Sermon Central
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Proclamation Of God Series
Contributed by Terry Stivers on May 20, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: In 2 Chronicles it states, "if my people who are called by my name". God’s name gives us the basis and strength for revival.
PROCLAMATION OF GOD
INTRO:
Dr. J. Elder Cumming contended that “in almost every case the beginning of new blessing is a new revelation of the character of God—more beautiful, more wonderful, more precious.” - J. O. Sanders, Enjoying Intimacy with God, Moody, p. 14
Today I begin a new series that will deal with Revival!
2 Chr. 7:14
14if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
I would like to link this scripture with Exodus 34.
Moses is meeting God for the second time on Mt. Sinai for God’s instruction for his people.
We know they have been:
a. Set Free
b. Sheltered
c. Supplied
They need a revival!!
a. Rebellion: made caves when Moses first went on the Mount.
b. Remembrance: How many times had the people forgotten what God had done?
c. Repentance: they needed to turn back to God.
As we read and study through this chapter, what do we need to do to prepare and experience REVIVAL?
I. RECOGNIZE GOD’S DISTINCTION v. 5-6
A. First revelation: Ex. 3:14 “I AM that I AM”
Then it was His power for provision and deliverance.
This time it was for His salvation!
B. Before we can be revived we have to have a realization of the glory of God.
The verse says “called by my name”
C. God wants to proclaim His Name, because everything that will follow is determined on who He is!
D. Revival will only happen through the Sovereignty of God.
1. The Word says “descended in the cloud” God is always a part of His creation.
In a cloud: Led the Israelites in the dessert.
2. Foretaste of Jesus.
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
3. Are we like the ones he is speaking to earlier in the chapter:
4In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not £comprehend it.
E. When really see who He is and He is a part of our lives, revival will come! Isa. 6:1-7
When this happens then:
II. REFLECT GOD’S DISPOSITION v. 6
A. OUR LIVES WILL CHANGE!
Gal. 2:20
20I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
B. Our lives will become more and more like Christ:
1. Merciful: Greek work means compassionate.
We are going to be loving people.
We will reflect Gods “agape” love!
2. Gracious: unmerited favor.
It does not depend upon worldly concepts who we shower our love upon.
It depends upon who we are, not who they are!
3. Longsuffering: patient
We are not quick to judgment or action.
4. Goodness: kind
5. Truth: stability, certainty, faithful
C. 2 Cor. 4:16
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Eph. 4:20-24
20But you have not so learned Christ, 21if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
III. RESPOND TO GOD’S DISCERNMENT v. 7
A. We need to respond to God’s judgment.
B. We can accept His forgiveness.
“forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin”
1. Iniquity: evil and perversity.
We need to be able to call sin, SIN. We make it sound better by using other terminology.
2. Transgression: rebellion
Remember all sin can be boiled down to selfishness
3. Sin: missing the mark
What do we have as values and goals of our lives?
Are we hitting what we are aiming at?
C. Or, we can reject His mercy.
God will not ignore your lives of sin and rebellion.
It will affect the innocent.
CONCLUSION:
Fire Extinguisher
A U.S. Lutheran bishop tells of visiting a parish church in California and finding a stirring red and orange banner on the wall. “Come Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!” it declared in words printed under a picture of a fire burning. The bishop was also interested in the sign directly underneath the banner which said: “Fire extinguisher.” So much for that parish’s commitment to spiritual renewal.
