Dr. Mike McCormick

Today we continue our study through the book of Nehemiah as we encounter another form of spiritual warfare in the form of internal conflict within the people of God. Unfortunately, we can still find sinful behavior and socioeconomic divisions within the church context despite the fact we are called to a higher standard of living. Nehemiah demonstrates wise spiritual leadership as he identifies the problem, confronts the behavioral issue, and brings resolution for the whole assembly in a way that brings glory and honor to the Lord. Scripture text is Nehemiah 5:1-19.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. Chapter four begins with the onset of serious opposition to the work of God by the people of God. It is through this narrative that we can see how success breeds opposition. God's people are under attack from all sides, but the God of heaven fights for His own. Scripture text is Nehemiah 4:1-23.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. The plan has been given and Nehemiah is delegating the tasks to all those who will join in the work. Like a well-oiled machine, the remnant of God's people are intent on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. As Nehemiah has stated at the end of chapter two, the God of Heaven will give them success. There are many correlations with the local church of today. Scripture text is Nehemiah 3:1-32.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. The request has been made. The king has agreed to Nehemiah's plans. He is bound for Jerusalem. He now arrives in the central Area of Operations and almost immediately begins to take fire, figuratively speaking. Nehemiah, however, is operating under the good hand of the God of Heaven. He begins to take charge of the situation in Jesus' name. Scripture text is Nehemiah 2:9-20.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. After hearing the disheartening news of the state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah has spent four months mourning and praying, asking for the Lord's guidance. As we begin chapter two, God has now granted Nehemiah the opportunity to share his concern with the king he serves. As usual, the God of Heaven will do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Scripture text is Nehemiah 2:1-8.

Today we begin our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. In the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah were one volume together, so this study is essentially the second part of a two-part series. Nehemiah is serving as cupbearer in the king's court in Persia. When he hears a report concerning the people in Jerusalem he is effected dramatically and moved to action. Scripture text is Nehemiah 1:1-11.

Today we conclude our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra and we look ahead to the book of Nehemiah. These two books were considered to be one volume in the Hebrew Scriptures. The final message of Ezra demonstrates the important truth that there is no substitute for genuine repentance. Emotions are insufficient for restoration to the Lord Jesus. There must be authentic contrition and subsequent life change wrought by the Holy Spirit of God. Scripture text is Ezra 9:1-10:44.

This morning, as we continue our study through the book of Ezra, we discover this central truth: God accomplishes His redemptive purposes through a consecrated people who depend upon Him in prayer, trust His providential protection, and faithfully complete the mission He has assigned. This truth provides a theme that we should apply to our lives and to our thinking. True restoration requires more than returning to the right place; it requires returning to the Lord with wholehearted trust and obedient faith. Scripture text for today is Ezra 8:1-36.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra. The priest and scribe has now made his way up from Babylon to Jerusalem in about the year 458 BC. In this chapter, God will reveal how he can use even a pagan king to bring about his desired purposes for his people. Ezra was a tremendous spiritual leader, skilled in the word of God, but he is very careful to give all the credit to the Lord, the God of Israel, exactly where it belongs. Scripture text is Ezra 7:1-28.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the Old Testament book of Ezra. The remnant of Israel is back in town and they are beginning the work to rebuild the temple. As opposition mounts, the people learn a valuable lesson about the faithfulness of God. He rewards obedience by causing the work of His people to prosper. Scripture text is Ezra 5:1-6:22.