. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. As we start to study the rebuilding of the walls, what must jump out to us first is that the spiritual leaders led the way. If they need confidence, they light up. Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. He performed many miracles, including raising a dead child to life (2 Kings 4:32-37). Related Reading: Acts 26; Repent and do the things you did at first. Thats such a frightening yet freeing request! Paul: Paul was a former persecutor of the church who became a devoted follower of Christ. This was not the priests job; the Levites were the ones who did the manual labor, especially in the temple. We must be willing to hear the voice of the Lord and respond to His call to repentance and renewal. Firebrand believers or ministers of God are known by their fervent passion and love for God, for truth, for righteousness, for the people of God, for the lost souls and for God's kingdom. Application Question: How can we be faithful in seeking revival with our families first? In fact, they are often so worried about losing members that they never work with other churches at all. Rodney Harrier Contributing Writer May 03, 2023 How can we tell if a revival is genuine, false, or manufactured? 30 Prayer Points On Revival With Bible Verses - Every Day Prayer Guide of Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Early Church: Throughout the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit at work, empowering the apostles to preach the gospel and perform miracles. We wanted to tell everyone about Gods love and grace and maybe even contemplate oversea missions. (Galatians 5:17). booklet. Sometimes serving means doing more than others. Revival and transformation only happen when the leaders set the example, when they not only teach on humility, perseverance, diligence, and honesty, but also embody it with their lifestyles. There is a battle about whether homosexuals can be in leadership; there is a battle over gender in leadership. However, when you look at the early church, which also experienced revival, they were very unified. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Do we desire to live for Christ in every area of our life (dating, vocation, relationships, and so on)? Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Oh God send down revival. Therefore, they forfeited the blessing of God and received his curses instead. What Does the Bible Say About Revival? - OpenBible.info 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? The apostles were the early leaders of the church who were called to spread the gospel to all nations. How do we bring radical change in our work place, ministry, or the family God has placed us in? Imagine if He responded by dropping a one-millimeter seed into the palm of your hand. How can we be agents for eternal change in the lives of those around us? Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sin. Who are Gods agents of revival in the world today? Although believers and ministers of God abound everywhere today, yet only few are firebrand. Acts 26 shows how Paul faithfully preached the gospel to Agrippa and Festus. One is a part of Gods family who is in error, and the other is at enmity with God. What can we learn from this? Theyd learned so much about the things of God and the things of man. The normative Christian life is not an overpowering event but is daily seeking to do those things that increase the Spirits influence and decrease the hindrances to that influence. The final revival. May God give you and your group a rich time celebrating and experiencing the powerful presence of his Spirit! Let us lift them up, and let us serve them at all times for they watch over our souls. The fruit of the Spirit is one description of what we experience through the Spirit. Both of these events will unfold during the seven years immediately preceding the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus to the earth. We need each other! And while we might not smoke, we can find ourselves doing the same thing with food, lust, shopping, music, coffee, or any number of other things. Not only must there be unity for revival but also each person must do his part. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field, He said. Elijah: Elijah was a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Ahab. Some examples of prophets as agents of revival include: The prophets played a crucial role in preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Nehemiah 3:1. Yes, it is possible to have the lights turned out on us, becoming ineffective and unprofitable for the kingdom of Godlamps with no oil that are good for nothing (cf. The truth is there's no power in heaven or on earth or under the earth that remotely approaches the power of God. We are filled with the Spirit by faith, enabling us to experience intimacy with God and enjoy all he has for us. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy. The Christian life is like a road and we can slip into the ditch on either side. Certainly, we see this call to prioritize family in the New Testament as well. He planted churches throughout the Roman Empire and wrote many letters that became part of the New Testament. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The kings were the leaders of Gods people, and their actions had a significant impact on the spiritual condition of the nation. These churches were interacting over hundreds of miles. Nearly 2,000 people have already signed up for a revival event in Virginia where prayer, worship, and miracle healings are expected to take place. In fact, when we consider Billy Graham crusades or revivals, where thousands of people got saved, unity was always one of the characteristics that marked those revivals. Interpretation Question: What is significant about Baruch son of Zabbai? It is no wonder that the church multiplied at such a fast rate. They are mentioned again in verses 22 and 28: The repairs next to him were made by the priests from the surrounding region Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. They were leading by example. In this text, God honored those who submitted to the leadership by sharing their work and names in the book of Nehemiah; however, God also dishonored those who did not. Our role is to seek, listen, and respond. Again, following Pauls alcohol analogy, for a consistent drinker or smoker, alcohol and nicotine in the bloodstream at some point normalizes, sans elation. That cannot but standout as we look at Nehemiah who does not even mention his name in the honor roll of those who built. Think about the challenges you are currently facing. We takecontrol of the direction of our life and steer it toward our sinful wants and desires. To anyone with a false gospel he cursed saying, Let him be eternally condemned (cf. After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? And there True, theyd walked closely with Him during His time on earth. 4125 Satan, agents of - Dictionary of Bible Themes - Bible Gateway Confess them to God and claim his forgiveness according to 1 John 1:9. Do We Still Need Revival in Christianity? He reigned as king of Judea from 37-4 BC. However, one man gets special honor; he is basically the valedictorian. Application Question: Why is leadership so important? It was only after serving Jerusalem that the apostles were to go to Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the earth. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. He also served as a U.S. Navy Reserve chaplain until his retirement in 2022. 40 Prayer Points For Revival - Bible and Prayers He is the governor, the mastermind around the rebuilding. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. Are there homeless people near you? Paul prayed that his beloved Ephesian believers would experience these realities. 1 Timothy 3:1 "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do." 2 Timothy 2:2 "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." January 28, 2021 The human heart, known to stray and decay, is in constant need of revivala returning to God and His ways and outpouring of His power and grace. 1. Walking is a process and not an event.1 This is how the event of revival can throw off our thinking concerning the Spirit- filled life. They were responsible for maintaining the worship of the Lord and leading the people in righteousness. As people were discerning how they could best serve the Lord, many of the places that God called them to serve were right next to them. "Jeremiah Johnson should have kept his mouth shut," he said a few days before Mr. Biden's . Well said! The End-Time Ride of the White Horse of Revelation - Life, Hope and Truth Then go to a trusted leader or friend and share with them what you are struggling with, asking them to pray with you and for you. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. What leads to the Spirit having maximum influence over our lives? 25 Powerful Bible Verses about Revival - Bible Study Tools He did so based on Gods love and grace alone. The prophets, kings, apostles, and the Holy Spirit all played a crucial role in bringing about a revival in the hearts of believers and in the nation of Israel. If we are going to preach on prayer, let us be zealous on our knees. What else can we learn about revival from the description of the rebuilding of the wall? For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:2-6). As we read this text, we will be tempted to think there is nothing in this chapter for us. When we think about filling a cup, we wrongly think about increasing the amount of the Spirit like pouring in more of a drink.). In fact, other parts of the body start to overcompensate, which eventually wears them down. (John 7:37-39). Quoting Scripture, Jesus told them theyd proclaim repentance in His name, but first they were to stay in the city until [they had] been clothed with power on high (Luke 24:49). And while the idea is appealing, Christmas doesnt happen every day. Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. When Gods power is unleashed in and through ordinary people, it awakens the hunger for God in others. Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. To learn more, please visit our affiliate information page here. Oh Lord, arise and help me and restore my family, life, work and ministry, in Jesus name. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that true revival can take place in the hearts of believers. If we are going to have revival even on a micro-level in our individual church homes, we must start to reconcile relationships and we must start to work together. It is because the enemy is always attacking the leadership of the church. When you became a Christian, Christ indwelled you through the person of the Holy Spirit. As the founder ofWholly Loved Ministries, she and her team love to help women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. Optional: In your groups, pray for others you care for or minister to by name. This would result in completion or Christian maturity. How is God calling you to take steps toward being an agent of revival in your family, church, or organization? It is just a bunch of hard names to pronounce and details about the building of the walls of Jerusalem. 12, p. 92). Scripture documents this. Many today are saying this same prayer, hoping to see a wave of revival once again sweep through. Men, women, sons, daughters, goldsmiths, perfumers, priests, Levites, and district leaders worked together in order to accomplish this great task. They played a vital role in bringing about revival by calling the people to repentance and turning back to God. Pray in your groups, claiming the fruit you seek (such as, love for specific relationships, joy for specific trials, etc.) When each person doesnt do his part, the church essentially handicaps itself and ceases to grow. Remember, it is the role of the Spirit to produce it in your life. We need you. If we are going to preach on zeal, let us burn with the fire of God. They get put on a shelf and the grace of God is removed from them. Even the spiritual leaders served including the high priest and his fellow priests (v. 1), the Levites (v. 17), and many district leaders (verse 9, 12, etc.). Thanks so much sir. As the smoker is aided by nicotines influence, so the believer can experience the Spirits influence. In His parable of the mustard seed, Jesus demonstrated that the most powerful revivals begin not in a sanctuary or tented pavilion but in a quietly bowed heart that yields completely to God within. Throughout each day we experience neediness, weakness, and lack in the form of anxiety, loneliness, insecurity, trials, unholy desires, negative feelings, and so on. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). The Bible prophesies that there will be one final revival of the Roman Empire, the 10th horn of the beast with the "little horn" (the Catholic Church) having a prominent role. His message led to the conversion of thousands of people (Acts 2). (Ephesians 3:16,17). If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.. Listen to this: one of the greatest hindrances to revival is pride. Similarly, unity always precedes revival amongst the people of God. You had just been revived. Firebrand believers are true disciples of Christ whose primary goal is to wholly conform to the example and teaching of Christ, and to grow up into Christ in all things. All living systems, left on their own tend toward entropy. Henrietta C. Mears Revivals and awakenings are times of great outpouring of God's Spirit. But history, and Christs words to the crowd that pressed in on Him thousands of years ago, remind us the most powerful and enduring movements often start small. 16. Experiencing Spiritual Revival (James 3:13-18) | Bible.org Learn why He did it and what it means for you. May God revive us again that we may be revive. Application Question: How is God calling you to help rebuild right by your house? Whether the Spirits influence is a slow IV drip or a flowing river depends on our participation in the spiritual life. Here, it seems that these nobles (the wealthy) were marked not only for not getting involved but also for not submitting to their supervisors. Romans 13:1-2 says this: Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Mentor them. We need to remember that the Spirit works in us to glorify Christ. This was an incredibly dark time in world history where evil was celebrated, Christians were the minority, and paganism ruled. Revival starts with our own family. Revival happens when everyone does his or her part. What characteristics are necessary in order to have revival? The Bible gives this coming deception and its leader many names, which describe . Permission granted to copy and distribute for ministry purposes only. He also practices secrecy in his service, as he is not seeking honor from man but from God. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. Some kings led the people toward revival, while others led them away from God. You have enlightened my heart with your Spirit., Danger: (n.) a thing that may cause injury, loss or pain. You are still worldly. So, to gain all of the spiritual blessings of praying for,anticipating, and experiencing revival, while eliminating the negative side-effects of extremism, we want to review what the Spirit-filled life is. Elishas ministry was marked by compassion, and he was often a mediator between God and His people. This unique Bible covers rich Christian history spanning over 2,000 years of God's acts that center around revival, missions, and evangelism. (The word filled means filled like a sail, not filled like a cup. There are many reasons why the Church needs a revival, we are going to be looking at two. Nehemiah 3:5 says this: The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.. Are there youth near you? Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John goes on to tell us, By this he meant the Spirit (John 7:37-39). How can we apply this? Israel was no longer fulfilling Gods will; they were a derision, a reproach, and a shame (2:17). Pentecost: On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in a powerful way, leading to the birth of the church (Acts 2). As Christians, we must seek Gods revival in our own lives and be agents of revival in our families, communities, and churches. Flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. He wrote this declaration while under house arrest awaiting a trial that could easily lead to execution. We must be willing to hear the voice of the Lord and respond to His call to repentance and renewal. Firebrand believers or ministers of God are known by their fervent passion and love for God, for truth, for righteousness, for the people of God, for the lost souls and for Gods kingdom. Many times the Lord calls for us to serve in areas right in front of us and with people who are often closest to us. According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary, revival can mean one of four things. Christmas morning! Pray that you would fully experience the Spirits strengthening with power in your inner being, so that Christ would be living his life in and through you. David understood this. He knows that when the leadership falls, the people fall. As we walk in the Spirit, we experience intimacy with God and all he has for us. The little horn Da 8:9-12 This probably represents Antiochus Epiphanes. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. But as a follower of Christ, your identity can and should be grounded in one thing: who He says you are. Revival happens when there is unity. They also spoke of a new covenant that God would make with His people, a covenant that would be written on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34). It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches (Matthew 13:31-32, NLT). One of the things that must stand out as we study this text is the great number of different people God used in rebuilding the wall. The antichrist 1Jn 4:1-4; 2Jn 7. Paul said believers should first put their religion into practice by serving their family, and if anybody does not care for their family, they are worse than an unbelieverthey probably are not saved. But then legalism, distraction, or plain busyness seeps in, and the monotony of religion overshadows our first love. But I suspect that almost all of us would admit that we desire more in our relationship with God. Do you remember the first moment you not only recognized the depth of your sin but also Gods pardon for it? All they have now is a history of how God used them. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. As people are considering missions and serving the kingdom abroad, they should ask themselves, Am I serving in my Jerusalem? Simply coming to God as we are, admitting what He already knows to be true, and receiving in return grace upon grace. So that we can experience the full to overflowing life Christ promised in John 10:10. Revival is a powerful work of the Holy Spirit that brings renewal and restoration to Gods people. I cannot but think that this type of service is many times a sweeter offering to him. Each of the people listed as serving were on the honor roll. In what ways have you seen Satan make churches or ministries ineffective through division? But, of what good or profit is exciting peoples emotions when their spirits are dead in sins and their souls are famishing for the truth? 2. The prophets were Gods messengers who were called to speak His word to His people. Let us pray for revival in our own lives and in the world around us, and let us trust in Gods faithfulness to bring it to pass. In this series, we will describe how the great revival will develop and how you . Evangelize them. I love that phrase: whose lives are lived in complete honesty. However, if we are unified on the gospel, then I believe we can partner together in select ways such as: prayer, service, evangelism, fighting for righteous laws in society, etc. Revival starts at home. Like the idea expressed through the marriage ceremony, receiving Christ is a one-time decision. B. The Spirit is the source of the truly satisfying life, quenching our deepest thirsts and longings. We dont awake each morning to a fresh need to say, I do; once was enough. May God use us as agents of revival in our generation to bring glory to His name and to advance His kingdom. I believe this prophecy will also be fulfilled at his second coming by another Elijah figure (cf. This set the tone for reviving the hearts of the people. (Ephesians 5:15-20). We have missed so much of its potency,power, empowering us to preach in d bus,in our streets, in d train, everywhere,healing d sicks, converting souls, depleting Satans kingdom, increasing heavens population. He says, Dung Gate? By not submitting to our leaders, we actually rebel against God (v. 2). For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Christian Prophets Are on the Rise. What Happens When They're Wrong? Imagine standing in the center of a large plot of untamed and unshaded land watching defenseless robins circle overhead as hot and thirsty children roam below. Revival, an excessive overpowering sense of the Spirits presence, is not within our hands to control. Paul said this in Philippians 4:2-3: I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. David said that when brothers are in unity, this is where Gods blessing is. In fact, in chapters 2 and 4 specifically, we see the anger of the neighboring nations, even at the possibility of Israel rebuilding their walls. James said this: But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. Begin by thinking back over the last 30 days. They get on fire for evangelism. After preaching, teaching and praying for revival for more than seventy years, he passed away on November 27, 1994. Visit her online to find out more about her speaking orto book her for your next womens event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletterHEREto learn of her future appearances, projects, and releases. But, even more than them being mentioned first, we also see that they were doing more work than most people. Let us remember them in prayer daily. Jesus Bought Boldness. May we be faithful and obedient to His call, seeking to be vessels of His grace and love in a world that desperately needs Him. Consider what Christ said about John the Baptist: John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light (John 5:35). They were responsible for teaching the new converts and leading them in righteousness. This would mean less profit for them, and therefore, they worked hard to sabotage the building project. Revival often begins at home. Moreover, it will take firebrand believers to birth corporate and national revival, and restore righteousness, peace and joy to our nations. The glory goes to the master. Often churches, even in the same denomination and the same city, rarely work together. Lord I thank you for your goodness upon the churches of God all over the globe, all glory belongs to you Lord. NOTE: Provide each participant with a copy of the Satisfied? By definition they are excessive. Peter said to the leaders, Set the example for the flock.. So we can live in the freedom of being fully known and deeply loved. Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldlymere infants in Christ. Grieve, mourn, and weep. 40 Prayer Points For Revival. Sometimes Gods work will not be in your preferred area; it may not even be your gifting. I know neither the how nor the where, but I do know that the Holy Spirits indwelling presence carries with it the assurance of our salvation. The Holy Spirit also provided guidance and direction to the church, leading them in the way that they should go. (1 Corinthians 2:12), In your groups of three or four, use short sentence prayers to thank God for many specific things that God has given us in Christ and that the Spirit has helped you understand and experience. Showing God in action in and through His people. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aarons beard, down on the collar of his robe. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate agent of revival, empowering believers to live a life that is pleasing to God. It distances us from Him, but confession draws us near. In the outside world. In fact, life would be quite bizarre, excessive, and unbalanced if it did. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. These agents include the prophets, kings, apostles, and the Holy Spirit. In fact, life would be quite bizarre, excessive, and unbalanced if it did. This is at the heart of walking in stepor being filledwith the Spirit. Kindle Edition. Copyright 2002. Satan's agents are identified by various images and titles. He said: But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.1 Timothy 5:4, 8. 16. Firebrand ministers are men with strong addiction for truths, sound teachings or wholesome doctrines.