04-22-2020 - Stubborn Defiance = Economic Social Political Disaster

1 Peter 4:17 NLT

17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?

City Under Siege Defies God (See Jeremiah Chapter 4)

This Leads to:

Economic Ruin (Soaring Prices)

Social Distancing (Isolation)

Political Upheaval (Rulers overthrown)

Physical Affliction Leads us not to Questions not only rooted in the Temporal and Tangible, but also to Questions rooted in Faith and Religion!

Lamentations 3:39–42 NLT

39 Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? 40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord. 41 Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven and say, 42 “We have sinned and rebelled, and you have not forgiven us.

Stop Depending on “Historical Context” as our Salvation in the Here and Now! (Jeremiah 7:1-7) - Particularly Jeremiah 7:4

Jeremiah 7:1–7 NLT

1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, 2 “Go to the entrance of the Lord’s Temple, and give this message to the people: ‘O Judah, listen to this message from the Lord! Listen to it, all of you who worship here! 3 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “ ‘Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land. 4 But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” 5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; 6 only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. 7 Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave to your ancestors to keep forever.

Repentance is **always** available until the moment of Death and Judgment.

Jeremiah 7:3 “Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land.”

Jeremiah 7:6 “only if you stop...”

Lamentations 3:55–58 NLT

55 But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. 56 You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!” 57 Yes, you came when I called; you told me, “Do not fear.” 58 Lord, you have come to my defense; you have redeemed my life.

How Good is God that He would Hear us while we are Drowning in Despair and Find ourselves Unable to Stand Upright without His Helping Hand!!!