Fresh Start

Service Times: 9:15a & 10:45a

Fresh Start

Author

The book of Haggai was written by the prophet Haggai, one of the few post-exilic voices in Scripture. After years in exile, God’s people had returned home and begun rebuilding. But when opposition arose, the work stopped. Sixteen years later, Haggai speaks with urgency and hope, calling them to finish what they started.

Audience

Originally delivered to the remnant in Jerusalem, these prophetic words speak to anyone who has grown spiritually stuck. The people weren’t rebelling; they were simply distracted by life, which had taken over and shifted their priorities.

Purpose

The new year often stirs our desire for change. But Haggai offers more than a personal reset. This short, powerful book invites us to rebuild what matters most, together. Through it, God calls His people to put Him first, walk in holiness, and trust that the future He is building is far greater than what we’ve left behind.

Genre

Haggai blends prophetic confrontation with covenant encouragement. Through a series of direct messages, God calls His people to evaluate their ways, renew their commitment, and rediscover the power of His presence.

Date

Haggai’s four messages span just a few months in 520 BC, during the reign of King Darius. 

Sermon Discussion Guide

Haggai 1:1–15

  1. Read Haggai 1:1–15 and/or recap this week’s message. What stands out about the way God confronts the people’s priorities?
  2. Where in your life have you been focused on building your “own house” instead of investing in what God is building?
  3. Verse 5 says, “Consider your ways.” What does that mean practically for you right now?
  4. How can you join with others to rebuild what matters most this year?

Haggai 2:1–9

  1. Read Haggai 2:1–9 and/or recap this week’s message. What discouragements were the people facing, and how does God respond?
  2. Have you ever felt like your efforts to follow God didn’t “measure up”? How do these verses speak into that?
  3. What does it look like to rely on God’s presence when you feel like quitting?
  4. Where do you need encouragement to persevere right now—and how can your community help?

Haggai 2:10–19

  1. Read Haggai 2:10–19 and/or recap this week’s message. Why does God shift the focus from the temple’s construction to the people’s hearts?
  2. Verse 17 describes hardship as God’s way of calling the people back. Have you ever experienced that kind of divine redirection?
  3. In what ways are you tempted to produce fruit without real spiritual depth?
  4. How can you make space for repentance and renewal in your daily life?

Haggai 2:20–23

  1. Read Haggai 2:20–23 and/or recap this week’s message. What does God promise Zerubbabel, and why is it significant?
  2. How does this passage give you hope about the future, even if your present feels small or hard?
  3. In what ways might God be using your current obedience to accomplish something far beyond you?
  4. What’s one step you can take this week to live like your life is part of a greater kingdom story?

Sermons