by Jeffrey Kranz | Jan 3, 2014 | Bible Books
The Jews had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. They’d obeyed the messages of God from the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. They’d rebuilt the temple of God. And nothing happened. No Messiah, no great divine war against Israel’s enemies, no worldwide... by Jeffrey Kranz | Jan 2, 2014 | Bible Books
When God had a message for the people, He sent His prophets. The prophets would then speak forth the word of God to kings, priests, and the people. The prophets warned the people of God’s need to punish sin, and pleaded with the people to turn to God. But the... by Jeffrey Kranz | Jan 1, 2014 | Bible Books
After spending 70 years as captives in Babylon, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. The Persian emperor Cyrus issued a decree: the Jews were to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Zerubbabel, who was of the royal line of David, led the Jews back home. They made... by Jeffrey Kranz | Jan 1, 2014 | Bible Books
Judah was doomed. Judah had been doomed long ago. The old king Manasseh had lead the nation away from God and into heinous idolatry, including human sacrifice (2 Chr 33:9). Manasseh’s son only made it worse (2 Chr 33:22–23). God had shown mercy during those... by Jeffrey Kranz | Dec 29, 2013 | Bible Books
“How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and you will not hear?” The people of Judah had grown wicked, violent, and corrupt. There was no justice in the land that was supposed to be known by God’s name. Habakkuk couldn’t take it anymore. These... by Jeffrey Kranz | Dec 28, 2013 | Bible Books
When Jonah warned Nineveh of God’s wrath, the Ninevites repented and God spared them. But their repentance didn’t take. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, and the Assyrian empire had only grown more mighty and more wicked since the time of Jonah. Nineveh...
