What if your church is on the verge of revival? Would you know it? Let’s hope so. The outbreak of the presence and power of God overwhelms people. People can be struck by the weight of his glory, both wonderful and terrifying. Revival restores hope, renews life, and irrevocably changes people, but where does it start?
How do we know when a revival is starting?
In Luke 6:46, Jesus says, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?“ Jesus was calling out hypocrisy, disobedience, and inaction. So many believers and churches today suffer from being religion-bound rather than bound to the Word of God and responsive when He speaks. If we listen and do what God says, we set ourselves apart. We also bring glory to God. Revival begins there.
Jesus was speaking to the corrupt, hypocritical religious leaders in those days who would not listen to him and had built their houses on sand (verse 49). The storm will come and destroy the house, just as the Roman Empire crushed Jewish revolt and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. Jesus’ prophetic message focused on his Father’s house (Matt. 21:12, 24:1-2).
Today, believers walk out of church unmoved and not planning on doing anything differently in their lives. The world is in trouble, and we have access to the Almighty God who can turn things around and bring life to anyone and everyone. But have we built a church on the rock that could stand this storm?
A storm rises on the horizon. The people of God can and must stand firm. Let’s build our homes, families, churches and lives on the foundation of God and do what He says.
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.
48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Questions:
Do you always do what God says?
When was the last time you decided to do something differently and make changes in your life in response to the Word of God?
