The Great Challenge
“The Great Challenge”
Ezra 1:1; 3:8-12; 6:14-15
Pastor Daniel Bracken
June 5, 2022
I. Introduction.
A. In life, we will face _________.
B. Without being challenged, we will never know what God could do through us.
II. A look at this text.
A. The foundation was laid upon their _________.
B. The building of the temple was delayed.
C. The enemies of the Jews delayed the project.
1. They wanted the Jews to _________ with them and corrupt their worship of God.
2. The Samaritans deployed _________, _________, and _________ to stop them.
3. The Jews were victorious over the enemy by hearing and responding to the Word of God preached by the prophets _________ and _________.
4. The word challenged them to persevere, and believing the word caused them to be victorious.
III. God is speaking to us.
A. God has appointed for you to be _________ at this time in history.
B. We are called to _________ with God to build His house.
C. We are in a _________.
1. We must keep our _________ set on what God has called us to do.
2. _________ what God has done already.
D. The Lord is _________ us.
1. We are being challenged to give.
2. The challenge stretches us in _________.
3. We get to see personally the fulfillment of His promises.
4. Can God _________ us with the expansion of His kingdom?