Embracing a New Season of Spiritual Revival
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey of spiritual renewal and revival, seeking a deeper connection with God and a transformative experience that extends beyond the walls of our church. We began by acknowledging the hunger and expectation in our hearts for a divine visitation, recognizing that this is a new season of revival. Our worship was filled with gratitude for God's unwavering grace and restoration, and we were reminded of the power of His word as a guiding light in our lives.
We explored the concept of revival through the lens of the early church, drawing lessons from the Book of Acts. The revivals at Pentecost, Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Ephesus, and Philippi were highlighted as examples of how God moved powerfully among His people, bringing about life-changing experiences and growth. These historical revivals were marked by fervent prayer, sound biblical teaching, apostolic oversight, and effective discipleship, all of which are essential for sustaining a revival.
We also reflected on past revivals, such as the Toronto Blessing, and the challenges they faced, including doctrinal confusion, division, and excesses. These serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the importance of grounding our revival in solid biblical foundations and maintaining a focus on genuine transformation rather than emotionalism.
As we move forward, we are called to commit to prayer, biblical teaching, and discipleship, ensuring that our revival is guided by God's principles and leads to lasting change. We are encouraged to embrace a kingdom culture that transcends race and background, fostering unity and growth within our church community. This revival is not just about personal encounters with God but about impacting our neighborhoods, cities, and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Expectation and Gratitude: Our hearts are filled with expectation for a new season of revival, and we express gratitude for God's grace and restoration. This attitude of thankfulness and anticipation sets the stage for a divine visitation. [48:57]
- Lessons from the Early Church: The revivals in the Book of Acts teach us the importance of prayer, sound doctrine, and apostolic oversight. These elements are crucial for sustaining a revival and ensuring it leads to genuine transformation. [01:00:43]
- Cautionary Tales: Past revivals, like the Toronto Blessing, remind us of the dangers of doctrinal confusion and emotionalism. We must ground our revival in solid biblical foundations to avoid these pitfalls and ensure lasting change. [01:10:37]
- Commitment to Prayer and Teaching: A revival requires a commitment to fervent prayer and sound biblical teaching. These practices help us build on what God is already doing and ensure that our revival is rooted in His word. [01:14:59]
- Kingdom Culture and Unity: Embracing a kingdom culture that transcends race and background fosters unity and growth within our church community. This revival is about impacting our neighborhoods and cities, not just personal encounters with God. [01:03:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:57] - Opening Worship and Prayer
[51:12] - Entering the Holy Place
[56:12] - Revival and Gratitude
[57:17] - Transition to One Service
[58:20] - Guiding the Revival God's Way
[59:48] - Lessons from the Book of Acts
[01:00:43] - Revivals in Acts: Pentecost and Samaria
[01:01:30] - Revivals in Lydda and Joppa
[01:02:29] - Antioch and Ephesus Revivals
[01:03:31] - Embracing Kingdom Culture
[01:06:39] - Importance of Proper Guidance
[01:09:21] - Beyond Emotionalism
[01:10:37] - Lessons from Toronto Blessing
[01:14:59] - Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit
[01:17:48] - Biblical Teaching and Apostolic Oversight
[01:22:02] - Discipleship and Follow-Up
[01:25:53] - Lasting Revival Principles
[01:29:11] - Commitment and Communion
[01:35:38] - Embracing the Revival Season
[01:40:04] - Declaration of Commitment
[01:49:25] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1-4
2. Acts 8:4-8
3. Acts 11:19-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the key elements present during the revival at Pentecost as described in Acts 2:1-4? How did these elements contribute to the transformation of the early church?
2. In Acts 8:4-8, what role did Philip play in the revival at Samaria, and what were the outcomes of his ministry there?
3. How did the church in Antioch, as described in Acts 11:19-26, exemplify a multicultural and multi-generational community? What was the significance of Barnabas and Saul's involvement in this revival?
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the dangers of emotionalism in revivals, and how can they be avoided? [01:10:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the revival at Pentecost illustrate the importance of unity and prayer in experiencing a move of God? What can modern churches learn from this example?
2. What does the revival in Samaria teach us about the role of individuals in spreading the gospel and initiating change within a community? How might this apply to personal evangelism today?
3. The sermon mentioned the Toronto Blessing as a cautionary tale. What lessons can be drawn from this past revival to ensure that current and future revivals are grounded in solid biblical foundations? [01:10:37]
4. How does the concept of a "kingdom culture" that transcends race and background, as seen in the Antioch church, challenge current societal norms and divisions? [01:03:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal expectations for revival. How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude and anticipation for God's work in your life and community? [48:57]
2. In what ways can you commit to fervent prayer and sound biblical teaching to support a revival in your church or community? What specific steps will you take this week to deepen your prayer life? [01:14:59]
3. Consider the role of discipleship in sustaining a revival. How can you actively participate in discipling others or being discipled yourself? What barriers might you need to overcome to engage in this process? [01:22:02]
4. How can you contribute to fostering a kingdom culture within your church that embraces diversity and unity? Identify one action you can take to promote inclusivity and growth in your church community. [01:03:31]
5. Reflect on past experiences where emotionalism may have overshadowed genuine transformation. How can you ensure that your spiritual experiences lead to lasting change rather than temporary excitement? [01:10:37]
6. Identify a specific area in your life or community where you sense a need for revival. What practical steps can you take to initiate or support a move of God in that area?
7. How can you balance the excitement of revival with the need for solid biblical teaching and oversight? What role can you play in ensuring that your church remains grounded in Scripture during times of spiritual renewal? [01:17:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Expectation and Gratitude as Catalysts for Revival
In this new season of revival, our hearts are filled with expectation and gratitude, setting the stage for a divine visitation. This attitude is not just about anticipating what God will do but also about recognizing and being thankful for His unwavering grace and restoration in our lives. As we gather with a sense of hunger and anticipation, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with God that transcends the walls of our church. This mindset of thankfulness and expectation is crucial as it aligns our hearts with God's purposes and prepares us for the transformative experiences He has in store. [48:57]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:4-6, ESV)
Reflection: What are three specific things you are grateful for today, and how can you express this gratitude to God in your prayers?
Day 2: Sustaining Revival Through Prayer and Doctrine
The early church in the Book of Acts provides a blueprint for sustaining revival through fervent prayer, sound doctrine, and apostolic oversight. These elements were crucial in the revivals at Pentecost, Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Ephesus, and Philippi, where God moved powerfully among His people. By committing to these practices, we ensure that our revival is not just a fleeting emotional experience but a genuine transformation that leads to lasting change. As we learn from the early church, we are reminded of the importance of grounding our revival in biblical principles and maintaining a focus on effective discipleship. [01:00:43]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer and study of sound doctrine into your daily routine this week?
Day 3: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Emotionalism in Revival
Reflecting on past revivals, such as the Toronto Blessing, we are reminded of the dangers of doctrinal confusion and emotionalism. These revivals serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the importance of grounding our revival in solid biblical foundations to avoid these pitfalls. While emotional experiences can be powerful, they must be accompanied by genuine transformation and a commitment to God's principles. By focusing on lasting change rather than temporary emotional highs, we ensure that our revival leads to true spiritual growth and unity within our church community. [01:10:37]
"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent emotional experience in your spiritual journey. How can you ensure that it leads to genuine transformation rather than just a temporary feeling?
Day 4: Commitment to Prayer and Teaching for Revival
A revival requires a steadfast commitment to fervent prayer and sound biblical teaching. These practices help us build on what God is already doing and ensure that our revival is rooted in His word. By dedicating ourselves to these disciplines, we create an environment where God's presence can flourish and bring about lasting change. This commitment is not just about personal growth but also about impacting our neighborhoods, cities, and beyond, as we embrace a kingdom culture that transcends race and background. [01:14:59]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment to prayer and biblical teaching in your life?
Day 5: Embracing Kingdom Culture and Unity
Embracing a kingdom culture that transcends race and background fosters unity and growth within our church community. This revival is not just about personal encounters with God but about impacting our neighborhoods, cities, and beyond. By committing to a culture of unity and growth, we create a space where God's love can be shared and experienced by all. This kingdom culture is marked by a commitment to prayer, biblical teaching, and discipleship, ensuring that our revival leads to genuine transformation and lasting change. [01:03:31]
"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to fostering unity and embracing a kingdom culture within your church community this week?
Quotes
1) "We thank you for the revival that's upon the church. We give you praise for what you're doing, for the lives you're changing, for the people you heal, for the many you delivering and the many you are saving. Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing. We see it. We acknowledge it. It's you and you alone who's doing this work. That's why we give you praise. That's why we worship you, because it's you and it's you alone. An agent of change. Lord, you are using your body to minister to your body. Come, Father, Holy Spirit, the anointing. Do all that you need to through me and in your people, we give you thanks in Jesus name, and everyone said, amen." [56:12] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You get what you preach. Michael Cassidy taught me that many years ago. You preach money, you get money, you preach revival, you get revival. You preach growth, you get growth, you get what you preach. So we were preaching revival. Trusting God and the Holy Spirit has honored his word. Why? He watches over his word. To perform his word. Give the Lord a hand of praise for that. It is important that we understand before we go into the lessons of how we trust in God that he will lead us in guiding, in stewarding the revival." [59:48] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The goal is to understand that without proper guidance, a revival can be squashed. This happened to our church before we were in the tent and revival happened, and some people caught it and others didn't. In actual fact, I remember so distinctly standing at the front looking through the door, and there was a big bunch of people inside the church, but there was another bunch of people outside the church having fun, talking, laughing, joking. Inside the tabernacle, the presence of God was powerful. Outside, people were not even aware it was revival. You know, there's two extremes. And so this morning we can address those extremes that without proper guidance, we won't see transformative experiences." [01:06:39] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We're looking at lasting change, not just change, it's caught up in the hype and the emotionalism. Sometimes our worship would be at that level. Other times our worship will be down here. Because even when it's down here, God is still present. He wants to see. Are you depending on the emotionalism to worship or do you have the faith to believe he's present? And if your faith is real, you worship God irrespective of how you feel. I'm preaching to you now. I'm not feeling my best. I was hit with the flu yesterday. I can't say to myself in or out of season, I can't be ready to deliver the word. We don't depend upon our feelings." [01:08:30] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "A revival that is nothing, ruthlessly governed by God, if he is not ruthlessly governed by God, will fizzle out. It will stir emotions and stimulate people, but it will not last unless it is guided by the principles of God's word and holiness. Well, how long can a revival last? How long can a revival last? I think that question is on the slide. The revival can last for 100 years. The moravian revival was started in 1727. Count Nicholas Ludwig van Zinzendorf. I think there is a picture of him. Count Nicholas Ludwig van Zindendorf. He initiated the revival. Well, God used him and he called people to. He had a small holding or a farm and people came." [01:25:53] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The secret of the moravian revival lasting power was in its foundation in uncertainty, ceasing prayer and its commitment to self sacrificing missionary work. The movement was governed by the belief that God's way must be followed. And this led to both personal holiness and global evangelism. God's way must be followed. Can the worship team please come? What do you sense the Lord saying to you as an individual this morning? Do you hear God calling you to the next level of commitment to what God is doing in the church? I'm trusting that you are. We cannot manufacture, but we can follow in obedience and God is working." [01:27:12] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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