The sermon this morning was about Haggai, chapter 1. In our church preachers are supposed to be always Spirit-led, they don't prepare their sermons and nobody knows beforehand who is going to preach. Among three preachers present today, only our elder felt Spirit-led to deliver a sermon.
The elder read that portion of Scripture, gave us the historical background and exhorted the church:
"Some people in here are too much concerned about their own earthly lives. They do a terrific job at their workplaces with a view to reaping earthly benefits; they take good care of their health, of their homes, their car, their spouses, kids, pets, etc., but their spiritual lives are decaying.
My brother – or sister -- you have no time for Bible reading, no time for prayer and you come over here just to warm the benches! Remember when the Lord delivered you from Egypt (from the world)? Remember your long and fervent prayers at the feet of the Lord? God's promises for us are much greater that those He made to His people in the days of Moses. There's is absolutely no compare between the "rewards" of this deceitful world and the true rewards of the world to come.
Stop paneling your earthly homes;! It's time for rebuilding the Temple, and God's temple now is the Church. Play the part you've been assigned by God, according to your gift and above all pursue sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord".
The elder went into details on how to lead a holy life in a sinful world like ours. It was a great service! Praise God!