Adjustment to Hard Situations

I: “Behold I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.” 1. To stay meant death by sword, famine or pestilence. 2. To go meant life as a captive. II: Jeremiahs stand was not popular. 1. He made it clear that the one who marches when the bugal blew is not always the true patriot. 2. The true citizen is one who does what he thinks is best for his beloved country. 3. This kind of courage is not always popular. 4. The future showed that the nation would have been wise to have listened to Jeremiah. III: Jedikiah respected his preacher. Chpt. 37:3 1. He was not sure of his own ability to reach the ear of God. 2. He wanted Jeremiah to use his influence to get God to remove the Chaldeans. 3. Jedekiah and the people did not want to seek Gods will,...

A Soft Answer

Prov. 15:1, Sam. 1 25:1-37 The careless old hen accidentally stepped on a ducks foot; it didn’t hurt the duck, but the duck got peeved and said “I’ll pay you for that.” His wings struck an old goose that was standing by. The old goose became angry thinking it was done on purpose, said to the duck, “I’ll pay you for that.” The cat, ram, dog, cow, and horse were soon involved. Contention can most often be avoided by proper use of the tongue. Only when great principles and convictions are at stake should we contend. Paul urged us to contend for the faith. I: Contentious words: 1. The wasp may buzz around your head but the danger is increased when you try to swat him. 2. Often an ill spoken word is like hitting a hornets...

“A Reed Shaken with the Wind.”

Matthew 11:2-10 I: John was not shaken by divers winds. 1. He didn’t bow before the religious potentates. 2. He didn’t water down his message. 3. He was unmoved by the treats of an adulteress woman. II: God’s people are called upon for a stedfastness. Cor. 1 15:58 1. Caleb before doubting Israel. 2. Joshua: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” 3. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego. 4. Daniel: “My God has sent his angels and has shut the lions’ mouths.” 5. Peter in prison. 6. Stephen died praying. 7. Paul and Silas sang in jail. III: Stedfastness brings Christian growth. 1. In our testimony before the world. 2. In our home among our friends. 3. In our prayer...

A Man of Prayer and Purpose

I: He purposed in his heart. 1. Not to defile himself. 2. Prayed for wisdom. 3. Refused to worship strange Gods. 4. Unmoved by wealth or power. 5. The only fault his enemies found was that he found time for prayer. II: He was a man of prayer. 1. He prayed in his house. 2. He prayed in secret. 3. He knealed in prayer 3 times a day. 4. He prayed with his household. 5. He opened his windows toward Jeresulam. III: He found help in time of need. 1. He faced the issue unmoved. 2. He left the issue with God. 3. He won a king and pointed a kingdom to God.

A King Prepares for a Revival

Chronicles 2 29:1-8, 29:20, 29:25-29, and 29:31-36 I: The 1st thing he did was to open the doors of God’s house. 1. The doors were locked and in need of repair. 2. The lamps were out and needed to be lit 3. Incense was not burnt and there was a musty smell. 4. The priest and Levites were moved away and many had turned to farming. 5. All these Hezekiah determined to set in their proper place. II: Hezekiah prepares for a Revival. 1. The groves were cut down and idols in public places were destroyed. 2. The Priest and Levites were called to clean the House of God (16 days). 3. Those who ruled over the people were called to get right with God first. 29:20 4. The musicians and singers were sanctified and set in their place. 29:25-29 5. The congregation came to...