"THE SECRET OF STRENGTH"
Intro: The time of Zechariah's prophesy: The vision of the candlestick.
History and meaning of candlestick.
I. THE AWESOME TASK, TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE.
A. The difficulties.
1. Outside opposition.
a. Letters to Artexerses.
b. Stopped them by force.
2. Inside opposition.
a. Lack of concern by the people (Hag. 1:4..
B. The discouragement.
1. In the natural the task seemed impossible.
2. So much to be done, so little help to do it.
3. Looking at the human resources it was obviously
impossible.
II. THE MESSAGE - FAITH. "NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT
SAYETH THE LORD OF HOSTS."
A. The first consideration when facing new task?
1. Human resources.
2. Limited always.
B. We seldom take into account God's infinite resources made
available to us through the Spirit.
C. Some of the areas where we need to apply this.
1. In the building of our new sanctuary.
2. Loved ones who are unsaved.
a. How can he ever be changed?
b. Use all our clever little tricks.
3. Needed changes in our own lives.
4. Needed changes in our society.
5. The task of getting the gospel out.
D. God seeks to teach us this vital lesson: The work of God is
not wrought by human resources.
1. The purpose of the church is to be a light in this dark
world.
a. A great deal of might and power being expended
by church today trying to get light to shine.
b. Looking for new program.
c. Seeking to get involved.
1. Form a committee to determine how many
committees we'll need to get everyone
involved.
d. We had better be concerned getting the Spirit
involved.
2. God has to sometimes allow us to experience defeat and
failure, to teach us.
a. Discouraged, defeated, ready to give up? "Oh
you're in beautiful shape."
b. God has infinite resources for you.
1. Two olive trees. Oil symbol of Spirit.
2. "Ye shall receive power."
3. I'm so glad we're in a church where
subject of Spirit is not a taboo.
III. WISDOM OF GOD'S WAY.
A. Suppose opposite true.
1. Church conventions would be a bore.
B. All glory to God who has wrought His marvelous works in our
midst.
C. How can I get this message over?
Be the first to react on this!
Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.