Revival: Unity, Joy, Boldness, and Miracles in Christ
Summary
In our gathering tonight, we celebrated the longstanding relationship between First Assembly and Bellevue Baptist, a bond that has been nurtured since the 1940s. This unity exemplifies the love and fellowship that should exist among believers. As we worship together, we are reminded of the power of genuine revival, a revival not orchestrated by human efforts but sent down by God. Such a revival would transform our churches, overflowing our prayer meetings, and filling our communities with love and forgiveness. It would ignite a passion for missions and outreach, making the devil tremble and becoming the talk of Memphis.
Reflecting on the book of Acts, we see that genuine revival brings about great joy, boldness, and miracles. In a world where satisfaction is elusive, true joy comes from the Lord, filling our hearts and lives with His presence. This joy is a powerful testimony to others, drawing them to inquire about the source of our happiness. Revival also instills great boldness, empowering us to speak and act with courage and love, not out of our own strength but through the Spirit of the Lord. Moreover, revival ushers in great miracles, the inexplicable works of God that defy human explanation and bring glory to Him alone.
As we long for revival, we are reminded of the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God calls His people to humble themselves, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. In doing so, He promises to heal our land and bring revival. Tonight, we pray for our families, speaking the name of Jesus over our loved ones who need to return to Him. We believe that as we pray, God will move, and revival will ripple out, touching lives and transforming our communities. Let us continue to seek the Lord, trusting in His power to bring about the revival we so desperately need.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Christ: The longstanding relationship between First Assembly and Bellevue Baptist exemplifies the unity and love that should exist among believers. This unity is a testament to the power of fellowship in Christ, reminding us that we are called to love and support one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord. [01:04:27]
2. Genuine Revival: True revival is not a product of human effort but a divine outpouring from God. It transforms churches and communities, filling them with love, forgiveness, and a passion for missions. This revival is marked by overflowing prayer meetings and a deep sense of God's presence. [01:05:43]
3. Joy of the Lord: In a world where satisfaction is elusive, genuine joy comes from the Lord. This joy is a powerful testimony, drawing others to inquire about the source of our happiness. It is a result of revival, filling our hearts and lives with God's presence. [01:07:12]
4. Boldness in the Spirit: Revival instills great boldness, empowering believers to speak and act with courage and love. This boldness is not rooted in our own strength but in the Spirit of the Lord, enabling us to be effective witnesses for Christ. [01:10:40]
5. Miracles of God: Revival brings about great miracles, the inexplicable works of God that defy human explanation. These miracles bring glory to God alone, reminding us of His power and presence in our lives. They are a testament to the divine intervention that accompanies genuine revival. [01:14:38]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04:27] - Unity in Christ
[01:05:43] - Genuine Revival
[01:07:12] - Joy of the Lord
[01:08:38] - Beyond Normal Church
[01:10:40] - Boldness in the Spirit
[01:14:38] - Miracles of God
[01:20:41] - Prayer for Families
[01:24:41] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:17-21
2. Acts 4:29-31
3. 2 Chronicles 7:14
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Observation Questions:
1. What historical relationship between First Assembly and Bellevue Baptist was highlighted in the sermon, and how does it exemplify unity in Christ? [01:04:27]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the visible signs of genuine revival in a church community? [01:05:43]
3. How does the sermon describe the joy that comes from the Lord, and why is it considered a powerful testimony? [01:07:12]
4. What examples of boldness in the Spirit were mentioned in the sermon, and how does this boldness manifest in believers' lives? [01:10:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the unity between First Assembly and Bellevue Baptist serve as a model for other churches, and what can be learned from their longstanding relationship? [01:04:27]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that revival can transform not just individual churches but entire communities? [01:05:43]
3. Why is the joy of the Lord described as an "awesome weapon" in the hands of believers, and how does it impact those around them? [01:07:12]
4. What role do miracles play in the context of revival, and how do they serve as a testament to God's power and presence? [01:14:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the unity between First Assembly and Bellevue Baptist. How can you foster similar unity and love within your own church community? [01:04:27]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for genuine revival. What steps can you take personally to prepare your heart and community for such a revival? [01:05:43]
3. Consider the joy of the Lord as a testimony. How can you actively share this joy with others in your daily life, especially in challenging situations? [01:07:12]
4. Boldness in the Spirit was highlighted as a result of revival. In what areas of your life do you need to seek greater boldness, and how can you rely on the Spirit to achieve this? [01:10:40]
5. The sermon calls for prayer over family members who need to return to the Lord. Identify a family member you can pray for this week, and what specific prayers will you lift up for them? [01:20:41]
6. How can you be more open to witnessing and recognizing the miracles of God in your life and community? What steps can you take to give glory to God for these miracles? [01:14:38]
7. Reflect on 2 Chronicles 7:14. What personal changes do you need to make to humble yourself, seek God's face, and turn from any wicked ways? How will you commit to these changes this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Christ
The longstanding relationship between First Assembly and Bellevue Baptist is a testament to the unity and love that should exist among believers. This unity is not just a superficial connection but a deep bond rooted in Christ, exemplifying the power of fellowship. As believers, we are called to love and support one another, reflecting the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. This unity is a powerful witness to the world, showing that despite our differences, we are one in Christ. It challenges us to break down barriers and extend love and grace to all, fostering a community that mirrors the love of God. [01:04:27]
Ephesians 4:3-6: "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: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to strengthen the bond of unity and love?
Day 2: Genuine Revival
True revival is a divine outpouring from God, not a product of human effort. It transforms churches and communities, filling them with love, forgiveness, and a passion for missions. This revival is marked by overflowing prayer meetings and a deep sense of God's presence. It is a movement that begins in the hearts of individuals and spreads like wildfire, igniting a passion for God and His work. As we long for revival, we are reminded of the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God calls His people to humble themselves, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. In doing so, He promises to heal our land and bring revival. [01:05:43]
Habakkuk 3:2: "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to humble yourself and seek God's face, inviting His revival into your life and community?
Day 3: Joy of the Lord
In a world where satisfaction is elusive, genuine joy comes from the Lord. This joy is a powerful testimony, drawing others to inquire about the source of our happiness. It is a result of revival, filling our hearts and lives with God's presence. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging nature of God. It is a joy that sustains us through trials and challenges, providing a deep sense of peace and contentment. As we experience this joy, we become beacons of hope to those around us, pointing them to the source of true joy. [01:07:12]
Nehemiah 8:10: "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Reflection: How can you share the joy of the Lord with someone who is struggling today?
Day 4: Boldness in the Spirit
Revival instills great boldness, empowering believers to speak and act with courage and love. This boldness is not rooted in our own strength but in the Spirit of the Lord, enabling us to be effective witnesses for Christ. It is a boldness that compels us to step out of our comfort zones and share the gospel with those around us. This boldness is marked by a deep conviction and a willingness to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition. As we rely on the Spirit, we are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations. [01:10:40]
Acts 4:31: "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."
Reflection: What is one area where you need to step out in boldness for Christ this week?
Day 5: Miracles of God
Revival brings about great miracles, the inexplicable works of God that defy human explanation. These miracles bring glory to God alone, reminding us of His power and presence in our lives. They are a testament to the divine intervention that accompanies genuine revival. As we witness these miracles, our faith is strengthened, and we are reminded of the limitless power of God. These miracles serve as a powerful witness to the world, drawing others to seek the God who performs such wonders. [01:14:38]
Psalm 77:14: "You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."
Reflection: How can you position yourself to witness and testify to the miracles of God in your life and community?
Quotes
"What would Bellevue Baptist look like? What would First Assembly look like if genuine revival really visited us? I'm not talking about a revival that's been hyped up by man. I'm talking about a revival that's sent down by God. What would Bellevue Baptist look like? What would First Assembly look like? Prayer meetings would begin to overflow." [01:04:32]
"Love and forgiveness would be so thick in our bodies of believers you could cut it with a knife. We'd have to add more and more services to handle the crowd. Missions giving and outreach, it would quadruple if revival really came. The devil would shake in his boots and it would be the talk of Memphis." [01:04:58]
"Then we get out and we look around. What are the results once we walk the road that leads us to the point of revival? Now, Joel chapter 2, in the last days I'll pour out my spirit upon all flesh. That verse is so significant, it's brought up again in Acts chapter 2. Peter quotes it again in Acts chapter 2 because the spirit of God was sending forth real revival." [01:05:43]
"You know, revival happened in the book of Acts. It happened throughout history here and there. God punctuated history with revival. It can happen again in Memphis. Am I right about that, my brothers and sisters? Are you ready for it? Best I can tell, the last real revival Memphis had was about 70 years ago, back in the late 40s, right about 1950." [01:06:12]
"Revival put a smile on your face. It'll put joy in your heart. You won't even need earbuds. You'll have the song of the Lord in your life. Amen? That's real, genuine revival. I believe this. I believe the child of God who's filled with the joy of the Lord is an awesome weapon in the hand of God." [01:08:14]
"People, you got the joy of the Lord. People will come to you. What makes you tick? What makes you so happy? What gives you such joy? And then if they say that to you, just say, well, you know, that's just my disposition. That's just the way I was raised. No, you say, it's the Lord in my life." [01:08:38]
"Now, I'm not talking that we need to become a bunch of mindless fanatics. Both Brother Steve and I, we're out if mindless fanatics want to take over the church. I'm not talking about mindless fanatics, but I'm talking about church is now where the joy of the Lord, it both flows and it shows." [01:09:12]
"That's a result of revival. It says in Acts 2, great joy was on the hearts and the minds of the people. There's another great. Another one is great boldness, Acts 4. They had great boldness. I heard the story about a fourth-grade boy. He was assigned by his teacher to write a paper on Ben Franklin." [01:09:33]
"Revival hits. You discover boldness. You discover boldness for the Lord. I'm not talking about meanness. I'm talking about boldness, spirit-filled, loving boldness. The Bible says the wicked flee when nobody pursues, but the righteous flee when no one pursues. Guess what? Bold is a roaring lion, not because of their own disposition, but because the spirit of the Lord is filling their life." [01:10:40]
"Neither Brother Steve or I, neither of us are content simply to see the glory of God flow down the carpeted aisles of our building. We want to see the glory of God and revival flow down the streets of Bartlett and Cordova and Germantown and Collierville and Lakeland. We want to see the glory and the revival of the Lord just cover this city by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ." [01:11:42]
"How many would agree that most churches today, we have enough man in it, but we don't have enough God in it? We got plenty of man in it. We don't have enough God in it. Steve, I love your book. When God came, when God comes to church. The power of the Lord when God comes to church. I like it. I like it when God does a surprising work and nobody can explain it." [01:14:38]
"You can't say, well, this happened because this happened and we did this and therefore God did this. I like it when all you can do is step back, you cross your arms, and you say this is inexplicable. This is nothing but the miracle. The miracle working hand of God doing this work and we give him all the praise and all the honor and all the glory belongs to him and him alone." [01:15:38]
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