An Old Testament Word For the New Testament Church

June 5, 2016 Speaker: Don Stewart

Scripture: Haggai 2:1–5

AN OLD TESTAMENT WORD FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Introduction: The church alive feasts on the Word of God, and it is empowered by a Word from God.

Text: “The Word of the Lord Came through the prophet Haggai” (Haggai 2:1).

I. It Was a CORPORATE Word (A Word of Challenge).

“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son son Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people.”

Haggai 2:2

II. It Was a PERSONAL Word (A Word of Judgment).

“Ask them, ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing!’”

Haggai 2:3

III. It Was a COMMANDING Word (A Word of Encouragement).

“Be strong, O Zerubbabel . . . . Be strong, O Joshua . . . . Be strong, all you people of the land . . . and work.”

Haggai 2:4

IV. It Was a COVENANT Word (A Word of Promise).

“This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."

Haggai 2:5

Conclusion: God will shake up His world and sieze the attention of the nations. At that time He will “fill this house with glory” (2:7). The latter glory will be greater than the first glory. It will produce peace, because it will affirm His presence.

When the church is alive and well, hope is alive and well with God’s world. When the church is sick, the world is sick.