Ezra Chapter 1

We 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 sweeping arc of biblical history from creation to the eternal state, showing how Ezra fits into God's redemptive plan following Israel's 70-year exile in Babylon. Pastor Russell emphasized that God keeps His promises, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy exactly when He said He would. He highlighted the Hebrew word "stirred" (עוּר), showing how God worked through both the pagan king Cyrus and the hearts of His people to accomplish His purposes. Pastor Russell concluded by defining providence as "God's wise, purposeful governance of creation whereby He accomplishes His redemptive plans through human choice," challenging us to recognize and respond to God's stirring in our own lives.