Doug Norman
Although the book of Haggai is only two chapters, it is full of spiritual relevance for the day in which we live. God speaks to His people, who had the task of rebuilding the temple and exposes the fact that they had become disinterested and apathetic in their duty. In similar fashion, God's people of today are in danger of becoming too "busy" for the things of God. We too must consider our ways!
As followers of Jesus Christ, our faith will be tested. These times of testing are like a classroom - we may not like it, but the end results can be very rewarding. Our trials are to serve as a means of moral and spiritual growth. Don't think it strange that you are being tested, rather rejoice that God's grace is sufficient to sustain you through it!
The Holy Spirit comes like a fire to purify, enlighten, warm, melt and consume. The scripture warns us to not quench or dampen the Spirit's work in our lives. This can happen when we refuse to respond, have an inadequate/chilled response, or an exaggerated/disruptive response to the Holy Spirit's promptings. We are called to be led by the Spirit!
Some things in life we will not be able to understand or explain at all, but there are a lot things, God wants us to see very clearly. Our eyes are opened by the leading of the Holy Spirit; it is not possible to live a supernatural life by natural means. It is a true statement - if we are left to ourselves - we will create our own perspective. Everyone has a different perspective - that will change as we grow and mature in Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us that we have the mind of Christ and it's because we have access to the Holy Spirit. If we have the mind of Jesus Christ we can know the heart, plan and will of God. God is about making things better, redeeming the situation. What are you doing to make your church, your home, your community a better place?
We must not allow negative circumstances happening around us to take our focus off of biblical principles for Christian living. In fact, as things get darker around us, the response of the follower of Christ becomes even more illuminated. We are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us.
The church of Jesus Christ must understand the times in which we are living. Just as the sons of Issachar during the reign of King David "understood the times and knew what Israel should do." The cry of the watchman is clear: Spiritual danger is all around, wake up church of Jesus Christ! Wake up to the power of prayer, to the power of God's promises and to the hope of Christ!
We are currently witnessing an attack on truth! Society would like to create an environment where no absolutes exist. However, Jesus said that He came to "bear witness of the truth." In fact, He is truth, His Word is truth and has the power to set us free! No audio will be available for the service today.
If you have grown weary of ceremony, religious ritual and dry religion - Jesus calls us to Him! An abiding and intimate relationship with Jesus will be a river of living water flowing up and out of us. This supply will not only satisfy us but will bless others!
There are seven "I AM" statements made by Jesus in the book of John. These statements provide a clear parallel to God's covenant name "I AM who I AM" revealed to Moses as he was called to lead the deliverance of the Israelites. Through Jesus, God's people are still assured of the fact that God is with us, He is everything we need and only He can provide ALL we really need!
Today we begin a series of sermons focused on Jesus as revealed in the book of John. Jesus disciple, John pursued an intimate relationship with Jesus and because of that he had great revelation of Christ's divinity. As we pursue Jesus, we too can have greater revelation of our savior!
