Nehemiah 2:7
The sermon explores the restoration of Jerusalem, the purpose of the 70 sevens, and the age of grace, highlighting the significance of the crucifixion of Christ and the gathering of the Bride.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's response to the dire state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's sorrow led him to prayer, prompting the king to grant him permission to restore and rebuild the city, which aligns with God's prophetic timeline. The sermon explores the prophetic 'seventy sevens' from Daniel, culminating in the coming of the Messiah and the implications of the age of grace, where God's plan continues to unfold through the church. Smith highlights that God's timeline was paused at the crucifixion, allowing for the gathering of the church before the final events unfold.
Text
Intro: "And the King granted me according to the good hand of my God upon me." The
recognition of God in all things.
I. THE COMMANDMENT TO RESTORE AND TO REBUILD.
A. Nehemiah received word of deplorable condition of city, demoralized condition of
people.
B. The news filled heart with sorrow but led him to prayer.
1. The King observed sorrow.
2. "And the king granted."
C. 90 years earlier 538 Angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel. Dan. 9:21.
II. SEVENTY SEVENS.
A. "To make an end of sins, to make atonement for iniquity. . . to bring in
everlasting righteousness, and to anoint the most Holy."
B. The divisions of the sevens 7, 62, 1.
C. From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the
Messiah the Prince.
1. 7 sevens 49 yrs. & 62 sevens 434 yrs or 483 years.
D. Commandment went forth to Nehemiah in 445 B.C Add the 483 yrs:
1. Brings you to time of Christ.
2. Triumphant entry.
E. "The Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself."
F. The people of the (prince. another prince Romans shall come & destroy the city &
the. . .
Ill. THE AGE OF GRACE.
A. Not revealed to Daniel or O.T. prophets Eph. 3:5 which in other ages was not made
known to the sons of men.
B. So Daniel went right on to 70th seven vs 27.
C. God's time clock has been stopped, if was stopped at the crucifixion of His Son.
1. Stopped for this church age.
That Holy Spirit might gather out of Gentile nations a Bride.
2. When Bride gathered then will clock start again.
Anti Christ will be revealed.
Sermon Outline
- The Commandment to Restore and to Rebuild points: - Nehemiah received word of the deplorable condition of the city and the demoralized condition of the people. - Nehemiah's heart was filled with sorrow, leading him to prayer. - The King observed Nehemiah's sorrow and granted his request.
- Seventy Sevens points: - 'The purpose of the sevens: to make an end of sins, to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness.' - 'The divisions of the sevens: 7, 62, and 1.' - The commandment went forth to Nehemiah in 445 B.C, leading to the time of Christ.
- The Age of Grace points: - The age of grace was not revealed to Daniel or Old Testament prophets. - Daniel went on to the 70th seven, but God's time clock was stopped at the crucifixion of His Son. - The Holy Spirit gathered the Bride from Gentile nations, and the clock will start again when the Bride is complete.
Key Quotes
“And the King granted me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” — Chuck Smith
“The Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself.” — Chuck Smith
“The Holy Spirit might gather out of Gentile nations a Bride.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should pray for the restoration of our communities and cities, just like Nehemiah did.
- The age of grace is a time of gathering the Bride from Gentile nations, and we should be part of this process.
- The crucifixion of Christ was a pivotal moment in history, and we should remember its significance in our lives.