Sermon Summary
In our first service, guest prophetic preacher Charlie Sweet preached a powerful message about revival. Charlie shared how the church appears to be in a desperate state, yet God has restored and revived His people in the past and He will do it again in the present. Charlie exhorted us to cry out for revival, to fight off lukewarm living, and to prepare for battle this side of heaven.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
It’s time to testify
it’s time to share your testimony. Every time you do, you become stronger and bolder in faith. When we testify, we set something in motion in others. Once we compel others to Christ, we must draw them into fellowship with us. We must know the Word in order to teach others the Word. Impart the Word of God to others and then send them out.
Fight against lukewarmness
The enemy wants to put a lukewarmness on you right now. It’s time to wake up and awaken our spirits in God. Dry bones can live again! We must build our lives on what God has said. We must build our lives on the purposes of God.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
“God has planted vision in each of our hearts. Don’t say you don’t have vision! You can only lose it when you get distracted.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
“Let go of every wound. Let go of the sin that so easily entangles. Look away from the natural realm.”
Habakkuk 1:1-3
How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
Habakkuk 2:20
“But the Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.”
Five Stones
We have five stones in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts. We must know the Word and live in light of the Word, no matter what.
Pick up your armor and go to battle
There is a shifting coming. The Assyrians were losing every battle because God gave Elisha their battle plan. The Israelite army would get to battle first because of his warning. We need to learn to listen to the voice of God. The enemy will send his best troops against you when you listen to God’s voice. God will always give you the advantage over him.
2 Kings 6:10
So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.
Pray for battle strategies
Pick up the baton and be ready to give it to the next generation. Pray that they will see in another dimension. Pray simple, strategic prayers.
From the inside out
God is about to define who He is to our communities through us. Decide to live by faith and make bold declarations. It’s time to walk in distinction and clarity. Pray for defining moments that will change people from the inside out. If you don’t change from the inside out, you’ll crumble.
“The holy spirit wants to collaborate with you. He’s not a silent partner. He wants to stir your heart and bring clarity to your spirit.”
“Be careful what comes out of your mouth! How we speak to people can alter their lives. Speak purpose into people and demonstrate kindness.”
Discussion Questions
- When was the last time you shared your testimony with a nonbeliever? How did it go?
- Who do you know that’s in a backslidden state right now? What prodigals do you know? Who do you know that needs to hear what God has done in your life? What is stopping you from sharing with them?
- Charlie said, “Our tolerance for pain determines our ability to grow.” Have you ever fallen prey to lukewarmness or a desire for comfort?
- What are the common things in your life that distract you from God’s vision over your life?
Application Questions
- Are you struggling with a desire for comfort over living out your faith? Get prayer from a mentor this week and ask the Lord to ignite your passion for Christ again.
- Have you been changed from the inside out, or are you just modifying your behavior? Pray with a mentor this week and intercede for deep, internal transformation.