Nehemiah faces the challenge of repopulating the city of Jerusalem, which is described as a holy city, set apart for divine purposes. He imposes a lottery to bring 10% of the people into the city, and the chapter lists the names of those who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem. The city's significance is emphasized, and its importance is compared to other cities, with Jerusalem being the geographic center of the earth, the salvation center, the storm center, and ultimately, the glory center of the earth. [... more]

The ambitious project of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall was completed in less than two months due to the people's willingness to work together, a remarkable example of cooperation and divine calling. [... more]

The subtle danger of using wealth to boast is explored through the story of King Hezekiah, who treated God's miraculous provision as a monument to his own success. This temptation is not new and can lead to spiritual toxicity. Modern-day stewards must ask whether their wealth is creeping into their identity and check what their possessions are pointing to. Faithful stewardship flips the script and says, 'Everything I have has been entrusted to me by God.' [... more]

The book of Nehemiah highlights the importance of worship and dedication to God, as seen in the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. The people's joy and praise are contagious, spreading beyond the city and even to the world. The passage emphasizes the need for leaders to be vessels of honor, prepared for every good work, and to lead others in worship and giving. [... more]

God is sovereignly in control of all human history, and He always takes care of His people. This is seen in the story of Daniel and his friends, who were taken captive to Babylon but remained faithful to God. Through their obedience and trust in God, they were able to survive and even thrive in a pagan culture, and God honored their faithfulness by giving them wisdom and power. This principle of God's sovereignty and care for His people is a comfort and encouragement to believers, and it is a reminder to trust in God's plans and purposes, even in difficult circumstances. [... more]

Nehemiah chapter 10-12 reveals the importance of covenant fidelity, personal purity, and worship in the lives of God's people. The Israelites make a formal commitment to God, recommitting to His laws and commandments, and prioritizing the support of the house of God. They also submit to the providential will of God, recognizing that He ordains the placement of His people in various locations. The passage emphasizes the significance of each person's role in God's plan, and the importance of being anchored in the covenant-keeping God, who is faithful even when His people are not. [... more]

The tongues of fire that appeared at Pentecost did not flicker fail and die They ignited a raging fire of Gospel faith and devotion to Christ that roared through Jerusalem Within weeks it had engulfed Jerusalem Furious the corrupt religious leaders who had promoted Jesus' crucifixion begrudgingly acknowledged His amazing post-resurrection victory You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine of salvation through Christ Acts But this was just the beginning The rushing mighty wind of the Spirit rapidly spread the Gospel through Samaria Caesarea Antioch Macedonia all the way to Rome The good news for us in is Jesus has [... more]

The Bible describes a war between two cities, Babylon and the New Jerusalem, with Babylon representing mankind united in opposition to God. The New Jerusalem is God's city, founded on love of God, even to the contempt of self. The Christian life requires endurance, delayed gratification, and a deep conviction that the things we can't see yet are real. The Antichrist and the false prophet use religion as a tool to control people, but God's wrath is against sin, not against love. The primary metaphor for the Antichrist and the false prophet is prostitution, representing humanity's unfaithfulness to God. Christians should live in Babylon, deeply integrated into life here, but distinct from her sins and her man-centered ways. [... more]

Nehemiah, a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, travels 900 miles to rebuild Jerusalem's broken-down walls, demonstrating the importance of going the distance, assessing the need, and getting a group to solve problems and achieve goals. [... more]

A city without walls is not a city, it's an outpost. Loving your city begins by asking the right questions, feeling the right emotion, and having the right reaction. Change begins by caring, and prayer is the key to making a difference in the lives of others. [... more]

Jesus teaches that our influence matters, and we should use it to bless others, not impress them. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, faith, and obedience, and how these qualities can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. [... more]

The city of Babylon represents the plan and purposes of man, while Jerusalem represents the plan and purposes of God. The Tower of Babel was a society built to bring the human race together to exalt man and deify creation, excluding God. The first perverted religious system centered around deifying the universe and the idea of a God-man born of a virgin, with the queen of heaven and her son becoming the original version of this religion. [... more]

Greg gives more information on the light that came with the tongues of fire Specifically the light-filled life the amazing ability to walk in the light as He is in the light John something impossible before we received Jesus and His Spirit To live light-filled lives we must root out all spiritual darkness including our old prideful habit of judging others' perceived faults while ignoring our real faults We then examine the eternal implications of walking in darkness or light in this world Ultimately we will make our eternal residence inside New Jerusalem inner light or outside it outer darkness [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares the biblical story of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with the help of his community, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, faith, and God's guidance in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. [... more]

Nehemiah's prayer in the book of Nehemiah is a model for revival and awakening, emphasizing the importance of collective guilt, responsibility, and looking back to the promises of God. He confesses the sins of his people and takes ownership of their actions, demonstrating a willingness to seek God's mercy and forgiveness. [... more]

James, the half-brother of Jesus, was a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and his life is a testament to the radical transformation of a man who once denied Christ but now lives for Him, proclaiming the freedom of the gospel from sin and encouraging believers to apply their faith in practice. [... more]

Nehemiah's conviction to help his people in Jerusalem, despite being in a comfortable position as the king's cupbearer, serves as a model for Christian leaders to care about the lostness in the world. This conversation highlights the importance of sacrifice and trusting God's guidance in making decisions that may seem counterintuitive. [... more]

Nehemiah's story is a powerful example of leadership, as he leaves his position of privilege and power to save his people. His conviction to care about the land he's never been to is a key aspect of his leadership, and it's a quality that's essential for any leader. Dr. Abadan Shah discusses how a leader must care about the people they're leading, and how this care can manifest in small ways, such as ensuring the temperature in a room is comfortable. [... more]

The concept of God's kindness, or Chesed, is explored in the context of Jeremiah 33, where it is revealed that God's kindness is forever and builds towards forever. This understanding is connected to the idea of restoration, particularly in the context of Jerusalem, where God's presence is restored to the city and His children, Israel, are reunited with Him. The discussion also touches on the idea of God's kindness being pursued, like a sheepdog, and the importance of understanding the word 'forever' in the context of the Bible. [... more]

In this episode Greg outlines the diverse spiritual fires that began spreading out into the world from Jerusalem after the amazing Christ-designed-and-executed outpouring of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire fires of devotion of light of rapidly spreading faith and so forth Was this New Testament fire something new Or was it like previous fires manifest during the period of Law Was it strange fire Or was it the same fire that burned in the bush which Moses gazed upon and to which captivated with wonder he drew near Was it the same fire that was enveloped by the [... more]

The book of Revelation reveals the purity of life in heaven, where God's throne assures us of his eternal presence. The tree of life, with its twelve fruits, symbolizes restored life without trouble or defect. This is the outcome of our salvation, a glorious destination that we're saved with Christians. [... more]

The city of New Jerusalem in Revelation is described as a magnificent place with 12 gates, 12 foundations, and walls made of precious stones and gold. It is a place of eternal protection, peace, and prosperity, where God's glory illuminates it, and there is no need for sun or moon. The city is a symbol of God's reality and presence dwelling with his people, and it will be a place where people from all nations will walk in its light and bring their glory and honor to it. [... more]

New Jerusalem is described as a city of divine architecture, descending from heaven to a new earth, where God's people will dwell in a place of eternal joy and peace, with the gates of heaven open to all who have accepted God's salvation. [... more]

In the book of Revelation, God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth, free from suffering, pain, and sorrow. The New Jerusalem, a holy city, will descend from heaven, and believers will live there with God, experiencing eternal happiness and satisfaction. God's love and plan for humanity will be fulfilled, and all creation will be delivered from corruption and death. [... more]

The concept of the cornerstone, referring to Jesus Christ, is explored in relation to the church and Israel. Peter's writings in 1 Peter 2 emphasize the importance of valuing Jesus as the cornerstone, with believers finding value and treasure in Him, while unbelievers stumble over Him and are condemned. The discussion also touches on the tribulation period, the church's role, and God's covenant promises to Israel. [... more]

A remarkable prophecy given through the angel Gabriel to Daniel the prophet predicted the date of the coming of Christ nearly 500 years in advance, with the Messiah coming as the prince 483 years after the commandment was given to rebuild Jerusalem, and being cut off, or slain, after 62 weeks. [... more]

R. C. Sproul reads his children's book, The Donkey Who Carried a King, to his grandson, Riley, teaching him about the importance of contentment, faithfulness, and servant leadership through the story of Jesus' life and ministry. [... more]

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The event is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus' messiahship and offering salvation to humanity. As the Bible says, 'Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem, Behold, your King is coming to you, He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' [... more]

The US position in negotiations with Iran continues to strengthen, with the country's anti-drone technology proving effective against Iranian-built drones. Meanwhile, a Democrat Senate candidate in Michigan is criticized for his response to the death of the Ayatollah, with some accusing him of being insensitive to the victims of the regime. Additionally, the Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman criticizes the Obama-Biden administration for giving Iran $150 billion, which was used to fund Hamas, Ansar Allah, and Hezbollah. In other news, an airline is introducing a 'fat tax' that requires overweight passengers to purchase an extra seat, and a new study suggests that the Cologuard test is effective in detecting colon cancer. Furthermore, IBM is working on quantum computing and has made significant progress in the field, with the goal of building the first fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. [... more]

As we approach Easter week, we reflect on the significance of Christ's Passion Week, commemorating the final week of Jesus Christ's earthly life, including his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, cleansing of the temple, and crucifixion. We examine the relevance of these events for Christians today, discussing the importance of understanding the biblical narrative and applying its principles to our lives. [... more]

The city of New Jerusalem is a place of divine holiness, where God's glory dwells among believers forever. It's a city of perfect temperature, with no need for sun or moon, and no darkness or night. The city is made of pure gold, with streets of gold, and has no temple because God dwells among believers. The city is a reminder of the security and safety that comes from a relationship with Jesus, and it's a place where believers will live with Christ forever. [... more]

The city of Jerusalem holds significant importance in matters of peace, politics, and religion, and the New Jerusalem is described as a real city where believers will live in eternal holiness and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible foretells the New Jerusalem's beauty, with streets paved with gold, gates of pearl, and a river of life flowing from beneath the throne of God. Believers are encouraged to pray for Israel and stay faithful in their service and ministry, living holy and godly lives as they look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. [... more]

A discussion on Bible doctrines, the Hebrew Israelites, and the Catholic Church, with a focus on predestination, free will, and the tulip doctrine. The conversation also touches on genealogy, Jesus Christ, and the cult mind, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and biblical knowledge. [... more]

Jerusalem is a central city, chosen by God for its role in the history of Israel and the life of Jesus. The city is mentioned 811 times in the Bible, and its significance is tied to the future of the world. The New Jerusalem, a physical location, will be the capital city of heaven and the eternal home of Christians. It will be a beautiful city, unlike anything seen on earth, with incredible volume of space to accommodate all Christians. [... more]

The transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain with Peter, James, and John was a remarkable vision of the future kingdom, featuring the resurrected saints represented by Moses and the raptured saints represented by Elijah, foreshadowing Jesus' own death and resurrection. [... more]

Paul's bold proclamation of Jesus as the Christ was met with initial rejection, but he persevered, and after 14 years, he returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus to address a dispute over Gentile believers and Jewish law. The Jerusalem council, led by Peter, James, and John, ultimately recognized the legitimacy of Paul's ministry to the Gentiles, and Paul's emphasis on God's grace and the importance of faith over works was vindicated. [... more]

God's desire has been to dwell with us since the beginning, and in Revelation 21, we see the final fulfillment of this plan, where God will dwell with us forever in a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem, free from the effects of sin, where death, pain, and sorrow will be no more, and believers of all nations will be together in a place created for them, where God will make all things new. [... more]

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of his final week, where he will fulfill prophecy and lay down his life. The crowd's reaction, however, reveals their misunderstanding of his mission, as they see him as a political messiah who will overthrow Roman oppression. Jesus' humility and obedience to the Father's will are evident as he rides into the city on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. The temple, once a place of worship, has become a commercialized business, and Jesus' anger and disappointment are palpable. The glory of God, which once dwelled in the temple, is now seen in the face of Jesus Christ, who has come to tabernacle among men and offer himself as the ultimate sacrifice. [... more]

The potential war with Iran is looming, with Ambassador Huckabee ordering US embassy staff to leave Israel immediately. The situation is escalating rapidly, with travel warnings and restrictions in place. The ACLJ's Jerusalem office is working to ensure American representation in Israel, and the organization is advocating for regime change in Iran. The conflict has significant implications for US national security and the Christian community in Iran, where persecution is rampant. [... more]

The journey of a church doesn't begin when it's planted, but rather in the early days of Christianity, with Jesus giving the Great Commission to his disciples. The church has a rich history of spreading the gospel, with missionaries like William Carey and Adoniram Judson pioneering the way. Today, the Summit Church continues this legacy, planting churches and sending missionaries around the world, with a vision to reach every tribe and tongue and nation for Jesus. [... more]