Here's the Point from CrossPoint Christian Church in Whittier, CA

Nehemias 12

The Book of Nehemiah tells us about the kind of business that God is in. He is not only in the building business but also the rebuilding business. He’s not just interested in saving souls but growing sons and daughters. He can rebuild your life, no matter what has happened or what others say. Always remember that God is the one who can heal and rebuild!

An encouraging message and reflection on how a world influenced by Godly fathers would unfold.

Esther’s courageous story begins in captivity—having been captured along with her cousin and guardian, Mordecai, by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Esther and Mordecai ended up in Susa (in modern day Iran), one of the providences ruled by Xerxes, where she became one of several candidates for queen after Xerxes deposed Vashti for refusing to appear at one of his kingly parties. What happened next is a story filled with intrigue, spies, murderous plots and ultimately—victory, although deadly. The end could have been a lot worse had not Esther stepped up, putting her own existence in peril, to save thousands of Jews. A fascinating story that reflects the hand of God—although God is never mentioned in this book.

When you're trying to rebuild your life or recover from sin, expect that your efforts can be interrupted just as Israel's efforts to rebuild the temple. Following their captivity in Babylon, some Israelites returned to Jerusalem and set about rebuilding the temple that had been destroyed. It wasn't an easy task. As with most community projects, there are those who long for the good old days and how things were. So the grumbling began--starting with those who remembered the temple that had been destroyed. Then their neighbors wanted to help in order to keep an eye on what was happening. As can be expected, the discouragers started in--bribing officials and stonewalling the plans. Finally Israel gave up, but giving up was not in God's plan. Sometimes when you make a change in your life there will be those friends from the "good old days" who remind you of how much fun you had and there are those who are just watching, waiting for you to mess up and there are those who deliberately try to stall your progress. Remember, as God's messenger told Israel, God is with you, so keep building--don't give up..

En este tema, 4 jovenes muestran la fe que tienen en Dios no importando las consecuencias que ban a pasar. De esta manera nosotros como hijos de Dios,nos encontraremos en ciertas ocaciones expuestos a prabar la fe que decimos tener.

Do you know the story of Daniel? Daniel and other Israelites were captured and transported to Babylon where they were expected to worship king Nebuchadnezzar and his idols. Even in such circumstances, under threat of punishment and death, Daniel continued to praise God. He was determined: not to be devastated by his circumstances; not to defile the Jewish dietary laws; to be disciplined; to depend on God and; to declare God’s glory. When you are in the midst of difficulties, can you praise God in spite of...? When you find yourself in a situation you didn’t expect, think about Daniel and his spirit of determination.

“Disaster! Unheard of disaster!” was Ezekiel’s warning to the southern kingdom (Israel) as the kingdom of Israel spiraled through yet another cycle of disobedience. To the north (Judah) Jeremiah warned that a “lion was on the way to lay waste to the land.” Unfortunately, neither kingdom listened, thus cementing and confirming their tumultuous destiny that ended in destruction. Even though Israel and Judah were far gone in their disobedience, they had multiple opportunities to turn things around, but they didn’t. God gives us many opportunities to turn things around in our lives. Are you listening or continuing on yet another cycle of disobedience? What destiny are you confirming? What should you do when your life is shouting “disaster—unheard of disaster?” Look to the ultimate disaster recovery plan.