We saw last week that the kingdom became divided; Israel was in desperate need of repentance. The priests and judges were corrupt. Violence and social injustice oppressed the poor and the righteous. God’s people had long ago forsaken their covenantal obligations of righteous life under the Law. But God loved them too much to let them continue down a path of destruction. He began to call prophets to speak on His behalf. These men faced much opposition and hardship as they spoke truth to people who did not want to hear it. This week we will look at two of the prophets God called to speak on His behalf, Elijah and Hosea.
God's Messengers
January 19, 2020 • Mark Rowland
More from
The Story (Part 3)
Rebuilding the Walls
March 1, 2020 • Mark Rowland
The biblical figures of Ezra and Nehemiah are not the most popular or well-known. Years after the first group returned to rebuild the temple, another group returned under the leadership of Ezra, a priest and Bible scholar who was passionate about God and His Word. Ezra would do everything in his power to lead the Israelites into a new era of devotion to their God. After that, a final group returned under Nehemiah, who desired to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He led the people to do so despite the fearful tactics of their enemies to derail and stop the project. Ezra and Nehemiah were reformers who were determined not to allow this reemerging but fledgling nation to fall back into her old ways.
Queen of Beauty & Courage
February 23, 2020 • Mark Putman
Fifty years after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem, the majority of Israelites remained scattered throughout the Persian Empire, and many lived in the capital city of Susa, including a woman name Esther. Esther, an orphan who was raised by her righteous cousin Mordecai, eventually won favor with the king, becoming queen. In the story of Esther, we see how God works behind the scene to fulfill His promises and grand purpose; even when we cannot see God working, He is. God is in control, working all things out for the good. We also learn from the bravery and courage of Esther. Sometimes we must stand in courage, even when it is not popular to do so, and risk it all.
The Return Home
February 17, 2020 • Mark Rowland
After three generations have passed and Israel has been in exile for 70 years, the Persian King, Cyrus, overthrew the King of Babylon and encouraged all foreigners living there to return to their homelands. So, in 537 B. C. about 50,000 exiles returned to their homeland to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra. But the opposition of the local people caused fear and discouraged the Israelites from completing their work. After the foundation and altar were built, the temple remained untouched for sixteen years while the people built their own fine homes. God sent His prophet Haggai to call the people back to their primary task. The unfinished work revealed their growing spiritual apathy