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Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 4)

A Scripture says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1), and there is no doubt about it. G.K. Chesterton said, “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies probably because they are generally the same people.” In the case ofContinue reading “Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 4)”

Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 3)

Projects are sometimes complicated and slow. However, the organization of a group can prove to be a useful companion in accomplishing tasks. Chapter three shares in a detailed log how the people were divided into groups (primarily by families) and the particular area that they rebuilt and repaired. It is the first of four lists of namesContinue reading “Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 3)”

Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Mission & Vision)

One thing that I notice about leaders of organizations is that there is a significant amount of confusion between vision and mission. Especially when it comes to the small church. These guiding principles are essential for keeping the members aligned to God’s will for a congregation’s ministry and areas of focus. The short way ofContinue reading “Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Mission & Vision)”

How to pray the week before camp 2017 and take action.

In the week before the Christian Baptist Camp Meeting, preparations are still being made, sermons are still developing, songs are being practiced, volunteers recruited, tasks assigned, numbers crunched, and reports written. It is effortless to come into camp and think that everything picks up and continues from where we ended the previous year. In reality,Continue reading “How to pray the week before camp 2017 and take action.”

Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 2)

By the time the second chapter opens, Nehemiah carried his burden for Jerusalem and his people very close to his heart for almost four months. He had been able to keep straight faced until this period while at work. We are told that before this time that Nehemiah, “had not been beforetime sad in his presence”Continue reading “Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 2)”

Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 1)

After being in captivity for 70 years in Babylon, in 536 B.C., the first group of Jews returned to Israel under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the kingly descendant. In 458 B.C., Ezra the priest led the second group, and in 444 B.C. a third group was led by Nehemiah. Zerubbabel led the rebuilding of theContinue reading “Nehemiah – God’s Change Agent (Ch. 1)”

A glorious and difficult task.

Our present society places before us the question, “why do we need ministers and preaching?” This leads to frustration among many but what really puts pressure on ministers is the very impossible task of preaching. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,Continue reading “A glorious and difficult task.”

The Water in Your Marriage

My wife and I recently celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. We had courted several years before we were married. In our marriage, we have experienced many beautiful moments and challenges. Three children, a few pets, and plenty of adventure have blessed us in our journey together. I love her more and more each day (IContinue reading “The Water in Your Marriage “

Seven Signs in John: 7 – Raising Lazuras

The Lord does not work according to our understanding of time. Instead, He works according to His own knowledge and power. Both of which are incomparably greater than our own. In this last miracle by Jesus, we see him deliberately delay his coming to His sick friend. If you read the surrounding context, you will see this andContinue reading “Seven Signs in John: 7 – Raising Lazuras”

Seven Sign in John: 6 – A Blind Man Healed

The sixth miracle seems similar to the previous healing miracle we saw in chapter 5 where Jesus healed a paralyzed man for 38 years. The movements of Jesus are the same: Jesus healed, disappears, and then reappears. John 9:1-7 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples askedContinue reading “Seven Sign in John: 6 – A Blind Man Healed”