Revival: Remembering God's Power and Seeking His Presence
Summary
In the fourth chapter of the Book of Joshua, we find a profound lesson about the importance of remembering God's mighty acts. The Israelites were instructed to set up twelve stones as a memorial of their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, just as they had crossed the Red Sea. This act was meant to remind future generations of God's power and faithfulness. Today, the Christian church faces a similar need for revival, a rekindling of spiritual fervor and awareness of God's presence. The greatest challenge is that many Christians are not convinced of the reality and desirability of revival. This lack of awareness and urgency is a significant hindrance to experiencing a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Revival is not merely a historical interest but a pressing need for the church today. It is a time of unusual blessing and activity, primarily affecting believers, awakening them to the reality of spiritual truths and the presence of God. This awakening leads to a deep conviction of sin, a renewed sense of God's holiness, and a profound awareness of His love and grace. It transforms the church, leading to fervent prayer, a hunger for God's word, and a passion for sharing the gospel with others.
The history of revivals, such as the one in 1859, serves as a reminder of what God can do when His people seek Him earnestly. These events are not isolated incidents but part of a series of divine interventions throughout church history. They share common characteristics: a powerful sense of God's presence, deep conviction of sin, and a renewed zeal for God's work. Revival is not something the church can organize or manufacture; it is a sovereign work of God that begins with His people.
As we reflect on these truths, we are challenged to ask, "What mean these stones?" What do these historical revivals mean for us today? They remind us of the need to seek God earnestly, to pray for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit, and to live in the reality of His presence. May we be stirred to seek revival in our own lives and in the church, longing for days of heaven upon earth.
Key Takeaways:
- Revival is a sovereign work of God that begins with His people. It is not something that can be organized or manufactured by human effort. Instead, it is a powerful move of the Holy Spirit that awakens believers to the reality of God's presence and power. [29:41]
- The history of revivals serves as a reminder of what God can do when His people seek Him earnestly. These events are not isolated incidents but part of a series of divine interventions throughout church history. They share common characteristics: a powerful sense of God's presence, deep conviction of sin, and a renewed zeal for God's work. [26:41]
- Revival leads to a deep conviction of sin and a renewed sense of God's holiness. It transforms the church, leading to fervent prayer, a hunger for God's word, and a passion for sharing the gospel with others. This awakening is marked by a profound awareness of spiritual truths and the presence of God. [35:57]
- The greatest challenge to experiencing revival is the lack of awareness and urgency among Christians. Many are not convinced of the reality and desirability of revival, which hinders the church from experiencing a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. [04:14]
- As we reflect on the history of revivals, we are challenged to seek God earnestly and pray for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit. We must live in the reality of His presence and be stirred to seek revival in our own lives and in the church, longing for days of heaven upon earth. [45:27]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Joshua 4
[01:26] - The Need for Revival
[03:12] - Urgency of Revival
[05:17] - Historical Revivals
[06:32] - Purpose of Memorial Stones
[09:23] - Human Tendency to Forget
[11:40] - The Paralysis of Sin
[14:02] - Self-Centeredness and Forgetfulness
[16:57] - Reading the Bible Objectively
[19:13] - Communion as a Memorial
[22:03] - Facts of God's Mighty Acts
[24:14] - Revivals Throughout History
[27:10] - Defining Revival
[31:08] - Characteristics of Revival
[35:57] - Conviction of Sin and God's Holiness
[42:23] - Days of Heaven Upon Earth
[45:09] - Conclusion and Call to Seek Revival
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 4:21-24
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#### Observation Questions
1. What specific event do the twelve stones in Joshua 4:21-24 commemorate, and why was it important for future generations to remember it?
2. According to the sermon, what is the primary purpose of setting up memorials like the twelve stones? [09:23]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between a revival and an evangelistic campaign? [29:41]
4. What are some of the common characteristics shared by historical revivals, as mentioned in the sermon? [26:41]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of setting up memorial stones in Joshua 4 serve as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, and why is this significant for believers today?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church today is similar to the Israelites in terms of needing reminders of God's mighty acts? [11:40]
3. How does the sermon define revival, and why is it considered a sovereign work of God rather than something that can be organized by the church? [29:41]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of historical revivals in shaping the church's understanding of God's presence and power? [26:41]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a personal "revival" or renewal of faith. What circumstances led to this, and how did it change your relationship with God?
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering God's mighty acts. What are some practical ways you can create "memorials" in your life to remind you of God's faithfulness? [09:23]
3. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency and awareness about the need for revival in your own spiritual life and within your church community? [04:14]
4. The sermon mentions that many Christians are not convinced of the reality and desirability of revival. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and desire for revival in your life? [04:14]
5. Consider the characteristics of past revivals mentioned in the sermon. How can you incorporate fervent prayer, a hunger for God's word, and a passion for sharing the gospel into your daily routine? [35:57]
6. The sermon challenges us to live in the reality of God's presence. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to become more aware of and responsive to God's presence? [45:27]
7. Identify one area in your church or community where you feel a revival is needed. What actions can you take to contribute to this revival, and how can you encourage others to join you in this effort?
Devotional
Day 1: Revival Begins with God's Sovereignty
Revival is a sovereign work of God that begins with His people. It is not something that can be organized or manufactured by human effort. Instead, it is a powerful move of the Holy Spirit that awakens believers to the reality of God's presence and power. Revival is a time when God intervenes in a profound way, stirring the hearts of His people to seek Him earnestly. It is marked by a deep conviction of sin, a renewed sense of God's holiness, and a profound awareness of His love and grace. This awakening transforms the church, leading to fervent prayer, a hunger for God's word, and a passion for sharing the gospel with others. [29:41]
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's sovereign work to bring about revival? How can you position yourself to be more receptive to His presence and power today?
Day 2: The Power of Earnest Seeking
The history of revivals serves as a reminder of what God can do when His people seek Him earnestly. These events are not isolated incidents but part of a series of divine interventions throughout church history. They share common characteristics: a powerful sense of God's presence, deep conviction of sin, and a renewed zeal for God's work. When believers come together with a genuine desire to seek God, He responds by pouring out His Spirit in extraordinary ways. This earnest seeking is not just about individual transformation but also about the collective renewal of the church. [26:41]
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: What steps can you take today to seek God more earnestly, both individually and as part of your church community? How can you encourage others to join you in this pursuit?
Day 3: Awakening to Spiritual Truths
Revival leads to a deep conviction of sin and a renewed sense of God's holiness. It transforms the church, leading to fervent prayer, a hunger for God's word, and a passion for sharing the gospel with others. This awakening is marked by a profound awareness of spiritual truths and the presence of God. When revival occurs, believers are awakened to the reality of God's holiness and their own need for repentance. This awareness drives them to seek God more fervently and to live in a way that reflects His character. [35:57]
Ephesians 5:14 (ESV): "For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you become spiritually complacent? How can you awaken to the spiritual truths that God wants to reveal to you today?
Day 4: Overcoming the Challenge of Apathy
The greatest challenge to experiencing revival is the lack of awareness and urgency among Christians. Many are not convinced of the reality and desirability of revival, which hinders the church from experiencing a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This apathy can be a significant barrier to revival, as it prevents believers from seeking God with the urgency and fervor that is necessary for revival to occur. Overcoming this challenge requires a renewed commitment to seeking God and a willingness to be open to His work in our lives. [04:14]
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually apathetic? What practical steps can you take to reignite your passion for God and His work?
Day 5: Living in the Reality of God's Presence
As we reflect on the history of revivals, we are challenged to seek God earnestly and pray for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit. We must live in the reality of His presence and be stirred to seek revival in our own lives and in the church, longing for days of heaven upon earth. This involves a daily commitment to seeking God, being open to His leading, and living in a way that reflects His presence in our lives. It is about cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and obedience to God's word. [45:27]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? What changes can you make to live more fully in the reality of His presence?
Quotes
The greatest problem confronting Us in the church today is that the vast majority of professing Christians are not convinced of the reality and the desirableness of Revival. As I have been frequently pointing out, this is a subject that has scarcely been mentioned. [00:04:14]
I know of no method which is so sure directly to focus our attention upon this than just to be reading and considering what has happened in past centuries. And therefore, very fortunately for us, this particular year, 1959, is a very great help to us in that respect. [00:05:02]
Our interest must never be merely an antiquarian interest. There is no point in Reading revivals just for the sake of reading the history in the stories. No, no, our motive and our interest must be to read and to study and to consider what has happened in the past in order that we may discover the great principles that underly this matter. [00:06:01]
We are so dull and so stupid as the result of sin that we'd even forget this, the death of the Son of God for us and his Agony and his shame and all that he endured on the cross and his eternal love for us. We'd even forget that. [00:18:36]
The Bible is the record of the activity of God, the manifestation of God, God's Mighty acts and deeds. I'm going to look on, I'm going to stand back, I'm going to see what God the Lord hath done that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord that it is mighty. [00:16:59]
Revival is something that happens first in the church and amongst Christian people, amongst Believers. That, I say, is true by definition. You see, it is Revival. You re-survive something, and when you say that, you mean this, that that's something that person had got life. [00:27:39]
The essence of a Revival is that the Holy Spirit comes down upon a number of people together, upon a whole church, upon a number of churches, a district, or perhaps a whole country. That's what is meant by Revival. It is, if you like, a visitation of the Holy Spirit. [00:31:47]
The Holy Spirit literally seems to be presiding over the meeting and taking charge of it and manifesting his power and guiding them and leading them and directing them. That's the essence of Revival. And what does that lead to? Well, here are the general characteristics that you'll find in every Revival. [00:33:01]
The first effect I say is that spiritual Things become realities to them. They have an awareness of them and clear views of them such as they never had before. They've heard these things all before them. They have heard them a thousand times and indeed many thousand times. [00:33:57]
The Holiness of God, their own utter sinfulness and wretchedness, their own unworthiness. They realize they've never done anything at all. They thought before they'd done a great deal. They see it's nothing. Like Paul, they begin to talk about it as dung and filthy rags. [00:36:40]
Prayer is always a great feature of every Revival. Great prayer meetings, intercession hour after hour. They'll name them by name, and they'll plead, and they won't let God go, as it were. They're intent upon this with a strange urgency. [00:39:14]
A Revival really means Days of Heaven upon Earth. Let me close this morning by just giving you one of the greatest definitions ever written of what is true of a town when there is such a Revival or a visitation of the spirit of God. [00:42:23]
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