Week 21: May 27th, 2018

Topic: Building the House of God – Part 1

Bible Reading: Haggai 1: 1-8

Introduction

Building the house of God is in two aspects, first, the physical aspect is to build a befitting structure or to remodel the existing building where the believers can congregate to serve and worship Almighty God. Secondly, the spiritual aspect is to learn about God, set the captives free and edify the faith of the people in the vineyard of God.

The primary purpose that we the Christians who are called by the name of Almighty God are created is to display His infinite glory. We are created for the world to glorify the Lord God through us Isaiah 43:7. If we are created for the glory of God, then the best way to proclaim the glory of God is to zealously do His work, most especially by building a magnificent house (Church/Temple) for Him or rehabilitate the existing ones.

The first commandment according to the scripture says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5. If you really love the Lord your God, you will have a burning desire to do His work and build a house for Him. One thing we must realize is that it is either you build a house or houses for the Lord or you will build a house or houses for the social or worldly activities. Anyone who does not want to donate, contribute or participate in building the house of the Lord, will certainly donate, contribute or participate directly or indirectly in building places for the Devil and the darkness; so, the choice is yours, but we pray that you will make the right decision. Whenever you are building the house of the Lord, you are laying your treasure in heaven where moth or rust cannot destroy them and where thieves cannot break in to steal them Matthew 6:19-20. Though there is time for everything in life, there is time to break down and time to build up according to the Bible. Now is the time to build the house of the Lord that is in ruins Ecclesiastes 3:3.

Nowadays, humans are so engrossed in social activities to the extent that they neglect the house of God. Many people are focused on the realization of their ambitions and career goals, which make them to have no time for the work of God or to build His house. The aspirations of many Christians are in conflict with building the house of the Lord or giving attention to their Creator. To these people, we say stop these nefarious activities and “turn over a new leaf”. The Book of Haggai stated that “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built”’”. Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Haggai 1:2-4. Are you one of those who are living in luxurious houses while the church/temple of God lies in ruins? Do not be among the people who always postpone the repairs or the building of the house of God. Never conspire to delay the building or the remodeling of the church/temple.

Many people who are using their financial situation as excuse must know that they can use their skills, gifts, time and energy to contribute their own quota to the building of the house of the Lord.

People must realize that everything they have is from God. He gave them sound mind and good health, He also made it possible for them to be successful and achieve their goals. So, whoever give willing for the building of the church gives back part of what God had bestowed upon him/her and this is a grace of God. Christians must not forget that we are strangers and sojourners on earth, and we have limited time to use, therefore, let us use our time on earth judiciously by working for God and building His house. Believers, donate/give your inheritance, wisdom and skills to build the church/temple to honour the Holy name of Almighty God, since all your possessions comes from Him 1 Chronicles 29:14-16.

It is the duty of Christians to instruct their children not to be left out but participate in every fundraising to build the house of God. They must order/encourage their children to build churches/temples for the Lord 1 Chronicles 22:6. If you love your children, command/encourage them to always donate and participate in every church building activity. They must encourage their children to surpass their own record concerning the building of the church/temple.

Therefore, know that with or without you, God will utilize people to build a befitting house/place where people will worship Him according to the passage which stated “For the Lord shall build up Zion: He shall appear in His glory” Psalm 102:16. We pray that you will be among the people that God in His infinite mercy will use to build His church/temple.

Though, God does not well in the houses/churches/temples that are constructed with hands according to the scripture which stated that “However the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says” Acts 7:48. Furthermore, it is written that “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? Says the Lord or what is the place of My rest?” Acts 7: 49, Isaiah 66:1. Though God doesn’t live in physical building, but in spiritual building, which is our body because our body is the temple of God, but we are still obligated to construct physical building where:

     1.  We can congregate to serve and worship Him.

     2.  Believers can gather together to pray for solutions to their problems.

     3.  People can learn about God, have spiritual growth and their faith will be edified

     4.  God can communicate with us and reveal His glory in our midst.        

Types of House of the Lord

There are two types of house of the Lord namely physical and spiritual.

Physical House of the Lord: It is a holy place, a physical building constructed by human beings with hands or machinery to serve and worship the Lord.

Spiritual House of the Lord: We human beings are the temple of God according to the Bible passage which stated that “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16. Paul apostle corroborated that our body is the temple of God by saying “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19. It is clear from the two passages that we human beings are the spiritual temple of the Lord.

The spiritual house of the Lord

Though we are going to concentrate on the physical house of the Lord, it is very important to briefly mention certain things about the spiritual house of the Lord.

You are the God’s building: Christians are fellow workers, servants and labourers working together with God and for God. We are God’s spiritual garden and we are His cultivated field and vineyard. All of us are God’s buildings 1 Corinthians 3:9. So whatever denomination we belong to, we must be careful of what we build on the existing foundation of the vineyard (church). We must apply the wisdom of God so that whatever we build on the existing foundation will be in conformity with the statutes and tenets of the church. Since no one can lay a different foundation other than the one which is already laid, which Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. If anyone lay any foundation that is different from Jesus Christ, then such person is neither one of us nor building the house of God.

Assurance of the Resurrection: Believers who use their bodies which are the temples of the Lord wisely should have the confidence that whenever their earthly tents they live is taken down or destroyed, that is when they die and leave this earthly body. They will be transformed and be given a house/building in the heaven (heavenly body), an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands 2 Corinthians 5:1. Therefore do not doubt the power of God but use your spiritual building/house for the edification of the faith of others and the development of the physical building/house of God.

God will use you for salvation: The intention of God is to use the faithful and immovable believers among us to rebuild the deserted ruins of His churches/temples that Jesus Christ used His Blood to ransomed and redeemed. God will use those believers to break the aged yoke of the people in bondage and give them salvation through Jesus Christ. Those believers will be utilized for the deliverance of people from the powers of the darkness and the clutches of Satan. Those lucky believers will be rewarded in this world and the world to come, and they will be referred to as rebuilders of walls and restorers of homes Isaiah 58:12. If you are one of God’s instruments, your primary aim must be to build the house of the Lord and liberate the captives of the terrestrial powers. Remember that God raised you up in righteousness, He will direct your ways and guide your actions; it is your duty to build His church/temple and let His exiles go free without any payment or reward Isaiah 45:13. Are you one of the believers raised by the Lord God to set people free, but you are collecting bribe and payment for your service? Are you one of the so-called believers who are violating this commandment of the Lord by using the Bible passage that says “those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar” as an excuse to demand payment and collect rewards (1 Corinthians 9:13). You can eat the offerings that people cheerfully give to the Lord, but you cannot demand payment for your service because it is forbidden. Since whatever happens is not by might or power but the grace of God. Therefore, change today and reconcile with God before it is too late.

Week 22: June 3, 2018

Topic: Building the House of God– Part 2

Bible Reading: Haggai 1:1-8

We shall continue our discussion with the commandments of the Lord concerning the building of the temple/church that were written in the Bible.

The Commandments of the Lord God

One of the commandments of the Lord our God is to work for Him; most especially by building a suitable house for Him where people can gather to worship Him. There is a song which stated that “I will use my money to glorify You; I will use whatever I have to glorify you Father; what profit will it be for me when I am in the grave; the dust of the ground cannot glorify You Holy Father.” Though many Yoruba people are conversant with this song and they usually sing it, but we are not sure that most of them fulfill the content of this song.

Find means and build a sanctuary for God: It is the commandment of the Lord to the Israelites saying, “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them” Exodus 25:8. The same commandment is for Christians throughout the world, we must build holy temples/churches so that God can live among us. If the believers want the presence of God in their midst, then they need to build holy churches/mountains.

Whatever occupation that you are practicing, make sure that you find the means of building churches/temples for the Lord or rebuild the existing ones so that Almighty God may take pleasure in it and be glorified Haggai 1:8. Whatever career you are engaged in, it is your duty to find the money for the materials, and the skilled people (experts) to build or rehabilitate the house of God so that He will be pleased and honoured.

Dedication/consecration of the church: It is necessary and essential for Christians to dedicate any house that was built for the Lord. King Solomon dedicated the temple that he built for the Lord and God in His infinite power revealed His glory in temple during the process 1 Kings 8:5-11. If you want the glory of God to be revealed in your church, do not forget to dedicate it to the Lord.

Churches/temples built for the Lord must be sanctified or purified according to the Bible passage which stated that ‘And the Lord said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually”’ 1 Kings 9:2-3. If you want God to set your church apart as a holy place, keep watch over it and make His presence known/felt in your midst, make sure you sanctify your church. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God, says the scripture Leviticus 20:7. Therefore, do not misuse the house of God, but keep it holy. For this reason, proclaim to all the nations of the world that the Lord has appointed you to build a church/temple for Him at a suitable location and seek among your brethren who want to join you in accomplishing this task 2 Chronicles 36:23. You have been elected to build the church/temple of the Lord, so make haste to achieve this goal and do not disappoint God.

Use your wisdom and skills for God: The best thing that can happen to any human being is to use his/her wisdom and skills for God, else, they will be used for Satan. The Bible says God filled Bezalel the son of Uri with His Spirit by giving him great wisdom, ability and expertise in all kinds of crafts to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze; to cut and set stone, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of crafts. God appointed Aholiab the son of Ahisamach to be his assistance and filled the heart of every skilled artisan/craftsmen in order to make all that He commanded Moses concerning the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the testimony and the rest Exodus 31:3-7. The Bible confirmed that the aforementioned people together with those who joined them used their skills, gifts and wisdom for the Lord by saying “And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded” Exodus 36:1. Emulate these people by using your wisdom, gifts and skills for God and not against Him.

Give your best willingly to God

Christians are obligated to give their best to Almighty God their Creator to prove their loyalty, and the Lord will reciprocate their gesture by making it to be well with them throughout their lifespan.

Do not belittle God: We must never belittle God but exalt and magnify Him at all times for all His goodness in our lives. At no point in time must we belittle the Lord our God because of the vanity of this world. It is written that “And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was angry and his countenance fell” Genesis 4:3-5. If you want God to regard you and accept your offering, do not belittle Him but give Him your best.

The people of Israel brought so much material for the work of “The tabernacle of meeting” to the extent that the workers told Moses that “The people bring much more than enough for the services of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.” So, Moses gave a commandment which was announced throughout the camp saying “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing any material because the materials they had, were sufficient and more than enough to complete the work Exodus 36:4-7. Whenever they are doing fundraising or other activities to build the house of God in your church, do they always realize sufficient and more than enough funds? Or are people tight-fisted?

Make provision for building the house of God: Making provision for building the house of the Lord is one of the ways to please God so that He can shower His blessings upon you.

King David made provision for building the house of God with all his ability. He provided gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, precious stones, and marble in abundance. He cheerfully gave all the materials because he was delighted in the house of God and devoted to it 1 Chronicles 29:2-4. Do you have the desire to provide for building the house of God? When King David asked the people saying, “Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?” The leaders and the people gave their best willingly for the work of the house of God 1 Chronicles 29:5-9. Who among you will follow the example of King David by cheerfully give offerings to the Lord today?

Strive to build house(s) for God: King Solomon sent messages to Hiram King of Tyre to make necessary materials needed for building the temple of the Lord available to him 2 Chronicles 2:3-4. King Solomon also proclaimed that the temple which he was building will be very great because our God is greater than all other gods 2 Chronicles 2:5-6.

Since you know that our God is superior to all other gods, and He is above them, build a huge and befitting church for Him. Do not forget that God love a cheerful giver, so do not give grudgingly, but willingly give your best to the Lord 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Reasons to build the house of God

There are several reasons to build or rebuild the house of God and we shall briefly mention the major ones.

House of Prayer: Prophet Isaiah prophesied that the house of God will be called “a house of prayer for all nations.” Which means, we need the church/temple to assemble and pray to God Almighty so that He can solve our problems and turn around our lives positively Isaiah 56:7.

Jesus Christ demonstrated the fact of this statement when He drove out the people who are trading in the temple and confirmed this statement by saying “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’” Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46. From these Bible passages, we can conclude that we need a holy place where there can neither be buying nor selling; a place where people cannot conduct any social activity, have sexual contact or sexual relationship. We need a building where we can serve the Lord with gladness and come before His presence with singing Psalm 100:2. For this reason, show appreciation to the Lord for all His goodness in your life by entering into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Always be thankful to Him and bless His holy name Psalm100:4.

People need to worship God together: Believers need a building where we can worship God together in unity. We need a place where we can be corrected when we make mistakes and spiritually nurture through the testimony together with the experience of others. It is inevitable for Christians to have a place where they can be counseled and edify their faith. We need a building where two or more people can gather together in one accord in Jesus Christ name, so that He will be in our midst and answer our prayers Matthew 18:20. If there is no church/temple to assemble, how are we going to fulfill the scripture which says we must not forsake to assemble together as believers? Are we not going to neglect the meeting of the saints? Hebrews 10:25. Since the day of Christ’s return is approaching we need a place where we can comfort and encourage one another.

Awesome place to have fullness of joy: Jacob identified Bethel as a holy place because he felt the presence of God. When he woke up from his sleep, he said “Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it! He was afraid and said “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” Genesis 28:16-22. The Book of Psalm corroborated the fact by saying, “How lovely is your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!” Psalm 84:1. We must realize that only God can grant you eternal joy and the pleasures of living forever with Him because “In the presence of God there is fullness of joy Psalm 16:11. If you want fullness of joy abstain from misconducts; most especially when you are in the church or its premises. Whenever you are in the church, behave yourself so that God can give you the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the Bible passage which stated that “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silent before Him” Habakkuk 2:20.

Glory of God resides in His temple: God instructed Moses to construct the tabernacle of meeting where He can instruct Moses and display His glory. God performed similar feat during the dedication of the temple built by King Solomon. The Bible stated that as people were singing and thanking the Lord, the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, to the extent that the priest could not continue ministering because of the cloud that descended and fill the temple together with the glory of the Lord which filled the house of God 2 Chronicles 5:13-14.

Prophet Ezekiel attested to this fact by saying, “The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple Ezekiel 43:5. For this reason, be on the lookout for the glory of God in His church/temple because Jesus Christ the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple Malachi 3:1. Watch for the revelation of Jesus Christ our Lord in your church/temple if you are obedient to His commandments.

Week 23: June 10th, 2018

Topic: Building the House of God– Part 3

Bible Reading: Haggai 1:1-8

We shall continue our discussion by mentioning the various difficulties which people usually encounter whenever they are building or rehabilitating the house of God.

The Common difficulties

There are many difficulties that people who are building or rebuilding the house of God normally encounter and it varies from one nation/state to another depending on the governing law of that particular nation/state.

Though, the church that we intend to build is a physical structure but the difficulties have spiritual inclination as it is written “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” Ephesians 6:12. For this reason you need prayers in order for you to successfully complete the project in joy and peace.

Enemies may try to sabotage the project: The enemies of progress and the agents of darkness may influence people to sabotage the project because they neither want spiritual light in the area nor deliverance for the people in the community. They will see it as if the church is trying to encroach on their territory to overthrow them. Similar incident happened during the time of Cyrus King of Persia; the people of the land tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work of rebuilding the house of God Ezra 4:4. The inhabitants of the area where you are trying to build or rebuild the church of God may try to weaken your hand to slow down the job or trouble you to make you to be deterred from building the house of God; you must not yield but resist them. The darkness can even put it in the minds of the people with satanic mark to steal the building materials provided for building the house of God, but you must not relent until you have successfully completed the building of the church.

You may be reported to the authority, adversaries may raise propaganda against you and foes may be doing every possible thing to ruin your reputation but do not give in, but continue “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2. You must realize that whatever happens to you is not the first incident and it will certainly not be the last. The same thing happened to the Jews when they were rebuilding the temple of God and the walls of Jerusalem Ezra 4:12. Therefore, be prepared for the disturbance of your adversaries but do not be discouraged.

Restrictions, disability and incapability may hinder you: Though many people have the good intention of building the house of God, but not all of them will have the grace of accomplishing this great task for various reasons. Many people who have the desire to build the house of God may be hampered by embargo or restrictions of the official law of their countries; countless of them may be hindered by disability and numerous people may have financial incapability as their primary difficulty.

King David had the intention of building a house for God but the Lord refused according to the Bible passages which stated that “And David said to Solomon; “My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord My God, but the word of the Lord came to me, saying ‘You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight’”” 1 Chronicles 22:7-8. Despite the fact that King David cannot build a house for the Lord, he assisted the young and inexperienced Solomon to achieve the task by making provision for necessary building materials 1 Chronicles 29:1-2. Therefore, it is your duty to assist the young people who have this good desire. You must also teach, encourage and empower the unskilled people to achieve this feat.

It is written that God declined the request of King David to build a house for the Lord according to the Bible passage which stated that “But God said to me, ‘you shall not build a house for My name because you have been a man of war and have shed blood’” 1 Chronicles 28:3. King David prayed for Solomon the chosen one and the people of Israel to successfully build a house for God 1 Chronicles 29:18-19. Therefore, it is your obligation to pray fervently for others (whether you have the grace to build the house of God or not) to successfully build or rebuild or complete the building of the house of God.

Rehabilitate the existing house of God

People who are zealous and motivated must strive to build the house of God or rehabilitate the existing ones, they must emulate Cyrus the King of Persia who obeyed the instructions of God and permitted the people of Israel to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem Ezra 1:2-3. God that touched the heart of Cyrus and used him will touch people who will assist you. Therefore, be among the people that are stir up to work for God by building or rebuilding His house Ezra 1:5.

Do not wait for the house of God to be in dilapidated condition before you start the repairs or the restoration process. So, start today “Let the house of God be rebuilt, lay its foundations firmly in the ground and beautify it” Ezra 6:3. With or without the assistance of the unbelievers, make sure that you build or rebuild the house of God.

The Promises of God

There are several promises of God mentioned in the Bible and some of them shall be discussed starting with Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Branch shall build the temple: The scripture stated that: Thus says the Lord of hosts, behold the Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah and the Saviour) whose name is the Branch, shall branch out from His place and lineage of David; He shall build the ultimate and the true temple of the Lord. Though humans are building the physical temple of the Lord, but it is Jesus Christ who shall build the spiritual temple of the Lord. He shall bear honour and glory as the only begotten Son of the Father. He shall sit and rule on His throne. He shall be a priest upon His throne and there will be perfect harmony between His two roles Zechariah 6:12-13. The counsel of peace existed between His two offices because Jesus Christ the Messiah was a Priest and a King.

Captivity of the church shall be restored: God utilized King Cyrus to retrieved and restored whatever that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken away from the temple of God in Jerusalem Ezra 5:14-15, 6:5-7. Because our God is alive, He will retrieve and restore the captivities of our churches in Jesus Name. Every physical and spiritual item that Satan and the darkness have stolen from us during our time of ignorance will be renewed and restored.

God will use people from afar to build His house: Thus says the Lord of hosts: “In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land: I will shake the nations; and they will come with the desirable and precious things of all nations and I will fill this house (church) with glory and splendor”, says the Lord of hosts Haggai 2:6-7. Do not fear because the treasures of all the nations will be brought to your church if you are faithful to God. Furthermore, the cost of building your church will be paid from the royal treasury Ezra 6:4. In most nations of the world, the cost of building the church may be offset through tax-break, tax waivers, tax deductions and exemption from withholding tax. God can even touch the hearts of the people in government to enact a favourable law that will make the full cost of building or rebuilding a church to be paid from the revenues of the government, like the event which happened in the Bible Ezra 6:8.

God can touch the heart of any head of the government and use him/her for His glory like how He touched King Artaxerxes and he instructed Ezra by saying “And whatever more may be needed for the house of God, which you may have occasion to provide, pay for it from the king’s treasury Ezra 7:20. Henceforth, he gave directives to Ezra by saying, “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Ezra 7:23. Be assured that God will touch the people in government and they will assist in building the house of God through various programs.

People will come from distant lands to build/rebuild the church of the Lord. And when this happens, you will know that my messages have been from the Lord of hosts. All this will happen if you carefully obey what the Lord your God says Zechariah 6:15. If you want people from afar to come and build your church/temple, harken and diligently obey the voice of God.

The latter glory of the church/temple: The Bible stated that “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1. This means everything on earth and in heaven belong to God. It is for this reason that it was written that “‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine’, says the Lord of hosts. ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former’, says the Lord of host. ‘And in this place, I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts” Haggai 2:8-9.

Week 24: June 17th, 2018

Topic: Building the House of God– Part 4

Bible Reading: Haggai 1:1-8

We shall continue with our discussion by mentioning people who built or rebuilt the temple of the Lord in the Bible.

Examples

There are several people written in the Bible who are worthy to be emulated because of their records of building or rehabilitating the house of God.

King David had intention of building the Temple: The Bible stated that “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” Jeremiah 17:10. We can deduce from the Bible passage that people will be judged or justify by whatever that is in their hearts. It is for this reason that the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7. God preferred David more than Eliab his elder brother as the king of Israel because He watches the heart.

The same King David had good intention in his heart to build a house for God. Though God refused, but he was rewarded for having the good plan/aim 1 Chronicles 17:1-12. Do you have the zeal to work for God? Do you have the burning desire to build the church/temple of God? Or are you harbouring something else in your mind? Do not forget that you will be rewarded if you have good intention in your heart.

King Solomon built the Temple: King Solomon asked from God a receptive heart to administer justice to the people of Israel. He asked for a discerning mind in order to govern the people of God and to distinguish good from evil 1 Kings 3:5-14. What are you asking presently from God? Is it longevity? Is it riches and wealth? Is it death of your enemies or victory over your adversaries? If you are asking for the previously mentioned things without asking for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to perform the work of God, He might be slow to answer your prayers. God may not reward you if you only ask for the above-mentioned things without asking for the zeal, good health and sound mind to do His work; most especially by building His church/temple. Therefore, emulate King Solomon by building magnificent and glorious church/temple where God can dwell and manifest His awesome power in the midst of His people 1 Kings 8:12-13, 2 Chronicles 6:1-2. Make sure it is engraved in your heart to build exalted church for the Lord.

Zerubbabel and the people rebuilt the Temple: When Zerubbabel and the people heard the messages of God through the prophecy, Zerubbabel and Jeshua responded by starting to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. The prophets of God were with them and helped them Ezra 5:1-2. Always encourage, support and join hands with the people who are building the church/temple of God. Do not forget that whenever you are doing things that are good and acceptable, God will be with you and support you. The message of God to you today is “1 am with you, says the Lord.” Therefore, do not tarry to build or rebuild the house of God Haggai 1:12-14.

Nehemiah got permission and rebuilt the Temple: Nehemiah was sad because the house of God was in ruins; he got permission from king Artaxerxes and travelled to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple Nehemiah 2:1-5, 17-18. Is the dilapidated condition of your church giving you heartache? Are you concern that it is taking too long to complete the church? Is starting and building the church at your new site giving you sleepless nights? Emulate Nehemiah by examining your heart and conscience, then amend your ways before the Lord.

The unacceptable offerings and misuse of church funds

Nowadays, many people are bringing money and materials that are unacceptable to the Lord to the church to be used to build the temple or as offerings. It is also a common occurrence which is widespread for people to misuse the church building fund or misappropriate the donations to the church.

The unacceptable offerings: It is written that “You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the Lord your God for any vowed offering, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 23:18. It is rampant in the world today for people to bring embezzled money to support the work of God. Many are bringing blood money as donations to the church while numerous people are bringing dishonest gains as levy or building fund. These people must realize that their gifts and themselves are repulsive to God. Therefore, stop bring money realized from prostitution, assassination, armed robbery, fraudulent ways, embezzlement, narcotics transactions, rituals etc., etc., to the church of God.

You must neither defraud the church nor misuse her funds: Learn from the construction supervisors who were in charge of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The scripture says the money given to the supervisors was judiciously used. They used the money to pay the construction workers like, the carpenters, the builders, the masons and the rest, together with purchasing necessary materials. No accounting was required from the construction supervisors who received money to pay the workers because they worked with integrity and acted honestly 2 Kings 12:11-15. Whenever you are in charge of any fund-raising activity in the church, most importantly the building fund, do not defraud the church or misappropriate or misuse the funds place in your care/charge, but be faithful and transparent; you must also make sure that you carry the people along by giving them updates so that they will know that you are an honest person.

The consequences of disobedience

Many Christians have the perception that if they continue to donate big money or build the house of God, they will be exempted from keeping the commandments of the Lord or God will overlook their sins because of their deeds. Even if you build church or churches for God, you are still required to keep the commandments of the Lord.

God warned King Solomon when He appeared to him in the dreams the second time and said, “But if you or your sons turn away from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’” 1 King 9:6-8. Despite the warning from the Lord, King Solomon still stray from the righteous path.

The outcome of King Solomon’s conducts: Though King Solomon built the temple of God, but in his old age, his heart turned from the Lord and his heart was not loyal to God. The kingdom was taken from him with a small portion given to his son for David’s sake. This prompted the Lord to say, “And I will afflict the descendants of David because of this, but not forever” 1 Kings 11:1-13, 39. Therefore, it is your duty to do what is right and acceptable to the Lord after building or rebuilding the church/temple.

Lack and scarcity: People who do not build or cater for the house of God will have lack and scarcity as their portions according to the Bible. Such people will invest large amount of time, energy and resources, but it will yield/bring little reward/result. They will not have enough goodness and their needs will not be satisfied. Satan and the darkness will siphon their blessings Haggai 1:5-6. If you don’t want the aforementioned things to happen to you, strive to contribute your quota to building the house of God.

Disappointment and deprivation: Disappointment and deprivation shall plague the people who refuse to build or rebuild the house of God according to the Book of Haggai, such people will expect surplus, but they will only have little and when they bring it home it will be blown away. Why? Says the Lord of hosts: because His house lies in ruins, while they are busy building, adorning and enjoying their houses. So, the heavens withhold the dew while the earth withhold its fruits/crops. Therefore, there will be spiritual drought and deprivation in every aspect of their lives Haggai 1:9-11. If you don’t want disappointment and poverty, do what is right.

Always consider the House of God: Remember the parable of the rich fool, how God required his soul when he is about to start enjoying the fruits of his labours. Same fate will befall those who are rich but failed to consider the house of God or utilize their riches for the work of God Luke 12:16-21. Use everything that you have for the glory of your Creator.

The Benefits

· You will be called priests of the Lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations; their glories will be given to you and you will revel in their riches or wealth Isaiah 61:6.

· Instead of your former shame, you will have double recompensation. Instead of dishonor, you will have twofold honour. Instead of humiliation, you will have joy and instead of reproach, you will have glory. You will possess a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy will be yours Isaiah 61:7.

· God will fulfill His promises in your life and establish your work/job 1 Kings 9:4-5.

· Your descendants shall be established forever and your business/work will be built up from one generation to another Psalm 89:4.

· You will not be fruitless but fruitful. You will be given rest from your enemies and God will make you a house. When you depart from this world, your descendant will be established. God will be their Father and His mercy shall not depart from them 2 Samuel 7:11-15.

· The presence of God will be with your household and He will not forsake them. God will fulfill His pending promises in your life 1 Kings 6:11-14.

· You will be raised as a priest, God will build house for you and you shall walk among the anointed forever 1 Samuel 2: 35.

Finally, set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord Your God. Therefore, arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God 1 Chronicles 22:19.

The Seal: 1 Chronicles 28:10: Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.