19 Providence, Pagans and the Worship of God (Ezra 1)

19 Providence, Pagans and the Worship of God (Ezra 1)

Sermon Outline

 

  1. Providence
    1. Introductory Questions
    2. Providence defined (WCF 5.1, Belgic 13)
  2. Cyrus’ Decree
    1. Background (2Chr 36:17-21, 2Kin 24:14, 25:1-21, Ezra 1:1)
    2. Who was Cyrus?
      1. Historical Information
      2. Cyrus was prophesied about in the Scriptures (Isa 44:24, 28, 45:1-13)
      3. Jeremiah’s prophecies (Jer 16:14-15, 25:11, 30:3, 32:42-44)
    3. The Prophesy fulfilled
      1. People return to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:64-67, 1:7)
      2. People rebuild the Altar and restart the worship of God (Ezra 3:1-5)
        1. Worship is at the forefront of these returning exiles.
        2. Worship doesn’t require a building, but a willing heart and an obedient life.
      3. People rebuild the foundations of the temple (Ezra 3:8-11)
  3. Opposition Arises (Ezra 4:2-6, 2Ki 17:26-34)
  4. Ephesians 1:22
    1. All things are governed in all of creation so the Church might blossom
    2. God still allows obstacles and difficulties to come upon his people, in order that they might strive in prayer, learn obedience in suffering, be tested in adversity and hold onto the hope of Glory (Rom 5:3-4, HC 28)

 

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