Ezra 8:24-9:15 Trouble in the Camp
Ezra is settled in Jerusalem. It has been about 80 years since Cyrus encouraged some Jews to return to Jerusalem to build the Temple and restore their worship. But now, there is trouble in the camp. Ezra prepares to deal with it.
Judges 1:1-17 Introduction to Judges
The Book of Judges. What a mess the people of Israel were in during this season. This is an introduction and a first glimpse.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 Propriety in Worship
Closing out the discussion related to Spiritual Gifts in the Church, Paul instructs the church in Corinth how to govern their public worship service. This is good instruction for every church; we would do well to pay attention.
Ezra 7:1-8:23 Finally, We Meet Ezra
This begins a new period in the historical compilation Ezra. We meet Ezra. Ezra is commissioned by the King to travel to Jerusalem to beautify the Temple and to establish a civil court system.
1 Corinthians 14:1-25 Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
This is one of the most contested passages in the New Testament. Are these gifts temporary or permanent? What is the proper understanding of the gifts in themselves? Let’s look at these questions.
Daniel 12:1-13 The End of the Matter
The visions of Daniel are finished with this passage. We learn about the last days, and how some of the visions remain a mystery even to this day.
Ezra 5:1-6:22 The Temple Finished
The account of the politics surrounding the finishing of the Temple, and celebrating the Passover. This is reminiscent of the celebration of Solomon finishing the first Temple.
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Faith, Hope & Love
After extolling the qualities of Love, Paul now describes the primacy of Faith, Hope & Love; the greatest of these is Love.
Ezra 4:6-23 Political Theater
This is a parenthetical portion, out of chronological sequence from what goes before, and what comes after. This is political theater designed to frustrate the efforts of the exiles in restoring the Temple.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 The Famous Passage on Love
These verses, used by most clergy in most weddings, are the most concise, and best-loved words ever penned about love. And perhaps the least likely to be lived out. Why? That is what we try to answer in this sermon.
