Revival: Living in the Power of Resurrection

In my journey nearly thirty years ago, I embarked on a solo backpacking adventure through Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. It was during this time that I had a profound encounter with God, which set me on a lifelong quest for a deeper relationship with Jesus and His church. While hitchhiking in Ireland, I was drawn to an abandoned stone church, which became a symbol of my desire for a consequential and transformative faith. This experience ignited a hunger for revival—a revival that is not just an emotional experience but a return to the true nature and purpose of the church as the resurrected body of Jesus.

Revival, as I define it, is the application of the resurrection of Jesus in our time by the Holy Spirit. It is a continuous revival that we can live in, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, and it is not limited to a single event or emotional experience. This continuous revival is about living in the power of Jesus' resurrection, engaging with our identity in Christ, and planting our lives in His resurrection power. It is about understanding that while God does everything, we do something—we plant our lives in the soil of His resurrection.

Throughout history, there have been moments of catalytic revival, where the power of God breaks through in extraordinary ways. These revivals have brought about significant transformation in individuals, churches, and societies. Yet, we are also called to live in a continuous revival, where the resurrection power of Jesus is a daily reality in our lives and our church community.

As we engage in this continuous revival, we also pray for catalytic revival, where barriers are broken down, and the power of God is made manifest in new and powerful ways. We long for a revival that tears down the barriers between different communities, cultures, and individuals, bringing about unity and transformation. We pray with covenant confidence, trusting in God's promises and His faithfulness to revive His work in our midst.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Revival is not just an emotional experience but a return to the true nature and purpose of the church as the resurrected body of Jesus. It is the application of the resurrection in our time by the Holy Spirit, bringing about transformation and renewal. [05:24]
• 2. Continuous revival is about living in the power of Jesus' resurrection daily. It involves engaging with our identity in Christ and planting our lives in His resurrection power, understanding that while God does everything, we do something. [13:23]
• 3. Throughout history, there have been moments of catalytic revival, where the power of God breaks through in extraordinary ways. These revivals have brought about significant transformation in individuals, churches, and societies. [16:33]
• 4. We are called to pray for catalytic revival, where barriers are broken down, and the power of God is made manifest in new and powerful ways. This includes breaking down barriers between different communities, cultures, and individuals. [20:11]
• 5. We pray with covenant confidence, trusting in God's promises and His faithfulness to revive His work in our midst. This involves a cry for more of God's power and presence, knowing that revival is within our reach because of the gospel of God in Jesus. [26:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - A Life-Defining Adventure
• [01:03] - Encounter with an Abandoned Church
• [02:11] - A Hunger for Consequential Faith
• [03:45] - Understanding Revival
• [05:24] - Defining Revival
• [06:23] - Continuous Revival in the Church
• [07:19] - Catalytic Revival and Habakkuk's Prayer
• [08:33] - The Resurrection and Revival
• [10:03] - Personal Revival and the Holy Spirit
• [11:24] - Planting Our Lives in Resurrection Power
• [13:23] - The Miracle of Planting
• [14:28] - Revival Within Our Reach
• [16:33] - Historical Revivals and Their Impact
• [20:11] - Praying for Catalytic Revival
• [26:43] - Covenant Confidence and Revival
• [28:10] - Closing and Vision of Transformation

1. Luke 24:1-12
2. Habakkuk 3:2

1. In Luke 24, what was the reaction of the women when they found the tomb empty, and how did the angels respond to their confusion? [08:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "continuous revival" in the context of the church's liturgy and practices? [06:23]
3. What historical examples of revival were mentioned in the sermon, and what impact did they have on the church and society? [16:33]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of planting our lives in the resurrection power of Jesus? [13:23]

1. How does the message of the empty tomb in Luke 24 relate to the idea of revival as the application of Jesus' resurrection in our lives today? [09:08]
2. What does it mean to live in a "continuous revival," and how can this concept change one's perspective on daily Christian living? [06:35]
3. The sermon mentions praying for "catalytic revival." What might this look like in a modern church context, and why is it important? [20:11]
4. How does the sermon suggest that barriers between different communities and cultures can be broken down through revival? [20:26]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. How might the concept of continuous revival help you re-engage with your faith journey? [06:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of planting our lives in Jesus' resurrection power. What practical steps can you take this week to plant your life more deeply in this power? [13:23]
3. Consider the barriers that exist in your own community or church. What specific actions can you take to help break down these barriers and promote unity? [20:26]
4. The sermon calls for praying with "covenant confidence." How can you incorporate this type of prayer into your daily routine, and what specific promises of God will you focus on? [26:43]
5. Think about a personal or societal issue that you feel passionate about. How can you pray for a catalytic revival in this area, and what role might you play in it? [20:11]
6. The sermon mentions the historical impact of revivals. How can learning about past revivals inspire you to seek transformation in your own life and community? [16:33]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel a need for revival. What steps will you take this week to invite the Holy Spirit to bring renewal in that area? [09:31]