In 2 Corinthians we learn that God’s saving grace and power is experienced and seen through our weakness. Christians are called to humble dependence on God in all things, recognising that his strength is presented and perfected in our weakness, and that this counter-intuitive truth is the path to true spiritual power, authentic living and effective witness.
Ezra & Esther
Recommended Resources
General
David M Howard, ‘Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books’, essay, The Gospel Coalition | USA, © 2025,https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/historical-books/
Commentaries
Ezra
Peter Adam, Ezra & Nehemiah: Walking in God’s Words (Reading the Bible Today series), Aquila Press, March 2014
W Brian Aucker, ESV Expository Commentary, Vol. IV: Ezra—Nehemiah, Crossway, 2020
The Gospel Coalition | USA & Crossway, ‘Introduction to Esther: Discover the Basics of the Book of Esther’, curated from The ESV Study Bible, 2016, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/esther/#overview
Dale Ralph Davis, Ezra & Nehemiah: The Quest for Restoration (Focus on the Bible series), Christian Focus Publications, 2025
Robert Fyall, The Message of Ezra & Nehemiah (Bible Speaks Today series), IVP 2022
Russell L Meek, Ezra: A Commentary, The Gospel Coalition | USA, © 2025, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/ezra/ (free download)
Esther
Peter Bloomfield, The Guide: Esther (Old Testament series), Evangelical Press, 2002
David G Firth, The Message of Esther: God Present but Unseen (Bible Speaks Today series), IVP, 2010
Karen H Jobes, The NIV Application Commentary: Esther, Zondervan, 1999
Eric Ortlund, ESV Expository Commentary, Vol. IV: Esther, Crossway, 2020
David Strain, Ruth & Esther: There is a Redeemer & Sudden Reversals (Focus on the Bible series), Christian Focus Publications, 2018
Barry G Webb, Five Festal Garments: Christian Reflections on The Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther (NSBT series, No.10), Apollos, 2000
Online Resources
Ezra
Jonathan Landry Cruse, ‘Why Corporate Worship Should Include Corporate Confession’, Ministry, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 26 January 2021, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/corporate-worship-confession/
Matthew Harmon, ‘Exile’, Essays, The Gospel Coalition | USA, © 2025, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/exile/
Andrew T Walker, ‘Preserving Our Own? The Bible’s Teaching on Ethnicity, Nationality, and the Promises of Christ’, Christian Living, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 16 October 2025, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/preserving-own-ethnicity-nationality/
Esther
Bethany Jenkins, ‘Esther and the Silent Sovereignty of God’, Bible & Theology, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 16 July 2015, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/esther-the-silent-sovereignty-of-god/
Bethany Jenkins, ‘For Such a Time as This’, Christian Living, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 30 July 2015, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/for-such-a-time-as-this/
Tim Keller, ‘Esther and the Hiddenness of God’, four-part sermon series, Gospel In Life | New York, USA, 15 April 2007 – 6 May 2007, https://gospelinlife.com/series/esther-and-the-hiddenness-of-god/
Recommended Books
Ezra
Alistair Begg, Pathway to Freedom: How God’s Laws Guide Our Lives, Moody Publishers, 2021
Nicholas G Piotrowski, Return from Exile and the Renewal of God’s People (Short Studies in Biblical Theology series), Crossway, 2025
R C Sproul, How Does God’s Law Apply to Me? (Crucial Questions series, No. 30), Reformation Trust Publishing, 2019
Esther
Elliot Clark, Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in our Own Land, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 2019
Ivan Mesa & Elliot Clark (eds.), Faithful Exiles: Finding Hope in a Hostile World, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 2023
Patrick Schreiner, The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross (Short Studies in Biblical Theology series), Crossway, 2018
R C Sproul, The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?, P&R Publishing Company, reissue 2003 (1996)
Share Life x Growth Groups
Resources to help your group be Mission-Minded
Growth Groups are a great place to encourage each other in mission-mindedness. Instead of feeling stuck or laying on the guilt, you can use the resources below to generate conversation and increase joy & confidence.