Preparing for the Lord's Day
Rebuilding the Kingdom
Responding to inevitable opposition with resolute trust in Christ is a jewel that may take years to develop. Through His word, Christ by His Spirit teaches His people that opposition to our kingdom efforts should not surprise us. Christ also sustains us through developing steadfast faith within us to overcome the tensions of the world in which we live. As a gift, God often uses the pressures of life to strengthen our character and keep us focused on Jesus Christ.
This Sunday, we continue our sermon series through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in which we’ll see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to his people. For a people returning from exile, God will fulfill His promises and His kingdom will be rebuilt. Our sermon will be “Steadfast Faith in the Face of Opposition” from Ezra 4.
In preparation for worship, please spend time in Ezra 4 prayfully; note that Ezra 4:1-5 and verse 24 form one time frame as the rebuilding of the temple grounds to a halt. Ezra 4:6-23 is a thematic bracket that demonstrates that opposition is persistent. In addition to your time in Ezra 4, please also read Nehemiah 4, Psalm 25, Ephesians 6:10-20, and 1 Peter 5:8-9. And, please pray for God’s blessing!
As we gather to worship our risen Savior this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Praise the Lord: Ye Heavens Adore Him”, the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”, and the Hymn of Response “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Title: “Steadfast Faith in the Face of Opposition”
Scripture: Ezra 4
Outline:
As followers of Christ in building our trust in Him,
- We learn that opposition is real.
- We learn that opposition is ongoing.
- We learn that opposition is a precious jewel.