Fall Revival
Introduction
I do not want you to misunderstand by my title, “Fall Revival.” We need revival all the time, but I have noticed that many tend to drift from the Lord throughout the year. People begin by making vows and new year’s resolutions, but by the Fall they are far from the position they once held. “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Revival has always been a convicting work by the Holy Spirit of Almighty God among His own people in order to get them both right with God and with each other. Revival is not just larger attendance and increase in giving. How do we recognize the need of revival?
When There Is An Absence of Rejoicing. Psalm 85:6
“…that thy people may rejoice in thee…” It is obvious that the people had been joyful in the past, but now there is an absence. The joy of the Lord is missing. Illustration: In Psalm 51:12, we read how the sweet psalmist of Israel is crying out, “Restore unto me the joy of they salvation.” He did not say that he had lost his salvation, but his joy. Why is this so important? Notice: Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The absence of joy will always drain you of spiritual strength.
When There Is A Failure to Recognize. Judges 16:20
“…Samson…wist not that the Lord was departed from him.” The presence of the Lord should be something we desire 24/7, yet even those who at one time felt the presence of God have allowed themselves to become so busy that they have not even noticed His departure. Illustration: In I Samuel 4:21, Eli’s daughter-in-law was giving birth to a child. She named him “Ichabod” because she new that God’s presence had departed from Israel. One of my greatest fears concerning America is that “I-cha-bod” has now been written across our land. Church, remember, when was the last time you felt the presence of God in your life.
When There Is Sin Without Repentance. Luke 15:17
The prodigal son committed horrible sins. But allow me to share with you what was connected to his return. I. He came to himself. He actually recognized how foolish he was acting. II. He got up and went back to where he belonged. Luke 15:20 Illustration: No one can ever truly be right with God until they go back to where they got wrong with God. You walk out on your church, then get back to that church! By the way, “Where did you lose your axehead?” Think!
When There Is Wrong Without Restoration. Luke 19:8
“…if I have taken…I restore him fourfold.” Zacchaeus is referring to the law of God. If you took something from someone, then you ere to pay it back fourfold. We need to get back to the old-time religion that was and is based upon taking responsibility for your actions. You steal, then you should pay. Today, stealing gets a suspended sentence. No! A thousand times no! Make the thief pay! By the way, no one had to make Zacchaeus pay. When right with God you know what you need to do.
When There Is Religion Without Righteousness. James 1:27
“Pure religion…to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Two types of righteousness taught in the Bible: I. Imputed righteousness. II Corinthians 5:21 – What Christ does for you the minute you place your faith in Him. II. Practical righteousness – This is the child of God practicing Bible truth in everyday living. It is faith in action. Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in Heaven.” People judge you by how you live. They go by what you do and say.
Conclusion
God is our Creator. That means we belong to Him. To the One that is holy, just and is the judge of what He has made. God is also very gracious to what He has created. He demonstrates His amazing grace by His love, forgiveness, and His patience. We must never forget that the One who died on the old rugged cross and was buried, and the third day rose from the dead is THE LORD. No other Lord, but the Lord of Lords. He is the only One Who can freely give eternal life.
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