A Time for Revival
2003040
Topic # 1533
Introduction:
A. Fall gospel meeting begins on Friday.
1. This wknd will provide us w/great opportunities to encourage each other.
2. strengthen our faith
3. Stimulate one another to greater service.
4. And…REACH the LOST!
B. Throughout the last decade – calls have come from some to do away w/gospel meetings all together.
1. Ineffectiveness; dwindling attendance.
2. Yes…it is a fact that meetings are not what they used to be.
a) preachers lament fact that 3 wk mtgs went to 2 then to 1 and now to 3 day…
b) High #’s of conversions – now figures much lower.
3. Go on record saying – gospel meetings are a good thing and can be a good tool congregations can use in areas of:
a) edification
b) evangelism
C. Why the reason for decline? Based on several things:
1. Society has changed.
a) Must admit this. Time; schedules filled; etc.
b) This out of our control.
2. Here are some things w/in our control: meeting has become “traditional.”
a) No preparation; planning; prayer put in during months before.
b) No specific purpose for the meeting outlined beforehand.
1) Have a meeting because we always have a meeting in the fall…
c) We need to understand part of the reason for decline of gospel meetings rests on our shoulders.
3. Meetings are no longer designed w/a purpose of reaching the lost who have specific religious/moral questions needing answers.
a) Hard question; but one that needs asking: how many precious opportunities to reach the lost have been wasted with meetings that have no vision or purpose?
4. Now…many meetings are inwardly focused. Have become nothing more than “brotherhood gossip sessions” devoted to brotherhood issues.
a) As a result, the only picture some have of the church is one of division!
b) Is this why some are not as inclined to invite friends to such events – scared as to what the preacher’s going to preach?
5. Congregations think they’ve really advertised for the meeting – when all they’ve really done is mail out flyers to neighboring congregations so the guest speaker can “preach to the choir.”
D. Even w/these negative factors – I still believe there is a place for gospel meetings!
1. Thus, the reason for today’s lesson.
2. There’s no doubt the positives outweigh the negative!
3. Here’s how:
I. It’s a great opportunity to reach the lost.
A. We must be outward focused in our approach.
1. Must learn once again to be focused upon the great commission. Mt. 28:18-20.
2. What was the mission of Jesus? Lk. 19:9-10?
3. This wknd, we’ve got a prime opportunity to invite the lost to learn about the life of the Savior – Jesus Christ!
4. We can share w/others the good news of Jesus Christ!
5. NO CHURCH will ever grow by being INWARDLY FOCUSED!
B. There is power in sound gospel preaching today!
1. Romans 1:16
2. Some people are searching for Bible centered preaching!
a) Preaching w/o conviction turns people off.
b) Must not be fearful to preach whole counsel of God!
c) Don’t be ashamed of our conservatism.
3. 1 Cor. 3:5-6 – we plant; God gives the growth!
II. it’s a great opportunity for revival.
A. Nothing wrong w/revival!
1. Some scared to use the term “revival” for fear that we’ll sound denominational.
2. Shall we jump through windows-since others walk through doors?
3. Surely we all see the need for an occasional revival in our spiritual lives!
4. Most of us live on spiritual plateaus – moving up a notch or two – then leveling off.
a) A great gospel meeting can be just the thing to inspire us to greater service!
b) Boy. That was a ‘shot in the arm!’
5. If God wants sleepers aroused; sluggards energized; discouraged encouraged; the battle weary heartened; we must do it!
6. Here’s an opportunity to do just that!
B. This is a time to revive our first love.
1. Rev. 2:4-5 – Ephesian were faithful in doctrine – but lacking in zeal.
2. Seemed to be fighting a defensive battle – guarding truth against error.
a) These were brethren not wielding the Sword of the Spirit on the offensive!
b) Progress only made when we got on the offensive and take the battle to the devil & the influence of sin!
3. Let our upcoming gospel meeting rekindle the fire w/in you!
C. It’s a time to revive our doctrinal concerns.
1. Rev. 2:13 – Pergamos. Commended for courage in persecution.
2. 2:14-15 – held to doctrine of Balaam.
3. Spirit of our age is more concerned w/”practical” than “doctrinal.”
a) Must avoid extremes with either.
4. But. Remember this…”practical” is the application of “doctrine.”
a) Doctrine is the standard we go by.
b) Therefore, we must never get too far away from it!
5. Think of Paul’s writing:
a) Often divided into 2 large parts – doctrine & application.
b) Basically: he said, “Here’s the doctrine; therefore here is the way we must live.”
D. We can revive our moral sensibility.
1. Easy to get desensitized. Devil has a way of doing that.
2. Must not compromise when it comes to morality.
a) Life of Jesus – we’re looking at the very essence of morality!
3. Thyatira – Rev. 2:20 – church that tolerated immorality. Was condemned.
E. We can revive our persistence.
1. Gal. 6:9
2. How many of us have been tempted to “quit in mid-stream?”
a) Folly of half built towers…
b) Must see things through to the end – personally & congregationally.
3. How many “personal work” programs have we begun?
a) How many have died?
b) Is that because souls have stopped needing saving?
4. Saris appeared alive – but was dead.
a) Did not see to be able to finish things.
b) Rev. 3:1-3
F. Yes…a meeting can be a revival!
1. If it is time for a revival in your life – use this meeting as an opportunity to jumpstart your spiritual life!
2. Make plans to be here at each service!
Conclusion:
A. I hope you’re making every effort in praying for the meeting & plans to be here.
1. Put some purpose behind it.
2. Use it as an opportunity to invite friends/loved ones to hear gospel preached.
3. Use it as an opportunity to revive your faith.
B. Not a Christian?
1. All things are ready – come to the feast!
C. I N V I T A T I O N
