Spiritual Renewal Services

Transcription

1 Spiritual Renewal Devotion 2011

2 Spiritual Renewal Services September 11 14, 2011 with Dr. Tommy Green Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Brandon Northside Baptist Church 3131 Duff Road Lakeland, FL (863) NorthsideBaptistLakeland.com Dr. Dan Yaw, Senior Pastor Randy Mlinek, Associate Pastor

3 DAY ONE: PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR REVIVAL Today s Reading: John 4:5-26 Revival begins when our hearts (our intellect, emotions and will) are informed of and then conformed to the nature and will of God. Notice in today s reading that the woman knew about God, but she did not know God. Jesus rebuked her idea of worship by explaining that true worship, the only kind of worship God will accept and respond to, had to be done in spirit and truth. Spirit (heartfelt worship) is activated by truth (the Bible). The two cannot be separated. God has revealed Himself in His Son, Jesus, and in His Word. By reading today s passage, you have begun the preparation for revival. What has God revealed about Himself to you? What has this taught you about worship? OK, good, don t stop here! God will continue to reveal Himself to you in His Word as the week progresses! To prepare for revival, we must prepare our minds ( who is God? ), our emotions ( how does God want me to respond? ) and our wills ( what does God want me to do? ). By reading and studying the Bible, we will more perfectly understand these things, be revived, and better able to worship in spirit and in truth. True worship comes as a result of repentance (a change of heart), submission (to the Lordship of Jesus) and truth (the Bible). 1) What did I learn about God (Jesus) in this passage? 2) What can I learn from the questions and response of the woman? 3) What must I change before my heart is changed and revival begins?

4 DAY TWO: PERFECTING PREPAREDNESS FOR REVIVAL Today s Reading: John 21:1-17 Revival begins when Jesus reveals Himself to us. In today s passage, Peter and six other disciples go fishing. Peter makes the initial suggestion but the others are quick to follow. Peter and friends thought Jesus had returned to His Father in Heaven. With Jesus away, their eyes and hearts seem to have turned to other things. What happened next (vv. 3-14)? Notice that Jesus was prepared to meet with His disciples having His own bread, fish and fire. But the disciples were not prepared to meet with Jesus! If you are going to experience revival, you must be prepared to meet with Jesus. Note Jesus question in v. 15. To what or to whom was Jesus referring when He said, loveth thou me more than these? Peter s friends or to the 153 fish? The answer (I believe) is both. Simon was Peter s name when he worked as a fisherman. Jesus may have been asking Peter if he loved his old profession more than his new life in Christ. Loved the world more than the Savior. Perhaps Jesus was referring to the other six disciples, in which case we learn that friends can also keep us from revival. What does revival mean to you? Does it mean more than these? Jesus needs to know this and you need to tell Him. Jesus asked a second question in v. 16, loveth thou me? Notice that Peter never directly states, I love you. Do you love Jesus more than the world? More than your friends? Revival will not begin in your life or our church until the question of love is answered truthfully. 1) Do you tell Jesus you love Him, or do you assume He knows? 2) Do you show Him you love Him by serving others? 3) What would you rather have in your life more than revival?

5 DAY THREE: PROPER PRAYER FOR REVIVAL Today s Reading: Nehemiah 1:2-11 In today s reading we see Nehemiah s concern, hear his confession, and recognize his commitment to do what is necessary for revival to begin. The story begins as Nehemiah hears a sad report regarding the condition of his beloved Jerusalem and her people (vv. 2-4). Nehemiah s concern leads him to confess his own sin and the sins of his people (vv. 5-7). Genuine concern always leads to confession. Confession is the first step toward revival - but it is only the first step. Through prayer and fasting Nehemiah reminded God of His promises and plans for His people (vv. 8-10). God desires the revival of His people (Isa 57:15). Our obligation is to desire revival as much as God does (Ps 85:6). Nehemiah s commitment becomes apparent in verse 11. He asks God for the wisdom and strength to be personally involved in the work for which he had implored God. His concern had lead to confession and confession to commitment. Although fearful, Nehemiah would commit to do what had to be done in order to insure that revival would come to Israel. God honored Nehemiah s prayer and his faith and allowed revival to begin in Israel. 1) In what ways are you like Nehemiah? How do you differ from him? 2) Are you concerned about your spiritual condition? Our church? 3) Concerned enough to pray? How does 2 Chronicles 7:14 relate? 4) Are you willing to pay the cost for revival? 5) What is your level of commitment? How will you display it this week?

6 DAY FOUR: THE POWER OF PROPER PRAYER FOR REVIVAL Today s Reading: Acts 4:13-31 When the believers of the Jerusalem church heard the report from Peter and John they united in prayer, confessing their recognition of God s supremacy, sovereignty and power. They acknowledged Jesus as God s only Son and Savior and confessed their longing to follow God and fulfill His will. Opposition to this goal by others was inconsequential. Their heartfelt petition was for boldness to accomplish God s will through them. This is the willing heart that God desires and the only heart He will use to bring revival. A heart filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking the Word of God with boldness and following the will of God with resolve. We must bring this kind of repentant and willing heart to God so He may involve us in His purpose. Righteous prayer for God to act set in motion a great revival both in the church and the city of Jerusalem. And it will set in motion a great revival in our church and community. But it all begins when God s people sanctify their hearts and lives unto righteousness with the intent of glorifying God. When this happens, God s glory will be revealed to others through us. As today s passage demonstrates, when the desires of God s people reveal God s will, the Holy Spirit revives both the believer and the church. And the results are glorious! 1) Do you have a willing heart that desires revival? 2) Do any of your attractions contradict the will of God? 3) Do any of your attitudes contradict the character of Jesus? 4) Do any of your activities contradict the desire of the Holy Spirit? 5) What must change in your life before revival can begin in it?

7 DAY FIVE: THE POWER AND PEOPLE OF REVIVAL Today s Reading: Acts 8:1-25 Today s passage reveals three important facts about revival. Fact number one is that God uses church members to bring revival. Notice in verse four that it was the people who went everywhere preaching the word while the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Because the people were inwardly prepared through confession of sin and submission to God, they could go forth with confidence to do God s will. This is what revival is all about. The second fact is illustrated by Saul and Simon (vv. 3-24). Both opposed revival, but in different ways. Sometimes Satan uses outward hostility, as in the case of Saul, and sometimes the enemy will use subtle counterfeits like Simon. But be encouraged if revival were not a spiritual fact, it would not be opposed and could not be counterfeited. The final fact is that revival is not only for believers, it s for others as well. While it is true that only believers can be revived, it is equally true that revived Christians reach out to the lost with the message of salvation (v. 25ff). Purposeful prayer brings revival and personal participation continues it. It is the obligation of every Spirit-filled believer to carry that revival to those who need to know our Lord. 1) What will you do to foster revival in your church? 2) How will you defend against the enemy if he tries to sideline you: * Regarding prayer for revival? * Regarding attendance during revival? * Regarding witnessing because of revival? 3) What will be your greatest desire and determination during revival week?