Embracing the Present: Moving Forward in Faith
Summary
As we journey through life, it’s easy to find ourselves looking back, longing for the “good old days” and mourning what has been lost. With each passing year, the temptation grows to compare the present with the past, especially as we face new challenges and changes that seem to move us further from what we once knew. Yet, Scripture reminds us that wisdom is not found in asking why the former days were better, but in embracing the present and seeking God’s purpose for us now. The story of the Israelites returning from exile, as told in Ezra, is a powerful reminder that while the past may hold memories of greater glory, God’s faithfulness and grace remain constant through every season.
The Israelites who returned to Jerusalem found themselves laying the foundation for a new temple, one that could not match the splendor of Solomon’s original. The older generation wept, remembering what had been lost, while the younger rejoiced at the miracle of return and restoration. This tension between grief for the past and hope for the future is something we all experience. But the lesson is clear: there is no going back. Life moves forward, and God calls us to live faithfully in the present, not to be paralyzed by nostalgia or regret.
Instead of asking “why” things have changed or why evil seems to increase, we are called to ask “what” God wants us to do and “who” He wants us to be in these times. The world may change, and culture may shift rapidly, but the truths of God are eternal. Our calling is not to chase after every new trend or to anchor our hope in the shifting sands of culture, but to hold fast to the eternal principles of our faith. We must resolve in our hearts: no going back—not to the sins that destroyed past generations, nor to the comforts of a bygone era, but forward in obedience and hope.
God’s grace is sufficient for every generation. Whether we are rejoicing in new beginnings or mourning what has been lost, His steadfast love endures forever. We honor those who have gone before us, learn from their faithfulness, and together—young and old—build something new, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
- The Folly of Longing for the Past
It is natural to reminisce and even grieve for days gone by, but wisdom teaches us not to invest our hearts in what cannot be changed. The past, with all its blessings and sorrows, is beyond our reach, and dwelling on it can keep us from embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of the present. God calls us to live fully in the now, trusting that His purposes are unfolding in our current circumstances. [21:37]
- Asking the Right Questions in Difficult Times
When confronted with evil or hardship, the wise do not get stuck on “why” things are the way they are. Instead, we are called to ask, “What does God want me to do?” and “Who does He want me to become in this moment?” This shift in focus moves us from passive regret to active faithfulness, aligning our hearts with God’s ongoing work in the world. [23:23]
- The Commitment to “No Going Back”
Saying “no going back” is not just a resignation to the passage of time, but a declaration of intent. It is a commitment to break cycles of sin and self-destruction, to choose obedience over rebellion, and to hold fast to the faith that has sustained generations before us. Each day is a new opportunity to move forward in God’s grace, refusing to return to the patterns that once held us captive. [24:34]
- The Danger of Valuing Change or Tradition for Their Own Sake
Not everything old is good, and not everything new is better. The value of an idea or practice is not found in its age, but in its alignment with God’s eternal truth. As culture shifts rapidly, we must discern carefully, neither idolizing the past nor uncritically embracing the new, but anchoring our lives in the unchanging character and promises of God. [28:30]
- God’s Grace Is the Constant Through Every Generation
Whether in times of prosperity or hardship, God’s grace remains the greatest blessing. The circumstances of each generation may differ, but His steadfast love endures forever. In moments of weeping and rejoicing alike, we are invited to trust in His faithfulness, honor those who have gone before us, and look forward with hope as we build together for the future. [32:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:02] - Reflections on Aging and Reminiscence
[18:20] - Israel’s Fall and Exile
[19:19] - God’s Promise and the Return from Exile
[20:34] - Laying the New Temple’s Foundation
[21:37] - The Weeping of the Elders
[22:27] - The Irreversibility of Time
[23:23] - Focusing on the Present: What and Who
[23:59] - “No Going Back” as a Commitment
[24:34] - Breaking Cycles and Choosing God
[25:26] - Generational Perspectives on Blessing
[26:15] - God’s Grace Through Every Season
[27:50] - The Generation Gap and Changing Times
[28:30] - The Value of Old and New Ideas
[30:06] - Christianity: Eternal Truths for Every Age
[31:08] - God’s Unchanging Love and Purposes
[32:06] - Honoring the Past, Building the Future
[32:57] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: No Going Back
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### Bible Reading
Ezra 3:10-13
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:
“He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.”
And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
Ecclesiastes 7:10
Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Ezra 3:10-13, what were the different reactions of the older and younger Israelites when the foundation of the new temple was laid?
2. According to Ecclesiastes 7:10, what does the writer say about longing for the past?
3. In the sermon, what reasons did the pastor give for why the older generation wept and the younger generation rejoiced at the new temple’s foundation? [[21:37]]
4. What does the sermon say is the one thing that remained constant for all generations of Israelites, despite changing circumstances? [[26:15]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might it be “the height of folly” to invest time and emotion in longing for the past, according to both Ecclesiastes and the sermon? [[21:37]]
2. What does the tension between the weeping of the elders and the rejoicing of the young in Ezra 3 reveal about how people experience change and loss?
3. The sermon says, “The Christian doesn’t ask why. We focus on the what and the who.” What does this mean in the context of facing difficult or changing times? [[23:23]]
4. How does the idea of “no going back” serve as both a statement of fact and a call to action in the sermon? [[23:59]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentions that it’s easy to get stuck reminiscing about the “good old days.” Is there an area of your life where you find yourself longing for the past? How does this affect your ability to live faithfully in the present? [[17:31]]
2. When you face difficult changes or challenges, do you tend to ask “why is this happening?” or “what does God want me to do?” How could shifting your focus to the “what” and “who” change your response this week? [[23:23]]
3. The pastor said, “We must resolve to choose God. To never return to the sins that condemned and destroyed previous generations.” Are there patterns or habits in your life that you need to leave behind? What would it look like to say “no going back” in that area? [[24:34]]
4. The sermon warns against valuing change or tradition for their own sake. Are there traditions or new trends in your life or church that you follow without considering if they align with God’s truth? How can you discern what to keep and what to let go? [[28:30]]
5. God’s grace is described as the constant through every generation. Can you think of a time when God’s grace carried you through a season of loss or change? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in your current season? [[26:15]]
6. The pastor encouraged honoring those who have gone before us and building together for the future. Is there someone older or younger in your church or family you can learn from or encourage this week? What step could you take to build that relationship? [[32:06]]
7. The sermon says, “Don’t look for the good old days because there’s no going back. Look forward to the future with rejoicing because God is good and his steadfast love endures forever.” What is one practical way you can look forward with hope this week, even if your circumstances are difficult? [[32:57]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Do Not Dwell on the Past
It is easy to look back on earlier days with nostalgia, especially when current times seem more challenging or less prosperous. Yet, Scripture reminds us that longing for the "good old days" is not wise, for the past cannot be changed or reclaimed. Instead, we are called to live in the present, trusting that God is at work now just as He was before. Letting go of the past frees us to embrace what God is doing today and to move forward with hope and purpose. [21:37]
Ecclesiastes 7:10 (ESV)
"Say not, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this."
Reflection: Is there a memory or season from your past that you find yourself longing for? How can you intentionally release it to God today and open your heart to what He is doing now?
Day 2: God’s Grace Is Constant Through Every Generation
Throughout history, God’s people have experienced both seasons of blessing and times of hardship, but one thing has remained unchanged: God’s grace. Whether in exile, wandering in the wilderness, or rebuilding after loss, His grace has always been the greatest blessing, sustaining and guiding His people. No matter what changes around us, we can rejoice in the unchanging grace of God that is sufficient for every circumstance and every generation. [26:15]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to rely on God’s grace today, rather than your own strength or nostalgia for the past?
Day 3: Commit to No Going Back—Choose God Over Sin
Every day presents a choice: to repeat the mistakes of the past or to move forward in faithfulness to God. Human nature often leads us back to old patterns, but we are called to resolve in our hearts not to return to the sins and failures that once held us captive. Instead, we must courageously choose obedience, holding fast to the hope and faith passed down to us, and trusting in God’s promise of eternal life for those who persevere. [24:34]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one old habit or sin you are tempted to return to? What practical step can you take today to say “no going back” and choose God’s way instead?
Day 4: God’s Truth and Love Are Eternal, Not Outdated
In a world where trends and values shift rapidly, it can be tempting to think that the teachings of Christianity are outdated or irrelevant. But God’s truth, love, and principles are eternal—they do not change with the times. Rather than chasing after every new idea, we are called to anchor our lives in the everlasting Word and character of God, trusting that His ways are always relevant and life-giving for every generation. [31:08]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Where do you feel pressure to compromise or update your faith to fit in with current culture? How can you stand firm in God’s eternal truth today?
Day 5: Rejoice in God’s Goodness and Build Together
Though we may grieve what has been lost or changed, we are called to look forward with hope, rejoicing in God’s enduring goodness and steadfast love. Both young and old have a part to play in building what God is doing now. By honoring those who have gone before and working together in faith, we can trust that God is with us, and that His love endures forever, no matter the season. [32:57]
Psalm 100:5 (ESV)
"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Reflection: How can you encourage someone from a different generation in your church family today, and together rejoice in what God is building among you?
Quotes
People of God, young and old, we are building something new here. Don't look for the good old days because there's no going back. Look forward to the future with rejoicing because God is good and his steadfast love endures forever. [00:32:46] (22 seconds)
The God we believe in is eternal. His love and grace are eternal. The principles he desires us to live by are eternal. The hope he holds out for all of us is eternal. He does not change with the times and seasons. His words and his purposes stand the test of time and are valid for every generation. [00:31:04] (37 seconds)
Every time the sun rises, we get a new chance to make things right. But somehow, we keep choosing violence rather than peace, oppression rather than freedom, hate, and division rather than love. And this is all because in our hearts, we choose sin rather than obedience. The king of this world rather than the king of heaven. We must say in our hearts, no going back. We must resolve to choose God. To never return to the sins that condemned and destroyed previous generations. To hold fast courageously to the religion of our fathers and the promised hope of eternal life for those who keep the faith. [00:24:34] (62 seconds)
As it was back then, so it continues today. The times are becoming more evil, not less. Don't be amazed by it. Don't be dismayed by it. All this was foretold. Like the wise king stated, don't get stuck on the whys. We already know all the whys. In fact, at the end of the day, we know there's just one why. We are fallen people living in a fallen world. The Christian doesn't ask why. We focus on the what and the who. When confronted with the evils of our time, we don't ask, why is this happening? We ask, what does God want us to do? And who does he want us to be in the face of this? [00:22:49] (60 seconds)
If the old people were weeping for the past, then we can rightly say that was a useless exercise. Live long enough and one of the first pieces of wisdom you should pick up is that it is the very height of folly to invest time and emotion on things that you cannot change. And the past is definitely one of those things. No one has invented a time machine yet. But this life, for better or worse, marches on continuously. There is no pause button. There is no rewind button. You don't get a do over. So don't weep for the old days, because they're not coming back. [00:22:05] (44 seconds)
I want to conclude by saying that God is with us in every circumstance. This church had its share of fuller and more prosperous times, but now like the Israelites of Ezra's day, the times are more evil and we are getting by on God's grace. But that grace is more than enough. There may be moments of weeping, but in every circumstance, there is always rejoicing in our God. [00:31:44] (34 seconds)
The nation of Israel, which had many times in its history been used by God to execute his righteous judgment on other nations, now met with that same judgment at the hands of the Babylonian Empire. God allowed Israel and Judah to be conquered. The once great city of Jerusalem was burned to the ground. The temple ransacked of all its sacred treasures and reduced to rubble. The people scattered and taken captive to foreign lands. But God was with his people. His promise, delivered by the prophet Jeremiah, was that after 70 years in Babylonian captivity, he would bring his people back home. [00:18:59] (51 seconds)
The point is, an idea does not have value or lack value because it's old or because it's new. Change is inevitable. Nowadays, culture and politics are evolving at such a rapid pace, it really is hard to keep up. If we anchor our lives around those things, it's going to be a bumpy ride. The current generation says that Christianity is a set of old ideas that no longer have meaning or relevance in modern times. [00:29:33] (44 seconds)
The second takeaway is, no going back. Same words. But this is not a statement of fact bordering on a cliché like the first takeaway. This is a declared intention, a commitment, a call to action. History has proven time and time again that humanity rarely ever moves forward. Human beings have short memories and self-destructive tendencies. Ask anyone who's had bad relationships but still keep choosing the same kind of people. [00:23:50] (43 seconds)
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