Sermon Central
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Open Up The Sky
Contributed by Jerry Vargo on Dec 12, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This message teaches us that everything we possess or get from God comes ONLY by revelation.
If you use any or all of this message--would you be willing to fire off a quick email to:pastorjerryvargo@juno.com? I would like to have an idea of how often my sermons are actually being preached to strengthen the Body of Christ. Thanks!
Open up the Sky
Pastor Jerry C. Vargo
I. Introduction.
A. Last Sunday, I was struck with the importance of an open Heaven. If you remember, I prayed for all of us to have the skies open up, not just over us corporately, but over each of us individually.
B . This is important. Why? Well, because any good that comes into our lives is a result of revelation from God. It is not our intellect, wisdom, or ability to manipulate God or twist His arm.
C. Listen to what the Apostle Paul had to say about His own Revelation in Ephesians 3…
"…by revelation there was made known to me the mystery…"
D. I want to challenge you today that you cannot get anything from God unless it comes by revelation.
E. And this begs many questions—how do I get revelation—does everyone get revelation—what is my part—can I see an increase in revelation—is there a biblical precedent?
F. I’m really concerned…why? Well, I just think we are living way below our level in the faith. Our minds dominate—our souls kick in—and we miss God.
G. God is standing on the edge of our lives in order to speak into our ears and give us knowledge of Him—yet we don’t seek after revelation. We seem to be content with what we know.
H. We make excuses (especially to ourselves—when no one can listen) and find every reason under the sun as to why we can’t go after more of God.
I. HOWEVER, after today’s message…we will soar…we will seek…and we will find!
"Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD,’ and I will restore your fortunes…"
J. I want to look at a example in the OT to encourage you to go after more of God and receive greater revelation. Why? So, your Christian life gets exciting!!!
K. Turn with me to 2 Kings 6:8-23:
II. Body.
(The Message)
One time when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, after consulting with his officers, he said, "At such and such a place I want an ambush set." The Holy Man (Elisha) sent a message to the king of Israel: "Watch out when you’re passing this place, because Aram has set an ambush there." So the king of Israel sent word concerning the place of which the Holy Man had warned him. This kind of thing happened all the time. The king of Aram was furious over all this. He called his officers together and said, "Tell me, who is leaking information to the king of Israel? Who is the spy in our ranks?" But one of his men said, "No, my master, dear king. It’s not any of us. It’s Elisha the prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel everything you say, even what you whisper in your bedroom." The king said, "Go and find out where he is. I’ll send someone and capture him." The report came back, "He’s in Dothan." Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, "Oh, master! What shall we do?" He said, "Don’t worry about it--there are more on our side than on their side." Then Elisha prayed, "O GOD, open his eyes and let him see." The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! When the Arameans attacked, Elisha prayed to GOD, "Strike these people blind!" And GOD struck them blind, just as Elisha said. Then Elisha called out to them, "Not that way! Not this city! Follow me and I’ll lead you to the man you’re looking for." And he led them into Samaria. As they entered the city, Elisha prayed, "O GOD, open their eyes so they can see where they are." GOD opened their eyes. They looked around--they were trapped in Samaria! When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, "Father, shall I massacre the lot?" "Not on your life!" said Elisha. "You didn’t lift a hand to capture them, and now you’re going to kill them? No sir, make a feast for them and send them back to their master." So he prepared a huge feast for them. After they ate and drank their fill he dismissed them. Then they returned home to their master. The raiding bands of Aram didn’t bother Israel anymore."
