37 - The Book Of Haggai - Audio King James Version HAGGAI Haggai, with Zechariah, prophesied to the returned exiles encouraging them to complete the rebuilding of the temple and place their faith in God. Haggai was sent by God to the Jews who had returned from captivity in Babylon. They had been led back by Zerubbabel (of royal descent) and Joshua (a High Priest). The foundations of the Temple had been laid in Jerusalem (about 535 BC), but then enthusiasm for the building waned, following opposition. Now, 18 years on, God’s message through Haggai and Zechariah (see Ezra 5:1) was intend- ed to stir the nation into action, so that He might bless them (1:1-7). “Consider your ways!” Not only were the returned people distract- ed by adversaries hindering the work, but they were becoming too comfortable: “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Some interesting links with other parts of the Bible For example: Compared with: a) Haggai a) Ezra 4:24; 5:1; 1:1 Zechariah 1:1 b) Haggai b) 2 Samuel 7:2, 12-13; 1:4 Psalm 132:1-5 c) Haggai c) Joel 3:16-17; 2:6,7 Hebrews 12:26-28 This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD’S house should be built… Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lies waste?” (1:2,4). They were warned about taking things easily, not being prepared to put any effort into the work of God, and being wasteful: “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes” (1:6). They did respond: the Temple was fin- ished in 516 BC. Count your Blessings When the Jews responded to God’s Word through Haggai they were blessed (see Ezra 5:1-2; 7:27-28), were asked to count their blessings, and to put their faith in God’s further promises. Look Ahead! God strengthened Zerubbabel and Joshua for the work, and helped His people. He told them to look ahead to the great King/Priest who would build an even greater “house” for God (2:6-9). This was a prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ, as High Priest for God’s people and the future King of all nations. The Future Temple Haggai, and many of God’s other prophets, foretold the building of a future temple at Jerusalem. It will be a focal point for the worship of the One God by all nations. See, for example, Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:7; Ezekiel 40-48; Zechariah 14:16-21. The Royal Signet Jesus Christ is a descendant of Zerubbabel (Luke 3:27) and is the one spoken of as God’s chosen representative, having God’s royal authority, appointed to rule as King of Israel and of the world (Matthew 28:18). Credits: http://scourby.com by Alexander Scourby narra ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCFvBnbT2DE

Edward Lekganyane, popularly known as "Kgoshi Edward" (1922-21 October 1967), was the leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) from Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, until his death eighteen years later. During this time he used his charisma and organizational abilities to expand the ZCC from about 50,000 to 600,000 members, while also reshaping numerous facets of the church. During his tenure as Bishop, the ZCC emerged as South Africa's largest independent church, while Lekganyane became arguably the wealthiest and most powerful African in apartheid-era South Africa. #lekganyane #zcc ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hma0A9LuIP8