Again we search the sacred page seeking for Biblical Truth concerning that Mysterious time in the life of the Church known as REVIVAL. One can find books without number and the opinions of people as to the What, When, Where, How and Why of Revival.

Many a message has been preached on the subject. Some would offer us a Recipe for Revival. What we need is an understanding of what Revival IS and Where Revival Comes from. Notice our text;

As we looked before we sought to make the Impress upon our hearts that we need Revival and we need it NOW! Even with the agreement of all present that truly we need revival now, the dilemma still remains which is the subject of our second study from this chapter.

Prov 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

1. THE PROBLEM OF SIN

Israel had a great and grievous problem. Sin had entered into the camp. Revolt and Rebellion had long been the direction Israel had taken. She was sick from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot. No Soundness was to be found in her.

Whether we want to believe it or not, SIN is the root behind all problems!

Isa 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

2. THE POWER OF SIN

Sin is a powerful force to be reckoned with in the natural constitution of mankind. Its presence is overwhelming. Hear what Paul said of sin ..

Rom 7:18-20 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

A. Sin Conquers The Will Of Individuals

B. Sin Corrupts The Walk Of Individuals

C. Sin Confuses The Way For Individuals

3. THE PRODUCT OF SIN

A. The Abandonment Sin Brings

[1] Abandon All Righteousness

Isa 66:3 Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

[2] Abandon All Reasoning

It is impossible to deal with one who has fallen into sin on the basis of human reasoning. It is as if Sin makes people loose their mind!

[3] Abandon All Responsibility

[a] SIN will cause Man to Abandon His Faith

[b] SIN will cause Man to Abandon His Family

[c] SIN will cause Man to Abandon His Fellowship

[d] SIN will cause Man to Abandon His Future

B. The Associations Sin Brings

[1] Associate You With The Carnal

[2] Associate You With The Corrupt

[3] Associate You With The Condemned

C. The Aggravation Sin Brings

D. The Accusations Sin Brings

[1] Intense Frustrations

[2] Insulted Feelings

[3] Implicating Fingers

 

 

Israel had been hearing the voices of Religion. The prophets of Baal and the Groves were given the backing of Political Power. Man-made religion was on the scene. Its voice was being sent out to the far reaches of the country and was evidently being well received! Why? Its physical and fleshly nature had great appeal. Men always are drawn to that which promotes the flesh!

No doubt, truth had fallen in the streets. No authoritative message was being given among them. It was not allowed. Sin abounded, and Israel was a reproach before Jehovah. What they desperately need is a Word From Heaven, a Voice Form God and For God if there is to be hope of Recovery. No Revival ever came but that first there was a Powerful Word Proclaimed.

1. THE CONFRONTATION

A. A Man Of Great Boldness

[1] The Confidence Of God’s Man 17:1

[2] The Comfort For God’s Man 17:2 …

[3] The Courage From God’s Man 18:1; 17

B. A Message Of Great Burden 18:17-18

"Troubleth" akar to disturb; as to stir water violently; churning

C. A Manifestation Of Great Boundaries v.18

2. THE CONDEMNATION

A. Condemns A Perverse Throne vs.17-18

It is true that no powers are, except they be ordained of God. But it is the responsibility of those powers to rule in accordance with the truth of God, and they will be held accountable for how they ruled.

Prov 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

[1] Ahab’s Walk 16:30-31 no examples

[2] Ahab’s Wife 16:31b

[3] Ahab’s Worship 16:31c-32

[4] Ahab’s wickedness 16:33

B. Condemns A Powerless Religion vs.19

A Religion Without Power….

[1] Has A Corrupt Foundation

[2] Always Contradicts True Faith

[3] Is Characterized As Fleshly Baal Groves (Asherah)

These were the Phoenician deities that represented the sensuality of man.

[a] Worship Of Symbols

[b] Maintained By Secrecy

[c] Sensual rather than Spiritual (Temple prostitution)

[d] Sacrifices Were Abomination To God

Jer 19:5 They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind:

[4] Will Conclude In Failure

[a] No Reality vs.26-27

[b] No Response vs.28

[c] No Results vs.29

C. Condemns A Perverse People vs.21

[1] A Time For Questioning "How long halt ye"

[2] A Time For Qualifying "If the LORD be God"

 

 

Our text speaks of the Burnt Offering. It was a freewill offering that represented Israels reverence for Jehovah.

1. THE PROPOSAL OF THE PROPHET v.23-24

A. A Test Of Religion

Real Faith that is God given has no need to fear examination.

B. A Telling Restraint "put NO fire under it"

C. A True Revelation

[1] Restrict The Sensational

[2] Require The Supernatural

D. A Trusting Response "it is well spoken"

2. THE PREPARATION OF THE PROPHET v.29-35

A. Repaired The Altar Of the LORD v.30-32

B. Remembered The Word Of The LORD v.33-36a

C. Reverenced The Person Of The LORD v.36

3. THE PLEA OF THE PROPHET v.36-37

A. The Simplicity Of His Prayer 2 verses of only 63 words

B. The Spirit Of His Prayer v.36 "LORD God of"

C. The Surety Of His Prayer "Thou art"

D. The Surrender Of His Prayer

[1] The Association Of The Prophet

[2] The Authority Of The Prophet

E. The Scope Of His Prayer v.37

1. THE PRESENCE OF THE FIRE

2. THE PROCESS OF THE FIRE

3. THE PROOF OF THE FIRE

1. SEEN IN THEIR CONSECRATION

2. SEEN IN THEIR CONFESSION

3. SEEN IN THEIR COMPLIANCE