Embracing the Present Reality of Revival
Summary
In today's gathering, we experienced a profound sense of God's presence, reminding us of the power and significance of living in the "this is that" moment, as prophesied by Joel. We are living in times where God's spirit is being poured out abundantly, and our church is poised to play a pivotal role in this end-time revival. This revival is not just a distant hope but a present reality that is unfolding before our eyes. It is a call to action for each of us to embrace the revival God has for us, both individually and collectively as a church community.
God has specific plans for our church, Stroud United Pentecostal Church, and for the broader church community. These plans include blessings, growth, miracles, and a significant role in the revival sweeping through Oklahoma and beyond. This revival is bigger than any one of us and cannot be controlled by human hands. It is a divine movement that transcends political, social, and geographical boundaries. We are reminded that we are living in the last days, and despite the chaos and perversion in the world, God is orchestrating a grander picture of revival and renewal.
The sermon emphasized the importance of focusing on God's blessings and goodness rather than the negativity and challenges surrounding us. We are witnessing unprecedented growth and miracles within the United Pentecostal Church, with thousands receiving the Holy Ghost and being baptized. This is a testament to God's miraculous work and a call for us to be active participants in this revival. We are encouraged to pray, witness, worship, and give, as these are the keys to unlocking apostolic revival in our lives and community.
God has placed us in this field to labor and harvest, and it is our responsibility to work diligently for the kingdom. Revival is not a future event; it is happening now, and we must seize this opportunity to be part of God's transformative work. As we pray for our community and the streets we traverse daily, we are reminded that revival is here, and it is our duty to embrace it wholeheartedly.
Key Takeaways:
1. Living in the "This is That" Moment: We are experiencing the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, where God's spirit is being poured out abundantly. This is a call to recognize and embrace the revival happening now, not as a distant hope but as a present reality. [04:19]
2. God's Uncontrollable Revival: The revival God has planned for us is beyond human control and transcends political and social boundaries. It is a divine movement that requires us to surrender our desire for control and allow God to work through us. [05:47]
3. Focus on God's Goodness: Amidst the chaos and negativity in the world, we are called to focus on God's blessings and goodness. By doing so, we align ourselves with His purpose and become active participants in the revival He is orchestrating. [07:49]
4. Keys to Apostolic Revival: Prayer, witnessing, worship, and giving are essential components of experiencing apostolic revival. These practices break down barriers, draw people to God, and open the door for unprecedented blessings and growth. [29:14]
5. Revival is Here and Now: Revival is not a future event; it is happening now. We must seize this opportunity to be part of God's transformative work in our community and beyond, praying for the streets we traverse and the people we encounter daily. [42:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:19] - Living in "This is That"
[05:47] - God's Uncontrollable Revival
[06:50] - Signs of the End Times
[07:49] - Focus on God's Goodness
[12:03] - Unprecedented Miracles
[13:54] - Global Revival Reports
[20:46] - Prophecies Over Our Church
[24:18] - Testimonies of Transformation
[25:55] - The Power of Giving
[29:14] - Keys to Apostolic Revival
[30:36] - Witnessing and Testimonies
[39:16] - Our Field of Labor
[39:50] - The True Meaning of Harvest
[42:00] - Revival is Here and Now
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:14-21
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does Peter declare to the people in Acts 2:14-21 about the events they are witnessing? How does he connect these events to the prophecy of Joel?
2. According to the sermon, what specific plans does God have for Stroud United Pentecostal Church? [04:19]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of the revival that is happening now? What are some characteristics mentioned? [05:47]
4. What are the four keys to experiencing apostolic revival as mentioned in the sermon? [29:14]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the prophecy of Joel, as referenced in Acts 2, relate to the current experiences of the church according to the sermon? [04:19]
2. The sermon mentions that revival is beyond human control and transcends boundaries. What might this suggest about the role of the church and individuals in this movement? [05:47]
3. In what ways does focusing on God's goodness, as emphasized in the sermon, impact one's perspective on the challenges faced in the world? [07:49]
4. How do the practices of prayer, witnessing, worship, and giving contribute to the unfolding of apostolic revival, according to the sermon? [29:14]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of living in the "this is that" moment. How can you become more aware of the spiritual revival happening around you and actively participate in it? [04:19]
2. The sermon emphasizes surrendering control to God. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with control? How can you practice surrendering these areas to God this week? [05:47]
3. Amidst the chaos and negativity in the world, how can you intentionally focus on God's blessings and goodness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus? [07:49]
4. Consider the four keys to apostolic revival: prayer, witnessing, worship, and giving. Which of these areas do you feel called to strengthen in your life, and what specific actions will you take to do so? [29:14]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of praying for the community and the streets we traverse daily. Choose a specific street or area in your community to pray for this week. How will you incorporate this into your prayer routine? [42:00]
6. Reflect on the testimonies shared in the sermon. How can sharing your own testimony impact others, and who might you share it with this week? [30:36]
7. The sermon speaks of a revival that is already here. How can you actively engage with and support the revival efforts in your church and community? What role do you see yourself playing in this movement? [42:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Present Revival
In the current era, we are witnessing the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, where God's spirit is being poured out abundantly. This is not a distant hope but a present reality that calls for recognition and embrace. The "this is that" moment signifies a time when the divine is actively working in our midst, urging us to participate in the unfolding revival. It is a call to action for each individual and the church community to engage with the spiritual awakening happening now. By acknowledging this moment, we align ourselves with God's purpose and become part of a transformative movement that is reshaping our world. [04:19]
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: How can you actively participate in the revival happening around you today? What steps can you take to recognize and embrace this spiritual awakening in your daily life?
Day 2: Surrendering to God's Divine Movement
The revival that God has planned is beyond human control and transcends political and social boundaries. It is a divine movement that requires us to surrender our desire for control and allow God to work through us. This uncontrollable revival is a testament to God's sovereignty and power, reminding us that His plans are greater than our own. By relinquishing control, we open ourselves to the miraculous and allow God to use us as instruments in His grand design. This surrender is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of faith and trust in God's perfect will. [05:47]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What areas of your life are you trying to control that you need to surrender to God? How can you trust Him to work through you in these areas?
Day 3: Focusing on God's Blessings Amidst Chaos
In a world filled with chaos and negativity, we are called to focus on God's blessings and goodness. By doing so, we align ourselves with His purpose and become active participants in the revival He is orchestrating. This focus on the positive aspects of God's work allows us to rise above the challenges and see the bigger picture of His divine plan. It is a reminder that despite the turmoil around us, God's goodness prevails, and His blessings are abundant. By keeping our eyes on His goodness, we find strength and encouragement to continue our journey of faith. [07:49]
Psalm 34:8-9 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!"
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from the negativity around you to the blessings God has provided? How can this change in perspective impact your daily life and spiritual journey?
Day 4: Unlocking Apostolic Revival Through Spiritual Practices
Prayer, witnessing, worship, and giving are essential components of experiencing apostolic revival. These practices break down barriers, draw people to God, and open the door for unprecedented blessings and growth. By engaging in these spiritual disciplines, we position ourselves to receive God's outpouring and become conduits of His love and power. Each practice serves as a key to unlocking the potential for revival in our lives and communities, enabling us to participate in the transformative work God is doing. As we commit to these practices, we become active participants in the revival that is unfolding before us. [29:14]
Acts 2:42-43 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Which of these spiritual practices do you need to focus on more in your life? How can you incorporate them into your daily routine to experience revival?
Day 5: Seizing the Present Opportunity for Revival
Revival is not a future event; it is happening now. We must seize this opportunity to be part of God's transformative work in our community and beyond. As we pray for the streets we traverse and the people we encounter daily, we are reminded that revival is here, and it is our duty to embrace it wholeheartedly. This call to action requires us to be vigilant and proactive, recognizing the signs of revival around us and responding with faith and commitment. By doing so, we become agents of change, contributing to the spiritual awakening that is reshaping our world. [42:00]
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: How can you make the most of the opportunities for revival in your community today? What specific actions can you take to contribute to God's transformative work around you?
Quotes
1. "All week long, I've been feeling God deal with me about this. And he has specific plans for this church. For his church in general, but also for this. Everybody say this church. This Stroud United Pentecostal Church. He has plans for it. Plans of blessing and growth and miracles. And signs and wonders." [04:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And literally, our church is going to be a big part. Of end time revival and what happens in Oklahoma revival. And this picture of revival is so big. It's bigger than us. It's bigger than this church. This picture of revival that God has for us. It's bigger than each one of us individually." [05:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What God is doing right now cannot be controlled by us. I can't control. the revival that God has for us. You know how we love to control stuff. Got any control freaks in there? There's a few. I can call you out. You want me to call you out? I won't, but I could." [05:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The chaos and the perversion of this world is crazy. All of the mess, that our world is involved in. and Israel being bombed from every side of them. They're being bombed from all over around them. Amen. And multiple countries. That's a part of the end time. We can read about that." [06:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's a bigger picture than the chaos. And there's a bigger picture than the perversion. And there's a bigger picture than the troubles and the trials that we are living in. There's a bigger picture than the fussing and the fighting of the two parties in our country. There's a bigger picture than all of this. It's this, is that God is wanting to give us revival." [06:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We focus too much on all of the bad stuff. And we don't focus enough on the blessings. And the goodness of God. Come on somebody. He's been awful good to us. Amen. I know that's an oxymoron. But he's been awful good to us. That's Oklahoma talk." [07:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Did you know that in the year 2024, we have had 340,000 plus people get the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the United Pentecostal Church International, amen. We have baptized over 273,000 people in the United Pentecostal Church International, amen." [12:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Every miracle in the book of Acts. This is Brother Bernard. Every miracle in the book of Acts has happened in the United Pentecostal Church this year. Every miracle that has happened in the book of Acts has happened in the United Pentecostal Church this year." [13:54] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If we're going to be stingy, he's going to be stingy. If we're not willing to give of ourselves, and I'm not just talking about money. Amen. I don't want to be mean, and I don't want to be ugly, but there's some tight-fisted people in this room. You squeeze them dollar bills tight. Instead of giving them." [25:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You know what revival is about? Revival is about. It's about breaking things. It's about breaking things. I'm preaching this on purpose. There's a reason I'm preaching what I'm preaching. Because in January, we start 40 days of fire. and here's what I have felt all this week that God's going to start it way before January." [26:27] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?