When the apostle Paul first entered Corinth, he committed his full attention to proclaiming Christ crucified to the citizens; and God graciously saved those who believed his message (1 Cor. 1:21). Paul described his initial efforts in a letter he sent to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 2:1-5). His description has left a pattern for us to follow as we endeavor to proclaim Jesus to others.

THE MESSAGE
Paul was plain spoken when he declared the gospel: "And when I came to you, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God" (1 Cor. 2:1).He didn't use big words. He didn't use manipulative tactics. He spoke plainly and pointedly. We would do well to remember his approach when sharing the gospel. We don't need large vocabularies or slick presentations. We need to speak plainly about who Jesus is and why He came. 

The manner in which he spoke is not the only thing that Paul described about the message he gave; he also described the content: "For I determined to know nothing among you except Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). He could have taught them many things from the Scriptures, but he focused on the most important subject. He told them, "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the thrid day according ot the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4). This was Paul's message. This is our message. Until non-believers come to faith in Christ we have nothing else to tell them. 

THE MINDSET
Paul's message was accompanied by a particular mindset. He did not rely on his own abilities to convert the Corinthians to faith in Christ. Instead he trusted in the Holy Spirit: "I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power" (1 Cor. 2:3-4). We do not convert our neighbors to faith in Christ; the Holy Spirit does. Jesus told His disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes, "He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment" (John 16:8).

Do you consider yourself weak? God can use you. Are you fearful when speaking to others? God can use you. Do you tremble at the thought of proclaiming the gospel, or  do you tremble when you are proclaiming the gospel? God can use you. He uses "the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong" (1 Cor. 1:27). Brothers and sisters, we do not save sinners. Put your confidence in the Holy Spirit. 

THE MOTIVATION
Why did Paul speak plainly and rely upon the Holy Spirit to convert the Corinthians? He wanted the Corinthians to trust in God alone for salvation: "so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:5). Paul was not trying to gain worshipers. He wanted the Corinthians to worship God. We should talk to our neighbors about Jesus because we want them to worship God. We should give to missions or go as missionaries so that new people in new places will worship God. Everything we do should be for the glory of God in Christ Jesus. 

HOW CAN I USE THIS SERMON THIS WEEK?

1. Make plans to go, this week, to talk to one neighbor about Jesus. Pray that God will help you to speak clearly, and pray that He would save your neighbor. 

2. Give thanks to God for the people who spoke the gospel to you. 

3. Set aside time to tell your children the gospel message. Speak in a simple, plain, pointed way. 

Paul's Appeal for Unity

Paul begins by appealing to the Corinthian's familial relationship: "Now I exhort you, brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10a). Paul is telling the Corinthians (and us), "You are brothers and sisters, so stop fighting." And then he tells them to have the same attitude and purpose "but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10b). Beloved, we are family and should work together with an attitude of humility and love as we glorify God through the ministries of the church.

Paul Exposes Factions

Why was Paul appealing for unity? He had received a report that the Corinthians were forming alliances around their favorite preachers: For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:11-12 NASB95). This would be the same as us saying, "I am of Brother Chance," and "I am of David Jeremiah," and "I am of John MacArthur," and "I am of Christ." These types of claims reveal one thing: PRIDE. Each group is trying to rise above the other. Beloved, these types of man-centered alliances have no place in the local church.

Paul exposes the stupidity of these alliances with three questions: "Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:13 NASB95). Unfortunately the Corinthian believers were trying to divide Christ, but this cannot be done. All believers have "the same Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:5). Furthermore, no one but Christ has given His life for you. Christ alone bore the penalty against your sin on the cross. And if that is not enough to convince you, remember that you are baptized into Christ. Only Christ is your Savior. Only Christ is your Lord. Beloved, let's be united in Christ alone. 

Paul Prioritizes the Cross

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void" (1 Corinthians 1:17 NASB95). Paul didn't want to preach in a way that would empty the cross of its power. He wasn't interested in gaining a following for himself. He wanted all to believers to be united in Christ alone. Beloved, we do not want to disract from the cross of Christ. We want to live and speak in such a way that people see the beauty of Jesus and turn in repentance and faith to follow Him. 

HOW CAN YOU USE THIS SERMON REVIEW?
1. Pray one-by-one for the members of your church. 

2. Seek to heal division. If you have an unreconciled disagreement with someone in the church, go to them and work it out. 

3. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 a few times and answer the following questions.
-What does it teach us about Christ?
-What sin is revealed?
-How can I respond in obedience? 

Paul ministered in Corinth for eighteen months (Acts 18:1-18). During his stay he formed a new ministry relationship with Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple who were skilled in the same trade of tent making. He witnessed the conversion of many Corithians, and received a personal order of protection from the Lord (Acts 18:9-10). But then he left and the church splintered. Division replaced unity. Members began filing lawsuits against one another. Sexual immorality was approved. Spritual gifts were abused. Even the Lord's Supper was corrupted. 

You might expect Paul to leave out his greeting altogether when he wrote to address the concerns in Corinth, but he didn't. He told them that he constantly thanked God for them:"I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:4). How was Paul able to remain thankful for the church in Corinth? He could see in them the grace of God that is given in Jesus Christ. You and I will remain thankful for the church we gather with when we view the other members as they are in Christ Jesus. 

In his greeting to the Corinthians, Paul provides us with six features that we must keep in mind as we pray for and interact with our local church.

1. The local church belongs to God. (1 Cor. 1:2a)
2. The local church is God's holy people (1 Cor. 1:2b) 
3. The local church is united to everyone who calls Jesus Lord (1 Cor. 1:2c)
4. The local church is blessed with grace and peace (1 Cor. 1:3)
5. The local church is supplied by God with all the gifts of His grace (1 Cor. 1:4-7)
6. The local church is sustained by God's faithfulness (1 Cor. 1:8-9)

When we keep these features in mind division will give way to unity. Immorality will be lovingly corrected. Disagreements will not seem as big. Grace will be extended and peace will be experienced. Boasting in self will not be normal. God's grace will be amplified in our conversations and His faithfulness will be our hope. Our hearts will be filled with thankfulness for as we view one another in Christ Jesus. 

HOW CAN YOU USE THIS REVIEW?

1. Ask your pastor for a copy of the membership list and pray for each person listed. 
2. Praise God for the gifts that He has given to your church. 
3. Praise God for the work of grace that He has done in your life.
4. Tell someone else about how they can be blameless in the Day of Judgment (1 Cor. 1:8-9)

NOT SO FAMOUS VERSES ON CHURCH DISCIPLINE

But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29 NASB95)

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; [each one] looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 NASB95)

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (Titus 3:10 NIV)

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. [Yet] do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 NASB95)

FAMOUS VERSES ON CHURCH DISCIPLINE

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:1-13 NIV)

"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 NIV)

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU THINK ABOUT 1 CORINTHIANS 5

1. What is the sin that Paul exposes?

2. Was the sin ongoing?

3. How does Paul tell the Corinthians to respond?

4. Why does Paul tell them to hand the offender over to Satan?

5. How does displine benefit the local church?

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU THINK ABOUT MATTHEW 18:15-17

1. Does Jesus expect churches to obey this command?

2. Is the speed of discipline to be fast or slow?

3. What is the goal of pointing out a brother's sin?

Church discipline is not talked about very often and it is practiced even less frequently. If this is the first time you've thought about church discipline, let it soak it. Read through the verses slowly and think about them awhile. Come to me or another member if you have questions. If you know someone caught in sin restore them gently. May God bless your obedience to Him.

September was a very busy month for my family. We spent a week in Wyoming and South Dakota, and then Cindi and I spent another four days at the G3 conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We were blessed by God in our time away, but we are happy to be back at home with our church family. 

During the time away, our church was blessed to hear from two other preachers. One of our own, Richard Marsh, delivered an excellent message from John 5 declaring unashamedly, "Jesus is equal to God!" We were also privileged to hear from another brother, Hans Scheib, who preached from Genesis 26. He exhorted us to trust in the Lord and not be to near to the world. I thank God that these men were able to minister to our church as faithful witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

My time to return to the pulpit came this past Sunday and I preached from Ezra 10 on the characteristics of true repentance. You may recall that Israel and Judah had been exiled in Babylon, but God had orchestrated a rescue mission so that a remnant of His people could come back home to Jerusalem. Upon their return, they recommitted to obeying God's law, reinstituted regular worship, and rebuilt the temple. This was a wonderful and emotional homecoming (Ezra 3:12-13). But not everything was as it should be. Some of the men, including priests, had entered into marriages that God had forbidden. When this was discovered, Ezra led the people down the path of repentance. The path Ezra forged has left a trail for us to follow, and there are six markers that can help us identify if we are on the path of true repentance. 

1. SORROW (Ezra 10:1,6). 
Ezra and the people expressed deep heartfelt sorrow over their sinfulness, including fasting (10:6), laying prostrate (10:1), and weeping (10:2). True repentance will be accompanied by heartfelt sorrow that is produced by the work of God in us: "For the sorrow that is according ot the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Cor. 7:10)

2. SOLEMN CONFESSION TO GOD (Ezra 10:1-2, 11)
A truly repentant person will admit to God that they have grieved Him by violating His commands. Shecaniah's confession was, "We have been unfaithful to our God" (Ezra 10:2). If you discover sin in your life, you should bend your knee before God and confess, "I have sinned against you." Remember that mercy comes to those who confess sin (1 John 1:9).

3. SACRIFICE, NO MATTER THE COST (Ezra 10:3-4)
When you read through these verses you will notice that the people's response to their sin was prompt, personal, and painful. Repenting from these sinful marriages was no easy task and it would require great sacrfice on the part of the those involved. Jesus also told us that repentance would require sacrifice. He used the extremely graphic imagery of self-mutilation to illustrate repentance: "If your right eye makes your stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of yor body, than for you whole body to go into hell" (Matthew 5:29). If you truly want to be done with the sin in your life you will take the necessary steps to put it away from you. 

4. SUBMIT TO GOD'S COMMANDS (Ezra 10:3, 11)
True repentance is always accompanied by obedience to God's commands. We don't just toss out the rotten fruit, we pick up the fresh fruit of obedience. For this to happen we must agree that God's word is absolutely without error and trustworthy in all it says, and we must also believe that the most practical and beneficial thing we can do is wholeheartedly obey God's word.

5. SEE IT THROUGH (Ezra 10:13-17)
God's people agreed that the sin must be repented of, but they knew that they could not deal with it in one or two days (Ezra 10:13). Instead of rushing the process, Ezra selected a group of men to help investigate the families involved, and after about 75 days the process was complet (10:16-17). Repentance will often be more like a marathon than a sprint. It requires patience and perseverance, and will often require wise counsel. When it comes to repentance remember these two things: 1. Don't rush it. 2. Don't give up.

6. SEE THE HOPE IN SPIGHT OF THE MESS (Ezra 10:2-3).
Shecaniah exhorted Ezra to lead the people in repentance becasue he was confident that their is hope for those who repent before God, and HE IS RIGHT! He knew that God is forgiving, gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness, and that God never forsakes His people (Nehemiah 9:17). When sin is exposed in our lives we maintiain our hope by remembering that God forgives and cleanses all who confess their sin befoe Him (1 John 1:9).

Ezra was a great leader who represented the people well before God, but their is One whom God Himself sent to represent us like no one else can-JESUS! Jesus is our perfect representative before God. Through His death on this cross He has put away our sin by becoming our curse and has risen from grave and now lives with the Father where He interecedes on our behalf (1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 7:3). And just in case there is any doubt in your mind, He is willing and able to cleanse you just like He did the leprous man who cried out, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean" (Luke 5:12). Jesus touched Him and said, "I am willing; be cleansed. And immediately the leprosy left him" (Luke 5:13). Will you go to God in repentance and faith and receive the cleansing that comes through Jesus Christ?

HOW CAN I USE THIS SERMON REVIEW?
1. Examine your personal life, marriage, or other relationships and repent of any sin. 
2. Ask God to help you by His grace to live in obedience to His commands.
3. Tell someone you know that Christ is willing and able to forgive them and cleanse them if they will come to Him in repentance and faith.
 

The writer of Hebrews encouraged the faith of the early Christians by reminding them of the "great cloud of witnesses" that had gone before them (Hebrews 11, 12:1). By remembering these witnesses, believers would be motivated to "lay asided every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles" and "run the race" with their "eyes fixed on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2). As Believers, we do well to get to know the saints who have gone before us. This blog is devoted to one Old Testament saint in particular, Ezra.

Ezra was used by God to lead the second group of Israelites out of Babylon back to Jerusalem. His personal credentials earned him credibility with the people and his commission from the king established his administrative authority, but it was the condition of his heart that truly set him apart. Ezra was a man with a Godward heart and there are six characteristics that should encourage us to turn our hearts toward God. 

HIS HEART WAS SET ON KNOWING GOD'S WORD
"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD" (Ezra 7:10a). He delighted in God's Word and committed his time and energy to studying it. It has been said that he memorized the entire law and could write it from recall. We should learn from Ezra and devote our time and energy to knowing God's Word.

HIS HEART WAS SET ON DOING GOD'S WORD
"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it" (Ezra 7:10b). First he studied then he obeyed. For Ezra, obedience to God's commands was not optional. Is obedience to God's commands optional in your life? If you are a Believer, odedience is an expectation not an exception. 

HIS HEART WAS SET ON TEACHING GOD'S WORD
"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10c). First he studied, then he obeyed, and finally he taught. Here is the pattern for every Believer-study, obey, teach.

HIS HEART WAS SET ON TRUSTING GOD'S HAND
Ezra could have requested a military escort from the king, but he was unwilling to send mixed messages about his trust in God. He was convinced that God's hand alone would protect them as they journeyed back to Jerusalem, so he lead the people to seek God's protection through prayer and fasting, and God responded favorably (Ezra 8:21-23). As Believers, we should trust the hand of God more than we trust the hands of men. 

HIS HEART WAS SET ON CONFESSING AND FORSAKING SIN
A situation of serious sin had developed among the people. The Israelites had not separated themselves from the peoples of the land and even married some of the non-Israelite women, a practice that God had forbidden (Ezra 9:1-2, cf. Ex. 34, Deut. 12:30-31). When Ezra learned of this sin he was deeply grieved and confessed to God how the sin had contaminated the people (Ezra 9:1-12). He also led the people to confess and forsake their sins (Ezra 10:1-7). We can learn from Ezra's confession how to respond to our own sin. When you sin, do you confess it and commit to forsaking it?

HIS HEART WAS SET ON THE MERCY OF GOD
When Ezra confessed the sins of his people, he agreed that God was just in punishing them for their sins (Ezra 9:15), but he was also keenly aware of God's mercy (Ezra 9:8-9, 13). Like the Israelites, we are all guilty of violating God's law, but God is a "God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, abounding in lovingkindness" (Nehemiah 9:17). When we confess our sins we should throw ourselves upon the mercy of God. 

Do you have a Godward heart? Take some time to evaluate the condition of your heart. Confess any areas that are weak and by God's grace turn your heart afresh toward God. 

HOW TO USE THIS SERMON REVIEW?
1. Study Ezra's life by reading Ezra 7-10.
2. Use this profile of Ezra's heart to evaluate the condition of your own heart.
3. Parents, teach your children the importance of having a Godward heart. 

THE REMANT RETURNS
Chapters 1-2 describe how God brought the first group of His people back home. Having been exiles for 70 years in Babylon, I'm sure that some of God's people thought that God had abandoned them, but God was not finished with them yet. In an incredible act, God changed the heart and attitude of King Cyrus, and the king issued a decree that permitted the people to gather all that was needed for rebuilding and head back home (Ez. 1:1). Also, God filled the hearts of His people with courage to leave their settlements in Babylon to make a fresh start in Jerusalm. One lesson that we can take from this is that new beginnings in the soul always begin with God working in our lives. 

REGULAR WORSHIP RESUMED
After the people had time to get settled, they came together to resume regular sacrifices and feasts. For 70 years there were no celebrations, no sacrifices, and no feast in Jerusalem, but now the people have consecrated themselves once again to God, and they demonstrated their adoration of His faithfulness by resuming the regular worship practices. We are called to be a people set apart to God, and when we come together for worship we are declaring, "God is faithful to His people!"

THE TEMPLE RECONSTRUCTED
The final event Ezra describes is the recontruction of the temple. The people laid the foundation and then adversaries hindered the work and the people stopped building. However, God raised up Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people's hearts through preaching (Ez. 5:1). God also changed the heart of King Darius so that he issued a new decree of support that allowed the people to rebuild the temple (Ez. 6:1-5; 22). Even through the opposition, God worked in the lives of His people. 

TRUST IN THE GOOD HAND OF GOD
Beloved, we will face opposition. Remember what Jesus said, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (Jn. 15:20). Our great adversary will send his hired hands to try and hinder our work for Christ. He will send some as wolves in sheep clothing who say, "Let us build with you!" (Ez. 4:2). He will send others who will express open hostility toward us (Ez. 4:4). He will also send those adversaries who try do their best to ruin us through misrepresentation (Ez. 4:5). We will face opposition, but we can be confident that "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6). 

Are you trusting in God? Have you placed your faith in Christ to redeem you from your sin and restore you to a right relationship with God. Do you daily rest in His good hand through genuine obedience to His Word? Dear friends, if you are struggling to see God at work in your life, read through Ezra and by God's grace you will be strengthened to trust in the good hand of God at work in your life.

HOW CAN YOU USE THIS SERMON REVIEW?
1. Confess to God any trouble that you have in trusting Him, and ask Him to help you have eyes to see His good hand at work through the life of Ezra and His people.

2. Pray for those around you who are struggling and hurting, by asking God to help them trust Him. 

3. Talk to you children about how God is living and active in our lives: He really cares. He really loves. He really is good. He will never leave or forsake any who trust him.

4. Be patient with anyone who is struggling to see God at work. Love and encourage them the best you can with God's Word.  

God's hand renews. This is the theme of Ezra, which is one of the books that describes how God kept His covenant faithfulness to His people by bringing them back home after decades of exile in Babylon.

How did God's people get carried away into exile? It was the result of breaking their covenant commitments to God by chasing after other god's and participating in twisted living and profane worship (2 Kings 17:7-18; Jeremiah 2:14-25). As consequence for breaking their commitments to God, God sent the fierce nation of Babylon in to destroy Jerusalem and the temple and take captive most of the citizens. It was 50 years before the first group of God's people returned to Jerusalem.

After Persia defeated Babylon, God stirred the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to allow His people to go back home. Ezra tells us that the first group that returned restored the sacrifices and reconstructed the temple (Ezra 1-6), and when the second group arrived God's Word was restored (Ezra 7-9). Even though there was opposition to be overcome and sin to be dealt with (Ezra 10), God renewed His people. 

Now it is time to ask, "In what ways did God renew His people?"

1. He renewed them by His own hand (Ezra 1:1,5; 5:5; 8:22). God motivated the kings of a mighty world power to let His people go and He filled the hearts of His people with a desire to return. This is how true spiritual renewal always begins. God does a work in us first. 

2. He renewed their dependence on His presence (Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14-15). The people were strengthened through the preaching of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to take up their tools and finish the work of the temple. The temple stood as the symbol of God's presence among His people. As God's people, we still need His presence today and fortunately He has left His Spirit to live in us and enable us to live in a manner that pleases Him (1 Corinthians 3:16).

3. He renewed their gratitude in His faithfulness (Ezra 6:19-22). After the completion of the temple, the people celebrated the Passover and remembered how the first time God led his people out of captivity. Their hearts were filled with joy as they observed God's continued faithfulness. As we see the decline of the world around us, it's tempting to think that God's people today, the church, have been forgotten; but remember the God who led His people out of Babylon, is still leading people out of the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and He promises to never forsake those who are following Him (Matthew 28:20).

4. He renewed their commitment to obeying His Word (Ezra 9:4; 10:1-4)
As Ezra preached the Word God exposed areas of disobedience, and the people responded submissively. They actually encouraged Ezra to follow God's Word completely! When true renewal happens, God's people will say, "Yes and Amen!" to the Word of God. 

5. He renewed their passion for living separate from the world (Ezra 10)
Repentance is always present when there is true spiritual renewal. God's people will make life altering decisions to break away from worldy habits and customs. Where there is no repentance, there is no true spriritual renewal.  

If I close with this list, I would be missing something very important. God's people began to falter in their obedience. As great of a leader as Ezra was the people went backwards in their obedience, and even with the help of Nehemiah the people did not maintain their distinction. They abused the temple, forgot the Sabbath, and joined themselves in forbidden marriages that no doubt led to godless living (Nehemiah 13). What is God going to do? He will come for His people. "A a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day." (Ezekiel 34:12). And He did come in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God and fully human and as such He is the good sheperd (John 10). Jesus has come to do what Ezra, Nehemiah, and even Moses could never do, that is transform the hearts of the people whom He leads. While others worked on the temple and the city walls, Jesus works on hearts and makes new anyone who comes to Him for renewal (2 Cornithians 5:17).

God will be "favorable to all those who seek Him, but His power and anger are against all who forsake Him" (Ezra 8:22). Oh, do not take this warning lightly. Seek God today for there is no guarantee of tomorrow. Jesus has laid down His life for sinners, and His death pays the penalty for the sins of everyone who trusts Him, but the wrath of God remains on all who forsake Him (John 3:36). Come to Christ today and experience the good favor of God. 

HOW CAN I USE THIS SERMON REVIEW?
1. Meditate on the areas in your life where you need spiritual renewal.

2. Introduce your children to this book by reading it to them and talk about how God keeps His covenant promises.

3. Talk with a Christian-friend who has "went backwards" in their commitment to God and show them how God is compassionate to renew those who will seek Him.

4. Share this post with a non-christian friend and pray for them to come to faith in Jesus Christ. 

"Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with Holy fear.”

Could these words be your words? Have you ever felt disconnected from God and long to have His fire rekindled inside of you again? Beloved, you are not alone. The sons of Korah thirsted for God like a deer panting for a cool drink (Ps. 42:1-2). David felt like his spiritual strength was draining from him like physical strength does on an extremely hot summer day (Ps. 32:3-4). It is not uncommon for God's children to go through periods of spritual dryness. 

Identifying the reality of spiritual dryness is not enough though is it? We want to know the cause. We want to know if there is a cure. Fortunately, God's word helps us to make a good faith effort in identifying the causes and cure for spiritual dryness. 

CAUSES OF SPIRITUAL DRYNESS 

1. The presence of unconfessed sin (Psalm 32:1-5)
2. Physical exhaustion (1 Kings 19:1-6)
3. Satan's direct attack against you (1 Peter 5:8)
4. Chasing a spiritual experience for the sake of the experience (Acts 8:14-24)
5. Going through a major crisis (Job 1-2)
6. A period of testing brought on by God (Deuteronomy 8:1-5)
7. God's preparation of you for a new work in you (Isaiah 41:17-18)
8. Inability to clearly see God's way of salvation in Christ (John 4:20-26, Acts 4:12)
9. Viewing the Bible as a moral code of conduct, rather than the pathway to God (John      5:39)
10. Blindness to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
11. Unconvinced that Jesus Christ is your righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)
12. Misunderstanding the role of good works in the Christians life (Ephesians 2:8-10;         Galatians 5:22-23)
13. Looking outside of God for enduring happiness (Psalm 4:7-8)
14. Undervaluing the significance of relationships with others in the church (Romans            12:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7)


THE CURE

In Mark's gospel we relive an encounter between Jesus and a blind man that can help us discover how to be delivered from the desert of spiritual dryness (Mark 8:22-26). Jesus had just arrived in Bethsaida when a blind man was brought to him. The blind man and his friends beg Jesus to heal him. Jesus spit on the man's eyes and laid his hands on him and then asked, "Do you see anything?" The man replied, "I see people, but they look like trees walking." Jesus touched his eyes again and the man could see everything clearly. 

What can we learn from this encounter about the cure for spiritual dryness? First, you must seek Christ to heal you. This is what the blind man did. With the help of his friends, he acted in faith by going to Jesus for healing. Second, trust Christ to heal you in the right time. Jesus didn't heal the blind man all at once. We must patiently trust that Jesus is good and will bring healing into our lives at the right moment (Jn. 11). Third, follow Jesus in genuine obedience. The blind man found healing by surrendering to Jesus' will. Remember that Jesus promised, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love" (Jn. 15:10). 

I know that there is much more that could be said about the causes and cure for spiritual dryness, but this is only a sermon review. I would encourage you to set aside some time and prayerfully read through the Bible verses listed and respond humbly as the Spirit searches your heart. 

HOW CAN YOU USE THIS SERMON REVIEW?

1. If you are personally feeling spiritually dry, set aside time to read through each cause asking God to help you discern your condition.
2. If you know someone who has expressed feeling disconnected from God, share this post with them. Or better yet, get together with them and read through the above Scriptures together.
3. Remember that the actions of reading and praying do not bring spiritual healing. Jesus does. Keep persevering until you have Him!

Last Sunday morning we sang the hymn, "HE KEEPS ME SINGING." Can you hear the chorus in your mind?

          Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,
          Fills my every longing, 
          Keeps me singing as I go

This is a song that I have sang many many times, but Sunday the fourth verse caught my eye.

         Though sometimes He leads through waters deep, trials fall along the way;
         Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
         See His footprints all the way.

These are the words of a precious believer who has lived through some difficult times and has found God to be with Him through it all. There is yet an even older song that captures the reality of God with us, Psalm 46.

Psalm 46 is one of those nobal songs written especially for the choir director, and it provides us with some of the most comforting words during times of trial and affliction. 

          "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
           Therefore we will not fear" (1-2a)

          "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold" (7)

          "Cease striving and know that I am God" (10a)

Trails and afflictions will lay seige to our hearts threatening to destroy our peace and joy, but within this Psalm are ancient truths about our living God that we must be reminding our hearts of when the waters are deep and the paths are steep. 

1. HE offers you the only true security and strength:
"God is our refuge and strength" (1a). Where do you turn for security and strenght during difficult times? FOOD. SOLITUDE. ALCOHOL. TELEVISION. WORK. Each of these things (and there are more) offer only temporary security, which is really no security at all. These other "securities" are like a dead fall trap that seeks to crush you when you come under their influence.  The Psalmist here knows that there is only one place to find true lasting peace, God himself.

2. HIS help is present: "A very present help in trouble" (1b)
This is help for today, not tommorrow. 

3. HIS presence and power make fear irrational: 
"Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip int o the heart of the sea; though its waters raor and faom, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride" (2-3). 
God's presence with us has consequences. Since He is an unchanging and immovable refuge and strenght for all who trust in Him there is no need to live with a downcast and anxious heart. 

4. HIS river of gladness flow to HIS people. "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God" (4a). His grace and mercy flows down like a mighty river to all who are seeking Him. 

5. HE is with you in the affliction. "The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved" (5a). If the enemy is to overpower you, he must first overpower your God, and He shall not be moved!

6. HIS help comes at just the right time. "God will help her when morning dawns" (5b). It has been said that it is darkest just before dawn. God may "lead through waters deep", but you will never drowned for His hand will lift you up at the precise moment. 

7. HE is the reason for all your hope. "The nations made an uprar, the kingdom tottered; He raise His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold." (6-7)

8. HE has left a trail of triumph! "Come, behold the works of the LORD" (8a). Think about Moses, Joseph, David, Samson, Esther and the many others whom God delivered by His mighty hand.

9. HE will provide universal peace. "He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire" (9). One day the first heaven and earth will pass away and all things will be made new (Rev. 21:1-5). The wars between nations will cease. The diseases that threaten will disappear. The sinful patterns that scar us and cause all of creation to groan will be wiped away!

10. HE will be exalted among the nations. "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (10) It can be difficult to move forward and outward with the good news when things are hard, but God promises there will be people from every nation singing His praises. We can press on going global with the good news of Jesus because God has guaranteed that difficult times will not stop His plan to be exalted among the nations.

11. HE is on the Believer's side. "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold" (11). God will not abandon even one of His sons and daughters. He has promised His personal presence to everyone who trusts Him (Matt. 28:20).

These are wonderful promises of how the living God sustains the hearts of His children through the roughest seasons of life. I would be remiss, however,  if I fail to make it clear that these promises are only for God's children. Are you a child of God? A child of God is someone who is presently submitting to the rule of Christ over them. A child of God is someone who is trusting Christ alone for everything: forgiveness from sin, peace with God, provision in this life, joy in the midst of suffering. If this does not describe you, but you desparately want the peace, joy, and stability that God offers then hear the words of Jesus and respond: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).

When you read through this Psalm, you will notice that the word Selah appears at the end of verses 3, 7, and 11. It is a musical term that tells the singer when to rest. This pause would allow the singer to breathe and the congregation to reflect on the stanza that was just sung. This encourages us to allow enough time to pause and think about the goodness of God as we read through this Psalm. May God bless you with a stable heart.

HOW TO USE THIS SERMON REVIEW 
1. Read a few verses and then stop to meditate. Consider writing down your thoughts. 
2. Share this Psalm with a friend who is walking a dificult path right now. 
3. Use the verses during daily devotions to help your children learn about goodness of God.