Being over 4,000 years old, the city of Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world still in existence today. This city has an amazing history which encompasses the entirety of the Bible. This sermon is to show the historic aspects of this great city. In this message we’ll explore many events such as when the city is first mentioned in the Bible, the city during the time of David and Solomon, what happened to the city during the divided kingdom, the rule of King Hezekiah and his impact on this city, Jerusalem during the time of Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Maccabees, the city during the life of Jesus Christ and the rule of Herod the Great, Jerusalem under the reign of the Roman General Titus up to the revolt led by Simon Bar Kokhba, and lastly the more recent history of the city of Jerusalem. We’ll also explore the Balfour Declaration and the potential importance of President Trump's announcement to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel. Lastly, we’ll examine the role this city will play in prophecy, the importance this city has to Christ, and why He will rule from the city of Jerusalem when he returns.

Steven Shafer

Elder, United Church of God

Steve Shafer was born and raised in Seattle. He graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1959 and later graduated from Ambassador College, Big Sandy, Texas in 1967, receiving a degree in Theology. He has been an ordained Elder of the Church of God for 34 years and has pastored congregations in Michigan and Washington State. He and his wife Evelyn have been married for over 48 years and have three children and ten grandchildren.