When we hear the word "revival" what images are conjured up in the mind? We probably have visions of hot summer nights, sitting under a large tent with a passionate and fervent preacher whose electrifying elocution and overwhelming oratory overwhelms the audience to action. Or perhaps we think of a drowning swimmer who is "revived" by the efforts of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Pastor Scott Carlson reminded us this past Sunday of God's perspective on revival as we were reminded of the church in Corinth and the ways God used Paul in accomplishing the waking of this church.
True revival is not a manipulation by the words or deeds of man, but a true work of God. Through prayer and an open heart and mind, we can anticipate God's reviving of His church and look to Acts and 1st Corinthians for examples and models.
As Paul looked forward to God working, Paul planned...
"After these things he (Paul) left Athens and went to Corinth... And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ." Acts 18:1, 4-5
The manner in which Paul performed and carried out this plan is also most important to observe. In Paul's own words...
"And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power..." 1 Cor. 2:1-4
All for a singular purpose...
In our 21st century society, we have come to value "form over substance" and all too often, the medium IS the message. "It's not what you say, it's how you say it" is our cry. We need our eyes and ears tickled. We need sound bites, multi-media, fast-paced and energetic presentations that better be in full-color (HD preferred!) and stereo (surround sound if you've got it!)
We not only take our eye off the ball, we aren't even in the game. The focus is on God and God alone. The message is simple... Jesus Christ.
So how do we...so how do I...anticipate God's revival of His church...of Faith Bible Church in Lincoln, Nebraska?
Pray that God will set my mind focused on the simple gospel: Jesus Christ...God's Son who died for my sins and was raised from the dead so that I can have life!
All the other things that are "church"...the building, the programs, the ministries, our mission, our....All are good, but all are simply tools - they are the means to an end and NOT an end in and of themselves.
It is not about me... it is all about God!
One Body, One Book... and for one purpose...
"...that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." 1 Cor. 2:5
"...that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." 1 Cor. 2:5
Paul came to this church in "weakness and in fear and in much trembling." Yet he came to "persuade" without using persuasive language or techniques!
In our 21st century society, we have come to value "form over substance" and all too often, the medium IS the message. "It's not what you say, it's how you say it" is our cry. We need our eyes and ears tickled. We need sound bites, multi-media, fast-paced and energetic presentations that better be in full-color (HD preferred!) and stereo (surround sound if you've got it!)
We not only take our eye off the ball, we aren't even in the game. The focus is on God and God alone. The message is simple... Jesus Christ.
So how do we...so how do I...anticipate God's revival of His church...of Faith Bible Church in Lincoln, Nebraska?
Pray that God will set my mind focused on the simple gospel: Jesus Christ...God's Son who died for my sins and was raised from the dead so that I can have life!
All the other things that are "church"...the building, the programs, the ministries, our mission, our....All are good, but all are simply tools - they are the means to an end and NOT an end in and of themselves.
It is not about me... it is all about God!
One Body, One Book... and for one purpose...
"...that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." 1 Cor. 2:5
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