Embracing Revival: Faith, Victory, and God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
On this powerful Monday night, we gathered with a spirit of anticipation and victory, ready to witness God's mighty works. Despite obstacles like hurricanes, we made it here, driven by a hunger for God's presence. We are living in a time of revival, even in places deemed post-Christian. God's power is sweeping through New England and the Northwest, proving that our best days are ahead. This isn't just hopeful thinking; it's rooted in the biblical principle of seeding and reaping. America has sown seeds of revival worldwide, and now we are reaping a harvest of revival here at home.
We are reminded that God's promises are unfailing. His word never returns void but accomplishes what it was sent to do. No devil, government, or corporation can thwart God's plans. Each of us is a vital part of the body of Christ, and no part is insignificant. Just as the smallest toe is crucial to the body, so are we to God's kingdom. We are seated in heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers, anointed to do great things.
The spirit of victory is palpable tonight. We are not called to fail but to increase, moving from glory to glory and victory to victory. This spirit of victory is not deterred by natural circumstances. Like Caleb, who had a different spirit and was ready to take the promised land despite the giants, we too must walk by faith and not by sight. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When Peter walked on water, it was his shift in focus from Jesus to the waves that caused him to falter. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the Word made flesh.
In the darkest times, we must learn to praise God. Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight, and their chains fell off. The new day begins at midnight, even when it's still dark. We are stepping into new seasons, and God is moving swiftly on our behalf. His word runs swiftly, and He can accomplish in one day what would take a thousand elsewhere. We are anointed to harass the devil, to break down yokes of bondage, and to bring freedom wherever we go.
### Key Takeaways
1. Revival in Unexpected Places: God's power is moving mightily in regions considered post-Christian, like New England and the Northwest. Despite statistics, churches are growing, and people are being saved. This revival is a testament to the seeds of faith and revival that America has sown worldwide over the past century. Our best days are ahead because we are reaping the harvest of those seeds. [01:40]
2. The Principle of Seeding and Reaping: The biblical principle of seeding and reaping applies to all areas of life, not just finances. When we sow seeds of faith, kindness, and revival, we will reap a harvest in kind. America's history of sending missionaries and Bibles worldwide means we are now experiencing a revival harvest at home. [03:02]
3. The Unfailing Word of God: God's promises are unbreakable. His word never returns void but accomplishes what it was sent to do. No force—be it demonic, governmental, or corporate—can stop God's word from coming to pass. This assurance gives us a spirit of victory, knowing that God's plans for us are unstoppable. [07:23]
4. Walking by Faith, Not by Sight: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The opposite of faith is not doubt but sight. When Peter walked on water, he faltered only when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the waves. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting His word over our circumstances. [20:39]
5. Praising God in the Dark: True faith praises God even in the darkest times. Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight, and their chains fell off. The new day begins at midnight, even when it's still dark. We must learn to praise God in our darkest hours, knowing that joy comes in the morning and that God is already working on our behalf. [58:29]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:40] - Revival in Post-Christian Cities
3. [02:24] - America's Best Days Ahead
4. [03:02] - Principle of Seeding and Reaping
5. [04:19] - Harvest of Revival in America
6. [05:26] - Spirit of Victory in the Room
7. [06:37] - God's Unfailing Word
8. [08:02] - No Devil Can Stop God's Plan
9. [09:15] - Every Member is Valuable
10. [10:42] - Far Above Principalities
11. [12:13] - Personal Ministry and Healing
12. [15:02] - Spirit of Faith and Victory
13. [19:10] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
14. [20:39] - Peter Walking on Water
15. [22:11] - Path of the Righteous
16. [24:04] - God's Jealousy for His Glory
17. [25:39] - God Makes a Way
18. [26:36] - Spirit of Victory
19. [27:25] - Celebrities Turning to Christ
20. [28:12] - Elon Musk and Christianity
21. [30:10] - Uncurseable People of God
22. [31:39] - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing
23. [33:16] - Unbelief Will Kill You
24. [34:50] - Different Spirit, Different Blessing
25. [36:35] - Caleb's Spirit of Victory
26. [38:06] - Grasshopper Mentality
27. [39:20] - David and Goliath
28. [41:12] - Jesus, the Cornerstone
29. [43:03] - Mike Tyson's Intimidation
30. [45:50] - Spirit of Victory Ready to Run
31. [47:34] - Caleb's Personal Victory
32. [49:16] - Following Jesus Alone
33. [50:48] - Spirit of Victory for the Future
34. [52:19] - Faith Over Fear
35. [53:50] - Laughing in the Devil's Face
36. [55:25] - Renewed Day by Day
37. [57:12] - Praising God in the Dark
38. [58:29] - Paul and Silas at Midnight
39. [01:00:21] - Every Door, Every Chain
40. [01:02:16] - God's Swift Word
41. [01:03:30] - Freedom in God's Presence
42. [01:04:12] - Anointed to Harass the Devil
43. [01:05:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 55:11 - "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
2. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
3. Acts 16:25-26 - "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 55:11 say about the effectiveness of God's word? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God's promises? [07:23]
2. According to Hebrews 11:1, what is the definition of faith? How does this definition help us understand the sermon’s emphasis on walking by faith and not by sight? [20:39]
3. In Acts 16:25-26, what were Paul and Silas doing at midnight, and what was the result of their actions? How does this story illustrate the sermon’s point about praising God in the dark? [58:29]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of seeding and reaping, as discussed in the sermon, apply to areas of life beyond finances? Can you think of examples from your own life where you have seen this principle at work? [03:02]
2. The sermon mentions that God's word never returns void and that no force can stop God's plans. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions? [07:23]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus, using Peter walking on water as an example. What are some practical ways to maintain focus on Jesus amidst life's distractions? [20:39]
4. The story of Paul and Silas singing praises at midnight is used to illustrate the power of praising God in difficult times. How can this example encourage you during your own challenging situations? [58:29]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon speaks about revival happening in unexpected places. Have you seen signs of spiritual revival in your community or personal life? How can you contribute to this revival? [01:40]
2. Reflect on a time when you sowed seeds of faith, kindness, or service. What was the outcome? How can you be more intentional about sowing positive seeds in your current circumstances? [03:02]
3. The sermon emphasizes the unfailing nature of God's word. Is there a specific promise from God that you are holding onto right now? How does this promise give you hope and direction? [07:23]
4. Walking by faith and not by sight is a key theme in the sermon. Identify a current situation where you need to trust God more. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [20:39]
5. The sermon encourages praising God even in the darkest times. Think of a recent difficult situation you faced. How did you respond? How can you incorporate praise into your response to future challenges? [58:29]
6. The sermon mentions that each of us is a vital part of the body of Christ. How do you see your role in the church? What are some ways you can use your gifts to serve others more effectively? [09:15]
7. The spirit of victory is a recurring theme in the sermon. What does having a spirit of victory mean to you personally? How can you cultivate this spirit in your daily life? [05:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Revival in Unexpected Places
Description: God's power is moving mightily in regions considered post-Christian, like New England and the Northwest. Despite statistics, churches are growing, and people are being saved. This revival is a testament to the seeds of faith and revival that America has sown worldwide over the past century. Our best days are ahead because we are reaping the harvest of those seeds. This movement is not just a hopeful thought but a manifestation of God's promise that His word will not return void. We are witnessing a divine turnaround in areas once thought spiritually barren. [01:40]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Think of a place or situation in your life that seems spiritually barren. How can you pray and act in faith to see God's revival in that area?
Day 2: The Principle of Seeding and Reaping
Description: The biblical principle of seeding and reaping applies to all areas of life, not just finances. When we sow seeds of faith, kindness, and revival, we will reap a harvest in kind. America's history of sending missionaries and Bibles worldwide means we are now experiencing a revival harvest at home. This principle encourages us to be intentional about what we sow, knowing that our actions today will shape our future. It is a reminder that God's kingdom operates on principles that are both spiritual and practical. [03:02]
Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Reflection: What seeds are you currently sowing in your life? Are they seeds of faith, kindness, and revival, or something else? How can you be more intentional about sowing good seeds today?
Day 3: The Unfailing Word of God
Description: God's promises are unbreakable. His word never returns void but accomplishes what it was sent to do. No force—be it demonic, governmental, or corporate—can stop God's word from coming to pass. This assurance gives us a spirit of victory, knowing that God's plans for us are unstoppable. We can rest in the certainty that God's word is powerful and effective, and it will achieve its purpose in our lives and in the world. This truth empowers us to live boldly and confidently, trusting in God's unfailing promises. [07:23]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific promise from God's word are you holding onto right now? How does knowing that God's word will not return void impact your faith and actions today?
Day 4: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Description: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The opposite of faith is not doubt but sight. When Peter walked on water, he faltered only when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the waves. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting His word over our circumstances. This principle teaches us that our faith should not be swayed by what we see around us but should be anchored in the unseen reality of God's promises. It challenges us to live by faith, even when our circumstances seem contrary to God's word. [20:39]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to walk by faith? How can you shift your focus from your circumstances to Jesus today?
Day 5: Praising God in the Dark
Description: True faith praises God even in the darkest times. Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight, and their chains fell off. The new day begins at midnight, even when it's still dark. We must learn to praise God in our darkest hours, knowing that joy comes in the morning and that God is already working on our behalf. This act of faith not only brings us closer to God but also has the power to break chains and open doors in our lives. It is a powerful reminder that our praise can change our circumstances and bring about God's deliverance. [58:29]
Acts 16:25-26 (ESV): "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge or dark time you are facing. How can you intentionally praise God in the midst of it, trusting that He is already working on your behalf?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our best days are ahead of us, not behind. If you were looking for a preacher who had a doom and gloom report for you, this is the right thing to do. If you were looking for a preacher who had a doom and gloom report for you, Because I only came to encourage you this week that something great is happening right now in the United States of America." [02:24] (20 seconds)
2. "I'm just telling you, it's a great day to be alive. I said, it's a great day to be alive. Oh, yeah. Best day that you could ever imagine. Jesus is getting ready to come back. He's going to split the eastern sky wide open. He's going to descend from heaven. The Bible says with a shout. And I'm telling you, the dead in Christ are going to get up out of their graves. What a day to be alive." [04:19] (25 seconds)
3. "So God's word always brings to pass what he planned. Amen. You know what's exciting about that? No devil can stop it. No demon is stronger than the word of God over your life. You know what else is powerful? No government can stop it. Yeah. No corporation can shut it down. Crooked people behind the scenes that have shaken hands and made deals can't shut down the devil." [07:23] (30 seconds)
4. "So if you've got eyesight that's good enough, look him square in the eye. Tell him, devil, you are a liar. I'm a member of the body of Christ. I'm anointed to do great things. I'm anointed to bring people to Jesus. I'm anointed to heal the sick. I'm anointed to cast out devils. I'm anointed to bring change to my generation. How many believe that tonight? Say it with me again. A spirit of victory." [10:42] (27 seconds)
5. "Expect God to move in such a way that nobody will be able to explain it when they see what God did for you. Hallelujah. Can't explain it. Not going to be able to explain it away. That's why I like when God moves that way because then he gets all the glory because no man or woman can take the credit for it." [24:04] (26 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's a difference between people who have that faith in them that says God's power cannot fail. If God said it, he will do it. If he spoke it, he'll bring it to pass. Yeah. I believe that that's the most important verse in all of the Bible. Number seven. Verse 23, 19. God's not a man that he should lie or the son of man that he has to take back his word or change his word. Has he not said it and will he not do it? Has he not spoken it and will he not bring it to pass?" [06:37] (41 seconds)
2. "So you can go in there and you can say, man, it looks insane. I can't believe the Lord brought us here to this place that's already full of giants. And in your natural mind, you could think, well, there's no way this is going to happen. We can't beat these people. Plus, they've already built fortified walls and cities. They've got defense mechanisms. There's no way this is going to happen. Or you can say, God said it's ours. Let's go take it." [17:41] (24 seconds)
3. "See, here's what many people miss a lot of times. We think that the opposite of faith is doubt, but the opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is sight. Bible doesn't say we walk by faith and not by doubt. No, we walk by faith because sight is the opposite of faith. Because faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It's not seen. So my faith is not based in anything that's seen. That's where doubt comes from." [19:10] (38 seconds)
4. "So the moment I start trusting in what I see, I've lost my opportunity to operate in faith. That's why Peter, you can see this in one story. Peter was in the middle of a storm on the boat, thought he was dead. And all of a sudden, through all the wind and the waves and everything that's blowing, the lightning and the thunder, he sees an individual walking on top of the water. This always makes me laugh because he says, Lord, if it's you, call me. Who do you think it is?" [20:39] (30 seconds)
5. "So when Jesus said he did and he on it and said spaghetti possess it. Why? Because Caleb had a different, oh man, I feel this tonight. Somebody say, I got a different spirit. Oh, we know the kind of spirit that's going through the world right now. We know the 2024, what's happening. There's a spirit of antichrist throughout the whole earth. There's people with an antichrist agenda, with an antichrist mindset that are saying antichrist things, but we've got a different spirit. I don't have a spirit of antichrist. I have a spirit of Christ." [34:50] (33 seconds)