Wednesday Night Services

In Ezekiel 47 we see at the river of healing waters that Ezekiel describes as flowing from the temple. Is this the same river as in Revelation 22? What is the significance of these waters? There is a lot in these verses (1-12) that don't jump out at you right away, but hopefully they will!

What would you do as a ruler in the land of Israel when the law of Moses gives you specific instructions on what to sacrifice, then a prophet of God has a word over 860 years later and changes those instructions. This part of the word to Ezekiel changes some of the regular sacrifices, so I have to ask why? In some cases more was required and in others less. The application of a passage is always of great importance to me. This one took me a long time to get a picture of. Stay with this to the end and I do hope you find it beneficial for your life. Also, we had a question sometime back about garments and I think we will have time to visit that here in this chapter.

Were the measurements in this chapter given in cubits or reeds? One would make the land area big, the other would make it HUGE! We also look at the prince and the princes, and finish with the listed feasts. There are only two here (or perhaps three) and they seem to be different from the ones listed in Leviticus. Lets see if we can determine why.

We look at the prophecy given to Ezekiel concerning the East Gate, how it has been misunderstood, whole doctrines have been formed from these misunderstandings, and even altered the actions of nations. See what this chapter is looking at, how easy it was for people to understand, and how simple the truth actually is. How many of our own beliefs have been built on misunderstandings of God's word?

In this service we will be looking at the 43rd chapter and the alter Ezekiel describes. How is this alter different from others and what is the significance of the dedication ceremony Ezekiel describes? The subject of Leviticus has come up in some informal discussions around church and we will be looking at a few of those seemingly boring chapters it contains. When we finish, I hope you will see the benefit of these chapters. Also, we will jump over to the New Testament and look at a few narratives about Jesus including what happened after the cross and why Mary could not touch him until He ascended to the Father.

Do you know where the first Temple was built? How about where the second one was built? It may not have been built where you think and we will examine evidence for where the first two Temples were built, helping us determine where the third one will be built. Here is one more question ... why does the glory of God enter a temple set up for Old Testament worship? Had to pull this from the Facebook recording so there is a bit of a hum.

In this service we will be looking at Ezekiel's temple, comparing it to the previous ones, and getting an understanding of it's size and features. I have uploaded a number of pictures to Facebook that we will use as we go through Ezekiel's description, and a virtual tour we also viewed. You should be able to see them on the church Facebook page on date July 1, 2020. Keep a second window open to the church Facebook page and view them there.

Is the temple described by Ezekiel a literal coming temple or a figurative prophecy of things to come? The next part of Ezekiel deals with the coming Temple, called the third temple. We will just be introducing the coming chapters and looking at how we should understand it. Should we look for a literal temple that will be built or something else. I spent a good bit of time reading on both of these ways to view the coming chapters and will give you what I have gleaned and the conclusions I think are hard to move off of.

The nations gather against Israel, but not all nations. Some we saw sit on the sidelines, but the end of those who do go to war will be in a dramatic display of God's power. See how this all unfolds (as best as we can tell from our vantage point) and what happens to Israel and the other nations of the world.

Who are the nations that come against Israel in the end times battle that Ezekiel speaks of in chapters 38-39? Understanding the makeup of nations gives us great insight into the time before it. We've taken this on a few times over the years and every time I set out to study it like I never studied it before looking to gain more knowledge and understanding on this passage and all it is preparing us for.

You may have described conversations with some people in your life like talking to a wall. They don’t receive anything you say and though they may respond to your words, it’s like they didn’t even hear them. You may run away from these conversations thinking “I am not in the mood to deal with them” or some such thought. Well, how would you like to be told to speak to dry bones? That’s what God told Ezekiel to do. What causes people to become like these dry bones and is it possible for them to recover like these bones did as they heard the prophecy? As I was studying this passage today I asked the Lord how can I know if I myself have become hardened to hear the truth on a matter, as most of us have in one area of doctrine or another. I loved the answer, but you won’t find it in tonight’s outline; you will need extra paper for that.

What are the "ancient heights" that the Israelites had, but lost to Edom? The Edomites are thrilled to have them so they must have great value. We will look at them and their application to today, as we take on Ezekiel 36. Some familiar verses including the one in the attached picture about a new heart, as God makes a number of predictions in His promise to restore Israel.

Is ancient hate still around today and can it possibly be at home in the lives of believers? God says that Mount Seir (Edom) would be judged and made desolate. There are several prophecies against Edom in the Word of God and reasons given, but here in Ezekiel 35 two are sited. The first is ancient hatred (Vs. 5) and we will look at what this is, how it continues, and the result it brings into the lives of those who harbor it. The second (Vs. 10) may not jump out at you for it's New Testament application, but it will after you see it! We will also see how far the world can go in speaking against you.

Here we have a prophecy against the shepherds of Judah. Last week in Ch. 33 the watchmen were the topic who are easily identified with the prophets. We might want to identify the shepherds with a pastor, but that is a church age ministry, not one in Old Testament times. So here in chapter 34, who are the shepherds?

Known as "The Watchman" chapter, Ezekiel 33 tells us three reasons why people do not heed the warning of a watchman or a prophet. One of those reasons we've used since we were little children; it's not fair! Learn how this and two other reasons are still is used today as reasons not to listen to the warnings given by God's word and His watchmen. God in this word counters each reason with truth that will speak to us.

Terror comes upon the nations because of what happens to Egypt. This same terror can come upon anyone (believer or unbeliever) when the conditions for it exist. We will look at what these conditions are, how they work into our lives, and the ways we can prevent it.

How easy it is to fall into comparing our walk to those we consider to be less than ourselves in qualifications, yet they possess more in quantification. Basically, why is someone I see not doing as well spiritually, walking in more blessings than I do? In this chapter God compares Egypt to a great tree and to a strong kingdom in Assyria, and does He really compare Egypt to the trees of Eden? We will see tonight as well as what we can learn from all this comparison.

There is much in this chapter on the allies of Egypt and the fear and anguish that would come upon them as Egypt falls, so naturally I asked why is this important for us to know? The answer and application is so relevant in any day, not just ours. Is it possible that something like an Egypt has taken root in your life and a dependancy formed? Egypts are not just evil things, as some may appear quite good, but we will see from the word of God and examples in it of just what makes an Egypt, along with the consequences as a believer to allow any dependency on them.

It seemed From Abraham to the last days of Judah there was always a draw back to Egypt. Well, that all changes now! Are there things you seem drawn to that aren't good or helpful for you? Learn how it can all end!

We are in Ezekiel 28 which breaks down to 3 prophecies. The first one deals with a prideful man, the king of Tyre who thinks he is a god. Jehovah puts him in his place and calls him a mere man. But then the second prophecy is very different, attributing attributes and actions not possible of a mere man. What does this prophecy mean? We will be looking at other passages to help us understand this better. We don't get to the third prophecy about Sidon, but we will answer this question. The people of Tyre were judged for the same prideful attitude that was in their king. This has happened many times in history (we will look at a few). How do negative traits of leaders get passed down to others and what can be done to guard against it?