1. Welcome to Sunday School biblepicturegallery.com

2. A Remnant Returns to Jerusalem Ezra 1:1-11; 2:1-2a, 64-70

3. Something To Think About This is the first lesson from the book of Ezra. Coupled with other lessons from Nehemiah, we will learn the story of the return of the exiled Jews from Babylon to Israel, a story filled with the drama of human struggles, defeats, and successes.

4. KEY VERSE Ezra 1:5 “Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levities, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem”.

5. Lesson Objectives To recognize this world is not, and never will be, out from under the control of almighty God To appreciate God’s providential protection of His people To maintain faithfulness to God throughout life

6. THE DECREE OF CYRUS Ezra 1:1-4 2 Chronicles 36:15-20 Isaiah 48:3-5 The Hand of God (1-2) Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-4 2 Chronicles 36:21 Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10; 33:7-13 Isaiah 45:1 The Liberated Jews (3-4)

7. Christians often find themselves “exiled” in difficult times and circumstances. Sometimes we are there, like Israel, as an act of God’s chastisement for our disobedience. Other times we are there simply as a result of the course of life. However, one thing is certain, God is at work, regardless of the situation. Romans 8:28 teaches us that “all things work together for good to them that love God....” Regardless of our present situation, if we love God, He is working out all things for good, His and ultimately ours.

8. PREPARATION FOR RETURNING TO JERUSALEM Ezra 1:5-11 Those Who Would Go (5) Help From Others (6) Help From Cyrus (7-11) 2 Chronicles 36:7, 18 Daniel 1:2 Ezra 2:2 Ezra 3:1, 8 Ezra 4:3 Ezra 5:2

9. Our sovereign God is in complete control. He will never ask something of us without providing the means to accomplish that endeavor. We can be assured His prompting will be followed by His provision, just as it was here when He provided, through the gifts of their neighbors by proclamation of the king, the material goods needed for the Jews to return to their homeland. In any service to which He calls us, He will provide the gifts and opportunities for equipping us for ministry necessary to complete that task. Is your church facing the challenge of a building program, an extension of ministry, the establishment of a new program, or an enlargement campaign? Assure your class that when God prompts a church to attempt such an act of faith He always provides the necessary resources to accomplish the task, sometimes through unexpected means or individuals.

10. THE RETURN OF THE REMNANT Ezra 2:1-2a, 64-70 The Remnant and Their Leaders (1, 2a) The Numbers (64-67) Arrival in Israel (68-70)

11. Notice, that it was those whom God stirred who went and then gave freely according to their ability to see the task through. We cannot be responsible for the actions of our brethren, or judgmental of their inactivity, but we must be responsive to the stirring of God in our own heart regardless of what others do. In the end, it is those who accept the challenges God places before them and, working to the best of their ability, see the job through who will enjoy the rejoicing and victory of spiritual accomplishment. Encourage your class to see the challenges God has placed before them and accept them.

12. QUESTIONS FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION 1. Who led the first group of exiles that returned to Jerusalem? 2. If you had been one of the exiles, do you think you would have returned to the Promised Land or remained in Babylon? 3. Compare the Jews’ release from Babylonian captivity to their deliverance from Egypt. 4. Describe the prophecy that was fulfilled in the release of the Jews from Babylon. 5. Discuss how Cyrus’ decree freeing Israel from Babylon illustrates the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. 6. In what ways did God provide for the faithful remnant? How has He provided for you?

13. May God Bless You For Coming To Sunday School This Morning! Bring Someone With You To Bible Study On Wednesday Night!

14. Acknowledgements Applications taken from Bible Teacher Bible Studies for Adults—Summer Edition (2011) This power point slide presentation may be altered by additions or deletions to fit your own teaching style. There is more information in viewing Note Pages Click on View then Note Pages Presentation Compiled For Randall House By Earl Scroggins