Haggai is tiny—two chapters—but it packs a holy gut-check. In Part 1, we set the biblical timeline around the exile, trace why Israel’s priorities crumbled, and ask what it means to “consider your ways” (lebab) before we build. Bring your Bible and a pen; we’re putting God back at the foundation.

Today we kick off a deep-but-doable study through Haggai. Prophetic books can feel intimidating, so I’m giving you the context first—Assyria, Babylon, the deportations, the fall of Jerusalem, Cyrus’ decree, and the return (Ezra/Nehemiah)—so Haggai’s message lands where it should.
Then we read Haggai 1:1–11 and name the tension: God rescued His people, but they rushed to panel their own houses while His temple sat in ruins. We talk priorities, contentment, and what Jesus calls building on the rock (Matthew 7). Throughout, Haggai repeats a phrase—“consider your ways” (lebab)—an invitation to examine motives, not just motions.
Questions we wrestle with:

• Where do I feel “exiled”—handed over to my own way—and how is God inviting me back?

• Am I delaying God’s work while perfecting my own?

• What does it look like to put God at the base so the build actually holds?

Scriptures referenced:
2 Kings 17; Daniel 1:1–6; 2 Kings 24–25; Ezra 1:1–4; Ezra 6:15–18; Lamentations 1; Jeremiah 29:10–14; Haggai 1:1–11; 1 Timothy 6:6–9; Matthew 7:24–27.

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

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