## Evidence Of Revival

## Joshua 1:1-18

Last week, we had a great service here. Many folks came forward to recommit themselves to the work that God has for us to do. Others spoke of the power of God sensed in the service. A few mentioned the term 'Revival'. Revival is needed for both the church as a corporate body, and for the individual believer.

Now the biblical term is 'revive' and it is of God; it is not the work of the pastor, evangelist, or even ourselves. So, the question is this, how will we know whether we have been revived? What will be the evidence?

When a man marries a wife he gives some evidence that he is married. Something is wrong, if a new bride or groom tells you that nothing has changed in their life after marriage. There should be some evidences both outward and inward.

- The wedding rings and marriage license.
- The wedding photos and video.
- The new home they begin together.
- The expressions of love for each other.
- All of these and more should be present and give evidence that there has been a major change in their lives.

I believe that in much the same way, there will be some evidence when a person or a church experiences revival. Our lives will not be the same the next day after having revival. If it is, then whatever happened was not genuine revival! Let give you some thoughts on the evidence of revival.

I. When Revived, We Will Have a New Attitude.

Attitude = Our mental position toward others.

A. Toward God.

1. How we view God will be different.

2. He will be more than just a 'force' or 'power'.

3. He will become less distant and more personal.

4. We will go to Him in times of trouble.

(Psa 138:7) "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me."

B. Toward Believers.

1. We will replace the 'They' mentality with the 'We' mentality.

2. We will recognize our need for other believers and their need for us.

3. Co-laborers means that we are to work together to accomplish something great for God.

(Neh 4:6) "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work."

C. Toward the Lost

1. The songwriter put it this way…

Let me see this world, dear Lord, As though I were looking through Your eyes.

2. What do we see when we look at the lost?

3. Some see people to be avoided, but we ought to see souls who are dying and on their way to a Christ-less eternity.

II. When Revived, We Will Have a New Determination.

A. To be consistent.

1. In our personal walk with God.

2. Bible reading and prayer will be a priority rather than being relegated to the back corner of our 'to do list'.

3. Our attendance at church will be regular rather than sporadic.

4. We will be determined to follow through in spite of the obstacles in our paths.

B. To Serve the Lord.

1. We will volunteer to help in any way that is needed.

2. We will serve willingly and with rejoicing.

(Josh 24:15b) "…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

(Psa 100:2) "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

3. We will desire to please our Lord through our service to Him.

(Col 3:23) "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"

III. When Revived, We Will Have a New Enthusiasm

A. With regard to our faith.

1. Realizing what God has done for us.

2. How that in giving His Son on Calvary, not just our lives, but our eternal destiny has been changed.

3. Now that ought to get us excited!

4. Story of old farmer who used to shout in church.

a. Pastor came to ask him to hold it down.

b. Farmer begins to tell of what the Lord had done for him and his family.

c. He can't help but shout!

5. When we are enthusiastic about our faith, it will change how we live!

(Gal 2:20) "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

B. In regard to our faithfulness.

1. Christianity should be more about who we are, than about what we do!

2. Do you know Christians that are up and down…hot and cold?

3. Jesus said that makes Him sick!

(Rev 3:16) "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

4. History records how that under great persecution by Rome, Christians were drenched with tar, crucified, and set ablaze.

5. Perhaps that is where the concept of being 'on fire for God' originated.

6. Will our lives burn for the Lord and light the way for others to come to Christ?

7. They will, if we have truly been revived!

C. In regard to the future.

1. The Bible is an exciting Book.

2. The future is bright for the child of God.

3. We are on the brink of a new millenium.

4. Many are speculating and wondering what it will bring.

5. It may bring the return of our Lord!

(Rev 22:12) "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

(1 Th 4:16) "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

Revival brings a new attitude toward God, other believers, and the lost. It brings a new determination to be consistent in our walk and our service to God. It brings a new enthusiasm about what God has done, and what He will do in the future! Have we been revived? Time will tell. The evidence will prove whether it was a work of God or a work of the flesh.

There can be no revival until first there is life in Christ. We cannot return to somewhere we've never been. Perhaps you have never trusted Christ and received the precious gift of salvation.