Let’s Shout Because Of The Foundation

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Feb. 19, 2006, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

LET’S SHOUT BECAUSE OF THE FOUNDATION

By Michael D. O’Neal
Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church
Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: Ezra 3:1-13

Text: Ezra 3:11

Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Introduction: The temple was built by Solomon but was destroyed by the Babylonians, we are told, around 586 B.C. Seventy years later, our scripture records the rebuilding of the temple. The next verse has led some people to say that the rebuilt temple did not match the grandeur of the previous one. Be that as it may, our text shows that it was still a thrilling event. The nation rejoiced, and “all the people shouted with a great shout” when the foundation of the temple was laid.

Tonight I want to use our text verse to point you to Jesus, as I remind you that He said that the Old Testament was about HIM:

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
 
The foundation for everything is the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

He became my foundation Feb. 11, 1968!

If He is YOUR foundation, you should shout for joy every time you think about it!

  I. THE REBUILT FOUNDATION
     SPEAKS OF A DESTRUCTIVE PAST

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

The old temple had been destroyed
Babylonian captivity – like Satanic captivity of the lost man

     A. We were dead in our sins

     B. We were degenerating in
        our behavior

     C. We were destructive to
        our friends and loved ones –
        a bad influence

 II. THE REBUILT FOUNDATION
     SPEAKS OF A DESIGN FOR
     PERMANENCE

Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

See 1 Cor. 3:11.

Through the storms, battles, and wars ahead, the foundation insures permanence:

     A. Of the heart’s devotion

     B. Of the home dedication –
        Josh. 24:15

     C. Of a happy disposition

III. THE REBUILT FOUNDATION
     SPEAKS OF A DELIGHTFUL
     PROSPECT

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

There is joy ahead, culminating in face to face company with Jesus in the New Jerusalem, but …
Life begins with Jesus!

With Christ as a foundation, we have the delightful prospect of:

     A. God’s pardon for sinners

     B. God’s praise in service

     C. God’s presence with the saints

     D. God’s precepts with the scriptures