The Evidence of Revival is Changed Lives

Elder Ho Kien Keong
08-01-2017

There is an appointed time when we need to have a sense of resolve and determination. 

Jesus was very clear of His season and His purpose--to bring the love of God to all.

John 6:38New King James Version (NKJV)

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 6:40New King James Version (NKJV)

40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

He gave Himself truly to the great purpose that God has called Him to.

It's been a roller coaster ride in 2016. Going into 2017, it will get bumpier--up and down, and a yo-yo year.

For many people, there will be great anxiety--loss of peace. Relationships will be harder. 

Social media makes life superficial and unreal.

Those days in counselling, it's marriage, parenting, work issues.

Today, it is marriage and mental issues.

"We should be prepared for the challenges ahead and not be spectators."

Be like Jesus Christ: Face the world with great passion, commitment and purpose.

God has released something special to us in this place in this season of time. God is showing His power, control and work in our lives.

Why is God doing this in our midst?

1. Revival fire comes to transform our perspective of life and ourselves: Faith, hope and love arises.

2. Revival fire comes to release the presence and power of God through the Holy Spirit: Peace of God and the supernatural breaks through.

3. Revival fire comes to restore relationships: Starting with families in FGA, and then other families outside as they witness the changes in our lives.

Revival refers to a spiritual awakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer.

It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God's holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness.

Revival invigorates and sometimes deepens a believer’s faith, opening his or her eyes to the truth in a fresh, new way. It generally involves the connotation of a fresh start with a clean slate, marking a new beginning of a life lived in obedience to God.

Revival breaks the charm and power of the world, which blinds the eyes of men, and generates both the will and power to live in the world but not of the world.

We realign our lives in 2017.

We step in at this season of revival + Run together with purpose.

The evidence of revival is changed lives.

Great movements toward righteousness, evangelism, and social justice occur.

Believers are one again spending time in prayer and reading and obeying God's Word.

1. What will be the Centre of my life?

We need anchor on the Rock--Jesus Christ, and the love of God.

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

2. What will be the Character of my life?

2 Peter 1:5-8
...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. What is the Contribution of my life?

John 15:8
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Ephesians 1:11-12
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

For we are all His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.

All of us have a role to play. We are not in a specialist position.

Examples from the Bible:
1. David

Acts 13:36New King James Version (NKJV)

36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;

For David... served the purpose of God in his generation.

2. Abraham

Genesis 18:14New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

3. Moses

All his mistakes, pains and struggles were burned away at the burning bush.

4. Joseph

Genesis 50:20New King James Version (NKJV)

20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Real life example:

5. Eric Liddell

Used his youth to honour God with all his life. His purpose was to be a missionary in China. One man, one life influenced a generation and a country.