Watch our August 7, 2022 Worship/Communion service (Ezra 1). It includes prayers, singing, announcements, special music and a sermon by Tom Cantor from Ezra 1.
Tom Cantor started a new series giving a sermon on Ezra 1. He gave the theme, “Doing the will of God will be met with great opposition.” He pointed out that only a small number of jews return to build the temple.
Tom also gave background about Babylon‘s treatment of Israel (Psalm 137). Next, he pthe prophecies of the prophet Jeremiah about their return (Jeremiah 25:12).
He noted king Cyrus‘s respect for Jehovah and connected this to the importance of us understanding that Jesus is Jehovah, Jesus is God (exodus 3:13–15; John 8:59–9; Deuteronomy 6:4).
Tom then pointed out that Cyrus was fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 44:28) by having the Jews return. He then gave the application that like Cyrus, we need to ask God what he wants us to do.
Tom gave the application that Cyrus is called for Israel to return his like gods call to the Jews today. God calls to the Jewish people, and all of us, to turn to him and believe in him. But like Cyrus, he doesn’t force anyone to. Tom connected this message with our missionary giving calling are giving box our “Cyrus box.” He also gave a critique of Calvinism and its TULIP theology on limiting God’s desire and call for all to be saved.
He concluded with an application of Ezra 1:3 that we may all go up and go higher in following the Lord.
You can watch more of our worship services on our Website, YouTube channel, or more of Tom Cantor’s sermons on his YouTube Israel Restoration.