Nehemiah, a strategic leader, was a man of prayer—prayers of adoration, confession and petition; and a man who fired straight-arrow prayers to God.

The historical background of the Exile to Babylon, which began in 586 BC, and the return to Jerusalem, which began in 539 BC, provide the context for Nehemiah’s request of the Persian king Artaxerxes.

As Paul closes his epistle to the Colossians, he emphasizes the centrality of prayer and a life of wisdom.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms marriages, parent-child relationships, and the workplace.

The Christian has an upward and a forward look in the walk with Jesus, which results in a strategy for holiness.

Legalism and asceticism are of no value in earning God’s favor; only faith in Jesus Christ alone results in salvation.

True spirituality is not gained through legalistic rules or mystical experiences, but is only the result of our spiritual unity with Jesus and the indwelling Spirit of God.

Paul reminds the church that Jesus’ sacrifice produced judicial forgiveness, payment of their debt for sin through His sacrifice, and, in doing so, Christ disarmed and shamed Satan and the fallen angels.

As we receive Christ as Savior, we are to walk in Him, rooted, built up, strengthened and abounding in thankfulness.

Christ’s ministry of reconciliation produced significant transformation in the Colossian believer’ lives. Paul’s ministry to them involved one of suffering and of stewarding God’s Word faithfully.