Empowered to Proclaim: A Call for Revival
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to address the current state of our country and the role of the church in these challenging times. We are witnessing a lot of division and turmoil, and it is crucial for us as God's church to stand up and be bold. We are not just to pray for a movement but to start one. God has already empowered us with the Holy Spirit, and it is our responsibility to act.
We need to understand that praising God is not limited to singing; it involves serving Him, reading His Word, and being His mouthpiece. Revival is not just a series of church services; it is about the church authentically partnering together to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ boldly. Our country and even our churches are divided, and we need to break down these walls of division.
To experience revival, we must devote ourselves to Scripture and prayer. We need a renewal that sweeps across our churches, breaking down denominational barriers and focusing on the core message of the gospel. Transformation requires a sincere turning from sin and an expression of repentance. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways.
In 2 Chronicles 7:13-16, God outlines the conditions for national forgiveness. We need to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. This is not just about individual repentance but a collective movement of the church. We must be bold in proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 and 4 show us the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church. The Holy Spirit is essential for lasting transformation within the church and its people. We must not fear the Holy Spirit but embrace His guidance, wisdom, and boldness. God longs for us to worship Him and proclaim His name boldly.
As we close, let's commit to praying for our country, seeking a spirit of repentance, and breaking down the walls of division within the church. Let's boldly proclaim the name of Jesus from the mountaintops, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: God has already empowered us with the Holy Spirit to act boldly. We are not to wait for a movement but to start one, using the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. [24:27]
2. True Revival: Revival is not just a series of church services but an authentic partnership among believers to boldly proclaim the gospel. It involves breaking down denominational barriers and focusing on the core message of Jesus Christ. [39:32]
3. Devotion to Scripture and Prayer: To experience revival, we must devote ourselves to Scripture and prayer. This involves a daily commitment to reading God's Word, praying, and seeking His guidance. [41:10]
4. Transformation and Repentance: True transformation requires a sincere turning from sin and an expression of repentance. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways to experience God's forgiveness and healing. [42:52]
5. Bold Proclamation: We must be bold in proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This involves not just individual efforts but a collective movement of the church to break down walls of division and proclaim the gospel boldly. [53:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:32] - Announcements and Prayer
[24:27] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[37:02] - The Power of Praise
[39:32] - True Revival
[41:10] - Devotion to Scripture and Prayer
[42:52] - Transformation and Repentance
[45:07] - Call for Humility
[49:10] - Longing for God
[53:54] - Bold Proclamation
[56:33] - God’s Longing for Worship
[01:00:22] - Call to Pray for Our Country
[01:02:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Chronicles 7:13-16: "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time."
2. Acts 2:1-4: "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
3. Acts 4:24-31: "And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, 'Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed"—for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four conditions for national forgiveness mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:14? ([43:32])
2. How did the early church experience the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4? ([52:09])
3. What was the reaction of the believers in Acts 4:24-31 when they faced threats? ([57:22])
4. According to the sermon, what does true revival involve beyond just a series of church services? ([39:32])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is humility emphasized as the first step in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and how does it relate to the other steps of prayer, seeking God's face, and repentance? ([45:07])
2. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 and 4 serve as a model for the church today in times of division and turmoil? ([53:54])
3. What does it mean to "seek God's face" as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives? ([48:18])
4. How does the sermon define true revival, and what are the key elements that differentiate it from traditional views of revival? ([39:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How did it change your actions or decisions? How can you seek more of this empowerment in your daily life? ([24:27])
2. In what ways can you contribute to breaking down denominational barriers and fostering unity within the church? What practical steps can you take this week? ([41:56])
3. How can you incorporate a daily commitment to Scripture and prayer into your routine? What specific changes can you make to ensure this becomes a consistent practice? ([41:10])
4. Think of an area in your life where you need transformation and repentance. What steps can you take to turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness? ([42:52])
5. How can you be bold in proclaiming the name of Jesus in your community? Identify one person or group you can share the gospel with this week. ([53:54])
6. What are some practical ways you can humble yourself and seek God's face in your daily interactions and decisions? ([45:07])
7. How can you actively participate in a collective movement of the church to pray for and seek revival in our country? What role can you play in this movement? ([01:00:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered to Act Boldly
God has already empowered us with the Holy Spirit to act boldly. We are not to wait for a movement but to start one, using the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is not just a passive presence but an active force that equips us to be bold in our faith and actions. This empowerment is a call to step out in faith, to be courageous in sharing the message of Jesus, and to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide and support us in every step.
In Acts 2 and 4, we see the early church filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to bold proclamations and miraculous transformations. This same Spirit is available to us today, urging us to break free from fear and hesitation. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to be His mouthpiece in a world that desperately needs to hear the good news. Let us embrace this empowerment and act boldly for the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out in boldness today, trusting in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? [24:27]
Day 2: Authentic Revival
Revival is not just a series of church services but an authentic partnership among believers to boldly proclaim the gospel. It involves breaking down denominational barriers and focusing on the core message of Jesus Christ. True revival is marked by unity and a collective effort to spread the good news. It is about believers coming together, regardless of their differences, to work towards a common goal of making Jesus known.
This kind of revival requires us to look beyond our own church walls and see the bigger picture of God's kingdom. It calls for collaboration, mutual support, and a shared vision. When we unite in our mission, we can create a powerful movement that transcends individual efforts and brings about lasting change. Let us strive for this authentic revival, where our focus is solely on Jesus and His message of salvation.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to breaking down denominational barriers and fostering unity among believers in your community? [39:32]
Day 3: Devotion to Scripture and Prayer
To experience revival, we must devote ourselves to Scripture and prayer. This involves a daily commitment to reading God's Word, praying, and seeking His guidance. Our spiritual growth and the effectiveness of our ministry depend on our connection with God through His Word and prayer. These practices are not just rituals but vital lifelines that sustain and empower us.
When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain wisdom, direction, and strength. Prayer allows us to communicate with God, to seek His will, and to intercede for others. Together, these disciplines create a solid foundation for our faith and equip us to face the challenges of life. Let us prioritize our devotion to Scripture and prayer, knowing that they are essential for personal and communal revival.
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your daily commitment to Scripture and prayer? [41:10]
Day 4: Transformation and Repentance
True transformation requires a sincere turning from sin and an expression of repentance. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways to experience God's forgiveness and healing. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but about making a conscious decision to change our ways and align our lives with God's will.
This process of transformation begins with humility, recognizing our need for God's grace and mercy. As we seek His face and turn away from our sinful behaviors, we open ourselves to His transformative power. God's promise of forgiveness and healing is available to all who genuinely repent. Let us embrace this call to transformation, allowing God to renew and restore us.
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 a specific area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and make a change? [42:52]
Day 5: Bold Proclamation
We must be bold in proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This involves not just individual efforts but a collective movement of the church to break down walls of division and proclaim the gospel boldly. Our world is in desperate need of the hope and salvation that Jesus offers, and it is our responsibility to share this message with courage and conviction.
Bold proclamation means stepping out of our comfort zones, speaking the truth in love, and being willing to face opposition for the sake of the gospel. It requires us to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. As we unite in this mission, we can make a significant impact on our communities and beyond. Let us commit to boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus, trusting that He will work through us to bring about transformation.
Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Reflection: Who is one person you can share the gospel with this week, and how can you approach them with boldness and love? [53:54]
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "With our breath in our lungs, we pour out our praise to you. Just those words right there alone are powerful words. The breath in our lung is not from ourselves. It's from God. And to pour out our praise to God means so much. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort for us to do. Especially if we've had a horrible week. And maybe things have gone unanswered. Prayer requests have gone unanswered. And maybe we have a little bit of frustration with God as believers." [37:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Revival is God's church authentically partnering together to be bold in proclaiming the name of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's the church making a wave of salvation after salvation after salvation. But what we have now is a culture of a world that is divided. Our country is divided. We also have a culture of church that is divided as well too. And there's competition and who can be better, who can do it better, who can have the glitz and the glamour and everything." [40:30] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We humble ourselves and we pray. And we seek his face. Those three things, if we can do those as America, if we can call for humility, call for prayer, call for longing for God, there will be a call for repentance. Because if we as his church are being humble, if we are praying for not God to move because he's already moved, but we're calling for us to be bold enough to move, and then we're calling for us to long for God, longing for him, a call for repentance." [49:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We will watch over and over and over what happened last night. We will see people that need Jesus say, if it was just a few more centimeters, if he just didn't turn his head, if the guy would have just done his job, that's the evil in this world. It sickens me that our great country, that men and women fought for, our freedom, this is what we're going up against, but the enemy is still out there. And what God is waiting for the church to stomp on the head of Jesus." [59:42] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Pray for a spirit of repentance. Pray for every authentic, believing church to break down the walls of division and competition to come together and sweep our country, not with a president that we want, but with the name above all names, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Boldly proclaiming his name." [01:00:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "To the extent that we devote ourselves to Scripture as believers, we will experience a revival of faith in our lives. If we devote ourselves to Scripture, if we devote ourselves to God's Word, I am going to do every single day. I'm going to wake up. I'm going to give my time to God. I'm going to pray. I'm going to read his Word. I'm going to read whatever Scripture he lays on my heart or whatever Scripture I'm reading in the Bible or a devotion book, whatever. I'm going to make sure I protect that moment and that time that I need to give to God so that I can experience revival." [41:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Transformation within ourselves and the communities that we live in and worship must include a sincere turning from sin and an expression of repentance. We as a church, we are still sinful human beings. We still sin. We still mess up. Now, there is grace we get from God and we should also show that same grace to others that sin and mess up. But we need to see the total transformation is I'm going to turn from sin. I'm not going to dabble in sin. I'm not going to say, well, I got grace so I can mess up a few times here because God's going to forgive me." [42:52] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must not identify ourselves that we talked about last week as a Republican, an independent, a conservative, a liberal, a Democrat, white, black, Hispanic, whatever. We shouldn't identify ourselves as that. We should identify ourselves as a child of God. We shouldn't look at someone else's identification and judge them on how they identify themselves. But yet we should see their sin and love them away from their sin. Show them Scripture and show them how we should humble ourselves." [45:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to remember and call upon the Holy Spirit whenever we seek lasting transformation within the church and its people. Because we can't do it. We can't do it without the Holy Spirit. And we looked at the triune Godhead, and we looked at what gets fearful of the Holy Spirit. Well, I'm afraid of what the Holy Spirit's going to do. I'm afraid of what the Holy Spirit's going to come out and say. And we have this battle of speaking in tongues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and all these different things. And the Holy Spirit's there to comfort us." [53:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We don't realize that we're doing it. But we tend to. We tend to worship something more than God. In the Old Testament, Israel found themselves doing that a whole lot. They found themselves doing that. A lot of people in Egypt, they were praising someone else. They were praising the image that a king did. And God is constantly telling Israel, constantly telling the nation, it's like, hey, you respect them, and you pray for them, and you obey the law of the land, but I am God. And I am God alone. And I am the only one that deserves your worship and your praise." [55:42] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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