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He Brought Me Through the Waters

• Ezekiel 471-12

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Background

• Ezekiel was a prophet of God called to be
  watchman over Israel, warning them of their sins
  against the Lord.
• His work was during the Babylonian captivity,
  corresponding with Daniel.
• Daniel was taken in the first part of the
  captivity and Ezekiel was taken to Babylon in the
  second stage of the captivity.
• Ezekiels job was to tell Israel that they were
  in Babylonian captivity for their wickedness and
  it was Gods judgment upon Judah.
• Like many of the prophets in the Old Testament,
  they persevered in adversity they overcame
  difficult predicaments and allowed them to
  catapult them to a loftier spiritual service

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Ezekiels Visions

• Throughout the book, God gave Ezekiel several
  visions intended to produce a heart of repentance
  on the Israelites
• God's glory (Ezek 1, 8, 10, 1122)
• Jews abominations (Ezek 85-6)
• Their punishment (Ezek 910)
• The valley of dry bones (Ezek 371-14)
• A man with measuring line (Ezek 40-48)
• The river (Ezek 471-5)

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Manfred Kober has provided the following
illustration of the future topography of the Holy
Land showing this amazing river of life flowing
into the two great seasEzekiel 471-12
http//www.middletownbiblechurch.org/proph/river.h
tm
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4 Things to Consider

1. Consider the Physical Attributes of this River

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1. Consider the Physical Attributes of this River

• Gods river did not require any feeder streams
• This river had healing powers (478)
• This river could give life to anything it touches
  (479)
• Lastly, this river could bring forth fruit and
  freshness (4712)

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4 Things to Consider
1) Consider the Physical Attributes of this River
2) Consider the Man in the River
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2) Consider the Man in the River

• This river was ankle deep (V.3)
• This represents the step of faith that saves the
  soul (Acts 1631)
• These are the believers who are baptized but
  never grow and develop a deeper relationship with
  God.
• This river was knee deep (V.4)
• The knees represent prayer and a developing
  dependence upon the Lord.
• Many do not make it to this shallow level of
  maturity. However, those who are here understand
  the power of the Lord.
• This river was waist deep (V.5)
• The loins are symbolic of strength.
• When one has waded this far out, we can feel the
  power of the river and its effect on us (Eph.
  610).
• This level of spiritual maturity is rarely seen,
  but when it is, you cannot hide its effects in
  your life!

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4 Things to Consider
1) Consider the Physical Attributes of this River
2) Consider the Man in the River
3) Consider the Reality of Getting in Over Your
Head
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3) Consider the Reality of Getting in over your
head

• When you are this deep
• You have gone beyond your ability
• You have ceased to support yourself
• You have given yourself up to the will of the
  river
• You are just happy to be carried by the river

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4 Things to Consider
1) Consider the Physical Attributes of this River
2) Consider the Man in the River
3) Consider the Reality of Getting in Over Your
Head
4) Consider the Statement in Verse 3 He
brought me through the waters
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4) Consider the Statement in Verse 3 He
brought me through the waters

• What wonderful sentiment to express. Maybe you
  have been through difficult times
• Every time I read that verse and understand
  Ezekiels vision I understand that no matter
  what life slings at us we can get through it
  through Gods help.
• Think about this What got you through that
  difficult time in your life?
• Some Christians are holding back on their total
  commitment to the Lord

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Conclusion

• Are you deep in the waters of sin? Are you deep
  in the waters of materialism? Are you deep in the
  waters of complacency and apathy? The deeper you
  go, the harder it is to jump out!
• Gods desire is for you to repent and turn back
  to Him.
• Ezek. 1830-32 -- God desires all to repent!
• His justice demands the punishment of the guilty
  but you can repent!
• Ezek. 3423-31 -- He has provided the way of
  salvation through His Shepherd
• Wont you participate in the blessings of His
  Shepherd, Jesus Christ?

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