BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

An Overview of the Intervening History from Zephaniah to Haggai

In this lesson, Jeff Asher gives an overview of the intervening history from the days of King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet through the Babylonian captivity just before the Jews return to Jerusalem.

Zephaniah 3:8-20

In the closing verses of the book, the prophet raises Messianic expectations. Jehovah will gather a remnant from among the scattered nation who will bring with them a believing people from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (or Egypt) and every land to which they have fled who no longer bear the names of the idols upon their lips. Israel and the nations they bring will be holy. They will lie down together unafraid as the flock of God.   

Lazarus Is Dead (John 11:1-16)

Word from Mary and Martha comes to Jesus beyond the Jordan (Peraea) pleading that He come to them because Lazarus is sick and nigh to death. Jesus speaks enigmatically to the Twelve preparing them for the journey to Bethany. In these words of Jesus to them we learn much about the courage of Jesus, the love of Jesus and the faith of Jesus. 

Putting Away Childish Things

Paul states a principle in 1 Corinthians 13:11 which he applies to the cessation of spiritual gifts. However, it is a principle he also applies often to the growth and maturation of the disciple. Let's consider what it means for the disciple to put away childish things. 

Fellowship: What It Is and Is Not

There is a grave misunderstanding in the minds of many concerning fellowship. Some seem to think it is nothing more than eating and drinking, entertainment, and good company. While Christians may engage in such with others, the Bible never calls this fellowship. Rather, fellowship is our relationship to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit which exists through the Gospel. As a result, we have a very real fellowship with God and all the saints living and dead.    

Zephaniah 3:1-8

Jerusalem is an adulteress, filthy and polluted by her lovers the Baalim. She is an apostate nation; she is rebellious and unbelieving. She will not repent. Jehovah dwells in their midst, but they know no shame.

Zephaniah 2:4-15

Jehovah is bringing the Babylonians upon the nations surrounding Judah to put an end to their idolatry and convince the nation to repent. Judah can still have hope in the Messiah if a righteous remnant will endure.

I and My Father Are One (John 10:30-42)

Jesus answers the Jews plainly, "I and My Father are one." Now, they take up stones to stone Him as a blasphemer. But Jesus turns their argument against them and proves Himself by the signs which He has done. 

Things You Will Give Up Being a Christian

Sometimes the Devil seeks to hinder us in obedience to Christ by seducing us away through deceitful misrepresentation of the commitment God requires. He would have us believe there is no joy, no pleasure, no satisfaction in serving the Lord Jesus. That is certainly not the case. However, there are some things we give up in serving Christ that we ought to consider. Which, when properly considered, help us to see the great advantage in serving the God of Heaven.  

Zephaniah 1:13-2:3

Zephaniah has announced the Day of the Lord. Babylon is coming, Jerusalem will be destroyed, Judah is going into captivity. Is there any hope? "Seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be that you will be hid in the Day of the Lord's anger."