Embodying Christ's Love for Lasting Revival
Summary
In this gathering, we are reminded of the profound privilege and responsibility we hold as a church in these pivotal times. We are living in the final act of God's divine plan, and the call to action is clear: to be conduits of His love and power, reaching out to a world in desperate need of His grace. The essence of our mission is not just to have a great church but to extend the love and truth of Christ beyond our walls, into the harvest fields that are ripe and ready.
The key to unlocking a citywide revival lies in our understanding and practice of love, as exemplified by John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. John's journey from being a "son of thunder" to a beloved disciple illustrates the transformative power of intimacy with Christ. It is this closeness that allowed John to receive revelations that others did not, emphasizing that love is the foundation of all spiritual authority and effectiveness.
We are called to love as Christ loved us—selflessly, unconditionally, and sacrificially. This love is not just a feeling but an action, a commitment to love our neighbors, our brothers, and even those who may not deserve it. The love of Christ compels us to forgive, to reconcile, and to bear one another's burdens, creating a unity that is essential for the outpouring of God's Spirit.
The story of Joseph and his brothers serves as a powerful example of forgiveness and love in action. Joseph's ability to bless his brothers before they even asked for forgiveness demonstrates the kind of love that God desires in His church. It is this love that unlocks the bountiful harvest, as opposed to the barren ground experienced by Cain due to his lack of love.
In these last days, the church is called to embody the spirit of Jonathan, who selflessly supported David, recognizing God's hand upon him. This spirit of love and unity is what will open doors that no man can shut, leading to an unprecedented revival. As we strive to love one another as Christ loved us, we position ourselves to be the last day church of prophetic promise, ready to do greater works through a greater love.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is called to be a conduit of God's love and power, reaching beyond its walls to a world in need. This mission is not just about having a great church but about extending Christ's love to the harvest fields that are ripe and ready. [01:26:28]
- John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, exemplifies the transformative power of intimacy with Christ. His journey from a "son of thunder" to a beloved disciple highlights the importance of love as the foundation of spiritual authority and effectiveness. [01:28:29]
- Christ's love is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial. We are called to love our neighbors, brothers, and even those who may not deserve it, as Christ loved us. This love compels us to forgive, reconcile, and bear one another's burdens, creating unity essential for God's Spirit to move. [01:36:12]
- The story of Joseph illustrates the power of forgiveness and love in action. Joseph's ability to bless his brothers before they asked for forgiveness demonstrates the kind of love that unlocks a bountiful harvest, contrasting with Cain's barren ground due to his lack of love. [02:05:37]
- The spirit of Jonathan, who selflessly supported David, is a model for the church. This spirit of love and unity will open doors that no man can shut, leading to an unprecedented revival. As we love one another as Christ loved us, we become the last day church of prophetic promise. [02:13:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:26:28] - The Call to Action
- [01:28:29] - The Transformative Power of Intimacy
- [01:36:12] - Christ's Selfless Love
- [01:42:42] - Love as the Foundation
- [01:46:11] - The Spirit of Unity
- [01:49:23] - Loving the Undeserving
- [01:52:45] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [01:58:50] - The Last Day Church
- [02:02:55] - Joseph's Love Principle
- [02:05:37] - Unlocking the Harvest
- [02:13:57] - The Spirit of Jonathan
- [02:16:56] - A New Commandment
- [02:20:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 13:34-35
2. 1 John 4:7-12
3. Genesis 50:15-21
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the transformation of John from a "son of thunder" to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" illustrate the power of intimacy with Christ? [01:28:29]
2. What actions did Joseph take towards his brothers that demonstrated forgiveness and love, even before they asked for it? [02:05:37]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the spirit of Jonathan in the context of church unity and revival? [02:13:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between love and spiritual authority or effectiveness? [01:36:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love is foundational to spiritual authority and effectiveness? How does this relate to the example of John the beloved? [01:28:29]
2. How does the story of Joseph and his brothers serve as a model for forgiveness and love in the church today? What can we learn from Joseph's actions? [02:05:37]
3. The sermon mentions that the spirit of Jonathan is essential for church unity and revival. What does this spirit entail, and how can it be cultivated within a church community? [02:13:57]
4. How does the sermon connect the concept of love with the potential for a citywide revival? What role does love play in unlocking this potential? [01:26:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. Are there any areas where you need to extend forgiveness or love, similar to Joseph's example? How can you take a step towards reconciliation this week? [02:05:37]
2. Consider the transformation of John from a "son of thunder" to the "disciple whom Jesus loved." What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Christ and allow His love to transform you? [01:28:29]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of loving others as Christ loved us. Identify one person in your life who may not "deserve" love by worldly standards. How can you show them Christ-like love this week? [01:49:23]
4. How can you embody the spirit of Jonathan in your interactions with fellow church members? What practical actions can you take to support and uplift others in your community? [02:13:57]
5. The sermon suggests that love is the key to unlocking a citywide revival. What specific actions can you take to extend Christ's love beyond the church walls and into your community? [01:26:28]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the importance of unity in the church. Are there any divisions or conflicts you need to address to foster a spirit of unity? How can you contribute to a more unified church environment? [01:46:11]
7. The sermon calls for a greater dimension of love in the last day church. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to cultivate and demonstrate this greater love? [02:16:56]
Devotional
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Quotes
The Bible says, greater works than these shall you do. Is there a believer in the house tonight for greater works? [01:25:47] (10 seconds)
Before we sing kumbaya to each other, let's remember that the field is harvest ready. The field is white ready for harvest. And we've got to take what we have here out there. [01:27:38] (17 seconds)
John the beloved had a revelation that the rest of the disciples did not have because John was intimate with his master. It was to John that the master entrusted his mother as he hung on a cross. He said, John, take care of my mother because there's something about love that produces trust. [01:30:23] (27 seconds)
Though I have the tongue of men and of angels, and I have not love, I'm nothing more than sounding brass and tinkling cymbal. You can learn how to preach and you can learn how to teach a Bible study. And you can pray people through all day long. But if it's not done by love and for the cause of love, it's sounding brass and tinkling cymbal. [01:36:33] (25 seconds)
Your spiritual success without love is failure in disguise. Because it's all about God's love flowing through the last day church. John 13 and 35. Jesus said by this shall all men know that you're my disciples. [01:43:44] (24 seconds)
Christ's love is unselfish. Christ's love shines when people least deserve it. Judas betrayed him. But he loved Judas. Peter denied him. But he loved Peter. Thomas doubted him. All the disciples. But John abandoned him at the cross. [01:49:23] (25 seconds)
The Bible said the judgment upon Cain. Not only he would be a fugitive, a vagabond, and a wanderer, but he said the ground would not yield her seed. Look at it. Genesis chapter four and verse 12. Genesis four and 12. I want you to see it in the scripture, not just take it. This is God's judgment for a brother killing a brother. [02:01:57] (27 seconds)
Joseph is someone that lives with the capstone of forgiveness over his life. In fact, let's talk about Joseph for just a moment. The Bible says he comes and he recognizes his brothers who did him wrong. But they didn't recognize him. Watch now. And he blessed his brothers. He filled their wagons full. Said, take this home without his brothers ever asking for forgiveness. [02:03:55] (29 seconds)
Your harvest tomorrow depends on your love today. You can't love God more than you love the least in the house today. End-time ministry will depend on end-time relationships. And only when you love your brother the way you love God do you qualify yourself for the promises of the coming harvest. [02:06:36] (30 seconds)
I remind you of the story of Jonathan and David The Bible says of that love He loved him as he loved his own soul And what did he do? He met him in the field He said, Jonathan, I want you He said, David Jonathan was in line to the throne He takes off his coat He puts it on David He said, I want you to have this kingly coat. [02:13:56] (28 seconds)
Only the city Of brotherly love Have the promise Of an open door That no man can shut You want endless Unlimited revival Learn to love the person Sitting across the aisle He said I'll open every channel Of revival I'll open up Every gateway Of revival I'll open up Every portal Of revival I'll put an open door If somebody learns To love The way I love. [02:16:56] (37 seconds)