In chapter 7 of the book of Ezra, we meet the book's namesake, the scribe, Ezra, for the first time. He is given a commission by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, to go to Jerusalem and establish God's law amongst the Jews living in Judea. Is there anything we, as Christians, can take away from this text? I dearly hope so! -- Pastor Kevin

Time to take a step back and see what God is trying to communicate to us through this incredible pair of books, Ezra-Nehemiah. --Pastor Kevin

Thus concludes the first part of the dual book, Ezra-Nehemiah. It never ceases to amaze me how this ancient book applies to our lives even today, 2,600 years after it was written. Pastor Kevin

What can we possibly learn (that is applicable today) from a 2,500-year-old letter written by a Persian Governor to the Persian King regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem? Let's find out.--Pastor Kevin

We have just learned in Ezra 4 that God's people always face opposition when they begin the Lord's work. But God does not leave us to our own strength to continue.--Pastor Kevin

What makes one lie more dangerous than another? God tells us in today's passage.--Pastor Kevin

The enemy of our souls is trying to stop the good work of God in our lives. What kind of tactics might he try? Ezra 4 gives us forewarning and indicates that we need to have our eyes wide open to his schemes.--Pastor Kevin

The returned exiles begin building, and they begin with the altar.--Pastor Kevin

What can a person dig out of a 70 verse chapter that is basically a list of names and numbers? Let's find out!--Pastor Kevin

Our second message in the book of Ezra/Nehemiah. Can we draw any parallels between Cyrus' decree to set the Babylonian captives free, and Jesus' decree to set sinners free? I think so.--Pastor Kevin