Nehemiah, A Godly Man

As we continue our study of the book of Nehemiah, it will soon become apparent that much of our time will be devoted to a rebuilding of the walls around the city of Jerusalem. Those who are conversant with the political developments in the United States over the last two years will also recognize that wall building has been much debated in our country. President Donald Trump promised repeatedly during his campaign for the presidency that he would build a wall along the southern border to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States.

A Godly Governor in a Difficult Time

Typical pastors and professors know very little about the Persian Empire because that subject seldom is studied by Reformed theologians. Most of our seminaries in the Western world do not teach courses on Persian history or culture. Since Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther are completely set in the Persian Empire, we tend to ignore what we don't know. In fact, most laypeople assume that those last three books are in correct chronological order, with Esther being the latest book and the latest person of the four. That is a wrong assumption, as any serious study of chronology will indicate.

A Fresh Perspective on Jesus Christ

The whole Bible speaks of God’s love. As Mediator of the covenant, Jesus Christ demonstrated such awesome love for his people that he suffered the most ignominious death, in order that we might live. However, he is also the Messenger of the covenant. As the Messenger he is love, but he is also holy, righteous, and jealous. We must view Jesus with both of these perspectives.