In 538 B.C., During the Persian reign, a remnant was sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua. The foundation was set and much of the ministry was reactivated, but eventually the work was stopped by foreign adversaries. Haggai was one of two prophets sent by the Lord during this time, to preach the word and work alongside the people to reactivate the building completion of the temple. In chapter one, we find the people confronted about their priorities of building their houses over the house of God. In similar fashion, there is a temptation for the believer today to prioritize their household before ministry. In similar fashion to the prophet's message, we ought to ponder in our hearts and consider our ways.

We look at Zephaniah chapter 3 and examine the importance of following the right leader and we see the promises given to the nation of Israel and those given to us by a loving God.

We see how those who seek the Lord will be hid in the day of judgment. We explore what seeking the Lord practically looks like.

We see how everything from Zephaniah's name to his message has double meanings. All in preparation for the Day of the Lord.

In our series on Minor Prophets, we take a look at Obadiah's prophecy regarding Edom; how they got to the place of judgment and God's ultimate promise to Israel as a result.

The book of Habakkuk concludes with the prophet’s song of prayer and vision, depicting the power of God, the relentless attack of the enemy, and the joyful strength for the believer who is full of faith. 

After learning about the devastating Babylonian attack on Judah that was about to occur, and trying to make sense of the injustice before God, Habakkuk humbles Himself, embracing the word of the Lord. It is through this process that he transitions from worrier to worshipper, as he gets new perspective and insight on both His enemies and the almighty God.

In Habakkuk 1, we find God’s prophet grappling with the surrounding injustice. When He takes the case to God, it is revealed to him that the sin will be dealt with, but it will be through pagan Babylonians conquering them. Though this feels like the wrong direction to Habakkuk, we find through this study, God works in the midst of injustice to offer salvation, even when it appears that He is distant or indifferent. 

We see a virtual courtroom with testimony, evidence and a verdict. Even so, the Lord is gracious and merciful.

In Micah's second sermon, he addresses leadership and why their actions warrant judgment. We also see a beautiful description of Israel's restoration with the Lord.

We review Micah's first sermon for understanding and depth of clarity. He uses location, word play and contrast to communicate his message of coming judgment and a promise of restoration.

We start in Micah in our Minor Prophet series. As an overview, we consider where he lived and how that influenced his call and ministry. We see the leadership environment he lived in and how his prophecies transcended his own time.

Though the scattering of Israel was on the horizon, the Lord reminds them of his mercy and grace in their past, present and future. Help and salvation is within reach, but the choice to receive God’s hand of forgiveness is up to Israel.

In the third of this four-part series, we see Israel headed right back to the bondage that God delivered them from in Egypt, but this time it will be with a new enemy – Assyria. Israel’s demonic influence and rebellion parallels the most heinous acts ever recorded in the Bible. Though darkness has ensued, God lays out the path to course correct and points to a future time when Israel will again be used for God’s purposes.

As the picture continues to unfold of Israel’s adulterous relationship with the surrounding nations, we see God’s heart to heal thwarted by Israel’s heart set on iniquity.

In the first three chapters of Hosea, we see the painful mission of marriage to an unfaithful spouse that the Lord commissions Hosea to embark on. Through this heart-wrenching relationship, we see a clear picture of Israel’s infidelity and the Lord’s immediate judgment and future redemption of His people.

We conclude our short study of Amos by looking at the visions he has regarding Israel's future. We see how God is proclaiming judgment and a transition on how he interacts with Israel.

Just as God called Jeremiah for a specific mission and provided him with faithful supporters, so God calls His servants today—and calls His people to support them in His work!

Amos continues to explain the coming judgment to the whole house of Israel. We see some themes on the unjust/just and that ultimately give us instruction on how to live today.

Amos already addresses the heathens, so he turns his focus on Judah and Israel, addressing their sin and how God has dealt with them but how they haven't repented. We use this backdrop to challenge our readiness to repent.