Is There A Revival In The House?
2 Ki. 20:15; 2 Chr. 20:9
Intro.: I want to spend some time looking at Revival. I know almost
every preacher has used 2 Chr. 7:14 -
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land.
I want to look at something different today. I feel that verse is somewhat
corporate in nature. I want to look at individuals, not a nation. I want
to get to your house, not our houses. I want to you to consider your own
house or life, your own house or heart, where are you as far as revival
is concerned. Is there a revival lurking in your house? I ask you
the question today…Is there a revival in the house?" We need revival
at East 38th Street! I know that. The idea is do you need revival where
you live?
Before I start, I want to mention three facts about revival…
Revival is not an everyday part of life, it does not just happen
by chance!
Revival changes the way we live!
Revival changes for whom we live!
Okay, let us get into the message In order to see revival…
We must prepare our "house." 2 Chr.
19:3
2 Chronicles 19:3
3Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that
thou hast taken away the groves [images] out of the land, and hast prepared
thine heart to seek God.
It starts with individuals
We must (prepare) want God in our lives
We must want to be rid of spiritual detractors
We must want to be closer to God
It is sustained in leaders 19:4
Leaders show the way - vs. 4
Leaders set the example - vs. 5-7
Leaders continue the example - 20:4
It is spread to others - 20:4
Our heartfelt desire for revival is contagious. (Opposite also true)
When our attitude about revival is right others know - 19:9
When our attitude is one of praise, God moves on the scene - 20:22
Three questions to ask yourself…
DO I WANT REVIVAL IN MY LIFE?
DO I SEEK REVIVAL IN MY LIFE?
DO OTHERS SEE MY DESIRE FOR REVIVAL IN MY LIFE?
Not only must we prepare our "house"…
We must clean up our "house."
Fear the Lord in His purity (no iniquity) 19:7
God desires a closeness, holiness, and purity of our lives.
Find the Lord's purpose (He wants to use us to reach others) 19:8
God delivers His direction through His Word
Follow the Lord's path - 19:9
His path is neither hidden nor mysterious
Jer. 6: 16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask
for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall
find rest for your souls.
Ask yourself…
WHAT DO I NEED TO CLEAN UP IN MY LIFE?????
AM I PREPARED FOR REVIVAL?????
Not only must we prepare our "house" and we must clean up our
"house"…
We must move to His "house." (We must get close to
Him!)
If we stand in His presence - 20:5,13
And we trust in His strength 20:15
Then we will reap the benefit (REVIVAL) 20:25
Matt. 16: 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Ask yourself…
FOR WHOM DO YOU LIVE?
WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE SURE YOU STAND IN HIS PRESENCE?
DO YOU TRUST IN HIM OR YOURSELF?
DO YOU REALLY WANT WHAT REVIVAL CAN BRING IN YOUR LIFE?
DO YOU WANT REVIVAL?
Gary Marcum- East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church 021801am