September 23, 2007

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 Scripture KJV

Reverend David S. Huffer

Westwood Baptist Church - 2124 Davis Road
 Waynesboro, VA

REVIVE US AGAIN!

Psalm 85:6-7

In our text this morning, the Psalmist asks God an important question: “Wilt Thou not revive us again?”

·           We sometimes sing a hymn that says: “Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love; may each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”

FRIENDS – There is much talk about revival – but this morning I want us to take some time and analyze what is involved in it.

WHAT IS REVIVAL?

A. It Is Not Evangelism

·           Even though many may be saved as a result of it

B. It Is Not Emotionalism

·           Although there may be emotional manifestations connected to it

REVIVAL IS A RENEWAL OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

1. In an individual
2. Or among a group of people

WHEN IS REVIVAL NEEDED?

#1 Reason:  Whenever the love of God’s people have grown cold

Consider some symptoms of its need:

1. Complacency:

·           self-satisfaction

·           satisfaction with the status quo

2. Lack of concern for the lost

3. Hiding or covering of secret sins

4. Animosity toward other Christians

5. Being filled with pride

6. Any spiritual standing where we are less than we were before: BACKSLIDDEN!

DANGERS IN OUR NEED FOR REVIVAL

Often spiritual deterioration comes without our awareness

1.            Samson had the power of God upon Him, but he played around with sin and was found helpless in the face of the enemy because he was unaware that God’s power had left him. Judges 16:20

1.            The disciples had received power from Jesus Christ to heal and cast out demons and yet on one occasion were unable to do so

·      They had lost their power, but they were unaware that it was gone

·      Jesus told them that it was because of their unbelief

·      Matthew 17:19-20 – “Then the disciples came to Jesus and privately and said: ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

FRIENDS – Often the condition of our hearts is such that we are not aware of our need at the very time it is the greatest!

·      The flesh will fight against revival

·      For to have revival we must admit that we have a need

·      And that goes against our old fleshly nature!

WHAT KIND OF REVIVAL DO WE NEED?

A. We need a revival that will resurrect this church.

·      Revival – means “a return to life.”

1. Jesus declared to the church of Sardis, “Thou has a name that thou livest, and art dead.” (Rev.3:1b)
2. To the church at Laodicea he called upon them to repent; they thought they had need for nothing. (Rev. 3:14-22)
3. He rebuked the church at Ephesus for having left their first love (Rev.2:4)

FRIENDS – Elements of all the seven church of Asia are present in WBC today!

·      Some folks are members of this church in name only; they are not interested in being involved in ministry

·      Other are satisfied with the way things are and see no reason for change

·      Still others are too concerned about their own agendas to see the need that we have!

We need to cry out to God: “Wilt Thou revive us again?”

B. We need a revival that will rekindle old fires

·      “Revive us again” – means there have been revivals before

·      The Christian life is made up of many beginnings

·      It is not like hooking onto a hot air balloon and continuing to raise all the way until you are with the Lord

·      It is a journey involving mountain-top experiences and Valley lows as well

FRIENDS – We need a revival that will rekindle the old fires!

C. We need a revival that will restore JOY and VICTORY to the child of God

·           There are too many defeated Christians today!

·           There are too many discouraged Christians today!

·           There are too many back-sliden Christians today!

The joy of the Lord is our strength!

FRIENDS - We need a revival where God will give us a song in our hearts once again.

HOW CAN WE HAVE REVIVAL?

A. Only God Can Send Revival

·           He alone is the source

·           “Wilt Thou …”

FRIENDS – It is impossible to schedule and plan for revival!

·           What we must do is PRAY for God to grant it to us.

B. We Must face Up To Spiritual Realities

·           We need to see ourselves as we are

·           We must be HONEST with ourselves

FRIENDS – We need to acknowledge God for who He is and quit playing games – quit playing church and start living the Christian life!

·           One of humility – love – ministry – servant hood – sharing

·           We must see sin for what it is and CONFESS it– REPENT of it – and FORSAKE it

C. We Must Desire To Be Revived!

·           Usually we don’t want it bad enough to make any difference

·           Isaiah 55:6-7 – “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

FRIENDS – God wants to send revival upon those who genuinely seek it!

WE NEED:

1. Personal Revival: that means individuals getting right with God
2. Home Revival: That means families getting back to the place they need to be

1. Church Revival: That will come when individuals and families get it!

CLOSE

Revival is not turned on and off like a water fountain, but if we meet God's conditions He will bestow it upon us.

·           There are souls that need to be saved, and people that need to be ministered to.

WHO WILL DO IT?

·           How many people will die and go to hell because we grow complacent and self-satisfied?

September

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