THE PRACTICAL TRANSFORMATION OF TRUE CONVERTS IN CHRIST

 

        2 April 2021

THE PRACTICAL TRANSFORMATION OF TRUE CONVERTS IN CHRIST

Acts 2.36-42, 1 Thess. 1. 5 – 10

True and genuine converts are usually the products of well planned, prepared and power-packed evangelistic outreach. The sinners heard and received the seed of God’s words into their hearts, and this grow and germinate into a new life with new character, conduct and consciousness of Christ for others to see. To these new Christians, old things are passed away, and behold, all things are become new.

The process of soul transformation is not just a casual occurrence, or an ad-hoc and mechanical call for unprepared soul winning by unprepared soul winners. It is indeed a systematically planned exercise, backed up by passionate prayers of deliverance for these souls from the captivity of sin and Satan. The soul winner must prepare by seeking God’s face in prayer and supplication for himself, to be endowed with vision and burden for souls of men, and for souls to be delivered from the captivity of Satan. The strength of his vision determines his burden for souls which equally drives him to his knees for their deliverance and liberation to the Lord (Acts 16.9). Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ emphasize this need by giving his disciples the illustration on the necessary planning required before any fruitful and successful outreach. This was what made the ministry of Ezra, the scribe to succeed in the Old Testament. Lack of preparation, whether in prayer or in the study of the word, or in sparing quality time with the new convert, makes our evangelism malnourishing which only produce half-baked converts who though, may hurriedly, give their lives to Christ, yet does not endure to the end. Failure to prepare or to plan is to experience failure on the battlefield. However, effective preparation begets successful soul winning which brings deliverance from sin and from the powers of Satan. Furthermore, adequate follow-up and prayerful mentorship of new converts makes the new believer strong, confident and courageous to stand for Christ, defend the faith and also become a powerful instrument of soul winning for the Lord.  

 

THE PATTERN OF PURPOSEFUL SOUL WINNING.  Matt.28.18-20, Mark 16.15-20, Luke 24. 46-47, Acts 3.19, Acts 26.18, 

As every business has its basics requirements, so also is soul winning. Every exercise of the gospel preaching must contain its basic components which must include the following:

i. The Man (Matt. 4.18-20). Only born again Christians are qualified to preach the gospel. The sinners cannot lead another sinner to the Lord. Therefore The messengers of Christ must firstly have known the Lord at salvation and must be known of the Lord. He must firstly be a disciple of Christ himself before he can lead others to the Savior (John 1. 37-41). He must have repented of his sins and departed from all iniquities (1 Tim 2.19). He must be separated from worldliness and worldly lusts, and must live a holy life (John 15.19).

ii. The Message (John 3.16). The message of the soul winner is “the gospel”. This is the good news of salvation for the sinful world. The soul winners message must include the following

a.      Everyone in the world have been separated from God through their sins (Rom 3.23)

b.      The dilemma and helplessness of sinners (Jere 13.23, Rom. 7.24)

c.       Eternal judgement upon all sinners except they repent (Heb. 9.27, Luke 13.3)

d.      The Love and the will of God to save them (2 Peter 3.9)

e.      Confession of sins and faith in the Lord is very crucial to his redemption (Rom 10.9)

f.        The only way to salvation is Jesus and His atoning blood (Acts 4. 12, Matt. 26.28)

g.      That only faith in the Lord Jesus can guarantee eternal rest with God in heaven (Rom. 10.13)

That instead of being punished for the sins committed in the past, a sinner can now be forgiven and pardoned to reunite with his offended creator. In the message, though God is willing to forgive and has practically sacrificed His only begotten son for his redemption, the sinner on his part must be willing to repent and practically forsake all his evil deeds so as to enjoy the forgiveness from God. Moreover, he needs to exercise faith in Christ and accept Jesus as Lord and personal savior so as to be saved and to receive the power to go and sin no more.

 

iii. The mission and ministry (Matt. 28. 19-20). The mission of soul winning is to make disciples of all nations for the Lord Jesus Christ. Once the sinner repents of his sins, the soul winner follows him up and ensures he is baptised in water. Thereafter, he begins to teach him everything the Lord had commanded until he also becomes fishers of men. It is a life-long ministry (an unfinished task) of every believer till Christ return as idleness is not allowed in the kingdom of God. This must be carried out passionately, persistently, perseveringly and purposefully.

 

2.       PRACTICE OF  SUCCESSFUL SOUL TRANSFORMATION Mark 16. 20,

Every believer must be committed to soul winning. Our commitment must be to obey the Master’s command. The early apostles rose up immediately and went everywhere preaching the word. They were ready to sacrifice everything for the gospel to be preached as the Lord had commanded. Even during imprisonment and severe persecution, they kept on spreading the gospel of Salvation. They were men (and women) with clear vision of the danger and the doom of the lost. They were also very conscious of the damnation of their disobedience to their Master and the reward of obeying His commandments. These fundamental factors propel them to carry on the commission.

II.      PURPOSEFUL FOLLOW UP AND DISCIPLESHIP OF CONVERTS

i.                    Be an example in doctrine, lifestyle, in prayer, in faith and in Service to the Lord. (1 Tim. 4.12)

ii.                 Be sacrificial in your outlook – spend and be spent (2 Cor. 12.15)

iii.               Be consistent in looking after their welfare (Phil. 2. 4-7)

iv.                Be concerned about the new converts (1 Thess 2. 7-8)

v.                  Be compassionate to them, don’t over estimate their understanding of God’s word and don’t underrate their faith

vi.                Be faithful in your demonstration of your faith before them

vii.             Identify with them in their challenges, but lead them to the Lord as the true solution to their problems. Teach them to pray and lead them to sound trust and confidence in God.

viii.           Teach and train them how to evangelize and win soul for Christ.

ix.                Encourage them to endure afflictions and overcome temptation

x.                  Demonstrate to them to wait for the Lords appearing.

iii. PASSIONATE AND SYSTEMATIC MENTORSHIP OF THE NEW CONVERTS

Christ-like mentorship entails that we feed the new converts with adequate and appropriate word of God that matches their age in Christ. This will make them to grow and teach them to become strong in the Lord. We therefore need to do the following in mentorship

i.                   Encouragement to continue in faith (Col. 1. 21-23)

ii.                 Endurance to the end in spite of worldly deceptions (Matt. 24.11-13)

iii.              Enlistment into God’s Service. Give them work to do in the House fellowship

iv.              Enrolment in the work of Evangelism

v.                 Empowerment in the Holy Ghost (like Ananias did to Paul in Acts 9.17)

vi.              Engagement tin spiritual warfare. Let them know they have power over Satan to conquer his manipulations

vii.            Intercede on their behalf day by day.

viii.         Decision making

P3.  THE  PRODUCTS OF TRUE  TRANSFORMATION.  Acts 2. 42-47, Acts 8. 6-8, John 4. 36, 39-, Matt. 25.34,  Dan. 12. 3

 

When sinners are practically and truly transformed to the Lordship of Christ, they are not only beneficial to themselves, they are also a blessing to the kingdom of God and to the service of Christ. In the experience of the early apostles, the genuineness of the converts’ transformation brought profound unity into the early church and made the church of Christ greatly vibrant.

 

There is great joy in heaven whenever a sinner repents and come to the Lord. The untold joy in the heart of the soul winner himself is sufficient to motivate us for evangelism. More power is given to the obedient and resourceful believer to do exploit for the Master. His name is written in God’s book of life and he shall wear a crown at the end of his journey with the assurance that he had not labored in vain. However, the church of God will become stronger and stronger. As more converts and believers are added to the church, there will be numerical growth and the believers shall be encouraging one another in the ways of the Lord till He comes. But disobedience shall be penalized by the great Judge at His coming. We need to rise up to this task of evangelism. Preaching the gospel must be our daily habit,  and bringing souls to the Lord must be our principal focus as we see the days of Christ approaching.

 

They are transformed from sinners to saints (Eph. 2.5)

They are transformed from fear to faith

They are transformed from followers of impotent gods to serving the Living God

They are transformed from failure to success

They are transformed from the foolishness of the world to wisdom through the Word

They are transformed from worldliness to Godliness

They are transformed from being eartly to become heavenly citizens

They are transformed from laying their treasures on earth to having treasures in heaven

They are transformed from looking downwards to death to looking upwards for the rapture

 

DRESSED IN GOD’S FULL ARMOUR FOR CONTINUOS VICTORY

 

    December 24, 2020

DRESSED IN GOD’S FULL ARMOUR FOR CONTINUOS VICTORY

Ephesians 6.10-18, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58; Romans 8:34.

 

Christ has given the believer triumph, the overcoming life, dominion, strength and power. The victory is not of the past, it is a present and daily victory. The victory that Christ gives never ends because it is not through our own strength or through national might but “through our Lord Jesus Christ” who is “the same yesterday, today and forever”; that is why the victory never ends. He “always causeth us to triumph in Christ”. Because Christ gives this victory, we are admonished to always put on, i.e dressed in God’d full armour and labour on as we march on to success and achievement. Amidst any problem or challenge that we may face, the victory that Christ gives is always ever present. Whatever we might be going through will eventually be a test turned testimony. If Jesus makes intercession for you every day, how can you fall? It will be triumph and victory all through. It will be a continuos and unending victory.

 

1. THE VIRTUE OF SUSTAINED INFLUENCE FOR CONSTANT VICTORY

2 Peter 1:3-5; Proverbs 31:10-29; Philippians 4:8,9; 1 Timothy 4:12;

2 Timothy 2:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 1:7,8

 

If our influence is to be pervading at all, we must be virtuous. Being partakers of God’s divine nature compels us to see a sinner and preach the gospel to him. Neglect of such individual does not reflect God-like nature in us. The same zeal, passion, friendliness and love as Jesus who “went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil”, will move us to do something; “that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” He has called us to glory and virtue. It is this that makes us to be influential, positively and practically in the lives of people. The Church of God is likened to the virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies and the question is: who can find such a dedicated, committed, serviceable and faithful bride of Christ, the Bridegroom of the church?, the bride in whose heart the Bridegroom can trust, who will be faithful in carrying out the unfinished assignment He has left and make it a matter of priority? This is the virtue Christ expects from you. If the bride expects the bridegroom to return soon, she must be ready to do good in, and for, the kingdom. The commitment of the bride will help her to work willingly for the Lord with heart and mind.

97

To be a good, practical, profitable and progressive influence

on people, you must be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

 

2. THE VIGILANCE OF SINGLE-MINDED INTERCESSORS FOR CONTINUOS VICTORY

Matthew 9:37,38; Colossians 4:2-4; Ephesians 6:18-20; Romans 10:1;

1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Acts 16. 6-12, Acts 3.1-7

The prayer that Christians are called to pray is not for toys or ephemeral or perishable things; it is intercession for souls to be born again and be set free from the captivity of Satan. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same…” Intercession, as a means of support, should be made for ministers, pastors and the entire leadership. Apostle Paul’s request for prayers was for “utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel”. Single-minded intercession for is for souls of men to be convicted and converted into the kingdom. Such prayers towards saving of souls must be passionate. While this is being done, concerted efforts must be made to reach the people you are praying for with the gospel, using various strategies that you have learnt. Also, we are called to prayerfully wage war against the onslaught of the enemy who constantly hinder the spread of the gospel with the goal of keeping our converts in perpetual bondage “ .. Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.. (Acts 13.7-8).  The other categories to be loosed are those who are being afflicted of Satan by sicknesses, pain and other satanic imprisonment. Believers today like Peter must be filled with the full armour of the Almighty such that  the name of Jesus will always be exalted through their life and ministry saying “..Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”.(Acts 3.6)

 

 

3. VICTORY THROUGH STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR DOMINION AND VERSATILITIES

 

James 1:22-25; Romans 2:13; Luke 6:46-49; Romans 15:19; John 9.57-62, Acts 1.8, 2 Timothy 4.2, Luke 10.17-19, Mark 16.20

 

The decision to reach out would be nothing without practical actions to

execute the decision. Practical, purposeful and positive action is required to

carry out the great commission and implement the strategies for victorious evangelization of our communities. Until this is done, we have not done anything. It is not enough to gather messages without any actions of implementation. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” We must be the doer of the word and of the work. Being the doer of the work is compared to building a house upon a rock. In the course of building, whatever temptation arises in form of storms, will not collapse that house. It will stand. God is building a house that will stand and you are a part of it. “But he that heareth and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently and immediately fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” The Lord expects us to get something done. Efforts should be concentrated on those that have not heard the gospel at all. “As it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: And they that have not heard shall understand.” Firstly, all believers must be encouraged and enlisted to het involved in this soul saving exercise. Secondly, we must seek to do His will by giving our consecration to the Lord, and to His service. “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” John 9.62. Not only that, we must all seek to have His power of Pentecost so as to be fully equipped for the work of the kingdom Acts 1.8, Luke 24.49.  :Lastly, every member of the Christian body must be enlisted to go out and preach the Word to every sinner around them. The Lord who had given us the assurance of His presence will back us up with signs following, and we shall all return with victorious testimonies in Jesus name (Luke 10.17-19).

SOUNDING THE ALARM TO THE UNCONVERTED

 

December 24. 2020

SOUNDING THE ALARM TO THE UNCONVERTED

 Text: Isaiah 58.1, Ezekiel 3.17-19, Ezekiel 33. 1-9, 11.

 The Lord is calling every believer today to sound the alarm and blow the trumpet of warning to all the unconverted sinners around us. The scriptures declares that “… God is angry every day because He ….saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Ps. 7.11, Gen 6.5). Therefore God is calling all believers to wake up to the task of the watchmen, sound the alarm of warning and blow the trumpet of Salvation to wake them up from their sinking grave of sin.

 The sinners and the unconverted are increasing rapidly, everywhere in our world today. Many are like the prodigal son and daughters who strayed away from his father’s home, while others are adamant wicked and rebellious souls who had refused to heed the warning of his maker. They are in the far country of famine; fetish practices and idol worship. Many of them are even in other places of worship but their hearts are too far from God. The unconverted are in several categories. While some are like the prodigal son who wept in time of adversity and returned to the father, others had been deluded with fame, wealth and power that they didn’t think of their latter end. They are lost spiritually as sinners in this world and if they are not reached before they die, they would be lost eternally in hell fire. The story of Lazarus and the rich man brings to us the depth of agony and lamentation of the lost soul. Though he lived sumptuously in this world, the rich man couldn’t remember any of his riches in eternity. The flames and the burning heat of hell was so devastating that he cried for a drop of cold water to cool his tongue but was denied. It was then he realized, Alas! It is finished! All hope is lost! All help is gone! Life is wasted and hell is a reality. He cried, but it was too late. What a loss! What a calamity and what regret that life would be no more. No second chance, no other opportunity, its weeping and crying forever. Believers are to rise up promptly to seek them before this final tragedy because failure to do so would amount to wasting the Saviours resources and becoming partakers of the sinner’s blood. Therefore, if the Christians of today will not be lost like the UNCONVERTED sinners, we all need to wake up from our slumber and consecrate ourselves to the commands of our Master  and sound the alarm by reaching out to the lost sinners with the gospel message.

 

THE CALAMITIES OF THE SINNERS AND THE UNCONVERTED.    Rom.1. 28-30, Isa. 33.14, Ezek.34.5, Eph. 2.12, Luke 16.19, Jeremiah 8:20; Matt. 9:36; Luke 15:17; Proverbs 13:21, Rev. 20:11-15.

The sinful man is wretched and hopeless.  Although some of them are religious, yet they are restless having neither hope (hopeless) in this life nor in eternity. They live in fear day after day because once death comes; they know not what lies ahead of them. The sinners are always living under the wrath and damnation of the almighty God.  They are scattered and are prey to the enemy. They have no strength to overcome Satan who keeps them in perpetual captivity. Completely, they are separated from peace and safety. We need to pity them and have compassion on them. This compassion must lead us to lead them to the loving savior who is able to redeem them from their indignation and wretchedness. Unfortunately, they have limited time now, and Satan is targeting them to take them to hell. Will you allow him? Will you feel unconcerned; won’t you think of Christ’s suffering and death for them? Listen to their cry from hell for help, but it may be too late if you delay. If Jesus had saved us and redeemed us in His mercy and grace, we must have compassion on the sinners as well, and we must go and be deeply committed to bringing them back to the Lord.

 

THE CALL TO EARNEST AND FERVENT SOUL WINNING 

Isaiah 58.1, Gen. 6. 13-14, Jonah 3.4, 22; Mark 16:19, 20; John 4: 34; 9:4; Romans 1:14-16; Acts 20: 24; 21:13, 14; 26:19, 20;

 

The condition of the unconverted must lead us to be compassionate on them. The command of the Lord is for us to cry aloud, sound the alarm and blow the trumpet! We cannot hear God’s verdict of doom upon this world and keep quiet. When Noah heard of God’s impending judgment upon the then world, he sounded the alarm in compassion and warned the people. The same happened in the days of Jonah at Nineveh when he blew the trumpet saying “and yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown..” Our compassion must further bring out commitment from our heart and life to rescue the perishing and the unconverted sinners. Soul-winning is a product of strong consecration and commitment. The word of Christ, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) deserves every believer’s attention. Preaching the gospel and winning souls for Christ should not be stopped by some would be event. Paul the apostle affirmed his commitment by saying “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”. (Acts 20:24). The soul-winner should be: (1) Undeterred by some prevailing responses -Acts 13:46 (2) Unsatisfied by the present result- “…there is room” (Luke 14:22,23) (3) Unveiling places and people ready for repentance (John 4:35)

 

It is also important to understand that the mandate is one that must be done constantly, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” (II Timothy 4:2). And continuously because- (i) The time is running out (John 9:4); (ii) The fields are ripe for harvest (John 4:34-35; Joel 3:14); (iii) The repentance of a sinner causes Joy in Heaven (Luke 15:10); (iv) The time of the Lord’s coming is unknown to man“…for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42); (v) The unfathomable torment awaiting sinners in Hell (Matthew 25: 30, 46). Remember Christ our perfect example during his earthly ministry was always busy with this divine mandate of soul-winning (John 4:34), hence, believers must emulate this example and ensure faithfulness to this indispensable mandate

 

COMPENSATION FROM THE SAVIOUR FOR PROMPT ALARM

Ezekiel 3. 21, Dan.12.3.  Luke 10:1, 2, 17-19; Psalm 126:5, 6; John 4:35, 36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-8; 1Timothy 5:18

 

"In all labour there is profit!" (Proverbs 14:23). The greatest joy of the watchmen is the safety and deliverance of the sheep under their care. When the unconverted is saved from sin, it brings eternal joy to the preacher. However, the reward for faithful laborers in the harvest of souls is incomparable with any earthly reward or material gain. It is an eternal investment that yields great dividends in spite of famine or flood. Whatever you invest in the saving of souls will be returned to you a hundredfold. "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Soul-winning is indeed rewarding on earth and eternally with a glorious, worthy and impressive crown, “…for the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). There is no expenditure too expensive, no demand too difficult, no commitment too costly and no labour too large and no sacrifice too superfluous.  “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). Moreover, the sight of won souls in that great gathering of the saints on the final day will be awesome (Revelation 7:9-17).  Our Lord’s final commendation “well done” will be a comforting pearl for all soul winners. Our Savour and Lord Jesus Christ will gloriously crown the soul winner and he will among others: (1) Wear a glorious crown – I Peter 5:4; Daniel 12:3 (2) Win a great commendation - Matthew 25:21,23 (3) Walk on the street of gold - Revelation -21:21.

 

SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

TRETS 3OCT2019    SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

Text: Ps. 85. 1-7, 1 Kings 18.21-24, Habakkuk 3.2, Ephesians 5.14.

Revival is the full restoration of God’s people back to the will, word, the work and the lifestyle of the almighty God. It is should be the ultimate goal of every believer to be in full intimate relationship with His maker but when things had turned otherwise and Christians are looking at the other direction from the will and the word of God, then God looked down in disappointment upon His people. This estranged relationship with God brings devastation, disaster and sometimes destruction upon them. Then God’s people need revival. As we look around us today, every indices within and without signify that we need revival as individual, as a church and as a nation. As we see the worldliness creeping into the church, don’t we need revival? How about the lethargy towards evangelism, does it not concern you?. Think about the fear among God’s people of the ragging waves from the enemy. We need revival. How about our sleeping when we ought to be fervent in prayer. All these and many more shows we need revival. True scriptural revival brings us back to God and His purpose. This in-turn brings His benevolence upon us and the evidence is peace, power, prosperity and in deed posterity. Failure to embrace revival could be devastating as continuation in the state of indifference to God may lead to total abandonment by God which makes His people vulnerable to the attack of the enemy.

Series of Condemnable Practices calling for Timely Revival. Rev. 3.15-19, 1Kings 18.19-21, 1sa. 1.11-17, Ps. 78.41, Amos 5.11, Isa. 40.31

God doesn’t abandon His people without a reason. When we see dryness and poverty in the land, and the land of plenty becomes a place of penury, then there is need to examine the characters and practices in the land, and in deed in ourselves conducts and relationship with God and with our fellow man. Today a thorough examination reveals (i) Lukewarmness to God and His word (Rev. 3.15-17), (ii) Indifference and “I don’t care attitude” to God’s work (Judges 5.23), (iii) Worldliness and ungodly friendship (James 4.4), (iv) Oppression of the poor (Amos 5.11), (v) Pride and arrogance of achievements (Lk. 12. 16-20), (vi)  Blood letting of the innocent (Isa. 1.11-15).

Scriptural Conditions and preparation for True Revival. Hosea 10:12; Joel 2.12-13, Psalms 138:6-8, Isa.40.39-31,

“sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord till He come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12)

In preparation for God’s visitation, we must return fully to righteousness in every area of our lives. We must show mercy and forgiveness to all others. “blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Pride and self- defence must be replaced by humility and contrition. God has promised to revive our spirits and hearts if we yield them to Him ((Isaiah 57:15, Hosea 14:7, Acts 3:19-20). The New Testament affirms that times of refreshing and renewal shall come from the presence of the Lord. “Faithful is He that calleth you who will also do it”.(1 Thessalonians 5:24). The scriptures states clearly that the preparation that God recommends for revival is purely from the heart. Is your heart free from haughtiness and pride and full of humility and lowliness?, Does it tremble in contrition at the word of God? Do you accept your faults and make amends or Do you explain it away? Are you determined in heart to do and to teach the whole will of God? We must be ready to lead a holy and pleasant life and maintain good focus on heaven Rom 12.1-2.

Supernatural Components and proofs of Transcending revival Joel 2.18-21,  Psalm 85.8-13,  Mal. 3.11, Psalm 84.11, Isa. 6.1

When God bring a transcending revival upon the land, everyone will be partakers of its transforming effect. It is a sign of God’s favour and mercy outpoured upon His people and it results into peace, protection and prosperity in the nation. The following are some of the proof of God’s happiness upon His children. (i) There will be express answer to our prayers (Isa.65.24), (ii) There will be joyful workforce in the church among God’s people, (iii) Increase and prosperity in the land (Ps. 85.9-12), God will shield His people and prevent them from the attack of the enemy (Ps. 84.11). Vibrant congregation and happy fellowship. God begin to speak with His people again. Miracles and endless supernatural performance amongs Gods people (Rom. 8.19)  

SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

Thursday Revival Message                                                                                 “03-10-2019”

SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

Isaiah 57:14-19; Psalms 138:6-8; Romans 14:9

Revival is an experience of divine visitation to an individual that lifts him from a state of spiritual apathy, coldness or near lifelessness to a renewed attention to God and godliness. It revitalizes his spiritual life to seek and to do the whole will of God always.

When a spark of fire is covered by ashes, it needs to be fanned and stirred so as to drop off the ashes and cause the spark of fire to revive again. This is similar to what revival does in a person whose life has been covered by mere religion, materialism and money seeking, pursuit and passion for the trends of a wicked world, position and praise seeking, etc. For such persons, the desire for holiness and heaven slowly gets subdued by the cares of this life (Luke 22:34). Prayer and soul winning soon becomes burdens rather than delights.

Revival becomes imperative as we begin to notice a sad decline in the vitality of our personal devotion and godliness. When downright earnestness, intensity and fervency in spiritual devotion is overtaken by coldness, listlessness, heartlessness and slothfulness, we must cry for revival.

When crave for earthly things begins to compete with our passion for God, for heaven and for souls, then we must seek for revival in all humility and contrition.

1.   PASSION AND PRAYER FOR REVIVAL

Job 29:1-25

“oh that I were as in months past… as in the days of my youth, when the secrets of God was upon my tabernacle; when the Almighty was yet with me….” (Job 29:2-5)

“Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee”

(Psalms 85:6).

For anyone to have revival, the following steps must be taken:

Ø  Perception of One’s Wretchedness (Psalms. 74:9,11 Judges 6:11-13)

We must accept our spiritual wretchedness (Romans7:24;Revelation3:17-18).

When we “see not our signs” of true spirituality, then we are wretched. When God appears to have cast us off, or withdrawn his hand from us, then we are wretched.

Ø  Passion for Revival (Job 29:2-5; Psalms 85:6; Matthew 5:6)

Our hearts must thirst, hunger and pant for God and for revival (Psalms 42:1-3). The desire must drive us back to God continually to see His power and glory in our lives again (Psalms 63:1-3)

Ø  Prayer for Revival (Habakkuk 3:1-4, Psalms 85:4-7)

Prayer for spiritual revival must be:

Sincere and soul-searching

Hot and be from a humble heart

Bible-based and believing.

2.  PREPARING AND PERSEVERING FOR REVIVAL

Hosea 10:12; Psalms 138:6-8

“sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord till He come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12)

In preparation for God’s visitation, we must return fully to righteousness in every area of our lives. We must show mercy and forgiveness to all others. “blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Pride and self- defence must be replaced by humility and contrition. Let’s take note of these:

v  God’s Promise for Revival (Isaiah 57:15, Hosea 14:7, Acts 3:19-20)

God has promised to revive our spirits and hearts. The New Testament affirms that times of refreshing and renewal shall come from the presence of the Lord. “Faithful is He that calleth you who will also do it”

(1 Thessalonians 5:24).

v  Godly Preparation for Renewal (Isaiah 57:14, Ezra 7:10)

The kind of preparation God recommends for revival is more of heart preparation than ceremonial preparation. Look at your heart critically:

    Is it free from haughtiness and pride and full of humility and  

    lowliness?

    Does it tremble in contrition at the word of God?

    Do you accept your faults and make amends or

    Do you explain it away?

    Are you determined in heart to do and to teach the whole will of God?

v  Gracious Perseverance for Revival (Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 18:1, 24:49)

Seeking revival must be done with perseverance. We must:

    Tarry until it comes (Luke 24:49)

    Follow on to know the Lord and He shall come as the rain. The former

    and latter rain

    Ask, seek and knock, believingly until we receive (Matthew 7:7-11)

3.   POSSESSING AND PROMOTING REVIVAL

     Habakkuk 3:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7,8

To possess and promote revival we need the:

ü  Presence of Spiritual Revival  (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

The presence of true spiritual revival and renewal in a person is characterized by the:

    Freshness of spiritual experiences

    Continuity in walk with God

    Efficiency and effectiveness in performance.

ü  Promotion of Spiritual Renewal (Psalms 1:1-3; Isaiah 40:28-31).

         Spiritual revival and renewal is promoted by:

    Daily devotional study of God’s word (Joshua 1:8)

    Regular waiting upon God in prayer – Acts 6:4; Isaiah 40:29-31

    Continued fellowship with people of like precious faith

   (Hebrews 10:25, Prov. 27:17)

ü  Preservation of  Spiritual Revival (John 15:4-7)

To remain in this state we must continue to abide in Christ – the Vine. We must look constantly to him for all strength and grace to keep the revival fire burning.