Consider Your Ways Let's Build a Church | Part 1 of 4

The book of Haggai opens with a people who survived exile, came home, and then spent sixteen years building their own lives around what God had called them to finish. The altar had been restored. The foundation had been laid. But the house of God sat in ruins while personal comfort became urgent and divine assignment became optional.

Into that moment, God sent a prophet with four words that cut to the center: Consider your ways.

In this message, Pastor Shears opens the Let's Build a Church series by walking through Haggai 1:1–11 — examining the focused address God sent to leaders by name, the forced awareness He created between what the people said and what they did, the frustrated ambitions that revealed a theological crisis hidden inside an economic one, and the forward action God commanded when the confrontation was complete.

The Hebrew behind "consider your ways" does not mean think about it. It means set your heart. That is not an invitation. That is a decision. And it is the same decision God is calling His people to make today.

Location: New Hope Baptist Church | North Little Rock & Conway, Arkansas

In this enlightening episode, we delve into Acts 2, a pivotal chapter that marks the joyous celebration of the Church's birthday (Pentecost). This text is not merely a historical account; it's a treasure trove of timeless gifts that continue to shape our faith and community today. As we unwrap this passage, we'll discover three profound gifts bestowed upon us during the birth of the Church.

Firstly, we explore the gift of the Holy Spirit (v4), a transformative power that dispels ignorance and misconceptions about God's kingdom, even turning moments of confusion—such as the apparent inebriation of the disciples (v13)—into powerful testimonies of faith.

Our journey doesn't end there. We'll delve into the characteristics of a Hallowed Speaker (preacher) (v14), examining how Peter's response to the Pentecost event models relevance, responsiveness, humility, and preparation. Peter's passionate delivery underscores the beauty of God's use of imperfect vessels to convey His perfect message.

Finally, we celebrate the Heavenbound Saints (v37&41), those early adopters of the faith who showed us the way through their devotion to doctrine, communal living, and acts of kindness and generosity (v45). Their example sets a blueprint for Christian living that goes beyond mere belief to embody the gospel in daily actions.

Join us as we reflect on these gifts and consider how they continue to shape our lives and our communities, reminding us that the Church's birthday is not just a historical event but a living, breathing legacy that we are all a part of. Whether you've been a believer for years or are simply curious about the Christian faith, this episode offers fresh insights into the significance of the Church's beginning and its ongoing impact on the world.

This sermon in Acts 9 explores the transformative power of divine intervention through the story of Saul’s conversion to Paul in early Christianity. It emphasizes the importance of being available for God’s use, overcoming anxiety about divine assignments, and maintaining a positive attitude. The narrative highlights the role of individuals like Ananias in fulfilling divine missions and the significance of acceptance and unity in faith. Through examples from the Bible, the lecture illustrates how God can use flawed individuals for His purposes and the impact of faith and obedience in fulfilling divine assignments.