Sermon Central
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Mission Accomplished Series
Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Apr 5, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: Despite much opposition the temple was rebuilt. This sermon looks at the reasons for the ultimate success of the Jews building project.
Text - "This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar".
Why was the temple project successful?
1. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
God said the temple would be built and it was. God’s sovereignty was particularly evident in lives of two kings - Cyrus and Darius.
a) Cyrus the foreordained king - Isaiah 44:28 & 45:1.
b) Darius the formidable king - Ezra 6:11 and Daniel 6:24.
2. GOD’S SERVANTS
Ezra 6:14 "Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo". Just two men among 42,000 but God used them mightily as they preached His word.
3. GOD’S SUPPLY
a) Financial supply - Ezra 6:4+8 "Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house...Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men".
b) Ceremonial supply - Ezra 6:9 "And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail".
E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.
