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Sunday Morning, Zechariah 2:5-13 A quick search of the Bible for verses that echo the invitation of the third night vision (Zech. 2:6-7), the call to come out from that place of exile and separation from the place of God's dwelling, turns up an extensive list. By my own count, and it is by no means exhaustive, the verses number in the scores. This is because the central theme of Divine mercy is the calling of sinners out of the land of enslavement to sin and death: lands like Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, empires devoted to the Satanic task of keeping the people of God from experiencing the blessing and glory of dwelling in that good and plentiful land. The story of the Gospel, of God's gracious condescension to His fallen people, is one of reclamation from that miserable state of imprisonment, brought on by their own rebellion. It is the Lord who calls, it is the Lord who builds, it is the Lord who dwells and so makes that land of promise a good and pleasant land, a land flowing with milk and honey, guarded by the same fire that burns in the midst of us, a flame that consecrates as well as protects, and fills as much as it defends. Let us, this Sunday, sit in awe at the grand design of God's salvation, and respond with sincere reverence, knowing that once we were not His people, but now, through Christ Jesus, we are. Let us also sing and rejoice, even as the Messiah takes to Himself is blessed inheritance as our Righteous Deliverer.

Verse by verse exposition through the book of Hebrews. (Sermon also includes the reading and exhortation from the Lord's Table liturgy) Heb 12:25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven." 27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Hag 2:6 "For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land...

This sermon explores the theological significance of the signet ring imagery in Haggai 2:20-23, contrasting God's judgment against King Jehoiachin with His promise to Zerubbabel. The central message asserts that God remains faithful to both His judgment and His covenant with David by maintaining the messianic line through Zerubbabel, who serves as a type of Christ. The exposition resolves the apparent conflict between the two genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, explaining how the virgin birth and legal adoption by Joseph allow Christ to fulfill the Davidic promise without inheriting the curse of Jehoiachin. Ultimately, the sermon presents Christ as the true signet ring on whom the Father has set His seal, assuring believers that they are eternally secured and chosen in Him.

The sermon explores Haggai's instruction to the post-exilic community to evaluate their spiritual condition by looking backward at years of neglect, looking around at current lack of fruit, and looking forward to God's promise of blessing. It emphasizes that God disciplines those He loves not merely to punish, but to train them toward holiness, warning against a stiff-necked resistance to correction. The preacher highlights the grace of God who blesses obedience before completion, encouraging believers to act faithfully even when results are not immediately visible. Ultimately, the message points to Christ as the one who bears the covenant curse, allowing believers to move from condemnation to spiritual blessing through faith alone. This transition underscores that salvation and sanctification are gifts of grace rather than rewards for human effort.

The sermon explores the spiritual principle that holiness is not contagious while uncleanness spreads, using Haggai's questions about holy meat and dead bodies to illustrate this point. It argues against the superstition that religious activity or proximity to holy things can make a person holy, emphasizing that human effort cannot produce sanctification. The message contrasts this with the gospel truth found in Zechariah, where God removes filthy garments and clothes believers in Christ's righteousness. Finally, it highlights Jesus' superiority to the law by showing how He touches the unclean without becoming defiled, but instead imparts life and cleansing to those who are spiritually dead.

The sermon examines Zechariah 1:7 to highlight God's faithfulness and the importance of repentance among the returned exiles. It contrasts the prophetic ministries of Haggai, who urged action, with Zechariah, who offered comfort through visions. The speaker emphasizes that the specific date marks a pivotal moment for restarting temple construction despite opposition. This historical context serves as an encouragement for believers to remain persistent in their spiritual labor. The central message asserts that God remembers His promises and honors those who do not quit working for Him.

The sermon establishes that despite various historical constructions, there is only one temple located on Mount Moriah. It traces three specific appearances of Christ at this site: first as the pre-incarnate Angel of the Lord with Abraham and Isaac, second with David to stop the plague, and third as the incarnate Messiah who fulfills the prophecy of bringing glory to the rebuilt temple. The preacher argues that the latter glory of the temple is greater than Solomon's because Christ himself indwells it, rather than a physical cloud. This fulfillment brings true peace through the cross, shifting focus from the building to the person of Jesus. The message concludes with an invitation for listeners to receive this peace through faith in Christ.

The sermon draws parallels between the post-captivity ministry of Zechariah and Haggai to emphasize the necessity of diverse preaching styles within the church. It warns believers against pursuing roles for which they are not divinely called, urging discernment in vocational decisions. The speaker highlights the critical importance of honoring young people by citing 1 Timothy 4:12 as a directive to respect their potential rather than despise their age. Addressing societal moral decline, the message asserts that youth face problems created by previous generations and require spiritual guidance rooted in Scripture. Ultimately, it challenges the audience to invest in the spiritual future of the church and nation by supporting young leaders who carry the gospel.

This broadcast introduces the Book of Zechariah, highlighting its complexity and status as one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The speaker contrasts the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, noting that while Haggai delivered a convicting message to spur action, Zechariah provided comforting words to encourage the post-exilic community. This comparison illustrates the necessity for balanced preaching in the church, combining both conviction and comfort. The sermon emphasizes that God uses different styles of ministry to meet the spiritual needs of His people effectively. Ultimately, the program sets the stage for a deeper study of this often-neglected biblical book.

The sermon addresses the pervasive issue of discouragement in ministry and daily life, using the historical context of the Jews rebuilding the temple in Haggai. It highlights how comparison with past glory or others' success often leads to pride or despair, urging believers to avoid measuring their efforts against worldly standards. The central message emphasizes that God commands His people to continue working despite feelings of inadequacy, rather than waiting for emotional motivation. By referencing Jesus Christ's perseverance in Gethsemane and the promise of His presence, the text encourages steadfastness in labor, assuring that faithful service is never in vain even when results are not immediately visible.