Ezra saw intermarriage as a compromise in people's faith. Do people today make other compromises that have the same impact on their faith?

While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel; for the people wept bitterly.

~Ezra 10:1

 

It is very likely that they do.

Is it good for churches to receive help - financial or otherwise - as the Jews did from Artaxerxes? What would be the dangers in such an approach?

I think it really depends.  You could be dealing with someone or something that is legitimate, or it could be a scam.

Which of Paul's arguments of Chapter 15 do you find most convincing? How does belief in an afterlife affect you?

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

~I Corinthians 15:13-14

 

A lot of them are very convincing!  I am glad that God will be providing me with a new world of life with no harm or hardships after this life.

Of Paul's list of Spirtual Gifts, which are prominent in your church? Are Any overlooked? How do you fit in?

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

~I Corinthians 12:12

 

I would say a lot of them, I'm not sure if any are overlooked or not.  I won't doubt if there really are a few that are though.

What does it mean to trust God completely today?

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.

~II Chronicles 32:7

 

It means the same as it did before.  It means believing in his holy word and regardless of where your life may be currently going, don't be afraid of what may come because He will always be there to carry you through.

Where do you think house cleaning most needs to occur? In your life? In your church? Among your friends? In your city, state or nation?

I think in most, if not all, of those areas could use a little bit of house cleaning.

Which type of people do you think are more likely to cause trouble: "Loners" or people who have many friends and allies? Why?

I would say loners because they only work by themselves, and think for themselves.