His-Story Vol 1, Ch 8: Exile and Return
Sermon Notes
HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks
Volume I: The Old Testament Story
Chapter 8: Exile and Return
The Babylonian Exile
1. Historical Overview
2. The Prophet Ezekiel
3. The Prophet Daniel
After the Exile
1. Historical Overview
2. Ezra the Scribe
3. Nehemiah the Governor
4. Post-exilic Prophets
a. Zechariah
b. Haggai
c. Malachi
5. Esther
a. The Setting
b. The Story
c. The Message
Study/Discussion Questions:
The message of the Babylonian exile is that unfaithfulness has consequences, but God is always ready to receive back his wayward children. Can you describe some time you have seen this in your life or in the life of someone you know?
The central theme of the book of Daniel is that God is sovereign in human history. Even when events seem to be disastrous, God is at work. What are some examples of this in human history or in your life?
The message of Esther is that God is at work, even when we don’t see him. Can you think of examples when God has been behind the scenes all along, but you did not realize it?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993. Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.