Prerequisites to Revival – Part One

In 1889 a young boy of only eleven years went to work with his father as a collier in South Wales.  At thirteen, he was deeply touched by God and hungry for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  So for the next eleven years he would work in the dark of the coal mines to provide for his family while crying out to God for that special filling and for a movement of the Holy Spirit in wales.  He tarried before the Lord, drawing near those eleven years without knowing how or when such a move could come, but with the hunger to press on at all costs.

In 1904, at 26 years of age he was often consumed by the presence of god and spent hours each day seeking Him.  He enrolled in a grammar school to lay a groundwork which he hoped might lead to the ministry, but life at the school drew him from the level of intimacy with Christ he had been experiencing.

Still, in the same year he attended a conference in which he finally received the baptism he had been seeking.  He came back a man on fire, and shortly began preaching at a local youth group.  By the end of the first week some 60 people had answered altar calls to surrender themselves to Christ.

Simultaneously, God began moving all across Wales as men and women turned away from sin and self to follow Him.  After another week Roberts had begun speaking in churches throughout southern Wales.  Within the next two years the gospel fire had lit the whole of wales, and news of the revival had stoked fires across the ocean in America.

Churches hungry for a revival were filled with hope at what God was doing in Wales, and many were spurred to pray for a similar move in the States.  Soon an American reporter asked Evan Roberts, the young collier-turned-preacher if he didn’t have some words to relate to Christians in America seeking a similar work of god.

He responded:

The prophecy of Joel is being fulfilled.  There, the Lord says, “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.”  If that is so then all flesh must be prepared to receive.  You desire an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your city-you do well.  But remember, four conditions must be observed.

1. The past must be clear, every sin confessed to God.  Any wrong to man must be put right.  Have you forgiven everybody?  Everybody?!  If not, don’t expect to receive forgiveness for your sins.  Better to offend 10,000 friends than grieve the heart of God or quench His Spirit.

So here I must pause to ask you: is your past clear?  Are there any skeletons in your closet, as it were?  Should the Spirit of God come through and reveal your innermost thoughts, would you suddenly be gripped by conviction?  Have you repented of every sin, or is there yet some area of your life that you have not surrendered to God?

Do not console yourself by saying “I will deal with this later, when it is convenient.”  Or else, do not expect Heaven to be open before you as you pray for revival.  No rock must go unturned, no closet unopened, for our God is an all-consuming Fire.

Revival is so much more palatable when the theme is getting someone else’s anointing.  Many less books would be sold if they told the truth: if you want revival, God wants to get at you.  If you want revival, you must surrender wholly to the Holy God.  If you want revival–Absolutely No Compromise.

–>Proceed to Part Two : Removing all Doubts<–

He Comes Suddenly – sermon added

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” -Matthew 25:13

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable in which many virgins wait upon a bridegroom.  All are virgins; all have lamps; all have at least some oil.  However, some are wise in their preparations and the others are not.  As a result, the foolish virgins are cast out from the presence of the Bridegroom.  Jesus said that we Christians should also prepare ourselves for His coming-we should be living with eternity in the front of our minds, because the Son of Man will appear “suddenly.”  We ought to live as though we believed this could be the last chance we get to live for God.  We ought to behave as though we believed that this might be the last opportunity our friends or loved ones ever get to receive salvation through the Name of Jesus.

In a time when many are taking drastic measures to prepare themselves for an uncertain tomorrow on the earth, are we preparing ourselves and those around us for eternity?  We need to realize that the most dangerous threat men face today is not terrorism, natural disaster, or financial collapse, but stepping into eternity without having been washed in the blood of Jesus.

After all, He comes suddenly.

You can download the entire sermon or listen online here by clicking “Launch Jukebox.”  A link is also being added on the sermon page.

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Also listed in the sermon are 4 pre-requisites for revival from Evan Roberts, which I will be posting throughout the remainder of the week.

Refuges of Lies

Today the verse of the day is from Charles Finney, as presented in the September 29, 1858 issue of the Oberlein Evangelist.  Find it online here.

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“Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. -Isaiah 28:7

ALL men know themselves to be sinners against God.  The know also, that as sinners, they are in peril and are not safe.  hence their anxiety to find some refuge.

They know they might find this in the way of forsaking sin and turning to the Lord, but they do not choose to forsake their sins.  Hence there seems to be no convenient resource but to hide themselves under some refuge.

Our text speaks of “the refuge of lies.”  Yet it is obvious that men who resort to lies for a refuge regard those lies not as lies, but as truth.  This fact leads us to raise the primary fundamental question–have we any rule or standard which will show what is truth, and what is falsehood?  Men have countless opinions about religion; these can not al be true; how can we determine which are true and which not true?

We have an infallible test.

Salvation, to be real and available, must be salvation from sin.  Everything else fails.  Any system of religion which does not break the power of sin is a lie.  If it does not expel selfishness and lust, and if it does not beget love to God and man, joy, peace, and all the fruits of the Spirit, it is false and worthless.  Any system that fails in this vital respect is a lie–can be of no use–is no better than a curse.

That which does not, beget in us the spirit of heaven and make us like God, no matter whence it comes, or by what sophistry defended, is a lie, and if fled to as a refuge, it is a “refuge of lies.”

Again, if it does not beget prayer, does not unify us with God, and bring us into fellowship and sympathy with Him, it is a lie.

Carrying a Purpose – sermon added

Summary: At the moment of salvation, a believer is born again into abundant life, a living hope, freedom and forgiveness. Also, the believer is born again into a purpose from God. Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive declared to her that she would give birth. So too, the believer is called at the moment of salvation to a purpose in Christ to live out His life for whatever time they would remain on earth. But that life, which is planted in the believer at the moment of salvation, needs to be cultivated. We have a responsibility to shelter the purity in our hearts and to make room, as it were, in the inn’s of our lives for the birth of God’s purpose.

Click here for download, here to listen online (click launch jukebox).

A link is also on the sermon page.

You Desire Truth

“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.”  -Psalm 51:6

Over the past few weeks, I have had several conversations centering around the concept of knowing the mind of God.  The other day I read this verse and it jumped off the page at me.  How many times do we have a critical question to answer and all we can say is “I don’t know.”  About morality.  About life choices.  About God’s will.  Advice.  “I just don’t know.”  The other day I was reading Psalm 51 and I hit the above verse.  God desires truth in the innermost being.  I mean, it seems so obvious when you think about it.  Of course He wants us to know the truth.  He wants us to treasure the Truth.  But we’re still constantly saying “I don’t know.”

Look, no finger pointing.  It’s better to admit when we don’t know than to pretend a lie.  And to be honest, it is very likely that I don’t know the answer to your question, either.  But the point is this: God does.  He knows, and He wants you to know to.  He wants to lead you into all truth (John 16:13).  He wants to show you exactly what to do.  The only condition is that you have got to be given over to Him.

Possibly, the problem is the same one with everything else.  Possibly, we just need to let go of our own agendas and ask God what to do.  Possibly we just need patience and faith while He shows us the answer.  Quite probably, the solution is the same as with many of the rest of our problems: with humility and contrition before the God who is willing and able to save.

“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones which you have broken rejoice.  Hid Your face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities.”  -Psalm 51:7-9

He’s Worth Living For – Sermon added

Eventually, you are going to have to decide what you are living for.  And eventually, you are going to have to come to terms with ‘the cost’ of being a disciple of Jesus.  Times are coming quickly that will try the most steadfast of hearts, but be encouraged!  He is worth it.  He’s worth living…and dying…for!

Hear the sermon (or download).  A link is also on the sermon page.

The Downward Spiral

It starts harmlessly enough: You’re just tired.  It seems like you haven’t had a reprieve in years.  You fight, you fight, and you fight.  Your heart is right and you do what you’re supposed to do.  The good news is that you have been winning.  God has given you victory in everything that you have sought to do.  The bad news is that you don’t feel like you’ve been able to enjoy it because there’s always another fire to put out, always another situation that requires your attention.

So, you just need a break.  You think, “the world will not end if I sit this one out.”  Think of it as a small compromise with life.  You’ll take that break, and you’ll get back to the rat-race tomorrow…..

“Then it happened in the spring, at the time that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah, But David stayed at Jerusalem…” -2 Samuel 11:1

David starts with one small compromise: he stopped fighting.  I don’t think it is inherently sinful for a King to not go out to war, but a careful reading of the passage indicates that there has been a subtle shift in David’s passions.  He put down the sword.  Instead of pursuing the Lord’s enemies, he decided that this time – just this time – he would pursue his own comfort.  It all begins seemingly innocuously, but the spiral has begun.  Next thing you know, it’s bed time and again David is breaking his routine.

“Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roofhe saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance.” – 2 Samuel 11:2

The spiral begins to accelerate.

First, David sins thoughtlessly.  He sees, he is filled with passion, and he acts.  It’s all fire and excitement.  He sees that the woman is beautiful , and he quickly progresses from a small compromise to a flippant sin.  He isn’t considering the unintended consequences-he just does what comes to him.   And then suddenly, he is an adulterer.

Then, when he realizes what he has done, he scrambles to cover his tracks.  He tries to manipulate Uriah, the woman’s husband.  Now he is intentionally and deliberately attempting to deceive others.  His sin, which was once a small compromise is escalating now because he feels threatened.  He does not want to be exposed, and he digs himself deeper.

Next he becomes desparate and aggressive.  His attempt to cover up his sin has failed, so he decides to have Uriah killed and take his wife for himself.  He is desparate, aggressive, and blatant in active pursuit of sin.  He could never have predicted it when his descent began, but he has come to the place the devil originally intended.

See, the devil doesn’t tell you that you will wake up one day in prison with half your life wasted away and nothing but a path of destruction to show for it.  He says, “just one won’t hurt.  Have a little fun once in a while.”

David no longer has any regard for the men who have served him faithfully as he struggled against nation after nation in war.  His heart, which was once tender toward God, is now calloused.  He does not care that his own faithful warrior’s life will be taken, or even worse, that he is breaking God’s law.  Uriah’s name means “the light of the Lord,” and he is snuffing it out.

God will peel back the callous on David’s heart, but the consequences of his actions will continue.  His family and his kingdom will continue to bear out the consequences of his actions for the rest of recorded history until the return of Christ.  Was it worth it?

Would it be worth it for you?

If you want revival: absolutely no compromise.

related:

Five signs of Walking on the Roof and Called to War

5 Signs of Walking on the Roof

David’s downfall came because rather than out fighting the Lord’s battles, he was walking his own palace rooftop (2 Samuel 11).  With that laxity came a dangerous opening for the evil one.  It is most likely that he relaxed not only in his military campaign, but also in the pursuit of God.  His many victories sprung out of his intimate relationship with God, but for some reason when the army was out at battle, he decided to sit it out.  Soon enough, sin was calling to him from the rooftop and he was inclined to listen.  He discovered what James would later write: “lust when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is accomplished brings death.”

What about us?  The point is that we also can fall if we relax in the fight against sin.  If we are not diligent in maintaining a righ relationship with God, we too will be led astray and enticed by our own lusts.  If so, we will not be stricken down on the battle field struggling against the powers of this world, but in the inner chambers of our hearts as we take a break from our fighting.

Here are some warning signs that you might be “on the rooftop” in danger of falling:

1. No longer battling satan, sin, & soulishness.  Those things that you once fought so hard against seem to be less threatening than before.  Instead of being militant in the fight against everyday temptation, you find yourself much more laid back in your spirituality.  Your once high standard of righteousness is becoming lower and lower.
2. Living for pleasure or popularity.  As the battle for purity ceases to be the priority of your life, you find that the pleasures of life are more and more important.  You find yourself thinking more and more about what might please you rather than what might please God.
3. Laying down your Sword.  The Word of God is no longer a source of sustenance for you.  Your personal study and practice of the Scripture is less and less, if it continues at all.  You rarely consider what the Bible says about your thoughts or actions.  When you read the Bible, you do so out of duty rather than delight.
4. No fear of God.  You are no longer concerned that God knows the intentions of your heart and sees what you do in secret.  You are not troubled or convicted about sin.  You do not treasure your right standing before Him and relationship with Him.  He is not reverenced in your heart.
5. No longer a man/woman after God’s own heart.  Instead of pursuing Him with all that you are, you look for excuses for why you are not all that God has called you to be.  You have no passion for the things of God or the name of Christ – you spend the majority of your time without even thinking about Heavenly things.

If you find yourself identifying with these warning signs, take heed lest you fall!  Not every life turned away from God is lived in open rebellion, many are caught by ensnaring sins when they have simply let up.  Don’t allow yourself to become a casualty of a war you are not fighting.  Turn back and do the things you did at first, that your light may continue to burn and that Christ might have his rightful place in your life as both Lord and Savior.

Set My Feet Upon the Rock

“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” -Psalm 40:2

This last week my mother and I went to help a friend of her’s with some moving.  The friend, a sweet woman with a ten year old son, had arranged for her ex-husband to pick up some of his things from her house, and she was uncomfortable with him going through her house to get it, so she asked us to move some things into the garage before he arrived.  Unfortunately, it did not go well.  The man was not in control of himself, and in the end the police had to ask him to leave before he could collect all of the items.  It was a very tense situation and obviously painful for the woman, who was understandably upset and hurt.  Most of all, though, she was concerned for her son.  After the police left she looked at me through tears and said “You turned out normal, right?  I’m so worried for my son.”

For those of you who may not have known this about me, it is not an unreasonable question for her to ask.  My father was a drug dealer, and my step-father was also an addict.  All truth be told, I was not turning out well either.  At the time of my salvation in my sophomore year of high school my decisions were sliding from bad to worse.  Although I professed both a spiritual life and a strong morality, it was a lie.  I’m not sure how much information is really necessary for someone to understand where I come from, but suffice it to say that any hope of my leading a good or normal life was quickly diminishing.  The pit I was digging was deeper by the moment, and the light at the top was fainter and fainter.

But one night a made a decision which would drastically alter the course of my life–I called on the name of Jesus.  I must say that there was nothing special about me or any of the circumstances surrounding that time, but there is something altogether special about that Name.  It is a story for another time, perhaps, but what I am trying to say is that there is hope in the Name of Jesus.  I was far too selfish and arrogant to right the course of my life, and I was blinded by pride to boot, but “God in His great mercy caused me to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!”

A few weeks ago my wife and I had dinner with another couple we know.  They told us a story about a time before they were walking with the Lord that caused my jaw to drop.  The short version is that both of them were living in absolute rebellion toward God when one Thanksgiving Eve things got way out of hand.  He, an athlete at a local college and with a clean record in spite of the life he’d been living, shot her with a .22 caliber rifle in the abdomen.  She was driven to the hospital by another party who refused to divulge the details of the shooting and he immediately went into hiding.  At the hospital, she was pronounced Dead On Arrival and tagged Jane Doe since she was not carrying any identification.  Meanwhile, on the street, he hid from the police while nursing the revelation that his bright future had just been thrown away.  Again, the pit was deep, but there was hope in the Name of Jesus.  That night was a prayer meeting at our church, and I recall her father asking us to pray for her.  There were not many details available then, but we called on the Name of Jesus.  In the end, she was miraculously revived by the medical staff and both she and her husband are walking with the Lord today.

Corrie ten Boom, whose activities harboring refugees during the holocaust and subsequent incarceration in the Ravensbrück concentration camp were made famous by her autobiography The Hiding Place, made her life purpose the proclamation of one Truth she had learned therein: “There is no pit so deep that the love of God is not deeper still.”  And that is my point.  Living for just a little while in this world will show that humanity has dug itself a pit from which there is no hope of escape.  For much of the privileged world the walls closing in are either depression or anxiety, and for those less fortunate they are hunger and oppression.  But the love of God is deeper still.  There is hope in the Name of Jesus.

Today I want to urge you on two counts.  First of all, if you are in a pit right now I want to tell you with as much urgency as I can possibly convey that there is hope in the Name of Jesus!  No matter what guilt you bear and no matter what obstacles you face, He is willing and able to save those who love Him.  Whatever you face today, give your life to Him and He will rescue you from any pit and establish your way upon the Rock of salvation.  Second, if you have already been redeemed by Him I want to entreat you to extend that hope to those around you who need it.  Do not forget what it was like to be hopeless.  Do not be content that you alone are saved when you have it in your power to bring others to the Light.  Call on the Name of Jesus for the salvation of all those you could carry it to, and be willing to take whatever action He would call you to that you might do so.

“Whoever will call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved” -Romans 10:13

Called to War – Sermon Added

Christians have been called to War!  Failure to heed the call will ensure that you become a casualty.

David was a man after God’s own heart.  He lived in close relationship to God, and as a result he experienced victory and blessing in everything he sought to do.  He overcame all of his enemies and God gave him peace.  But his most infamous failing came not as a result of a military defeat, but rather because he was not out fighting the battle.

As Christians, we also have been delivered from the hands of our enemies.  We also have the assurance that if we fight for the King, we will be victorious.  But the key is that we must fight!  We cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into complacency or we, like David, will find ourselves out one day “walking the rooftops,” as it were, contemplating things we would have never thought possible.

For David, the cost of relaxing in his pursuit of union with God cost him dearly.  His family, and indeed his kingdom, would be torn asunder by infighting and debauchery.  It should serve as a warning for those of us who name the Name of Christ that we have not been called to sit back and enjoy the ride–we have been called to war!

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A new sermon has been added to the sermon page.