Text: Jude 1:24, 25

• Definition of Apostates
• Description of Apostates
• Destiny of Apostates

1. Jesus is able to keep us from FALLING down into DOUBT, and builds us up in PRAYER! (Jude 1:20)

“20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”

• The word “keep” is tēréō, which means guard, watch

2. Jesus is able to keep us from FALLING into Bitterness, and lifts us up with the LOVE of God! (Jude 1:21)

“21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

• The word “keep” is tēréō, which means guard, watch
• The word “love” is agápē, which is used for unconditional love of God

3. Jesus is able to keep us from FALLING away from RESCUING sinners from hell’s fire! (Jude 1:23)

“23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

• The word “keep” is tēréō, which means guard, watch
• The word “save” is sṓzō, which means deliver
• The word “snatch” is harpázō, which means by force
• The word “hating” is miséō, which means detesting
• The word “spotted” is spilóō, which means stained, soiled

1 Cor 9:19-23

Introduction: Do you ever witness? Share your faith in Jesus. What a privilege! Witnessing should be way of life for CHRISTians. D.L. Moody has noted there are only 2 kinds of witnesses…… one… GOOD & the other…BAD! People not only LISTEN to what we SAY but also they WATCH what we DO! Paul’s “TALK” (1 Cor 9:19-23), matched his “WALK”( 1 Cor 9:24-27). If we are going to reach the lost in this 21st century with the GOSPEL of the Lord Jesus Christ, then we must master two (2) approaches.

1. One way to “become all things to all men…that we might win some” is by Speaking the language of the CHURCH -GOER! (1Cor 9:19, 20)

“19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law.”

{The word “servant” v. 19, is doulóō, which means slave…to give one’s self wholly to the needs of another; .i.e. us – giving ourselves over to Jesus}

Personal Application:
Have you ever given yourself over wholly to Jesus?

{The word “gain” v 19, is kerdaínō, which means to win, win over}

Personal Application:
Has the Holy Spirit ever used you to win over somebody else?

{Are you willing to give up your rights to be a slave/servant to all -v. 19)

{Are you willing to give up your rights to gain the Jews -under the law? vv. 19, 20)

2. One way to “become all things to all men…that we might win some” is by Speaking the language of the NON-CHURCH -GOER! (1 Cor 9:21, 22)

“21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”

{Are you willing to give up your rights to those without the law – Gentiles- but under the law of Jesus? v.21}

{Are you willing to give up your rights to those who were weak – Jew or Gentile – to seeing them saved by Jesus? v.22}

Introduction: Have you ever wondered how CHRISTians should respond to false teachers? This study in 2 John will give us some guidelines as to how to respond. A Christian lady sent me a text message recently asking about this passage of Scripture. Here is my response.

Let’s break down this passage of Scripture:

(2 John 1:1-12)

• Contextually
• Grammatically
• Historically
• Doctrinally
• Practically

2. Historically: 
The apostle John is writing around 90 A.D. Scholars agree this was written from Ephesus where some believe John Pastored… he also wrote 1, 2, and 3 John.

3. Doctrinally:
John is writing to refute Gnosticism, which was prevalent during his day. Gnostics (false teachers) were those who denied Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, equal with God – God in the flesh (His deity), His resurrection, and His second coming. “Truth, Love, and Fellowship” are the themes.

4. Grammatically:
(2 John 1:7)

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

{The word “deceivers” v. 7, is plános, which means “imposter, corrupter, misleader, leader astray- off the path”}

{The word “confess” v. 7, is homologéō, which means to say the same thing as}

{The word “look” v. 8, is blépō, which means “discern, perceive, watch”}

{The word “lose” v. 8, is apóllymi, which means destroy}

{The word “reward” v. 8, is misthós, which means dues, wages}

{The word “transgresseth” v. 9, is proágō, which means to go before, to lead forward, to lead the way, to go further than what is right}

{The word “abideth” v. 9, is ménō, which means to remain, to stay, to live}

{The Greek word for “doctrine” v. 9, is didache, which means teaching, instruction.}

John is saying measure what a person says – teacher or person – based on what Jesus said in His Word – the Bible.

{The word “receive” v. 10, is lambánō, which means to take with the hand, to carry away, to associate as a companion, to admit.}

{The word “house” v. 10, is oikía, which means dwelling, home, residence}

{The word “God speed” v. 10, is chaírō, which means rejoice, be glad, delighted, greetings, cheer}

{The word “biddeth” v. 11, is légō, which means to say or speak}

{The word “God speed” v. 11, is chaírō, which means rejoice, be glad, delighted, greetings, cheer}

{The word “partaker” v. 11, is koinōnéō, which means sharer, partner}

{The word “evil” v. 11, is ponērós, which means bad, hurtful, wicked}

{The word “deeds” v. 11, is érgon, which means works, business, job}

In other words, do not support false teachers or promoters of false teaching.

5. Practically:

(2) Keys words that John uses in this letter need to be discussed and discerned: “Love & Truth”

According to 1, 2, 3 John, “Love” does not mean embracing lies, false teaching, and deception which are contrary to God’s Word, His doctrine, His teaching- His “Truth.”

In studying 2John, (3) specific directions about LOVE & TRUTH need to be addressed:

1. Do we have real, “LOVE” and “TRUTH”, shown with “OUTWARD FELLOWSHIP”? (2 John 1:1, 6)

“The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth,” v1.

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it,” v6.

Practical application:
Real “Love & truth” will reach “out” to other believers with fellowship.

2. Do we have real, “LOVE” and “TRUTH”, shown with “UPWARD FELLOWSHIP”? (2 John 1:4)

“I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father” 

Practical Application:
Real “love & truth” will reach “up” to God the Father for fellowship.

3. Do we have real, “LOVE” and “TRUTH,” shown with “BACKWARD FELLOWSHIP”? (2John 1:7-11)

What I mean by “BACKWARD FELLOWSHIP” is turning our BACK on those, withdrawing our fellowship.

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought,[1] but that we receive a full reward.”

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”

“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”

“For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

Practical Application:
Real “love & truth” will turn “back” from deceivers (false teachers) of the truth, withdrawing fellowship.

Conclusion:
Based on this exegetical study of 2 John 1:1-12 from a Historical, Contextual, Grammatical, Doctrinal, and Practical perspective, as believers in Jesus Christ based on what He and others taught in the Bible, we are to LOVE the Lord “Upwardly” & Others “Outwardly,” but those who despise the teaching of Scripture and seek for us to join them, we must “refuse” their welcome or support. While we can pray for them, obeying the Lord is more important than being popular or being rejected.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Introduction: Are you a CHRISTian? Is there enough EVIDENCE to convict you of being a CHRISTian? Persecution comes along with the territory. That is one proof you are a child of God! Paul said, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” (2 Tim 3:12).

Have you ever been persecuted? How should we respond to persecution?

Impetuous Peter, the sand man turned into the rock man understood about being persecuted. Carnal Peter failed miserably, and yet the Spirit-filled fisherman who became a devoted disciple stood courageously! Ultimately, he tasted death by being crucified on a cross upside down according to tradition. Jesus had forewarned him, and us too! Writing to those who were being persecuted and suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Peter encourages believers to prepare. Here are three (3) steps to prepare for persecution.

1. As CHRISTians, we can EXPECT PERSECUTION! (1 Pet 4:12)

“12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you”

{The word “strange” is xenízō which means shocked, surprised}

Personal Application: Most of us are shocked and surprised when we experience persecution, even though Peter warns us to be ready.

**Get Ready

2. As CHRISTians, we can be EXERCISED by  PERSECUTION! (1 Pet 4:13, 14)

“13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

{The word “partakers” is koinōnéō, which means partners, fellowship}

{The word “reproached” is oneidízō, which means rail at, chide, heap insults, rebuke – v 14}

{ Peter says, we are “blessed” – happy are you}

Personal Application: When we respond properly, it can be a time of spiritual growth and blessing!

3. As CHRISTians, we can ENDURE PERSECUTION! (1Pet 4:16-19)

“15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

{Peter is saying there is a vast difference in being persecuted for righteousness sake versus being a gossiper or meddler in other peoples business} 

A lot of what goes on today is really not persecution but our own self-inflicted offenses. This judgement Peter is referring to is the JUDGMENT SEAT of CHRIST- for all believers (2 Cor 5:10).

Personal Application: When we are persecuted, we ought to give God glory!

Conclusion: Suffering & persecution is God’s special prescription for His Saints. In this God-ordained process, He grows us, and changes us. Peter reminds us we should EXPECT it, be EXERCISED by it, and ENDURE it.

 And by God’s GRACE, not “if” but “when” we are persecuted we can give Him GLORY!

Psalm 42:1-11

Introduction: Do you ever get down? Have you been a little down lately? Why? The question begs: “WHEN,” not “IF”…..we get down, how do we get back up? The Psalmist speaks on this subject and shares four (4) insights as to “HOW to get back UP, when you get DOWN”!

1. Will we REMEMBER “WHO” it is that Gets us up, When we are down? (Psa 42:1, 2)

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”

Personal Application: Are you thirsty for a deeper relationship with God? The example in the text is that of a deer who is being chased by dogs….while running for his life, his parched tongue dangling out of his mouth and longing for a drink of water. The “hounds of hell” are after God’s children.

{The word “hart” is ayâl, which means stag, or male deer}

{The word “pants” is the word ârag, which means to cry, to long for}

2. Will we REMEMBER “HOW” the Lord gets us up, When we get Down? (Psa 42:3, 4)

“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.”

Personal Application: God honors a “BROKEN” heart, fully dependent upon Him. Others will challenge a believer’s faith in the Lord when he or she is going through a trial. Are we broken before the Lord?

3. Will we REMEMBER “WHY” we get Down? (Psa 42:5 -7)

“5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 6O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.”

{The word “cast down” is shâchach, which means depressed, stoop low, humble self, despair}

{The word “disquieted” is hâmâh, which means “to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar”}

Personal Application: What does it mean to “Hope” in God? (v .5)

{The word “hope” is yâchal, which means wait, expect, tarry}

Will we wait, tarry on the Lord God when we get down?

4. Will we REMEMBER “WHAT to DO” when the Lord gets us up? (Psa 42:8-11)

“8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? “11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Personal Application: Do you REMEMBER the lines to the song…..?

**The God of the “GOOD TIMES,” He’s still God in the “BAD TIMES”!

2 Kings 19:8-37

Introduction: When you are tempted to panic, what do you do? Things looked dim for Hezekiah…..threats from the outside were weighing heavily on the king. It did not look good. In fact, odds were, Judah was history. Israel had met its demise in 722 B.C. and Judah was in the crosshairs. However, the King was decisive and left us three (3) actions to take during uncertain times.

1. GUARD your Heart- do not PANIC because of FEAR! (2 Kings 19:10-13)

“10Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered? 12Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar? 13Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?”

*** Watch out – 

*** Guard from Panic

{The enemy tries to intimidate us to compromise our convictions – 2Kings 18:14-16….The Assyrians put pressure on Hezekiah until he gave in and cut off the gold from the door of the temple. And he gave silver as well}

{Archaeology confirms the tribute….a clay inscription kept in the British museum – Judah paid taxes to the Assyrian King Sennacherib to buy some time} 

{Hezekiah humbled himself before our Lord and sought for a word from the man of God, Isaiah – 2Kings 19:1-7}

2. Take the Situation to the LORD Jesus – tell Him- LEAVE with HIM! (2 Kings 19:14-19)

“And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. 15And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. 16LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. 17Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, 18And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. 19Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.”

{Hezekiah took it to the Lord in prayer in the house of the Lord – vv 1-4}

{God answered-vv 20f}

{What do you (we) need to take to the Lord in prayer?}

3. STAND FIRM and watch God WORK – lay bare His mighty Arm of Power! (2 Kings 19:31-37)

“31For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. 32Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. 33By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. 34For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”

Sennacherib Slain

(2 Chronicles 32:20-23)

“35And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 36So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. 37And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.”

{God “SHOWED UP” & God “SHOWED OUT”}

{One angel killed 185, 000 Assyrians in one night} 

{The king of Assyria was assassinated – v. 37}

Conclusion: Where is your “SECURITY” during “SHAKY” times? Is the enemy trying to intimidate you right now?

*** FIGHT your FEAR!

*** FEED your FAITH!

Guard your heart.

Don’t Panic 

Don’t be Afraid

Take it to the Lord

Tell Him

Leave it there

Step back

Watch God work

Be sure He gets the Glory!

Luke 7:1-16

Introduction: Have you ever felt miserable? What about when you don’t feel good? How about when you get bad news, or feel disappointed by some things you cannot control. How can you get back your encouragement? Where do you turn for help? Where does real strength come from?

Life has its disappointments! But Jesus is there – ready, willing, and able to strengthen your faith when it gets low! The physician, Luke, writes a narrative that unfolded between a brokenhearted mother who lost her son and a compassionate Savior who brought life to the dead. 

1. Life has a way of leading us in a “PROCESSION of MISERY”! (Luke 7:11, 12)

“11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.”

{Praise the Lord for friends during a crisis, but nothing substitutes the comforting words and loving touch from Jesus Christ!}

2. JESUS always leads us in a “PROCESSION of MAJESTY”! (Luke 7:13)

“13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.”

{I love the words to the song…”No one ever cared for me like Jesus”}

{Since Jesus really does care for us as Peter reminds his readers, we can…. “Cast all our care upon Him” (1Pet 5:7)}

Will you do it now?

Why not STOP 🛑? Tell Jesus your hurts and concerns. Is a loved one on your heart? Are you grieving over a wayward child? Do you have health concerns? Does it seem like you are sinking in despair? Is your job stressing you out? Are you frustrated because of the injustice that is taking place? Have you developed a bad attitude? Do you feel resentful toward someone?

3. When MISERY meets MAJESTY there’s “VICTORY”! (Luke 7:14-16)

“14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.”

{When Jesus SHOWS up He SHOWS out!}

{The dark clouds of doubt vanish when the bright light of TRUTH arrives!}

Don’t let Jesus pass you by. When He passes by, reach out your hand of faith. Take a hold of His promises and power.

Conclusion: Right now, you may be carrying a heavy burden. It may be a burden of guilt because of unconfessed sin. It may be a burden of sorrow and pain. It may be a burden of depression and discouragement. Regardless of what your burden is, know this…..Jesus cares for you. He will lighten the load if you let Him. After all, He knows our name and He built our frame.

Will you call upon Him right now? Will you trust Him to carry you through this difficult time? When we do, we discover,

“Misery will meet Majesty” and the result will be “Victory”!

1 Thess 5:16-18

Introduction: Do you believe we are living in ENDTIMES? Here in Thessalonians, Paul gives every believer for “ALL TIMES” some ENDTIME insights. Actually, he was only at this particular Church for 3 weeks; and yet his theme to the Thessalonica CHRISTians was the rapture and the second coming of Jesus.

(1Thess 1:9, 10)
(1Thess 2:19)
(1Thess 3:13)
(1Thess 4:13-18)
(1Thess 5:1-10)

While studying these chapters, we will discover three (3) nuggets of truth that will sustain us for every occasion. Check them out:

1. Be “JOYFUL Everyday”! (1Thess 5:16)

“16Rejoice evermore.”

This verse is tucked in the chapter after Paul discusses the following:

**CHRISTian PREPARATION!
(1Thess 5:1)

**The DEVIL’S DECEPTION!
(1Thess 5:2-7)

**GOD’S GREAT SALVATION!
(1Thess 5:8-10)

{Therefore, we should be AWARE, AWAKE, and ARMED}

Are you watching and waiting for Jesus to come in the rapture for the Church?

2. Be “PRAYERFUL All along the Way”! (1Thess 5:17)

“17Pray without ceasing.”

Pray because we WIN together as a Church (1Thess 5:11-13)

Pray because we WARN the unruly, support the WEAK (1Thess 5:14)

Pray because we WORK to forgive and bless (1Thess 5:15)

Are we praying?

3. Be “THANKFUL Anyway”! (1Thess 5:18)

“18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

When we don’t give THANKS we can QUENCH the Holy Spirit (1Thess 5:19)

When we don’t give THANKS we can despise prophesying, miss that which is good, compromise our convictions, and fail to be sanctified (1Thess 5:20-24)

Conclusion: Undeniably, these are three (3) major “ENDTIME insights for ALL TIMES”! Are you practicing these today?

Isaiah 58:1-12

“12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

Introduction: Did you know that God has a Plan for your life? We are not here by happenstance! No…. God’s plan is to CHANGE the world, and He intends to use us. Imagine. The book of Isaiah is called a mini Bible. Why? Because it has 66 chapters like the Bible contains 66 books. Plus, the whole scroll of Isaiah was discovered in the caves of Qumran across from the Dead Sea; otherwise know as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

It was a privilege to stand in front of the caves just a few years ago. While standing, I thought of the Bedouin boy who threw a rock into one of the openings to the cave and heard a loud cracking noise, only to discover a pottery jar that contained these scrolls. That became one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

In the first part of the book, Isaiah deals with judgment and chastisement which would come to the southern kingdom of Judah. Why? Because of their idolatry and immorality, God judged them. Yet, the last section (40-66) gives HOPE and a promise for Restoration. Jesus would come to be a Savior and Israel would be restored. In this 58th chapter, Isaiah is calling God’s people to turn to Him (vv1-2), to trust in Him (vv3-7), and to triumph in Him (vv 8-12).

The prophet Isaiah describes three (3) steps to take in order to “Change our World.”

1. If we are going to Change our World, we need to REBUILD the old places of DESOLATION into a Brand New RENOVATION! (Isaiah 58:1-12)

” 1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God…. “12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

{The word “repairer” is gâdar, which means to fence up hedge, build up}

{The word “generation” is dôr, which means age or period, habitation}

{The word “breach” is perets, which means a broken wall, gap}

The God of the Bible uses human instruments to CALL His people back to His purpose. And in so doing, He CHANGES hearts, homes, and ultimately the world. Will you offer a heart-cry for our nation? (vv 1, 2)

2. If we are going to Change our World, we need to RAISE up a Brand New GENERATION!

** If we are going to reach the next generation, there must be “PRAYER & FASTING”!
(Isaiah 58:3-6)

“3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 6Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

** FASTING with the right motives releases Holy Spirit power in an incredible way.

** The purpose of prayer & FASTING is not to twist the arm of the ALMIGHTY who is reluctant, but rather
to enable His divine will because of faith trust in His sovereignty.

Jesus said, “When you fast,”(Matt 6:16). He did not say if you fast!

Notice the Right way and the wrong way to FAST (Isa 58:3-6).

I Love this verse……

“To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isa 58:6)

3. If we are going to Change our World, we need to REPAIR the broken down walls of SEPARATION into a Fortified RESTORATION! (Isaiah 58:7-11)

“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. 9Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: 11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

** Isaiah is affirming that the God of Israel and Judah will answer speedily as His people return to Him.

** In the epistle of James, the half brother of Jesus, the same principle is applied. “If we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, (James 4:6-10).

2 Chronicles 26:1-23

Introduction: Have you been BLESSED? Are you ready for the TEST that comes from being BLESSED? Are you BLESSED with good health? Good family? Friends? Job? Church? Good mind….well. Hey don’t forget, we’ve been BLESSED! Our Lord graciously pours out His BLESSINGS; then comes the TESTING. If we take the BLESSINGS of God for granted – like we all do – and don’t appreciate them, trouble lies ahead.

“1Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah. 2He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers. 3Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 4And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did. 5And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.”

***Uzziah was “BLESSED” with “SUCCESS”

(2 Chron 26:6-15)

***Uzziah’s Victories
“6And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. 7And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims. 8And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly. 9Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. 10Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry. 11Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains. 12The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred. 13And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. 14And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones. 15And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.”

***Have we been “BLESSED” with “SUCCESS”?

***Are we giving Jesus our “BEST”?

2. We’ve been too “BLESSED” not to pass the “TEST” from the Lord! (2 Chron 26:16-23)

“16But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.”

***Uzziah took his “BLESSINGS” for granite

“17And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: 18And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.” (2 Chron 26:17, 18)

*** Instead of godly sorrow for his sin, he was bitten with bitterness

“19Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. 20And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. 21And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.”

***Instead of our Lord heaping more “BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS” on Uzziah, he was inflicted with leprosy because of his INGRATITUDE and bad ATTITUDE!

Conclusion: Are we in danger of taking our “BLESSINGS” for granted? Good Health? Family? Jobs? Country? Homes?
Friends? Church? Neighborhood? Schools? Jesus?

***Uzziah was “BLESSED” with “SUCCESS” but he failed the “TEST”!

Have we been “BLESSED”?
“BLESSED with SUCCESS”?
Are we going to pass the TEST?

“BLESSED with SUCCESS”……that is why Jesus Christ deserves our BEST!!