On February 4, 1974, Brother Stephen delivered a ministry focused on Zechariah chapter 4, emphasizing God's desire to reveal Himself and the importance of returning to Him with a pure heart. He highlighted the significance of rebuilding the temple and the role of Zerubbabel and Joshua in this process. Stephen explained that the work of God is not accomplished by human might or power, but by the Spirit of God. He encouraged believers to embrace their spiritual responsibilities and not to despise small beginnings, as God's eyes are upon even the smallest efforts. The message conveyed was that the church, represented by the golden lampstand, must uplift Christ as the true light, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Stephen urged the congregation to be vessels of the Holy Spirit, pouring forth God's life and love to the world. He concluded with a prayer for the church to fulfill its mission and for believers to trust in God's Spirit rather than their own abilities, emphasizing that true success lies in God's approval rather than worldly recognition.
Introduction and context of the ministry.
God's desire for revelation and pure hearts.
The significance of rebuilding the temple.
Role of Zerubbabel and Joshua.
God's work accomplished by the Spirit, not human might.
Importance of small beginnings and God's oversight.
The church as the golden lampstand uplifting Christ.
Call to be vessels of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: Trusting in God's Spirit for success.
1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: 3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? 12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.