December 1 | Standing Firm

Series | The Life of Revival

Scripture | 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Lesson 1 | Standing Firm

The definition of revival is, “a spiritual awakening of the church in their love for God and people that impacts the community with salvation and community transformation.”  Many different kinds of revivals have impacted nations and cities around the world in various generations.  But no matter when and where these true revivals occurred they always bore the same fruit- salvation and community transformation.  Just like in the book of Acts when the gospel came to a city and the people received it, souls were saved and the community was transformed, Acts 8:4-8 & 19:1-22.   

There were amazing revivals in England and in the United States in the 18^th and 19^th centuries during the time of the Methodist movement that helped ground these countries, especially America’s bible belt, in Christian’s values.  The Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles in the 1900’s sent the fire of God all around the world to such places like China, Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria.  And today these nations are literally seeing salvations in the millions and transformation of entire communities!

Christian leaders throughout the different generations have had various steps to take to see such revivals happen.  Many emphasized the need of prayer, fasting, strong biblical preaching, and the visible power of God with signs and wonders.  However, this series is not meant to be another laundry list of “spiritual duties” one must do to “see” revival, but rather it is a list of ways to “live” out revival everyday.

In other words, if we all do the basics and pursue God in prayer and ministry but never do these things it will be impossible for true salvation and transformation to come to our nation.  On the other hand, if we do these things faithfully, it will be impossible for the devil to withstand us and stop true spiritual revival from coming and bring cultural revolution. 

For example Isaiah 58 taught the people of Israel how to truly fast and experience the renew of God’s power, “6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

Notice how God said in verse 8 that when they did the “things” He commanded them “then your light will break forth like the dawn.”  Therefore, I believe that when we “do the things” that are listed in this series we will see the nations saved and communities transformed.  

Likewise, Paul wrote in the passage above to stand firm in the faith and be strong and courageous to do all that God has intended His church to do.  So all true disciples should be the salt of the earth, the light in the darkness, and a city on hill that cannot be hide, Matthew 5:13-16.  I pray we will all stand against the things that God hates and stand for the things He loves.      

 

Reflection | Do you want to see revival in your nation?

Action | (1) Examine your life to see if you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself.  (2) Be faithful to ground your life in God’s basic plan for spiritual growth. Like prayer, consecration, accountability, discipleship, living holy, keeping God’s commands, seeking of spiritual gifts, regular study of God’s Word, and public preaching of the gospel (witnessing and sharing your faith). (3) Lastly, ask God to empower you to stand against what He hates and stand for what He loves.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 8:1-27, 1 John 2:1-17, Psalm 120:1-7, & Proverbs 28:25-26. Click here to read online.