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 –>
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 our Memory Text, Nehemiah prays ‘O great and awesome God’ as we sing in Hymn 86, “How Great Thou Art”, Hymn 88, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” and in Hymn 90, “Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds”. Nehemiah reminds God of His promises in Nehemiah 1:8, 9 on Monday as does Hymn 510, … Continue reading –>
1. Arrived and weeping. His wishes have been fulfilled, and the temple rebuilt. Why is Nehemiah so filled with distress that he weeps in mourning for several days? What is the bad news? From the perspective of their neighbors, what has to happen to God’s people? Is their wish fulfilled? 2. Nehemiah receives bad news. Hanani, probably … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Nehemiah was a man of prayer. He ask4ed the Lord to grant him favor before the king that the plan might be carried out. Nehemiah waited four months for the right moment. October 12, 2019 1. Have a volunteer read Nehemiah 1:1-4. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: In seeking to fulfill the Christian mission, we should look to the church as an organized community of believers. By working in a community of faith, we can bless those around us. October 5, 2019 1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 9:2, Ezra 4:1-7. Ask class members to share a thought on what … Continue reading –>
Hymn 225, “God Is Working His Purpose Out”, portrays the messengers God uses to work out history for his people in the prophecies. We find that Ezra is not happy with what he has learned in the world’s universities and is looking “To the Name That Brings Salvation”, Hymn 646. On Thursday, Ezra devoted himself … Continue reading –>
First return of the exiles. Imagine a prophecy so precise as the one predicting that for 70 years, God’s people would live in desolation, and then they would be released. Now it was almost time for that promise to be fulfilled. Why was Daniel upset? Should he have been? Do you and I ever feel … Continue reading –>
