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February 2009 Text:
Joel 2 “WHO
KNOWS IF HE WILL TURN AND RELENT?”
(I) GREAT CRISES IN LIFE
1.
They can come
2.
They will come
3.
Types of Crises mentioned (2 Chronicles 6:28)
a)
Famine b) Pestilence c)
Blight/Mildew d)
Locusts/Grasshoppers
(II)
RESPONDING TO THE GREAT CRISES OF LIFE
1.
With knowledge of God’s word and will 2.
In deep faith 3.
In humble prayer
(III)
THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER
1.
Well taught in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14) a)
A haughty spirit disdained (Pharisee) b)
A humble spirit honoured (Publican)
2.
Well exemplified in the Scriptures
a)
The spirit of Caleb (Joshua 14:6-12) “…It
may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as
the LORD said.” Joshua 14:12 i)
Nothing is taken for granted ii)
Not even past experiences iii)
Not even strong faith
b)
The spirit of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:4)
“It
may be that the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh…and
will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your
prayer for the remnant that is left.” 2 Kings 19:4 i)
Prayer is enjoined ii)
Praying to be done in hope
c)
The repentance of the Ninevites (Jonah 3)
“Let
neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: do not let them eat or
drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily
to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is
in his hands.
Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from
His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?” Jonah 3:7-9 i)
Admonition to turn away from evil ways ii)
Seeking God in contrition
(IV)
THE CONCEPT OF “GOD RELENTING”
“…speak…
do not diminish a word.
Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil
way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them
because of the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah 26:2-3 1.
It is taught by the Lord Himself a)
God first declares a legal position (of judgment) b)
He then sends His servants (the prophets) to give words of warning
2.
Basis of God relenting
a)
Listening to God’s word b)
Turning away from evil ways c)
Seeking God in prayer (Joel 2:14)
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