Application Questions:
Was the letter and its requests legitimate? How accountable are God’s people to governing authorities? Is there a place for civil disobedience?
Were the Jewish leaders honest about their past? What can be learned from their self-evaluation? How has your past and your family history shaped who you are?
Did the Jews have a legal right to rebuild the Temple?
One commentator wrote about this letter, “History is a dialogue between God and humankind.” Do you agree? In what providential ways was God working behind the scenes?
The Authority to Build Again
Ezra 5:6-17
March 8, 2020 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
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Rebuilding Ruins
Repentance in the Rain
May 31, 2020 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
Application Questions: How did Ezra respond to the known sin of other? What did he do privately? What did he do publicly? Does this inform the way a Christian responds to sin within the church or within society? How does this story help you think about the seriousness of sin and the life-change of repentance? What factor does rain play in this story? Is it a sign of judgment or cleansing? What do you surmise the people’s disposition was toward standing in the rain? What is the purpose in preserving the names of those found guilty of intermarriage? How do you deal with the memory of past sin?
Confession Before God
May 24, 2020 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
How did Israel break the Law by intermarriage? What this an ethnic issue or a spiritual issue? How does the Bible teach Christians to view interracial marriages? What type of prayer does Ezra pray? Is it a model for your prayer life? Where is the redemption in Ezra’s prayer? How should you exercise this in your own prayer life? Ezra’s prayer never asks God for anything. What point is a prayer without a request?
Fasting Before Moving
May 17, 2020 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
Application Questions: What is fasting? What was Ezra's purpose in fasting (Ezra 8:21-23)? How is fasting associated with prayer? What personal need compels you to schedule time for fasting and prayer? What danger did Ezra and his companions anticipate on their journey? Is God’s plan for you safe? How can risk-taking reveal the Christian faith to unbelievers? How did the journey end? What principles about wisdom and faith can be applied to your life plans?