03/09/2000

Introduction:

1. Luke 15:11-24 I love this story

1. story of love and forgiveness
2. story of hope
3. story of a second chance
4. story of new life

2. Revival is coming back to life from a dead or useless state

1. sin will cause you to be dead or useless
2. Ephesians 2:1-7 God made us alive in Christ—that’s the gospel power for you

3. What has caused our need for revival?

1. sin
2. neglecting God
3. laziness
4. discouragement

4. Ezekiel 37:1-12

1. "Son of man, can these bones live?"
2. 'Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.'
3. "And I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life, (14)

Some Things Needing Revival!

1. Rev. 2:4-5 Ephesus left its first love

1. remember from where you have fallen
2. repent
3. do the deeds you did at first

2. Ezek. 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

3. What causes a dead, callous, stony heart?

1. sin Heb. 3:12,13 Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
2. not knowing God Eph. 4:17-24

• darkened in their understanding
• excluded from the life of God
• callous and hardened
• given over to pleasure
• but you did not learn Christ in this way!

1. 2 Tim. 1:3-7 Timothy, stir up your fire

1. not a spirit of timidity
2. but a spirit of power and love and discipline.

2. Rev. 3:14-20

1. Laodiceans were "lukewarm" and distasteful to Jesus

• realize your condition (3:17)
• return to Me for what you really need (3:18)
• take reproof (3:19)
• fire up and repent (3:19)
• reopen your heart (3:20)

Conclusion:

Only you can open your heart

Jesus will knock but you must open the door

Restore to your life the love and joy of your salvation

Come to the Lord!