Reignition

- James 1:21-27 (CSB)

James 1:21–27 (CSB)

21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Monkey Suit

- God in second place?

When did we get to the point to where it’s ok to put God is in second place?

Years ago, community members would adjust their lives around the church.

They would buy their home close to the church.

They would congregate at the church.

The church was the center of the community

Today, God and the church are placed on the

“I ll try to go” List Or the “I’ll try to make it” List.

We all know what that list means don’t we?

It means, “If nothing else more important comes up”

Or if “I” Feel like it.

Really?

As if you are doing God a favor by showing up.

Where do we get the audacity?

Who taught us that?

Really?

Where do we learn this?

It’s bad enough to have to admit that, God is in competition with FB Youtube &Twitter, theses days.

I guess He’s dealing with the “I don’t feel like it crowd” too.

Its funny how many of these crowds feel like it when their lives are upside down

Or when someone is sick, Amen?

- The “Where is God?” Question

In the days just after the 9-11 twin towers attack, the churches were packed.

Its funny how when COVID first started taking over the news casts, people were asking “Where is God with COVID?”

Every time there is a natural catastrophe Or disaster in their lives,

The First question out of their minds is “Where’s God?”

Its also funny how in times of great disaster the first person that seems to be missing is God.

Hebrews 13:8 (CSB)

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

He hasn’t moved.

He hasn’t left on vacation

He hasn’t changed His address.

It is us who have moved

- Where were We?

So, maybe, in times of Trauma We should ask, where were we?

In the gospels, we are told that in the days of Noah,

people were eating and drinking and carrying on with their lives up until

The flood came and wiped it all out.

I can tell you where we were during disasters

During Hurricane Katrina, We were standing by while our American President urged Israel to give away some of its regained land

We were debating Homosexual marriage

During the fight to kick prayer out of schools We were debating abortion and women's right of choice

During Covid, we were impeaching a sitting president

We were Persecuting Christians bakers etc. for refusing to accommodate Homosexual marriages.

But we have turned a blind eye to ourselves and immediately blame God for it.

Where is God?

Where are YOU?

- Let’s show the World, we are here!

Today, we are kicking off a Revival here in Anna, IL.

This is an opportunity to be THERE!

Show the world who you are and what you believe.

Now for those of you who are here

- Why do we come to church?

What do you come for?

This is a house of God!

(Talk about couple that didn’t want a religious wedding)

Why ask me?

I am a minister of the Gospel.

This is a house of God.

We are going to learn life application messages to the Gospel

Here we learn of how God desires us to live out our lives in service to Him.

(Talk about Man responding, “I don’t care what the pastor says”)

So, I asked, Then why do you go to church?

Is it ok to listen to the Pastor every Sunday Except for these couple of things here and there?

Is it really up to us to practice what “WE” feel is right?

Does it matter what the Bible says?

If we don’t agree, is it ok to disregard?

What do you expect to gain if you aren’t going to apply what you learn here?

- We are Christian!

My daughter once criticized me about taking her to a Christian Counselor.

Saying, “You just want them to tell me what the Bible says”

I said, Duh! What did you expect?

To take you to a

Hindu,

Buddist,

Muslim,

or Secular evolution believing Counselor?

I said, Hello, We are Christian!

The Problem with this type of half in half out walk with Christ is this.

With one foot you want Jesus as Savior, but when it comes to giving up this world, you turn a blind eye, & dip your toes ever so lightly back

James 1:14–15 (CSB)

14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

- Be the Church

If you are for Him, the Live as if you are for Him.

If you haven’t been Living for Him, then let this re-ignition, a Revival of your service to Him.

Start to Live for him,

Start right now, today, don’t wait.

Invitation

Let the ambers be stirred with the wind of re-committment so it fans the flames of a reawakened blaze for Christ.

Don’t just come to church, Be the Church!