A SPIRITUAL REVIVAL

By David J. Riggs

(Note: This lesson could also be used as a new year's sermon).

Intro.
   A. All of us need to be revived from time to time. Psalm 85:6;    
      Hab. 3:2, 17-19
      1. The early Christians were happy and zealous. Acts 2:46-47
   B. Let us, with anticipation and zeal, talk about what we can do  
      in the future.
      1. It good to make new beginnings.
      2. Let's suggest some "different" things, not the usual "read
         through the Bible in one year, study, visit, teach, pray,"  
         but some other things.
      3. Of course, all of those "usual" things are good and should  
         be done, but let's suggest some additional things.

I. PURITY OF LIFE.
   A. Let us strive to put away all sinful things. Perhaps there is  
      some questionable thing that you would like to overcome, but   
      haven't had much success in the past. Why not resolve to make a
      new beginning?
      1. Consider Mary Magdalene and her new beginning. Luke 8:1-3
      2. I'm sure the sinful woman of Luke 7:37-50 made a new
         beginning.
   B. Purity of life begins with a pure heart. Matt. 5:8
      1. Our hearts are purified by our faith. Acts 15:9
      2. Purity of heart is manifested in the way we think. Titus    
         1:15-16
      3. Purity of heart is manifested in how we live. 1 Pet. 1:14-16

II. BE A LEADER.
   A. From the youngest to the oldest, we all can be spiritual       
      leaders as we associate with people from day to day.
   B. We can be leaders by setting the proper example. 
      1. We need the word of God as our guide and the hope of
         heaven as our goal. 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:13
      2. We don't want to be like other people, whose primary goals
         are a good job, a fine home, a new car, a good physic, a
         bountiful retirement or, you name it.
      3. We are not of those who love the world. 1 John 2:15-17

III. BE A FIGHTER. 1 Tim. 6:12; 1:18; Jude 3
   A. There are many paradoxes in Christianity; e.g., you become
      victorious by surrendering; you win by giving up; you live by
      dying; you lose your life by finding it.
      1. We must give up personal pride, prejudice, selfishness, and
         surrender our hearts, minds, and souls to the Lord.
   B. Many people are pessimists; they have the fear of defeat.
      1. Consider the one-talent man. Matt. 25:24-30
   C. We as Christians are not defeatists, but victorious warriors.
      1. During the early days of the Civil War a Union soldier was
         arrested on charges of desertion. Unable to prove his
         innocence, he was condemned and sentenced to die a
         deserter's death. His appeal found its way to the desk of
         Abraham Lincoln. The president felt mercy for the soldier
         and signed a pardon. The soldier returned to service, fought
         the entirety of the war, and was killed in the last battle.
         Found within his breast pocket was the signed letter of the
         president. Close to the heart of the soldier were his       
         leader's words of pardon. He found courage in grace. I      
         wonder how many thousands more have found courage in the    
         emblazoned cross of their King. (From 1041 Sermon           
         Illustrations, Ideas and Expositions, p. 244). 

IV. ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE.
   A. Recently, I watched a documentary on "Navy Seals."
      1. Young men go through agonizing, torturing training so that
         they can become navy seals. Not many qualify. There is great
         pride in those who do.
   B. Similarly, God has placed before us the greatest challenge we  
      will ever have, and let us accept the challenge.
      1. We are not of those who draw back to perdition; but of
         those who believe to the saving of the soul. Heb. 10:38-39
      2. It won't matter if we fail in various worldly endeavors, but
         if we miss heaven, we have utterly failed. Without heaven,  
         we have lost all.
      3. Let us rise up to the challenge that God has placed before  
         us.

V. USE KINDNESS AS A MEANS TO HAPPINESS.
   A. There are bumper stickers which say, "Don't tell me what kind  
      of day to have!" This, no doubt, was written in opposition to  
      those who say, "Have a good day."
      1. Anybody with the "don't tell me" attitude probably won't
         have a good day.
      2. Nevertheless, if we truly want to have a good day, a day
         filled with joy and happiness, let us try kindness. 
      3. Most people are selfish, critical, unfriendly and cold; and,
         because they are that, doesn't mean we have to be,          
         especially when being like them is what tends to make us    
         unhappy.
   B. Eph. 4:32 - If we follow this advice, we'll find that kindness 
      gives birth to kindness. 
      1. For us to be kind doesn't mean that we need to have a lot of
         money, or do great deeds. Anyone can express concern and
         care for the feelings of others. Romans 12:15
      2. Also, anyone can speak in a kind tone to others. The writer
         of Proverbs praised the worthy woman - Prov. 31:26. 
      3. Consequently, if we desire to be happy and wish to
         contribute to the happiness of others, let us try kindness.
         Kindness will work wonders for us as well as others. 

VI. BE LOVING.
   A. We all know that a basic, fundamental principle of Christianity
      is love. John 13:34-35
   B. If we see any of our fellow Christians in need, by all means,  
      let us help them.
      1. 1 John 3:17-18 - Ability plus opportunity equals
         responsibility.
      2. We are to visit the orphans and widows. James 1:27
         a. "Visit" literally involves "going to see and looking upon
            with the view of aiding" (Thayer, p. 242; Vine, p. 190).
         b. One has not visited unless he has personally gone to see
            them and ministered to their needs if they have any.
   C. We need to help one another spiritually.
      1. We all need, as God's people, to help one another and work
         together in unity and love toward the goal of eternal life.
      2. We, the members of the body of Christ, are weak human
         beings trying to do the will of God and need all the help we
         can get.
      3. May the eternal God help us all to help one another.

VII. TRUST GOD MORE.
   A. A gentleman got into a streetcar and noticed a little girl in  
      the car, sitting alone. Radiantly happy and humming a little   
      tune to herself, she was a picture of joy. The gentleman leaned
      forward and asked her, "Little girl, aren't you afraid of      
      riding all alone in this car?" "Oh no!" she replied, "no one   
      can hurt me on this car; my father's the conductor."
   B. We're thundering through the universe at inconceivable speed,
      swept through joy and grief, sickness and health, life and      
     death, all the while our heavenly Father is the conductor.
   C. If we trusted God more, there would be abundant songs of joy
      and praise on our lips. 
      1. Let me ask you a personal question: "Is the Lord your
         shepherd?" If He is your shepherd, you will never lack
         anything. The Psalmist said - Psalm 23:1
      2. The Lord, Jesus Christ is now our good Shepherd. Ezekiel
         34:23; John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:25
      3. Please consider this beautiful passage. Heb. 13:20-21

Concl.
   D. Let us have a spiritual revival in these things:
      1. Purity of life.
      2. Being a leader.
      3. Being a fighter.
      4. Accepting the challenge.
      5. Being happy through kindness.
      6. Loving one another.
      7. Trusting God more.
   E. The following, entitled "I will do more," was published on the
      Internet:
      1. I will do more than belong - I will participate.
      2. I will do more than care - I will help.
      3. I will do more than believe - I will practice.
      4. I will do more than be fair - I will be kind.
      5. I will do more than forgive - I will encourage.
      6. I will do more than earn - I will enrich.
      7. I will do more than teach - I will inspire.
      8. I will do more than give - I will serve.
      9. I will do more than live - I will grow.
      10. I will do more than be friendly - I will be a friend.
   F. Let us endeavor to have a spiritual revival.
      1. Let us make our future the very best it can be.