Logo
posted by Doug Love at 11:06 AM
0 comments
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Introduction
On Saturday, February 18, 2006 the Lord spoke to me and said: “Revival comes when My people finally get sick and tired of self and are willing to let go of all selfish desires and die, that my life might flow in them. Revival comes when there is a cry and a calling that leads to brokenness, repentance and absolute willingness to do what I require. Revival comes when my people turn away from all things temporal and become only satisfied with My Presence and My very Being. Revival is coming. Revival is on the way – prepare now for the coming of revival. Challenge your people to cry out and to call upon My Name. Seek Me above all else. I will bring the winds of renewal that create a revival of righteousness, healing, signs and wonders, increased faith and the outpouring of My miraculous nature. You will see this, cry out to me.”
With that strong word in mind, I’ll be preaching a series of messages entitled: “Preparing for Revival – Getting Ready for the Next Wave of God” beginning Sunday, March 5th.
Let’s prepare now for His new work in our lives.
- Pastor Doug
With that strong word in mind, I’ll be preaching a series of messages entitled: “Preparing for Revival – Getting Ready for the Next Wave of God” beginning Sunday, March 5th.
Let’s prepare now for His new work in our lives.
- Pastor Doug
posted by Doug Love at 8:58 AM
0 comments
Friday, April 14, 2006
Preparing for Revival: Message 7: The ULTIMATE Revival
I’m talking today about the ultimate revival in human history: The revival of the One who was dead and yet came back to life! His revival from the dead, has changed world-history – one person at a time for 2000 years. Hundreds of millions of people – today numbering 1.7 billion people – believe in the One who was dead and who came back to life.
TODAY is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We follow Christ BECAUSE of the resurrection of Christ!
• IF there were NO resurrection, THEN Jesus is just a man.
• IF there was a resurrection, THEN He is God, Savior and LORD.
• IF He is God, Savior and LORD, THEN He is worthy of your praise, worship and service.
• IF He is God, Savior and LORD, THEN the smartest thing you can do is to get to know Him.
Today I want to use what is known as the “If-Then” Proposition. The “If-Then” proposition simply means this: IF something is true, THEN there are natural results that follow.
Example: IF I choose to drive at excessive speeds on the freeway, THEN I accept all of the negative consequences associated with such driving.
Here’s another example: IF I run up credit card debts, THEN I will have to pay them for years to come.
Or – IF I do good to others, THEN it isn’t unreasonable to expect that good will return to me.
Now, IF Christ resurrected from the dead, THEN there are certain things that are true about Him and those things impact our lives today. And that’s what I want to talk about this morning.
WHILE Jesus is hanging on the cross, people were mocking Him, making fun of Him, ridiculing Him. Look at Matthew 27:39…
“Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
Matthew 27:39-43
Did you hear the IF/THEN proposition? It’s there twice – in verse 40: “Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
What are they saying: IF you are the Son of God – THEN come down from the cross! – This speaks to the issue of Jesus’ IDENTITY. As the Son of God, it should be no problem to come down off the cross.
And then in verse 42, those who should have known better – the Jewish leaders say: “Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”
This IF/THEN is a little different – they say: “IF you come down from the cross, THEN we will believe!” – This speaks to the issue of our RESPONSE to Him – “If you come down from the cross, THEN we will believe!”
Okay, fair enough. Both IF/THEN propositions seems reasonable. Let’s see what Jesus did in response.
Look at 27:50…
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!””
Matthew 27:50-54
Jesus came down off the cross – DEAD. Now, I’m sure that’s not what the mocker’s were looking for – they wanted Him to show some power, to call down 10,000 angels to do His bidding – but Jesus never jumps through the hoops of mockers. Jesus came off the cross DEAD.
But that isn’t the end of the story. Look at what the death of Christ causes to happen…
• The temple curtain separating the dwelling place of God from man is torn from top to bottom! The division between man and God has been created by sin, but cancelled by Christ’s death!
• Tombs of holy people broke open and many were raised to life! This demonstrated that the sting of sin – death – had been conquered by the Savior! No longer does sin and death have authority over those who follow God!
• The Roman Centurion assigned the duty of crucifying Christ comes to faith in Christ! “Surely He was the Son of God!” – The way that Jesus died demonstrated His true identity, even to a jaded, cynical, pagan Roman soldier!
I want you to get this: THE DEATH OF JESUS CREATED FAITH! Even in what looked like defeat, God worked if out for good! In another Gospel, we hear about the thief coming to faith in Christ while on the cross, and here we see the Roman centurion doing the same!
Isn’t God amazing? He can take the death and apparent defeat of His Son – and create immediate good!
Now skip down to verse 57:
“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.” Matthew 27:57-61
So that no one would be mistaken – Jesus is really dead. You don’t bury the living. Joseph of Arimethea arranges Jesus’ burial, and Jesus’ mother Mary along with other women prepared His body for permanent burial. Don’t you think someone would have noticed if He had a pulse? He came off the cross dead.
But, again, that’s not the end of the story.
The challenge given to Christ while on the Cross was to come down off the cross! Well, He did.
Look at chapter 28 – verse 1
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28:1-10
The challenge was to come off the cross – but they didn’t say how! So, Jesus met the challenge when early that Sunday morning, He rose from the dead in absolute victory over satan and sin! Praise God!
Look at verse 8 and 9:
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him.
The results of Christ’s resurrection upon those privileged to witness it first was JOY followed by an immediate desire to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS! And then, when they see Jesus face-to-face – they fell at His feet and worshipped Him!
Not only did the death of Christ create faith in the Roman Centurion, but the resurrection of Christ created faith in the lives of those around!
The mockers said: IF you are who you say you are – THEN overcome death. He did it.
The mockers said: IF you are overcome death – THEN we will put our faith in you.
Will you respond to Christ this Easter Sunday with FAITH?
What does Jesus have to do in order for you to receive Him into your life?
• IF He offers you FORGIVENESS for all of your sin – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Acts 13:38, NIV.
• IF HE offers you a GUARANTEED FUTURE – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV.
• IF He promises to give you a LIFE beyond your dreams – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
• IF He offers to give you HIS POWER for living – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
After the resurrection of Christ, there were two kinds of responses:
1. The response of the OPEN HEART – Faith!
2. The response of the HARD HEART – Refusal to believe! Look at verse 11…
“While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” Matt. 28:11-15
Some 50 days later, Christ began His church at the Day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter spoke convincingly of the identity of Christ – culminating in Acts 2:36…
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
And the people in response said to Peter:
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”” Acts 2:37
And Peter instructed them this way…
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
1. Repent:
Acknowledge that you need a Savior.
Accept Christ as the One.
Adjust your life with Him as Lord.
2. Be Baptized:
Baptism is a ceremony of commitment, much like a wedding. Being baptized speaks to the character and quality of your commitment to Christ!
Romans 6 says…
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death?
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3, 4
Two weeks from today, we are going to have a baptism service. I’ve prepared a brochure on baptism for you to study. But, if you’ve never been baptized by immersion into Christ – what prevents you for doing so?
And then, Peter says…
3. You will receive the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is God’s Presence in your life. This is what you were created for – to be reconnected to your Creator. This is why Jesus died and this is why Jesus resurrected.
This day where Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ – you can experience a resurrection as well. You can become a new person in Christ! You can be forgiven of all your sin. You can settle forever the issue of WHO Christ IS!
IF – what Christ has done is true – THEN what will your response be?
TODAY is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We follow Christ BECAUSE of the resurrection of Christ!
• IF there were NO resurrection, THEN Jesus is just a man.
• IF there was a resurrection, THEN He is God, Savior and LORD.
• IF He is God, Savior and LORD, THEN He is worthy of your praise, worship and service.
• IF He is God, Savior and LORD, THEN the smartest thing you can do is to get to know Him.
Today I want to use what is known as the “If-Then” Proposition. The “If-Then” proposition simply means this: IF something is true, THEN there are natural results that follow.
Example: IF I choose to drive at excessive speeds on the freeway, THEN I accept all of the negative consequences associated with such driving.
Here’s another example: IF I run up credit card debts, THEN I will have to pay them for years to come.
Or – IF I do good to others, THEN it isn’t unreasonable to expect that good will return to me.
Now, IF Christ resurrected from the dead, THEN there are certain things that are true about Him and those things impact our lives today. And that’s what I want to talk about this morning.
WHILE Jesus is hanging on the cross, people were mocking Him, making fun of Him, ridiculing Him. Look at Matthew 27:39…
“Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
Matthew 27:39-43
Did you hear the IF/THEN proposition? It’s there twice – in verse 40: “Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
What are they saying: IF you are the Son of God – THEN come down from the cross! – This speaks to the issue of Jesus’ IDENTITY. As the Son of God, it should be no problem to come down off the cross.
And then in verse 42, those who should have known better – the Jewish leaders say: “Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”
This IF/THEN is a little different – they say: “IF you come down from the cross, THEN we will believe!” – This speaks to the issue of our RESPONSE to Him – “If you come down from the cross, THEN we will believe!”
Okay, fair enough. Both IF/THEN propositions seems reasonable. Let’s see what Jesus did in response.
Look at 27:50…
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!””
Matthew 27:50-54
Jesus came down off the cross – DEAD. Now, I’m sure that’s not what the mocker’s were looking for – they wanted Him to show some power, to call down 10,000 angels to do His bidding – but Jesus never jumps through the hoops of mockers. Jesus came off the cross DEAD.
But that isn’t the end of the story. Look at what the death of Christ causes to happen…
• The temple curtain separating the dwelling place of God from man is torn from top to bottom! The division between man and God has been created by sin, but cancelled by Christ’s death!
• Tombs of holy people broke open and many were raised to life! This demonstrated that the sting of sin – death – had been conquered by the Savior! No longer does sin and death have authority over those who follow God!
• The Roman Centurion assigned the duty of crucifying Christ comes to faith in Christ! “Surely He was the Son of God!” – The way that Jesus died demonstrated His true identity, even to a jaded, cynical, pagan Roman soldier!
I want you to get this: THE DEATH OF JESUS CREATED FAITH! Even in what looked like defeat, God worked if out for good! In another Gospel, we hear about the thief coming to faith in Christ while on the cross, and here we see the Roman centurion doing the same!
Isn’t God amazing? He can take the death and apparent defeat of His Son – and create immediate good!
Now skip down to verse 57:
“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.” Matthew 27:57-61
So that no one would be mistaken – Jesus is really dead. You don’t bury the living. Joseph of Arimethea arranges Jesus’ burial, and Jesus’ mother Mary along with other women prepared His body for permanent burial. Don’t you think someone would have noticed if He had a pulse? He came off the cross dead.
But, again, that’s not the end of the story.
The challenge given to Christ while on the Cross was to come down off the cross! Well, He did.
Look at chapter 28 – verse 1
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28:1-10
The challenge was to come off the cross – but they didn’t say how! So, Jesus met the challenge when early that Sunday morning, He rose from the dead in absolute victory over satan and sin! Praise God!
Look at verse 8 and 9:
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him.
The results of Christ’s resurrection upon those privileged to witness it first was JOY followed by an immediate desire to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS! And then, when they see Jesus face-to-face – they fell at His feet and worshipped Him!
Not only did the death of Christ create faith in the Roman Centurion, but the resurrection of Christ created faith in the lives of those around!
The mockers said: IF you are who you say you are – THEN overcome death. He did it.
The mockers said: IF you are overcome death – THEN we will put our faith in you.
Will you respond to Christ this Easter Sunday with FAITH?
What does Jesus have to do in order for you to receive Him into your life?
• IF He offers you FORGIVENESS for all of your sin – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Acts 13:38, NIV.
• IF HE offers you a GUARANTEED FUTURE – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV.
• IF He promises to give you a LIFE beyond your dreams – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
• IF He offers to give you HIS POWER for living – THEN will you receive Him?
That’s exactly what He does.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
After the resurrection of Christ, there were two kinds of responses:
1. The response of the OPEN HEART – Faith!
2. The response of the HARD HEART – Refusal to believe! Look at verse 11…
“While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” Matt. 28:11-15
Some 50 days later, Christ began His church at the Day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter spoke convincingly of the identity of Christ – culminating in Acts 2:36…
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
And the people in response said to Peter:
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”” Acts 2:37
And Peter instructed them this way…
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
1. Repent:
Acknowledge that you need a Savior.
Accept Christ as the One.
Adjust your life with Him as Lord.
2. Be Baptized:
Baptism is a ceremony of commitment, much like a wedding. Being baptized speaks to the character and quality of your commitment to Christ!
Romans 6 says…
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death?
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3, 4
Two weeks from today, we are going to have a baptism service. I’ve prepared a brochure on baptism for you to study. But, if you’ve never been baptized by immersion into Christ – what prevents you for doing so?
And then, Peter says…
3. You will receive the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is God’s Presence in your life. This is what you were created for – to be reconnected to your Creator. This is why Jesus died and this is why Jesus resurrected.
This day where Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ – you can experience a resurrection as well. You can become a new person in Christ! You can be forgiven of all your sin. You can settle forever the issue of WHO Christ IS!
IF – what Christ has done is true – THEN what will your response be?
posted by Doug Love at 1:36 PM
0 comments
Preparing for Revival: Message 6: The Results of Revival
Revival is brewing in our land! George Barna – a man whom I have mentioned frequently, released his annual survey of religious behavior and beliefs this week. Here’s a few highlights:
April 3, 2006
(Ventura, CA) – New data from the annual tracking survey of religious behavior and beliefs conducted by The Barna Group reveals that there has been a significant increase in religious activity related to five of the seven core religious behaviors studied by the company.
• Bible Reading: 47% of adults read the Bible during a typical week, up from a 20 year low of just 31% in 1995.
• Church Attendance: 47% of adults attend church services during a typical week, up from just 37% in 1996.
• Involvement in a Small Group: 23% as opposed to just 17% in 1996
• Volunteering Service in a Church: 27% as opposed to 20% in the mid nineties.
This information was released this on April 3rd. Interesting, for also on April 3rd the Lord spoke to me and said:
“Doug, the plans I have are nothing but good and I am pleased that you are beginning to believe me in this as well as beginning to see my plans for what they really are. Hold on to me tightly and all that I’ve planned will become reality. You will see and will enjoy the blessings of a life in Christ. The difference between life in the Spirit and in the flesh is massive and is life versus death. You are choosing life and life will be the result. I am pouring out life into any vessel that will receive it with gladness of heart and with open arms. So long as my people seek to hold on to anything else other than me, they will not have life. The letting go is death that leads to life. The letting go is necessary to Lordship. I cannot work the way that I desire to in the life of a person who still wants to determine outcomes. But when surrender and abandon to my will occurs than my power is able to flow in mightily.” – Personal Journal, April 3, 2006
And as I considered what the Lord spoke, I realized that He is helping us to realize that not only is revival coming – but – He is showing us what the results of revival will be.
God, help us to not only be preparing even now for the revival that You desire to bring, but help us to see with eyes of Faith through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit what the results of revival will be. Use this word from you as a tool to clarify our eyesight. In Jesus Name – Amen.
So, let’s take this prophetic word apart – idea by idea – and then compare it to the Written Word of God to see precisely what God says the results of revival can be…
1. God Says: Revival Results In A Positive Outcome For All Involved In It! – Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar text of scripture. The context of this passage is God speaking to the people of Israel during their time in captivity in Babylon. The people had grown accustomed to listening the false prophets who were telling them that they’d soon be out of captivity and out of trouble. But God calls those prophets ‘liars’ and then in verse 11 He tells them precisely His plans…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Revival only happens when we say – the only thing that we want is for God’s plans to be fulfilled. But, when we get in alignment with God’s Will – than God says in response to us what His plans are.
The first thing that I want you to notice is that God says:
• “I know the plans I have for you…” – literally: “I have certainty of purpose for you!” – Even on our best days, we only have a vague idea of what our plans are, and those plans can be changed on a moments notice. God’s plan are certain and secure.
Secondly He describes the quality of His plans for us as being:
• “plans to prosper you…” – The Hebrew word used here is ‘shalom’ which means ‘completeness, wholeness, prosperity and safety’ – Therefore, when God’s plans come into our lives – they produce a positive outcome for us – we are made whole, complete, lacking no good thing and absolutely safe from any harm that isn’t within His plans!
Thirdly, He says what His plans aren’t:
• “not to harm you…” – God is never the Source of harm, evil, or destruction. That isn’t in His nature. God is good. But God takes a lot of heat for the bad things that happen in this world. Folks – that’s one of the oldest tricks of the enemy. Satan wants you to believe that God is the source of evil. No – that’s simply not true! God is good. Don’t listen to the liar!
Next, He tells that His plans include an offer…
• “to give you hope…” – When revival is happening, people start to experience a sense of expectation that the outcome of their lives will be excellent! Isn’t it amazing how when God shows up, everyone is lifted! That’s hope – a sure sign that He is there. If you are feeling hopeless, you should start looking around for demonic activity – because God offer hope to all who will call upon Him!
And with hope comes this final plan of God…
• “to give you a future…” - The end is sure. Be confident that no matter what happens in your life, you end is secure. Nothing this world can do – nothing that Satan can set up – nothing that disease can take away – can possibly stop the plans of God from being fulfilled in your life! Your future is secure! Your future is set in stone by the Promise of God.
God said to me: “Doug, the plans I have are nothing but good and I am pleased that you are beginning to believe me in this as well as beginning to see my plans for what they really are.”
Clearly, this word is backed up by the Written Word – Revival Results In A Positive Outcome For All Involved In It!
The next part of the prophetic word He gave me goes on to say… “Hold on to me tightly and all that I’ve planned will become reality. You will see and will enjoy the blessings of a life in Christ.”
2. God Says: Revival Results In Blessings For All Who Stay Connected to Christ! - John 15:5
Look at John 15:5 – Jesus is talking about the necessity of relationship with Him if you want your life to count for anything. If we will hold on tightly to Christ, the blessing of being in relationship with Christ will flow into our lives!
Jesus says:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Jesus says: “I am the vine” – the vine is the Life source.
Jesus says: “You are the branches” – branches don’t have a life source outside their connection to the vine.
Jesus says; “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – The secret to enjoying a life of blessing is to stay connected to Christ!
The word ‘remains’ – ‘abide’ in KJV - means to ‘continue to be in a place…’ What is that place of abiding? In Christ! For it is as you abide in Christ that His life flows into you. And as His life flows into you, the evidences – or fruits – of His life become evident!
Jesus also said in John 14:12…
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
How will we do greater things than Christ? By staying connected to Christ!
When Revival comes, God brings blessings to all involved.
Now – turn to John 6:63… As you are doing so, allow me to read the next part of the prophetic word I received – and then we will see how it measures up to the Written Word…
“The difference between life in the Spirit and in the flesh is massive and is life versus death. You are choosing life and life will be the result. I am pouring out life into any vessel that will receive it with gladness of heart and with open arms.”
John 6:63 – Jesus says…
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63
3. God Says: Revival Results In Life – Not Death! – John 6:63
There has never been a genuine revival that wasn’t accompanied by two things:
1. Repentance of fleshly living.
2. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Where people are living in the flesh – there will be death.
Where people are living in the power of the Holy Spirit – there will be life.
It’s that simple. Flesh gives birth to death. The Spirit gives birth to life.
Do we want life? Than we must choose it.
When the people of Israel were about to enter the Promised Land, Moses gathered the people before him and said:
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Deuteronomy 30:19, 20
Now choose life.
That’s what revival is all about. Choosing to live fully alive in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Life is available to any and all who will choose it. Christ offers it today. You can have it. You are eligible. It’s right here. Choose it.
Turn to Matthew 16:21
The next part of the prophetic word speaks to this process of choosing…
“So long as my people seek to hold on to anything else other than me, they will not have life. The letting go is death that leads to life. The letting go is necessary to Lordship. I cannot work the way that I desire to in the life of a person who still wants to determine outcomes. But when surrender and abandon to my will occurs than my power is able to flow in mightily.”
An interesting thing happens in Matthew 16 – Jesus is explaining that in order for True Life to come, He is going to have to die. He is teaching that before life can happen, there is a necessary death. Let’s look at verse 21…
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
How do we get life? By faith in the death – and subsequent resurrection of Christ. We know that, because we are on this side of it historically. But, imagine how tough it was for Jesus’ friends to understand in advance. So difficult that Peter spoke up and said: “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Peter didn’t understand that death preceeds life.
And Jesus gives him a rather stern rebuking: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
This is vitally important that you understand. Revival comes when we keep the things of God in the forefront, even when it goes against what conventional wisdom says! God doesn’t exist to serve the priorities of man – we exist to serve the priorities of God!
4. God says: Revival Results in God’s Plans Being Fulfilled! – Matthew 16:21-27
And then Jesus explains in verse 24…
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” Matthew 16:21-27
In order to participate with God in His coming revival, I must put to death my wishes and desires – and pursue His plans, purpose and priorities!
We only live a short time on this earth – how tragic it is to waste our lives in selfish pursuits when we can use this life to get to know God and to advance His plans!
Choosing life in Christ – requires that we choose to die to ourselves daily. This isn’t a negative thing. The natural man – the flesh – cannot participate with God, but can only seek to fulfill animal desire. But, when I am walking in the power of the Holy Spirit – I am entering into the realm of the Supernatural! I am entering into the realm of God! I am never more fully alive than when I am moving in the power of the Holy Spirit and serving the eternal purposes of God!
Jesus says that He is returning in GLORY and He is bringing presents! I want to hear my Savior say: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into your Master’s joy!”
Acts 13:36 says of King David:
“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.” Acts 13:36
What greater thing can be said of any human being?
I ‘googled’ the words: “Azusa Street Centennial” and was told that there are ‘about 84,000’ pages containing those words. The Christian world is stepping up to remember what God did 100 years ago – in hopes that He’ll do a new work of revival world-wide in 2006.
When God brings revival -
There is A Positive Outcome For All Involved In It!
There are Blessings For All Who Stay Connected to Christ!
He brings Life – Not Death!
Ultimately, Revival Results in God’s Plans Being Fulfilled!
And the greatest plan of God is that…
“…everyone (would) to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9, NIV.
As I asked last Sunday:
• Are you certain of your salvation?
• If you died today – are you sure you’d go to Heaven?
• What is the basis of your salvation?
Today – settle your salvation.
Today – determine who is in charge.
April 3, 2006
(Ventura, CA) – New data from the annual tracking survey of religious behavior and beliefs conducted by The Barna Group reveals that there has been a significant increase in religious activity related to five of the seven core religious behaviors studied by the company.
• Bible Reading: 47% of adults read the Bible during a typical week, up from a 20 year low of just 31% in 1995.
• Church Attendance: 47% of adults attend church services during a typical week, up from just 37% in 1996.
• Involvement in a Small Group: 23% as opposed to just 17% in 1996
• Volunteering Service in a Church: 27% as opposed to 20% in the mid nineties.
This information was released this on April 3rd. Interesting, for also on April 3rd the Lord spoke to me and said:
“Doug, the plans I have are nothing but good and I am pleased that you are beginning to believe me in this as well as beginning to see my plans for what they really are. Hold on to me tightly and all that I’ve planned will become reality. You will see and will enjoy the blessings of a life in Christ. The difference between life in the Spirit and in the flesh is massive and is life versus death. You are choosing life and life will be the result. I am pouring out life into any vessel that will receive it with gladness of heart and with open arms. So long as my people seek to hold on to anything else other than me, they will not have life. The letting go is death that leads to life. The letting go is necessary to Lordship. I cannot work the way that I desire to in the life of a person who still wants to determine outcomes. But when surrender and abandon to my will occurs than my power is able to flow in mightily.” – Personal Journal, April 3, 2006
And as I considered what the Lord spoke, I realized that He is helping us to realize that not only is revival coming – but – He is showing us what the results of revival will be.
God, help us to not only be preparing even now for the revival that You desire to bring, but help us to see with eyes of Faith through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit what the results of revival will be. Use this word from you as a tool to clarify our eyesight. In Jesus Name – Amen.
So, let’s take this prophetic word apart – idea by idea – and then compare it to the Written Word of God to see precisely what God says the results of revival can be…
1. God Says: Revival Results In A Positive Outcome For All Involved In It! – Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar text of scripture. The context of this passage is God speaking to the people of Israel during their time in captivity in Babylon. The people had grown accustomed to listening the false prophets who were telling them that they’d soon be out of captivity and out of trouble. But God calls those prophets ‘liars’ and then in verse 11 He tells them precisely His plans…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Revival only happens when we say – the only thing that we want is for God’s plans to be fulfilled. But, when we get in alignment with God’s Will – than God says in response to us what His plans are.
The first thing that I want you to notice is that God says:
• “I know the plans I have for you…” – literally: “I have certainty of purpose for you!” – Even on our best days, we only have a vague idea of what our plans are, and those plans can be changed on a moments notice. God’s plan are certain and secure.
Secondly He describes the quality of His plans for us as being:
• “plans to prosper you…” – The Hebrew word used here is ‘shalom’ which means ‘completeness, wholeness, prosperity and safety’ – Therefore, when God’s plans come into our lives – they produce a positive outcome for us – we are made whole, complete, lacking no good thing and absolutely safe from any harm that isn’t within His plans!
Thirdly, He says what His plans aren’t:
• “not to harm you…” – God is never the Source of harm, evil, or destruction. That isn’t in His nature. God is good. But God takes a lot of heat for the bad things that happen in this world. Folks – that’s one of the oldest tricks of the enemy. Satan wants you to believe that God is the source of evil. No – that’s simply not true! God is good. Don’t listen to the liar!
Next, He tells that His plans include an offer…
• “to give you hope…” – When revival is happening, people start to experience a sense of expectation that the outcome of their lives will be excellent! Isn’t it amazing how when God shows up, everyone is lifted! That’s hope – a sure sign that He is there. If you are feeling hopeless, you should start looking around for demonic activity – because God offer hope to all who will call upon Him!
And with hope comes this final plan of God…
• “to give you a future…” - The end is sure. Be confident that no matter what happens in your life, you end is secure. Nothing this world can do – nothing that Satan can set up – nothing that disease can take away – can possibly stop the plans of God from being fulfilled in your life! Your future is secure! Your future is set in stone by the Promise of God.
God said to me: “Doug, the plans I have are nothing but good and I am pleased that you are beginning to believe me in this as well as beginning to see my plans for what they really are.”
Clearly, this word is backed up by the Written Word – Revival Results In A Positive Outcome For All Involved In It!
The next part of the prophetic word He gave me goes on to say… “Hold on to me tightly and all that I’ve planned will become reality. You will see and will enjoy the blessings of a life in Christ.”
2. God Says: Revival Results In Blessings For All Who Stay Connected to Christ! - John 15:5
Look at John 15:5 – Jesus is talking about the necessity of relationship with Him if you want your life to count for anything. If we will hold on tightly to Christ, the blessing of being in relationship with Christ will flow into our lives!
Jesus says:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Jesus says: “I am the vine” – the vine is the Life source.
Jesus says: “You are the branches” – branches don’t have a life source outside their connection to the vine.
Jesus says; “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – The secret to enjoying a life of blessing is to stay connected to Christ!
The word ‘remains’ – ‘abide’ in KJV - means to ‘continue to be in a place…’ What is that place of abiding? In Christ! For it is as you abide in Christ that His life flows into you. And as His life flows into you, the evidences – or fruits – of His life become evident!
Jesus also said in John 14:12…
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
How will we do greater things than Christ? By staying connected to Christ!
When Revival comes, God brings blessings to all involved.
Now – turn to John 6:63… As you are doing so, allow me to read the next part of the prophetic word I received – and then we will see how it measures up to the Written Word…
“The difference between life in the Spirit and in the flesh is massive and is life versus death. You are choosing life and life will be the result. I am pouring out life into any vessel that will receive it with gladness of heart and with open arms.”
John 6:63 – Jesus says…
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63
3. God Says: Revival Results In Life – Not Death! – John 6:63
There has never been a genuine revival that wasn’t accompanied by two things:
1. Repentance of fleshly living.
2. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Where people are living in the flesh – there will be death.
Where people are living in the power of the Holy Spirit – there will be life.
It’s that simple. Flesh gives birth to death. The Spirit gives birth to life.
Do we want life? Than we must choose it.
When the people of Israel were about to enter the Promised Land, Moses gathered the people before him and said:
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Deuteronomy 30:19, 20
Now choose life.
That’s what revival is all about. Choosing to live fully alive in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Life is available to any and all who will choose it. Christ offers it today. You can have it. You are eligible. It’s right here. Choose it.
Turn to Matthew 16:21
The next part of the prophetic word speaks to this process of choosing…
“So long as my people seek to hold on to anything else other than me, they will not have life. The letting go is death that leads to life. The letting go is necessary to Lordship. I cannot work the way that I desire to in the life of a person who still wants to determine outcomes. But when surrender and abandon to my will occurs than my power is able to flow in mightily.”
An interesting thing happens in Matthew 16 – Jesus is explaining that in order for True Life to come, He is going to have to die. He is teaching that before life can happen, there is a necessary death. Let’s look at verse 21…
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
How do we get life? By faith in the death – and subsequent resurrection of Christ. We know that, because we are on this side of it historically. But, imagine how tough it was for Jesus’ friends to understand in advance. So difficult that Peter spoke up and said: “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Peter didn’t understand that death preceeds life.
And Jesus gives him a rather stern rebuking: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
This is vitally important that you understand. Revival comes when we keep the things of God in the forefront, even when it goes against what conventional wisdom says! God doesn’t exist to serve the priorities of man – we exist to serve the priorities of God!
4. God says: Revival Results in God’s Plans Being Fulfilled! – Matthew 16:21-27
And then Jesus explains in verse 24…
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” Matthew 16:21-27
In order to participate with God in His coming revival, I must put to death my wishes and desires – and pursue His plans, purpose and priorities!
We only live a short time on this earth – how tragic it is to waste our lives in selfish pursuits when we can use this life to get to know God and to advance His plans!
Choosing life in Christ – requires that we choose to die to ourselves daily. This isn’t a negative thing. The natural man – the flesh – cannot participate with God, but can only seek to fulfill animal desire. But, when I am walking in the power of the Holy Spirit – I am entering into the realm of the Supernatural! I am entering into the realm of God! I am never more fully alive than when I am moving in the power of the Holy Spirit and serving the eternal purposes of God!
Jesus says that He is returning in GLORY and He is bringing presents! I want to hear my Savior say: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into your Master’s joy!”
Acts 13:36 says of King David:
“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.” Acts 13:36
What greater thing can be said of any human being?
I ‘googled’ the words: “Azusa Street Centennial” and was told that there are ‘about 84,000’ pages containing those words. The Christian world is stepping up to remember what God did 100 years ago – in hopes that He’ll do a new work of revival world-wide in 2006.
When God brings revival -
There is A Positive Outcome For All Involved In It!
There are Blessings For All Who Stay Connected to Christ!
He brings Life – Not Death!
Ultimately, Revival Results in God’s Plans Being Fulfilled!
And the greatest plan of God is that…
“…everyone (would) to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9, NIV.
As I asked last Sunday:
• Are you certain of your salvation?
• If you died today – are you sure you’d go to Heaven?
• What is the basis of your salvation?
Today – settle your salvation.
Today – determine who is in charge.
posted by Doug Love at 1:35 PM
0 comments
Preparing for Revival: Message 5: Revival Requires Holy Spirit Power
100 years ago this month at 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles in a former Methodist church, that had been turned into a dirt-floored warehouse storing lumber, plaster and other debris, a small group of Christians cleared a space, laid some rough wood planks over empty nail kegs to serve as seating for about 30, laid out in a square – and they began to meet together for one purpose only: To seek the Presence of the Lord!
• They didn’t have hymnals, musical instruments, or a pulpit.
• They had passion and a growing sense that God was about to do something very special.
• They didn’t have marvelous preaching, or wonderful vocalists.
• They had a conviction to seek the face of God until something happened.
• They didn’t advertise, market or do anything to attempt to ‘build’ the church.
• They simply met – hour after hour, day after day, week after week – until God’s Spirit moved upon them in power.
And move He did. The Holy Spirit came in power – manifesting Himself in repentance, weeping, confession, salvation, miraculous healings and powerful demonstrations of the gift of tongues.
And when He came – thousands of people made their way from around the world – from Chicago, New York, missionaries from India, Africa and South America. Rich man, poor man – it didn’t matter. Black, white, brown – not important. Educated and uneducated alike thirsty for something that only One Person could quench.
The revival that took place at Azusa Street was not man-made, it wasn’t planned. It wasn’t scheduled. It came because God rewards those who earnestly seek Him! And 100 years later – that revival spread through out the world and those who have been impacted by it number some 700 million people. Nothing in all of history has grown at that rate.
If we want revival, we must have the power of the Holy Spirit flowing into and out of our lives.
Acts 1
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:1-14
Look at verses 1-3
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” 1-3
Luke records that after the crucifixion and resurrection, Christ demonstrated His glorious identity! There need be no doubt that Jesus is the real deal. He is the Son of God! He is the Savior of the World! He is the Promised Messiah!
And in verses 4-5, He gives His disciples some clear instruction:
“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” 4-5
Simply put, Jesus says: “The baptism of the Holy Spirit is coming. Your task is to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.”
• The disciples of Jesus knew beyond a shadow of doubt WHO Jesus was.
• They believed all the right things. But, they needed MORE in order to live effectively.
• They needed ‘the baptism of the Holy Spirit’.
Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
Have you experienced the complete infilling of God in your life?
I’m not asking if you believe the right things – I’m asking: Have you be baptized by the Holy Spirit of God? If you have – you know it. If you haven’t – you can be! And for revival to happen – you cannot settle for any less than ALL that God has for you! Why eat scraps when you can have the banquet?
Now – look at verse 6-8
“So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 6-8
The disciples are hungry – they want more! They are earnest in their hunger for God’s will to be done. And they ask – “Jesus, is revival coming? Jesus, is the restoration of the Kingdom of God about to happen?”
And Jesus answers with a DON’T and a DO:
1. DON’T focus on dates and times that have been set by God. Those aren’t your concern.
2. DO focus on waiting for the Holy Spirit to come! That is your concern!
They weren’t to concern themselves with scheduling issues – their task was to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
Far too many Christians today are focusing on the wrong thing: They are focused on when Jesus is going to return. The best selling books in recent years have been the Left Behind NOVELS – and I’m not here to critizize those books – I haven’t read them. But, I am here to say: “Don’t focus on when Jesus is coming back – that’s not for you to know – focus on living your life in the power of the Holy Spirit!”
Now, look at verse 8 again:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 8
Jesus tells us what the result of the baptism of the Holy Spirit will be:
1. You will receive POWER.
2. You will become WITNESSES.
Power – you’ve heard me talk about this before – but power is dunamis – dynamite. Supernatural power to do what you cannot do in your own strength. When the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2 at the day of Pentecost – the believer’s were empowered to speak in tongues that they had not learned.
Acts 2:4-8 says…
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?
Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” Acts 2:4-8, NIV.
That isn’t something that can be faked. Why? Because those who heard them, understood what was being said in their own language.
A key initial sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak in new tongues.
But there is so much more…
• The believer’s prayed – and people were healed.
• The believer’s took authority – and demons were cast out.
• The believer’s stood before authorities – and silenced them.
Jesus says – “when the Holy Spirit comes, you will receive power…”
Have you received this power? You can! God hasn’t changed. God’s power is still available. You can have it, if you want it.
Verse 8 says: “You shall be my witnesses…”
Do you know what that means? It means that because you’ve been touched by the power of the Holy Spirit, you now have a STORY to tell.
STORY: Two years ago this past week, Summit left it’s building on Arrow and Archibald. For many of us, this was a major defeat. When it became clear that the majority of people were not going to make the adjustment with us, those of us who stayed the course went through a difficult season. Beth and I devoted a lot of time talking about what this meant for our future. The discouragement created a desire to quit and move on, but somehow, the Lord simply wouldn’t let us follow through and actually do it.
After several months of struggle there came a point where God touched me in a deep way. He reassured me of His Presence and His Pleasure. He convinced me that the best was still in front of us – and that He was still in charge. He gave me a renewal of the gift of the Holy Spirit that I had received many years prior. In 1990 I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and given the gift of tongues as a part of that wonderful experience. But FEAR of man stopped me from being open about it, and over the years, I adopted the plans of MAN over the plans of God. And here I was, two years ago at the end of my rope – the plans of MAN had failed. My best efforts ended in ruin. And God said: “Are you ready to do it in MY power now?”
And He renewed me. He changed me. And the teaching of this church began to reflect the change. And for those of you who have stayed the course – you’ve seen the difference. And we stand together testifying to the far surpassing greatness of God to do in His power what we can never do in our own!
And today – April 2, 2006 – we stand on the brink of a major revival of God – all being doing in the power of the Holy Spirit!
That’s what happens when the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes.
Have you yet received this gift?
Now – look at verse 9…
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 9-11
In order for the Holy Spirit to come – Jesus had to leave.
In John 16, Jesus said:
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7
And that is what happens next. Look what the disciples do in verse 12…
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” 12-14
There were two major dynamics happening:
1. They were united in their pursuit of God!
2. They prayed earnestly for the promise of God!
• They had settled Who Jesus was – Have YOU?
• They had believed Him at His Word – Do YOU?
• And they needed His power to accomplish His purposes – Do you have His power?
So, they spent 14 days in earnest prayer – day and night – seeking the Holy Spirit. Did they sleep? Sure. Did they eat? Of course. Did they work? Probably. But – the sleeping, eating and working – all took the back seat to the highest life priority anyone could have!
Do you want revival? Put your priorities in order. Sure – sleep, work and eat – but… “seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you!”
Look on the back of your bulletin - listen to the words of one of the participants at Azusa Street – Frank Bartleman…
“Slowly but surely the conviction is coming upon the saints of southern California that God is going to pour out His Spirit. We are having faith for things such as we have never dreamed of, for the near future. We are assured of no less that a Pentecost for this whole country. But we can never have Pentecostal results without Pentecostal power. And this will mean Pentecostal demonstration… We have been for some time lead to pray for a Pentecost. One afternoon seven of us seemed providentially led to join hands and agree in prayer to ask the Lord to pour out His Spirit speedily, with signs following. Where we got the idea from at that time I do not know. We did not have ‘tongues’ in mind. I think none of us had ever heard of such a thing. This was in February 1906. The present worldwide Pentecostal manifestation did not break out in a moment, like a huge prairie fire, and set the world on fire. In fact, no work of God ever appears that way. There is a necessary time for preparation.” Frank Bartleman Azusa Street Whitaker House ©1982
Oh, that the Lord would prepare you and I for such an outpouring.
Do you want revival – cry out for the power of the Holy Spirit!
We are in a unique season – that cannot be replicated. This is the time to do what Isaiah said…
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6
Do you want revival? – cry out for the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
• They didn’t have hymnals, musical instruments, or a pulpit.
• They had passion and a growing sense that God was about to do something very special.
• They didn’t have marvelous preaching, or wonderful vocalists.
• They had a conviction to seek the face of God until something happened.
• They didn’t advertise, market or do anything to attempt to ‘build’ the church.
• They simply met – hour after hour, day after day, week after week – until God’s Spirit moved upon them in power.
And move He did. The Holy Spirit came in power – manifesting Himself in repentance, weeping, confession, salvation, miraculous healings and powerful demonstrations of the gift of tongues.
And when He came – thousands of people made their way from around the world – from Chicago, New York, missionaries from India, Africa and South America. Rich man, poor man – it didn’t matter. Black, white, brown – not important. Educated and uneducated alike thirsty for something that only One Person could quench.
The revival that took place at Azusa Street was not man-made, it wasn’t planned. It wasn’t scheduled. It came because God rewards those who earnestly seek Him! And 100 years later – that revival spread through out the world and those who have been impacted by it number some 700 million people. Nothing in all of history has grown at that rate.
If we want revival, we must have the power of the Holy Spirit flowing into and out of our lives.
Acts 1
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:1-14
Look at verses 1-3
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” 1-3
Luke records that after the crucifixion and resurrection, Christ demonstrated His glorious identity! There need be no doubt that Jesus is the real deal. He is the Son of God! He is the Savior of the World! He is the Promised Messiah!
And in verses 4-5, He gives His disciples some clear instruction:
“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” 4-5
Simply put, Jesus says: “The baptism of the Holy Spirit is coming. Your task is to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.”
• The disciples of Jesus knew beyond a shadow of doubt WHO Jesus was.
• They believed all the right things. But, they needed MORE in order to live effectively.
• They needed ‘the baptism of the Holy Spirit’.
Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
Have you experienced the complete infilling of God in your life?
I’m not asking if you believe the right things – I’m asking: Have you be baptized by the Holy Spirit of God? If you have – you know it. If you haven’t – you can be! And for revival to happen – you cannot settle for any less than ALL that God has for you! Why eat scraps when you can have the banquet?
Now – look at verse 6-8
“So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 6-8
The disciples are hungry – they want more! They are earnest in their hunger for God’s will to be done. And they ask – “Jesus, is revival coming? Jesus, is the restoration of the Kingdom of God about to happen?”
And Jesus answers with a DON’T and a DO:
1. DON’T focus on dates and times that have been set by God. Those aren’t your concern.
2. DO focus on waiting for the Holy Spirit to come! That is your concern!
They weren’t to concern themselves with scheduling issues – their task was to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
Far too many Christians today are focusing on the wrong thing: They are focused on when Jesus is going to return. The best selling books in recent years have been the Left Behind NOVELS – and I’m not here to critizize those books – I haven’t read them. But, I am here to say: “Don’t focus on when Jesus is coming back – that’s not for you to know – focus on living your life in the power of the Holy Spirit!”
Now, look at verse 8 again:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 8
Jesus tells us what the result of the baptism of the Holy Spirit will be:
1. You will receive POWER.
2. You will become WITNESSES.
Power – you’ve heard me talk about this before – but power is dunamis – dynamite. Supernatural power to do what you cannot do in your own strength. When the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2 at the day of Pentecost – the believer’s were empowered to speak in tongues that they had not learned.
Acts 2:4-8 says…
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?
Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” Acts 2:4-8, NIV.
That isn’t something that can be faked. Why? Because those who heard them, understood what was being said in their own language.
A key initial sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak in new tongues.
But there is so much more…
• The believer’s prayed – and people were healed.
• The believer’s took authority – and demons were cast out.
• The believer’s stood before authorities – and silenced them.
Jesus says – “when the Holy Spirit comes, you will receive power…”
Have you received this power? You can! God hasn’t changed. God’s power is still available. You can have it, if you want it.
Verse 8 says: “You shall be my witnesses…”
Do you know what that means? It means that because you’ve been touched by the power of the Holy Spirit, you now have a STORY to tell.
STORY: Two years ago this past week, Summit left it’s building on Arrow and Archibald. For many of us, this was a major defeat. When it became clear that the majority of people were not going to make the adjustment with us, those of us who stayed the course went through a difficult season. Beth and I devoted a lot of time talking about what this meant for our future. The discouragement created a desire to quit and move on, but somehow, the Lord simply wouldn’t let us follow through and actually do it.
After several months of struggle there came a point where God touched me in a deep way. He reassured me of His Presence and His Pleasure. He convinced me that the best was still in front of us – and that He was still in charge. He gave me a renewal of the gift of the Holy Spirit that I had received many years prior. In 1990 I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and given the gift of tongues as a part of that wonderful experience. But FEAR of man stopped me from being open about it, and over the years, I adopted the plans of MAN over the plans of God. And here I was, two years ago at the end of my rope – the plans of MAN had failed. My best efforts ended in ruin. And God said: “Are you ready to do it in MY power now?”
And He renewed me. He changed me. And the teaching of this church began to reflect the change. And for those of you who have stayed the course – you’ve seen the difference. And we stand together testifying to the far surpassing greatness of God to do in His power what we can never do in our own!
And today – April 2, 2006 – we stand on the brink of a major revival of God – all being doing in the power of the Holy Spirit!
That’s what happens when the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes.
Have you yet received this gift?
Now – look at verse 9…
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 9-11
In order for the Holy Spirit to come – Jesus had to leave.
In John 16, Jesus said:
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7
And that is what happens next. Look what the disciples do in verse 12…
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” 12-14
There were two major dynamics happening:
1. They were united in their pursuit of God!
2. They prayed earnestly for the promise of God!
• They had settled Who Jesus was – Have YOU?
• They had believed Him at His Word – Do YOU?
• And they needed His power to accomplish His purposes – Do you have His power?
So, they spent 14 days in earnest prayer – day and night – seeking the Holy Spirit. Did they sleep? Sure. Did they eat? Of course. Did they work? Probably. But – the sleeping, eating and working – all took the back seat to the highest life priority anyone could have!
Do you want revival? Put your priorities in order. Sure – sleep, work and eat – but… “seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you!”
Look on the back of your bulletin - listen to the words of one of the participants at Azusa Street – Frank Bartleman…
“Slowly but surely the conviction is coming upon the saints of southern California that God is going to pour out His Spirit. We are having faith for things such as we have never dreamed of, for the near future. We are assured of no less that a Pentecost for this whole country. But we can never have Pentecostal results without Pentecostal power. And this will mean Pentecostal demonstration… We have been for some time lead to pray for a Pentecost. One afternoon seven of us seemed providentially led to join hands and agree in prayer to ask the Lord to pour out His Spirit speedily, with signs following. Where we got the idea from at that time I do not know. We did not have ‘tongues’ in mind. I think none of us had ever heard of such a thing. This was in February 1906. The present worldwide Pentecostal manifestation did not break out in a moment, like a huge prairie fire, and set the world on fire. In fact, no work of God ever appears that way. There is a necessary time for preparation.” Frank Bartleman Azusa Street Whitaker House ©1982
Oh, that the Lord would prepare you and I for such an outpouring.
Do you want revival – cry out for the power of the Holy Spirit!
We are in a unique season – that cannot be replicated. This is the time to do what Isaiah said…
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6
Do you want revival? – cry out for the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
posted by Doug Love at 1:32 PM
0 comments
About Me
- Name: Doug Love
- Location: Pomona, California, United States
Beth and I have been married (to each other) since 1982. We've got two kids, Andrew and Amy. Educationally I've got a couple of degrees - M.A. Theology (Fuller Seminary), B.A. Communications (Hope International University). For work I've served local churches as a pastor from 1980-2007. Since then, I've worked in sales in the insurance and travel industry. Mostly, I enjoy the beach, my bride and an excellent cup of coffee. Oh yeah, my first book was published in 2014 - you can find it on Amazon.com - it's a cool story called "On the Increase - A Journey Into Freedom".
Links
Previous Posts
- Logo
- Introduction
- Preparing for Revival: Message 7: The ULTIMATE Rev...
- Preparing for Revival: Message 6: The Results of R...
- Preparing for Revival: Message 5: Revival Require...
- Preparing for Revival - Message 4: Be Who You Are!
- Preparing for Revival - Message 3: The Priority of...
- Preparing for Revival - Message 2: Dealing With Sin
- Preparing for Revival: Message 1: Returning to ou...
Archives
