Growing in God Through the Bible

Ezra 7

What’s Happening in Ezra?

The History of the Persian Empire & Ezra

King Cyrus (559-530 BC) - Ezra 1-3

1. In 539 BC fall of Babylonian Empire

2. In 538 BC the Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

3. In 536 BC work on temple begins.

King Cambyses II (530-522 BC) - Ezra 4

4. Opposition to work on the temple causes a halt.

King Darius (522-486 BC) - Ezra 5 & 6

5. After 16 years, in 520 BC, Haggai & Zechariah stirred up people to start back the work.

6. In 516 BC, the Jews finished the temple.

King Xerxes (486-465) - Book of Esther

- Leonidas & the 300 (480 BC)

- Greece independence from Persian Empire (479 BC)

7. Xerxes married Esther (479 BC)

8. Israelites in Persia Empire Saved from genocide (473 BC)

King Artaxerxes (464-424) - Ezra 7-10

9. Ezra returns to teach the people 458 BC

Main Point of Ezra:

God is faithful to deliver & restore His people!

And that’s the same for us today!

- 1 John 5:4-5

So what needs to happen after I am saved?

- I need to get to grow in God through the scriptures!

1. The Bible is a gift from God. (vs 6)

- Pray for God to help you see the Bible as a gift.

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. We must make Bible study a priority. (vs 10a)

- What is your best time of the day to study God’s Word?

- Matthew 4:4

3. We must study the Bible with the intent to obey what we learn. (vs 10b)

- What are you ignoring God about?

- James 1:22-25

4. We must invest in the Bible so we can invest the Bible into others. (vs 10c)

- Who and/or how are you investing the Bible into someone else?

- Matthew 28:19-20

5. God can use a church to impact a community and culture if we will commit to reading, obeying, and teaching the Bible. (vs 11-25)

- Are we willing for God to use you to proclaim His Word?

- Romans 10:14-15

6. The Bible is sufficient because it teaches us about Jesus who all wisdom comes from. (vs 26)

- Is your goal to draw closer to Jesus?

- Luke 24:27

7. The Bible will guard the Glory of God in the hearts of His people!

- Ask God to guard your heart by His Word.

- Psalm 119:9-16

Ways we can help you at Bridge Church

1. Sunday Morning Worship

2. Community Groups

3. Children & Student Programs

4. How to Study the Bible

5. Men’s & Women’s Ministries