Taking the Baton of Faith

Revival.

History of Great Awakenings.

We saw real revivals that happened post book of Acts.

Owning Revival.

It is not enough that we know ABOUT revivals, we have to desire it, we have to OWN it - Repentance and Reverent Fear of God.

Direction of Revival.

Off to the races!

Before we start the race, we need to make sure we are on the right course!

2017 Venice Marathon.

It was a big day for Italian marathon runner Eyob Faniel, who came in first place at the Venice Marathon Sunday — after the race’s frontrunners were led astray from the course by a motorcycle guide.

In the surprising twist, the leading pack at about 16 miles in — which included several favorite front-runners — ran “several hundred meters” in the wrong direction before doubling back to correct the error, according to ITV. But that was enough for local runner Faniel, the first Italian athlete to win the race in 22 years, to solidify his lead, according to The Guardian. His final time was 2 hours, 12 minutes and 16 seconds. One of the original frontrunners who made the wrong turn came in fourth.

The finish line of this race is in the center of the romantic city of canals. It’s undoubtedly a beautiful view— although those disappointed runners may need more than scenic ocean views and Italian pasta to compensate for their frustration at the unexpected turn of events.

Before, we run the race, we have to make sure that we are on the right course.

I believe that the Lord is leading our church into a major course correction.

Course Correction.

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

This verse talks about a race that has already been set before us.

Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - what is this referring to?

The Saints mentioned to us in Hebrews 11.

Question: What are they mentioned here for, what does it mean that they are witnesses?

They are not mere spectators or cheerleaders for us, while we run the race. (witnesses)

They were forerunners of our witness, they testify to the truth of our faith and reinforce it.

It is like the baton was passed to the early church so that they have become the witnesses in their generation.

I preached about Jesus’ commission in Acts 1:8.

Acts 1:8 ESV

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

So the gospel spread.

We are told that to run the race, we have to:

Remove

Repent

Remain

Remove hindrances that weigh heavy on us. (discuss)

Repent of our sins.

Remain in the race. Endure means to remain and to reside.

Image for Endure Here.

Last Sunday, we talked about overcoming in the midst of adversity.

Gospel spread through persecution.

Jerusalem Acts 8.

Paul’s Conversion in Acts 9.

Paul himself suffered through persecution.

The gospel spread ==> to Asia Minor (First Missionary journey)

Macedonian call:

Acts 16:6–9 ESV

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

We have to be sure we are on the right course. The Holy Spirit redirected Paul to go another direction. Paul’s plans were to continue to go to the unreached places of Asia Minor, but God directed him to another place.

Without the redirection of the Macedonian call, Paul would not have gone to Macedonia, Athens, Philippi, Thessalonica and Corinth. Five of the New Testament epistles were written to these churches.

European gate country. The gospel would have just stayed in Asia and not have gone west to Europe if Paul did not heed the Macedonian call.

The lesson here is this:

It is a Greater Blessing if it takes our obedience, not persecution to spread the gospel.

God impressed this in my heart today.. While I was listening in and praying in this morning’s ANA prayer conference call.

You are more blessed as a church, if the Lord does not need to send persecution in order for the gospel to spread. It will be spread by our outright obedience.

This is why we are now a missional church.. we obey the Great Commission in taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth, that is our direction because in doing that we are already on the right course - our church will not need to experience another course correction..

That is my, I should say our shared philosophy of ministry in this new season of our church.. believe me we can never go wrong.

Last principle:

Set our sights on the ultimate prize, Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

He already perfected the faith. Seated at the right hand, (significance, proximity)

Picture of His finished work.

We run on the basis of the finished work of Christ.

There is also an eschatological meaning..

Psalm 110:1 ESV

1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Jesus will once again stand at the right hand of God, when He returns.

Jesus’ coming draws near as we complete the Race.

Last principle, to whom much is given much is required.

We need to make sure we are on the right course!

It is a Greater Blessing if it takes our obedience, not persecution to spread the gospel.

Set our sights on the ultimate prize, Jesus.