Ezra - Nehemiah

Sermon notes by Jim Jester

September 18, 2020

SCRIPTURE READING: Ezra 1:1-3

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem.

INTRODUCTION

At this time in history, two events have occurred that have been obscured or deliberately hidden. These events are crucial to two purposes of the book of Ezra: 1) to identify the Israelites throughout their history, and 2) to negate the claim that the jews, as we know them today, have any relationship with Israelites.

The ten northern tribes of Israel had been captured by the Assyrians, never to return to their land. Judah as well was captured and spent 70 years in Babylon, at the end of which time, they were permitted to return to rebuild the temple.

There seems to be silence and mystery surrounding the fate of the “lost ten tribes” of Israel. According to the teaching of most churches, this horde seems to have just vanished into the landscape, never to be heard of again.

I & II CHRONICLES

Sermon notes by Jim Jester

September 4, 2022

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 89:35-37

The Chronicles are a continuation of the books of the Kings. Israel had asked Samuel for a king rather than have God as their King (q.v., I Sam. 8:1-9). This would prove to be a disaster, for nearly all the kings of Israel and Judah turned out to be very wicked. Of course, if they had a good and honorable king, one that feared God and ruled by His Law, then things went well for Israel. This same principle follows through today. No matter what form of government of men we have, it can always be perverted and corrupted by a deep state that is almost impossible to defuse. So why need we be sentimental about a particular form of government we have had for a length of time? Our particular constitution even says “the people have the right to alter or abolish it and institute new government” as they see fit “for their future security.”

SAMUEL - KINGS

by Pastor Jim Jester

August 14, 2022

SCRIPTURE READING: I Samuel 22:17-19

This scripture is the first account that contains a racially significant event within the books we are covering today (I & II Samuel through I & II Kings). It is not known who wrote the books of Samuel. The books bear his name because they record the life and work of Samuel, the last of Israel’s judges and the first of a long line of prophets. The events of these books are a continuation of the book of Judges.

ENEMIES AGAIN!

By Walter Giddings

July 31, 2021

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:27-28

Pastor Dan Gayman once asked:  Did the Constitution fail us or did we fail the Constitution?  This message discusses the events of the Boston Tea Party and the subsequent actions of King George and the British Parliament to lie about and criminalize dissenters and compares that to what is happening to America today under the Biden regime. 

WHAT ABOUT ENLIGHTENMENT?

Copied from the sermon notes of Pastor Don Elmore

July 17, 2022

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:8

Are many Americans spoiled by philosophy, psychology and other subjects which use vain deceit?  If they are, who is spoiling them?  Is it philosophers who teach after the tradition of men; is it after the rudiments of the world?  So, we can conclude from this verse that such topics are evil teachings; for they are set in opposition to the doctrines of the Bible.

The Apostle Paul sent this warning to the Christians in Colossae, Turkey.  James Moffatt renders the same verse as, “Beware of anyone getting hold of you by means of a theosophy [a branch of philosophy] which is specious make believe, on the lines of human tradition.”

Copied from the sermon notes of Pastor Don Elmore

July 3, 2022

Scripture Reading: Daniel 2:16-19

Daniel was taken by his Assyrians captors to their country, but they choose this "seed of David" to be a ruler of Babylon. He lived a flawless life and the only sin his co-rulers could find was that he served his LORD God flawlessly.  Pastor Elmore contrasts his life with someone else.

by Garry Maddox

June 26, 2022

Opening Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

• Today, I will talk about idolatry and what it is.
• I love studying+ the laws and commandants of God
• Preview
• First, I will explain idolatry
• Second, I will talk about the laws in the bible against idolatry.
• Thirdly, I will tell share how to break free from the sin of idolatry.
• After the lesson, quiz and open discussion