, Hymn 520. Finally in Nehemiah 9:3, the people worshipped the Lord: Hymn 6, “O Worship the Lord”, and Hymn 83, “O Worship the … Continue reading –>
The first hymn to come to mind with the title of this week’s lesson study is: Hymn 272, “Give Me the Bible”. Sabbath afternoon’s introduction to the week shows the surrounding nations in awe of the accomplishment of completing the building. We all can say: “How Great Thou Art”, Hymn 86. The Children of Israel … Continue reading –>
The wall is complete, and the law is read. The completion of the wall was not an easy task, but once it was up and protecting the city of Jerusalem, the Children of Israel were ready to celebrate! The Bible account states that Ezra was asked to bring the Book of Moses to a special platform … Continue reading –>
Hymn 533, “O for a Faith” relates to the Sabbath afternoon introduction of the poverty and the woes of the people of Israel, requesting a strong faith. This theme continues into Sunday where debt is now the main culprit. We, today, are so thankful that “At the Cross”, Hymn 163 all our sin-debt is rolled … Continue reading –>
Grievance time. Things seemed to be going fairly well on the outside for the Jewish community, but why is there so much worry and despair on the inside? What are some of the troubles the Jewish community is facing at this time when it seems that rebuilding prosperity should be the highest priority? How did a … Continue reading –>
While “Facing Opposition”, Ezra and Nehemiah still went ahead with their work. We too must “Go, Preach My Gospel”, Hymn 378 and Hymn 377, “Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ”. The way to encourage the people building the temple was to send in two prophets: Hymn 413, “God Has Spoken by His Prophets” With the … Continue reading –>
Opposition to having helpers. If you were launching a new enterprise at your church and building a good-sized structure to contain it, wouldn’t you be delighted if a crew of experienced builders stopped by and volunteered to help? Why did the post-exilic Israelites back off when the local opposition offered to help rebuild the temple? … 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 –>
