King Manasseh reigned in Judah for 55 years and he was the worst king. He was bad - like King Ahab in the northern kingdom of Israel (which at present would have been destroyed by Assyria). He reigned approximately from 697 - 642 B.C. His son King Amon came to the throne but only ruled for two years; he too was wicked. His son King Josiah came to the throne, but he was actually the best and he reigned for 31 years.

Paul and the false apostles. Christ has a very close connection with each of his followers like a bridegroom with a bride. Paul's many trials.

King Hezekiah's miraculous recovery to live another 15 years. The sundial going back ten degrees - possibly equal to 20 minutes. Envoys from Babylon: King Merodach-baladan off Babylon sent greetings to Hezekiah and he himself reigned from 721 - 710 B.C. and also for 9 months in 703 B.C. (He was different from another Babylonian king - Evil Merodach - who reigned from 561-560 B.C. and was assassinated by Neriglissar. I got mixed up in the podcast with those two kings). Isaiah's prophecy of future doom for the kingdom of Judah.

Paul Defends His Authority. He uses the weapons of spiritual warfare and knowledge, not earthly or carnal philosophy., to bring down men's ideas that are exalted and defiant against God's truth.

King Hezekiah Seeks the LORD’s Help against the evil king of Assyria. The prophet Isaiah Predicts Judah’s Deliverance. The Lord lays waste to the army of Sennacherib (as well as allowing the Ethiopians to attack Assyria). Sennacherib goes back home and gets 'retired' - if you catch my meaning.

The collections for Christians in Jerusalem. Partnering with God to give willingly, joyfully - not grudgingly - but realistically, to others who are in need. So they will glorify God too. You give because you want to - not because you are told to - to help others, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

King Hezekiah (the best king; none like him before or after in the southern kingdom of Judah; reigned for 29 years) rules in Judah. King Sennacherib of Assyria - the most famous Assyrian king - Invades Judah. Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem. The odds against Jerusalem are astronomical: with man it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.

A Call to Generous Giving. Titus and His Companions. There are rules and protocols to giving tithes and offerings.

King Hoshea Rules in Israel. He was a bad king who ruled for 9 years. After that, Samaria falls to Assyria around 723-721 B.C. Foreigners settle in Samaria. The religion that comes from the mixing the knowledge of the true God and mixing that with worshipping false gods. This explains the statement of the Samaritan woman in John 4: 19,20 and Jesus' response in John 4: 22. This chapter is a summary of what has happened to the Northern kingdom of Israel over the last 200 years. (Took some material from gotquestions.org about: Should we have a Christmas tree?)

Paul's joy at the church's repentance. "We are here" someone said to me in church today "is to hear the word, but we then have to take it and apply it. It has to be practical, right?" I could not agree more...