A Nation of Promise - The Return to Jerusalem

 

Outline of Service 30th July 2023

A Nation of Promise – The Return to Jerusalem

… they had understood the words that were declared unto them … Neh. 8:12.

Songs of Praise – led by the Terrigal Singers

Hymn 106:  Praise God Together       

The Lord’s Prayer  (Luke 11:2-4)                  

Psalm 105:1-8:   God’s Greatness

 

Bible Readings:  –

God’s Preparations:  Jeremiah 29:10-14; Isaiah 44:28; Ezra 1:1-11

Ezra Goes with the King’s Blessing:  Ezra 7:1, 6-13, 27-8; 8:21-23

God’s Word Proclaimed in Jerusalem:  Nehemiah 8:1-12

Jesus Sends Out His Disciples:  Matthew 10:1-6

Jerusalem From Above:  Revelation 21:1-5

Summary of Readings

·                     Although God allowed His Nation of Promise to be taken into captivity, He had accurately foretold that they would return after a period of 70 years

·                     Ezra and Nehemiah were actively involved in seeking these promises

·                     A large number of the Jews did return to Jerusalem at that time

·                     However, the Bible still contains many promises that relate to an ingathering of a remnant of the descendants of the whole 12 Tribes, which are yet to be fulfilled

·                     Scripture tells that these promises relate to the Latter Days, or the Day of the Lord, which will align with the return of Jesus Christ to reign on this earth

·                     Those seeking God in their hearts will have a desire to want to be obedient to His Commandments, and at Jesus’ return will enter the Promised Land – being the redemption of spirit and soul and body.

 

Hymn 88:  Clothed with God’s Strength     

 

Message           

 

Hymn 72:  Personal Response to the Promises 

Doxology

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29:13).

A Nation of Promise - The Promises Rejected

A Nation of Promise – The Promises Rejected

This is the Lord’s doing;..we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:23-24

Hymn 20:  Safety in Obeying God      

The Lord’s Prayer  (Luke 11:2-4)                  

Psalm 118:14-24:   I will praise the Lord

 

Bible Readings:  –

Moses Calls-out Bad Behaviour:  Deut. 32:15-29

Continuing Rejection of God:  Jeremiah 44:1-10

Jesus’ Parable of Rejection:  Matt 21:33-46

God’s Everlasting Love: Romans 10:1-3, 13-21

Summary of Readings

·                     God chose Israel to be His peculiar treasure to Himself, to be a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation, and to receive His Promised Blessings (Exodus 19:5-6)

·                     However, even whilst journeying to the Promised Land, the people rebelled against the Lord – Deuteronomy 32:15-19

·                     There was a period in which the Nation experienced the Blessings promised by God under the reign of Kings Saul, David and Solomon, but subsequent to that most kings rejected God’s instructions, despite the continuing Promises

·                     The Nation was divided into 2 Kingdoms, and one, Israel, had no Godly King and was sent into dispersion, whilst the other, Judah, had a few Godly kings, but overall grew further away from God and was taken into captivity - Jeremiah 44:1-10

·                     Jesus told a parable about Israel’s rejection of God’s ways and how they did not honour His Son – Matthew 21:33-46

·                     Nevertheless, God still continues, to hold out His Hand to deliver His People from the power of their enemy, Satan; He will bring them to dwell in The Land – their physical bodies – when Jesus Christ returns to reign over this World.

 

Hymn 122 (Tune 123):  Overcoming the Enemy Within         

 

Message           

 

Hymn 83:  Truth Will Triumph   

Doxology

The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.  I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.   (Psalm 118:15-16).