WITHIN THE DOOR OF REVIVAL
 Part  2     Isa. 64:1-3

Introduction

I. A DELIBERATE RESPONSE TO THE WORD

1. A Famine Of The Word
“Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD,
"That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)
 
  Famine In The Pulpit
Secularized preaching, heavy on opinion and light on doctrine, is to blame for an increasingly “widespread biblical ignorance among Southern Baptists." (R. Albert Mohler Jr., President of Southern Baptist Sem. NC)
 * Lack of Solid Biblical Preaching

  Famine In The Pew
I believe it is seen and evidenced by immature and even (biblically) ignorant Christians in the pew, many falling prey to false doctrines. ( Mohler)

* Where is the hunger for the Word of God?
    - complacent about it.  - entertainment craze
* Shoot the Messenger
   - Jer. thrown in pit because King didn't like message

Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us."  (2 Kings 22:13)

* When God's people do not draw near - they do not experience Dynamic Presence of God -- result in famine of the Word.
   - don't want to heed,  God says "Okay, have it your way."    - Terrible consequences   - look at society which has cast off God's Word and is in a mess.
  - Church dysfuunctional because of famine of Word.

2. The Power Of The Word
* When God comes near His people, He empowers His Word.
* Power in the Word,  comes from God's presence. God comes among His people when we are repentant.

1. Under King Josiah   2 Kings 22-23

2. Under Ezra Ezra 7:10
- Return to Jer. And rebuild the temple - response to Word. 

3. Acts 2
5000 saved — Ananias and Sapphira Ch. 4

4. History
1739- John, Charles Wesley  - revivals in Britain

1859 - Irish revival

1891 Welsh Revival

1857 New York City - 50,000 converted between Mar & May

Power Of The Word Of God To Change Lives
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4:11-13)

* By Word of God Mind is Renewed
* Souls are nourished
* Know Truth by God's Word

3. Our Response To The Word
* Barna Report – very little correlation between what Christians say they believe and how they live.

Possible Responses To The Word
Matthew 13:18

Responding For Blessing

 1. Develop Hunger For The Word
 
 2. Delight In God's Word

 3. Submit To The Authority Of God's Word
   - no pick and choose

 4. Develop A Plan To Absorb The Word

Matt. 7:24 Wise Man and Foolish Man

* WHEN GOD COMES NEAR THERE IS A DELIBERATE RESPONSE TO HIS WORD

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart (Jer. 15:16)

II.   A DEMANDING SENSITIVITY TO SIN

Ezra 10:5-6
VANCE HAVNER HAS SAID, “The world has become churchy and the church has become worldly, and now it is almost impossible to tell them apart."

1. Awesome Holiness of God
 - Unconsecrated people could not approach God (Ex. 19:20-25)
 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.    (I Jn. 1:5)

2. Easy Tolerance of Sin in Our Churches
  – slack in discipline

3.  In Revival There Is a Demanding Sensitivity to Sin
- things that never bothered you before - suddenly are seen for what they really are - sin - rebellion - backsliding

** DURING TIME OF SPIRITUAL AWAKENING IN AFRICA
- Police, authorities astounded at genuine repentance and restitution, not only by new converts but also seasoned believers.
- East London, South Africa reported following returned by repentant believers: 80 sheets, 25 blankets, 24 jackets, 34 trousers, 11 overcoats, 6 women’s coats, 25 dresses, 27 skirts, 50 shirts, 22 bedspreads, 64 hats, 23 towels, 1 table, 4 chairs 50 pillow slips, 15 scissors, 5 hair clippers, 9 wallets, 4 cameras, 4 watches, 3 revolvers, 30 tumblers, etc.

4.   Revival Brings Repentance, Confession, Restitution, and Restoration
* PEOPLE GET TOUCHED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD ABOUT THEIR SIN AND THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
 
 Moses on Mountain - face shown.  Ex. 34:29-35

When God comes near us, we will reflect His holiness.

 WHEN A HOLY GOD DRAWS NEAR A SINFUL PEOPLE, SPARKS FLY.

 * Ark of Covenant
 * Ananias and Sapphira (?)

Conclusion
* Heart Search for Personal Revival Brochure (on web page)

* REPENTANCE   Ps. 51

MIND — 51:3

EMOTION — 51:10; 16-17

WILL  — 51:13

* When God comes near — one of two things will happen.

 1.  Fierce Wrath
 2.  Demanding Sensitivity  — Repentance.