New Work Fellowship Podcast

On This Very Spot - "Temple 2.0" (Ezra 3, Haggai, Zechariah)

God doesn't give up. In the face of the rebuilt temple - those who remembered the splendor of what was before, wept. It didn't compare. They were undone. But where the people saw decline and despair - God was at work. Haggai 2:9. It's pointing to Jesus.

On This Very Spot - "God Has Left the Building" (Ezekiel 10:15-22)

There came a time when the people began to believe that the temple was their security blanket. They had "god" locked in and locked down. The God of the universe could never be defeated, and this was His Temple - therefore, he would never leave. This led to false security. Jeremiah and Ezekiel were rejected, in part because they foretold the fall of the temple and the departure of God's presence. God is not tied to a place or a people. Do not presume upon God.

On This Very Spot - "Solomon Raised the Roof" (1 Kings 6-9, 2 Chronicles 5-7)

David so wanted to build the house of God. But that was not to be. The temple would be built not by a king of war, but rather by the king of peace. The entire dedication is a beautiful picture of God wanting to dwell with His people. The glory of the temple was spectacular! God's glory filled the temple. But all of this was a foreshadowing. Jesus Himself would embody God's presence among his people.

On This Very Spot - "David Laid the Altar" (2 Samuel 24:15-25)

After David sinned (this man who is described as having a heart after God); God calls upon David to build an altar to the Lord. This altar is to be the place where sin is put aside. David declares that he will not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing. In a very real way - that is also what God does for us. He makes a way for our sin to be removed - and it cost him far too great a price. It all points to Jesus.

On This Very Spot - "The Feast is Under it All" (Exodus 12, Deuteronomy 16, Luke 2:41, Revelation 19:9)

The Passover, which began in Egypt, is transported to the land of promise - just like the people. By the time you come to Deuteronomy - the festival MUST be observed "at the dedicated place of worship." By the time you come to Jesus, it is the annual pilgrimage. Through the festival, God was not only reminding the people of what was before; He was teaching about what was to come.

On This Very Spot - "He Began with Abraham" (Genesis 22)

The near sacrifice of Isaac is stunning and disturbing. You cannot look at it in isolation. God is laying the foundation for all that is to follow. The path that Abraham must walk is a path that our Heavenly Father will walk. It all points to Jesus. Mount Mariah is deeply connected to both the Passover and the death of Jesus.

New Year, New You! - "New Year, Same Mission" (Matthew 25:40)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19a