Carpenter's Sermons

The Portrait of a Spiritual Leader

In this message from Ezra chapter 7, the narrative shifts from building the physical Temple to the spiritual formation that needed to take place in the hearts of the people. God sent a man named Ezra to lead this work. In this message, we'll consider three qualities that made Ezra an effective spiritual leader and apply those qualities to our roles as spiritual leaders in the church and in our homes.

Overcoming the Opposition

When we commit to following Christ, we should expect opposition. This message will examine how the Israelites faced opposition in their efforts to rebuild and consider the parallels with the opposition we may face as Christians still today. Let us find encouragement from God's Word to hold on in faith in the face of adversity and challenges.

The Discipline of Small Beginnings

The people who have been freed to return now face the task of rebuilding. What are their priorities and methods for beginning this daunting task? What can we learn and apply to our lives as we seek to build/rebuild lives centered around Christ?

The God Who Remembers His Promises

The fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates that the Bible is the inspired Word of God — and that same sovereign God still moves in the hearts of His people today.

Take Every Thought Captive

Our suffering in life begins and ends with the mind. We will examine what Scripture has to say about how we should navigate our thoughts and how those thoughts form our habits, then how those habits form us.