1. Christ Baptist Church Spring 2015

2. Ezra – God’s Plan Emerges What did the commentary say are Ezra’s four main themes? Did you find anything new or interesting in the Introduction? What did the commentary say are Ezra’s four main themes? Did you find anything new or interesting in the Introduction? Daniel 6:25-28 – Persia conquers Babylon What caused King Darius to write this proclamation? (Dan 6) Whose reign did Daniel prosper under? Could this have had an impact on Cyrus’ decision?

3. Ezra – Chapter 1 Ezra 1:1-4, Jeremiah 25:12-14, Isaiah 44:28 How did God use Jeremiah and Isaiah years after their ministry ended? Give verses. Personal Question: What legacy are you leaving? How will your impact be felt 50 years from now? Jeremiah’s ministry ended in 586 B.C. Isaiah’s Prophesy was around 701 B.C. Cyrus reign over Persia was between 550-530 B.C. you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

4. Ezra – Chapter 1 Ezra 1:1-4, Jeremiah 25:11-14, Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:13 Who stirred the spirit of Cyrus? How does this apply to your Christian ministry today? How does Cyrus acknowledge God? What would it have been like to have heard the proclamation of King Cyrus? How do you know when God is moving? Unless the L ORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the L ORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalms 127:1

5. Cyrus Cylinder This clay cylinder is an account made by king Cyrus of Persia (559-530 BC). Discovered in 1879 in an archeological dig in Iraq Records: His conquest of Babylon in 539 BC and the capture of Nabonidus, the last of the Babylonian kings. Repatriation of deported, captive peoples No mention of the Jewish People specifically References to the Persian god Marduk Also found: A large number of business documents

6. Ezra – Chapter 1 Ezra 1:5-11 How did God cause some people to want to return and other not? What were the Israelites provided with beyond their freedom? What had Nebuchadnezzar taken, and what did Cyrus decree regarding these items? Summarize what was to be taken back (vs 8-11).

7. Ezra – Chapter 1 Ezra 1:5-11 What was Cyrus’s human motivation for allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem? Do Christians always act with the right motivation? (Remember James 2) Give examples? Personal question: What is your motivation when doing work in the name of God? Why was it so important to rebuild the temple?

8. Ezra God created people in his image to fellowship with them The fall creates a barrier between a holy God & a sinful people God stipulates a tabernacle be made, where he will live among the people – making his presence known - Shekinah Why was it so important that the temple be rebuilt? References Davidic Covenant, 2 Sam 7:11-16 – David’s offspring will build the temple 1 Kings 8:27-30

9. Ezra Challenges What is your reaction when dark and difficult circumstances fill your life? Ask God to teach us through these tough times. Are you willing to leave everything and go when the spirit stirs? Ezra 1:5-11 What can we learn from the example of the Israelites who obeyed God’s call to rebuild the Temple?