INTRODUCTION:
 
       A.  After Solomon's death the kingdom divided.

            1.  In 700 BC the Northern kingdom is destroyed.

            2.  In 586 BC Israel (South) is taken captive by Babylon for 70 years.

            3.  Isaiah 35:1-10 speaks of their return.

                 a.  Messianic - speaks of our return from bondage.

       B.  In this lesson, let's look at the Highway of Holiness and see God's way for
            our return to Him.
 

   I.  IT IS A HIGHWAY - V. 8.

       A.  Not a secluded, private road - Acts 10:34-35.

       B.  A road open to all men - II Peter 3:9.

       C.  All who will may enter - Matthew 11:28-30.

       D.  John the Baptist prepared the way - Mark 1:1-3.

            1.  Isaiah 40:3-5.

       E.  It is the road to life giving water - John 7:37-38.

       F.  Not a man made road - its builder is God.

  II.  IT IS A CLEAN WAY - V. 8b.

       A.  Unclean are not permitted to travel it.

            1.  Must first be cleaned by Jesus' blood.

       B.  Our king requires holiness.

            1.  Matthew 5:8 - "pure in heart"

            2.  James 1:27 - "pure religion"

       C.  Ephesians 5:1-14.

 III.  IT IS A PLAIN WAY - V. 8c.

       A.  Matthew 7:7-8 - takes willingness.

       B.  No college education is required.  Just common sense.

       C.  Has a place for the weak and strong.

            1.  Weak drink milk.

            2.  Strong eat meat.

       D.  It can, and must be understood.  (REDEMPTION).

            1.  Demonstrated on Pentecost - Acts 2.

  IV.  IT IS A SAFE WAY - V. 9.

       A.  Wild beast were a threat to travelers in this day.

            1.  Christians are not immune to sickness, death or tragedy.

       B.  But, NOTHING can separate us for God's love - Romans 8:35-39.

       C.  We are protected from temptation - I Corinthians 10:13.

   V.  IT IS A HOMEWARD WAY - V. 10.

       A.  The value of a road depends upon where it leads you.

            1. If it doesn't get you where you want to go, it is worthless to you.

       B.  The road of Jesus leads home.

            1.  John 14:6 - "I am the way..."

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  If you enter the "Highway of Holiness" you can enter the heavenly home.

       B.  If you have lost your direction, and are on the wrong road, follow your map and 
             return to the right way.