Zac Poonen explores the transition of Ezra and the people from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of Ezra's leadership and his commitment to God's Word. He highlights how Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, was raised up by God to lead a new generation that chose to leave the comforts of Babylon for the challenges of Jerusalem. Poonen underscores the importance of wholeheartedness in ministry, the necessity of prayer and fasting, and the need for accountability in handling God's resources. He also addresses the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining purity in relationships, particularly in marriage. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical commitment to God's standards and the building of His house.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being committed to God's purpose. He highlights the need for a specific and personal vision of God's plan in the present time. The speaker references the story of Nehemiah and how his heart committal to God's purpose brought God into evidence and led to the fulfillment of His plan. The sermon also emphasizes the sovereignty of God and how He takes the initiative to see His purpose through, even in the face of opposition.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God desperately for revival, drawing parallels from the stories of King Josiah and Ezra in the Bible. It highlights the need for the Church to separate from worldly influences, to preach the full Word of God fearlessly, and to avoid compromising with the world. The message urges believers to return to a deep reverence for the Scriptures, to live in holiness, and to seek God's face earnestly for a true spiritual awakening.

The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced. It emphasizes the importance of unity, faithfulness to God's Word, opposition faced when building the true church, the sovereignty of God in overcoming obstacles, the need for leaders like Zerubbabel, Joshua, and Ezra, the significance of prayer, repentance, and making restitution, and the consequences of compromise and mixed marriages.

Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. The Book of Ezra covers over 100 years, focusing on the return of the exiles, the rebuilding of the Temple, resistance faced, reinforcements provided, restoration of Biblical practices, repentance from mixed marriages, reformation of laws, revival through devotion to God's Word, and the importance of preparing our hearts for God's call.