Past Message

Point One: God desires to renew His people.

Point Two: Renewal focuses on restoration more than innovation.

Point Three: We celebrate renewed lives, not temporary structures.

Discussion Questions:

Watch the past message, then choose questions to discuss with your Growth Group.

  1. What was something that stood out to you from this past Sunday’s message? Share what you learned and how it will impact your life.

  2. Read Ezra 1:1-11. How did the decree of Cyrus demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence? Why do you think God chose Cyrus, a pagan king, to issue the decree for the Israelites' return?

  3. What significance did the return of the Temple vessels hold for the Israelites? What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' response to the opportunity for restoration?

  4. How did the stirring of hearts exemplify the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers?  In what ways can we identify and respond to the stirrings of God's Spirit in our hearts and lives?

  5. If you were one of the exiles, how would you have reacted to the decree and the opportunity to return to your homeland?

  6. Read Ezra 2. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of community in the restoration process?

  7. Read Ezra 2:68-69. What does the generosity in the gifts for the temple rebuilding tell us about the Israelites' faith?

  8. Read Ezra 3:1-13. Why do you think the Israelites chose to rebuild the altar before the temple? What does this say about their priorities?

  9. Read Ezra 3:10-13. The older generation wept when the foundation was laid. Compare and contrast the reactions of joy and despair during the rebuilding of the Temple. How can these emotions co-exist?

  10. How can we apply the lessons from the rebuilding of the Temple to cope with major life changes today?

  11. In what ways can we rebuild our spiritual "altar" in times when our faith feels broken or exiled?

  12. How do you maintain faith during challenging times, like the Israelites did after their return from exile?