Prologue Continued - EstherEsther 4:14“… who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”Many scholars believe that Nehemiah was the last book of the Old Testament to be written. Authorship is typically attributed to Ezra, who is also considered the likely author of 1st and 2nd Chronicles (originally a single book), as well as Ezra and possibly Esther. The Chronicles ar...  Read More

Prologue Continued – The TempleEzra 4:24-5:2So the work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem had stopped, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia. At that time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel an...  Read More

Prologue - CyrusEzra 1:1-4In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:“This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jeru...  Read More

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.All of Scripture chronicles God's audacious rescue mission as He seeks to bring His fallen children home. The story repeats in concentric circles. His children succumb to selfishness and wayward thinking, drift further from God, and become ensnared. This...  Read More

The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with, or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.LITURGIES: Gratitude, Hospitality, Secrecy, ReflectionOPENING QUESTION(S)Take a moment to think about 5 things in your life that you are thankful for...  Read More

ConclusionMatthew 11:27-30 (MSG)“The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned...  Read More