Avoiding Spiritual Failure

Independent Bible Church

Avoiding Spiritual Failure

December 3, 2023 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • 2 Kings 12

In 2 Kings 11 we saw that God providentially preserved the Davidic line by protecting Joash from Queen Anthelia’s genocide. Rising to the throne at the age of seven, King Joash has a promising start, but a tragic end. Joash’s forty-year-reign is mingled with compromise, idolatry, and wickedness. How can we protect ourselves from spiritually crumbling like Joash? We can avoid spiritual failure through remembering and committing to God’s truth, and trusting ultimately in King Jesus.

More from The Days of Elisha and Our Day

Elisha's God and Ours

December 10, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • 2 Kings 13

Elijah passed the baton (mantle) to Elisha who asked, “where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah.” Throughout 50 years of ministry, Yahweh was faithful and worked through the prophet Elisha. In Bible reading, look for what God is like and what is His plan into which we may fit. We need to know that He is the same God (Heb. 13:8).

Saving Christmas

November 26, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • 2 Kings 11

What are godly people to think when evil seems to triumph? Jehu, anointed by Elisha’s student, destroyed Baalism in the Northern Kingdom; but he was condemned for the way that he did it (Hosea 1:4-5). Now, 2 Kings 11 brought a dark day for the Southern Kingdom, Judah as evil seemed to prevail and unseat God’s plan.

God's Scourge

November 19, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • 2 Kings 10

The lives of Elijah and Elisha remind us that, “God buries his workers, but continues His work.” According to 1 Kings 19:15-17, Elijah was to anoint Elisha, Jehu, and Hazael. Elijah did anoint Elisha; but it was Elisha who anointed Hazel and one of Elisha’s disciples who anointed Jehu. Pastor Phillip introduced us to Jehu in 2 Kings 9 and reminded us that, “God judges sin in His time and His way.” Chapter 10 unfolds more about God’s justice and the need to evaluate our true heart.