Podcasts about Artaxerxes

In this episode of Prove All Things, Jeff Reed and Mike James walk through Daniel's 70 Weeks Prophecy and why many see it as one of the strongest evidences for fulfilled biblical prophecy. They explain why the “weeks” are understood as weeks of years and how the timeline begins with the decree to restore Jerusalem under Artaxerxes. Following the 490-year framework, they connect key milestones to the Messiah's appearing and the “cutting off” of the Anointed One. Along the way, they emphasize humility in prophecy, the reliability of God's promises, and the hope of Christ's future return.

Friday Bible Study (2/20/26) // Ezra 8:1-20 (ESV) // *Genealogy of Those Who Returned with Ezra*// 8 These are the heads of their fathers' houses, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylonia, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king: 2 Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush. 3 Of the sons of Shecaniah, who was of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah, with whom were registered 150 men. 4 Of the sons of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men. 5 Of the sons of Zattu,[a] Shecaniah the son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men. 6 Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men. 7 Of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men. 8 Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him 80 men. 9 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men. 10 Of the sons of Bani,[b] Shelomith the son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men. 11 Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah, the son of Bebai, and with him 28 men. 12 Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men. 13 Of the sons of Adonikam, those who came later, their names being Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men. 14 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men.Ezra Sends for Levites15 I gathered them to the river that runs to Ahava, and there we camped three days. As I reviewed the people and the priests, I found there none of the sons of Levi. 16 Then I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, leading men, and for Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of insight, 17 and sent them to Iddo, the leading man at the place Casiphia, telling them what to say to Iddo and his brothers and[c] the temple servants at the place Casiphia, namely, to send us ministers for the house of our God. 18 And by the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah with his sons and kinsmen, 18; 19 also Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, with his kinsmen and their sons, 20; 20 besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name.Footnotesa. Ezra 8:5 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks of Zattub. Ezra 8: 10 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks Banic. Ezra 8: 17 Hebrew lacks andWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When the story feels like it's reaching an end, remember: God's story didn't end in distance but in dwelling. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) Jesus chose to step into our world—to be with us, not apart from us. In His presence, endings become beginnings, despair meets grace, and truth brings us home again. Maybe this isn't the end after all. Maybe this is where God begins something new... together. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Nehemiah 13:6-9, 14-15, 25 (NIV) // But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services. In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said: “You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves.”

Friday Bible Study (2/13/26) // Ezra 7: 11-28 (ESV) // Ezra Sent to Teach the People // 11 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:[a] 12 “Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace.[b] 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[c] of silver, 100 cors[d] of wheat, 100 baths[e] 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.”27 Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, 28 and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Let's meet Ezra, a priest, a scribe, and the leader of the second group of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Ezra rebuked the people for intermarrying and worshiping false gods. He wanted them to know the Word of God is always right and that following Him should be our purpose regardless of how hard it might be.The rebuilding of the temple was halted for 15 years by opposition from the people of land who bribed councilors to frustrate the purpose. However, when building resumed, the King of Persia supplied the materials needed! What a powerful lesson on trusting God's timing.“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…” 7:21Ezra's words reminded the people God was responsible.“Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem… I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me…” 7:27-28Won't you join us as we reflect and connect with this amazing text!

When the story feels like it's reaching an end, remember: God's story didn't end in distance but in dwelling. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) Jesus chose to step into our world—to be with us, not apart from us. In His presence, endings become beginnings, despair meets grace, and truth brings us home again. Maybe this isn't the end after all. Maybe this is where God begins something new... together. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Nehemiah 13:6-9, 14-15, 25 (NIV) // But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services. In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said: “You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves.”

TEMPO DE REFLETIR 01674 – 13 de fevereiro de 2026 Neemias 2:2 – Por que está triste o teu rosto, se não estás doente? Tem de ser tristeza do coração. Não é agradável conviver com alguém que está a maior parte do tempo com a testa franzida e a expressão carregada, denotando tristeza, preocupação ou mau humor. As pessoas percebem, é claro, que algo não vai bem e ficam se perguntando: “Será que é comigo? Fiz alguma coisa errada?” Em alguns casos é melhor perguntar à pessoa, para tirar a dúvida. Foi o que fez o rei Artaxerxes, ao observar o rosto de Neemias. Ele lhe perguntou: “Por que está triste o teu rosto, se não estás doente? Tem de ser tristeza do coração”. Bom observador, esse rei. Num relance, ele percebeu que Neemias não estava bem e que seu problema não era físico, mas emocional. Neemias ficou com medo, pois como copeiro real ele não podia se dar ao luxo de se apresentar diante do rei com a expressão facial abatida ou mal-humorada. “Um servo que mostrasse mau humor perante o rei poderia ser considerado um conspirador, ou um mau empregado. Uma fisionomia triste nunca era tolerada na presença do rei” (Champlin). Por um momento Neemias pensou que perderia a cabeça, pois cabeças de servos não tinham muito valor na corte real, naquele tempo. Por isso, apressou-se a responder: “Viva o rei para sempre!” Ele queria que o rei soubesse que por trás de seu semblante triste não havia nenhum plano para envenená-lo. “Como não me estaria triste o rosto se a cidade, onde estão os sepulcros de meus pais, está assolada e tem as portas consumidas pelo fogo?” (Ne 2:3) Poucos monarcas se incomodariam com os problemas pessoais de seus servidores, e menos ainda em solucioná-los. Mas Artaxerxes era um homem sensível e bondoso, e perguntou a Neemias: “Que me pedes agora?” (v. 4). Neemias então fez uma breve oração, pois temia a reação do rei à solicitação que iria fazer, o que implicaria uma mudança na política do império persa para com os judeus de Jerusalém. Ele pediu permissão para ir a Jerusalém, a fim de restaurar as muralhas da cidade. O rei concordou. Foi a tristeza do rosto de Neemias que deu início a todo esse processo. Mas certamente foi a interferência divina na disposição do rei, como resposta à oração de Neemias, que resultou no sucesso da missão do servo do rei, pois tristeza e mau humor geralmente não resolvem dificuldades. Seja qual for o problema que você está enfrentando, peça ajuda a Deus para colocar-lhe no rosto um sorriso. O resultado é que a vida também irá sorrir para você. Reflita sobre isso no dia de hoje e ore comigo agora: Pai, em meio aos nossos problemas do dia a dia, ajuda-nos a enfrentá-los com segurança, otimismo e um sorriso no rosto. Toma conta de nossa vida! Em nome de Jesus, amém! Saiba como receber as mensagens diárias do Tempo de Refletir: -> No celular, instale o aplicativo MANAH. -> Para ver/ouvir no YouTube, inscreva-se neste Canal: youtube.com/AmiltonMenezes7 -> Tenha os nossos aplicativos em seu celular: https://www.wgospel.com/aplicativos -> Para receber pelo WhatsApp, adicione 41 99893-2056 e mande um recadinho pedindo os áudios. -> Participe do nosso canal no TELEGRAM: TELEGRAM AMILTON MENEZES . -> Participe do nosso canal no WhatsApp: WHATSAPP CHANNEL Amilton Menezes . -> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiltonmenezes7/ -> Threads: https://www.threads.net/@amiltonmenezes7 -> X (Antigo Twitter): https://x.com/AmiltonMenezes -> Facebook: facebook.com/AmiltonMenezes

Friday Bible Study (1/30/26) // Ezra 7:1-10 (ESV) // Ezra Sent to Teach the People // 1 Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, 2 son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, 3 son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, 4 son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, 5 son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest— 6 this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the Lord, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.7 And there went up also to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king, some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants. 8 And Ezra[a] came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. 10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.Footnotesa. Ezra 7:8 Hebrew heWebsite: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #Ezra #DanielBatarseh #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained

Episode Summary:There is no ambiguity about what Jesus told us was to consume our lives as our top priority. He says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The Greek verb “to seek” means, to strive after, to desire. It is the opposite of being lackadaisical, indifferent, or nonchalant. It is pursuit that is self-motivated, intentional and passionate. The word “first” indicates that Jesus is telling us to make this pursuit the all-consuming top priority of our lives. In context, this verse is about being preoccupied. We are to be pre-occupied with spreading Christ's agenda of righteousness and restoration over the earth.As we saw last week, Nehemiah became a man who was consumed with God's agenda, in his case the restoration of the wall around the city of Jerusalem. In this episode we see that when you adopt God's agenda, he will provide the resources needed to accomplish it.  For Further Prayerful Thought:Can you relate to Nehemiah praying intensely for the wall to be rebuilt and seeing God do nothing? What have you learned about overcoming discouragement in prayer?It's not stated explicitly but surely looks like Nehemiah had built a very strong relationship of servanthood and loyalty to Artaxerxes. What pieces of evidence do you see in the text that suggest such a strong relationship?Contrast the loyalty and respect for authority required of God's people and shown by Nehemiah to cultural Marxism's worldview that labels all authority figures oppressors. Where do you see the seeds of cultural Marxism in our culture? In the church?Which insights from Nehemiah do you most want to remember in seeking to implement Christ's agenda of righteousness in your spheres of influence? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Friday Bible Study (1/16/26) // Ezra 6:13-22 (ESV) // The Temple Finished and Dedicated // 13 Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. 14 And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; 15 and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.16 And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. 17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their divisions, for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses.Passover Celebrated19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the returned exiles kept the Passover. 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves. 21 It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by every one who had joined them and separated himself from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel. 22 And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Friday Bible Study (12/12/25) // Ezra 4 (ESV) // Adversaries Oppose the Rebuilding 4 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel, 2 they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers' houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” 3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”4 Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build 5 and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.The Letter to King Artaxerxes7 In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam and Mithredath and Tabeel and the rest of their associates wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated.[a] 8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows: 9 Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates, the judges, the governors, the officials, the Persians, the men of Erech, the Babylonians, the men of Susa, that is, the Elamites, 10 and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River. 11 (This is a copy of the letter that they sent.) “To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now 12 be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations. 13 Now be it known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be impaired. 14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace[b] and it is not fitting for us to witness the king's dishonor, therefore we send and inform the king, 15 in order that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will find in the book of the records and learn that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste. 16 We make known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will then have no possession in the province Beyond the River.”Website: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #Ezra #DanielBatarseh #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained

Job chapter 22 resumes with the third round of debate which is commenced by Eliphaz. His contention is that Job's wickedness is great. Eliphaz says that humans are not able to do anything that profits God, but at least they should show respect by admitting their wicked ways. He says, "Are you, Job? Job why aren't you fearful to enter a contest with the Almighty?" Eliphaz next lays a series of accusations against Jobverses including not sustaining the starving; sending widows away with any help. This is why you now suffer. Consider Yahweh's greatness and capacity to behold all your evil ways. Return to the just ways Eliphaz counsels. By reaching agreement with your Maker, you will have peace and your former prosperity will be restored (of course Eliphaz' reasoning is unsound and based on the false teaching of exact retribution). Humble yourself, he argues, and submit to your Creator. Though Eliphaz's accusations against Job are wrong we must humble ourselves before the Almightyverses James 4verses8-10; 1 Peter 5verses5-7. We come to the short prophecy of Haggai, whose name means "the festive one". Haggai together with Zechariah prophesied over a short period of 27 months (in the second to the fourth years of Darius) encouraging the returned Exiles to resume the rebuilding of the Temple, which had ceased about BC 521 when the Persian king Artaxerxes had been stirred up by Samaritan and Arabian opposition to the rebuilding project. The background to this time can be found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The two prophets were themselves energised by the LORD to turn the minds of the people from concentrating on building their own homes to refocusing on Yahweh's house. Haggai prophesied over a 5 month and 3-day period around BC 519. The prophet was the son of the Governor - Zerubbabel, whose name means "a shoot out of Babylon". Zerubbabel typifies the Lord Jesus Christ who is described in Isaiah 11verses1 as "a shoot from the stump of Jesse"; and in Revelation 22verses16 as "the root and the offspring of David". In verse 4 the prophet upbraids the nation for their self-interest and preoccupation with their own houses. The theme of the book is stated in chapter 1verses5verses "Consider - Hebrew 'set your mind' - on your ways" (repeated in 1verses15; 2verses7, 18). Rotherham translates this phrase asverses "Apply your heart to your own experience". We would say in modern English, "think very carefully about what you are doing. It was to be for them, as it ought always needs to be so for us, a time for self-examination. They had sown much seed in   expectation of a large harvest, but since their attitude was wrong God had greatly diminished their harvest. The clothing which they wore could not keep them warm. It was a time of rampant inflation described poetically by the metaphor of the worker placing his money in a bag with holes. As soon as the money went into the bag it was gone (how much is this like our experiences now). Don't worry about your houses, says the prophet, just go to the mountains with an axe to cut wood for My house (speaking of Yahweh's Temple). Whatever house you build will give Me pleasure and I will glorify it. I will not cease chastising you until you learn my ways, says your God. And so, a drought came on the whole land affecting both people and animals. Verses 12-15 record that the nation responded to the rebuke with actions which brought blessings. In chapter 2verses1-9 we have the coming glory of this Temple, which they were now building, as emblematic of the glorious Temple to be built in Jerusalem by our Lord Jesus Christ soon. We are told in Ezra that when the Temple of the returned exiles was completed there were two different reactionsverses 1) the young rejoiced to see a Temple for the first time in their life; 2) the old cried seeing the new Temple as a pitiful shadow of Solomon's. Comparisons are always odious and we must rejoice in whatever blessings our Sovereign gives to His children. It was, said by the prophet Zechariah that now is "A day of small things" - Zechariah 4verses8-10. Our God, through the prophet, speaks of the brilliance of the glory of the coming Age of Messiah. Haggai says that God's acceptance and glorification of this house, which was now built, would exceed that of Solomon's Temple and prefigures that of the kingdom to come (compare Hebrews 12verses25-27). The shaking and removal of the Mosaic heavens was to occur at the hands of Rome in 70 AD (Hebrews 1verses10-12). The shaken sea speaks of the Gentile nations and the dry land of eretz Israel. The result of this great geopolitical earthquake will be the establishment of Messiah's kingdom and a blessed earth at last at peace. Verses 10-19 speak of blessings to a humble and repentant nation. Mosaic Law defilement was transmitted and so we must act carefully and choose wisely in our associations with others since the Proverbs sayverses "Bad company corrupts good morals". For the same reason, although holiness is not transferable, we need to meet together with those who encourage us in God's Word and ways (Hebrews 10verses23-25). We all need to take heed and "Consider our ways". Zerubbabel in his faithfulness to his LORD is compared to a signet ring, whose engravings show the character of its owner (verses 20-23; see also Zechariah 3verses5-10). And in this the Governor - Zerubbabel - typifies the Lord Jesus Christ and his great work for the LORD's people (Hebrews 1verses1-4). In 1 John 5verses1-5 we are told the source of overcoming the world - by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. And by that faith I live. An early Christadelphian writer, John Thomas said, that this was by a faith, which works by love and purifiers the soul (life). John Thomas was alluding to the early verses of Galatians 5. The Apostle John tells us that such a belief is evidence of our divine begetting. And, for us, it is the assurance ("by this we know") that God is with us. We can be more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8). The work, spoken of in chapter 2, is not about our love, but we do love the Father with all of our heart. And this love of the Father which impels us was the motive force of the life of the Son of God. Read Romans 8verses31-39 slowly and pause and ponder. Verses 6-12 provide testimony concerning the Son of God. Our Lord Jesus who came by water and blood - the water in which he was immersed at his baptism and the water of the Word of God with which his mind was saturated; and the blood of his sacrificial offering of himself. This offering was sanctified by the Word of God and prayer and pleased his Father. John is alluding to his witnessing of the crucifixion (John 19verses34-37). Verse 7 from the ESV reads, and I quote in full, "For there are three that testifyverses". Most of the better translations recognise the insertion into the text of additional words which aren't found in most of the older manuscripts. The additional words used in the KJV (and some other versions are admitted by most modern translations to be spurious and added by a Jesuit monk, Immanuel Tapsensis). Verse 8 identifies the three witnesses to our Lord's divine Sonship as - the Spirit, the water and the blood. Under the law at least two corroborating witnesses were needed to determine truth. John affirms total agreement among these witnesses. Additionally, God bore testimony, Matthew 3verses15-17, to His Son. And only in His Son, and through His Son's work, we have life. From verses 13-21 the beloved disciple John has written these things for our assurance ("that we may know"). We have known and believed upon the name above every name (Philippians 2verses9-11), and the only name in which there is salvation (Acts 4verses12). And through continuance in this Name salvation is assured. John repeats that the Father's ear is ever open to His children's pleas. Verses 16-17 reiterates that when we love the brethren we will help them (as they will likewise help us) when we stumble (Galatians 6verses1-5). Such advice and correction will prevent rejection at the coming judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, for the habitual and lawless sinner, who has abandoned any attempt to continue walking in the light there remains "no offering for sin" (Hebrews 10verses26-39). Being begotten by God, through His Word (1 Peter 1verses22-25), we overcome in faith and walk in   the way of His commandments. The world and its ways allure, but cannot conquer us. Finally, says John, "Keep yourself from idols" - a specific allusion to the Ten Commandments (especially numbers 1 and 10 which bookend all the others). Keeping ourselves from idols is about the tendency within our human nature to always look after ourselves before applying ourselves to living according to the ways of our Almighty Father. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

The young leaders of Thebes retook their city from Sparta, but aimed for more. Nearby Athens had recovered much of the strength that enabled them to rule a Mediterranean empire.  It is at this stage where our 3 powerful city states all aim for supremacy at the same time. Power seeks power, and advantageous alliances were to be forged with kingdoms to the north and east. But the rulers of those kingdoms had plans of their own. We'll see a new generation of heroes emerge whose deeds live on 2400 years later. They had to contend with the likes of Agesilaus and Artaxerxes, the kings of Sparta and Persia who, like Walder Frey, stubbornly refused to die.HoW Audience Survey - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/howsurvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Eps & More -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/historyofwesteros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shirts & Stickers -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠historyofwesteros.threadless.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.historyofwesteros.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro/Maps - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠klaradox.de⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bit.ly/howfb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bit.ly/howdiscord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠goodqueenaly.tumblr.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We like to think that we're totally free here in America. But even here, we are still under more authority than we realize at times. And sometimes those authorities are wise, sometimes they are not, and sometimes they are even angry. The Bible gives us many examples of how wise people reacted to an angry king or ruler: David and Saul, Daniel's three friends and Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah and Artaxerxes, and even Christ Himself before Pilate. Conciliation pacifies great offenses. It's not uncommon for fools to be promoted to high places, while those who are honorable are treated like dirt. And when this happens, the people suffer for it. The world has been turned upside down, and we know it shouldn't be this way. But the King of glory Himself came to earth as a man, and suffered humiliation and even death, so that the world would be flipped over again. In this world, we need to maintain a Christian posture. Don't be surprised when people look down on us, even though we are sons and daughters of the King. And we will despair if we place our confidence in finally having all the right people in government offices, or even in the church. So we must not put our hope there. The anchor of our soul is in Jesus alone, and not in any earthly authority system. Our hope must be grounded in Christ. Rulers will mess things up under the sun. But in heaven, King Jesus still reigns perfectly, and we can look forward to the day when He will return and make all things right.

“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

11/30/2025 Ezra 4:1-5 The Wicked Will Oppose God Intro: The book of Ezra does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the scribe Ezra wrote the book of Ezra. Ezra first appears on the scene in chapter 7, and the author of the book of Ezra switches from writing in the third person to first person in chapter 8. This would lends credibility to Ezra's being the author. The Book of Ezra was likely written between 460 and 440 B.C. The Book of Ezra is devoted to events occurring in the land of Israel at the time of the return from the Babylonian captivity and subsequent years, covering a period of approximately one century, beginning in 538 B.C. The emphasis in Ezra is on the rebuilding of the Temple. The book contains extensive genealogical records, principally for the purpose of establishing the claims to the priesthood on the part of the descendants of Aaron. Chapters 1-6—The First Return under Zerubbabel, and the Building of the Second Temple. The Book of Ezra covers the return from captivity to rebuild the Temple up to the decree of Artaxerxes, the event covered at the beginning of the Book of Nehemiah. Haggai was the main prophet in the day of Ezra, and Zechariah was the prophet in the day of Nehemiah. The opposition of the adversaries of God to the rebuilding of the temple displays a pattern that is typical of that of the enemy of our souls. Satan uses those who would appear to be in sync with God's purposes to deceive us and attempt to thwart God's plans and they never give up and they never take a break.

The tale of three city states continues as Sparta maintains their seizure of Thebes while Athens looks to reclaim their maritime dominance. Persia has war on many fronts and ever-worsening palace intrigue, making their interference or lack thereof uncertain. While the old kings Agesilaus and Artaxerxes live on, a new generation of leaders, warriors, orators and innovators are emerging throughout Greece. The continuing stories of Chabrias, Parysatis, Iphicrates and Tirabazus - featuring their best ASOIAF counterparts - plus new characters added to the mix.HoW Audience Survey - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/howsurvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Eps & More -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/historyofwesteros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shirts & Stickers -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠historyofwesteros.threadless.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.historyofwesteros.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro/Maps - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠klaradox.de⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bit.ly/howfb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bit.ly/howdiscord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠goodqueenaly.tumblr.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Wesley Wright Lighthouse Bible Church Sunday, November 16, 2025 Ye are holy unto the Lord Ezr 8:1-36 Remember from last week: Artaxerxes gave full support to the work Ezra is coming to Babylon to set things in order Ezra is part of a second group leaving Babylon for Jerusalem Ezr 8:1-13 lists the families that went up with Ezra in the second wave to Jerusalem. No Levites in the group (Ezr 8:15) is a big deal. Ezra, as a reminder, was a part of the Levitical priesthood. Neh 12:1-7 Levites alone had the responsibility of maintaining temple operations. All priests were Levites, but not all Levites were priests. Num 1:47-54 Deu... for full notes: http://www.lbible.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=1763

Wesley Wright Lighthouse Bible Church Sunday, November 9, 2025 Title: The hand of the Lord Ezr 7:1-28 There's a 58-year gap between chapter 6 and 7 in the book of Ezra (515-458 B.C.). In that time period, all of the events detailed in the book of Esther take place. The temple is rebuilt - Artaxerxes is in play now. He takes over after Darius, and he is again amenable to the Israelites' cause (Ezr 7:6). Ezra was a scribe (Ezr 7:6) who knew the law of God intimately and the Lord was with him. He sought to teach statutes and laws to the people of Israel. Scribes had many roles in the OT: 2Sa 8:15-18 (secretary) 2Ki 25:18-21 (military officer) Jer 36:22-26 (writer) Nehemiah documents what Ezra did, too. Neh... for full notes: http://www.lbible.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=1762

The sermon centers on the sovereign providence of God, illustrated through the historical account of Ezra and the pagan king Artaxerxes, who unknowingly advances God's redemptive plan for His people. Though Artaxerxes is a foreign ruler with no personal faith, God sovereignly moves his heart to issue a decree that enables the restoration of Jerusalem's temple and the return of God's people, demonstrating that all authority is ultimately under God's control. The preacher emphasizes that God's purposes are fulfilled not through human righteousness but through divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and grace, even in the midst of political uncertainty and foreign rule. Ezra's response—praise and courage rooted in God's faithfulness—models how believers should worship and trust God regardless of circumstances, recognizing His lordship over all nations and rulers. The message calls the church to steadfast faith, prayer for leaders, and worship grounded in the unchanging truth that God is sovereign, faithful, and worthy of praise in every season.

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Tim Hamilton Question Timestamps: Jonathan, YouTube (1:36) - Who are some preachers or pastors I should listen to or watch? Charlie, NJ (3:31) - What does it mean to "meditate on the Lord," and how do you do it? Andrew, ID (6:55) - Can you explain Proverbs 3:24? Alvin, YouTube (11:01) - I've always wondered, were Adam and Eve Jewish people? Wade, VT (12:43) - What is the difference between a concubine and a wife? Was Esther a concubine before she was Artaxerxes's wife? Ramos, Facebook (17:54) - Is a Christian woman allowed to separate from her husband due to constant verbal, mental, and emotional abuse? Is it okay to separate and stay single as a married woman? Danielle, YouTube (20:43) - Is there any symbolic relationship between the number of talents that Solomon received and the mark of the beast, since they were both 666? Laura, FL (24:44) - Is it okay for Christians to have cosmetic surgery or get tattoos? Mary, NJ (33:45) - How should I handle conflict with family over celebrating Halloween? Dan, CT (40:11) - Can you explain Psalm 137:9? Email (45:31) - What does it look like to genuinely "fear the Lord" without living in constant fear about judgment? Email (47:24) - What do you say to someone who feels like they are too broken or too far gone for God to use them? Email (51:36) - How can Christians best put up with non-Christian family members during Thanksgiving? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

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 […]

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 see to the restoration of faithfulness to the Law of God. How did […]

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

“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 […]