God’s abundant mercy

Steven Cole on Nehemiah 9: God’s abundant mercy is the dominant theme of this prayer. It begins by exalting God and His glorious name (9:5) and then it starts where the Bible does, with God as the almighty Creator of everything, who gives life to every living creature. All the angels bow before Him (9:6). … More God’s abundant mercy

Faithful Gospel Ministry

Phillip Graham Ryken writes in Thermelios: Ezra also had a mind for biblical truth. Perhaps the best example comes from Nehemiah 8, where Ezra gathers the Israelites to renew the covenant in Jerusalem. The heart of that renewal was the reading and preaching of God’s Word. Ezra gathered people in the square in front of the … More Faithful Gospel Ministry

Pray and set a guard

In Nehemiah 4, we come to two statements which contain elements of God’s awesome power and sovereignty, and also elements of our responsibility.  The setting is the rebuilding of the wall and the fierce opposition from the enemies of the Jews.  In verse 9 we read: And we prayed to our God and set a … More Pray and set a guard

The broad wall

In Nehemiah 3, we read of the section-by-section, gate-by-gate repair of the broken walls and gates of Jerusalem.  This was a group project, demonstrating their collective desire to see the wall restored. Spurgeon helps us see a spiritual dimension to this wall. C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, on Nehemiah 3: The broad wall afforded a … More The broad wall

Getting “the sense”

Since we have just finished reading Ezra and Nehemiah, this article will bless you- John Piper, at Desiring God Blog: Here’s another reason I am joyfully committed to expository exultation, that is, preaching. Look at this amazing statement of what biblical exposition is like when it’s done well—in the power of God’s Spirit and riveted … More Getting “the sense”