"Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven." Exra 7:23 (NIV). The GOP debates have revealed many instances of "flip-floppers" - People who change their word depending on the circumstances. True Success depends on putting people with integrity and character in charge. Artaxerxes was well aware of that success principle. He placed Ezra in a position of authority over many aspects of his kingdom. We build our house on a firm foundation of God's dependable Word, and the basic principles of prayer, devotion to the Word and living out the principles we learn. Diligence means "quickly and correctly". Our lives are but a vapor that vanishes - Our lives need to count for something. How much time do we really have to serve God and be obedient to Him? We need to change now! Let's stop our petty sins and join those who are pursuing God and living in His will. Do we want our lives to produce vapor? Or do we want to bear real long-lasting fruit?! God wants to move diligently & with urgency to provide for you if only you will move with diligence for Him!

You and I have played the game 'Word Affilliation' (When I say Winter, you say cold, etc). Today we're playing name affilliation, as Ezra is concerned about his name before the king and his people. Ezra was given much responsibility, and his basis for his leadership decisions were always in line with God's precepts. Like Ezra, we're all supposed to be willing to judge our life decisions by God's Word. God wants your life to be great - better than you deserve or could even imagine. He promises us this in Psalms 119:11: in keeping (His precepts) there is great reward. And in 2 Peter 1:3, He promises His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. What matters most to you? What matters most to God? His precepts and His word, revealed to us through His word and His Son, Jesus!

We're so thankful for everyone at Faith Bible Church who've been offering their help during these past couple weeks of activity. And that's what Pastor Rob wanted to talk about today. Oh Boy! - another geneology today, eh? But by the time its done we know how Ezra fits into the timeline of the day. His arrival, his journeys, his devotion to study of the law.

Ezra is a shortened version of the name Azariah, just like Rob is a shortened version of Robert, his dad's name. Azariah means "Yahweh Has Helped". The word help appears first in the story of Adam and Eve when God says Adam needed help, so he gave him a help-mate. The book of Ezra pointed the way to help for the people in Ezra's time to get atonement for their sins and for the sins of their loved ones. In 2012, the help many of us seek is help for others: our family, loved ones, coworkers, etc.
With God's help, our church will continue to offer authentic help to meet the needs in the church body.

Art has been studying to be a navy chaplain, and Pastor Rob has given him this chance to share (and practice) on us, and we are glad he did!

Enjoy this 3 point sermon on new years resolutions!
"How do you know what your life will look like tomorrow? Your life is like morning fog - Its here a while, then its gone. " James 4:14

Let us tear down the walls of failure, doubt and worry, put the Lord in our drivers seat and resolve to be faithful, available and teachable.

Pastor Rob and his family are so thankful for all the words of appreciation and for the wonderful Christmas Eve service. He was thinking back to his times of participation in dramas, playing Santa, shepherds, etc. But today we'll talk of two people who are in scripture but are not often portrayed, or spoken of, but both were looking for the savior...

Simeon: Luke 2:28-32
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.

Anna: Luke 2:38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Simeon and Anna weren't righteous because of any good within, but because they were looking for the coming Messiah. In so doing, they were asking with 'faith looking forward' for a savior for their sins, God with us, a mighty God, a Prince of peace.
They wanted to hear from God. Very devout - abiding in the temple - fasting and praying night and day. They also were quick to boldly proclaim Jesus the Christ to all who would listen. Can we be like Simeon or Anna? Yes! We *can* faithfully continue looking for the Messiah - this time for His return! We can take heed, watch and pray, for no one knows the day or hour of His coming. Some of us are last minute people. Thats okay with Christmas, because we know the date. But we definitely don't want to miss Jesus' return!
Today let us celebrate like Simeon and Anna singing Joy to the World, The Lord Has Come!