Restoration (Ezra 7:11-28) Harrison Park • Homiletics 1 Class Sermon Uploaded by Dr. Rick Griffith • Singapore Bible College All files in many languages for free download at BibleStudyDownloads.org

What would you do if your window cracked? Windshield Repair

Have you experienced a difficult relationship? Broken Relationships (pain, wound) Have you experienced a difficult relationship?

Are you good at handling or repairing a weak or broken relationship? The more important question is …

Which relationship is the most dear to your heart? Which relationship affects you most? To believers, our relationship with God is the most essential

How we can restore the intimacy of our relationship with God?

In Poor Spiritual Condition Ezra 1-6 Ezra 7-10 In Poor Spiritual Condition Cyrus Artaxerxes "Though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land" (Ezek. 39:28)

Ezra 7:11-28 11 : The king’s letter to Ezra • How Ezra returned to the homeland • How we restore our relationship with God 11 : The king’s letter to Ezra (This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra …) 12-26 : Contents of letter which written in Aramaic (Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest…) 27-28 : Ezra praised LORD for moving the king’s heart ("Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD…")

How can you Restore your Relationship with God? I. Be a True Worshiper 2. Practice God-Centered Lift we can learn two basic principles

The King Supported Ezra for Temple Worship 11-12: Ezra was born in Babylon and lived there, but God called him as a priest to restore the temple worship in Jerusalem. 13: The king allowed Ezra to go Jerusalem with Israelites. Here priests and Levites are mentioned separately, but both were needed for temple worship. 15: The king gave silver and gold to the God of Israel. The purpose of financial support is clearly noted as for the God of Israel.

The King Supported Ezra for Temple Worship 16: Supported the freewill offering for the temple 17: Gave the order to buy bulls, rams, mail lambs, and grain to sacrifice on the temple altar to fulfill the sacrificial law 19: Gave back the utensils of worship for the temple 20-22: Promised to support the needs of the temple. 24: The priests, Levites and temple workers were not be taxed.

Why was the king so generous to Ezra? 23: Why would his [God’s] wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons? The king feared God’s wrath coming upon his country. • Ezra should restore the temple worship • God moved the king’s heart to support Ezra

God want us to be a True Worshiper Be an example of a true worshiper • True worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, John 4:23 Prepare to worship sincerely • Expecting God’s grace • Check your attitude before God Focus on God • Don’t seek beautiful songs, humorous sermon, etc.

To be a True Worshiper… • Glorify God, not yourself • Do not watch the church service—worship! • Know that worship is a privilege, not a duty • Be a member of a local church (Don't give up meeting together, Heb. 10:24)

• Restore your worship and daily patterns together If you ignore the law in your daily life, your worship can be meaningless "Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. …I cannot bear your worthless assemblies" (Isa. 1:13) • Restore your worship and daily patterns together

How can you Restore your Relationship with God? I. Be a True Worshiper II. Practice a God-Centered Life 2. Practice God-Centered Lift we can learn two basic principles

The King gave Ezra the authority to teach the Law 25-26: The king gave Ezra the authority of teaching the Law and punishing those who did not obey the Law. Ezra should teach the law of God and exhort the people to obey it. (God wanted the people to keep the law in their daily life) 613 Laws in Jewish perspective: • Moral Law • Judical / Civil Law • Ceremonial Law

Why did God send the Israelites to Babylon? • Israel worshiped foreign gods • Israel followed the Canaanite lifestyle • Israel oppressed the needy and even sacrificed humans Israelites returned from Babylon, but they also needed to change their lifestyle

If we follow biblical principles, our life will be God-centered

A God-Centered Life: Is God pleased with me? (Jesus) Not me, but God ask a question Not me, but God Change your priorities

Practicing the God-Centered Life…

Practicing the God-Centered Life… Be a 24/7 Christian • Whatever you do, wherever you are • Not focusing on Sunday

Practicing the God-Centered Life… Live in a manner worthy of the Good News “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27) What Would Jesus Do?

To Restore Your Relationship with God I. Be a True Worshiper II. Practice God-Centered Life

Remember! • Our relationship with God is essential to all of us • Be a true worshiper and practice the God-centered life (regardless position or title)

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