Introduction-A GODLY OLD LAYMAN, HAGGAI, GIVES A SERIES OF 5 MESSAGES REFRESHING AND REVIVING

1. To understand Hagg- you must read Ezra and Neh- this is the return of the exiles-rebuilding-
2. No spacious ideas, no lofty visions- but an encouragement in time of need- to be faithful
3. His message- homefolk type of plain talk- rebuke without malice, sharp and direct but glorious

We sometimes need someone to talk to us like a Dutch Uncle- do you respect elders to hear 

I.- HOW TO BUILD GOD'S HOUSE HAGGAI Ch. 1

God has the right moment for everything- & for every man- so listen to Him and be ready

A.- "THIS PEOPLE SAY, THE TIME IS NOT COME THAT THE LORD'S HOUSE SHOULD BE BUILT." Hag 1:2

1. After 16 years being back in the Land- still no temple, things were hard, survival was first
2. But v.4 tells us that the people had the luxury of ceilings- but God's house still waste!
3. God did not complain about a tabernacle when they lived in tents- but now they had better than they wanted for Him

B.- "THE LORD OF HOSTS SAYS CONSIDER YOUR WAYS'". Hag 1:5, 7,2:18 -Forceful!

1. Like II Cor 13:5 "Examine yourself"- Pungent - and the time has come to take stock With God
2. Their life was extra hard because they sought material gain & forget God- v.6, no tithe, etc.
3. God cannot be expected to bless until we honor Him- v. 8, 9 -inflation & discontentment-

C.- BUT WHEN THE PEOPLE FEARED THE LORD & WENT TO WORK, THE LORD SAID "I AM WITH YOU* Hag 1:13

1. When the people heard the message they rightly feared- for they had not done right! v.12b Physical needs
2. But the blessed promise of God-His presence makes our hearts glad in tent, temple, home, desert
3. And the People considered, & Neh 4:6 had a mind to work" and worked in the House of God- 14

In 11-4-62 I preached this to get CE Bldg started- We need keep on-Roof, Refrigeration, 2nd Story Apt & Parking lot upkeep- etc.

II.- HOW TO BEHAVE IN GOD'S HOUSE

I Tim 3:15 - We missed I Tim last week, so lets take it in now- for we need to bring Hag into NT- & now!

A.- THE APOSTLE PAUL WROTE YOUNG TIMOTHY TO TELL HIM HOW TO BEHAVE IN GOD'S HOUSE, THE CHURCH!

1. Paul the Elder, wrote son in the faith- 1:2 a young pastor, but all Christians gain from I Tim
2. Young Timothy had learned much from Paul- now he needed to learn more- so do we all, so listen
3. If you a re serious about being a Christian- study carefully I & II Tim- Vital for our day!

B.- THE END OF THE COMMANDMENT IS LOVE OUT OF A PURE HEART, GOOD CONSCIENCE, & FATIH UNFEIGNED -1:5

1. The best behavior in Church- 2:1-5 Prayer, supplications, giving thanks, in godliness & honesty
2. Even the clothes to wear- 2:9 adorning in modest apparel,-note v 10- best adorning-good work
3. The order of officers- 3:1, Bishop, 3:8 Deacon- & a great reward- v.13-serve well- & be blessed

C.- "LET NO MAN DESPISE THY YOUTH, BUT BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS" 4:12 * * * Vital

1. Respect for the elder- 5:1, 19-22 -The civilization that does not learn this has no future!
2. The pursuit of Godliness- 4:8 called profitable, & 6:6 called great gain with contentment!
3. The Salvation mentioned in 4:16 is from the troubles of the times- & we need this- Salvation, too.

Unfortunately, normal Christian Behavior is atrocious-courtesy, respect, manners lacking -

III.- WHEN IS GOD'S HOUSE GLORIOUS? SEE Hag 2-

Today's churches compete for members- I refuse to compete with Christians- but we need GLORY+

A.- THE PEOPLE HAD BUILT GOD'S HOUSE, AND THEN BECAME DISCONTENT WITH THE BEST THEY OFFERED TO GOD

1. Some had seen Solomon's great Temple 2:3, and thought their new one not great enough
2. They compared the outer appearance, & had a false idea about what was glorious- many do today
3. They were blind regarding real Glory- Shekinah-God's presence-in desert, tabernacle, tent, Church

B.- HOW DO WE GET THE GLORY? OUR JOB IS TO BE STRONG, WORK, AND TO FEAR NOT!- Hag 2:4,5 Read it!

1. God has given a way to secure His presence- Read it! Take Action on your faith- Rev 2:5 Works
2. Some Ancients have said- "Know God", & "Know Yourselves",- Good, but "Know thy work & do it!"
3. Christianity is most Practical! When we work out our salvation- work for God- HE IS THERE!

C.- "AND THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME, AND I WILL FILL THIS HOUSE WITH GLORY" - Hag 2:7

1. Whether their little temple, or our little church-at work at Worship & He fills the place-glory
2. Jesus, the Desire of Nations, is here- He is the glory- Get on your knees & close eyes- & see
3. Then rise up and work at your faith-Go tell others that you have been with Jesus- it shows!

This is what makes a church great- when the People at work show in their faces- Jesus!

Conclusion-CONSIDER YOUR WAYS, DO YOU HAVE THE SHEKINAH OF GLORY? THE PREESENCE OF THE LORD? SHOWS?

1. I invite you to come and meet the Desire of the Nations- Come & accept Him as Savior!
2. If you are a Christian, I invite you to find a place of service where you too can have glory
3. If you have lost your first love, missed the glory,- then FEAR, and do something about it!

Seek the presence of the Lord, & arise to work- & the glory will return!

_{SWC SE462-71}