Sermon Central
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Where Revival Starts
Contributed by David Dewitt on Oct 31, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: Revival has only one place where it can begin, with the calling and movement of God
Where Revival Starts
Introduction
A Sunday School teacher was teaching a group of teenage boys one Sunday about Christ’s disciples; about their abilities, their attributes, and why Jesus might have chosen them. Toward the end of the lesson a teen-aged boy who was particularly enthralled about the whole concept of calling, chosen by God, said, "Teacher, why did Jesus choose Judas?" To which the Sunday school teacher replied, "Son, I don’t know. But I have a harder question. Why did Jesus choose me?"
I have another question that needs to be answered: Where does revival start?
Revival starts when God calls and we answer that call.
Phases of Revival
Phase 1: God is on a mission to redeem a lost world. He calls His people into relationship with Himself, and he accomplishes His work through them.
Phase 2: God’s people depart from Him, turning to substitutes for his presence, purpose and ways.
Phase 3: God disciplines His people out of His love for them that they would return to Him
Phase 4: God’s people cry out to Him for help
Phase 5: God calls His people to repent and return to Him or perish
Phase 6: God revives His repentant people by restoring them to a right relationship with Himself
Phase 7: God exalts His Son Jesus in His people and draws the lost to a saving faith in Him
Let’s look at God’s calling for revival
I. A Call from God
A. Revival begins with a call from God
1. God is calling for people to return to Him
2. God is calling for people to recommit to Him
3. God is calling for people to remember Him
B. The message of God is very clear
1. Revival is an act of God, not us.
a.) We do not bring revival. We do not create revival.
1.) Revival is an act of God. It happens when God chooses to revive, renew and refresh His people.
2.) Revival happens in God’s time not ours. Far too often we forget the simple fact that we work on God’ time table not our own
b.) We can only respond when God calls
1.) When God calls we have a choice to make, either to obey and follow or to disobey and go our own way. There is no middle ground.
2.) Harvey Cox – To not to decide is to decide. This is a decision that cannot wait when God calls we must answer quickly and correctly
2. Revival can only begin when you respond.
a.) The voice of an eternal, Almighty God is calling your name.
b.) God is still calling, just as He did do long ago.
1.) The same voice that called to Moses from a burning bush is calling out to you.
2.) The same voice that called Samuel in the tabernacle is calling out to you.
3.) The same voice that called Lazarus back from the grave is calling out to you. God is calling, will you respond?
II. A call for a special people
A. God’s people are special
a.) We hold an eternal inheritance
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,
b.) We are children of God Almighty
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17
c.) We are separated for holiness
As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
B. God knows you are special
1. God created you - You are the workmanship of God
2. God knows you completely
3. God has a plan for your life
a.) God has a personal call for you to answer
b.) God has a purpose for you to fulfill
III. A call of conditions
A. God gives conditions for revival
1. God brings revival and sets the conditions for revival
a.) His primary and only condition is for us to respond to His call on our lives.
b.) God’s deepest desire for your life is to have you as His child and for you to live in harmony with His plan for your life.
