A Call to Renew the Work of God

Haggai 1:8

Main Message

1. Old Testament Progression
   • Previous Commencement Speech on Isaiah
   • Current focus on Haggai
2. Contextual Background
   • Historical Setting: August 29, 520 B.C., second year of King Darius
   • Exile and Return: Discussion of Israel's 70 years in exile and return to a ruined Jerusalem
3. Rebuilding the Temple
   • Initial Efforts: Efforts to rebuild the temple and differing reactions from older and younger generations
   • Stagnation: 16 years of inaction and the need for renewed effort
4. Scriptural Exhortations
   • Role of Scripture: Emphasizing the importance of preaching the entire Bible
   • Warnings Against Neglect: Citing Dr. Merrill Tenney on the dangers of neglecting parts of God's Word
   • Public Reading of Scripture: Reference to 1 Timothy 4 and the importance of public scripture reading

Key Themes

1. Renewing God's Work
   • Stop Making Excuses: Urging to cease making excuses for inaction
   • Set Priorities: Emphasizing the need to prioritize God's work and glory
   • Get Involved: Encouraging active participation in ministry and service
   • Receive God's Enablement: Assurance of God’s presence and empowerment
2. Historical and Cultural Reflections
   • Consequences of Neglect: Drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary issues
   • Call for Revival: Emphasizing the need for spiritual revival and renewal

Conclusion

• Encouragement to Graduates: Challenging graduates to be agents of change and renewal
• Final Exhortation: Reaffirming God’s greatness and the call to active faith and ministry

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.