A Successful “Building” Program Learning from the book of Ezra

1. It takes the move of God in the hearts of the people, and an obedient response to that stirring. Ezra 1:5

2. It takes commitment, sacrifice and financial support. Ezra 2:68-69

3. It takes unity. Ezra 3:1

4. It takes overcoming fear of opposition and misunderstanding. Ezra 3:3

5. It involves obedience, praise and worship, and repentance and cleansing. Ezra 3:4-6

6. It takes money and people willing to work. Ezra 3:7

7. It involves organization and supervision. Ezra 3:9

8. It starts with a good foundation. Ezra 3:10

9. The entire effort must be surrounded with praise and thanksgiving. Ezra 3:10-11

10. We must not give in to the influences of the world or to the discouragements that some throw at us, even from political forces. Ezra 4:1-5

11. We must remember that God’s eye is on us as we build and He will help us be successful. Ezra 5:5

12. For all of the ‘successes’ we experience, the praise must go to God, not us. Ezra 7:27

13. We must always be on guard against the secular influences that would try to get us off target. Ezra 9:5-15

“I will build my church…” Mt. 16:18

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. ” “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Ps 127:1