Chuck Smith discusses the life of Manasseh, who, despite his noble heritage as the son of King Hezekiah, rebelled against God through idolatry and abominable practices. He ignored God's warnings until he faced severe consequences, being taken captive by the Assyrians, which led him to finally seek the Lord in humility. Smith emphasizes that God's grace is abundant, as He responded to Manasseh's cries for help and restored him to his kingdom, highlighting the importance of turning to God sooner rather than later to avoid the pain of prolonged rebellion. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the consequences of Manasseh's actions, particularly how his children followed him into evil but did not share in his repentance.

"BETTER SOONER THAN LATER" Intro: Manasseh had come from a good background. His father Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings in Judah. Many good reforms. I. MANASSEH REBELLED AGAINST JEHOVAH GOD. A. His was not just careless indifference. B. His was an open defiance. 1. He rebuilt the high places, used in the vile rites, which his father had broken down. 2. He reared up altars for Baal. 3. He worshipped all the hosts of heaven. 4. He became a very religious ungodly man. C. He profaned the Holy Temple. 1. He made altars within it to the pagan gods. 2. He even put an idol, a carved image, in it. D. He caused his own children to participate in pagan religious rites. E. He went into spiritism. 1. Followed astrology. 2. Used witchcraft, spells and amulets. 3. Received a spirit guide. F. He led the nation into worse abominations than the Canaanites who God had disposed from the land because they were so evil. II. THE LORD BEGAN TO DEAL WITH HIM. A. Jehovah spoke unto Manasseh, but he would not listen. 1. It's dangerous to ignore the voice of God. 2. When God begins to deal with a person, He is very gentle, He speaks. 3. If I seek to ignore Him, He has ways of getting my attention. 4. I sometimes wonder just what it is going to take before some yield fully to God. 5. I know this, that with all the prayers that have gone up for you, He is not going to let you go. a. Sooner or later you will come around. b. Better sooner than later. B. Some may complain against the severity of God's methods. 1. Our training in life saving techniques. III. GOD'S METHODS IN REACHING MANASSEH. A. He brought against him the captains of Assyria. 1. They took him in the thorns. 2. They bound him with fetters. 3. They took him captive to Babylon. B. And when he was in affliction he sought Jehovah. 1. Deep inside he knew the right path. 2. He humbled himself greatly. 3. He prayed unto Him. a. He would not listen to God, but now he wants God to listen to him. C. God is more gracious than man. 1. Though Manasseh had ignored His voice, He did not ignore Manasseh's cry. a. "He was intreated of him." b. "He heard his supplication." c. He brought him again to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. 2. And Manasseh knew that Jehovah was God. a. His conversion was genuine. b. He instituted many reforms. c. He was a changed man (Josepheus). IV. THE SAD RESULTS OF HIS YEARS OF FOLLY. A. His children followed him into evil but not in his conversion. B. Why better sooner than later? 1. All the joys you're missing now.