Showers of Blessings

Showers, in scripture, are a representation of of the blessings of God and signify the return of prosperity and the end of famine. In the New Testament they are a picture of the Holy Spirit. We need the Spirit of God to move in our life’s.

I. THE PROPOSITION TO RETURN.

A. The Duty of Man.

It is mans duty to return to Christ. Just as the prodigal son, picked himself up out of the hog pen and returned to the Father. We each hold a personal responsibility to return to Christ.

B. The Draw of God.

Just as we have a personal responsibility we must recognize that their is a Devine aspect that it dependent upon God. II Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

II. THE PREPARATIONS TO REPENT.

Repentance is a discovery of the evil of sin, a mourning that we have committed it, and a resolution to forsake it. Charles Spurgeon

A. The call to repent is more than just a call to despise our circumstances.

5:13 Israel didn’t like their suffering but failed to acknowledge their sin.

B. This call can not be just a call from the man of God but rather it must originate in the heart of the believer.

5:15 God would wait upon Israel to seek Him.

III. THE PROMISE OF REVIVAL.

Billy Graham on revival

I. A recognition of God’s sovereignty

2. A fullness of time.

3. The spiritual power of the minority

4. A sense of unity

A. The Purpose of Revival.

That we may live for Him. The purpose of revival is to return our hearts and lives back to a place in out lives where Christ was being honored through our lives.

B. The Plan of Revival.

The plan of Revival is that Christ will be reflected through us.

a. After two days he will revive us

b. In the third day he will raise us up

I Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

This is one of the only references to the third day resurrection in the Old Testament. Wether this is a direct prophecy that is spoken of or a secondary principle, the fact remains that ultimately the Bible is His story and we are to be like Christ.

IV. THE PERISHING OF THE RENEGADE.

vs. 4 Is a sad turn of events. After Yahweh’s warning and judgement’s Israel still turned their backs upon Him.

A. God Desires Faithfulness over Flamboyancy.

B. God desires Love over Sacrifice.