Lord Open our Eyes and We will See Revival Coming
(Preaching Outline)
1) This week a friend told me about a church in Brighton, Michigan. – Is God judging the church?
a) I was talking to another pastor about this – he hadn’t heard, was not even a bit surprised because moral failures among Christian leaders are common.
i) We need to ask why this is happening!
ii) Why should we care? – What it does in the church and in the world – dysfunctional family. (IMPACT ON REAL PEOPLE) (NOT MAJORITY BUT VISABLE MINORITY)
iii) What is the problem and the solution? – the first answer someone suggested is that it is a breakdown of accountability – I think that is trying to solve the problem in a manner that might be related to the very problem itself.
iv) I believe it is a problem with the whole structure – Including but not limited to:
(1) When things are built in a manner contrary to divine design – revolutionary changes happen when they are put in order.
(2) One of the main issues in my mind is personal responsibility of believers. (Maturity)
(3) Another main issue is a false vision of authority and heavenly rule.
(4) Another seems to be a pagan man and/or woman of God idea.
b) There are many scriptures we could discuss in this context, but I am only going to briefly explore 2:
i) Mark 10:42–45 (NKJV) — 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
ii) Matthew 23:27–28 (NKJV) — 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
2) Now when we talk about issues in the church or in the world, how does that make you feel? That is a very important question to think about.
a) I want to share some scriptures to lay a foundation for a move of God I believe has begun.
b) Luke 10:1–2 (NKJV) — 1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest… Luke 10:8–9 (NKJV) — 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
c) Luke 10:17–20 (NKJV) — 17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
3) A Move of God for the Sake of the World – is judgment beginning with the house of God?
4) Dealing with the failure of the church in Brighton
a) Why accountability doesn’t work, but what does work.
b) Why it is a responsibility and maturity issue.
c) The value of every member doing their part.
d) I believe this is a great divine preparation for the greatest world transformation yet in history –
i) Let the failure grieve us and take responsibility for it.
ii) If the solution releases the latent power of the church hidden in believers, it will begin a worldwide liberation movement beyond anything we can imagine.
e) Revivals and the Great awakening
i) Low church attendance and still a world transforming impact by our founding generation. The end of State churches in the States caused church attendance to skyrocket to about 80%, and radically increased the quality.
ii) Impact of a smaller church from today – ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
f) IT MEANS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY RATHER THAN PLACING BLAME…from the fall of man to God taking responsibility by sending Jesus Christ!
g) Philippians 2:3–4 (NKJV) — 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
h) REVIVAL VISION
