Haggai - "I am with you!" says the Lord

·49 min·4 clips

God asks the people why they live in paneled houses while His house lies in ruins, challenging their priorities.

The episode begins with an opening prayer, setting a worshipful tone. The speaker then reads the entire Book of Haggai from the NIV, covering both chapters. He provides historical context, noting that Haggai was a post-exilic prophet whose 15 weeks of preaching in 520 BC led to the temple's completion in four years. The speaker explains the Babylonian exile under Nebuchadnezzar and the return under Cyrus the Great, referencing the Cyrus Cylinder as archaeological evidence. He describes how the Jews grew comfortable in Babylon and faced opposition from Samaritans upon return, leading to discouragement and neglect of the temple. The sermon analyzes Haggai's messages, highlighting themes like giving careful thought to one's ways and God's promise 'I am with you.' The speaker connects Haggai to Jesus, citing John 5 where Jesus critiques the Pharisees for studying scripture without coming to Him. He discusses discouragement in Christian ministry, quoting Charles Spurgeon and an anonymous pastor. Applications include God's sovereignty, the divine-human partnership, the role of leaders like Zerubbabel and Joshua, and the need for obedient hearts over opulent homes. The speaker emphasizes that true faith results in God-aligned works and that the temple's greater glory points to Jesus. He concludes with messianic prophecies about Zerubbabel as a signet ring and the promise of peace in Christ, urging listeners to seek God's presence and glory.

As heard by us

A prayerful Haggai sermon that presses the call to consider their ways and carries it through to Jesus with plain, patient force.

This Haggai sermon begins in prayer and settles quickly on the call to give careful thought to their ways. It moves through Luke 13, John 5, and the cross, where Jesus is held out as both grieving and merciful toward those who resist him.

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Why you'd press play

You get Haggai, Jesus, and a quiet call to think carefully about your ways.

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