What does it look like to seek God first? It looks a lot like what we see in Ezra chapter 8. Join me as we journey through Ezra 8. 

What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus? We see the answer clearly even in Ezra as Ezra describes himself as a man who has set his heart on the study of the Word, doing it and teaching it.

God sits as king over all history, world events, and nature. We can truly trust in Him alone for salvation! 

Don't stop doing what God has called you to do even when opposition arises. 

The people return to Jerusalem as one to worship God and be reminded of the reason they have come back. Chapter 3 is a time of worship and calling. Leaders arise at the call of God to stir the people. The chapter ends with the people of the land hearing the worship of the people of God far away setting up a confrontation in chapters 4-6. 

One of the major themes of the book of Ezra is that God honors and fulfills the promises that he makes. He promised the exiles they would return and they did, he promised he would send a savior and He did, He promised to come back and He will.

Here is a brief introduction to the book of Ezra, context, themes, and issues. 

God destroys those who revel in sin and offers hope to those who seek Him. Chapter 4 shows the destruction our sin causes and so does much of chapter 5. The conclusion of the Lament is a hope that God has a plan and a future. For us that is Christ. What hope! 

What is our only hope in this world? Jeremiah gives his answer as a man of sorrows. His hope, only hope, is in God and His steadfast love! 

We often try to minimize our sin. We also often treat God as though He is a fluffy loveable puppy who exists for our happiness. However, our sin is wretched before God and warrants the wrath of God. God is not a fluffy puppy but a mighty lion. He is gracious but will pour out wrath so powerful it would destroy all in its range.