05/04/2020 08:59
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Date: 2 April, 2020
Text: Jeremiah 9
Title: When God Says, "Enough!"
Introduction:
ill. Parenting has some familiar phrases - if you didn't hear them in your home, you heard them in the shops.
1. I'm going to count to five and if you don't stop....1....2....
2. Children are to be seen and not heard.
3. Mind your p's and q's. (mind your manners - be on your best behaviour)
4. If you keep making that face, it will freeze that way.
5. OK, If you want to act like a child, I'll treat you like one.
6. Someday you'll thank me...
ill. Another phrase I think of
- ...is a one word phrase
- ...it is reserved for times where chaos has happened which has been uncontrollable
- ...The word means - end the chaos and end it immediately.
note: If it was written out it would be in all capps with an exclamation point on the end.
exp. That one word is....
"ENOUGH!"
exp. When an authority has to pull that out of the bag, those under that authority had better listen or severe consequences will follow.
My message this morning is, "When God says, ENOUGH!"
Jeremiah 18:7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
exp. God said, "Enough!" to the nation of Judah.
- THEY WERE TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY
- TURN FROM THEIR EVIL WAY
- MAKE THEIR DOINGS GOOD.
God has said, "Enough!" to the United Kingdom, The United States and the world.
Do you believe that?
If it isn't obvious to you at the beginning of this message, it should be by the end.
To prove this - we'll take our Bibles this morning and look at Jeremiah 8-9.
We'll see the conditions, consequences and considerations of when God says enough.
I. The condition's when God says, "Enough!"
exp. Undoubtably God said, "Enough!" to the nation of Judah.
Jeremiah 44:13 I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:
ill. Judah had become the "people of God in name only."
exp. Much like the fact that Scotland and the United Kingdom are Christian nations in name only. Why? Because our condition is as unlike the people of God as the nation of Judah in the days of Jeremiah.
A. A pagan nation.
Jer. 8:1 At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:
2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.
exp. Rather than worshipping God - they worshipped God's creation. (Paganism or heathenism.)
- this is wikka, rikki healing, tarrot cards, wigi boards, witchcraft and wizzardry
ill. Harry Potter was written by J. K. Rowlings in Edinburgh.
ill. Some closures due to coronavirus are good - one is that a large pagan festival has been cancelled - it is billed as being family friendly but containing nudity. It is the largest festival of it's kind.
- It isn't held in some remote location.
- It is held in the heart of the capital city on Calton Hill.
app. God has said enough to a nation that has turned her back on Him and worshipped His creation instead of the Creator.
B. A rebellious nation. (resolute backsliders)
Jer. 8:4 Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?
5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.
exp. They didn't stumble into sin and repent. They ran headlong into sin like a horse's battle lust. Nobody repented.
ill. Our family read the story of Cain and Able this past week.
- Cain murdered his brother Able.
- When God confronted him - He lied and questioned why God would ask him.
- When God punished him - he complained of the punishment but did not repent of his sin.
quest. Is there remorse in our villages because of rebellion against God?
ill. gov. uk. "The number of cohabiting couple families continues to grow faster than married couple and lone parent families, with an increase of 25.8% over the decade 2008 to 2018."
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (GOD WILL SAY, ENOUGH!)
ill. "The number of same-sex couple families has grown by more than 50% since 2015, with more than four times as many same-sex married couple families in 2018 compared with 2015.
exp. Our world acts as if God never judged Sodom and Gomorrah.
app. Scotland refuses to repent of sin. It's not just sexual sin - drunkeness, profanity, abuse, Godlessness.
C. An ignorant nation.
1. Willfully Ignorant God's judgment.
Jer. 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
ill. Migration is a natural instinct of God's creation. They know when to come and go.
exp. But, mankind is so without spiritual instinct that they know not God's judgment.
app. Has our Prime Minister Boris Johnson or our first Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, called for a day of prayer because of the outpoured wrath of God on our nation and the world? Much of our world would laugh at the idea that this is the judgment of God.
2. Willfully ignorant of God's Word.
Jer. 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
exp. Israel had God's Word and God's messengers, but it was in vain they possessed God's Word.
ill. The queen is the head of the church of England. Britain boasts of her Christianity. Most Scots have a Bible - they could easily acquire a Bible - but IT IS IN VAIN.
Ill. MSP Colin Beatie - met him when the vote was about to take place on homosexuality. I asked him, "You do know what the Bible says about homosexuality?" He said he did not.
app. Our generation is willfully ignorant of the truth of God's Word.
3. Willfully ignorant of God's wisdom.
Jer. 8:9 The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?
exp. They not only profess not to know God's Word - THEY SUBSTITUTE THEIR LAW FOR GOD'S LAW.
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
exp. "Woe!" is God's Word ENOUGH! IT MEANS a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief. 2 : ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction economic woes.
app. It is fitting that the term pride covers much of their actions because their heart is lifted up against God and the profess IGNORANCE OF HIS JUDGMENT, WORD AND WISDOM.
D. A covetous nation.
Jer. 8:10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
exp. All men from least to greatest, even those who claimed to speak for God - only cared about what the lusted after - whether financial gain, position or prestige in the eyes of men.
note: It's a sad day when even professed men of God - CARE NOT FOR GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S WORK but only their own sordid gain.
1. Church of England worth - 7.8 billion
2. Vatican - 15 Billion
ill. Jesus said, "Enough!" to the money changers in the temple.
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
app. God will say enough to a nation who's heart is bent on lust for things instead of love of God.
E. A deceived nation.
Jer. 8:11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
exp. Their bandage against God's wrath was to say it was not coming. Lying prophets declared that the Babylonian captivity would not come. GOD SAID IT WOULD COME. They took away the fear by denying the truth of God's wrath.
ill. The church and government are lying to people.
1. They say that God doesn't care about sexual purity.
2. They say God doesn't care about life in the womb.
3. They say don't worry - there is no God or God is who you want him to be.
app. A deceived nation is a nation to whom God says, "Enough!"
F. A shameless nation.
Jer. 8:12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
exp. When man sinned against God - mankind lost their innocence - they now had a God given conscience written in their hearts. If they violated God's law - THEY KNEW TO HIDE IN SHAME.
Ill. Garden of Eden - that conscience was sensitive.
Gen. 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
app. Our world is naked physically and unashamed of her physical nakedness and our nation is naked spiritually and unashamed.
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
exp. The conscience of our nation has been cauterized and calloused. God says, "Enough!" to a shameless nation.
G. A lost nation.
Jer. 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
exp. If the harvest is ready, you got to get it in before the harvest season is over. Where I'm from, you could have heavy snowfall from the end of October. You don't want to miss getting in the harvest or THE HARVEST is LOST.
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
exp. If you are lost today - Jesus wants to save you. But, there comes a point in time where that opportunity is NO LONGER AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
app. Some of you have heard the Gospel many times. You know you need to get saved, but you keep putting it off. Certainly this nation has had more opportunites than most others to be saved - but they have refused! God says, "Enough!" to a lost nation who refuses to be saved.
H. A lustful lying nation.
Jer.8:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.
5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.
exp. If these verses don't describe modern day Britain what does? Those who refuse to acknowledge this condition participate in it.
ill. Gay Pride parades which are led by our first minister. Rainbows crossings painted at our schools, wicked sexual sin and sex education being taught to our children.
NOW GOD SAYS, "ENOUGH!"
II. The consequences when God says, "Enough!"
exp. There is hope for God's mercy in time of judgment (Ninevah)
question: But, if God said enough and it was not heeded - WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
A. God will come in judgment.
9 Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
ill. the ultimate time when God says enough will be at the Great Tribulation.
1. He will remove his own.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
2. He will destroy this world.
2 Thesallonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
app. This world ought to be looking up for the coming of God in wrath against her.
B. Livelihoods are destroyed.
10 For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.
exp. Much of their livelihood was agricultural. But, their livestock were destroyed and the game which was their food on their table was taken.
quest. Are you aware that we are seeing that very thing take place before our eyes?
1. Jobs are uncertain. business are failing, even big airlines are worried.
2. Food is uncertain. supply chains are in jeopardy.
app. Are you aware this moring that the same consequences are taking place in all the world today because God has said, "Enough!"
C. Cities are desolate.
11 And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.
exp. Praise God - right now our cities are not desolate because of death and destruction. But, how interesting it is that we have the biggest cities in our world lying empty, stadiums are empty, theatre's are empty, festivals are cancelled.... because God has made them desolate.
ill. The olympics will not take place this year. The Tatoo festival will not take place this year. The Fringe will not take place this year.
app. Our world had better wake up we are seeing the consequences of when God says, "Enough!"
D. God's people declare it.
12 Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?
exp. Praise God, He hasn't left Himself without a witness. When God is at work, He has men declaring His Work.
ill. Do you know the pub's are closed, gyms are close, malls are closed, shops are closed BUT THE CHURCH IS NOT CLOSED!
ill. They sought to silence Paul in prison - but God's Word continued...
2Ti 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
app. I preach this messag today as a testimony that even this preaching is a consequence of when God says, "Enough!"
QUESTION: WHAT IS MY MESSAGE TODAY? AND OUR MESSAGE TO DECLARE?
1. This is God's judgment because we rejected God's law.
13 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;
exp. There are people who do not want God, they want Santa Claus. A jolly person who you can treat like dirt but who smiles and gives out presents.
- God gave us his law and men forsook it.
- Men refuse to obey God and walk in His law.
app. That is why we are facing judgment today.
2. This is God's judgment against humanism and idolatry.
14 But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:
exp. Paganism and Humanism corrupted their heart. They thought it was fine BUT GOD SAID IT WAS EVIL. Their generation (fathers) said it was ok - BUT IT ANGERED GOD.
App. We don't have a FUN message to preach today - unless people rightly respond to the messsage the turn back to God. THIS PREACHING TESTIFIES THAT THIS IS FROM GOD.
E. It is bitter.
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
exp. When Jesus tasted the wrath of God for us on the cross, it was a bitter cup which He drank.
Joh 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
exp. Jesus drank the cross - cursing, hitting, abuse, filth of sin, death - It was God's wrath!
app. Covid 19 is horrible. It is a bitter cup, because it is the wrath of God against a world that has refused to listen to His command, "Enough!"
F. There is death.
21 For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.
exp. Our palaces have been visited by this, praise God not with death. Prince Charles, Boris Johson - nobody is immune to this contagion - it can enter our residence easily - it can touch anybody.
ill. When God said, "Enough!" to Egypt - every household had death in it. Death angel....
exp. We are rightly reminded that death is a result of man's rebellion against God.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
app. Men would be fool hearty indeed not to recognize the hand of God when death is involved.
Psalm 68:20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.
question: Is it obvious to you today that we are seeing the consequences of God saying, "Enough!"
III. The considerations when God says, "Enough!"
exp. A wise man would stop and think wisely about what is taking place.
ill. If your boat is sinking - you put on a life jacket. If your house is on fire you evacuate. etc.
app. What should be our thinking as we recognize that God has said, "Enough!"
A. Consider what is temporal.
exp. If it is temporal it ought to be discarded.
ill. If your boat is sinking, you don't fill your pockets with gold coins. If your house is on fire, you don't try to drag out the safe.
exp. There are things that you willingly discard because they are temporal.
1. Human wisdom.
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
ill. David Attenbourgh is a brilliant man, but his wisdom is earthly wisdom. I enjoy listening to his narration of series like - the hunt and planet earth. But, I despise his earthly wisdom that rejects that this planet is God's creation.
app. It's time to discard books like, "The God delusion." It's time to stop listening to scientist who are obviously biased to their theory of evolution and caustic to God's creation and true science. DON'T TRUST IN YOUR WISDOM.
2. Human might.
neither let the mighty man glory in his might,
ill. I read an article about Coner McGregor - saying - a prize fighter who says athletes train until their immune system is weak. But, right now I'm feeling bullet proof. (He said that in reference to covid-19.)
app. Some suprisingly healthy people have died or deeply suffered. Human might will definitely not keep anyone from God's ultimate punishment of their sin. (DON'T TRUST IN YOUR STRENGTH.)
3. Human riches.
let not the rich man glory in his riches:
question: Can you purchase health right now? It doesn't matter how much money you have - there is no cure, there is no vaccine....
exp. Likewise veryone is equal when it comes to God's judgment.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
app. Hell will be full of people who lived their life for temporal riches instead of eternal riches. DON'T TRUST IN YOUR RICHES. Consider the temporal and discard trust in it.
B. Consider what is eternal.
ill. Playing steal the bacon with the kids at HBC. Items of different value - you run out and collect them one at a time. A wise person grabs the thing of most value first. It's not how many you grab - it's what they are worth. YOU WON'T WIN IF YOU DON'T GRAB THINGS OF HIGH VALUE.
NOTE: There is only one thing worthy anything when you cross the line into eternity. (souls)
Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
1. Understanding and knowing God.
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me,
ill. Going into the Apple Store - man there knew everything about the apple watch - I gave him a tract and said, "You know a lot about the watch, I could tell you as much and more about God."
app. If you want to know something of value - get to know and understand God!
2. Submitting to the LORD.
that I am the LORD
saying: "He is either LORD of all or He is not Lord at all." Have you submitted to the Lord?
a. Acknowledging the LORD's work.
which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:
exp. The men who don't thank God for His goodness and blessings are the same who do not recognize His judgment and truth.
app. Do you today? Are you ready to thank God for His goodness, acknowledge His judgment and accept His righteousness IN THE EARTH?
b. Pleasing the LORD.
for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
exp. It's not too late for Scotland. Praise God - she can respond to God's judgment and turn from her sin to obedience and receive God's mercy.
app. It's not too late for you today. You can have a life that pleases God if you will just get right with him.
C. Consider the judgment to come.
25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; (Jew and Gentile)
26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, (All nations) that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.
exp. Jeremiah here refers to a future judgment for those WHO REFUSE TO HEAR GOD WHEN GOD SAYS, "ENOUGH!"
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
conclusion:
If your authority has had to use the word, "Enough!" You are wise if you listened.
Are you wise enough to listen to God? HE HAS SAID ENOUGH - DO YOU BELIEVE IT?
It's obvious that we met the conditions for God to say, "Enough!"
It's obvious that the consequences of not heeding God's enough are happening.
What are you considering?
1.) Have you discareded the temporal? earthly wisdom, strength and riches.
2.) Have you submitted yourself to God? accepting Jesus as Saviour, obeying Him.
3.) Are you safe from the great future judgment?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
D Date: 2 April, 2020
Text: Jeremiah 9
Title: When God Says, "Enough!"
Introduction:
ill. Parenting has some familiar phrases - if you didn't hear them in your home, you heard them in the shops.
1. I'm going to count to five and if you don't stop....1....2....
2. Children are to be seen and not heard.
3. Mind your p's and q's. (mind your manners - be on your best behaviour)
4. If you keep making that face, it will freeze that way.
5. OK, If you want to act like a child, I'll treat you like one.
6. Someday you'll thank me...
ill. Another phrase I think of
- ...is a one word phrase
- ...it is reserved for times where chaos has happened which has been uncontrollable
- ...The word means - end the chaos and end it immediately.
note: If it was written out it would be in all capps with an exclamation point on the end.
exp. That one word is....
"ENOUGH!"
exp. When an authority has to pull that out of the bag, those under that authority had better listen or severe consequences will follow.
My message this morning is, "When God says, ENOUGH!"
Jeremiah 18:7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
exp. God said, "Enough!" to the nation of Judah.
- THEY WERE TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY
- TURN FROM THEIR EVIL WAY
- MAKE THEIR DOINGS GOOD.
God has said, "Enough!" to the United Kingdom, The United States and the world.
Do you believe that?
If it isn't obvious to you at the beginning of this message, it should be by the end.
To prove this - we'll take our Bibles this morning and look at Jeremiah 8-9.
We'll see the conditions, consequences and considerations of when God says enough.
I. The condition's when God says, "Enough!"
exp. Undoubtably God said, "Enough!" to the nation of Judah.
Jeremiah 44:13 I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:
ill. Judah had become the "people of God in name only."
exp. Much like the fact that Scotland and the United Kingdom are Christian nations in name only. Why? Because our condition is as unlike the people of God as the nation of Judah in the days of Jeremiah.
A. A pagan nation.
Jer. 8:1 At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:
2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.
exp. Rather than worshipping God - they worshipped God's creation. (Paganism or heathenism.)
- this is wikka, rikki healing, tarrot cards, wigi boards, witchcraft and wizzardry
ill. Harry Potter was written by J. K. Rowlings in Edinburgh.
ill. Some closures due to coronavirus are good - one is that a large pagan festival has been cancelled - it is billed as being family friendly but containing nudity. It is the largest festival of it's kind.
- It isn't held in some remote location.
- It is held in the heart of the capital city on Calton Hill.
app. God has said enough to a nation that has turned her back on Him and worshipped His creation instead of the Creator.
B. A rebellious nation. (resolute backsliders)
Jer. 8:4 Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?
5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.
exp. They didn't stumble into sin and repent. They ran headlong into sin like a horse's battle lust. Nobody repented.
ill. Our family read the story of Cain and Able this past week.
- Cain murdered his brother Able.
- When God confronted him - He lied and questioned why God would ask him.
- When God punished him - he complained of the punishment but did not repent of his sin.
quest. Is there remorse in our villages because of rebellion against God?
ill. gov. uk. "The number of cohabiting couple families continues to grow faster than married couple and lone parent families, with an increase of 25.8% over the decade 2008 to 2018."
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (GOD WILL SAY, ENOUGH!)
ill. "The number of same-sex couple families has grown by more than 50% since 2015, with more than four times as many same-sex married couple families in 2018 compared with 2015.
exp. Our world acts as if God never judged Sodom and Gomorrah.
app. Scotland refuses to repent of sin. It's not just sexual sin - drunkeness, profanity, abuse, Godlessness.
C. An ignorant nation.
1. Willfully Ignorant God's judgment.
Jer. 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
ill. Migration is a natural instinct of God's creation. They know when to come and go.
exp. But, mankind is so without spiritual instinct that they know not God's judgment.
app. Has our Prime Minister Boris Johnson or our first Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, called for a day of prayer because of the outpoured wrath of God on our nation and the world? Much of our world would laugh at the idea that this is the judgment of God.
2. Willfully ignorant of God's Word.
Jer. 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
exp. Israel had God's Word and God's messengers, but it was in vain they possessed God's Word.
ill. The queen is the head of the church of England. Britain boasts of her Christianity. Most Scots have a Bible - they could easily acquire a Bible - but IT IS IN VAIN.
Ill. MSP Colin Beatie - met him when the vote was about to take place on homosexuality. I asked him, "You do know what the Bible says about homosexuality?" He said he did not.
app. Our generation is willfully ignorant of the truth of God's Word.
3. Willfully ignorant of God's wisdom.
Jer. 8:9 The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?
exp. They not only profess not to know God's Word - THEY SUBSTITUTE THEIR LAW FOR GOD'S LAW.
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
exp. "Woe!" is God's Word ENOUGH! IT MEANS a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief. 2 : ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction economic woes.
app. It is fitting that the term pride covers much of their actions because their heart is lifted up against God and the profess IGNORANCE OF HIS JUDGMENT, WORD AND WISDOM.
D. A covetous nation.
Jer. 8:10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
exp. All men from least to greatest, even those who claimed to speak for God - only cared about what the lusted after - whether financial gain, position or prestige in the eyes of men.
note: It's a sad day when even professed men of God - CARE NOT FOR GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S WORK but only their own sordid gain.
1. Church of England worth - 7.8 billion
2. Vatican - 15 Billion
ill. Jesus said, "Enough!" to the money changers in the temple.
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
app. God will say enough to a nation who's heart is bent on lust for things instead of love of God.
E. A deceived nation.
Jer. 8:11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
exp. Their bandage against God's wrath was to say it was not coming. Lying prophets declared that the Babylonian captivity would not come. GOD SAID IT WOULD COME. They took away the fear by denying the truth of God's wrath.
ill. The church and government are lying to people.
1. They say that God doesn't care about sexual purity.
2. They say God doesn't care about life in the womb.
3. They say don't worry - there is no God or God is who you want him to be.
app. A deceived nation is a nation to whom God says, "Enough!"
F. A shameless nation.
Jer. 8:12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
exp. When man sinned against God - mankind lost their innocence - they now had a God given conscience written in their hearts. If they violated God's law - THEY KNEW TO HIDE IN SHAME.
Ill. Garden of Eden - that conscience was sensitive.
Gen. 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
app. Our world is naked physically and unashamed of her physical nakedness and our nation is naked spiritually and unashamed.
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
exp. The conscience of our nation has been cauterized and calloused. God says, "Enough!" to a shameless nation.
G. A lost nation.
Jer. 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
exp. If the harvest is ready, you got to get it in before the harvest season is over. Where I'm from, you could have heavy snowfall from the end of October. You don't want to miss getting in the harvest or THE HARVEST is LOST.
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
exp. If you are lost today - Jesus wants to save you. But, there comes a point in time where that opportunity is NO LONGER AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
app. Some of you have heard the Gospel many times. You know you need to get saved, but you keep putting it off. Certainly this nation has had more opportunites than most others to be saved - but they have refused! God says, "Enough!" to a lost nation who refuses to be saved.
H. A lustful lying nation.
Jer.8:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.
5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.
exp. If these verses don't describe modern day Britain what does? Those who refuse to acknowledge this condition participate in it.
ill. Gay Pride parades which are led by our first minister. Rainbows crossings painted at our schools, wicked sexual sin and sex education being taught to our children.
NOW GOD SAYS, "ENOUGH!"
II. The consequences when God says, "Enough!"
exp. There is hope for God's mercy in time of judgment (Ninevah)
question: But, if God said enough and it was not heeded - WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
A. God will come in judgment.
9 Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
ill. the ultimate time when God says enough will be at the Great Tribulation.
1. He will remove his own.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
2. He will destroy this world.
2 Thesallonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
app. This world ought to be looking up for the coming of God in wrath against her.
B. Livelihoods are destroyed.
10 For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.
exp. Much of their livelihood was agricultural. But, their livestock were destroyed and the game which was their food on their table was taken.
quest. Are you aware that we are seeing that very thing take place before our eyes?
1. Jobs are uncertain. business are failing, even big airlines are worried.
2. Food is uncertain. supply chains are in jeopardy.
app. Are you aware this moring that the same consequences are taking place in all the world today because God has said, "Enough!"
C. Cities are desolate.
11 And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.
exp. Praise God - right now our cities are not desolate because of death and destruction. But, how interesting it is that we have the biggest cities in our world lying empty, stadiums are empty, theatre's are empty, festivals are cancelled.... because God has made them desolate.
ill. The olympics will not take place this year. The Tatoo festival will not take place this year. The Fringe will not take place this year.
app. Our world had better wake up we are seeing the consequences of when God says, "Enough!"
D. God's people declare it.
12 Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?
exp. Praise God, He hasn't left Himself without a witness. When God is at work, He has men declaring His Work.
ill. Do you know the pub's are closed, gyms are close, malls are closed, shops are closed BUT THE CHURCH IS NOT CLOSED!
ill. They sought to silence Paul in prison - but God's Word continued...
2Ti 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
app. I preach this messag today as a testimony that even this preaching is a consequence of when God says, "Enough!"
QUESTION: WHAT IS MY MESSAGE TODAY? AND OUR MESSAGE TO DECLARE?
1. This is God's judgment because we rejected God's law.
13 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;
exp. There are people who do not want God, they want Santa Claus. A jolly person who you can treat like dirt but who smiles and gives out presents.
- God gave us his law and men forsook it.
- Men refuse to obey God and walk in His law.
app. That is why we are facing judgment today.
2. This is God's judgment against humanism and idolatry.
14 But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:
exp. Paganism and Humanism corrupted their heart. They thought it was fine BUT GOD SAID IT WAS EVIL. Their generation (fathers) said it was ok - BUT IT ANGERED GOD.
App. We don't have a FUN message to preach today - unless people rightly respond to the messsage the turn back to God. THIS PREACHING TESTIFIES THAT THIS IS FROM GOD.
E. It is bitter.
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
exp. When Jesus tasted the wrath of God for us on the cross, it was a bitter cup which He drank.
Joh 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
exp. Jesus drank the cross - cursing, hitting, abuse, filth of sin, death - It was God's wrath!
app. Covid 19 is horrible. It is a bitter cup, because it is the wrath of God against a world that has refused to listen to His command, "Enough!"
F. There is death.
21 For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.
exp. Our palaces have been visited by this, praise God not with death. Prince Charles, Boris Johson - nobody is immune to this contagion - it can enter our residence easily - it can touch anybody.
ill. When God said, "Enough!" to Egypt - every household had death in it. Death angel....
exp. We are rightly reminded that death is a result of man's rebellion against God.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
app. Men would be fool hearty indeed not to recognize the hand of God when death is involved.
Psalm 68:20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.
question: Is it obvious to you today that we are seeing the consequences of God saying, "Enough!"
III. The considerations when God says, "Enough!"
exp. A wise man would stop and think wisely about what is taking place.
ill. If your boat is sinking - you put on a life jacket. If your house is on fire you evacuate. etc.
app. What should be our thinking as we recognize that God has said, "Enough!"
A. Consider what is temporal.
exp. If it is temporal it ought to be discarded.
ill. If your boat is sinking, you don't fill your pockets with gold coins. If your house is on fire, you don't try to drag out the safe.
exp. There are things that you willingly discard because they are temporal.
1. Human wisdom.
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
ill. David Attenbourgh is a brilliant man, but his wisdom is earthly wisdom. I enjoy listening to his narration of series like - the hunt and planet earth. But, I despise his earthly wisdom that rejects that this planet is God's creation.
app. It's time to discard books like, "The God delusion." It's time to stop listening to scientist who are obviously biased to their theory of evolution and caustic to God's creation and true science. DON'T TRUST IN YOUR WISDOM.
2. Human might.
neither let the mighty man glory in his might,
ill. I read an article about Coner McGregor - saying - a prize fighter who says athletes train until their immune system is weak. But, right now I'm feeling bullet proof. (He said that in reference to covid-19.)
app. Some suprisingly healthy people have died or deeply suffered. Human might will definitely not keep anyone from God's ultimate punishment of their sin. (DON'T TRUST IN YOUR STRENGTH.)
3. Human riches.
let not the rich man glory in his riches:
question: Can you purchase health right now? It doesn't matter how much money you have - there is no cure, there is no vaccine....
exp. Likewise veryone is equal when it comes to God's judgment.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
app. Hell will be full of people who lived their life for temporal riches instead of eternal riches. DON'T TRUST IN YOUR RICHES. Consider the temporal and discard trust in it.
B. Consider what is eternal.
ill. Playing steal the bacon with the kids at HBC. Items of different value - you run out and collect them one at a time. A wise person grabs the thing of most value first. It's not how many you grab - it's what they are worth. YOU WON'T WIN IF YOU DON'T GRAB THINGS OF HIGH VALUE.
NOTE: There is only one thing worthy anything when you cross the line into eternity. (souls)
Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
1. Understanding and knowing God.
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me,
ill. Going into the Apple Store - man there knew everything about the apple watch - I gave him a tract and said, "You know a lot about the watch, I could tell you as much and more about God."
app. If you want to know something of value - get to know and understand God!
2. Submitting to the LORD.
that I am the LORD
saying: "He is either LORD of all or He is not Lord at all." Have you submitted to the Lord?
a. Acknowledging the LORD's work.
which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:
exp. The men who don't thank God for His goodness and blessings are the same who do not recognize His judgment and truth.
app. Do you today? Are you ready to thank God for His goodness, acknowledge His judgment and accept His righteousness IN THE EARTH?
b. Pleasing the LORD.
for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
exp. It's not too late for Scotland. Praise God - she can respond to God's judgment and turn from her sin to obedience and receive God's mercy.
app. It's not too late for you today. You can have a life that pleases God if you will just get right with him.
C. Consider the judgment to come.
25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; (Jew and Gentile)
26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, (All nations) that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.
exp. Jeremiah here refers to a future judgment for those WHO REFUSE TO HEAR GOD WHEN GOD SAYS, "ENOUGH!"
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
conclusion:
If your authority has had to use the word, "Enough!" You are wise if you listened.
Are you wise enough to listen to God? HE HAS SAID ENOUGH - DO YOU BELIEVE IT?
It's obvious that we met the conditions for God to say, "Enough!"
It's obvious that the consequences of not heeding God's enough are happening.
What are you considering?
1.) Have you discareded the temporal? earthly wisdom, strength and riches.
2.) Have you submitted yourself to God? accepting Jesus as Saviour, obeying Him.
3.) Are you safe from the great future judgment?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ate: 2 April, 2020
Text: Jeremiah 9
Title: When God Says, "Enough!"
Introduction:
ill. Parenting has some familiar phrases - if you didn't hear them in your home, you heard them in the shops.
1. I'm going to count to five and if you don't stop....1....2....
2. Children are to be seen and not heard.
3. Mind your p's and q's. (mind your manners - be on your best behaviour)
4. If you keep making that face, it will freeze that way.
5. OK, If you want to act like a child, I'll treat you like one.
6. Someday you'll thank me...
ill. Another phrase I think of
- ...is a one word phrase
- ...it is reserved for times where chaos has happened which has been uncontrollable
- ...The word means - end the chaos and end it immediately.
note: If it was written out it would be in all capps with an exclamation point on the end.
exp. That one word is....
"ENOUGH!"
exp. When an authority has to pull that out of the bag, those under that authority had better listen or severe consequences will follow.
My message this morning is, "When God says, ENOUGH!"
Jeremiah 18:7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
exp. God said, "Enough!" to the nation of Judah.
- THEY WERE TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY
- TURN FROM THEIR EVIL WAY
- MAKE THEIR DOINGS GOOD.
God has said, "Enough!" to the United Kingdom, The United States and the world.
Do you believe that?
If it isn't obvious to you at the beginning of this message, it should be by the end.
To prove this - we'll take our Bibles this morning and look at Jeremiah 8-9.
We'll see the conditions, consequences and considerations of when God says enough.
I. The condition's when God says, "Enough!"
exp. Undoubtably God said, "Enough!" to the nation of Judah.
Jeremiah 44:13 I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:
ill. Judah had become the "people of God in name only."
exp. Much like the fact that Scotland and the United Kingdom are Christian nations in name only. Why? Because our condition is as unlike the people of God as the nation of Judah in the days of Jeremiah.
A. A pagan nation.
Jer. 8:1 At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:
2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.
exp. Rather than worshipping God - they worshipped God's creation. (Paganism or heathenism.)
- this is wikka, rikki healing, tarrot cards, wigi boards, witchcraft and wizzardry
ill. Harry Potter was written by J. K. Rowlings in Edinburgh.
ill. Some closures due to coronavirus are good - one is that a large pagan festival has been cancelled - it is billed as being family friendly but containing nudity. It is the largest festival of it's kind.
- It isn't held in some remote location.
- It is held in the heart of the capital city on Calton Hill.
app. God has said enough to a nation that has turned her back on Him and worshipped His creation instead of the Creator.
B. A rebellious nation. (resolute backsliders)
Jer. 8:4 Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?
5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.
exp. They didn't stumble into sin and repent. They ran headlong into sin like a horse's battle lust. Nobody repented.
ill. Our family read the story of Cain and Able this past week.
- Cain murdered his brother Able.
- When God confronted him - He lied and questioned why God would ask him.
- When God punished him - he complained of the punishment but did not repent of his sin.
quest. Is there remorse in our villages because of rebellion against God?
ill. gov. uk. "The number of cohabiting couple families continues to grow faster than married couple and lone parent families, with an increase of 25.8% over the decade 2008 to 2018."
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (GOD WILL SAY, ENOUGH!)
ill. "The number of same-sex couple families has grown by more than 50% since 2015, with more than four times as many same-sex married couple families in 2018 compared with 2015.
exp. Our world acts as if God never judged Sodom and Gomorrah.
app. Scotland refuses to repent of sin. It's not just sexual sin - drunkeness, profanity, abuse, Godlessness.
C. An ignorant nation.
1. Willfully Ignorant God's judgment.
Jer. 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
ill. Migration is a natural instinct of God's creation. They know when to come and go.
exp. But, mankind is so without spiritual instinct that they know not God's judgment.
app. Has our Prime Minister Boris Johnson or our first Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, called for a day of prayer because of the outpoured wrath of God on our nation and the world? Much of our world would laugh at the idea that this is the judgment of God.
2. Willfully ignorant of God's Word.
Jer. 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
exp. Israel had God's Word and God's messengers, but it was in vain they possessed God's Word.
ill. The queen is the head of the church of England. Britain boasts of her Christianity. Most Scots have a Bible - they could easily acquire a Bible - but IT IS IN VAIN.
Ill. MSP Colin Beatie - met him when the vote was about to take place on homosexuality. I asked him, "You do know what the Bible says about homosexuality?" He said he did not.
app. Our generation is willfully ignorant of the truth of God's Word.
3. Willfully ignorant of God's wisdom.
Jer. 8:9 The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?
exp. They not only profess not to know God's Word - THEY SUBSTITUTE THEIR LAW FOR GOD'S LAW.
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
exp. "Woe!" is God's Word ENOUGH! IT MEANS a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief. 2 : ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction economic woes.
app. It is fitting that the term pride covers much of their actions because their heart is lifted up against God and the profess IGNORANCE OF HIS JUDGMENT, WORD AND WISDOM.
D. A covetous nation.
Jer. 8:10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
exp. All men from least to greatest, even those who claimed to speak for God - only cared about what the lusted after - whether financial gain, position or prestige in the eyes of men.
note: It's a sad day when even professed men of God - CARE NOT FOR GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S WORK but only their own sordid gain.
1. Church of England worth - 7.8 billion
2. Vatican - 15 Billion
ill. Jesus said, "Enough!" to the money changers in the temple.
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
app. God will say enough to a nation who's heart is bent on lust for things instead of love of God.
E. A deceived nation.
Jer. 8:11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
exp. Their bandage against God's wrath was to say it was not coming. Lying prophets declared that the Babylonian captivity would not come. GOD SAID IT WOULD COME. They took away the fear by denying the truth of God's wrath.
ill. The church and government are lying to people.
1. They say that God doesn't care about sexual purity.
2. They say God doesn't care about life in the womb.
3. They say don't worry - there is no God or God is who you want him to be.
app. A deceived nation is a nation to whom God says, "Enough!"
F. A shameless nation.
Jer. 8:12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
exp. When man sinned against God - mankind lost their innocence - they now had a God given conscience written in their hearts. If they violated God's law - THEY KNEW TO HIDE IN SHAME.
Ill. Garden of Eden - that conscience was sensitive.
Gen. 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
app. Our world is naked physically and unashamed of her physical nakedness and our nation is naked spiritually and unashamed.
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
exp. The conscience of our nation has been cauterized and calloused. God says, "Enough!" to a shameless nation.
G. A lost nation.
Jer. 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
exp. If the harvest is ready, you got to get it in before the harvest season is over. Where I'm from, you could have heavy snowfall from the end of October. You don't want to miss getting in the harvest or THE HARVEST is LOST.
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
exp. If you are lost today - Jesus wants to save you. But, there comes a point in time where that opportunity is NO LONGER AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
app. Some of you have heard the Gospel many times. You know you need to get saved, but you keep putting it off. Certainly this nation has had more opportunites than most others to be saved - but they have refused! God says, "Enough!" to a lost nation who refuses to be saved.
H. A lustful lying nation.
Jer.8:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.
5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.
exp. If these verses don't describe modern day Britain what does? Those who refuse to acknowledge this condition participate in it.
ill. Gay Pride parades which are led by our first minister. Rainbows crossings painted at our schools, wicked sexual sin and sex education being taught to our children.
NOW GOD SAYS, "ENOUGH!"
II. The consequences when God says, "Enough!"
exp. There is hope for God's mercy in time of judgment (Ninevah)
question: But, if God said enough and it was not heeded - WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
A. God will come in judgment.
9 Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
ill. the ultimate time when God says enough will be at the Great Tribulation.
1. He will remove his own.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
2. He will destroy this world.
2 Thesallonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
app. This world ought to be looking up for the coming of God in wrath against her.
B. Livelihoods are destroyed.
10 For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.
exp. Much of their livelihood was agricultural. But, their livestock were destroyed and the game which was their food on their table was taken.
quest. Are you aware that we are seeing that very thing take place before our eyes?
1. Jobs are uncertain. business are failing, even big airlines are worried.
2. Food is uncertain. supply chains are in jeopardy.
app. Are you aware this moring that the same consequences are taking place in all the world today because God has said, "Enough!"
C. Cities are desolate.
11 And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.
exp. Praise God - right now our cities are not desolate because of death and destruction. But, how interesting it is that we have the biggest cities in our world lying empty, stadiums are empty, theatre's are empty, festivals are cancelled.... because God has made them desolate.
ill. The olympics will not take place this year. The Tatoo festival will not take place this year. The Fringe will not take place this year.
app. Our world had better wake up we are seeing the consequences of when God says, "Enough!"
D. God's people declare it.
12 Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?
exp. Praise God, He hasn't left Himself without a witness. When God is at work, He has men declaring His Work.
ill. Do you know the pub's are closed, gyms are close, malls are closed, shops are closed BUT THE CHURCH IS NOT CLOSED!
ill. They sought to silence Paul in prison - but God's Word continued...
2Ti 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
app. I preach this messag today as a testimony that even this preaching is a consequence of when God says, "Enough!"
QUESTION: WHAT IS MY MESSAGE TODAY? AND OUR MESSAGE TO DECLARE?
1. This is God's judgment because we rejected God's law.
13 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;
exp. There are people who do not want God, they want Santa Claus. A jolly person who you can treat like dirt but who smiles and gives out presents.
- God gave us his law and men forsook it.
- Men refuse to obey God and walk in His law.
app. That is why we are facing judgment today.
2. This is God's judgment against humanism and idolatry.
14 But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:
exp. Paganism and Humanism corrupted their heart. They thought it was fine BUT GOD SAID IT WAS EVIL. Their generation (fathers) said it was ok - BUT IT ANGERED GOD.
App. We don't have a FUN message to preach today - unless people rightly respond to the messsage the turn back to God. THIS PREACHING TESTIFIES THAT THIS IS FROM GOD.
E. It is bitter.
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
exp. When Jesus tasted the wrath of God for us on the cross, it was a bitter cup which He drank.
Joh 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
exp. Jesus drank the cross - cursing, hitting, abuse, filth of sin, death - It was God's wrath!
app. Covid 19 is horrible. It is a bitter cup, because it is the wrath of God against a world that has refused to listen to His command, "Enough!"
F. There is death.
21 For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.
exp. Our palaces have been visited by this, praise God not with death. Prince Charles, Boris Johson - nobody is immune to this contagion - it can enter our residence easily - it can touch anybody.
ill. When God said, "Enough!" to Egypt - every household had death in it. Death angel....
exp. We are rightly reminded that death is a result of man's rebellion against God.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
app. Men would be fool hearty indeed not to recognize the hand of God when death is involved.
Psalm 68:20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.
question: Is it obvious to you today that we are seeing the consequences of God saying, "Enough!"
III. The considerations when God says, "Enough!"
exp. A wise man would stop and think wisely about what is taking place.
ill. If your boat is sinking - you put on a life jacket. If your house is on fire you evacuate. etc.
app. What should be our thinking as we recognize that God has said, "Enough!"
A. Consider what is temporal.
exp. If it is temporal it ought to be discarded.
ill. If your boat is sinking, you don't fill your pockets with gold coins. If your house is on fire, you don't try to drag out the safe.
exp. There are things that you willingly discard because they are temporal.
1. Human wisdom.
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
ill. David Attenbourgh is a brilliant man, but his wisdom is earthly wisdom. I enjoy listening to his narration of series like - the hunt and planet earth. But, I despise his earthly wisdom that rejects that this planet is God's creation.
app. It's time to discard books like, "The God delusion." It's time to stop listening to scientist who are obviously biased to their theory of evolution and caustic to God's creation and true science. DON'T TRUST IN YOUR WISDOM.
2. Human might.
neither let the mighty man glory in his might,
ill. I read an article about Coner McGregor - saying - a prize fighter who says athletes train until their immune system is weak. But, right now I'm feeling bullet proof. (He said that in reference to covid-19.)
app. Some suprisingly healthy people have died or deeply suffered. Human might will definitely not keep anyone from God's ultimate punishment of their sin. (DON'T TRUST IN YOUR STRENGTH.)
3. Human riches.
let not the rich man glory in his riches:
question: Can you purchase health right now? It doesn't matter how much money you have - there is no cure, there is no vaccine....
exp. Likewise veryone is equal when it comes to God's judgment.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
app. Hell will be full of people who lived their life for temporal riches instead of eternal riches. DON'T TRUST IN YOUR RICHES. Consider the temporal and discard trust in it.
B. Consider what is eternal.
ill. Playing steal the bacon with the kids at HBC. Items of different value - you run out and collect them one at a time. A wise person grabs the thing of most value first. It's not how many you grab - it's what they are worth. YOU WON'T WIN IF YOU DON'T GRAB THINGS OF HIGH VALUE.
NOTE: There is only one thing worthy anything when you cross the line into eternity. (souls)
Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
1. Understanding and knowing God.
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me,
ill. Going into the Apple Store - man there knew everything about the apple watch - I gave him a tract and said, "You know a lot about the watch, I could tell you as much and more about God."
app. If you want to know something of value - get to know and understand God!
2. Submitting to the LORD.
that I am the LORD
saying: "He is either LORD of all or He is not Lord at all." Have you submitted to the Lord?
a. Acknowledging the LORD's work.
which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:
exp. The men who don't thank God for His goodness and blessings are the same who do not recognize His judgment and truth.
app. Do you today? Are you ready to thank God for His goodness, acknowledge His judgment and accept His righteousness IN THE EARTH?
b. Pleasing the LORD.
for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
exp. It's not too late for Scotland. Praise God - she can respond to God's judgment and turn from her sin to obedience and receive God's mercy.
app. It's not too late for you today. You can have a life that pleases God if you will just get right with him.
C. Consider the judgment to come.
25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; (Jew and Gentile)
26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, (All nations) that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.
exp. Jeremiah here refers to a future judgment for those WHO REFUSE TO HEAR GOD WHEN GOD SAYS, "ENOUGH!"
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
conclusion:
If your authority has had to use the word, "Enough!" You are wise if you listened.
Are you wise enough to listen to God? HE HAS SAID ENOUGH - DO YOU BELIEVE IT?
It's obvious that we met the conditions for God to say, "Enough!"
It's obvious that the consequences of not heeding God's enough are happening.
What are you considering?
1.) Have you discareded the temporal? earthly wisdom, strength and riches.
2.) Have you submitted yourself to God? accepting Jesus as Saviour, obeying Him.
3.) Are you safe from the great future judgment?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
