Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

<p>For our final study together in this Overlooked series, we examine five courageous women who faced a crisis with grace. As we unpack their bold response, we will see how it correlates to believers today as we relate to God, to others, and to our future.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Crisis (v. 1)</p><p>II. The Courage (vv. 2-4)</p><p>III. The Confirmation (vv. 5-11)</p><p>IV. The Correlation</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to fill you with the courage to boldly face crises and dilemmas with faith and grace.</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re walking through a difficult season, reach out to your Connect Group and invite them to stand with you in prayer, encouragement, and support.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why were the kings of Israel considered evil?</p>

<p>Most of us have a hard time saying this man’s name, but Paul knew it well. He was a loyal friend to the apostle, especially in his darkest hour. In just three verses we find six characteristics of this wonderful man who’s been overlooked for far too long. If you have a friend like this, you’re blessed.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Refreshing</p><p>II. Repetitious</p><p>III. Risk-Taking</p><p>IV. Resolute</p><p>V. Renowned</p><p>VI. Rewarded</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: This week, take time to thank the Lord for the true friends He’s blessed you with, as you pray over their lives.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your friends how you can come alongside them as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) in their walk through this season of life.</p><p>Talk with kids: What is the wise way to live?</p>

<p>I. He Was a Genuine Disciple</p><p>II. He Was a Gentle Disciple</p><p>III. He Was a Generous Disciple</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord how He’s inviting you to greater generosity with your time, resources, attention, and compassion.</p><p>Talk with others: In your Connect Group, discuss practical ways you can be known for your love for others (see John 13:35).</p><p>Talk with kids: Why was the queen amazed by Solomon’s kingdom?</p>

<p>Anna is one of the Bible’s most unusual women. She, along with a man named Simeon, had spent a lifetime in loyal service to God and was finally able to meet her Messiah. Though only three verses give us all the information we have about her, it’s sufficient to get a profile of her.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Spiritual</p><p>II. Venerable</p><p>III. Single</p><p>IV. Faithful</p><p>V. Vocal</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:25–26 this week, and surrender the things you’ve been holding too tightly, trusting the Lord and His perfect timing.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group to remain deeply rooted in God’s Word as they walk through their present season.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is knowing God and following Him most important?</p>

<p>Many a transformative event can be traced to the influence of one person. Mordecai was one such person in the lives of the Jews living in Persia. By inspiring Queen Esther, Mordecai turned a blasting into a blessing; he changed a national catastrophe into national continuity for the Jews.</p><p><br></p><p>I. A National Tragedy (3:13-15)</p><p>II. An Expected Anxiety (4:1-3)</p><p>III. A Strategic Opportunity (4:10-14)</p><p>IV. An Inspired Bravery (4:15-16)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Reflect on God’s work in your life (recently or across several years) and thank Him for His providence in guiding your steps (see Proverbs 16:9).</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer or your Connect Group by reminding them the Lord has a plan in every difficult situation they face this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: What was special about the temple?</p>

<p>In these two chapters of Nehemiah, we see Nehemiah's focus shift from building a structure to building people. In chapter six, we follow along as Nehemiah faces distraction, slander, and attempted sabotage. Yet in spite of every external opposition, Jerusalem's wall was still completed in 52 days. Chapter seven is three key principles of preparation for restoration: leadership, citizenship, and stewardship. In this message from Pastor Skip Heitzig, we see that God not only cares about completion, but faithfulness, dependability, and unfailing trust in Him, even after the victory.</p>

<p>I. Jesus People Belong Together</p><p>II. Jesus People Carry One Another</p><p>III. Jesus People Live Life Together</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Ecclesiastes 4:12 and thank the Lord for the people He’s placed in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your friends and family how you can pray for them this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did Solomon ask for wisdom?</p>

<p>Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. But he was also the one responsible for Moses’s success as a leader over the people of God. Jethro provides five ways for leaders to thrive. Whether you lead a family, a small group, a large organization, or a fast-paced business, these five practices are imperative.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Change Your Approach (vv. 13-18)</p><p>II. Instruct the People (vv. 19-20)</p><p>III. Build a Team (v. 21)</p><p>IV. Trust the Team (vv. 22-23)</p><p>V. Take Good Advice (v. 24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 19:30 as you ask the Lord to strengthen you in each of these five areas.</p><p>Talk with others: As a Connect Group, discuss how you can apply these practices to your daily life.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did David respond to God’s forgiveness?</p>

<p>As the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall progressed, opposition intensified. Ridicule, discouragement, and fear are three tactics Israel's enemies used then, and our enemy—Satan—continues to use. Fear is the trap; it's the worst way to live—to live fearfully instead of confidently. In this message, Pastor Skip Heitzig points to Nehemiah's example of integrity and selflessness, which was motivated by reverence for God rather than the pursuit of personal gain.</p>

<p>Although Solomon composed 1,005 songs (see 1 Kings 4:32), this one is in a class by itself. It was his magnum opus. Solomon called it his song of songs (see Song of Solomon 1:1)! This poetic song was directed to his young bride. Though she often gets overlooked by many who read the Bible, she caught Solomon’s eye. Let’s notice some of her qualities. I’ve put them in the form of four juxtapositions.</p><p><br></p><p>I. She’s Unnamed but Not Unnoticed (1:8-10, 15)</p><p>II. Passionate but Not Promiscuous (2:4-7)</p><p>III. Desirous but Not Dominating (3:6-11)</p><p>IV. Irritated but Not Inflexible (5:2-3, 6-10)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Read Genesis 16:13 and Matthew 6:25-34 and spend time in prayer to thank the Lord for His faithfulness in seeing you and providing for you.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your friends and family if they’re feeling overlooked and how you can help support them in this season.</p><p>Talk with kids: What special promise did God make to David?</p>

<p>After Nehemiah is struck with the desire to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, we see how God's people from all walks of life came together to aid the cause. Diversity of activities, but the same God; many gifts, but the same spirit. His people were able to work toward a shared vision despite ridicule and discouragement. In this teaching, Pastor Skip Heitzig shows us how opposition can't stop the Lord's work when His people work together for His purpose.</p>

<p>I. Faith</p><p>II. Faithful</p><p>III. Fainthearted</p><p>IV. Fretful</p><p>V. Fruitful</p>

<p>I. This Place Had a History (vv. 1-5)</p><p>II. This Place Was in Prophecy </p><p>III. This Place Was at Capacity (v. 7)</p><p>IV. This Place Showcased Humility (v. 7)</p>

<p>We’ve heard this story so many times that it doesn’t surprise us like it ought to. And what boy hasn’t dressed like a shepherd for a Christmas play? But what was an ordinary workplace for these blue-collar sheep farmers became holy ground on this particular night. They were in for five surprises that would stay with them forever. Let’s try to put ourselves in their sandals.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Audience (v. 8)</p><p>II. The Angels (v. 9)</p><p>III. The Announcement (vv. 10-12)</p><p>IV. The Anthem (vv. 13-14)</p><p>V. The Accuracy (vv. 15-20)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for opportunities to turn your workplace into holy ground this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Invite a friend or family member to join you for a Christmas Eve service.</p><p>Talk with kids: What does it mean to worship Jesus as King?</p>

<p>In this second message of our Holy Ground series, we come to an unnamed city in the hill country of Judah, where Mary’s cousin lived. But I hope you realize that the real emphasis shouldn’t be on holy places where God once moved, but holy people in whom God now dwells. Mary was one of them. She is our sister in Christ and a great example to us. Let’s notice five attributes.</p><p><br></p><p>I. She Was Hopeful (vv. 39-45)</p><p>II. She Was Worshipful (vv. 46-55)</p><p>III. She Was Scriptural (vv. 46-49)</p><p>IV. She Was Needful (v. 47)</p><p>V. She Was Helpful (v. 56)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this Christmas and throughout the coming year.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your friends or Connect Group to stay grounded in the Word through the holiday season.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is it important to understand that Jesus is not just a baby born two thousand years ago?</p>

<p>During this Advent season, we want to look at the familiar Christmas story through a different lens: the actual places these events happened. They were common—even unremarkable—places. Yet, because of what happened there, they became Holy Ground. Through our short journey together, perhaps we’ll become more appreciative of the places and circumstances God has placed us in.</p><p><br></p><p>I. An Ordinary Place (v. 26)</p><p>II. An Unordinary Person (vv. 26-29)</p><p>III. An Extraordinary Prediction (vv. 30-34)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Reflect on your walk with the Lord over the past year and thank Him for the mundane places in your life that He chose to make holy ground.</p><p>Talk with others: Reach out to friends or family who may be struggling with loss or grief this holiday season and pray with them.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why do you think God chose ordinary people to be Jesus’ parents?</p>

<p>Upon hearing of Jerusalem's destruction, Nehemiah humbled himself before God in fasting and prayer before boldly appealing to King Artaxerxes for permission to return and rebuild the city walls. Though the king could have ended his life, Nehemiah found favor and received both permission and generous provisions to complete the work. In this message from Nehemiah 1-2, we see the power of faithfulness and prayer.</p>

<p>The last two years have seen a massive chasm in every country of the world over the Israel/Palestine issue. Since October 7, 2023 and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel, people are divided. But this is not a recent debate. Anyone who knows the history of the region understands this dispute is ancient. But today I want to go back “behind the curtain” to get the real story.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Incessant Competition (Philistine History)</p><p>II. The Invisible Conflict (Spiritual Hostility)</p><p>III. The Irrevocable Covenant (Divine Treaty)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Pray for the people of Israel and Palestine as they continue to deal with the conflict in their everyday lives.</p><p>Talk with others: Share what you’re thankful for this season with your Connect Group.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is it important that these prophecies came true?</p>

<p>Some people insist that in our post-modern (or even meta-modern) age, we only believe in science, not metaphysics. That’s not quite true. At the heart of the transgender movement, people believe they are what they claim to be regardless of biological evidence. None of this is new. Something similar happened in the ancient worship of Asherah. Let’s examine it more carefully.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Practice of Debased Idolatry (Jeremiah 7)</p><p>(Three Notable Characteristics)</p><p>II. The Proclamation of Divine Wrath (Romans 1)</p><p>(Three Notable Reasons)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for the lost, confused, and hurting people in your family, community, and city.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing family and friends how you can support them in boldly and lovingly sharing the hope of Jesus with someone this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Pick up some poster board from Calvary Kids and create a banner to share what you’re thankful for as a family at our Thanksgiving Banner Service this Wednesday.</p>

<p>Calvary Church met for a night of worship, prayer, and a parade of thankfulness to prepare our hearts for our annual Thanksgiving Pickup Party. Pastor Skip shared a message from Hebrews 13:1-3, encouraging the church to demonstrate our faith through acts of love to believers and unbelievers, friends and strangers.</p>

<p>If you think the Sexual Revolution began in 1960s America, think again. It’s been going on since ancient times. Today we look at three texts which outline God’s standard for human sexuality and how a competing system, the worship of Asherah, blurred the lines of gender and sex. The worship of this ancient demon tampered with three distinct areas.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Identity (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25)</p><p>II. Clarity (Deuteronomy 22:5)</p><p>III. Intimacy (Leviticus 18:19-23)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for clarity as you root your identity in Him and walk in the path He’s prepared for you (see Ephesians 2:10).</p><p>Talk with others: Talk about what it looks like to honor your God-given sex in today’s world with your Connect Group or believing friends.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does God see people differently than we see them?</p>

<p>In the final section of Colossians, Paul outlined a pattern for Christian living which transcends social and cultural trends and speaks to the heart of human behavior. As believers, we're called to do all things—including the way we conduct our daily lives—"as to the Lord and not to men" (3:23). In this teaching, Skip Heitzig concludes this series in Colossians with guidance for our spiritual posture and Paul's grace-filled encouragement to press on in prayer, thanksgiving, and wisdom so we might reach a lost world. </p>

<p>We did it! Together, we raised more than $215,000 to show the love of Jesus to our city: providing 10,000 meals, free haircuts, dental and medical services, family portraits, and shoes for kids. That’s what it means to look like Jesus, to see needs around us and meet them with love. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Pickup Party this weekend, we’re preparing our hearts as we turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to learn how to do the things Jesus would do and act the way Jesus would act. Because in order to look like Jesus, we have to love like Jesus—with patience, kindness, and compassion for a world that desperately needs Him.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Do the Things Jesus Would Do</p><p> A. Be Patient in Gratitude for His Patience with You</p><p> B. Be Kind, Remembering His Kindness Toward You</p><p>II. Act the Way Jesus Would Act</p><p> A. Don’t Be Rude: Treat People the Way Jesus Treats You</p><p> B. Don’t Be a Cynic: See People How Jesus Sees Them (Sheep Without a Shepherd)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or a believing friend if they’ve noticed an area of your life where you aren’t reflecting Jesus.</p><p>Talk with kids: What was Saul’s excuse for disobeying the Lord?</p>

<p>When God calls His people to repent, He isn't looking for mere outward expressions of sorrow, He desires hearts truly broken over sin. Like a parent calling a wandering child home, God invites us to return to the safety of His mercy. In this message from Joel, Brian Nixon underscores the repentance which results in revival and the grace of God which is always greater than His people’s failure.</p>

<p>Without a doubt, the biggest threat to ancient Israel’s worship of Yahweh was the rival demon-god Baal, regarded as the chief of all Canaanite deities. The allure of Baal worship was the promise of profit and prosperity. I’ve chosen four words that tell the story of the showdown between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and frame our role in modern culture.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Courage (vv. 16-17)</p><p>II. Contest (vv. 20-40)</p><p>III. Confrontation (v. 21)</p><p>IV. Cause (v. 36)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 6:24 and ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life in which you’re trying to “serve two masters.”</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to keep their eyes on Jesus, no matter what they’re walking through this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why was it wrong for Saul to make the burnt offering?</p>

<p>D.L. Moody once said, “Every Bible should be bound in shoe leather,” reminding us that faith is meant to be lived out daily. In Colossians 3:1-19, Paul encouraged the Colossian church to set their hearts on things above, not on earthly distractions. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why letting God’s Word dwell richly in us will transform our thoughts and actions and encourages us to reflect Christ’s love and peace in everyday life.</p>

<p>Today we celebrate how God has used our generosity to take back what the Enemy has stolen. Broken lives that were once shattered have been restored. Hope reigns where despair once did. The generous gifts of your time, treasure, and talent have made the difference. Let’s learn a few key lessons from how Joshua celebrated the ground taken in crossing the Jordan River.</p><p><br></p><p>I. God’s Commands Aren’t Always Practical (vv. 1-3)</p><p>II. Our Obedience Is Always Vital (vv. 4-5, 8)</p><p>III. Remembering the Past Is Inspirational (vv. 6-7)</p><p>IV. God’s Power Is Irresistible (v. 24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 and thank the Lord for His faithfulness to “multiply the seed” of your obedience and generosity (v. 10).</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a friend how you can pray for them this week and encourage them to look back at a time when God’s hand in their life was evident.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did the Israelites want a king?</p>

<p>Jesus canceled our debt at the cross and freed us from rule-keeping and spiritual add-ons. We've been handed a bill stamped "Paid in Full"—we don't have to work for our salvation. We simply need to accept the receipt and live in the true freedom only Jesus provides. In this message from Colossians 2, we'll learn from the apostle how to anchor ourselves in Christ.</p>

<p>One of the most emotional debates raging in our day centers on the subject of abortion. Some see it as simply the choice of a woman over what happens to her body; some see it as far more sinister. Today, we look at the ancient practice of child sacrifice to see if there is any parallel to the modern practice. This conversation is vital because it involves the doctrines of both God and man.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Ancient Practice (Leviticus 20:1-5)</p><p>II. The Modern Parallel (Psalm 106)</p><p>III. The Divine Prescription (John 3:16; Romans 12:1-2)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-24, thanking the Lord that His mercies “are new every morning,” and ask Him to renew your hope in Him this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group in refusing to conform to the world and focus on “being transformed” through the Word.</p><p>Talk with kids: What does it mean to repent?</p>

<p>Paul showed Jesus as the Maker and Maintainer of all things, the Head of the church who reconciles us by His cross and continues His work in us until completion. Like a building, your life needs both a cornerstone and a blueprint—Christ is both. He will align every room of your life to His design. This teaching from Colossians 1 will help you build on what lasts. </p>

<p>John Calvin noted, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” Idolatry was a constant issue in the Old Testament, and Paul saw that Athens was filled with idols. But have you ever considered how false worship systems of the past have made their way into the present, but under other names? Today we’ll see how, over time, societies move away from God, His authority, and His truth.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Corruption in the Nation (vv. 1-6)</p><p>II. Confusion in the Home (vv. 2-5)</p><p>III. Chaos in the Heart (v. 6)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Take time to prayerfully assess your priorities this week and ask the Lord to reveal anything—or anyone—that’s pulling your focus away from Him.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group or believing friends and family members to keep Jesus at the center of their lives.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is it right and good for God to punish sin?</p>

<p>In Colossians 1, Paul reminded the church that Jesus holds all things together—He’s the center of creation and the anchor of our faith. When Christ is at the center, everything else in life will fall into place. As believers, we find true direction only when our focus is on Christ, who reconciles us to God and gives purpose to all we do.</p>

<p>Jesus turned the world’s idea of blessing upside down when He shared the Beatitudes. When life feels like it’s spiraling—when we’re poor in spirit, grieving, or desperate for righteousness—He reminds us that we're positioned closest to God’s grace in these very moments. True blessing isn’t found in comfort or control but in surrender, dependence, and the promise that God will meet us at our lowest.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Stick to the Plan</p><p>II. Peel Away the Extra</p><p>III. Interpret Your Struggle Accurately</p><p>IV. Retool for the Current/Coming Season</p><p>V. Attack the Problem from All Angles</p><p>VI. Look for Beauty</p>

<p>Are you ready for revival—and what comes next? When Jesus came to the country of the Gadarenes, He encountered a man who was tormented by a legion of demons and had been given up as lost by his community. With just a word, Jesus delivered him and restored him to peace, dignity, and purpose. This passage reminds us that when Jesus comes to town, no life is too broken, no situation too dark, and no one too far gone for His transforming power.</p>

<p>The Bible often speaks about courage, reminding us again and again to be strong and not give in to fear. True courage is not the absence of fear—it's facing it and choosing to do what is right, no matter the cost. In this message from Pastor Robert Furrow, we examine five biblical examples that show us what real courage looks like.</p>

<p>In John 12:20–26, Jesus explains that revival begins not with hype, but with surrender. Like a seed that must fall into the ground and die before it can multiply, we must lay down our own desires so God can bring forth lasting fruit in our lives and new life that spreads beyond us. Revival begins not with what we keep, but with what we’re willing to give up to follow Christ.</p>

<p>We have spent seventeen weeks covering the book of Nehemiah and have considered the many life-application lessons that these chapters provide. But today, for our eighteenth and final study, we’ll zoom out to get the bigger picture. There are five “mega-themes” from this book that we can benefit from. These great themes provide both encouragement and warning to us today.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Great Cities Can Fall</p><p>II. Ordinary People Can Help</p><p>III. Real Prayer Can Work</p><p>IV. Spiritual Revival Can Happen</p><p>V. Good Movements Can Falter</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 6:8 this week and ask the Lord to give you His heart for your city and the people He’s placed in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to pray for and support you as you seek revival in your walk with the Lord.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did God rescue His people through Samson?</p>

<p>When a crack appears in the foundation, you can’t just paint over it, you have to repair it, or the whole structure is at risk. In Ezra 9–10, God’s people realized they had compromised their foundation by drifting into sin. Through confession, repentance, and renewal, they were reminded that lasting strength comes only from building on God’s truth. No matter how far we’ve wandered, God is always ready to restore us when we return to Him.</p>

<p>No Christian ever plans on backsliding, that is, moving away from Christ. Yet it happens. The prophet Jeremiah even admitted, “Our backslidings are many” (Jeremiah 14:7). Sometimes, a city can be in shambles because the lives of its people are in shambles. Nehemiah left Jerusalem for a short time and returned to find the people had gone back to practicing their old ways. Let’s consider four mistakes they made and how to prevent them from happening to us.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Misplace Your Bible (vv. 1-3)</p><p>II. Misalign Your Companions (vv. 4-9)</p><p>III. Misarrange Your Priorities (vv. 10-22)</p><p>IV. Mismanage Your Family (vv. 23-24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Prayerfully consider the people you turn to for encouragement and advice. Are you surrounding yourself with strong, healthy believers who will sharpen you (see Proverbs 27:17) and urge you to grow in your faith?</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to hold you accountable to pray and spend time in the Word daily as you recommit to a habit or create a new one.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did Gideon test God’s words?</p>

<p>Ezra’s story reminds us that one life surrendered to God can influence an entire nation. After years in Babylon, Ezra returned to Jerusalem—not with an army but armed with the Word of God. Ezra led his people faithfully, trusting God to protect them on the dangerous journey. When you set your heart on His Word and rely on His hand for guidance and protection, He can use you to bring revival, no matter how dark or evil the culture seems.</p>

<p>Last week we eavesdropped on the worship service of ancient Israel as they gathered to dedicate their city and their future to God. We noticed four characteristics of their worship: It was biblical, it was vocal, it was musical, and it was joyful. Today we continue with four more.</p><p><br></p><p>V. Their Worship Was Thankful (vv. 27, 31, 38, 46)</p><p>VI. Their Worship Was Communal (v. 43)</p><p>VII. Their Worship Was Powerful (vv. 42b, 43b)</p><p>VIII. Their Worship Was Physical (v. 43)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and thank the Lord for His provision and direction in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a friend or family member who’s recently been struggling to continue faithfully in their walk through a difficult season.</p><p>Talk with kids: Who received the praise and glory for Israel’s victory over their enemies? Why?</p>

<p>When opposition arose once again, God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage His people to continue rebuilding the temple. Despite threats and challenges, they pressed on in obedience, and God even moved pagan kings to support the work. This is a vivid illustration of the way He refines us through the furnace and brings us forth as pure gold.</p>

<p>“The whole you needs worship—and the part of you that will live forever needs it most,” wrote Robert McIntyre. Nehemiah chapter 12 describes the worship of God’s people who had gathered to dedicate the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This week and next week we will eavesdrop on their worship service and discover how we should worship when we assemble together.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Their Worship Was Biblical (v. 24)</p><p>II. Their Worship Was Vocal (vv. 27-30, 43)</p><p>III. Their Worship Was Musical (vv. 27b, 35-36, 41)</p><p>IV. Their Worship Was Joyful (vv. 27, 43)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that’s holding you back from authentic worship and a deeper relationship with Him.</p><p>Talk with others: Share your favorite worship album or playlist with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How is Jesus better than the judges in the story?</p>

<p>Ezra 3–4 reminds us that whenever God is rebuilding, His people will experience both great joy and fierce opposition. The exiles restored worship and laid the temple’s foundation, celebrating God’s faithfulness, but opposition rose quickly. Together, these chapters show us that true faith rejoices in God’s work, perseveres through resistance, and trusts that His purposes cannot be stopped.</p>