The Call to Rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1)

Haggai is short. Only 38 verses. We've got two – maybe three – sermons here. But that's because Haggai's point is very simple – and very clear!

If you focus on building your house – your labors will be in vain!

But "I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts" – so get back to work building my house.

And since all of the Christian life is about temple building – building up the body of Christ – Haggai's basic point is a point that we need to hear!

And at the heart of Haggai's point is the importance of hearing the Word of the LORD.

Haggai only has 38 verses. But in these 38 verses, there are 29 references to divine revelation! Four times we are told that the Word of the LORD came to Haggai. Five times we hear "thus says the LORD" Twelve times we hear "declares the LORD" along with a handful of “"oice of the LORD", "the LORD's message", etc.

Likewise, there is not only a focus on divine revelation, but also divine sovereignty.

In these 38 verses, God is called "the LORD of hosts" 14 times. He is the one who speaks – who acts – and whose Word controls the fortunes of his people – and indeed over all nations – and all creation!