Issues In Perspective

God’s blessings flow to the one who rejects the counsel of the ungodly, the lifestyle of the sinner and identifying with those who mock God—but flow only to the one who finds delight in God’s word.

As Nehemiah returns from Persia, he meets four major crises with fortitude and decisive leadership. He is a model servant leader.

The Exiles finalize the renewal of the Covenant with God and Nehemiah re-populates Jerusalem, while organizing the sacrifices, the priesthood and Levitcal worship in the Temple.

As the Exiles re-affirm their covenant with God, they review His faithfulness and is loyal-covenant love for them.

The Exile community in Jerusalem confesses the sins of the nation and reviews the faithfulness of their Sovereign Creator.

The Jewish Exiles in Jerusalem became the "People of the Book" as they heard Ezra read the Word of God. They engaged the Word with their minds and emotions, which then resulted in obedience.

Nehemiah neutralizes his enemies and completes the wall in 52 days, after which Jerusalem is re-populated.

Nehemiah is an exemplary servant leader in how he organized the wall’s rebuilding and how he dealt with the opposition.

As a leader, Nehemiah had to deal with threats from external enemies as well as oppression & exploitation within the Jerusalem community.

As Nehemiah and his people begin to rebuild Jerusalem's walls they face mockery, a conspiracy from their enemies, and discouragement, fear and exhaustion.

Nehemiah, a strategic leader, was a man of prayer—prayers of adoration, confession and petition; and a man who fired straight-arrow prayers to God.

The historical background of the Exile to Babylon, which began in 586 BC, and the return to Jerusalem, which began in 539 BC, provide the context for Nehemiah's request of the Persian king Artaxerxes.

As Paul closes his epistle to the Colossians, he emphasizes the centrality of prayer and a life of wisdom.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms marriages, parent-child relationships, and the workplace.

The Christian has an upward and a forward look in the walk with Jesus, which results in a strategy for holiness.

Legalism and asceticism are of no value in earning God's favor; only faith in Jesus Christ alone results in salvation.

True spirituality is not gained through legalistic rules or mystical experiences, but is only the result of our spiritual unity with Jesus and the indwelling Spirit of God.

Paul reminds the church that Jesus' sacrifice produced judicial forgiveness, payment of their debt for sin through His sacrifice, and, in doing so, Christ disarmed and shamed Satan and the fallen angels.

As we receive Christ as Savior, we are to walk in Him, rooted, built up, strengthened and abounding in thankfulness.

Christ's ministry of reconciliation produced significant transformation in the Colossian believer' lives. Paul's ministry to them involved one of suffering and of stewarding God's Word faithfully.

Paul gives a short, concise description of Jesus, to help combat the heresy in Colosse.

The results of living a life pleasing to God, and how the purpose for all things is realized in Jesus.

In-depth discussion of Paul's thanksgiving for the faith of the Colossians, and his prayer for their spiritual growth.

A new study of the book of Colossians: setting up the scene in Colosse, introduction, and analysis of Paul's greeting to begin chapter 1.

The conclusion of our study of Hebrews, as the author shares what the Christian life looks like.