Back when I was at theological college, my home church linked me up with a smal, struggling church for a summer placement. One of things we did over the summer was talk about their future. They had some big ideas including moving from the village where they met to the nearby slightly larger town that… Continue reading Just start by chopping some wood
Tag: Haggai
“I will bless you”
There’s something profoundly significant in the statement “From this day on I will bless you” As you read it or hear it, I wonder how you are responding? I wonder if you are asking whether this statement could apply to you and your church right now? If from now on God will bless you, then… Continue reading “I will bless you”
Shaken
How can we find the boldness to persevere, especially when we face disappointments? This is an important question when there is a temptation to look back nostalgically as believers to supposed golden eras or glory days from the past whether that’s a period of revival and renewal or specific preachers, pastors or events. Read Haggai… Continue reading Shaken
Priorities, excuses and a reality check
The Jews who had returned to Jerusalem were arguing that it was the wrong time to rebuild the temple. It seemed that a mixture of economic circumstances and opposition for outsiders had convinced them that even though they didn’t disagree with the plan, that the timing simply wasn’t right. However, God has made it clear… Continue reading Priorities, excuses and a reality check
Who makes the call?
What is the thing that you are putting off? It could be the decision to move job or house, to start a family, to get involved in a particular area of ministry. Sime times it feels like the time is never right. Read Haggai 1:1-2 The background to these verses is the first few chapters… Continue reading Who makes the call?
Haggai and Nehemiah – background
This autumn our church are going to be looking at two books of the bible which take us into the period of history after the Jews return from exile in Babylon and Persia where they had been dispersed to due to their sin and rebellion against God. A bit of historical background to show how… Continue reading Haggai and Nehemiah – background
“Do you want to be clean?” Preaching to the affections from the Old Testament
I mentioned the other day the conversation I had with Dan James about Haggai 2. One of the things I’ve been challenged about increasingly is the importance of preaching to the affections. This is an old puritan phrase meaning that our preaching should speak to the whole person not just to the intellect. We don’t… Continue reading “Do you want to be clean?” Preaching to the affections from the Old Testament
Blessing from nowhere
I was talking with my friend Dan James about sermon he was preparing for his church on Haggai 2 the other day and was struck by something fascinating. Have a look at Haggai 2:10-19. What stood out to me was verse 19: 19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Indeed, the vine, the fig tree,… Continue reading Blessing from nowhere
Faithroots 