Desperate for God's Full Expression: A Call to Revival
Summary
Today, we gathered to seek a profound shift in our hearts and lives, anticipating a move of God that will transform our congregation and extend to the city of Dallas. We began by lifting our hands in prayer, asking God to paint a vision in our hearts and to make us hungry for His full expression. We invited everyone to come to the altar, a place where flesh goes to die, to lay down anything that hinders us from experiencing the fullness of Christ. We expressed our desperation for God, not just for a portion of His presence, but for His full expression in our lives, our city, and our nation.
We reflected on the historical significance of Pentecost, emphasizing that it is not just a one-time event but a continual experience of God's power and presence. We read scriptures together, asking God to pour out His Spirit on all flesh, as promised in Acts 2. We prayed for the heart of Pentecost, a heart that is hungry and desperate for God. We recounted the story of the Azusa Street Revival, where ordinary people with extraordinary hunger for God experienced a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This revival, led by William Seymour, a humble man with little to his name, demonstrated that God does not need special people or fancy buildings to move powerfully.
We discussed the importance of hunger and expectation in experiencing an outpouring of God's Spirit. We shared the story of Evan Roberts, a young man from Wales whose desperate prayers for God to "bend" him led to a nationwide revival. This revival transformed lives, shut down bars, and brought prayer into schools and businesses. We declared our faith that God can do the same in Dallas, envisioning a city where bars shut down and schools are filled with prayer because of a powerful move of God.
We emphasized that Pentecost is not about the form or the expression but about Jesus Himself. The full expression of Christ is what we seek, and Pentecost is the proof of His presence among us. We prayed for a revival in our city, specifically for North Dallas High School, where we believe God is already moving. We shared our vision for our church, a place where people can encounter Jesus, and invited everyone to participate in sacrificial giving to support our move to a new building.
We concluded by reminding everyone that Pentecost is about Jesus and His power to heal, save, and transform lives. We encouraged everyone to keep their eyes on Jesus and to remain hungry for His presence. We prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and invited everyone to fast and pray together in their neighborhoods, seeking a deeper experience of God's power and presence.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hunger for God Precedes Revival: The story of the Azusa Street Revival teaches us that a deep hunger and expectation for God are essential for experiencing a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. William Seymour's unwavering belief in the Holy Ghost, even before he received it himself, set the stage for a global revival. Are we hungry enough for God to move in our lives and our city? [53:25]
2. Pentecost is About Jesus, Not the Form: Pentecost is not about the expressions or the manifestations but about Jesus Himself. When we focus on Jesus and seek His full expression in our lives, we will experience the true power of Pentecost. The miracles, signs, and wonders are all about Jesus showing up and being present among His people. [01:13:05]
3. Repentance Precedes Revival: Every major move of God throughout history has been preceded by a call to repentance. Evan Roberts' prayer, "Bend me," exemplifies a heart that is willing to be transformed by God. True revival comes when we turn away from our old ways and seek a deep, life-changing encounter with God. [01:01:12]
4. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Moves: The stories of William Seymour and Evan Roberts remind us that God does not need special people or fancy buildings to do extraordinary things. He uses humble, ordinary people who are hungry for Him. If we feel inadequate, we should remember that God can use us to birth a worldwide revival. [01:11:15]
5. Pentecost is the Full Expression of Christ: The full expression of Jesus Christ looks like Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit was poured out, and people were filled with power from on high. If we do not have Pentecost, we do not have the full expression of Christ. We must seek the full expression of Jesus in our lives, our church, and our city. [01:17:41]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:48] - Introduction to Pentecost
[44:08] - Scriptures and Prayer for the Holy Spirit
[46:38] - The Heart of Pentecost
[48:47] - The Sound of Pentecost
[49:55] - The Azusa Street Revival
[51:37] - William Seymour's Hunger for God
[53:25] - Hunger and Expectation for Revival
[55:03] - God Moves Beyond Buildings
[56:02] - Hunger for God in Our Church
[58:48] - The Need for Unstructured Worship
[01:00:43] - Repentance and Revival
[01:01:12] - Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival
[01:06:32] - Praying for North Dallas High School
[01:11:15] - God Uses Ordinary People
[01:13:05] - Pentecost is About Jesus
[01:15:29] - The Full Expression of Christ
[01:17:41] - Invitation to Experience Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:1-4 - "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
2. Joel 2:28-29 - "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
3. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2:1-4?
2. According to Joel 2:28-29, what are the signs that God will pour out His Spirit on all people?
3. How does Matthew 5:6 relate to the concept of hunger for God mentioned in the sermon? [53:25]
4. What historical events were recounted in the sermon to illustrate the power of hunger and expectation for God? [49:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4 demonstrate the full expression of Christ?
2. In what ways does the story of the Azusa Street Revival, led by William Seymour, illustrate that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary moves? [50:50]
3. How does the prayer "Bend me" by Evan Roberts reflect the necessity of repentance before revival? [01:01:12]
4. Why is it important to focus on Jesus rather than the form or expression of Pentecost? [01:13:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual hunger. Are you truly desperate for a deeper experience with God? What steps can you take to cultivate this hunger? [53:25]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of repentance before revival. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek repentance to experience a deeper move of God? [01:00:43]
3. How can you, as an ordinary person, position yourself to be used by God for extraordinary things in your community? [50:50]
4. The sermon mentioned the vision for North Dallas High School. How can you actively participate in praying for and supporting this vision? [01:06:32]
5. What distractions in your life are preventing you from focusing on Jesus and seeking His full expression? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [01:15:29]
6. How can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your routine to seek a deeper experience of God's power and presence in your neighborhood? [01:47:16]
7. Think of a specific way you can contribute to creating an environment where people can encounter Jesus, either in your church or community. What action will you take this week? [01:45:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Hunger for God Precedes Revival
A deep hunger and expectation for God are essential for experiencing a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. The story of the Azusa Street Revival teaches us that this hunger is a prerequisite for revival. William Seymour, a humble man with unwavering belief in the Holy Ghost, set the stage for a global revival even before he received the Holy Spirit himself. This teaches us that our hunger for God can pave the way for extraordinary moves of His Spirit. Are we hungry enough for God to move in our lives and our city? [53:25]
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."
Reflection: Are you truly hungry for God to move in your life and your city? What steps can you take today to cultivate a deeper hunger for His presence?
Day 2: Pentecost is About Jesus, Not the Form
Pentecost is not about the expressions or the manifestations but about Jesus Himself. When we focus on Jesus and seek His full expression in our lives, we will experience the true power of Pentecost. The miracles, signs, and wonders are all about Jesus showing up and being present among His people. It is crucial to remember that the essence of Pentecost is Jesus and His transformative power in our lives. [01:13:05]
Acts 4:33 (ESV): "And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from the manifestations of Pentecost to Jesus Himself? How can you seek His full expression in your daily life?
Day 3: Repentance Precedes Revival
Every major move of God throughout history has been preceded by a call to repentance. Evan Roberts' prayer, "Bend me," exemplifies a heart that is willing to be transformed by God. True revival comes when we turn away from our old ways and seek a deep, life-changing encounter with God. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but about a complete change of direction towards God. [01:01:12]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name 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."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? What steps can you take today to seek a deeper, life-changing encounter with Him?
Day 4: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Moves
The stories of William Seymour and Evan Roberts remind us that God does not need special people or fancy buildings to do extraordinary things. He uses humble, ordinary people who are hungry for Him. If we feel inadequate, we should remember that God can use us to birth a worldwide revival. Our availability and hunger for God are what He looks for, not our qualifications or resources. [01:11:15]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Do you feel inadequate to be used by God? How can you make yourself more available and hungry for His purposes today?
Day 5: Pentecost is the Full Expression of Christ
The full expression of Jesus Christ looks like Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit was poured out, and people were filled with power from on high. If we do not have Pentecost, we do not have the full expression of Christ. We must seek the full expression of Jesus in our lives, our church, and our city. This means being open to the Holy Spirit's work and allowing Him to move powerfully among us. [01:17:41]
Acts 2:4 (ESV): "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection: Are you seeking the full expression of Jesus in your life? What can you do today to be more open to the Holy Spirit's work in and through you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Expectation and hunger always precedes an outpouring. If you don't have any hunger for God, you're not going to get anything from it. Matter of fact, Jesus said it like this. He said, blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. I've got a question for you tonight. Are you hungry for Jesus? Or are you hungry for the world? The world will feed you. It'll feed you. You'll have a malnourished spirit, and you'll lack the one thing you really need, which is God. You're going to be hungry for something." [53:25]
2. "The building is not the church. And the building or the lack of a building, the presence of a building, whether you got a multi-million dollar building or you got people in homes all over Dallas, the move of God can happen no matter what. You can have a building full of people that are not hungry for anything but religion have nothing but a dry, dead room with warm bodies. Sometimes I think I'd rather just have... When I went to Indiana Bible College, I used to hear this man, this pastor, Paul Mooney. And in my immaturity, I admit I didn't understand what he was saying. There were times when I would almost mock it. He would say to a big old room of people, he'd say, I'd rather be in a storefront with 10 people hungry for God than in this building packed Florida ceiling with people who are just hungry for this place." [55:03]
3. "God can do more than you think he can. Our little limitations don't limit God. God is bigger than your imagination. He's bigger than your limitations. God can do whatever God wants to do. And there's coming a day where we don't have closets enough. I've told you about this when I visited Prophet T.W. Barnes Church down in Minden, Louisiana in that old building before they got rid of it. There was a closet in the back of the room. You open the door to the closet in the back of the room and it's spilling with crutches and wheelchairs. Why? Because the people came and they found out who Jesus was. And the Bible says about Jesus that he heals all manner of diseases." [01:16:18]
4. "Pentecost is the full expression of Christ being present among his people. How do I know that? Because Jesus said, I'm going to come back and be with you again. And all of a sudden, as they were gathered together, waiting, there came a sound from heaven. As of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were seated. And they all began to speak with other tongues as the spirit of God gave them utterance. That is not about Pentecost. It's about him. If we will keep our eyes on Jesus, we'll see more Pentecost than you ever could imagine seeing." [01:15:29]
5. "Pentecost is not about a man. It's not about an organization. It's not about a movement or a person. It's not about us. Pentecost is not about I want you to hear me. It's not about the move of God in your life. You said all this to say that Pentecost is not about the move of God. Pentecost is not about miracles, signs and wonders. Pentecost is not about all these things. Pentecost is about Jesus. Because when a group of people went down to Jerusalem, found an upper room. They weren't going having punched their ticket to Pentecost to watch the show. No, it was a group of people who were simply desperate to see their love again." [01:13:05]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Are you willing to pray the prayer that says, bend me to unbendable? Are you willing to forsake this world and say, take this world, give me Jesus, stand all over this place today before I invite you down to this altar. Once you just lift your hands with me right now and just begin to talk to God and let him begin to paint a vision in your heart right now. on, let's talk to him right now." [01:18:42]
2. "The altar is the place where flesh goes to die. There is some things in us that has to die tonight. If we're going to have the full expression of Christ, it looks like Pentecost. Come on. Are you hungry for him right now? Are you desperate for him right now? I'm desperate for him. I'm desperate to see him. I'm desperate to feel him. I'm desperate to experience him. I'm desperate for Dallas to see him, for Dallas to experience him. I'm desperate for my lost loved ones to know him. I'm desperate for the move of God. I'm desperate not for a portion of the expression of Christ. I am desperate for the full expression of God." [01:20:54]
3. "Repentance. Preceding every major move of God throughout history has always been a call for repentance. What does that mean? You're not going to have a move of God unless you repent and turn and say, God, whatever you want, however you want it. Every move of God. Throw up Evan Roberts here. Evan Roberts was a young man who who quite honestly history would suggest didn't have a lot going for him. He lived in Wales. He was a coal miner. And what would happen in the coal mines wasn't so good. There's a lot of drunkenness and debauchery and gambling and all that stuff. And on the lunch breaks, all the coal miners would go gamble and drink and tell their dirty stories and stuff. And Evan would go out to the other side of the mine. He was hungry for God." [01:00:43]
4. "William Seymour thought himself not worthy to lead the Azusa Street Mission. He didn't have a fancy pulpit like this, which I'm remembering. I have to buy one. I may not do what Seymour did though. He didn't have no money. And he stacked some orange crates up one on top of the other. See, God don't need anybody's fancy stuff. He didn't have enough to move. And Seymour would stack up them orange crates and during the worship, so in awe that God would move how he was, he'd crawl up underneath them crates and he'd put his head under them as if to say, I'm not worthy to be near God. I'm not even worthy to be in your presence. I'm not a human being." [01:09:05]
5. "Pentecost is the full expression of Christ being present among his people. How do I know that? Because Jesus said, I'm going to come back and be with you again. And all of a sudden, as they were gathered together, waiting, there came a sound from heaven. As of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were seated. And they all began to speak with other tongues as the spirit of God gave them utterance. That is not about Pentecost. It's about him. If we will keep our eyes on Jesus, we'll see more Pentecost than you ever could imagine seeing." [01:15:29]
6. "If you don't have the Holy Ghost tonight, I want you to lift your hands and say, Tonight, God, give me that power. If you have the Holy Ghost, I want you to lift your hands tonight and say, God, help me to walk in that power. Let's pray that right now. That's why you gave it anyways, God. To walk in power as a witness. Hallelujah. Acts chapter 2, verse 1 through 4. Thank you, Jesus. Can we lift our hands and thank God for this? That we get to walk in this. That we get to experience this. Hallelujah. Thank you, mighty God, for pouring your Spirit out. Hallelujah." [44:08]
7. "Pentecost is the full expression of Christ being present among his people. How do I know that? Because Jesus said, I'm going to come back and be with you again. And all of a sudden, as they were gathered together, waiting, there came a sound from heaven. As of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were seated. And they all began to speak with other tongues as the spirit of God gave them utterance. That is not about Pentecost. It's about him. If we will keep our eyes on Jesus, we'll see more Pentecost than you ever could imagine seeing." [01:15:29]
8. "I'm just here to remind us tonight that Pentecost is just the proof of Jesus. It's the proof of Jesus. Because when Jesus says he's going to show up, that's what it looks like. Can you lift your hands with me and say, God, we want your full expression in this. Church. We want your full expression in this church. Make it personal. Start with you. I want your full expression in my life. In my prayer life. I want your full expression in my home with my family. I want your full expression in this church. We go beyond it now. I want your full expression on display in this city. I want your full expression. expression everything that you are and nothing less I want your full expression in this state in this nation God we pray for this country right now and we say God send a sweeping Acts 2 38 to our lives it's all about Jesus you know things get a lot simpler when you realize salvation is about Jesus everything is about the even says that marriage is about Jesus everything is about him you know what that makes it real simple all i've got to do is keep my eyes on jesus and keep my heart burning for jesus and then i will become like him and others will see and know those people have been with jesus and they've heard about this jesus they know what he can do you look like him and you sound like him they're going to find him hallelujah praise god you can pray as long as you want tonight" [01:40:34]
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