Week of 11/8/26 and Church Grounds/Men's Breakfast
Dear Church Family,
How does God build things? What is his timeframe and the processes he uses? What are his priorities? These are some of the things we're considering as we start our study in Ezra and Nehemiah. How you answer those questions says alot about how you see the character of God and his hand in your life. Is he trustworthy of your life and of devotion that is costly? My prayer is that looking into these books we will see in a new way God's faithfulness and consistency throughout the ages leading right up to our lives today.
Grounds Cleanup - I forgot to announce this Sunday, but Saturday at 9:30 after Men's Breakfast(8am) is an opportunity to take care of our church grounds. We want to invite families and individuals to come and help. Please bring rakes, tarps/trash cans, and/or pruning shears/loppers in order to clean up pine needles and leaves and trim the roses and other bushes around the church. We're hoping to be done before lunch, depending on who shows up and how it goes!
Berean Enjoyment
Take a moment to get some context for Ezra... Read 2 Chronicles 36:11-23.
How would you define God's character and actions? How would you define the character and actions of Israelites?
Why is this important when we look at what the Lord is going to do with his people in Ezra and Nehemiah?
In looking at Ezra and Nehemiah we actually see three stories: 3 pagan kings, 3 Jewish leaders, 3 waves of exiles returning to Jerusalem/Israel, 3 tasks of rebuilding(of sorts). The first story is in the first 6 chapters of Ezra.
What does Ezra 1:1-7 explain to us about the first story?
What are some of the ways you see God at work in extraordinary ways at the outset of this story?
Who acted to initiate the return to Israel?
Why three different waves of exiles? Do you think all those who went were more 'spiritual' than those who stayed? Have you ever thought that those who 'go' or more 'spiritual' than those who stay?
What tasks did those who stayed in Babylon have to continue in?
Consider both Ezra 1:8-11 and Jeremiah 29:4-14.
These passages took place at different times, but overlap in a way. Do you think God's Word applies to those who came back in different waves, or just those in the first wave?
These were written for Israel in a specific time and situation, but how do these passages shape the way you think about the significance of where the Lord has you and what he has you doing?
Ezra 2:1 tells us the people went back to their towns, but after seven months they gathered together (Ezra 3:1). Then the work on the altar and temple began.
Do you think that communicates anything about God's priorities or understanding human needs?
Read Ezra 3:8-13.
Are there some seasons you look back at as wonderful moments with God?
Is there any danger in being sentimental about the past?
How do we think about those past experiences in order to lead to current obedience and faithfulness?
Personal Application
What are some ways you see the Lord's faithfulness over your life?
What examples, big and small, can you give of God initiating new life and growth?
Looking at God's faithfulness and initiation in your life, are there any places God is calling you to step out in faith-filled obedience? To go and do? In staying put and living faithfully and/or giving sacrificially?
When was the last time you gave thanks for God's saving you from an impossible situation? If you need a reminder, go read Ephesians 2:1-10.
Read Ezra 4-6 in preparation for this next week!
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
How does God build things? What is his timeframe and the processes he uses? What are his priorities? These are some of the things we're considering as we start our study in Ezra and Nehemiah. How you answer those questions says alot about how you see the character of God and his hand in your life. Is he trustworthy of your life and of devotion that is costly? My prayer is that looking into these books we will see in a new way God's faithfulness and consistency throughout the ages leading right up to our lives today.
Grounds Cleanup - I forgot to announce this Sunday, but Saturday at 9:30 after Men's Breakfast(8am) is an opportunity to take care of our church grounds. We want to invite families and individuals to come and help. Please bring rakes, tarps/trash cans, and/or pruning shears/loppers in order to clean up pine needles and leaves and trim the roses and other bushes around the church. We're hoping to be done before lunch, depending on who shows up and how it goes!
Berean Enjoyment
Take a moment to get some context for Ezra... Read 2 Chronicles 36:11-23.
How would you define God's character and actions? How would you define the character and actions of Israelites?
Why is this important when we look at what the Lord is going to do with his people in Ezra and Nehemiah?
In looking at Ezra and Nehemiah we actually see three stories: 3 pagan kings, 3 Jewish leaders, 3 waves of exiles returning to Jerusalem/Israel, 3 tasks of rebuilding(of sorts). The first story is in the first 6 chapters of Ezra.
What does Ezra 1:1-7 explain to us about the first story?
What are some of the ways you see God at work in extraordinary ways at the outset of this story?
Who acted to initiate the return to Israel?
Why three different waves of exiles? Do you think all those who went were more 'spiritual' than those who stayed? Have you ever thought that those who 'go' or more 'spiritual' than those who stay?
What tasks did those who stayed in Babylon have to continue in?
Consider both Ezra 1:8-11 and Jeremiah 29:4-14.
These passages took place at different times, but overlap in a way. Do you think God's Word applies to those who came back in different waves, or just those in the first wave?
These were written for Israel in a specific time and situation, but how do these passages shape the way you think about the significance of where the Lord has you and what he has you doing?
Ezra 2:1 tells us the people went back to their towns, but after seven months they gathered together (Ezra 3:1). Then the work on the altar and temple began.
Do you think that communicates anything about God's priorities or understanding human needs?
Read Ezra 3:8-13.
Are there some seasons you look back at as wonderful moments with God?
Is there any danger in being sentimental about the past?
How do we think about those past experiences in order to lead to current obedience and faithfulness?
Personal Application
What are some ways you see the Lord's faithfulness over your life?
What examples, big and small, can you give of God initiating new life and growth?
Looking at God's faithfulness and initiation in your life, are there any places God is calling you to step out in faith-filled obedience? To go and do? In staying put and living faithfully and/or giving sacrificially?
When was the last time you gave thanks for God's saving you from an impossible situation? If you need a reminder, go read Ephesians 2:1-10.
Read Ezra 4-6 in preparation for this next week!
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
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