Good Words from God’s Word
This week’s sermon from Zechariah is about the assurance and confidence God grants to those who do His will and participate in the work of His kingdom.
Listen to what God told Zechariah, “It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong” (Zechariah 8:13).
After returning to Jerusalem following their captivity in Babylon, the people of God lacked confidence. They allowed the work of God to remain idle for 18 years. It was Zechariah’s calling build the confidence of the people so they would restart the building of God’s house.
One of the great benefits of faithfully doing the work of God is CONFIDENCE. Charles Stanley once said, “Fear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward cycle begins.” That last sentence from the quote is worth saying again, “Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward cycle begins.”
What opportunities are before the members of Grace that could erode our confidence and start our church to begin a downward cycle like Israel? One is, if church members miss their opportunity to work in the projects necessary to turn a furniture store and paint store into a beautiful place of ministry and worship. Most of the work will be accomplished by our membership. Many volunteers will be needed. Should our people neglect their opportunity to join in the work to leave most of it to be done by the faithful few; our church’s confidence will be shaken.
Another is neglect in attendance. When folks are away for extended Sundays, overall confidence is eroded. Our church family cannot and must not sacrifice its outreach, fellowship and ministry while the renovation work is underway. Your attendance every Sunday is critical. Faithful attendance produces momentum, participation, and an overall “WE CAN” spirit that motivates everyone. When the numbers drop, so does confidence.
One of the most important confidence builders is Godly leaders. God sent Haggai, Zechariah, Zerubbabel and Joshua to Jerusalem as His construction team. The people needed a spiritual boost. They needed Godly men to lead the way and oversee the work.
The work of God cannot be accomplished without those called by God to stand up and lead His people. I pray that all of our leaders who have been called by God to serve in various positions will recommit themselves to the work. I pray that God will raise up new leaders. I pray that God will give all of us a special surge of energy and enthusiasm. The confidence of our church family rests in the hands of those God calls to lead.
Finally, confidence will be established through our faithful giving. Yes, the future of Grace and the confidence of God’s people rests squarely in our stewardship of resources. The Bible says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Faithful stewardship builds confidence not only in you personally, but throughout the church. Think about your offering this morning. When you put your tithe in the offering plate, you are not only being obedient, you are adding to and strengthening the confidence it takes to do what God has called us to do. BE A FAITHFUL GIVER. THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR CHURCH IS AT STAKE.
This week’s sermon from Zechariah is about the assurance and confidence God grants to those who do His will and participate in the work of His kingdom.
Listen to what God told Zechariah, “It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong” (Zechariah 8:13).
After returning to Jerusalem following their captivity in Babylon, the people of God lacked confidence. They allowed the work of God to remain idle for 18 years. It was Zechariah’s calling build the confidence of the people so they would restart the building of God’s house.
One of the great benefits of faithfully doing the work of God is CONFIDENCE. Charles Stanley once said, “Fear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward cycle begins.” That last sentence from the quote is worth saying again, “Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward cycle begins.”
What opportunities are before the members of Grace that could erode our confidence and start our church to begin a downward cycle like Israel? One is, if church members miss their opportunity to work in the projects necessary to turn a furniture store and paint store into a beautiful place of ministry and worship. Most of the work will be accomplished by our membership. Many volunteers will be needed. Should our people neglect their opportunity to join in the work to leave most of it to be done by the faithful few; our church’s confidence will be shaken.
Another is neglect in attendance. When folks are away for extended Sundays, overall confidence is eroded. Our church family cannot and must not sacrifice its outreach, fellowship and ministry while the renovation work is underway. Your attendance every Sunday is critical. Faithful attendance produces momentum, participation, and an overall “WE CAN” spirit that motivates everyone. When the numbers drop, so does confidence.
One of the most important confidence builders is Godly leaders. God sent Haggai, Zechariah, Zerubbabel and Joshua to Jerusalem as His construction team. The people needed a spiritual boost. They needed Godly men to lead the way and oversee the work.
The work of God cannot be accomplished without those called by God to stand up and lead His people. I pray that all of our leaders who have been called by God to serve in various positions will recommit themselves to the work. I pray that God will raise up new leaders. I pray that God will give all of us a special surge of energy and enthusiasm. The confidence of our church family rests in the hands of those God calls to lead.
Finally, confidence will be established through our faithful giving. Yes, the future of Grace and the confidence of God’s people rests squarely in our stewardship of resources. The Bible says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Faithful stewardship builds confidence not only in you personally, but throughout the church. Think about your offering this morning. When you put your tithe in the offering plate, you are not only being obedient, you are adding to and strengthening the confidence it takes to do what God has called us to do. BE A FAITHFUL GIVER. THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR CHURCH IS AT STAKE.
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