Some things can be passed on from one generation to another. Faith and spiritual passion are not among them. Each generation, in fact each individual, must experience the power and presence of God for themselves. Greg discussed what a revival is and what we can do to be ready for God to “revive” us.
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Revive Us, Oh Lord
• Greg Boyd
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The word is “revive” – – to get heart and passion again.
Judges 2:7 “The people worshiped the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel and worshipped the Lord . . .”
Judges 2:10 “Moreover, that whole generation was gathered to their ancestors and another generation grew up afterwards who did not know His word or the work He had done in Israel.” To them it was just a story, a theory.
Spiritual vibrance is an nontransferable quality. You need to get it for yourself, and you can’t transfer it to another generation.
What is a revival? What can the people of God do to position themselves to receive a revival?
A lot of people have stereotypes about revival. Some think it’s manipulative – – getting people to fall over. Revival is, simply, the outpouring of God’s Spirit which brings a renewed commitment of obedience on the people of God to the Lord.
Revival- – When God shows up and does a rekindling in the lives of His people. The reality of God – – stirring up the heart.
Revival – – emotional but not sheer emotionalism. Defining moments in Christianity would occur during revivals (7 revivals in the Old Testament; New Testament – – one big revival.) Normal – – walking in the Spirit, sold-out!
Church in America today – – subnormal by biblical standards. God wants us to have normal spiritual fire, excitement.
Revivals
1. 17th century – – under the preaching of Jonathon Edwards, George Whitfield, John & Charles Wesley – – revival.
2. 18th century – – Charles Finney, D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, etc.
3. This century – – Pentecostal and charismatic revival – – Africa, Korea, Argentina, etc. – – powerful revivals.
Revival – – getting people out of their “Church-ianity: status quo religion to be transformed, on fire, for Jesus.
To have a revival, you have to want one. Are there people who will stand up and say “yes” to this? We need revival individually and collectively because there’s a constant pull downwards (routine, status quo, everything “nice”). “God in a box” – – nice and neat.
God is a God of uncompromising passion; He doesn’t want things “nice”, status quo, comfortable.
God loves you too much for you to compromise! We needn’t settle for nice or cute. The gospel needs to challenge us to go forward, confront us! The Word isn’t made to make us feel comfortable. No Q-Tip sermons!
The Lord needs to stir us up on a regular basis to confront our mediocrity. Submit to this, whatever the cost – – you will be transformed and it will be worth it.
Let go of what’s blocking you; let go of the sin that holds you back – – it’s all worth it. You’ll know that you didn’t need that stuff that blocked you before.
Next generations can’t coast on former revivals. Every generation needs to experience God first hand. We need to set fires for change, revival, especially for youth. Even to some adults, Christianity is only a “nice” story. We can’t borrow yesterday’s revival, but have our own! God is calling mediocre Christians to step up to the plate and be passionate.
Don’t be self-centered, but Jesus-centered. Sell out, crucify yourself. Be radical. Empty yourself so God can make you whole.
God uses your weakness more than your strength. When you are weak, you can be strong in God.
Argentina’s revival- – a few people decided to take the Bible at face value – – if people pray, they will hear from God. So, God showed up! Don’t have a “Religi-ocity, Church-ianity” niceness!
Challenge – – pray that God will come down and revival will come. Prayer unlocks the vault of Heaven.
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Focus Scripture:
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Judges 2:7
7 The people served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the LORD had done for Israel.
