The Jews have left the only stability they have known and have made the long and hard trip to Israel. But their work has only begun. Now they must rebuild. They begin in the right place restoring the ancient altar and begin work on the foundation of the temple. But opposition comes quickly. First, in the form of compromisers who want to join them for the purpose of defeating their purpose and zeal. Second, in the form of hired counselors who work to “frustrate their purpose.” For now, the adversaries win and the Jews cease work on the temple. The opposition has been too much for them. The temple lies abandoned.
The first return is a trip into the fog. They do not know exactly what will greet them. They do not fully know the condition of the land. The journey of hundreds of miles will take them weeks to complete. Yet they go because they have a higher purpose in mind. They go to rebuild God’s holy temple and to reestablish the true worship of God in God’s chosen city of Jerusalem. They go also to replant the land given to their father Abraham.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ:<br />
Central message of Acts (2:22-24; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:38-40; 13:28-30; 17:31)<br />
Key to personal salvation (Romans 10:9; 1Corinthians 15:14-17)
Central message of Acts (2:22-24; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:38-40; 13:28-30; 17:31)<br />
Key to personal salvation (Romans 10:9; 1Corinthians 15:14-17)
Many people today are attempting to live for the world while making claims of being a servant of God. The only problem is that according to scripture we cannot serve two masters. May we be like Joshua who said, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
A Doctrinal and Historical Study of Baptism
