The books of Ezra-Nehemiah tell the remarkable story of God bringing His people home from exile in Babylon to rebuild what had been ruined. This story follows three faithful leaders, Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who are directed by Persian kings to lead the people back to Jerusalem. Against fierce opposition, the altar is restored, the temple is rebuilt, and the walls of Jerusalem stand once again, but even after all that hard work, the story ends with a surprising ache. Something is still unfinished. The people’s hearts remain unchanged, their obedience falters, and the long-awaited restoration never fully arrives. We hope you join us as we trace the faith, courage, opposition, and perseverance of God’s people. We will be reminded that outward rebuilding can never replace the deeper work only God can do within us. The exile’s story of return points forward to our story: we don’t just need rebuilt walls, we need renewed hearts. Only Jesus can complete the restoration we truly long for. Until that takes place, the work remains unfinished.
Discussion Questions
Ezra-Nehemiah
January 11th, 2026
On Sunday, Pastor Russell Johnson launched a new series through the book of Ezra, beginning with Ezra chapter 1. Pastor Russell opened with an extended illustration about home remodeling projects, noting that "demo is so much fun and the easiest part of the whole process" but that putting things back together takes far longer and requires both resources and outside help. He walked through the swee...
Philippians 4:1-9
January 5th, 2026
On Sunday, Pastor Jamey Bryant explored Philippians 4:1-9 by examining "The Pathway to Impossible Peace"—the kind of peace that seems out of reach in our most strained relationships. Pastor Jamey opened with the remarkable story of the Christmas Truce of 1914, when British and German soldiers climbed out of their trenches and shook hands as friends, asking, "As we round the corner into 2026, don't...