Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Building God A Kingdom

Text: Ezra 2:1-70

Thesis: God will use people will many differences who express a willingness to work for Him to build Him a kingdom

I. Leaders Came To Work

-verse 2

II. Laymen Came To Work

-verses 3-35

III. Lord's Ministers Came To Work

-verses 36-58

a. Called Because of Lineage - verses 36-40...priests and Levites were born into position

b. Called Because of Labor - verses 41-42...singers, praisers and ushers were called to position because of their gifts

c. Called Because of Love - verses 43-58...Nethinims (dedicated temple servants) and children of Solomon servants were called because of grace

IV. Leftovers Came To Work

-verses 59-70...collection of characters who couldn't prove their lineage, but had a desire to work for the Master

On yesterday I was filling extremely stressed and a little down about this project and other ministry issues. Just when I was at a real low point, I was driving to our Baptist Ministers Conference and stopped at a red light behind a white delivery truck, that had printed on the back door words that lifted me up from what I was dealing with. On the door of this truck was written John 3:16, and as Pastor H.B. Charles said in a sermon on John 3:16, it has enough Gospel in their to save the whole world, and to lift up a bowed down head.

So to any of you in the world of blog have been feeling down and depressed about ministry and the church, just take one moment and remember that God loves you! Hey!!!! Just writing that is making me shout!!! God loves you!!!! He loves you enough that he gave you the very best that he had!!! Thank God for Jesus Christ!!!

8 comments:

Clinton Smith said...

"Don't get tired of doing what's right for in time to come God will bless you."

Anonymous said...

Keep going Lance were praying for you....believe me I know how you feel but "this to will pass".

You can make it brother.

Tony R.

Pastor Rev. Ray E. Owens said...

Dr. Mann,

Bless you not just for the sermon which as always was outstanding but bless you for encouraging me, I thought it was just me that sometimes looks over the mural of our ministry and wonder why its a masterpiece when God gives it to us but can be such a mess when we act on it. Add me to your rededication list for Sunday through your internet ministry.

Keep running,

Owens

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

Thank you Pastor for sharing. I can really identify with your mood at the time and how out of no where God drops by. It's amazing how He can even use a stranger, someone we have never seen before. Even the laughter of a child can cause you to forget your cares for a while, and focus on the joys and happinesses of life instead.

I can shout right along with you Pastor Lance. I think myself happy all the time. Praise God! Be Blessed

Mother

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

Revun,

Don't wait until the battle is over, SHOUT NOW!!!!

Arthur Lane said...

Great post my Brother and sho nuff a great outline. Thanks for the transparency and the boost of encouragement. Keep pressing and know you got a prayer partner in South Texas. Peace!!!

PastorGaddis' Blog said...

How could anybody forget the Great Doctor Lance Mann. Thanks for holla-ing at a brotha. I see you've been blogging for a long time. keep it blog my friend.

Ronald said...

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt like quitting too numerous to count however God will give you strength.

NLT Psalm 37:34 Don't be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.

You’ve come too far to quit now,
Ron