Of all the strange and unexpected details in the story of Jonah the true miracle is the revival in Nineveh. The morally clueless (4:11) people of that great city repented of their notorious wickedness and found grace in the sight of God. We want to see more of that kind of miracle in our day […]
Introduction When Ezra talks about intermarriage, he is not making distinctions along narrow ethnic lines. This book cannot be construed as a call for ethnic cleansing or for white supremacy or anything like that. This is a call for religious purity, for marriage only between believers, and for a rejection of marriage between believer and […]
Scripture Reading: Ezra 8 Background Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1–20 Discussion Starters 1. What are some possible reasons why Ezra would include the names and numbers of the men who accompanied him on his trip from Babylon to Jerusalem? Were you desirous of reading the list, or did you skip over most of the names? (Review Note […]
Scripture Reading: Ezra 9 Background Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:6–13; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 Discussion Starters 1. What is the response of the leaders of Israel to the arrival and the teaching of Ezra? Did they come forward voluntarily, or were they coerced? (See Note 9:1.) Compare this with Achan’s confession in Joshua 7:13–21. 2. What specific […]
We’ve all experienced it, the insanity of trying to get through security at the airport. “Please remove your shoes, belt, jacket. Place your laptop and other large electronics in a separate bin. Put any liquids in a clear bag.” Opting out of the full-body scan means opting for a full-body pat-down. What happened to basic […]
Scriptural Preparation Revelation 13:1–10 Revelation 17:7–16 Matthew 24:15–31 Lesson Commentary Among others, the apostle John was given many vivid visions of the conditions that will be found on earth at the end of time. Their purpose is to warn the church about the devil’s wiles and relentless attacks so that it will be encouraged to […]
Introduction Jesus tells us that “no one knows the day or the hour of his return, not the angels, nor the Son, only the Father” (Matt. 24:36). Therefore, we are to pray, prepare, and watch for his return. It is the purpose of The Unknown Hour—Biblical Signs, Warnings, Hope and Peace to assist its readers […]
Scripture: Matthew 24:9–14; 2 Peter 2 Lesson Commentary Truly, persecution is a major sign of the times. It will increase and increase, culminating with the great tribulation, where, under the direction of Satan, all restraint will be thrown off and his purpose will be made clear. The enmity which began as soon as sin entered […]
Key Verse: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37–40 Applying […]
Key Verse: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people. that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but […]