Sermon Central
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The Silence Of God
Contributed by Pastor Yolito De Gracia on Sep 22, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: Like the Psalmist, there are times in our lives we experienced trials and persecutions, and in the midst of them, our prayers seem to be unanswered, our requests seem to be rejected, helps seem to be so very far, enemies seem to be victorious , and our Om
Title: THE SILENCE OF GOD
Text: Psalm 35:17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. Psalm 35:21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.Psalm 35:22 This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
Like the Psalmist, there are times in our lives we experienced trials and persecutions, and in the midst of them, our prayers seem to be unanswered, our requests seem to be rejected, helps seem to be so very far, enemies seem to be victorious , and our Omnipotent God seems to be silent and quite. The silence of God are those moments in our lives in which God seem not to work and His help is seem very far. These moments should lead us to self-examination and reflections why our God is silent. The silence of God should lead us to:
I. The Silence of God should lead us to REPENTANCE
There are times God is silent because of our sins :
a. Sin hinders our prayers before God
Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:
Isaiah 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
b. Sin withholds our blessings from God
Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore’s forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.
c. Sin destroys our Fellowship with God
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.
Through humility, confession and godly sorrow or repentance, our sins will be forgiven and the Lord will answer our prayers and He will work in our Lives. 2 Chronicles 7:14
II. The Silence of God should lead us to RESTORATION
There are times God is silent because of our broken vows and forsaken duties :
a. We must restore our First Love to the Lord - Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
b. We must restore our Zeal for the Lord’s work - Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
c. We must restore our Commitment - Ecclesiastes 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
III. The Silence of God should lead us RELIANCE
There are times God is silent because He is longsuffering and Has a better plan for us :
a. We must trust and rely on God’s Purpose and Decrees Romans 8:28
b. We must trust and rely on God’s immutable character Mal. 3:6
Quote: “ Behind a dark and cloudy Sky.. The sun is still Shining “
c. We must be patient and wait for God’s time and will. Isaiah 8:17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. ( cf Hebrews 10:36 )
Is God right now seemingly silent in your life ? Lamentations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. and let us wait for God to work according to His time and will.
Isaiah 65:6 Behold, [it is] written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
Sermon by: Ptr. Yolito M. de Gracia
Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
107 B. Fili St., Sangandaan, Caloocan City
Metro Manila, Philippines
email: tjbaptist@yahoo.com
