REVIVAL. 1 THE CALL OF THE LORD TO REPENTANCE. This is an example of those events which lead to revival. Rest assure that revival is much on the heart and thinking of the Lord. A last day restoration to the church of the fullness of His power and glory is very much in order. The invitation of the Lord was sent to Israel to turn from their fallen state. Hos. 14:1 They were to take words, words of confession, of a godly sorrow, of repentance, and turn unto the Lord. The blessing of the Lord Jesus is found by a people who are willing to turn away from their iniquities. Acts 3:25 AN ACT THAT NOT ALL ARE WILLING TO PERFORM. A direct acknowledgement of the spiritual condition of the heart and soul. Take away ALL iniquity. Revival follows repentance. All the great revivals of history are preceded by a deep rooted longing to be clean, pure and released from all binding sins. David cried out to be washed from his sin. The burden of his actions weighed heavily upon him. He looked for a clean conscience and a right spirit once again. Ps. 51:3 As a consequence he was able to declare his spiritual poverty to the Lord and know beyond a shadow of a doubt the Lord heard him. He was then delivered from all of his troubles. Ps. 34:6 Transgression is the road to much trouble. The way of the transgressor is hard. Pr. 13:15 It is a rough old road without Christ. RECEIVE US GRACIOUSLY. As the father of the prodigal received his wayward son with open arms of love and mercy, so the Lord waits to respond to those who turn to Him. It is the great abundance of His goodness which leads a person to repentance. Paul expressed it as "the riches of His goodness", Or His graciousness toward the repentant sinner. Added to that is the riches of His willingness to be patient, and manifest His forbearance or tolerance toward mankind. Also, the riches of His longsuffering, or willingness to deal patiently with the sinner. In such a manner He makes know His character for He is the very epitome of the goodness that brings man to repentance and consequently salvation. Rom. 2:4 Having received of His exceeding great riches it becomes the nature of the one receiving such unmerited favor to give praise unto the Lord, in song and with words of adoration. He is well pleased with the praises offered Him from the heart of His redeemed. The Lord and the Lord alone is worthy of the fruit of our lips and the praise of our heart and life. He deals graciously with us. REVIVAL. 2 Although the word revival is not found as such in the New Testament it is a movement of the Spirit that is desperately needed today. The closest thought of such a work of the Spirit is found in the words of Paul to Timothy. "Stir up the gift of God, which is in you." 2 Tim. 1:6 The gift was already given and was present, though apparently dormant. The Greek margin states, to stir into flame. This calls for a refreshing a springing into life of that which had previously been exercised and currently was not in evidence. Revived is found in Rom. 14:9 and is an excellent word to illustrate the meaning of the word. Speaking of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, it speaks of His resurrection. To be brought to life. Resurrection life. New life. Spiritual life. We are to obtain a "lively hope" by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The power of His resurrection, of His life will flow through His revived church. 1 Pet. 1:3 Samson, revived. His name is derived from the Hebrew word Shemesh and means sun, or little sun. He was indeed a light during a time when Israel was in subjection to the Philistines. His experience was most unique. He had used a most unusual weapon to destroy two thousand of the Philistines who had come against him. The jaw bone of an ass was hardly a weapon that one would choose to do battle. But then, this is Samson, a man empowered by the Lord with great physical abilities and strength. Having slain such a large number he was immediately thirsty. So much so, that he thought himself about to die. The Lord opened a place in the same jawbone and water came out. His thirst was quenched and his spirit was revived. He called the name of that place, En-hakkore, or the fountain of One calling. Revival has two elements which are pre-eminent. The Word and the Spirit. It is certainly not too difficult to see the victory of the Word and the refreshing of the Spirit in the experiences of Samson. The Lord supplied the whole of Israel and their flocks in the desert in a supernatural fashion. Then Paul declared that rock to be Christ, or the anointing. 1 Cor.10:4 It is also important that we consider the fact that his victory was over the Philistines who were a thorn in the side of Israel. They represent the world and the flesh. Both of which must be conquered if we are to have a true revival. The promise of the Word is that of a last day revival, in particular among the youth. He has promised it and it will take place. Joel 2:29 REVIVAL. 3 THE BEGINNING OF REVIVAL. Revivals roots and foundation are in prayer, a time of earnestly seeking the Lord. This does not speak of casual prayer but a prayer of importunity. A searching after the Lord in great sincerity and fervor. The Lord awaits that type of approach and strong searching for Him. The call of the Spirit to the church is to, "seek the Lord." Isa. 55:6a It is a good thing to seek after Him. Men ought always to pray. The response of David is an excellent example. When the Lord told him to seek His face, David replied and said; " Thy face will I seek." He was wise in his reaction to the request of the Lord. It paid off well for him. Ps. 27:8 IT IS NOT DIFFICULT TO FIND HIM. It is an act of wisdom to seek Him, "while He may be found." Isa. 55:6b The time to seek Him is now. He has afforded us the opportunity to come boldly to the throne of grace. However, that can change. With Israel there came a time when their iniquities and sins caused the Lord to turn a deaf ear toward them. Isa. 59:12 Men pray to nature, now. The day will come, at the second coming of Christ, when they will call for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from His face. Rev. 6:15-16 THE TIME IS NOW. The Lord Jesus still makes Himself available to all who will call upon His name. Call upon Him, "while He is near. Isa. 55:6c Those which gain His attention are these who seek after Him. He has declared Himself close to those who call upon Him. Ps. 145:18 He has promised us that if we draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto us. A VERY SPECIAL CALL. One that is extended to both the church and the world. Where there is wickedness we are urged to rid ourselves of it, to turn away from it. Likewise to alter the thought pattern of our minds. Where there is repentance from these there is revival. The confession of sin and a Godly sorrow are foundational in any real move of the Spirit. It is here that the Lord will make known His all abundant mercy and pardon. Isa. 55:7 Paul presented the Lord Jesus as being rich, abounding in mercy, forgiveness and grace toward those who know Him as savior and redeemer. Eph. 2:4 He is available to forgive us all of our trespasses, none excluded. This all, includes each and every act of sin. Col. 2:13 A pardon issued by the Lord is more powerful and lasting than any issued by a president or governor. The Lord's is everlasting. REVIVAL. 4 THE LORD HAS A GOAL IN EVERY REVIVAL. There is always a refreshing spiritual blessing made available to those who are His. The last day revival will completely change the outlook of the church. They will come to a realization of what Paul meant when he spoke of the "high calling of God in Christ Jesus." It had to have been the greatest spiritual drive in his life. It was certainly the longing and desire of his heart and soul. He had a vision of the glorious prize being offered to one and all who would meet the necessary achievements in the Lord to gain that reward. Anyone who has ever pressed into the Lord in earnest seeking after the things of the Lord will certainly recognize the intensity of his prayer. Phil. 3:14 WHAT HE SOUGHT AFTER. He had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus which completely altered his life. His comprehension of the will of the Lord for the last days was greater than all. Because of his knowledge of the last days he spoke of himself as being one "born out of due time." 1 Cor. 15:8 The spirituality, the revelation of the divine nature in him was that which will be manifest in the last day church. The revelation of a church reaching the maturity which is found in Christ was given him. It was shown to him but because of his time of birth and conversion he would not be a part of it, even though he thoroughly understood the purpose of the Lord. He saw, in the Word and by revelation what the Lord would be able to accomplish in the last day church. A people who will touch the perfections which are in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:15 COMPLETE IN CHRIST. In life, growth leads to maturity. In the Spirit it develops into a completeness, an accomplishment of the will of the Lord in the lives of His people. As there is a growth that leads to physical maturity, there must also be a spiritual growth which develops the life of Christ in its fullness in those who are His. He recognized that he had not yet arrived at the goal of his life in Christ. Therefore he was determined to press on until he had apprehended that for which he had been apprehended, or arrested. Phil. 4:13 Jesus presented the challenge to his disciples to be like their Father in heaven. That is as perfect as He is. Mat. 5:48 Certainly most impossible for the natural man and even for Christians who have no vision of the calling and purposes of the Lord in our lives. It is time to quit excusing ourselves and to arise to the challenge that He has presented to His church, particularly so in these last and very difficult days. Make your calling and election certain. REVIVAL. 5 A TURNING POINT. The voice of the Lord as heard in Jeremiah issued a call for the people to turn to the Lord, with their whole heart. Any revival, any move of the Lord requires those who seek Him diligently and with all their soul and spirit. Those who turn to the Lord in heart felt prayer have the assurance that He will hear them. When they seek after Him they will find Him. Again, His response is in accordance with the sincerity and whole heartedness with which He is sought. Jer. 29:12-13 Travailing prayer is necessary for any revival to take place. THREE SIGNS OF A SINCERE HEART. Joel 2:12 FASTING. Certainly not always the most pleasant exercise in seeking the Lord. Even so, it demonstrates a greater hunger for the things of the Spirit than those of the flesh. It brings into subjection the natural nature and desires of man to the will and purpose of the Lord. It is a humbling of the old man, the carnal nature. The spiritual benefits far outweigh any anguish that may be encountered. 2 Chr. 20:3-4 WEEPING. The Lord has said that a broken and contrite heart He will not despise. The scripture specifically designates that the priests and ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar. Joel 2:17 Weeping in prayer indicates a burden and love for the lost. It is not a case of personal sorrow but a cry for the salvation of those who are unsaved. Like those who go forth weeping and sowing, the end result will be rejoicing. Ps. 126:6 To be able to weep before the Lord in prayer is one of the most blessed spiritual experiences. Jesus stood and wept over the city of Jerusalem. He knew that the time of their visitation by the Lord was drawing to a close and that judgment was to follow. Mat. 23:37 MOURNING. Again, not a spiritual work that is because of some sadness or sorrow that is personal. However, knowing the times and the seasons, we enter into a burden in prayer for those who are lost now and soon to be eternally lost, except they repent. It is strong prayer And could easily culminate in a travail in prayer. Certainly the most awesome of prayers and unfortunately frequently misunderstood by church leadership. It is scriptural and will be come more and more evident as we approach the end of the age. Paul spoke of it as a prayer motivated by the spirit. Rom. 8:26 REVIVAL. 6 GOD PROVOKED. The nation of Judah because of their disobedience were well warned of the impending judgment. Nebuchadrezzar, the king of Babylon was declared to be the servant of the Lord as an instrument of punishment. Jer. 25:8-9 Through the prophet, the Lord plead with them to turn from their evil ways. If they continued to provoke Him they would do so to their own hurt. Jer. 25:5-7 They were to spend seventy years in captivity in Babylon. Jer. 25:11 TIME UP. The times and the seasons are in the hand of the Lord. It is in His power to establish leaders and political powers. They are all in His control. He directs them according to His will. Dan. 2:21 The length of the time of their captivity was determined by the fact that they had not kept the fiftieth year as a sabbatical year. Therefore they were removed for the seventy Sabbaths which they had ignored. 2 Chr. 36:20 As Daniel read the books of the prophets he was given a revelation that the time of captivity was coming to a close. Dan. 9:2 RELEASED AND GOING HOME. Cyrus, the king of Persia had by this time taken control. He too was about to become the servant of the Lord. This time help the Jews return to Jerusalem and their own land. Ezra 1:1 It is in this return and restoration that we find a type of revival. The task was not easy, nor the burden light. They faced much opposition in spite of the cooperation of Cyrus. Any task performed for the Lord will face test and trials as they pursue their goal. It is worthy to note that Cyrus acknowledged that "the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem." Ezra 1:3 SPIRITUAL REVIVAL. Cyrus urged the people of Judah, not only to rally to the work but to donate generously to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:4 When the Lord is in a work, He always finds laborers who are willing to work and accomplish the task at hand. The leadership of Judah and Benjamin, immediately responded as did the priest and the Levites. Both secular and religious elements of the captivity were moved upon to work. The people respond beautifully by gifts of every kind. Ezra 1:6 These are those whom the Lord had stirred up by their spirit. Ezra 1:5 More wonderful yet, was the fact that Cyrus returned all the vessels used in the former temple which had been taken by Nebuchadnezzer and which he had desecrated by placing them in the house of his god‘s. Ezra 1:7 =============== Revival 7 - 12 are missing =============== REVIVAL. 13 A RESURGANCE OF THE PROPHETIC UTTERANCE. Haggai, meaning festival or perhaps even festival of Jehovah. His name has significance for it was time for there to be new life interjected into the reinstatement of worship in Jerusalem. For that day a rebuilt temple and city were of prime importance. Sixteen years of inactivity had gone by. Ezra 1:1-4 The people had forgotten their initial purpose and had built for themselves, ceiled houses. The original purpose of returning to Jerusalem had been forgotten or just ignored. Their goal had become that of building for themselves. How quickly man is turned from that which is for the Lord, to seeking that which is for himself. Hag. 1:4 CHALLENGED. A Word from the Lord. His words are not always what we want to hear. A spoiled people want to hear nothing but words which assure them that they are right and that the Lord is with them. A rebuke from the Lord is almost too much to bear. How can He possibly speak that way? Well, He does and He will. His Words to them were words of strength and correction. Stop, "consider your ways." Hag. 1:5 Think of the consequences of putting yourself first and the Lord last. They were paying a great price for doing "their own thing". The way of the Lord is to "seek ye first the kingdom of God". Plus, His righteousness. Mt. 6:33 That will free the Lord to bless and benefit our every effort and add to us that which we desire of Him. Not once, but twice, He spoke this Word to them. We know that when words are doubled in this manner in the scriptures, it is because the matter is of great importance. RESULTS. They were in a dire position. Every effort which they put forth was non productive. In modern day vernacular, they were spinning their wheels. Exerting much in the way of effort but very little advancement, sowing much seed but harvesting small crops, eating, without being satisfied, drinking, but not filled, fully clothed, but cold, earning wages but prices destroyed any real benefit. Like having pockets, purses with holes. Never out of debt but digging a bigger and deeper hole all the time. Hag. 1:6 Solution: tithe, bring offerings unto the Lord, build the house of the Lord. Make the Lord to be first in all things. Their actions had frozen the assets of heaven from descending upon them. The Lord could not bless them, nor would He bless them, UNTIL THEY CHANGED THEIR WAYS. Solution? Obey the Lords financial plan. Hag. 1:10-12 REVIVAL. 14 TRUE SIGNS OF REVIVAL. The reading of the Law before the people. These are people who had been in captivity in Babylon. They were not accustomed to hearing the Word. They were riveted to the hearing of the Word. From morning until midday they stood, listening to the reading of the Law. The Spirit of the Lord was definitely involved in the whole of this event. The rapt attention given and the length of the service could only be accomplished by the presence of the Lord. Neh. 8:3 A SHOW OF RESPECT. Ezra stood on a pulpit of wood. He would be reading to them the way of redemption by blood sacrifice. To us, it would be a word from the cross and salvation through the blood of Jesus. Neh. 8:4 As soon as he opened the book, the people stood up. When Ezra blessed the Lord, the people responded with what had to have been a hearty amen. Their hands were lifted as they bowed their heads in worship unto the Lord. They eventually ended up with their faces toward the ground. It was a day of awakening, a day of reviving for them. In uttermost reverence they came to the Lord with acts of repentance and worship. Neh. 5-6 TEACHING THE WORD. Teachers were instituted to make certain that the people comprehended the words which they were hearing. A proper understanding of the Word is so important to the spiritual well being of a person. Faith comes by hearing, and Hearing by the Word of the Lord. Rom. 10:17 The Lord has ordained that faith is created in our hearts as we hear His Word. The Word was read in a clear and distinct manner so that all hearing would be able to grasp its meaning. Every possible step was taken that the Word might be understood and obeyed. Neh. 1:7-8 The people on hearing the Word, wept, for they realized how far they had wandered from the will and purpose of the Lord. The Law would have immediately revealed their sinfulness to them. The Apostle Paul, who was immersed in the Law, and a strong proponent of the same, came to the realization that the Law could not justify a person. It could only reveal and condemn them for their sin. For by the Law is a knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20 No wonder they wept. They could only see themselves as sinners before the Law. Only in the Lord Jesus can we find a solution for our sinful condition and find one who can forgive, cleanse and liberate us from sin. REVIVAL. 15 A HOLY DAY. A day of celebration. Neh. 8:9 They reacted to the Word by weeping and mourning as they realized the seriousness of their violation of the Word. Now, their leadership commanded them to make the day a day of rejoicing. How like the Lord to change our mourning into dancing and gird us with gladness instead of sackcloth. We would not know the blessing of those days which He alters, were it not for the negative events of our lives. Ps. 30:11 A DAY OF SHARING. Eat the fat, drink the sweet and share, send portions. Neh. 8:10 Israel was to be a sharing people that there not be any who lacked among them. That commandment reached even to their care for the Levites, orphans, widows and the strangers among them. Note Deut. 26:13 A sure sign of revival is given to us by the early church. After the baptism of the Spirit they were of such accord that they had all things in common. The divine unity that had come to them through the Holy Spirit was so strong that they were able to share all of their possessions as one body in Christ. Acts 2:44, 4:32 Revival is evidenced by the generosity of the hearts of those involved. Too often we forget the promise of the Lord Jesus pertaining to giving. He taught that when a gift is given there is a return, a reward. It comes with a "good measure," that is an honest, generous portion. That in itself would be an ample return. He also spoke of it as being "pressed down," packed tight and compressed. "Shaken together," rocked to and fro causing the contents to fit tightly one to another. The ultimate is that it is "running over," or overflowing. Now that is a full and complete return on the gift which was given. Luke 6:38 THE ONLY TRUE SOURCE OF STRENGTH. What a contrast. They started the day filled with sorrow and remorse and ended the day with gladness. Regardless of what we face in life, Jesus will take our days of mourning and turn them into rejoicing. Blessed are those who have found that the joy of the Lord is their strength. Neh. 8:10 David said, "my heart trusted in him, and I am greatly helped, therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth." Ps. 28:7 How important it is to have our hearts focused on the Lord. He is indeed the saving strength of his anointed. Ps. 28:8 The anointing and revival are synonymous, there cannot be one without the other. The Holy Spirit, the anointing of the Lord will move the heart toward the things of the Spirit. REVIVAL. 16 A SIGNIFICANT DISCOVERY. The first day of the seventh month was to be a holy day, a Sabbath. Not the weekly Sabbath but a special Sabbath. It was to be a day of the blowing of trumpets celebrating the beginning of the new year. Num. 29:1 From the explanation of the Word, which they readily understood, they prepared themselves booths. Neh. 8:14 They then went into the mountains and forest and gathered five manner of branches with which they would construct booths, in five areas. Neh. 8:15-16 This was to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt. Lev. 23:42-43 THE FIVE TREES USED AS MATERIAL FOR THE BOOTHS. The olive tree. The tree of which its first usage in the scriptures was significant of the end of the flood, and the introduction to a time of peace. The olive tree is one of the most useful trees in the land of Israel. Its golden oil found many uses. It typifies the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The feast of the seventh month has no fulfillment, as yet, in the spiritual life of the church. It was the last feast of the year established under the Law. Its enactment at that time signified the last day revival and a mighty outpouring of the Spirit in the last days. Joel 2:28-29 In an age of testing and trial those who know their God shall do exploits by the authority of the word and the power of the anointing. Dan. 11:32 The pine tree. The evergreen. Typical of the tree of life. One of the trees to be found in the restored garden of Eden. Isa. 41:19 The refuge of the Bride during the tribulation will be beautified of the Lord until it is like the garden of Eden of old. The first Adam met his Eve in the garden of Eden. The Last Adam will be with His wife in the wilderness garden of Eden. The sanctuary of the Bride will be a place of thanksgiving, joy, gladness and singing. Isa. 51:3 The beauty, the glory and majesty of Lebanon will be given to the place of His sanctuary. His footstool will not be one bit less glorious than His eternal and everlasting throne. It is the place of life everlasting. Some consider this tree to have been the wild olive tree. How significant that would make it. The Bride is composed of both the domesticated and the wild tree, Jew and Gentile. All who have been anointed by the Spirit of the Lord. REVIVAL. 17 TREES. Continued. THE MYRTLE TREE. The myrtle represents freedom and liberty. Zechariah, in his vision, received the message of the approaching rebuilding of Jerusalem from the angel of the LORD, who was standing among the myrtle trees Zech. 1:8, 16 The story of Hadassah, the Jewish form of Esther, is one of deliverance and freedom. Est. 2:7 The tree itself, grew as a bush, but where there was significant moisture, it could grow to significant height. Its leaves were scented. Its flowers, like small white stars, with dark berries, which were eaten. The scented leaves, make us think of the perfume of His presence. The white star like flowers, of His purity, His rightness. The berries, of His constant sustenance. Isaiah presented a positive word on the myrtle tree by declaring that it would replace the brier. Isa. 55:13 That is certainly an excellent exchange. The time element presented by Isaiah is when the people of the Lord, “go out with joy.” His other reference to the myrtle tree is also in relationship to the wilderness. Isa. 41:19 Therefore to the Bride of Christ, hidden in her place of refuge. Rev. 12:5, 14 Isaiah adds two trees, making it a total of seven. A divine complete number. Showing that the full presence of the Lord will be with the Bride in her wilderness experience. THE PALM TREE. A tree of which there is a great variety. The fig palm was a tree of life for Israel. The psalmist used it as a type of the growth of the righteous. Planted in the house of the Lord and thriving beautifully there. Even in its old age, it is still bearing fruit. PS. 92:12-14 It expresses the thought of joy, peace, contentment, celebration and rejoicing. It was craved Into Solomon’s temple rather profusely. 1 Kings 6:29 Therefore, it became associated with worship. Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by the multitudes, who were carrying palm branches, while proclaiming Him to be the King of Israel. John 12:13 The ultimate will be that moment when the redeemed of all time and nations will stand before Him in the eternal kingdom of the Lord. Clothed in His holiness. With palm branches in their hands. Joyously, proclaiming Him to be the author of Salvation as they fall on their faces before the Lord. Rev. 7:9 Mercy, grace and revival, are established trade marks prior to the judgments of the Lord. We are living in the last days Our world is growing old. This generation will see both revival and judgment. Revival. 18 THICK TREES. Trees with an abundance of leaves or thick with leaves. Leaves are vital to every other part of the tree. Man lost access to the tree of life because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden. The privilege of immortality was taken from them when they lost the ability to eat of the tree of life. Note protection was established for the tree of life. Gen. 3:22 -24 Now, the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. Prov. 11:30 The leaves of the heavenly tree of life are for the healing or the salvation of the nations. These thick trees, used for their booths, as much as any of the others represent the people gathering under the shadow and protection of the tree of life. Rev. 22:2 That which was lost in Adam is restored in Christ. Eternal admittance to the tree of life will be permitted. Rev. 22:14 FIVE LOCALITIES WHERE THE BOOTHS WERE BUILT. The roof top of their own houses. The two men who went to spy out the city of Jericho were hidden under stalks of flax by Rahab, the harlot. Josh. 2:6 This was a sign of the hand of the Lord upon these two. It also foreshadowed the deliverance of a sinner along with her family. Josh. 2:12-14 The sign of the scarlet thread (the blood of redemption) was to hang in her window as a sign to the warriors of Israel. Josh. 2:21 The events which had transpired in Jericho encouraged the hearts of the Israelites that Jericho was to fall before them, Josh. 3:24 In this manner they would remember and celebrate the victor of their forefathers. In the court yard of their personal dwelling place. Their gardens would have been within their fenced yards. Perhaps the sheepfold was also located here. At any rate it would have been a place of great family activity. A place of easy access for the old and the very young. Her in these booths we find unity and worshiping as a family. The courts of the house of the Lord. This would seem to be the most logical site for this kind of action. Here they are gathering around the house of the Lord. Faithfulness to the temple was vital to them. We are exhorted to be more faithful to His house and our gathering together, so much the more so, as the end approaches. Heb. 10:25 This is not the time to wander from the house of the Lord. Revival. 19 FIVE LOCALITIES. Continued. In the street of the water gate. Neh. 8:16 This is where they had first gathered to hear the word of the Lord. Neh. 8:3 The street of the water gate indicates the way by which water was carried into the city. Water is a type of the workings of the Spirit of the Lord. With great joy, water is drawn from the wells of salvation. Therefore we recognize that the Lord is our strength and salvation. Our joy and happiness is found in the waters of salvation. Isa. 12:2-3 He has prepared for those who Love Him, living fountains of water, or the moving of the Holy Spirit in a great way in the end of the age. Not just a fountain but living fountains of the water of life springing forth in the creation of revivals. Rev. 7:17 The street of the gate of Ephraim. Neh. 8:16 Ephraim, means “double fruit.” Joseph stated at the birth of his second son that his name was to be Ephraim, for the Lord had caused him to be fruitful “in the land of his affliction.” Gen. 41:50-52 Revivals may be born out of seasons of trouble. Ephraim is a type of the last day revival which will produce the double portion. The double portion is not just twice as much but indicates a full portion. Its results will be that perfect church which is the Bride of Christ. Eph. 5:27, 32 When Jacob prayed for the sons of Joseph he laid his hand of Ephraim, the second born, rather than on Manasseh, the first born. The birthright blessing was then passed to Ephraim and not to Manasseh. Gen. 48:17-20 The birthright blessing is by faith and grace and not by Law. RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY. The unity of these who participated is taken into account again. “All the congregation.” They whole heartedly followed the Word of the Lord in an act that has to bring revival, they were obedient. Consequently, there was great joy in their midst. Neh. 8:17 Likewise, daily, the Word of the Lord was read to them. There was a real hunger for the Lord and for His Word. These two are conducive to any revival. A deep, deep hunger for the Lord and for the moving of His Spirit in our lives and a complete willingness to be submissive to His Word and will. Seven days they kept the feast and the eighth day was a solemn assembly. Seven days or seven thousand years were allotted for man to live on the earth The eighth day brings us to the New Heavens and the New Earth. 2 Peter 3:8 REVIVAL. 20 A SURE SIGN. The sincerity of the people is self evident as we see them humbling themselves before the Lord. On the twenty-fourth day of that seventh month, the month foreshadowing the completion and perfection of the church, they gathered once again. This time, they gathered together, fasting. Neh. 9:1 The feast of tabernacles was to be a joyous occasion, and it had been to them. Now, it was time for some serious spiritual activities to take place. Fasting is not always an easy practice. However, it does yield good results. Most every revival on record not only resulted from prayer but fasting was also a part of the process. They came also in sackcloth which was a sign of mourning. They also cast dirt upon themselves. Thus, showing absolute abhorrence of their flesh. A God given humility is a good sign of the roots of revival. REPENTANCE. A vital necessity for revival fires to burn. They separated themselves from all strangers. That is, those who had followed them when they left Babylon. This involved even those who had become family members. Neh. 9:2 The enormity of this problem is evident in the book of Ezra. They had taken up the evil ways of a great variety of the heathen. Moreover, Their leadership had also taken from them wives for their sons and had in this manner disobeyed the Lord. Ezra 9:1-2 In a season of sorrow and repentance they agreed to separate themselves from this mixed multitude. Ezra 10:3 Neh. 13:3 They agreed to follow the will of the Lord. The people stood and confessed their sins unto the Lord. We take notice that they did not only confess but they also forsook their sin. Neh. 9:2 THE WORD. Once again the Word of the Lord was a great part of their turning to the Lord. They spent one-fourth of the day hearing the Word of the Lord. Foremost in this restoration, taking place in Jerusalem, is the reading of the Word. One-fourth of the day was spent in confession and in worship unto the Lord. The fact that they were able to worship the Lord is good evidence that they felt forgiven of all the trespasses and sins which had been committed by their forefathers and themselves. Neh. 9:3 These are all elements which produce good results and are foundations in producing a revival of any consequences. So called ‘moves of God’ come and go. Mainly because they lack these fundamentals. The Lord has given us a blueprint, which when followed will do the job, very well. REVIVAL. 21 A SITUATION CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF THE LORD. The repentance which brought revival. Ezra proved himself to be a true spiritual leader. One who entered into, and placed himself in the same position of sinfulness as the people, all though he was not involved. It was their compromise with the people who inhabited the land which created the problem. In a nut shell, they were not separated. Ezra 9:1-2 Following the will of the Lord will cause one to be different from the world in every aspect of life. It is worthy to note that there are seven nations mentioned with whom they were mingled. Seven is a number of divine completion or fullness. The book of Revelation is a book of sevens, for it is the book of the end of the age. We have a picture of the church in the end of the age. The Laodicean church. A church of mixture and compromise. Unfortunately, leadership was involved more than any others. Ezra 9:2 EZRA, THE MEDIATOR. His reaction was one of deep sorrow and true repentance. His response was intense and true hearted. He made himself to be one with the people by using the personal pronoun, we. A true mediator becomes one, with those for whom he is mediating, although he not at all involved with their sin. He who knew no sin, became sin for us. Jesus went even farther than Ezra could. The sinless one, became sin. Making a way whereby all of mankind could become righteous, in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21 There are five manifestations of sorrow and grief evidenced by Ezra. Five is the number of atonement. He tore his priestly robe and mantel. He plucked his beard and the hair of his head. How extreme and very painful but it illustrates the terrific frustration which he felt at that time. The word ‘plucked’ means to make bald or polish. He really meant business and had a deep, deep reaction to the condition of the people. What is our extremity in seeking revival? Then he sat stunned, physically and spiritually numbed because of the situation. I am impressed at his great sincerity and willingness to be a mediator of such great compassion and participation. Ezra 9:3 THERE WAS A PEOPLE OF SINCERITY. These were a God fearing group of people. So much so, that it is said of them that they “trembled” at the Word. Now that is showing reverence. They likely did not go to the same extreme as Ezra but they were concerned and gathered with him to bear his burden and follow in repentance. Ezra 9:4 The Lord always has His seven thousand. REVIVAL. 22 A REVIVAL PRAYER. EZRA, MEANING, THE HELPER. He was perfect for the time and situation. He had led them in the process of rebuilding the physical part of Jerusalem. Now he was taking the leadership in reconstruction of a spiritual life for the whole people. He was a man who was burdened for the spiritual condition of his countrymen. He was under a weight and heaviness that was not necessarily his. Ezra 9:5 This is the same experience which Jesus was to have when He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. That burden of prayer is described as causing Him to be “sore amazed, and to be very heavy.” Then He said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.“ Mark 14:33-34 Such extremity in prayer will produce results, most generally in the salvation of souls. It leads to travail with the result of souls being born into the kingdom of God. Is this what is missing in today’s church? Paul wrote of a manner of prayer, led by the Spirit of the Lord where words were not used. Replacing them was that extreme heaviness, called a burden in prayer. So great and so strong was the cry of the Spirit in the individual that they prayed with “groanings” that were not formed with intelligent and proper words. With great intensity of spirit, soul and body. This prayer cannot be prayed without the involvement of the whole person. This is real intercession. Rom. 8:26 This supreme act in prayer was also exercised by the Lord Jesus. It is not a prayer which we may compel ourselves to pray. It is the prayer of the Spirit using our physical and spiritual nature and praying through us. Jesus in the garden prayed in agony, under great stress. It was His hour of decision. The pressure of the burden was increased and He prayed “more earnestly.” So much so, that He began to sweat great drops of blood. The pressure of the salvation of all men. All who would be saved, rested directly on His decision and consecration to the cross which was being made at that particular moment of time. He knew from before He came into the world that the cross, death and resurrection was to be His portion. Now, as a man, He was brought face to face with what all men would shun. The cross and death. Luke 22:44 Pray to pray this prayer and revival will come. REVIVAL. 23 SUBMISSION BEFORE THE LORD. Ezra humbled himself by dropping on his knees before the LORD. Ezra 9:5 It was an act of submission unto the Lord. It is also an evidence of worship. The lesser bowing before the greater. There are customs among some of the inhabitants of the earth which require a servant to enter the presence of his master, on their knees. It is a manifestation of deep honor and respect. The Lord Jesus is seen kneeling in the garden He prayed to His Father. Paul, likewise bowed his knees before the Lord. Eph. 3:14 While the particular position one takes when praying may not have an effect on the answer. Kneeling is a sign of humbling oneself unto the Lord. COMPLETE SURRENDER UNTO THE LORD. Ezra spread out his hands unto the Lord. Ezra 9:5 - a sign of his utter frustration with the situation which had been discovered among the people. It was a prayer beseeching the Lord for forgiveness. David, because of his great hunger and thirst for the Lord, spread forth his hands as he was praying. Anyone who has ever had a real hunger or thirst for the Lord can associate with his feelings. May we ever have an all co consuming desire for the Son of God, the Lord Jesus. Ps. 143:6 Moses demonstrated power over the elements of nature by stretching forth his hands as an illustration to Pharaoh that the Lord was in control and had all Power. Ex. 9:29, 33 The night I was saved my hands shot up, and remained there for a longer period of time than I could have possibly held them there by physical strength. It has happened many, many times since. What a difference between my raising my hands and the Spirit raising them. There is no weariness when the Spirit moves. REPENTANCE. How vital it is that the sinner coming to the Lord have a sense of guilt and impurity. Even children, who may have lived lives of absolute innocence will weep and feel guilty before the Lord. We are born in sin and sharpened in iniquity. Ps. 51:5 A broken and contrite spirit is a requisite for true repentance and for forgiveness. Ps. 34:18 A complete sorrow, a Godly sorrow because of our wicked ways will gain great results. It will produce a desire for a full change from the old manner of life. A new life will be lived to the glory and praise of the Lord. While tears are not necessary, true tears will often demonstrate that here has been true repentance and a turning from sin. Most necessary is a confession of sin. 1 John 1:9 REVIVAL. 24 CONFESSION. Acknowledging sin or that the person is a sinner is a vital part of repentance. Ezra poured out his heart in national confession. As the priest of the Lord it was his responsibility to become an intercessor and to represent the whole nation. Ezra 9:6-7 He came in great shame. He recognized that their problems were a result of their having forsaken the Lord. The way of the transgressor is hard. Prov. 13:15 Ezra called it, confusion of face. The process of salvation requires, confession with the mouth. Rom. 10:9 Some have had an experience where they had to confess their sins, individually, one by one as the Lord reminded them of the past. Others simply were called upon to proclaim themselves to be a sinner. However it happens, to confess and forsake the past is vital to salvation. GRACE. The fact of their return to Jerusalem, was in itself a great miracle. It was indeed an act of grace. Giving them a brief space and an opportunity to return home to re-establish their relationship with the Lord. Ezra was speaking prophetically when he spoke of, a nail in His holy place. The word nail comes from an unused root meaning to pin through or fast. It is a nail, pin, peg or stake. Strangely enough, the New Testament word for cross, is stauros, an upright pale or stake. Moses, when Israel sinned was commanded to place a serpent made of brass on a pole, a flagstaff. Those bitten by the fiery serpent were healed by coming to that pole and looking upon the brass serpent. Num. 21:8 Jesus said that, “as Moses lifted up the serpent, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” What form was His cross? The cross was God’s nail. Come and look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. THE NAIL. The nail is representative of the Word as presented in Ecclesiastes. They are wise words. The master of assemblies, the one shepherd, the Lord Jesus is that nail in a sure place. Ecc. 12:11 Isaiah proclaimed Him to be, a nail in a sure place. Not only is He that one who secures our salvation but He is also enthroned in His Father’s house. All the glory of the Father is hung upon Him. He is the progenitor of a heavenly race. His offspring are eternal. All the working of salvation is totally dependent on Him Isa. 22:23-24 The establishment of a new nail negates the old nail and it is removed. Isa. 22:25 The showers of latter rain will bring forth from the House of Judah the nail. Zech. 10:4 Jesus was of Judah. Heb. 7:14 REVIVAL. 25 LIGHT AND KNOWLEDGE BY SEEING AND COMPREHENDING. Ezra recognized the fact that there should be an understanding of the Word of the Lord. Not only in the heart of leadership but in the people also. The Word is that which guides our feet in the dark hour and shines a light on the direction we should take. Ps. 119:105 To lighten, is to cause to shine in the darkness. Much like the dawning of a new day. The necessary instructions for an awakening are to be found in the Word. All we need do is to closely adhere to its instructions. The word also contains the thought of being set on fire. Ps. 105:39 Revival is the rekindling of the fire of the Lord in His church.Tongues are a vital sign of the presence of the Spirit but what the church desperately needs today is the baptism of fire. It is as a great a part, if not greater, of the baptism in the Spirit as tongues. Mt. 3:11 With the fire of the Spirit, there is a judgment that is produced against the flesh, the carnal man. The fire of the Spirit will purge the whole man, spirit, soul and body. Isa. 4:4 DELIVERANCE FROM BONDAGE. Reviving, is to be released from those things which are hindrances to the spiritual man. It carries the connotation of quickening, the impartation of life and sustenance. Ezra 9:8 In spite of their bondage in Babylon, the Lord did not forsake them. His mercy and His grace was extended to them by stirring the heart of the heathen leadership to release them to return to Israel and restore their worship unto the Lord. Ezra 9:9 Personal problems developed after their return to Jerusalem. They were side tracked by building their own houses and neglecting the house of the Lord. The Lord corrected the situation through the prophecy of Haggai who warned them that the dearth and poverty in which they found themselves was due to neglecting the building of the house of the Lord. Hag. 1:9 When we place the Lord first before our own natural desires, however legitimate, He will bless our every effort. The Lord enabled them to restore a house of worship. Though it did not begin to compare with the temple built by Solomon. They were able to rebuild the house of worship from the desolation, or the drought and decay into which the temple had fallen. They were also able to restore the walls of the city giving them a sanctuary from their enemies. REVIVAL. 26 REACTION OF EZRA. Once again it is noted that he spent a period of time confessing his and the sins of the people unto the Lord. The confession of sin must first be personal. His prayer was a prayer of deep contrition, for himself and then for the nation. It is worthy to consider here that Daniel used the same approach. He came to the Lord in great humility. Dan. 9:3 He first made his personal confession. Dan. 9:4 Then and only then did he pray for the people. Dan. 9:5 He then included himself in his prayer. The results with Daniel were immediate and tremendous. The man Gabriel (man of God), who is an archangel, appeared to him. Gabriel is the Holy Spirit. Here we see the personality of the Holy Spirit who touched him or laid hands on him. With the touch of the Lord came the revelation of what was to come. Even reaching down to our day. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF FAULT. Shechaniah, (Jah has dwelt), past tense, spoke up and acknowledged that the prayer of Ezra was true and fitting. Then he placed his finger directly on the problem. They had made marriages and alliances with those that were heathen. Ezra 10:2 From the very beginning of their sojourn in heathen lands, the Lord had told them not mix in marriage with the people of the people land into which they about to enter. Ex. 34:12 The saved marrying, the unsaved is usually a passport to trouble. Rarely, do the unsaved get saved after their marriage. Yet, there is still hope For Israel in this matter. Let us make a covenant with the Lord, to put away, to separate ourselves. The cause of separation is immaterial. It is the separation which counts. ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF EZRA. The people were of one heart to follow his instructions from the Lord. They had a fear and trembled at the Word of the Lord. They were not hearers only but were activist, ready to fulfill the Word of the Lord. Let it be done according to the Word of the Lord. Ezra 10:3 What a terrific pattern they are establishing for revival, especially for we who live today. The Lord said, He would respond to those who were humble and of a contrite heart. Those who tremble, the Hebrew word is ruach, wind, air or spirit. In other words it is the spiritual man to whom the Lord will respond and reveal himself in revival fire. Isa. 66:2 The carnal mind or person can only produce death. It is the spiritual mind, the mind of Christ which promotes life. Both natural life and spiritual life. Rom. 8:6 =============== Revival 27 - 43 are missing =============== REVIVAL. 44 The believer. What a key word ‘believer’. The person who has faith. One who simply, readily believes what has been promised to them. It opens wide the door of the vast store house of the riches of the glory of the Lord. To the person of faith, all things are possible. The person of faith will not only duplicate the works of the Lord Jesus, but will perform more, greater (in volume) than He did. John 14:12 There is no limit to the works of faith. There are no impossibilities when true faith is exercised. Of the mighty works which the Lord Jesus performed only a small portion is recorded in the scriptures. John recognized the magnitude of them when he wrote that if all the works of the Lord Jesus were written in books, there would not be room enough to store them on the whole earth. Mightily impressive and exceedingly challenging that we wake up to the possibilities which are set before us. John 21:25 Pentecostal increase is amazing. Peters sermon on the day of Pentecost resulted in the addition of three thousand souls to the church in Jerusalem. Acts 2:41 The miracle performed by Peter and John at the gate called beautiful resulted in their incarceration in the local jail house. But it was responsible for the conversion of some five thousand men, how about women and children? The message of the disciples was pungent and right to the point. It emphasized the need of repentance. They pulled no punches in their preaching. Acts 4:4 The judgment of death upon Ananias and Sapphira did not diminish the addition of souls to the church but rather increased their numbers greatly. The number given is ‘multitudes’, how many is that? Surely a huge number. Acts 5:14 So forceful was the presence of the Spirit among them that those who were insincere and false dare not join with them. Acts 5:13 All the while many signs and wonders were happening among the believers. Acts 4:12 So intense and powerful was the Spirit of the Lord in Peter that even his shadow was filled with virtue and healing force. The people lined the streets with the sick and afflicted that as he passed by they might be healed by that shadow as it passed over them. Acts 5:15 The multitudes came from the area surrounding Jerusalem and they were healed, every one of them. Acts 5:16 Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, and today and forever. Heb. 13:8 Fight the good fight of faith. 1 Tim. 6:12 =============== Revival 7 - 14 Revival 27 - 43 are missing =============== incomplete (because of missing episodes only) 07:47 14/01/2007 formatting edited eof