Ezra & Nehemiah: The Good Hand of Our God is Upon Us (Ivill)

"Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it."—Ezra 10:4

The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah offer a timeless message of hope to Christians, reminding us that Jesus came to set us free from our own Babylonian captivity by becoming the true temple, living Word, and the One who is preparing a city where the walls are perfectly pure and secure. In this eleven-lesson Bible study, Sarah Ivill provides students of Scripture with an in-depth look at these two small books filled with great truths which will encourage them to trust that the good hand of God is on them.

Useful for either individual or group studies, Ezra and Nehemiah includes suggestions for small group leaders, an overview of redemptive history, and a guide to learning Christ in all of Scripture.

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Series Description: 

Many women go through life clinging to things or relationships that have no power to provide lasting peace. Head, Heart, Hands Bible Studies equip women to move beyond these fleeting things to find rest in the everlasting Word of God.  

Each lesson includes: 

• Introduction— an overview of the chapters with applications for your mind, heart, and hands
• Personal study— a series of questions that helps you dig deeper into God’s Word
• Pulling it all together— a brief commentary that answers any lingering questions you may have after your personal study 
• Processing it Together— a section of questions to facilitate studying in community

Author:

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, stay-at-home mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA).

Endorsements:

“Deep yet accessible, instructive and reverent, rigorous and rewarding, this study of God’s Word will delight you in the Christ of Scripture—the one Savior, Shepherd, and covenant King.” — David and Minda Garner, Westminster Theological Seminary

“Many times we read the Old Testament disconnected from the work of Christ. In her new Bible study Ezra and Nehemiah: The Good Hand of Our God Is upon Us, Sarah Ivill helps us understand these books in their historical context but also faithfully points us to the larger story—the one all the other stories point to—the redemptive work of Christ on our behalf. This guide will help you study Ezra and Nehemiah with new insight and application for how you think, what you love, and how you live.” — Melissa Kruger, author of In All Things: A Nine-Week Study Guide on Unshakeable Joy

“Sarah Ivill has created a study that leads the student to discover the riches of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah and put them within the context of the redemptive-historical big story of the Bible. It will be of great benefit for the individual as well as group Bible studies.” — Mary Beth McGreevy, Covenant Theological Seminary

“Sarah’s work on Ezra and Nehemiah will challenge and encourage you. It is peppered with practical implications that will stretch your faith and better prepare you to pass your faith on to the next generation. This winsome and robust study is a welcome addition to any library, including my own. I only wish it had come along sooner!” — Brian Peterson, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina

“With an approach aimed at your head, heart, and hands, Sarah Ivill provides thoughtful observations, moving commentary, and practical application as she walks you through these closing acts of the Old Testament. She masterfully keeps her reader attuned to the historical details in the text without losing sight of the role the text plays in redemptive history. Most importantly, she demonstrates over and over again the covenant faithfulness of the triune God.” — Leigh Swanson, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando