Revival, What Is It All About? Part 2 - Results
Last week I started a two part series about revival. Nothing difficult or unexpected. I had the following points about what was required to have revival in our lives and hearts.:
Self examination that brings forth humbleness
Humbleness that finds a sincere desire
Desire that moves us to action
Action that continues in persistence
Persistence that is followed by faithful obedience
Obedient spirit gives way to the Holy Spirit's biding
Holy Spirit draws us closer to the Lord with revival
Today I want to look at the results of revival. Why should we desire it? What should make it attractive to us? Why bother? What is in it for me?
First there are some Obvious results of revival
Almost everyone would list what revival can do for individuals:
Pray more - pretend less
Study His Word more
Attend more - sleep in less
And many more may quickly add:
Give more - keep less
Invite more
Do more (work for the Lord)
And fewer still would probably volunteer that revival would cause us to:
Depend on Him more - less self reliant
Ask for more - expecting Him to answer
Accept more from Him
So it is pretty obvious to most that when we have revival, we see some things.
We become better more dedicated Christians.
We will have a greater closeness to God.
We will have a greater concern for others
We will have a greater comprehension about God’s will for our lives
So are there any reasons to fear revival?
Closeness will bring renewed dedication
Dedication will bring sacrificial giving
Sacrificial giving will foster a greater concern
A concern will help keep us upon our knees
??????
Not so obvious
Surroundings will improve because we have a better outlook
Spouse will be better looking (it will help a wandering eye)
Children will seem smarter.(share Garrison Keilor’s statement - In his community, all the women are good looking and the kids above average)
Food will taste tastier
Bed will sleep better
Job will be more satisfying (if it is pleasing to God - I guess a Mafia hitman would not apply)
"Hypocrites" will seem holier (those we have labeled, not God)
Church will be friendlier
Preaching will be more pertinent
Worship will be more filling
Friends will be better
Workload for the Lord will seem lighter
Accomplishments will be more acceptable
Standards will retain godliness in our lives
Honesty will be a solid virtue
Kindness will abound in our lives
Love will overcome us and others
Goodness will overflow from us (Christ met the Gadarean and His love was overflowing so much that the recognized Him from a good way off)
Decency will win out over fads
Order will prevail in our lives
Joy (internal) will let Jesus shine in us
Meekness will help melt peoples hearts
Souls will increase in value
Families destinies will matter (or be more urgent)
Friends destinies will matter (or be more urgent)
Friend’s families destinies will matter (or be more urgent)
Enemies destinies will matter (or be more urgent)
Missions will matter (or be more urgent)
Church’s outreach will matter (or be more urgent)
Great commission will matter (or be more urgent)
So our efforts will seem small in comparison to what we can gain from revival.
The burden will diminish while the joy of service and closeness grows.
Revival will renew us
Revival will rejuvenate us
Revival will reward us
Revival will rekindle our flame for the Lord
Revival will redirect our thoughts and goals
Revival will reach us where we are
Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist - 102801am