“Dedication” part BC… Solomon, 2Chron 6-7 (Page 311) & Selected Pastor Dave Martin, Cross Creek Community Church, Nov 9, 2014

Background… King David reigned for 40 years, God blessed & united the country King David reigned for 40 years, God blessed & united the country David dies & his son Solomon becomes king over the nation of Israel David dies & his son Solomon becomes king over the nation of Israel

Solomon 1 Kings 4: The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy… 21 Solomon ruled over them… 25 the people lived in safety… 26 Solomon had 4,000 stalls for chariot horses and 12,000 horses… 29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight… No one had greater wisdom… 31 His fame spread… 34 Men came from all nations to listen to Solomon

Proverbs (wisdom) Ecclesiastes (paradoxes of life) Song of Solomon (love, sex, romance, marriage)

I. God appears to Solomon granting Wisdom, Wealth & Honor 2 Chronicles 1: Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. 2 Then Solomon spoke to all Israel… whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God's Tent of Meeting was there, which Moses the Lord's servant had made in the desert... 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the Tent of Meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

I. God appears to Solomon granting Wisdom, Wealth & Honor 7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." … 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"… 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."

II. Solomon builds the first permanent Temple for God According to the Plans God gave to David, 1Chr 28:11-21 According to the Plans God gave to David, 1Chr 28:11-21 Built on Mt Moriah, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Built on Mt Moriah, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Magnificent size, spectacular beauty, integrate details… Magnificent size, spectacular beauty, integrate details…

III. Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication to the Lord, 2Chron Chronicles 6: … he had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high, and had placed it in the center of the outer court. He stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 14 He said: "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth--you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way…

2 Chronicles 6:27 27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel… 2 Chronicles 6: "Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 41 "Now arise, O Lord God, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness. 42 O Lord God, do not reject your anointed one. Remember the great love promised to David your servant."

“Dedication” A special ceremony of commitment to the Lord

IV. God’s Glory Descends and fills the Temple 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, "He is good; his love endures forever."

Shekinah Glory of Almighty God

Personal Application Relationally Know God through His Son’s Forgiveness! Relationally Know God through His Son’s Forgiveness!

Personal Application Keep Channel open through obedience & Prayer! Keep Channel open through obedience & Prayer!

Personal Application Impacting precious lives for Eternity! Impacting precious lives for Eternity!

Psalms 103: But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

Next Week: “HIS story – OUR story” God’s Prophets Join us Wednesday’s at 6:30, “Digging Deeper” Bible study!