When we become complacent in our walk with God we all need, repeatedly, for God's Spirit to blow fresh upon us in spiritual renewal. 1. Renewal with God is possible, no matter how spiritually low you've gone. 2. Renewal with God must focus on His cross. In Ezra 3, the first thing they did was to rebuild the altar. Why did they begin with the altar? Because our fundamental need, if we want to draw near to God, is forgiveness of our sins. If you are a believer who has strayed from the Lord, the cross is still the place for a new beginning. 3. Renewal with God must focus on obedience to His Word. They knew to set up the altar because is was written in the law of Moses. (Ezra 3:2) The standard we need to evaluate everything is to ask the question, "Does it line up with Scripture and properly glorify God as He is revealed in His Word? Does it promote holiness in God's people, in line with His Word?" If you want a renewal with God, it is available. Begin at the cross and then walk in obedience to His Word. 4. Renewal with God must focus on building up His House A. Building up God's house requires the courage to stand together against this hostile world. Some have focused on building a strong and well-armed militia, but these men knew that help from man is in vain if the Lord is not in His rightful place. B. Building up God's house requires giving our time, talent, and treasures. Your willingness to give, and the proportion that you give, are perhaps the best indicators that Jesus is Lord of your heart. C. Building up God's house requires working in unity under godly leadership. Unity was essential because of the enemy that would shortly threaten and shut down the work. When the enemy wants to stop such a work, often he disrupts the unity. D. Building up God's house requires an emphasis on corporate worship. Both personal and corporate worship focus on God and affirm by faith His goodness and covenant love. E. Building up God's house requires a spirit of cooperation between the different generations within the church. We need all ages in God's church, and we should learn from one another. Renewal with God is always possible and must focus on the cross, on obedience to His Word, and on building up His house.