In the days of Israel, when she returned to the promised land, life was hopeful but hard going. It was encouraging, to a point – but tough. These were “grey times.” But Ezra 3 indicates that God's people can live through grey times. Ezra 3 helps us understand what God's people … [Read more...] about Ezra #3 – Fearful yet Faithful
Jesus, Out on the Edges
A halfway decent church will preach and teach a Christ-Centred message. This is as it should be. But, as in all things, preaching Jesus at the centre of life has it's own pitfalls and one of them is that we keep Him off the other 90% of life that's lived out on the … [Read more...] about Jesus, Out on the Edges
Ezra #2 – Roll Call
The Jews spent 70 years in Babylon and were told to make a life for themselves while in exile for their sins. At the end of that time, God faithfully stirred up both the king of Persia and many Jews to return under the leadership of a guy named Zerubabbel (who in Persia was named … [Read more...] about Ezra #2 – Roll Call
Humility
The sinful heart of modern man has managed to turn humility on its head. Humility used to mean being certain about what God thinks and doubtful about what we think. Today, being certain is arrogance, and being doubtful is praised as the virtue of humility. Did God really … [Read more...] about Humility
Ezra #1 – Pots and Pans
God's people have always been keen observers of history. They are interested in history first, because it teaches them who God is, who the church is, and why she exists. Second, history reveals the acts of a promise-keeping God and stirs the believers' faith in the present, and … [Read more...] about Ezra #1 – Pots and Pans