From Babylon To Jerusalem
The phrase "From Babylon to Jerusalem" captures a significant journey in biblical history, particularly reflecting the transition from exile to restoration. Babylon symbolizes captivity and oppression, a state of spiritual and physical dislocation for the Israelites, as seen in the Babylonian Exile (586-538 BC) when Jerusalem was destroyed, and many Jews were taken captive (2 Kings 25:8-21). This period was marked by lamentation and longing for their homeland, as expressed in the poignant verses of Psalm 137, where the exiled Israelites sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept.The return from Babylon to Jerusalem, initiated by figures such as Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, signifies a pivotal moment of restoration and renewal for the Jewish people. This journey is depicted in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which chronicle the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 3:10) and the city walls (Nehemiah 2:17). The term encapsulates not only a physical relocation but also a spiritual redirection towards covenant faithfulness and worship in Jerusalem, emphasizing themes of hope, redemption, and divine providence. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem is thus emblematic of God's faithfulness to His promises, as He leads His people back to their roots and covenant relationship.
From Babylon To Jerusalem28
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Haggai) ch.1 & 2
By Zac Poonen2.5K1:00:45DEU 28:8PRO 3:9HAG 1:5MAL 3:10MAT 6:19MAT 6:33ACT 3:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of speaking the word of God under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that even a few minutes of speaking the burden of the Lord can accomplish more than years of preaching without the anointing. The speaker also highlights the importance of speaking words given by God in counseling and helping others, rather than relying on clever ideas and thoughts. The sermon also addresses the issue of having knowledge and engaging in religious activities, but lacking victory and blessings in one's life. The speaker encourages the audience to consider their ways and seek a deeper connection with God.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.11 & 12
By Zac Poonen3.0K59:13PSA 75:7DAN 11:1DAN 11:4MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Daniel chapter 11 and the continuation of the angel Gabriel's message to Daniel. The chapter recounts historical events that were to take place in the future. The speaker highlights the division of Alexander the Great's empire into four parts, as prophesied in the scripture. The sermon emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty, as seen in the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms, and encourages believers to have faith in God's control over those in authority.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.3 & 4
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:29NEH 2:13NEH 3:15NEH 3:27NEH 4:6MAT 6:33HEB 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the enemy while remaining committed to God's work. The people in the story were wholeheartedly serving the Lord, even though they were scattered and faced opposition. The enemy tried to hinder their work through mocking and making fun of them. The speaker also highlights the danger of murmuring and complaining, urging listeners to instead give thanks and avoid negativity. The sermon draws from the book of Nehemiah and encourages believers to stay focused on God's work despite challenges.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.11 & 12
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:59ZEC 11:4ZEC 11:8ZEC 11:15ACT 28:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching from the heart rather than just from the head. He discusses the concept of burden, which is a deep concern or weight that a person carries in their heart. The preacher highlights three descriptions of God's creative works: stretching out the heavens, laying the foundations of the earth, and forming the spirit of man. He also mentions the punishment that God will bring upon those who oppose Him, but encourages the people to accept Him. The sermon concludes with a warning against fighting against God and a mention of the significance of the phrase "in that day" in the last three chapters of the Bible. Additionally, the preacher addresses the issue of abortion and the millions of lives lost as a result, attributing it to the influence of evil spirits and Satan's role as a murderer.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.11 - ch.13
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:00:20NEH 11:1ISA 52:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges Nehemiah faced in getting people to live in Jerusalem. The city was in a state of disrepair and lacked opportunities for financial gain. However, the leaders of the people set an example by sacrificing their own gain and living in Jerusalem themselves. They did not ask others to do what they were not willing to do. Some individuals volunteered to live in Jerusalem, and they were praised for their willingness to bear the suffering and reproach associated with being a part of God's house. This small remnant of overcomers symbolizes those who are willing to pay the price and endure hardships for their faith.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.7 & 8
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:00:15DAN 2:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding and wisdom from God through the scriptures. He references the book of Proverbs, highlighting the need to diligently search for knowledge like one would search for hidden treasures. The speaker also discusses the concept of unrest and its connection to the working of evil spirits. He then delves into the interpretation of the four beasts mentioned in the book of Daniel, relating them to the four kingdoms prophesied in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The sermon concludes with a focus on the fourth beast, representing the powerful and terrifying empire of Rome.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35
By Zac Poonen3.4K1:00:25EXO 20:13LEV 17:10PRO 23:31DAN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain actions, such as eating meat with blood, consuming certain types of meat, partaking in food sacrificed to idols, and drinking fermented alcoholic wine. The preacher emphasizes that these commands are not to be taken lightly, as they are all part of God's instructions for His people. He uses the example of Daniel, who refused to eat the food and wine offered to him by the king, as a demonstration of obedience to God's commands.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Malachi) ch.2:14-4:6
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:53DEU 14:23MAL 4:5MAT 6:33ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse as a way of putting God first in every area of life. He explains that in the Old Testament, God commanded the people to give 10% of their harvest as a tithe to Him. However, the people were not putting God first, so He called them to bring their tithes to Him. The preacher also discusses the fear of God and how it should be the mark of a spiritual person, particularly in the context of marriage. Additionally, he highlights the role of sorcerers and deceiving preachers as agents of Satan who will face God's judgment.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.7 & 8
By Zac Poonen2.2K59:56NEH 8:3NEH 8:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and worshiping Him before delving into the explanation of scriptures. The people in Jerusalem were attentive to the word of God and were convicted when they heard it, leading to a sense of mourning in their hearts. The speaker highlights that the joy of the Lord comes after conviction and mourning, and encourages the people to rejoice and celebrate. The sermon emphasizes the need for a love for God's word and a focus on teaching and proclaiming it, rather than seeking entertainment or funny stories in the pulpit.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.13 & 14
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:31ZEC 12:10ZEC 13:7MAT 6:33MRK 14:26JHN 7:38In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of unclean spirits in the world and the need to be aware of their influence. He highlights three main aspects of these unclean spirits: idolatry, false prophets, and deceiving spirits. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus himself warned against deception and false prophets multiple times in the New Testament. He also mentions that in the last days, deceitful spirits and false prophets will be particularly prevalent. The sermon draws attention to the importance of staying vigilant and not being misled by these deceptive forces.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.7 - ch.10
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:37EZR 7:6EZR 8:21Zac Poonen explores the transition of Ezra and the people from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of Ezra's leadership and his commitment to God's Word. He highlights how Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, was raised up by God to lead a new generation that chose to leave the comforts of Babylon for the challenges of Jerusalem. Poonen underscores the importance of wholeheartedness in ministry, the necessity of prayer and fasting, and the need for accountability in handling God's resources. He also addresses the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining purity in relationships, particularly in marriage. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical commitment to God's standards and the building of His house.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30
By Zac Poonen3.1K1:00:38PSA 137:1DAN 2:47MAT 6:33MAT 13:20MAT 21:42In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends, as well as over the governments of the world and the elements of nature. The speaker also discusses the four kingdoms that would rule the world from the time of Daniel until the coming of Christ, with the Roman Empire being the final one. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing for God and the assurance that He will stand with believers in times of trial and suffering.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.6:1-28
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:00:53DAN 6:4LUK 11:53In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Daniel and his faithfulness in his work. Daniel was a Christian who stood out among his colleagues by being punctual, diligent, and honest. The speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being faithful and upright in their work, without negligence or corruption. The sermon also highlights the dangers of Babylonian Christianity, which prioritizes money and entertainment over true faith. The speaker concludes by discussing how God used Cyrus as an instrument to bring the Jewish people back to their land, drawing parallels to the United Nations' role in the establishment of Israel in 1948.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Malachi) ch.1:1-1:11
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:00:44MAL 1:11CO 10:122TI 3:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Malachi and the overall theme of revival and declension in the history of God's people. The Old Testament is seen as a revelation of how God's people had power but eventually lost it, leaving only a form of godliness. The speaker emphasizes the danger of having a form of godliness without the inward power and warns against compromise and worldliness. The sermon also references the last days, where it will be difficult to be a Christian due to people having a form of godliness but denying the inward power. The speaker connects this to the importance of following all the commandments of Jesus, as symbolized by the building of the wall in Jerusalem.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.5 & 6
By Zac Poonen2.3K59:37NEH 2:20NEH 5:6NEH 5:14MAT 6:33LUK 9:62In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Nehemiah and how he lived a life of financial integrity and wholehearted devotion to God. Nehemiah's commitment to God's work was so strong that he left his position in the king's service for 12 years, sacrificing opportunities for promotion and increment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not allowing ourselves to be distracted from the work God has called us to do. The sermon also highlights the various ways the enemy tries to hinder the work of God, including through reproach, persecution, discouragement, and internal conflicts within the community.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.5:5 - 8:13
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:41ISA 1:11ZEC 7:1ZEC 8:2ZEC 8:13MAT 6:33ROM 12:10EPH 4:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four spirits of heaven mentioned in Revelation 7. These spirits are sent forth by God to execute tasks of judgment. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not engaging in empty rituals and instead focusing on building the body of Christ. The sermon also highlights God's special care for the widow, orphan, stranger, and poor, warning against mistreating them. Additionally, the preacher mentions the visions in the book of Zechariah, including the protection of God's people, the defeat of powers seeking to destroy the church, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.9 & 10
By Zac Poonen2.2K1:00:06NEH 8:17NEH 9:3NEH 10:29In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of the people in the book of Nehemiah who dedicated six hours to reading the Word of God and praying. He emphasizes that they were willing to deny themselves and were not comfort-loving Christians. The speaker highlights the importance of spending time in the Word and seeking God, as it leads to revival and blessings from God. He also mentions the significance of tithing, explaining that it teaches us to put God first in our lives. The sermon encourages listeners to prioritize God and seek Him wholeheartedly.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.4:1-5:31
By Zac Poonen3.0K1:00:59DAN 4:10DAN 4:27MIC 6:8MAT 3:10LUK 13:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his encounter with God. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision of a great tree that provided shade and food for all living creatures. However, an angelic watcher appeared and commanded the tree to be cut down, leaving only a stump. This was a punishment for Nebuchadnezzar's pride and arrogance. The purpose of this punishment was to teach Nebuchadnezzar and all people that God is the ruler over all and can appoint even the lowliest of men to positions of power.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.8:14 - 10:12
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:33ZEC 8:7ZEC 8:13ZEC 8:16COL 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is faithful to fulfill both his promises of judgment and blessings. He encourages believers not to fear, as God has proven his faithfulness throughout history. The preacher then highlights the responsibilities of believers, which include speaking the truth to one another and maintaining peace within the church. He also warns against harboring evil thoughts towards fellow believers. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the pride of mankind and how God opposes it. The preacher references various Bible verses, including Colossians 3 and Zechariah, to support his points.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.3 & 4
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:01:16EZR 2:64EZR 2:69PSA 122:1PSA 134:1ACT 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the potter and the clay from the book of Jeremiah. The speaker emphasizes that God does not give up on us even when we fail to respond to Him as He desires. He uses the example of Israel to illustrate how Satan tries to discourage and frighten God's people. The speaker also highlights the importance of willingly and cheerfully giving to the house of God, as seen in the example of the Israelites in Ezra. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's faithfulness and to remain steadfast in their commitment to Him.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.3 - ch.5
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:38In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the visions described in the book of Zechariah, specifically chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. The first vision highlights the forgiveness and cleansing that God offers to believers through the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross. The second vision emphasizes the importance of body ministry within the church, where individuals empty themselves for the sake of the body of Christ. The third vision depicts Joshua, the High Priest, being accused by Satan, but defended by Jesus as his advocate. The preacher highlights the significance of these visions in understanding the building of the body of Christ and the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in protecting, interceding, and strengthening believers.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.1 & 2
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:32ZEC 1:1ZEC 2:10ZEC 2:13ZEC 8:16ZEC 8:19ZEC 8:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah and highlights the importance of understanding God's sovereignty and His commitment to building His church. The preacher emphasizes that despite the enemies and challenges that may arise, the gates of hell will not prevail against the body of Christ. The sermon also addresses the temptation to get discouraged and lose hope, reminding listeners that the Lord is present and will help suppress the enemies that have ruled over them. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of repentance and obedience to God's message, which brings victory over sin and leads to true joy and gladness.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Malachi) ch.1:11-2:16
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:00:38MAL 1:9MAL 2:1MAL 2:5MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and the importance of keeping our promises to God. He highlights how Abraham went above and beyond his promise to provide for the strangers who visited him, while many people today conveniently forget their vows to God. The speaker emphasizes the need for reverence and obedience to God's commandments as the true proof of our fear of God. He also warns about the consequences of neglecting the prophetic word and how it led to the decline of the Jews after Malachi's message.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.9 & 10
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:00:51LEV 26:27JER 29:10DAN 9:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses two verses from the Old Testament that highlight God's judgment. The first verse is Genesis 15:16, where God tells Abraham that the Israelites will be in a foreign land for 400 years before returning to Canaan. During this time, God watches the Amorites living in Canaan, waiting for their iniquity to be complete before judging them. The preacher also references Daniel 8:23, which speaks about the rise of the Antichrist when the transgressors have finished their course. The sermon emphasizes that God is merciful, but when sin reaches a certain point, God will bring judgment.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.1 & 2
By Zac Poonen2.7K59:44EZR 1:1Zac Poonen explores the transition of God's people from Babylon to Jerusalem as a significant spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding the new covenant in this movement. He draws parallels between the exodus from Egypt and the return from Babylon, highlighting that while the former was marked by miraculous signs, the latter is characterized by God's quiet sovereignty over circumstances and hearts. Poonen stresses that true deliverance from spiritual Babylon requires a commitment to the new covenant, which is essential for becoming part of the body of Christ. He encourages believers to recognize their role in building God's house, whether by going to Jerusalem or supporting those who do, and underscores that God values those who sacrifice for His purpose. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that God can move even the hearts of kings to fulfill His plans.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:34EZR 4:4EZR 4:23MAT 11:12MAT 16:18MAT 18:18MAT 18:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and violent men take it by force. The preacher highlights that believers often fight for their own rights and privileges, but fail to be spiritually violent in advancing God's kingdom and building His church. He uses the example of the Jews in the book of Ezra, who faced opposition in building the temple and allowed the enemy to triumph for 16 years. The preacher encourages believers to not be passive, but to actively pursue God's purposes and not settle for just the foundational aspects of the faith.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8
By Zac Poonen5.6K1:01:05GEN 18:32LEV 25:1LEV 25:18JER 5:1JER 25:11DAN 12:4MAT 5:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last six chapters are prophetic. The main theme throughout the book is the absolute sovereignty of God over everything. The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from the mistakes of others and highlights the significance of studying the Old Testament for our instruction.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.1 & 2
By Zac Poonen2.6K59:26NEH 1:9ISA 60:14REV 21:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being consumed by earthly things that can make us gloomy. He uses the example of Jeremiah, who was saddened by the desolation of Jerusalem rather than personal losses. The speaker also highlights the need to have a mindset focused on God's sovereignty and the building of His church. The sermon references the Book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 21, to illustrate the future glory of the Holy City, Jerusalem. Additionally, the sermon mentions Nehemiah's use of his influence with the king to contribute to the rebuilding of God's city.