New sermon series: Ezra

In 597 BC the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and carried of the leading Israelites into exile. In 587 BC Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed. The profit Jeremiah and Ezequiel said that this was God’s judgement against the unfaithfulness of his people.

The book of Ezra describes what happens next. It starts in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia. Chapters 1 to 6 describe how a group of Jews, led by Zerubbabel the governor and Jeshua the priest, return and rebuild the temple. Chapter 7 to 10 describe how Ezra leads a group of Jews back around 60 years later (458 BC) and how Ezra re-establishes the law of God.

Overview

The providence of God (Ch1-3)

Ezra 1:1-11 - The God of Heaven

Ezra 2:1-90 - Welcome Home

Ezra 3:1-6 / Hebrews 10:11-22) - In Our Time of Need

Ezra 3:7-13 - How Lovely…

The faithfulness of God (Ch4-6)

Ezra 4:1-24 - In the world you will have trouble

Ezra 5:1-2 / Zechariah 2:1-13 - Prophetic Encouragement

Ezra 5:3 - 6:12 - Official Scrutiny

Ezra 6:13-22 - Job Done

The Good hand of God (7-8)

Ezra 7:1-28 - Who’s in charge

Ezra 8:1-36 - A New Exodus

The Grace of God (9-10)

Ezra 9:1-15 - Grace and Disgrace

Ezra 10:1-44 - God’s People Act