Memoirs of the Way Home: Ezra & Nehemiah as a Call to Conversion by Gerald M Bilkes

Book Description:

Author Gerald Bilkes explains that in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we have two first-person accounts, or memoirs, of Israel's return from exile to the Promised Land.
In this winsome Bible study, with questions for individual or group reflection at the end of each chapter, the author introduces readers to the lesser-known Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah and helps us understand that these are not the records of historic feats but rather the confessions of a humble prodigal on a profoundly spiritual journey home. With pastoral warmth, Bilkes demonstrates these biblical memoirs'relevance for us today as they challenge us to consider whether we are in the far country or, by grace, on our way back home to God.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: A Prodigal People
1.The Lord Is First
2.Awakening Mercy
3.Tokens of Mercy
4.Adversaries, Subtle and Sever
5.Fresh Courage through the Word
6.Joy through God
7.A Further Reformation
8.A Fresh Exodus
9.A Time for Brokenness
10.Breaking with Sin
11.On His Knees before the Court of Heaven
12.From Burden to Boasting
13.Submitting to the Yoke of God
14.The Crucible of Conflict
15.A Redeemer Comes to Zion
16.A Fearless Leader
17.We Have a Strong City
18.A Fresh Sinai
19.The Prayer of Returning Prodigals
20.Biblical Covenanters
21.The Holy City
22.Looking Back in Wonder
23.Cleansed!
Appendix 1: Lessons for Ministry from Ezra
Appendix 2: Lessons for Prayer from Nehemiah

Author:

Gerald M. Bilkes is professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids.