After the respite, the Christians again came under persecution, this time from Marcus Aurelius, in A.D. 61. One of those who suffered this time was Polycarp, the venerable bishop pf Smyrna... As he entered the stadium with his guards, a voice from heaven was heard to say, 'Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.' No one nearby saw anyone speaking but many people heard the voice. Brought before the tribunal and the crowd, Polycarp refused to deny Christ, although the proconsul begged him to 'consider yourself and have pity on your great age. Reproach Christ and I will release you.' Polycarp replied, 'Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never once wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?' Threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp stood his ground.
John Foxe

The Glory Of The New Temple Ha

The Glory Of The New Temple Ha

HAGGAI 2:1-9
THE GLORY OF THE NEW TEMPLE
INTRODUCTION:

  1. The book was written in the fall of 520 B.C.
  2. Purpose of the book was to encourage rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem
  3. Haggai preached that the people should begin work in the year 520 B.C. (finished four years later, 516 B.C.)
  4. The people were suffering lack as a result of not putting God’s house FIRST.
  5. PRELIMINARY NOTES (vv. 1-2)
  6. Given one month later than cpt. 1
  7. Given to restore courage
    1. Zerubbabel (governor)
    2. Joshua (high priest)
    3. To the “residue” of the people

II. ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL (vv. 3-5)

  1. Little is much (v. 3)
    1. Comparison with former temple
    2. “In YOUR eyes…as nothing”
  2. God is helper (vv. 4-5)
    1. Courage giver — “Be strong…and WORK”
    2. Covenant reaffirmed — “My spirit remaineth among you”
    3. Fear rebuked — “fear ye not”

III. HEAVEN & EARTH TREMBLE IN AWE (vv. 6-7) “shake heaven & earth”

  1. Riches in God’s hands (v. 8)
    1. Silver & Gold “are mine”
    2. Assumes use in God’s house
  2. Appearance of Christ (v. 7)
    1. “Yet once, it is a little while” (v. 6)
    2. “The desire of nations shall come” (v. 7)
  3. Glory greater than first (vv. 7 & 9)
    1. Christ there to bring salvation
    2. God’s Spirit there to bring “peace” (v. 9)
    3. God’s Spirit there to bring “peace” (v. 9)

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