Returning from their exile in Babylon, the people of Israel faced an uncertain future. Their release from captivity was miraculous, as a God moved the heart of the pagan King Cyrus to decree their return to the promised land and give them financial and military assistance. However the task ahead of them was daunting and would take several generations. Ezra is a book of encouragement, encouraging those who had returned to continue their work to re-establish the Jewish Kingdom there and encouraging those Jews still living in Babylon to return and join the restoration efforts. It is a lesson of how to persist through defeat and discouragement that we all need to learn today. Geared for Growth study materials encourage: A Daily Encounter with God: Your 10-15 minutes each day will strengthen the impact of God's word on your daily living. Group learning and sharing: Meet weekly in a small group, share your answers and be enriched as you learn from others. Spiritual Growth: You will be challenged to put God's Word into practice. Others will feel the impact as you obey, grow and mature: Church Growth: Introduce people to Spiritual reality. Your study group could be the stepping-stone for others coming to faith.