1: Return – Answering God’s Call to Come Back

Zechariah 1:3 NLT

...Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Series Introduction

Today and for the next two Sundays we will be discussing concerning issues for the Church universal and for Curry’s Chapel Church.

Look around you today, and tell me what you see here that could effect the longevity of this church.

What would you say is the average age of the people here today?

Are there enough younger persons here today for the church to continue for more than 5-years from today?

Do you understand what the answers to these questions means for the viability of Curry’s to continue as a church?

What you may have noticed here today, is not exclusive to our church. In general, the same issues and conditions are affecting the majority of churches in the United States. You see the small community churches of this country are in trouble, and have a short life expectancy these days; it’s just that some are heading towards closing their doors faster than others.

While this is a scary thought for we here at Curry’s, it does not have to end in closing our doors.

Starting today, I’m asking each one of you to seriously consider these most important questions:

If nothing changes, what will Curry’s be like in 5-years?

What needs to change to keep the future of Curry’s viable, dynamic and vibrant?

What is your responsibility to insure the future of Curry’s Chapel Church?

We are each responsible for the future of Curry’s. No one of us alone can change the current course we are on. It will take the concerted efforts of everyone one of us, it will take all of this faith community. And we must not do this without consulting with and following the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

So, let’s begin a discussion on where we go from here. The sermons for today and the next two Sundays will focus on this. Also, I want all of you to come to they next three Wednesday Bible Studies. We will be discussing these sermons and what needs to change.

We will be looking into all of this using 3-themes taken mostly from the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The themes are these:

RETURN: Answering God’s Call to Come Back - Ezra 1:1-6

RESTORE: Rekindling Worship and Honoring Our Legacy - Ezra 3:10-13

REBUILD: Fulfilling Our Sacred Calling Together - Nehemiah 2:17-20

Return – Answering God’s Call to Come Back

Ezra 1:1 NLT

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:

Ezra 1:2 NLT

“This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

Ezra 1:3 NLT

Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!

Ezra 1:4 NLT

Wherever this Jewish remnant is found, let their neighbors contribute toward their expenses by giving them silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock, as well as a voluntary offering for the Temple of God in Jerusalem.”

Ezra 1:5 NLT

Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.

Ezra 1:6 NLT

And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings.

Rebuilding a Ruined City: Atlanta: In 1864 during the Civil War, Atlanta lay in ashes after a devastating siege – “not a building stood untouched”. Yet within decades it rose from ruins to become a thriving city. Similarly, the Jews returning to Jerusalem faced a destroyed city, but God envisioned a restored community. We can picture their hope as like that of Atlanta’s few survivors sifting through rubble, daring to believe a great city could live again. This shows the power of answering the call to rebuild even when current conditions look bleak.

Key Passage: Ezra 1:1-6 (The decree of King Cyrus and the exiles returning)

Core Message:

After 70 years in Babylon, God stirred King Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This was God’s gracious fulfillment of His promise, proving His faithfulness. Yet it required the exiles to respond in faith – to leave their settled lives in Babylon and journey home. They “prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem” when God stirred their spirits. It was a daunting 900-mile trek that took about four months, leaving behind comfort for uncertainty. Their willingness to return showed a deep trust in God’s call.

Christchurch’s Return: After the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, was demolished. To draw people back, leaders quickly built a temporary mall out of shipping containers in just 61 days. Against all odds – navigating legal hurdles, red tape, and logistics – the city found a way to bring life back to its center. In the same way, God made a way for the exiles to return and jump-start Jerusalem’s life. We can share this example to inspire faith that , when guided by vision and God’s providence can overcome all obstacles. By the Way: Christchurch’s Return was amazing 80% of the downtown returned. This shows us that return and renewal are possible even after devastation,

For us, renewal begins with returning – returning to God with all our hearts. Like the exiles, we can grow comfortable in spiritual complacency or worldly security. As one pastor observed, “It is easy – far too easy – to settle into a comfortable, routine Christianity”, where our hearts no longer thirst for God. But God in His mercy calls us out of spiritual stagnation. He stirs our hearts to seek Him anew and step out in faith. Returning may mean turning away from sin or apathy and rekindling our first love for God. It may mean re-engaging with the church family after a time of distance. It may involve daring changes as we follow God’s leading.

The exiles’ return was also a return to their identity and purpose. They were God’s people, and Jerusalem was the place God had chosen. By going back, they were making a statement: “They were trusting God to take care of them… confident that they were in the heart of God’s will as they took action”. In the same way, our act of returning to God – whether as individuals or as a church that has drifted – is a statement of faith that we belong to Him and trust His plan. God’s arms are open to receive His people back. When we return, we find He has already prepared the way, just as He moved Cyrus’s heart and provided resources for the Jews’ journey (even their neighbors donated silver and gold for the trek).

God faithfully fulfills His promises and initiates the return of His people. “The LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple”

Returning is only the first step, but it is essential. No restoration or rebuilding can happen until we answer God’s call to “come home.” This is a call to renewal: to leave “exile” (any place of disobedience, despair, or disengagement from God) and move toward the future He has for us. It takes courage to make that move. But if we lean on God, we can do it. We are assured by Scripture in James 4:8 :

James 4:8 NLT

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

When we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. The Israelites marched home with joy and boldness because they knew God was with them. Likewise, let’s return with hope, knowing God intends to revive and use us.

When God moves our hearts, we must be ready to act in obedience. in Ezra 1:5 it tells us: “Then the heads of the families... everyone whose spirit God had stirred – prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD”

We must leave spiritual complacency and earnestly seek renewal. It is easy to settle into a comfortable, routine Christianity… What we all need repeatedly is for God’s Spirit to blow upon us in spiritual renewal.

Returning to God often requires sacrifice and faith, but it declares our trust in His calling. “They returned from captivity… They walked, they carried their supplies…” Those who chose to leave were also leaving a fairly comfortable environment, and headed toward a very tough one. Here’s where this gets important. As they went back to Jerusalem, they were making a huge faith statement…accepting God’s challenge to do something great.” We too need to make a huge faith statement.

The Prodigal’s Return: As a spiritual parallel, let us briefly recall Jesus’ parable of the lost son who returned home. He left a far country of exile and sin and decided to go back to his father, not expecting restoration as a son. But the father ran to embrace him and celebrate his return. This illustrates God’s heart: He eagerly welcomes our return and initiates restoration. No matter how far we’ve strayed, “God’s grace offers a path to restoration” when we turn back.

Application

Hearing God’s Call: Stirring your spirit

How might God be in this season of your life?

Is there a burden or longing on your heart to return to something you know God desires for you? (such as a ministry, a devotion, or your first passion in the church)?

Self Return: Answering the Call

In what areas of your life have you been “settled in Babylon” – growing too comfortable in spiritual dryness or compromise?

What would it look like for you to return to God in that area (e.g. renewing your prayer life, repenting of a sin, rejoining fellowship)?

Overcoming Fear: Start the Journey

The journey home can be intimidating.

What fears or uncertainties keep you from stepping out in faith? Consider the exiles’ example – they trusted God’s promise and provision.

What promise of God can you cling to as you take a step back toward Him? For instance, says the Lord in Zechariah 1:3 tells : “Return to me, and I will return to you.”

Corporate Return: Come back

As a church, are there ways we need to return to God’s priorities?

Where have we drifted?

How can each of us participate in that journey of return?

Unconquerable Faith

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, faced countless failures in their quest to achieve powered flight. Despite harsh criticism and repeated setbacks, their unconquerable faith in their vision kept them persevering. Even when others doubted their abilities and dreams, they continued to experiment and learn from their mistakes. Their unwavering belief led to the historic flight in 1903, inspiring generations. Much like their journey, our faith in God can propel us to overcome obstacles, reminding us that perseverance, driven by faith, often leads to extraordinary outcomes.

Whatever we decide to do either individually or corporately; we must be like the Wright Brothers and have an unconquerable faith that leads to extraordinary outcomes.

AMEN!