Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14

It’s prayer time in America; this nation is ripe for God’s judgment, and in desperate need of His mercy. We are a proud nation, wallowing in materialism and rotting in sin, lost in the search for earthly pleasures and false freedoms. But there is hope!

2 Chronicles 7:14 is an ancient promise God made to Israel in times of calamity. It says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

This passage recognizes the people God has: “If My people who are called by My name…” As God’s people, we must understand and accept that if America falls and fails, it will be our fault. Adrian Rogers says, “It is not our duty to persuade God to send revival; we must permit Him to do so.”

This passage also addresses the pride God hates: “...will humble themselves, and pray….” Pride is the root of all kinds of evil. This is why we are to humble ourselves before God. James 4:6 says, “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

This passage reveals the prayer God hears: “...and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” God is not just our only hope… He is our biggest threat; and to pray without repentance angers Him. Repentance is more than a conviction of sin. It’s more than a confession or contrition for sin. Repentance is a heart change. We must repent of our wicked ways and seek the face of God.

Finally, this passage reminds us of the promise God honors: “...then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." God would rather pardon than judge. He is angry at our sins, but He is full of compassion. If we humbly ask for forgiveness and repent of our sins, He is faithful to forgive.

Apply it to your life
If there was ever a time that we need to repent, this is it.

Adrian Rogers says, “When the church begins to do what we ought to do, then we’ll begin to deal with all of these other problems. Stop pointing fingers. Bow the knee before God; get right with God.”