"Taste, See and Be Revived" - The walls are built. People have settled down; their lives are comfortable. Life is good according to outward appearances. However, all the outside trappings are worth nothing unless there is life within. God's Word provides all the nourishment one's inner life will need. But is it feast or famine at your table?

"It Isn't Over Till It's Over" - All the attacks to which Nehemiah was subject had one thing in common: the attacks kept Nehemiah on his knees. He relied on God. For the moment, hostilities cease and building resumes.

"Dealing with Attacks, Subtle and Direct" - Just because you have a God-sanctioned plan doesn't mean there is smooth sailing. Some of the roughest waters are those that are closet to your boat. Prepare to learn survival mode. Nehemiah would be singled out to experience direct confrontation and attacks. Now, it is getting personal.

"Wall Building Reveals Problems Within" - When the grumblers and snarlers brought out their bag of tricks, the were defeated when Nehemiah went to his knees in prayer. Through community prayer time, he reminded them of the great things God had done, and encouraged them to believe in the great things still to do. Problems over?? Not by a long shot!

"Rebuilding in the Face of Opposition"

It is August 1, 444 B.C. You are standing before a pile of rubble. There are 4.5 miles of wall to build. Impossible task? 52 days later, on September 21, the wall was done.

"Confronting Obstacles and Setting Focus"

Last week, we determined walls provide protection, establish boundaries, and give people a sense of security. Within a safe environment, a person can nurture, dream and live a good life. God's wall building work is never easy. In these last days, it is getting more and more difficult to build strong walls and serve God. The enemy is hurling his ammunition and setting clever straps. Are your walls needing some repair?

"Overcoming Life's Challenges God's Way"

The book of Nehemiah is a case study in overcoming life's challenges. After the year we have lived through, it isn't, "Will I face challenges?", it is, "When will they come and how will I deal with these tough times?" From Nehemiah, we learn where to discover hope and how to have victory when challenges surround us.

THREE MAJOR THEMES
1. Restoration in a world ravaged by sin.
2. Covenant commitment.
3. Spiritual leadership requires human agents and Divine activity.

Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.

"Repentance and Restoration"

In chapter 7, Ezra set out to change the world by studying, obeying and teaching the Word of God. It made a difference. Chapter 9 showed us that God’s Word exposed the peoples’ sin. In this study sheet, we will see the prayer Ezra prayed to connect the people’s past to the present, revealing God’s mercy.