A Time To Build

         A TIME TO BUILD

 

Eccl.3:1-8; Haggai 1:2-11; 2:18-19; Exo. 25:1-9; 36:1-7; Mark 10:17-21

We are heirs of God’s Kingdom, the beneficiaries of the blessings of Jesus Christ. But also we are here for benefit of the Kingdom of God. We are here to build God’s Kingdom – build it spiritually and physically. We must increase the Kingdom. The house of the Lord must be full.  Two hundred souls must come into our Church. But these two hundred must have a place where they will worship the Lord. So today we are going to joyfully but seriously challenge ourselves to build a befitting place to worship God for our Church.

BUILDING THE TABERNACLE AND THE TEMPLE OF GOD

A.    The Tabernacle (Exo.25:1-9; 36:1-7)

Purpose Of The Tabernacle (Exod.25:1-9; 1Cor.3:16-17; 6:19; 2Cor.6:16)

God wanted to dwell among His people. In the tabernacle Moses could go and receive instructions from the Lord to the people. He could go and plead with God for the forgiveness of the wrongs of His people. The incentive to build was high. God gave the pattern and the people wholeheartedly arose and built.

Today God dwells in the hearts of His believing people. He dwells among His congregation. But like God’s people of old we have to have a place where we could congregate and worship God.

People’s Generous Offering for the Tabernacle (Exo.36:1-7; 2Cor.8:9-15; 9:5-11)

The people of God gave so generously for the building of the Tabernacle that more was collected than was needed. Moses had to order the people to stop giving. These children of God spared nothing when giving for the construction of the Tabernacle. We also need to construct or buy a place for the worship of God. We need to follow the instruction in (2Cor.9:5-11) as we give bountifully for the purpose of our own place of worship.

Prompt Completion and God’s Approval of the Tabernacle (Exo.40:1, 17; Num.9:15-23)

It took 9 months to finish the construction of the Tabernacle because the people had a mind to walk. That serious-mindedness, that promptness to build pleased God. 

When the Tabernacle was finished and erected, God’s presence was seen in the Tabernacle in the semblance of a thick smoke (Num.9:15-23). From that time on God began to lead His people with pillar of Cloud by day and Pillar of Fire by night.

B.     The Temple (1Chro.29:1-

When Israel settled in the Promised Land and time came to build a proper Temple for the Lord, the same spirit of giving was manifested. King David rallied the people (1Chro.29:1); He affirmed the choice of God; He identified the great need (v.1); He reminded them of own commitment (v.2); then He asked for commitment.

The people offered willingly. Finally Solomon Built the Temple. The same pattern followed. God came down to show His approval for the work (2Chro.5:1-2, 13-14)

 

BREAKING THE LETHARGY OF THE PRESENT

Ezra 1:1-5; Isa.66:1; Hagg.1:2-11; 2:18-19

Now when Israel disobeyed the Lord and God sold them into captivity, the magnificent Temple was destroyed. People came back from exile and were preoccupied with building up their own houses. They had learnt that from the gentiles. God rebuked them. He told them that was why they were not prospering. He challenged them to rise up and build God’s house so that blessing will be upon them. This is what I am asking the Church to do today.

 

BUILDING UP A STORE FOR THE HOUSE OF GOD

Luke 6:38; Prov.11:24-26; Mal.3:8-12; Act 5:1-11

Giving is entrenched in the Scripture.

There is a promise from God that if you give He will give you back (Luke 6:38).

If you scatter, you will increase (Prov.11:24).

If you are liberal in your giving, you will be greatly increased (Prov.11:25-26).

If you withhold your tithe, you are robbing God (Mal.3:8-9)

God challenges us to prove Him by giving for the cause of the Lord (Mal.3:10).

None of us shall suffer the fate of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

 

There is a time to build, and this is that time (Eccl.3:1-8). This is not the time to withhold. This is a time to build. This is not the time to pull down. This is a time to build. This is not a time to throw down. This is the time to build? Let us arise and build a place for the worship of our God.

GIVE OF YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER

Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardour
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armour,
Join in the battle for truth.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.