2. "When God RESTORES the Church"

3. Who: Ezra -- Priest and Scribe What: Wrote much of the book Where: in Judah (King David declared Jerusalem the capital) When: Around 430 B.C. Why: Recounts the exiles returning to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.

4. Ezra and Nehemiah put the Word of God first in the life of the city. What happened in Jerusalem from that point on was a by-product of the people's response to the Scriptures. (Warren Wiersbe)

5. Restoration is the key Theme in Ezra and Nehemiah!

6. How did EZRA RESTORE THE WORD?????

7. Ezra 7:10 " Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel."

8. 1. He STUDIED the WORD!

9. How many Followers of Jesus are the "Walking Wounded" and are living malnourished lives in Christ. IS THAT YOU????

10. 1. He STUDIED the WORD! How many Followers of Jesus are the "Walking Wounded" and are living malnourished lives in Christ. IS THAT YOU???? If SO... Return to the Word!

11. Simple Bible Study Steps: 1. Observation. What does it SAY? (Who; What; Where: When; Why; How)

12. Simple Bible Study Steps: 1. Observation. What does it SAY? (Who; What; Where: When; Why; How) 2. Interpretation. What does it MEAN ? (A.I.M.... Authors Intended Meaning)

13. Simple Bible Study Steps: 1. Observation. What does it SAY? (Who; What; Where: When; Why; How) 2. Interpretation. What does it MEAN ? (A.I.M.... Authors Intended Meaning) 3. Application. What does it mean to ME? (Apply)

14. Simple Bible Study Steps: 1. Observation. What does it SAY? (Who; What; Where: When; Why; How) 2. Interpretation. What does it MEAN ? (A.I.M.... Authors Intended Meaning) 3. Application. What does it mean to ME? (Apply) *God's Word has not only the ability to INFORM-- but to TRANSFORM!

15. HOW are you doing at STUDYING the WORD? Get a Plan!!!!

16. 2. He OBEYED the WORD! (And practiced it!)

17. Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

18. Psalm 119:9 "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your Word!"

19. How are YOU doing at Obeying and practicing the WORD?

20. 3. He was devoted to SHARING the WORD!

22. Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”