Today we begin our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. In the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah were one volume together, so this study is essentially the second part of a two-part series. Nehemiah is serving as cupbearer in the king's court in Persia. When he hears a report concerning the people in Jerusalem he is effected dramatically and moved to action. Scripture text is Nehemiah 1:1-11.

Today we conclude our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra and we look ahead to the book of Nehemiah. These two books were considered to be one volume in the Hebrew Scriptures. The final message of Ezra demonstrates the important truth that there is no substitute for genuine repentance. Emotions are insufficient for restoration to the Lord Jesus. There must be authentic contrition and subsequent life change wrought by the Holy Spirit of God. Scripture text is Ezra 9:1-10:44.

This morning, as we continue our study through the book of Ezra, we discover this central truth: God accomplishes His redemptive purposes through a consecrated people who depend upon Him in prayer, trust His providential protection, and faithfully complete the mission He has assigned. This truth provides a theme that we should apply to our lives and to our thinking. True restoration requires more than returning to the right place; it requires returning to the Lord with wholehearted trust and obedient faith. Scripture text for today is Ezra 8:1-36.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra. The priest and scribe has now made his way up from Babylon to Jerusalem in about the year 458 BC. In this chapter, God will reveal how he can use even a pagan king to bring about his desired purposes for his people. Ezra was a tremendous spiritual leader, skilled in the word of God, but he is very careful to give all the credit to the Lord, the God of Israel, exactly where it belongs. Scripture text is Ezra 7:1-28.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the Old Testament book of Ezra. The remnant of Israel is back in town and they are beginning the work to rebuild the temple. As opposition mounts, the people learn a valuable lesson about the faithfulness of God. He rewards obedience by causing the work of His people to prosper. Scripture text is Ezra 5:1-6:22.

This morning, as we honor our graduates, we turn our attention to the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy. The Holy Spirit enables Paul to give timely and beneficial counsel to his younger protege, Timothy, regarding life and ministry. As a disciple of Christ, and especially a leader, it is profoundly important to live a life of distinction, proving to be a good servant of Christ. Scripture text for today is 1 Timothy 4:6-16.

Today we take a break from our study through the Old Testament book of Ezra as we consider the cross of Christ and its implications for Mother's Day. Jesus demonstrates so beautifully his love, care, compassion for others even as he himself is going through the darkest, most painful moment of his earthly ministry. Scripture text for today is John 19:25-27.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book Ezra. The opposition to the people of God is growing. What began as deception moved quickly to discouragement. Defeat for God's people was apparent, but not yet achieved. A timeless, biblical truth now comes to the forefront. While earthly powers may seem to be winning, their success will always be ultimately short-lived. Jesus Christ has always been and will always be victorious. Scripture text is Ezra 4:1-24.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra. As the remnant of Israel has come back to Jerusalem, they begin the rebuilding process by prioritizing the altar. Worship takes precedence over everything else. The glory of God is the primary concern among God's people. Scripture text for today is Ezra 3:1-13.

This morning we embark on our study verse by verse through the Old Testament book of Ezra. Following the 70 year Babylonian exile, God stirs the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, to bring a remnant of His people back to Judah in order to rebuild the temple of the Lord. God demonstrates his faithfulness, both to His Word and to His people, as He keeps His promises. Scripture text for today is Ezra 1:1-2:70.