Bible Book Club

The book of Ezra begins with a celebratory return from exile, but it quickly takes a heartbreaking turn in Ezra 9 and 10 when Ezra makes a painful discovery and is forced to take extreme measures to secure his people's future. This story raises some tough questions but also reveals how even the most difficult chapters can lead to a deeper understanding of God's heart. Themes of this podcast: Obedience doesn't always feel like a victory. Sometimes doing the right thing feels painful and difficult. Ezra's story reminds us that true faithfulness is often found in the hard moments, not just the easy ones. Our external actions reflect our internal state. The Israelites' focus on external solutions, like sending away foreign wives, ultimately points to a transformed heart. We can learn from them that true change starts from within. Hope is found in a greater plan. The most heartbreaking parts of the story, like the forced separation of families, aren't the end. They're a preparation for something better to come. A reminder God's redemptive plan is still unfolding, even when we can't see the full picture. Show notes: Blog [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/podcast/ezra-9-10/] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club Donate or pick up merch here [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

In this episode, we’ll explore how Ezra’s devotion, obedience, and humility shaped his influence and how those same principles can impact our own careers, relationships, and walk with God today. Themes of this podcast: Preparation through study and practice comes before leadership. Ezra "devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law" before God used him to lead others. This applies to any area where we want to make an impact whether in our career, relationships, or personal goals. Invest time in learning and consistently applying what we learn before expecting to influence or lead others. God's faithfulness can work through unlikely circumstances. Ezra, a Jewish exile, gained unprecedented favor and authority from the Persian king, the very empire that had conquered his people. This happened because of Ezra's faithful obedience. When we face difficult circumstances in our own life, faithfulness can open unexpected doors. Our current limitations don't define our future possibilities. Give credit where credit is due. Despite listing all his impressive qualifications and achievements, Ezra ultimately acknowledges his success comes from God working through him, not from his own abilities. Recognizing the sources of our success keeps us humble and positions us for continued growth. Show notes: Blog [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/podcast/ezra-7-8/] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club Donate or pick up merch here [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

In this episode, we’ll see how God uses both encouragement and challenge to keep the Israelites on track. Then He artfully flips bureaucracy into a miraculous blessing and an all-expenses-paid second Temple build. Themes of this podcast: God gives us both encouragement and exhortation. Just as Haggai challenged and Zechariah encouraged the Israelites, God knows when we need a push and when we need comfort. In our lives today, He still provides both through Scripture, wise friends, and the Spirit’s leading to keep us moving forward in His plans. Opposition can become God’s tool for good. The Israelites faced constant resistance, yet God flipped the script so  their enemies ended up funding the second Temple. In the same way, challenges in our lives can refine our character and become the very means God uses to strengthen our temple and glorify Him. God always finishes what He starts. The second Temple was completed because God orchestrated leadership, prophecy, government decisions, and the people’s zeal. This reminds us that the Lord is faithful to complete the good work He begins in us, even when the process feels delayed or uncertain. Show notes: Blog [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/podcast/ezra-5-6/ ] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club Donate or pick up merch here [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Discover how Ezra’s story speaks into our lives today. In this episode, we’ll see how God provides everything we need in Christ, why we’re called to live as His temple, and how to stand firm when opposition comes our way. Themes of this podcast:  God provides everything needed for relationship. In Ezra 3, the people required a king, a high priest, and an altar to restore their relationship with God. Today, we find all three fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is our eternal King, High Priest, and once-for-all sacrifice. This theme reminds us that we don’t have to strive for complicated requirements. Our relationship with God rests securely in Him alone. Our lives are living temples. The rebuilding of the altar and Temple was central to Israel’s restoration. For Christians today, Paul teaches that we are God’s Temple. Just as Israel carefully laid the foundation for worship, we are called to build and maintain strong spiritual foundations in our own lives through prayer, Scripture, and faithful community. Expect and overcome opposition. Ezra’s story shows that doing God’s work is never free from opposition. The exiles faced delays, lies, and political roadblocks. In our modern world, opposition often comes through distractions, discouragement, or cultural pressures. We can learn to recognize lies, reject compromise, and remain steadfast in Christ. Show notes: Blog [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/podcast/ezra-3-4/] Feasts and Festivals [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/feasts-and-festivals-in-the-bible/] Leviticus Offerings Chart [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/leviticus-offerings-chart/]  Map of Mount Moriah and the temple [https://www.susanme.com/shownotes/jerusalem-in-the-time-of-david-and-solomon/] Video tour of the Temple Mount and the dome of the Rock exterior on Mount Moriah [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3W9iX0SnCo] Video of the inside of the Dome of the Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCXjQHFQF14] Picture of the Rock inside the dome [http://www.4kingdoms.com/dome-of-rock.html] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club Donate or pick up merch here [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Join us as we dive into the book of Ezra. You'll see how Ezra fits into the bigger story of God's redemptive plan. Plus, get inspired with a powerful reminder in Ezra 1 that God is still faithful, still restoring, and still inviting us into His story.   Themes of this podcast: God’s faithfulness never fails. Ezra reminds us that God keeps His promises, even across generations. Just as He moved Cyrus to free His people, He is still at work behind the scenes in our own lives, often in ways we cannot see yet. Restoration requires both courage and obedience. The exiles’ return was long, grueling, and uncertain, yet they moved because God stirred their hearts. In the same way, stepping into God’s call for us may be hard, but obedience brings renewal. You have a role in God’s bigger story. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther were ordinary people called “for such a time as this.” Like them, we are invited to step into God’s redemptive plan, trusting that He equips us for the part He’s written for us. Show notes: Blog [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/podcast/ezra-1-2/] Books of the Old Testament [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/the-old-testament-books/] Profit Timeline [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/prophet-timeline-scaled.jpg] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club Donate or pick up merch here [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!