REVIVAL FROM GOD

James 1:22-25

22-25 If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last.

Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before us the corruption of our nature, the disorders of our hearts and lives; and it will tell us plainly what we are. Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ's blood is the laver the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God's word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it. This is the case with those who do not hear the word as they ought.

In hearing the word, we look into it for counsel and direction, and when we study it, it turns to our spiritual life. Those who keep in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in all their ways. His gracious recompence hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God. And mark the distinctness, it is not for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. Christ will become more precious to the believer's soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light.

What is Revival?

REVIVAL IS…

·         God’s people doing what God teaches them to do in His Word.

·         The Children of God getting back in fellowship with God.

·         The Children of God living their lives according to God’s Word.

·         The Children of God allowing the Holy Ghost to control their lives.

So many of us are failing in our Christian lives because we are not doing what God instructs us to do in His Word.

What kind of Revival do we need in our Church?

I.                   OUR LOVE NEEDS REVIVING

A-LOVE FOR GOD NEEDS REVIVING…Rev. 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

            B-LOVE FOR GOD’S HOUSE NEEDS REVIVING…Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

            C-LOVE FOR SINNERS NEEDS REVIVING--Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

II.                OUR PRAYERS NEED REVIVING

A-Prayer For Our Lost Loved Ones Needs Reviving…The Good Samaritan—Luke 10:27-37

B-Prayer For Our Church Family Needs Reviving

Hebrews 13:18-Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. 19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

C-Prayers Of Thanksgiving Need Reviving…Ephesians 5:20-Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

III.             OUR  STEWARDSHIP NEEDS REVIVING

Steward-One who manages another’s property; on ship, attendant on passengers; office of management

·         Ship =  God’s Church

·         Office of Management = Those over the affairs of God’s Church

·         Another’s property = God’s affairs

·         Steward =Any person who is serving the Lord

A-Faithfulness to God’s House (Hebrews 10:25)

B-Faithfulness to God’s Work (Titus 2:7-In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,)

C-Faithfulness to God’s Word (II Timothy 2:15-Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.)

Conclusion—You must be Saved to experience Revival. A lost man/woman cannot experience Revival. It is impossible to Revive something that has never been alive. A lost person is dead in Trespasses and sins. You can be saved by placing your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The only way to heaven is through Him who loved us and Gave himself for us.

Whether you need to be saved, or need a touch of Revival in your life…

Why not come, and ask the Lord for help in your situation or circumstance?

He can fulfill the desire of your heart here this morning…Come and ask him for help.