06/03/2018
‘REACHING OUT TO THE DEAD’ Ezekiel 37:1-14 June, 2018
Ezekiel, a 25 year- old priest from the family of Zadok, was taken along with the king and 10,000 Jews to Babylon in 598 BC. Five years later, in 593 BC, Ezekiel, now thirty was called into the ministry. Ezekiel’s name means “Strengthened by God,” and there can be little doubt that the visions that he was given during his 20 plus years of faithful ministry were used to challenge and strengthen his fellow exiles. The ministry of Ezekiel was marked by a series of visions. One of those visions is the focus of our time together today. The “Vision of the Valley of the Dry Bones,” is a very familiar passage of Scripture. I have heard it used to preach about the need for revival in the church. That is a valid use of this passage. Yet, we need to remember that God is not speaking to the church in those verses. He is speaking to the nation of Israel, v. 11. He sees them as a dead nation. He promises this dead nation that a day will come when He will raise them from the dead and use them again for His glory.
When Ezekiel received this vision, he found himself surrounded by the bones of the dead. Everywhere he looked he saw dead people. He was commanded to preach to them. And, he was commanded to pray over them. When he obeyed the Lord’s command, Ezekiel saw those dead bodies brought back to life. He saw the Lord’s ultimate sacrifice on display in that graveyard, and that is the thought I want to magnify today. Like Ezekiel, we are surrounded by the dead. Everywhere we look there is evidence of the spiritual death that dominates our world. And, like Ezekiel, we have been sent out to tell the dead that they can live. From where Ezekiel stood that day, his task must have seemed impossible. Yet, he obeyed God and the Lord blessed his efforts. From where we stand today, the task of reaching those who are dead in sin also seems like and impossible task. However, if we will do as the Lord has commanded us, we will also see Him bless our efforts.
For the past 15 years, Mizpah Ministries has strived to do as the Lord has commanded us to do. As a result of our faithfulness, the Lord has blessed us with the honor and privilege of winning 8000 souls to and for Christ! May He receive all the praise and glory! Through the Grace of God, that is over 500 souls a year! As the ministry grows the yearly harvest grows with it. We have reached the point where we are struggling financially to keep up with the growth. We need help! Please, can you tell another church about us! Do you know of a church that would allow me to present the ministry? Perhaps, one that is having a mission conference? We have a proven track record and a 15- year history of faithfulness. I know I sound a little bold but there is no better investment than winning souls to Christ!
The -Free Indeed- substance abuse program has awarded over 600 certificates of completion and the book, “When Pigs Fly” has lead over 500 to our Lord and Saviour! This ministry is in the business of winning souls for Christ! Please, can you help us? I can be reached at 813-714-2720. Thank you!
Simply His Servant, Chaplain Paul Haulk
Cornerstone Baptist Church
13171 Tara St.
Spring Hill, Florida 34609
Ph: (352) 515-0949
We are an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church located in Hernando County, Spring Hill Florida where you will hear the King James Version KJV Bible taught verse by verse and line by line.