Ezra: The Work of Building the Temple - Santosh Poonen - October 26, 2014
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker draws lessons from the rebuilding of the Temple in Ezra, emphasizing that God moves supernaturally to fulfill His word, requiring only dependence on Him, not on man's efforts. He also stresses the importance of willing and cheerful giving, noting that God values the heart and sacrifice according to one's ability, rather than the quantity of the gift.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God moves supernaturally to fulfill His wordGod moved an ungodly king like Cyrus to fulfill His prophecy through Jeremiah, showing we only need a connection with God, not worldly connections.
The temple is built by cheerful, sacrificial givingGod uses practical things like money to build His church, and He looks for cheerful givers who give according to their ability rather than making a show of wealth.
Building according to God's written wordThe people set up the altar as it was written in the law of Moses, warning us not to mix worldly ideas into the worship and service of God.
Faithful consistency and Fearing GodDaily consistency in sacrifice is required instead of seeking immediate returns, and fearing God frees us from the terror of surrounding circumstances.
Unity among workersGod begins His work by establishing unity among families and workers, which is essential before anything lasting can be built.
Praising God every step of the wayEven when only the foundation is laid, the people gave thanks and praised God, reminding us to be a grateful people throughout our spiritual transformation.
Weeping with a burden for God's promiseThe older men wept when seeing the foundation laid because they had carried a long-term burden for God's promise to be fulfilled in a new generation.
The devil's tactics: Infiltration, Intimidation, and AccusationWhen God's work begins, the enemy tries to hinder it first by infiltration with worldly ideas, then by intimidation, and finally by false accusations to authorities.
The strengthening power of prophecyGod raises up prophets to encourage, exhort, and console believers, strengthening their hands to continue rebuilding despite opposition.
We are the servants of the God of Heaven and EarthBelievers must stand bold and confident in their battles, remembering their true identity as servants of the God of Heaven and Earth.Ezra 5:11
