BUILDTogether, Part 1 - by Justin Renton
February 12, 2024
Sermon recap:
Justin Renton shared the first lesson in our series for the year-BUILDtogether:
- God moves in mysterious ways. The return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple came about with the help of a pagan king, Cyrus.
- Embrace different perspectives. We can view the same event very differently. Respect one another.
- The work stalls when we lose focus.
Watch the full service and sermon on our YouTube channel (the sermon starts at 53 mins)
Solly Kganyago shares Part 4 in the series, BUILDTogether.
If you missed Part 3 of BuildTogether by Ivor Botha, you can watch on our YouTube channel. The lesson starts at 34 mins.
In Haggai 1: 1-4 God challenged the nation about their priorities. He wanted them to rebuild the temple. They agreed but said, "Not now." Verse 13-14 God promised, "I am with you," when they got distracted by the opposition. What is God saying to us today Wha is stopping us from building his kingdom? We need to seek God, taste how good he is, and trust that he is working behind the scenes.
You can't build something that's already there, unless it's in disrepair. Wake up your faith. Lead, don't supervise, and stand up to opposition.
We are called to excel in the grace of giving—it’s not just a duty, but a spiritual act of worship. Be consistent and faithful in our giving. Set it aside intentionally, and don’t delay in fulfilling what you’ve committed to the Lord. Don't let your imperfect view of God impact your giving.
Changing takes courage—but parenting God’s way means choosing His path, and knowing where our help comes from. Righteousness is about healing and strengthening relationships, not achieving perfection. Don’t conform to the world’s ways—seek God’s perspective on parenting. Model the behaviour you want to see, and let His Word draw your heart to your children, and theirs to yours. Be present in their spiritual journey—it's not optional, it's your responsibility.
We are like broken pieces of pottery. God went looking for us, he found the fragments of our lives discarded by life/shame/disappointment, and put us back with the blood of Jesus. Treat each other not as broken but perfected through Christ.