When did you last hear a sermon based on a passage from the prophecy of Zephaniah? This is one of the most neglected books in the whole Bible. It was delivered and written after many years of silence from God. The northern kingdom of Israel, or Ephraim, had already been deported by Assyria, never to return. The prophecy of Zephaniah was to be the last given before Judah, the southern kingdom, was taken away into Babylon for around seventy years of exile. Here is an easy-to-read treatment of the prophecy which draws clear lines of practical application from the situation then to our fast-paced modern life, especially showing how the prophecy points to the only hope of salvation from God's judgement: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.
Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.
Michael Bentley worked as a bookshop manager and served in the British army before his call to the ministry. He has a diverse background, which includes freelance religious reporting for national and religious radio and television, being a Religious Education teacher, and holding pastorates in Surrey, South East London, and Berkshire. He is also closely involved with his local community as a member of various committees and councils. His hobbies include singing second bass in the Bracknell Choral Society. Now retired, he still preaches regularly and has a ministry of writing, with some thirteen books in print including Opening Up Amos and Face2face: David. He lives in Bracknell with his wife, Jenny, and has five children and seven grandchildren.
