'' The Cheers of the Young and Tears of the Old''
I. They Had to Let Go of the Past Older men remembered the grandeur, gold, and glory of the first temple. But living in the past blinded them to what God wanted to do next. Acts 2:17 reminds us: God still has a future work! ➔ As long as their minds stayed on the past, they had no hope for the future. II. They Had to Embrace the Present (Ezra 3:11) Living in the past robbed them of today’s blessings. Story of William Randolph Hearst: sometimes we already possess the treasures we’re seeking! The people’s mixed emotions sent a confusing message (Ezra 3:13, 1 Corinthians 14:8). ➔ They squandered the opportunity to finish God’s work. They delayed for 15 years (Haggai 1:1–5). ➔ Today is our time to obey (John 9:4). III. They Had to Believe in the Promise (Haggai 2:9) God promised:“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former...” The real glory was the presence of Jesus Himself (Acts 5:20, 5:42). Final Challenge: ➔ Don’t live in the past. ➔ Don’t waste today. ➔ Trust the promises of God! Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/ Podcast Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-ashland-... Facebook: / asbcarchdale The Bible Believe's Program https://open.spotify.com/show/3R76FeN