“The Triple Anointing” was delivered as a speech at a recent Rally of the combined Young People’s Societies of central British Columbia. There is a proverb, a Spanish proverb, I believe, which reads: “Out of ideas, actions are born; out of actions, habits are born; and out of habits, destinies are born.” We Christians know that our […]

In the Ancient Near East when a king was captured the war was over. The nation was conquered.King Nebuchadnezzar thought he has brought about the demise to another nation. In his quest to expand his empire he had crushed another rebellion. He had captured Zedekiah the leader of a rebellion. In turn, he had publicly […]

When speaking of Jesus as the Christ, not only do we confess that He is our chief Prophet and only High Priest, but as the Anointed One He is also our King who “governs over us by His Word and Spirit. The office of King was what the Israelites were expecting. They longed for the […]

Scripture Reading: Ezra 3:7–4:5 Background Reading: 2 Chronicles 5; 7:1–6; 2 Kings 17:24–41 Discussion Starters 1. After the Feast of Tabernacles was finished, what did the Israelites immediately undertake? Did they confine their activities to the community of believers, or did they also work closely with nonbelievers? (See note 6:7.1.) 2. Was it wrong for […]

Scripture Reading: Ezra 3:1–7 Background Reading: Numbers 20:12–40; Leviticus 23:33–44 Discussion Starters 1. What was it that prompted all the children of Israel to leave their homes and gather in Jerusalem? (See note 5:1.1.) 2. What does it mean that they “gathered as one man”? Was this typical of the Israelites prior to the time […]