July 3, 2005
Morning Sermon Outline
“Revive Us Again: Our Nation’s Need for Revival”
Psalm 85; 2 Chronicles 7:14
I. Consider the state of our nation morally and spiritually, especially in light of where we once were:
1. We have shunned a gracious name, we were once called a “Christian Nation”
2. We have kicked God out of our public schools – “we have not wanted to retain God in our knowledge” – Romans 1:28
3. We still sing about freedom, but more and more moral freedom is being replaced by the distorted notion of natural freedom – Judges 21:25
4. We used to believe strongly in the sanctity of human life, but more and more this believe is being replaced by a quality of life ethic, hence abortion – Job 39:13
II. Consider the remedy God has provided for such a terrible situation – 2 Chronicles 7:14
1. God’s people need to humble themselves -
A. This is not our tendency, we tend to look at the wicked world and in comparison we are pretty happy about ourselves
B. God is more concerned about us than the world – Daniel 9
C. God honors and hears the prayers of the humble – Psalm 25:9; Matthew 18:9-14; James 4:6-10
2. God’s people need to pray –
A. This is an answer for many in dread straits – Jonah 3:4-10
B. This should be our regular practice – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. God’s people need to turn from their wicked ways –
A. Our wicked ways do not always SEEM wicked – James 4:1-5
B. Fighting – James 4:1
C. Lusting for things – James 4:2
D. Prayerlessness – James 4:3
E. Praying amiss – James 4:3
F. Worldliness / Adultery from God – James 4:4
G. Our own lack of zeal concerning the things of God – John 2:16-17
H. We need to obey God, resist the devil, draw near to God, be cleansed from sin, we NEED to mourn – James 4:7-10; Matthew 5:3-4
III. Consider the PROMISES of God in this regard:
1. He will hear from Heaven -
2. He will forgive sin –
3. He will heal our land –
Psalm 85 is a prayer we may pray –
NKJ Psalm 85:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah 3 You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? 7 Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation. 8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.
