GOD'S CALL TO FALL

GOD’S CALL TO FALL
2 Corinthians 7:8–11

13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 NIV

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4:16 NIV

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying…He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray." Samuel Chadwick said,

Revival is renewed interest after indifference.

I. REPENTANCE IS THE FIRST STEP TO REVIVAL

Every thing God wants to give you is coming through the funnel of repentance.

Come, let us reason together. Though your sins be like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they can be as wool." Isaiah 1:18 NIV

Repentance is change in every way at every level. It is recognizing sin for what it is, followed by heartfelt sorrow culminating in changed behavior.

II. CHARACTERISTICS OF A REPENTANT HEART

1. Repentance is the first step toward revival

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their sexual sin and rebellious spirit, they grieved.

Grief over sin is good, first come a bad place to get to a good place.

Repentance was the message of every Old Testament prophet and a key theme in the New Testament.

2. Repentance leads to grief over sin.

The Greek word for "grief" is used 26 times in the New Testament.

Worldly sorrow is regretting being caught. Godly grief is feeling shame at our rejection of God and choice of sin.

3. Repentance leads to disgust towards sin.

Repentance is going with increased urgency an eagerness to do business with God. The thing you once desired is now gross.

4. Repentance leads to restitution toward others.

Repentance causes an energetic pursuit to fix the fallout of your sin.

Zacchaeus is the model of restitution (Luke 19:1–10)

5. Repentance leads to revival toward God.

The joy of the Lord comes back and we want to experience more of Him.

6. Repentance leads to moving forward.

Worldly repentance only focuses on the mistake - Godly grief produces grace and cleansing.

Repentance always takes you to a good place.