Faith Foundations
Faith Foundations
Preparing the Ground
I have a few bare spots in my yard—thanks to this summer’s heat wave when western Pennsylvania turned into the Sahara. But one of those spots wasn’t from the weather. It was from removing a tree—a very productive apple tree that dropped thousands of inedible apples. Every mowing session risked launching those apples like cannonballs into the neighborhood. So when the tree came down, I didn’t shed a tear. But it did leave behind a big, empty patch.
And that bare spot reminded me of something: new growth doesn’t start with green shoots—it starts with groundwork. You break up the hard soil, enrich it, water it, and then you plant. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential.
In the same way, God’s people in Ezra’s day had returned to Jerusalem after exile. Before they could rebuild the temple, they needed to prepare their hearts. Last week, we saw them worship first—putting God before progress. This week, as we turn to Ezra 3:7–13, we see them move from spiritual renewal to physical rebuilding. But even now, their work on the temple’s foundation reveals something deeper—faith foundations that God is laying in their hearts.
1. God Finishes What He Starts
When we last left the people of Israel, they were faithfully worshiping. The altar was built, the offerings restored, and the rhythms of spiritual life were reestablished. Now, it’s time to begin rebuilding the temple itself.
Ezra 3:7 says:
“They gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.”
What’s happening here is more than logistics—it’s evidence that God’s hand is still moving. King Cyrus, a pagan ruler, had already been stirred by God to fund and permit this work. The same God who began this story long ago is now bringing it forward with precision.
Even the small details mirror Solomon’s temple centuries earlier: the same cedar trees, from the same region, shipped by the same route. The same month—“the second month”—marks both beginnings (Ezra 3:8; 1 Kings 6:1). This isn’t coincidence. It’s continuity. God is showing His people that He hasn’t forgotten His promises.
And the same truth is echoed throughout Scripture. Jesus said,
“I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work that You gave Me to do.” (John 17:4)
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
And Paul reminds us,
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
God doesn’t start projects He won’t finish. He doesn’t lose interest. He doesn’t walk away. Even when we falter, His purposes persist.
If you’ve ever driven past a house that’s been “under construction” for decades, you’ve seen the frustration of an unfinished project. But God is no half-finished contractor. What He begins in you, He will bring to completion. You can trust Him with the process, even when the progress feels slow.
2. Praise Is Right No Matter What’s Left
By verse 8, the people have organized the workers, priests, and Levites. The effort is coordinated, and the rebuilding officially begins. Then, before we’re given any construction details, we read this in verse 10:
“And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord… And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, ‘For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.’ And all the people shouted with a great shout… because the foundation… was laid.” (Ezra 3:10–11)
That’s it—the foundation is all that’s done. No walls, no roof, no gold overlay, no grandeur. Just stones. And yet the people praise God like it’s finished.
Why? Because praise isn’t reserved for perfection. It’s right at every stage—no matter what’s left.
Their worship proves their hearts have truly been reshaped. They’ve learned that praise isn’t about visible progress—it’s about faith in the One who is working.
Notice, too, the words they sing:
“For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”
These are the same words sung at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 5:13). The same song, generations later. Different people, same faithful God.
We can fall into the trap of waiting for everything to be just right before praising God—when the debt is paid, the healing comes, the relationship is restored. But if you wait for nothing to be left before you praise, you’ll miss the blessing of praising through the process.
When you worship God even in the middle of unfinished work, you declare your trust that He will finish it. Praise isn’t just a response—it’s a foundation of faith.
3. The Past Is Present to Inspire the Future
Up until now, the people have been unified. But as the celebration rises, something unexpected happens:
“But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice… though many shouted aloud for joy.” (Ezra 3:12)
Some shout for joy; others weep. The older generation, who remember Solomon’s temple, are overcome—not with gratitude, but with grief. What they see doesn’t compare to what once was.
It’s understandable. Solomon’s temple was magnificent. This new one seemed simpler, smaller. But through the prophet Haggai, God corrects their perspective:
“Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? … Is it not as nothing in your eyes?… Yet now be strong… Work, for I am with you… My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” (Haggai 2:3–5)
God reminds them: this new temple will be even greater than the first—not because of gold or grandeur, but because His presence will dwell there again.
We can honor the past without being trapped by it. Just as Pathway celebrates 50 years of ministry, we thank God for His faithfulness—but we also press forward to what He’s still building. The same applies to our personal lives. What God did in your past was beautiful, but it was also foundational. He’s still building something greater.
Don’t get stuck in “former glory” nostalgia. Let your past be present only long enough to inspire your future. Ask God what He’s calling you to next—where He wants you to serve, grow, and rebuild. The foundation He’s laid in you is just the beginning.
Laying Faith Foundations Today
Ezra 3 is more than a story about stone foundations—it’s about spiritual ones. God wants to build faith in you, your family, and your future.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions to start rebuilding what’s broken. Break up the hard ground. Begin where you are. Ask for help. Turn to Jesus. Confess sin. Take a step toward renewal.
God finishes what He starts.
Praise is right no matter what’s left.
And the past is present to inspire the future.
Let those truths be the faith foundations beneath your life.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Ezra
Sermon Title: Faith Foundations
Date: Oct 12, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ezra 3:7–13
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