November 11th, 2024
Good Morning “Disciple Makers.” Today we are in Ezra 7.
The move back into Jerusalem, and restoration of a right relationship with God was a 3 part process for Judah. The same goes for us.
- Ezra began with restoration of the Altar of Sacrifice. As we talked before, Jesus is our Altar of Sacrifice. Restoration of right and proper worship begins with our return to The Altar. Confession and repentance of sin is the beginning. Continued, constant prayer and communion maintains the relationship.
- The Temple is rebuilt, beginning with the foundation. We rebuild our relationship with Jesus in the same way, though not with bricks and mortar. We rebuild with The Word of God! As we read, study, and are taught The Word of God - we must live it out. As we live it out, our foundation and walls are strengthened. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24 NIV. Continue reading the next few verses for evidence of the Temples’ strength.
- The third wave comes with discipleship. Each and every believer is called by the Great Commission to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). We must first be Disciples for we cannot build into others what we ourselves don’t have.
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 NIV
Wait, wait Pastor Jason, I’m no Pastor or Priest… oh but you are. Remember, as a Christian, you are not only called by the name of Christ, but you are a part of a Royal Priesthood. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
As we seek to restore and strengthen right relationship with Jesus all 3 movements are essential. We must humbly always be before Him in confession and repentance, soaking up The Word of God with every chance we get, applying it, living it, and loving others enough to share it with them. Our lives ought to be positively contagious.
Our love and manner of living should be desirable, such that it spreads like wildfire.
Love you all! Dig in.
Good Morning “Disciple Makers.” Today we are in Ezra 7.
The move back into Jerusalem, and restoration of a right relationship with God was a 3 part process for Judah. The same goes for us.
- Ezra began with restoration of the Altar of Sacrifice. As we talked before, Jesus is our Altar of Sacrifice. Restoration of right and proper worship begins with our return to The Altar. Confession and repentance of sin is the beginning. Continued, constant prayer and communion maintains the relationship.
- The Temple is rebuilt, beginning with the foundation. We rebuild our relationship with Jesus in the same way, though not with bricks and mortar. We rebuild with The Word of God! As we read, study, and are taught The Word of God - we must live it out. As we live it out, our foundation and walls are strengthened. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24 NIV. Continue reading the next few verses for evidence of the Temples’ strength.
- The third wave comes with discipleship. Each and every believer is called by the Great Commission to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). We must first be Disciples for we cannot build into others what we ourselves don’t have.
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 NIV
Wait, wait Pastor Jason, I’m no Pastor or Priest… oh but you are. Remember, as a Christian, you are not only called by the name of Christ, but you are a part of a Royal Priesthood. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
As we seek to restore and strengthen right relationship with Jesus all 3 movements are essential. We must humbly always be before Him in confession and repentance, soaking up The Word of God with every chance we get, applying it, living it, and loving others enough to share it with them. Our lives ought to be positively contagious.
Our love and manner of living should be desirable, such that it spreads like wildfire.
Love you all! Dig in.