Encounter the Truth

Here Paul teaches about Christian freedom and the responsibility to limit that freedom out of love for others and for the sake of the gospel. Using one’s liberty without love can become a "stumbling block" to others, wounding their weaker consciences. True discipleship often means surrendering personal rights in order to build others up in faith and reflect the love of Christ.

The time is short—the Lord could return any day. How then shall we live? Do we downplay marriage and sexuality? No. We prize our marriages. We stay as we were when called, and we serve the Lord there. And in this passage we gain a new perspective on singleness—we see its special value for believers.

The time is short—the Lord could return any day. How then shall we live? Do we downplay marriage and sexuality? No. We prize our marriages. We stay as we were when called, and we serve the Lord there. And in this passage we gain a new perspective on singleness—we see its special value for believers.

We see the people’s collective brokenness over their sin of intermarrying with unbelievers, leading to genuine repentance and decisive actions to address their wrongdoing. And the hope in God’s forgiveness serves as a reality check that the consequences of sin often remain, urging us to turn from sin before it takes root.

We see the people’s collective brokenness over their sin of intermarrying with unbelievers, leading to genuine repentance and decisive actions to address their wrongdoing. And the hope in God’s forgiveness serves as a reality check that the consequences of sin often remain, urging us to turn from sin before it takes root.

Ezra grieves as the returning exiles sin by intermarrying with non-Israelite peoples, leading to spiritual compromise. Here we find the ongoing need for repentance and reliance on God’s abundant grace, pointing forward to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ.

Ezra grieves as the returning exiles sin by intermarrying with non-Israelite peoples, leading to spiritual compromise. Here we find the ongoing need for repentance and reliance on God’s abundant grace, pointing forward to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ.

God’s provision, guidance, and protection for His people is shown as Ezra leads a group of exiles on a perilous journey back to Jerusalem. Ezra models dependence on God through prayer and fasting, emphasizing the Lord’s hand in ensuring their safe arrival.

God’s provision, guidance, and protection for His people is shown as Ezra leads a group of exiles on a perilous journey back to Jerusalem. Ezra models dependence on God through prayer and fasting, emphasizing the Lord’s hand in ensuring their safe arrival.

Ezra is described as one who studied, obeyed, and taught the Law of the Lord, demonstrating the qualities God uses to inspire transformation among His people. We see the importance of leaders with a heart for God’s Word and a reliance on His divine provision to bring renewal and growth to His people.

Ezra is described as one who studied, obeyed, and taught the Law of the Lord, demonstrating the qualities God uses to inspire transformation among His people. We see the importance of leaders with a heart for God’s Word and a reliance on His divine provision to bring renewal and growth to His people.

The faithfulness of God is shown as the temple rebuilding is completed after years of opposition. We see the people worshipping and joyfully celebrating, reminding us that God’s purposes prevail not only for the accomplishment of tasks but ultimately for His people’s worship and His glory.

The faithfulness of God is shown as the temple rebuilding is completed after years of opposition. We see the people worshipping and joyfully celebrating, reminding us that God’s purposes prevail not only for the accomplishment of tasks but ultimately for His people’s worship and His glory.

The deception, discouragement, and accusations from adversaries that the returned exiles faced while rebuilding the temple reminds us to expect challenges when serving God. Despite setbacks, God’s purposes will ultimately prevail.

The deception, discouragement, and accusations from adversaries that the returned exiles faced while rebuilding the temple reminds us to expect challenges when serving God. Despite setbacks, God’s purposes will ultimately prevail.

In Ezra 3, we see the rebuilding of the altar and the laying of the temple’s foundation after the exiles returned to Jerusalem. The people, unified and humbled by their experiences, prioritized worship over construction, reestablishing sacrifices to address sin and draw near to God.

In Ezra 3, we see the rebuilding of the altar and the laying of the temple’s foundation after the exiles returned to Jerusalem. The people, unified and humbled by their experiences, prioritized worship over construction, reestablishing sacrifices to address sin and draw near to God.

In the beginning of Ezra, God's sovereignty is demonstrated in fulfilling His promises. Despite Judah's long exile, God stirred King Cyrus of Persia to issue a decree allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

In the beginning of Ezra, God's sovereignty is demonstrated in fulfilling His promises. Despite Judah's long exile, God stirred King Cyrus of Persia to issue a decree allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

The final chapter of 2 Chronicles sets the stage for our study in Ezra. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, the people mocked God's messengers, leading to judgment. However, God's faithfulness shines as He fulfills His promises of restoration, reminding us of the hope found in God's relentless grace.

The final chapter of 2 Chronicles sets the stage for our study in Ezra. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, the people mocked God's messengers, leading to judgment. However, God's faithfulness shines as He fulfills His promises of restoration, reminding us of the hope found in God's relentless grace.

Death could not hold this King. He is risen to reign. John tells us that he has given us this written record of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for a specific purpose: that we may believe and have life in his name. Will you accept this offer of life in Jesus’ name?

Death could not hold this King. He is risen to reign. John tells us that he has given us this written record of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for a specific purpose: that we may believe and have life in his name. Will you accept this offer of life in Jesus’ name?

Jesus is crucified under the charge that he is King of the Jews. In deepest irony, this charge is proved true. Jesus fulfills the words of Psalm 22—and dies as the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world. Do you recognize who he is and what he has done for you? Does it move you to know that this King willingly suffered in your place?

Jesus is crucified under the charge that he is King of the Jews. In deepest irony, this charge is proved true. Jesus fulfills the words of Psalm 22—and dies as the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world. Do you recognize who he is and what he has done for you? Does it move you to know that this King willingly suffered in your place?