Reviving the Church: A Call for Continuous Reformation

 

Summary

Psalm 85 serves as a profound reminder of the need for ongoing reformation within the church. The psalmist's plea, "Will you not revive us again," underscores the necessity for God to restore His people, not just once, but repeatedly throughout history. This call for revival is not a request for something new, but a desire for God to do what He has done before—revive, restore, and reform His people. The psalm is divided into three parts: thanksgiving for past deliverance, a prayer for deeper restoration, and a hopeful anticipation of God's response. This structure reflects the continuous cycle of reformation that the church must undergo to remain faithful to God's Word.

Historically, deformation often begins within the church, as leaders deviate from the truth, leading to a gradual decline in theology, ethics, and worship. This internal decay necessitates a return to biblical standards, a process that can only be achieved through a powerful move of the Spirit of God. The Reformation 500 years ago serves as a testament to this, but the church today still faces similar challenges. The need for reformation is not limited to the West; the Global South also grapples with issues like Neo-Pentecostalism and prosperity theology. However, there are encouraging signs of reformation, particularly through the influence of social media and the resurgence of Reformed theology.

The Western church can learn from the Global South's vibrant faith and use of technology to spread the gospel. Expository preaching, rather than denominational labels, attracts many to the Reformed faith. The church must adapt to a post-denominational era, where traditional structures are questioned, and new forms of church organization emerge. Despite these challenges, the church must remain united in its core beliefs while embracing diversity in non-essential matters. The rise of Christianity among the poor and persecuted in the Global South mirrors the early church, prompting reflection on how the Western church has stewarded its resources and freedoms.

Key Takeaways:

1. Continuous Reformation: The church must continually seek reformation, returning to biblical standards to address internal decay and external pressures. This ongoing process is essential for maintaining theological integrity and effective witness in the world. [05:58]

2. Historical Lessons: Deformation often begins within the church, necessitating vigilance against false teachings and practices. The Reformation serves as a historical example of the need for a return to Scripture to correct errors and restore faithfulness. [12:02]

3. Global Perspectives: The Global South's growth in Christianity offers valuable lessons for the Western church, particularly in faith's vibrancy and the effective use of social media to spread Reformed theology. [23:21]

4. Expository Preaching: The appeal of Reformed theology often lies in its commitment to expository preaching, which draws people to the Bible's truths rather than denominational labels. This approach is crucial for a new Reformation. [38:29]

5. Unity and Diversity: The church must navigate the tension between unity in core beliefs and diversity in non-essential matters. This balance is vital for fostering a spirit of cooperation and avoiding unnecessary divisions. [41:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Introduction to Reformation Theme
- [01:11] - Psalm 85: A Prayer for Revival
- [02:29] - Influence of Dr. Sproul
- [02:58] - Structure of Psalm 85
- [03:25] - Historical Context of the Psalm
- [04:32] - Signs of Incomplete Restoration
- [05:28] - Prayer for Spiritual Reformation
- [06:26] - Understanding Deformation
- [07:35] - Reformation Begins in the Church
- [08:52] - Effects of Deformation
- [10:30] - Need for Ongoing Reformation
- [12:02] - Historical Examples of Deformation
- [14:39] - Apostolic Reformation Efforts
- [16:03] - Modern Challenges and Solutions
- [19:21] - Mistakes and Lessons for the West
- [22:17] - Growth in the Global South
- [26:37] - Signs of Reformation in the Global South
- [31:27] - Role of Social Media in Reformation
- [36:26] - Lessons from Global Protestant Movements
- [42:40] - Conclusion and Prayer for Revival

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 85 and the Need for Ongoing Reformation

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 85:6-7: "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation."

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the main prayer of Psalm 85, and why is the emphasis on the word "again"? [01:11]
2. How does the psalmist structure Psalm 85, and what are the three main divisions mentioned in the sermon? [02:58]
3. According to the sermon, what signs indicated that the restoration of Israel was incomplete after the Babylonian captivity? [04:32]
4. What historical context does the sermon provide for Psalm 85, and how does it relate to the need for reformation? [03:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "continuous reformation" apply to the modern church, and why is it essential for maintaining theological integrity? [05:58]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that deformation begins within the church, and what are the consequences of this internal decay? [06:26]
3. How does the growth of Christianity in the Global South provide lessons for the Western church, according to the sermon? [23:21]
4. What role does expository preaching play in attracting people to the Reformed faith, and why is it considered crucial for a new Reformation? [38:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church experience. Are there areas where you see a need for reformation or a return to biblical standards? How can you contribute to this process? [10:30]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of vigilance against false teachings. How can you stay informed and discerning about the teachings you encounter in your church community? [12:02]
3. Consider the influence of social media in spreading Reformed theology. How can you use social media to positively impact your faith community or share your beliefs with others? [31:58]
4. The sermon mentions the tension between unity in core beliefs and diversity in non-essential matters. How can you foster a spirit of cooperation in your church while embracing diversity? [41:42]
5. Reflect on the rise of Christianity among the poor and persecuted in the Global South. How does this mirror the early church, and what lessons can the Western church learn from this growth? [42:15]
6. How can you personally engage in expository preaching or support it within your church to ensure that biblical truths are prioritized over denominational labels? [38:29]
7. The sermon calls for a spirit of prayer and supplication for reformation. How can you incorporate this into your daily prayer life, and what specific prayers can you offer for your church's revival? [43:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Continuous Reformation: A Call to Return

The church is in a constant state of needing reformation, a process that involves returning to biblical standards to address both internal decay and external pressures. This ongoing cycle is essential for maintaining theological integrity and an effective witness in the world. The psalmist's plea in Psalm 85, "Will you not revive us again," highlights the necessity for God to restore His people repeatedly throughout history. This is not a call for something new but a desire for God to do what He has done before—revive, restore, and reform His people. The church must be vigilant against false teachings and practices that lead to deformation, ensuring that it remains faithful to God's Word. [05:58]

"Therefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." (Hebrews 6:1, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your spiritual life needs reformation today, and how can you actively seek God's guidance to return to biblical standards in that area?


Day 2: Learning from Historical Lessons

Deformation often begins within the church, as leaders deviate from the truth, leading to a gradual decline in theology, ethics, and worship. This internal decay necessitates a return to biblical standards, a process that can only be achieved through a powerful move of the Spirit of God. The Reformation 500 years ago serves as a testament to this need for a return to Scripture to correct errors and restore faithfulness. The church today still faces similar challenges, and it is crucial to remain vigilant against false teachings and practices. By learning from historical examples, the church can better navigate the challenges of the present and future. [12:02]

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." (2 Timothy 4:3, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching that seemed off. How did you discern its truthfulness, and what steps can you take to ensure you remain grounded in sound doctrine?


Day 3: Embracing Global Perspectives

The growth of Christianity in the Global South offers valuable lessons for the Western church, particularly in the vibrancy of faith and the effective use of social media to spread Reformed theology. The Global South grapples with issues like Neo-Pentecostalism and prosperity theology, yet there are encouraging signs of reformation. The Western church can learn from the Global South's vibrant faith and use of technology to spread the gospel. This global perspective can help the church adapt to a post-denominational era, where traditional structures are questioned, and new forms of church organization emerge. [23:21]

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" (Revelation 5:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a global perspective into your faith practice, and what steps can you take to learn from the vibrant faith of Christians in the Global South?


Day 4: The Power of Expository Preaching

The appeal of Reformed theology often lies in its commitment to expository preaching, which draws people to the Bible's truths rather than denominational labels. This approach is crucial for a new Reformation, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying Scripture in its context. Expository preaching allows believers to engage deeply with the Word of God, fostering spiritual growth and maturity. In a post-denominational era, this focus on Scripture over denominational identity can attract many to the Reformed faith and encourage a deeper commitment to living out biblical principles. [38:29]

"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." (1 Timothy 4:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize engaging with Scripture in your daily life, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's Word through expository preaching?


Day 5: Unity and Diversity in the Church

The church must navigate the tension between unity in core beliefs and diversity in non-essential matters. This balance is vital for fostering a spirit of cooperation and avoiding unnecessary divisions. In a post-denominational era, traditional structures are questioned, and new forms of church organization emerge. Despite these challenges, the church must remain united in its core beliefs while embracing diversity in non-essential matters. This unity and diversity reflect the early church's growth among the poor and persecuted, prompting reflection on how the Western church has stewarded its resources and freedoms. [41:42]

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church community, and how can you embrace diversity in non-essential matters to foster a spirit of cooperation?

Quotes



The prayer is for God to do something He has done before. So they want Him to do it again, and it seems the prayer is for restoration and reformation. [00:01:48]

Reformation starts in the church, not in the world. The Lord Jesus also warned His disciples about the appearance of wolves dressed as sheep who'd rise from within the flock itself. It was the same warning that the Apostle Paul gave later to the elders of the churches of the church in Ephesus. [00:07:43]

Reformation that means recognizing the areas where the church has been deformed, identifying the causes, and bringing the church back to biblical standards of faith, practice, worship, and testimony. A movement of this magnitude can only happen through a powerful move of the Spirit of God, as it did 500 years ago in Europe. [00:09:29]

The true state of a church was revealed by how faithfully it would preach the gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and exercise church discipline on faulty members. This did not mean to them that the church in their days had been so disfigured that they were no longer a true church of Christ on earth. [00:12:07]

The exulted Christ Himself sends a message to seven churches of Asia through John, His servant. Most of the churches of revelation were in need of reformation of theological, practical, and moral reformation. Some of them had lost their first love, others were too tolerant with the ideas of the libertines, and others were following the ways of the world, and a few others were adopting the wrong ideas of false leaders. [00:14:31]

The challenges, the false doctrines, the dangers, the false views of the world may seem new, but in the end we are facing the same problems that the Reformers faced five centuries ago. And the solution is always the same, to return to the origins, to return to the Word of God, and to conform theology, ethics, worship, and our testimony to the standards of God's Word. [00:15:44]

While we can see with joy the signs of a reformation already underway, there are other alarming signs of the growth in the Global South of strange forms of Christianity, as Neo-pentecostalism, for one. This movement is marked by syncretism with popular religions and by strong emphasis on the health and wealth theology, or prosperity gospel. [00:24:20]

But praise be to God because we can at the same time affirm that there are encouraging signs that a Reformation is underway in the Global South. Not so long ago, journalist David Van Biema wrote in the New York Times that the new Calvinism was one of the top ten influences operating in the West. [00:26:37]

The internet has made it possible for people to research, learn, and interact with Reformed theology without the need or expense of buying a book on the subject. In many places in the Global South good Reformed books are not available. The internet has made it possible for believers from various and contrasting denominations to interact with one another, building unexpected precious bonds of fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same Reformed faith. [00:35:00]

What is most encouraging is the sheer number of teenagers and young people who have discovered the Reformed faith through sermons available on YouTube, through blogs with Reformed content and through social media such as Twitter, and Facebook. These young people have formed discussion group through apps on their phones, created lists of theological debates, started blogs on Reformed faith, and created groups on Facebook. [00:35:27]

If we want to experience a new Reformation in the West, we must preach the Scriptures. Let me add here that we should preach the Scriptures, and please don't misunderstand me, we should preach the Scriptures and not the Reformation itself. Names like Reformed, Calvinism, five point, five mottos, Arminians, Dort, Supralapsarianists, make little or no sense to the crowds hungry for solid biblical teaching, and anxious to learn more about the great doctrines of grace. [00:38:52]

In conclusion, let us remember that after the author of Psalms 85 had asked God to restore his people once again, he declared his confidence that God would answer his prayer. This is the third part of the Psalm, verses 8-13. He waited in faith for the Lord of the church to heed his plea for reformation, and history shows that God had attended not only his prayer but also the prayers of all the saints who through the ages cry out to Him to reform, revive, and restore his church in the world. [00:42:49]

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Transcript
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