Podcasts about Artaxerxes

Nehemiah had a great job working as the cupbearer of Artaxerxes, king of Persia. Why did he give it all up to embrace the difficult task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? The answer is the Lord developed in him a holy ambition for God's people, place, and glory. Do you have a holy ambition for your life? You can watch this message here.

Nearly sixty years have passed since the events of the previous chapter. Now, a new king reigns over the Persians—Artaxerxes. Ezra receives extraordinary royal authorization from Artaxerxes to lead another group of exiles back to Jerusalem. The episode examines the remarkably generous terms of the king's letter, granting Ezra sweeping authority to teach the Law, collect temple offerings, and appoint judges. Central to the episode is how God works through pagan rulers to accomplish his purposes, using even foreign governments as instruments of his will.   The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 7.  To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacebuffalo.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God's chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God's authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God's Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In this video, we conclude our study of the Great Jubilee Redemption Cycle of 490 years from the Dedication of Solomon's Temple in 1018 BC to the Decree of Artaxerxes in 458 BC, which marks the start of the next Redemption Cycle (Daniel's 70 Weeks, Daniel 9:24). This period is actually 560 years, but the 70 years of the Babylonian Captivity are unreckoned, leaving 490 years in God's Redemption Chronology. Using charts, Pastor Derek gives an overview of this whole time-period showing how all the reigns of the kings fit into the longer time-periods of 390 years and 40 years of Ezekiel 4 (1018 - 628 BC and 628- 588 BC), the 70 years of Desolation (588 - 518 BC) and the 560 years (1018 - 458 BC), showing how all the Biblical data can be perfectly harmonised. Everything fits perfectly into place, demonstrating the sovereignty, grace and glory of God. We can see that God, as the Lord of Time, has sovereignly planned and determined the overall course of Time. As the God of Grace, we see that He governs it according to His Redemption Calendar, which incorporates the Jubilee Principle and measures years of forgiveness, so that Time is structured in Great Jubilee Cycles. By giving us detailed chronological information in His Word about the course of history, we can reconstruct it with exactness, and demonstrate its accuracy, inner harmony, consistency and perfection, showing that all the time-periods fit into a greater Divine Plan and Design for Time, thus revealing the sovereignty and glory of God.

In this video, we conclude our study of the Great Jubilee Redemption Cycle of 490 years from the Dedication of Solomon's Temple in 1018 BC to the Decree of Artaxerxes in 458 BC, which marks the start of the next Redemption Cycle (Daniel's 70 Weeks, Daniel 9:24). This period is actually 560 years, but the 70 years of the Babylonian Captivity are unreckoned, leaving 490 years in God's Redemption Chronology. Using charts, Pastor Derek gives an overview of this whole time-period showing how all the reigns of the kings fit into the longer time-periods of 390 years and 40 years of Ezekiel 4 (1018 - 628 BC and 628- 588 BC), the 70 years of Desolation (588 - 518 BC) and the 560 years (1018 - 458 BC), showing how all the Biblical data can be perfectly harmonised. Everything fits perfectly into place, demonstrating the sovereignty, grace and glory of God. We can see that God, as the Lord of Time, has sovereignly planned and determined the overall course of Time. As the God of Grace, we see that He governs it according to His Redemption Calendar, which incorporates the Jubilee Principle and measures years of forgiveness, so that Time is structured in Great Jubilee Cycles. By giving us detailed chronological information in His Word about the course of history, we can reconstruct it with exactness, and demonstrate its accuracy, inner harmony, consistency and perfection, showing that all the time-periods fit into a greater Divine Plan and Design for Time, thus revealing the sovereignty and glory of God.

As we near completion of our study of the Great Jubilee Cycle of 490 years (plus the 70 unreckoned years of the Babylonian Captivity) from the Dedication of Solomon's Temple to the Decree of Artaxerxes, we fix some key dates marked by the Bible during the Siege and Fall of Jerusalem, and its aftermath. Then, we look at the event that marks the end of this Great Jubilee Cycle, and the start of the next Great Jubilee Cycle of 490 years (Daniel's 70 Weeks, Daniel 9:24-27), from 458 BC to 33 AD, the Decree to rebuild and restore Jerusalem in 458 BC (Daniel 9:25) in the 7th Year of Artaxerxes, recorded in Ezra 7, which marks the start of the final Great Jubilee Cycle of Israel.

As we near completion of our study of the Great Jubilee Cycle of 490 years (plus the 70 unreckoned years of the Babylonian Captivity) from the Dedication of Solomon's Temple to the Decree of Artaxerxes, we fix some key dates marked by the Bible during the Siege and Fall of Jerusalem, and its aftermath. Then, we look at the event that marks the end of this Great Jubilee Cycle, and the start of the next Great Jubilee Cycle of 490 years (Daniel's 70 Weeks, Daniel 9:24-27), from 458 BC to 33 AD, the Decree to rebuild and restore Jerusalem in 458 BC (Daniel 9:25) in the 7th Year of Artaxerxes, recorded in Ezra 7, which marks the start of the final Great Jubilee Cycle of Israel.

Continue to explore the intricate timeline of biblical events. Pastor Derek delves into the 70-year periods of judgment, the Servitude and Desolation of Israel and the Temple, followed by the rebuilding of the Temple. Learn how these historical events fit into God's framework of time, revealing deeper insights into the Bible's Chronology.

Continue to explore the intricate timeline of biblical events. Pastor Derek delves into the 70-year periods of judgment, the Servitude and Desolation of Israel and the Temple, followed by the rebuilding of the Temple. Learn how these historical events fit into God's framework of time, revealing deeper insights into the Bible's Chronology.

Explore the four 70-year periods of judgment on the House of Israel, focusing on the idolatry and Servitude leading to the Babylonian Captivity and Desolations of Jerusalem. Unravel the Biblical Chronology and insights from Jeremiah, Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah as they warn and guide the Israelites through these pivotal moments in history. As Israel returned to the Lord and rebuilt His Temple, God's blessing was restored to His People. This educational video delves into the significance of the Temple's destruction and reconstruction, offering a deeper understanding of biblical events.

Explore the four 70-year periods of judgment on the House of Israel, focusing on the idolatry and Servitude leading to the Babylonian Captivity and Desolations of Jerusalem. Unravel the Biblical Chronology and insights from Jeremiah, Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah as they warn and guide the Israelites through these pivotal moments in history. As Israel returned to the Lord and rebuilt His Temple, God's blessing was restored to His People. This educational video delves into the significance of the Temple's destruction and reconstruction, offering a deeper understanding of biblical events.

Join Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible Church as he delves into the history and chronology of Israel's four 70-year periods of judgment. This part of the series explores Biblical Prophecy, the Captivity in Babylon, and the subsequent restoration under Persian rule (Cyrus). Discover how these events fit into the larger framework of Biblical Chronology, and gain insights into God's redemption timetable.

Join Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible Church as he delves into the history and chronology of Israel's four 70-year periods of judgment. This part of the series explores Biblical Prophecy, the Captivity in Babylon, and the subsequent restoration under Persian rule (Cyrus). Discover how these events fit into the larger framework of Biblical Chronology, and gain insights into God's redemption timetable.

Dive into the intricate biblical chronology from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Artaxerxes. This episode explores key periods of servitude, judgments, and God's redemption plan. The narrative reveals how historical events align with divine timelines, emphasizing the 'Times of the Gentiles' and the prophesied restoration of Israel. Discover the fulfillment of biblical prophecies through pivotal historical moments like Israel's rebirth in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967.

Dive into the intricate biblical chronology from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Artaxerxes. This episode explores key periods of servitude, judgments, and God's redemption plan. The narrative reveals how historical events align with divine timelines, emphasizing the 'Times of the Gentiles' and the prophesied restoration of Israel. Discover the fulfillment of biblical prophecies through pivotal historical moments like Israel's rebirth in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967.

In this episode we continue to study the historical events during the Babylonian Captivity and the Siege and Fall of Jerusalem (in 586 BC), including the four 70-year judgments on Israel at that time.

In this episode we continue to study the historical events during the Babylonian Captivity and the Siege and Fall of Jerusalem (in 586 BC), including the four 70-year judgments on Israel at that time.

Explore the intricate timeline of biblical events leading to the judgment and exile of Israel. This episode discusses the periods of servitude and captivity in Babylon, the role of prophets like Jeremiah, and the consequences of defying divine warnings. Delve into the historical context and theological implications as presented by Derek Walker, Pastor of the Oxford Bible Church, in his enlightening book 'The Keys of Time.'

Explore the intricate timeline of biblical events leading to the judgment and exile of Israel. This episode discusses the periods of servitude and captivity in Babylon, the role of prophets like Jeremiah, and the consequences of defying divine warnings. Delve into the historical context and theological implications as presented by Derek Walker, Pastor of the Oxford Bible Church, in his enlightening book 'The Keys of Time.'

7/6/2025: Rev. Paul Bang   Nehemiah 13:4-31   English Standard Version     4 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, 5 prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously put the grain offering, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, wine, and oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests. 6 While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king 7 and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. 8 And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. 9 Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. 10 I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field. 11 So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. 12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses. 13 And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. 14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service. 15 In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. 16 Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster[a] on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” 19 As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice. 21 But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love. 23 In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. 25 And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. 26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin. 27 Shall we then listen to you and do all this great evil and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?” 28 And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I chased him from me. 29 Remember them, O my God, because they have desecrated the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites. 30 Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; 31 and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

Ezra 7 & 8 | Faithfulness | Johnny Kurcina | June 22, 2025 In Ezra 7 and 8, the priest and scribe, Ezra, arrives on the scene for the first time in the book. Ezra is authorized by the Persian king, Artaxerxes, to lead a 2nd wave of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem to […]

As God's prisoner what rights do I have and what praise am I do. All praise belongs ti Him. Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 1-3 & Luke 8:26-56 The Marshalls 

Be willing in your sacrifice. Be careful in your spending. Deliver fully in your service. And teach others.

3/23/2025 Paul Bang   Nehemiah 5:14-19   English Standard Version     14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.

“Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.” (Daniel 9:25 NLT) Daniel 9 begins with Daniel praying. This wasn’t unusual. Daniel prayed a lot. In Daniel 9, however, his prayer is especially urgent. Daniel had been in captivity in Babylon for about sixty-six years. Based on his understanding of the prophecies of Jeremiah, the captivity would end in less than four years. Daniel prayed for God to show mercy on His people, who were scattered throughout the land, and to restore the city of Jerusalem. Suddenly the angel Gabriel appeared to provide an answer (of sorts) to Daniel’s prayer. Gabriel revealed to Daniel a complex prophecy involving seventy sets of seven. There’s a lot of math involved, not to mention a conversion from the ancient calendar to the modern one, but here’s the basic gist of the prophecy. God’s people are given a timeframe of “seventy sets of seven.” Sixty-nine of those sets of seven will take place between the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem and the time a ruler—the Anointed One—enters the city. The final set of seven will take place when another ruler makes a treaty but then breaks it by defiling the temple. Each set of seven represents seventy years, for a total of 490 years. The prophecy then divides that period into three smaller ones—one of forty-nine years, one of 434 years, and one of seven years. This breakdown gives us a kind of clock for when the Messiah will return and what will be happening in the world when He does. But the timeline isn’t consecutive. It didn’t predict that Jesus would return in 490 years. There’s a break in it that makes it impossible to pin down. There are, however, some parts that lend themselves to specific interpretations. The first set of seven likely began on March 4, 444 BC. That’s the day Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, gave Nehemiah permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 2:1–8). The construction process took 49 years. About 483 years later (in converted time), Jesus—the Messiah, the Anointed One—made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Within a week, He was crucified, fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 9:26. Many people like to speculate on the final part of the prophecy, the final set of seven. They trade theories about the ruler who will emerge—the Antichrist—and how his evil reign will play out. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Daniel was given a vision of Jesus—the Anointed One—and His saving work five hundred years before He was born. God’s timetable is perfect, from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls to the coming of the Messiah to the final judgment and end of evil. We can trust Him to accomplish His will, in His way, in His time. And let’s not lose sight of our own responsibility. There are things we must be alert to as we live in the last days. As the apostle Paul wrote, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living” (Romans 13:12 NLT). Your relationship with Jesus Christ needs constant maintenance and cultivation. The day that you stop growing spiritually is the day you will start to become weak and vulnerable to the devil’s attacks. The best way to not go backward is to keep moving forward. Reflection question: When have you seen God’s perfect timetable in your own life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psalm 137 is A song of lament, oath, & oracle.  This is a Psalm acknowledging situations where it is excruciating to sing. The psalmist is in exile but his heart is in Zion.  This is a song Nehemiah could sing as he wept in the courts of Artaxerxes' Persian controlled Babylon.  Nehemiah was a respected official who had the ear and the favor of an emperor, yet his affections called Jerusalem home (Neh 1:3-9). Nehemiah's contentment was tied to the fortunes of Zion: the status of covenant relations between God & God's people.  In his anguish our author lifts his appeal to The Great Judge of the nations.  The refrain spares no weight as the Psalmist finds consolation in the comprehensive judgements of a Holy God.

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8Big Idea: Nehemiah courageously approaches the king, at risk of status and livelihood, BUT GOD moves through Artaxerxes. Despite the king's own selfish motives, GOD's purposes are accomplished for His own glory!Nehemiah exercises the practice of learning to wait.Nehemiah's prayer and passion meet a moment, and he takes a risk.God moves and opens doors through people we least expect.Sermon SlidesYoutube Link

The book of Nehemiah is a powerful narrative in the Old Testament that chronicles the restoration of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual revival of the Jewish people after their exile. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, is called by God to lead the rebuilding of the city's walls despite opposition from enemies and internal challenges. The book highlights themes of leadership, prayer, perseverance, and faith, showing how Nehemiah's reliance on God and strategic planning brought about both physical and spiritual renewal for the Israelites.In Nehemiah Chapter 1, Nehemiah, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, learns of the dire state of Jerusalem—its walls are broken, and its gates are burned. Deeply grieved, he turns to God in prayer, confessing the sins of Israel, acknowledging God's covenant faithfulness, and pleading for favor before the king. This chapter sets the stage for Nehemiah's mission, showcasing his heartfelt intercession and reliance on God for guidance and strength.If you would like to purchase my book - Coming To Loving Yourself Paperback - https://sharisenjohnson-moorellc.hbportal.co/public/CTLYBookComing To Loving Yourself Ebook - https://a.co/d/7k2sus0If you would like to advertise your products or services on the podcast please click on the link for further details - https://sharisenjohnson-moorellc.hbportal.co/public/PodcastAds Contact Sharise Johnson-MooreEmail - snjm@sharisenjohnsonmoore.comWebsite - sharisenjohnsonmoore.com

“Salt without prescribing how much.” — Ezra 7:22 Salt was used in every offering made by fire unto the Lord, and from its preserving and purifying properties it was the grateful emblem of divine grace in the soul. It is worthy of our attentive regard that, when Artaxerxes gave salt to Ezra the priest, he […]

Haman's wrath against Mordecai and the Jewish people has returned on his own head. On today's episode, Esther continues to represent her people before the king, turning a day of mourning into a day of rejoicing. As we finish Esther we'll be turning back to the historical narrative recorded in the book of Ezra in which we learn of a new Persian king named Artaxerxes. While historians differ, it is believed that Artaxerxes' father is the Ahaseurus from Esther, known more broadly as Xerxes. We are also introduced to the man for whom the book of Ezra is named as he is sent by Artaxerxes to Jerusalem.Esther 9 - 1:05 . Esther 10 - 8:11 . Ezra 7 - 9:06 . Proverbs 31 - 14:46 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Opening Words:“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him. Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 70Deus, in adjutorium1Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; *O Lord, make haste to help me.2Let those who seek my life be ashamedand altogether dismayed; *let those who take pleasure in my misfortunedraw back and be disgraced.3Let those who say to me “Aha!” and gloat over me turn back, *because they are ashamed.4Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; *let those who love your salvation say for ever,“Great is the Lord!”5But as for me, I am poor and needy; *come to me speedily, O God.6You are my helper and my deliverer; *O Lord, do not tarry.Psalm 71In te, Domine, speravi1In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; *let me never be ashamed.2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *incline your ear to me and save me.3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *you are my crag and my stronghold.4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.5For you are my hope, O Lord God, *my confidence since I was young.6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;from my mother's womb you have been my strength; *my praise shall be always of you.7I have become a portent to many; *but you are my refuge and my strength.8Let my mouth be full of your praise *and your glory all the day long.9Do not cast me off in my old age; *forsake me not when my strength fails.10For my enemies are talking against me, *and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.11They say, “God has forsaken him;go after him and seize him; *because there is none who will save.”12O God, be not far from me; *come quickly to help me, O my God.13Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and be disgraced; *let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn and reproach.14But I shall always wait in patience, *and shall praise you more and more.15My mouth shall recount your mighty actsand saving deeds all day long; *though I cannot know the number of them.16I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord God *I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.17O God, you have taught me since I was young, *and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.18And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, *till I make known your strength to this generationand your power to all who are to come.19Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; *you have done great things;who is like you, O God?20You have showed me great troubles and adversities, *but you will restore my lifeand bring me up again from the deep places of the earth.21You strengthen me more and more; *you enfold and comfort me,22Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your faithfulness, O my God; *I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.23My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, *and so will my soul, which you have redeemed.24My tongue will proclaim your righteousness all day long, *for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought to do me harm. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsEzra 7:11-26English Standard Version11 This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes for Israel: 12 “Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace. And now 13 I make a decree that anyone of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom, who freely offers to go to Jerusalem, may go with you. 14 For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand, 15 and also to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16 with all the silver and gold that you shall find in the whole province of Babylonia, and with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests, vowed willingly for the house of their God that is in Jerusalem. 17 With this money, then, you shall with all diligence buy bulls, rams, and lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and you shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God that is in Jerusalem. 18 Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do, according to the will of your God. 19 The vessels that have been given you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem. 20 And whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king's treasury.21 “And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, 22 up to 100 talents of silver, 100 cors of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. 23 Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons. 24 We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.25 “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach. 26 Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment.”Revelation 14:1-13English Standard Version14 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah)Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersLord, have mercy.Christ, have mercyLord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us;And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern usAnd lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousnessAnd let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your peopleAnd bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O LordAnd defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgottenNor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O GodAnd take not your Holy Spirit from us. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. The CollectsProper 26Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!Alleluia, Alleluia! BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

Join Pastor Shawn and the gang at Calvary Chapel Birmingham as they study the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. In this episode, we continue our study in Nehemiah with chapter 7.

Nehemiah 13:6-9Nehemiah 13:15-22Context- The thirty-second year of Artaxerxes would have been around 433 BC and this is when Nehemiah returned to Persia and was there for some time before he requested he visit Jerusalem. His return visit was around 430 or 429 BC, and he tells us what he found in Jerusalem (vv 6-7).- Tobiah and Eliashib were somehow connected (perhaps related through a marriage). Tobiah was fiercely against the work of the wall (Neh 2:10).- Nehemiah reminded everyone the definition of not working included:  • treading wine • loading • transporting • selling grain, grapes, or figs • buying goods from foreigners.Big idea last week: We find freedom from conformity through our surrender to transformation.Big Idea: Surrender to transformation begins with divesting from the things that entangle us and resting in God.1. Divest from the things that entangle youHebrews 12:1-22. Rest in GodPsalm 91:1Psalm 37:7Matthew 11:28-30Response:• Clear out the things in your life that hinder you from fully surrendering to Jesus and becoming more like Him.• Find time daily to rest and spend time with God. DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: Psalm 2► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week's “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)

Nehemiah 13:6-9Nehemiah 13:15-22Context- The thirty-second year of Artaxerxes would have been around 433 BC and this is when Nehemiah returned to Persia and was there for some time before he requested he visit Jerusalem. His return visit was around 430 or 429 BC, and he tells us what he found in Jerusalem (vv 6-7).- Tobiah and Eliashib were somehow connected (perhaps related through a marriage). Tobiah was fiercely against the work of the wall (Neh 2:10).- Nehemiah reminded everyone the definition of not working included:  • treading wine • loading • transporting • selling grain, grapes, or figs • buying goods from foreigners.Big idea last week: We find freedom from conformity through our surrender to transformation.Big Idea: Surrender to transformation begins with divesting from the things that entangle us and resting in God.1. Divest from the things that entangle youHebrews 12:1-22. Rest in GodPsalm 91:1Psalm 37:7Matthew 11:28-30Response:• Clear out the things in your life that hinder you from fully surrendering to Jesus and becoming more like Him.• Find time daily to rest and spend time with God. DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: Psalm 2► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week's “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

Join Pastor Shawn and the gang at Calvary Chapel Birmingham as they study the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. In this episode, we continue our study in Nehemiah with chapter 5.

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

Join Pastor Shawn and the gang at Calvary Chapel Birmingham as they study the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. In this episode, we continue our study in Nehemiah with chapter 3.

Join Pastor Shawn and the gang at Calvary Chapel Birmingham as they study the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. In this episode, we continue our study in Nehemiah with chapter 2.

Join Pastor Shawn and the gang at Calvary Chapel Birmingham as they study the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. In this episode, we begin our study in Nehemiah with chapter 1.

Nehemiah played a pivotal role in the restoration of Jerusalem's walls. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into Nehemiah's story when Nehemiah, a trusted cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, receives distressing news about the state of Jerusalem. His immediate reaction was to mourn deeply. In a world often characterized by apathy or complaining, Nehemiah's response stands out as a model of godly sorrow. For Nehemiah, the condition of Jerusalem's walls was not merely a physical concern. The city walls symbolized not only the strength and security of the inhabitants but also the honor and glory of the God they served. Nehemiah's distress over the walls mirrored his concern for the spiritual well-being of his people. In recognizing the correlation between the physical decay and spiritual decline, Nehemiah demonstrated humility by acknowledging his own sin in the collective sin of his people.Amidst his distress, Nehemiah turned to prayer. His prayer was an active engagement with the Lord. Nehemiah approached God with humility, seeking not just personal deliverance but the restoration of Jerusalem for the glory of God's kingdom. His prayer exemplifies selflessness, reflecting a genuine concern for the welfare of others. Nehemiah's story is not merely a historical account of leadership but a profound testimony to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Nehemiah's ultimate allegiance was to God and His kingdom. His commitment to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls was not just a civic duty but a spiritual calling—an expression of his desire to see God's kingdom established on earth.Throughout the narrative, prayer remains a constant thread. In the face of adversity, Nehemiah did not waver in his faith or determination. His example challenges believers to persevere in prayer and action amidst opposition and uncertainty. Moreover, Nehemiah's response to threats serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in spiritual warfare. While trusting in God's protection, Nehemiah and his companions also took practical measures to defend themselves against potential attacks. Their readiness to defend the work of God's kingdom illustrates the necessity of combining faith with action in the face of adversity.Nehemiah's story offers timeless lessons on repentance, prayer, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereignty. His example challenges believers to respond with godly sorrow to the brokenness of the world around them, to pray fervently for the advancement of God's kingdom, and to persevere in faith and action despite opposition.  Thanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Nehemiah 2:7-9 Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Nehemiah 2:4-6 Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Nehemiah 2:1-4 Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Nehemiah 1:1 Music by Jeff Foote aka Rooktown The Clamour and the Crash - Rooktown The Coward (EP) - Rooktown Sea of Tranquility - Jeff Foote Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here  

Ezra 7:11-28 Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Ezra 7:11-28 Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote