(Clip) Revival And the Cross
Leonard Ravenhill passionately emphasizes that true revival is fueled by a powerful, unwavering commitment to the cross and the resurrection, inspiring believers to boldly seek the lost despite opposition.
This sermon emphasizes the powerful impact of a woman's unwavering commitment to spreading the love of God, even in the face of adversity and imprisonment. It challenges listeners to rekindle their passion for Christ by focusing on the significance of the cross, the resurrection, and the authority given to believers over the enemy.
Full Transcript
Society ladies, professors from the University, she had Revival. I stepped back in that conference, I was a pastor of that church and the place was packed. And we began to sing the last stanza of the hymn she wrote.
And they sang this, There is a love constraining me to go and seek the lost. I yield, O Lord, my all to Thee to save at any cost. There is a fire that falls on me as in the upper room, destroying all canality, dispelling fear and gloom.
There is a life that was given me, a life divine and strong. It carries me through every sea of sorrow, storm and wrong. There is a love constraining me to go and seek the lost.
I yield, O Lord, my all to Thee to save at any cost. And I saw people on the front row looking up at her and say, There's that big old lady, the tears were running down. There she is, standing at the side of our pastor.
Forget it, she wasn't with me at all. She was back in one of those revivals. I'm sure she was seeing what happened, why she blocked the streets like we used to do in England.
And the cops came and arrested her. And she didn't take the warning, she went another day and blocked the street. And they took her to court.
And the judge says, All right, you start a prison sentence next Monday morning at nine o'clock. And you'll go to prison for, I don't know, ten days or something. She said, No, Your Excellency.
What do you mean no? I can't go to, you can go to prison, you broke the law. You may be an English lady, you broke the law, you go to prison. No sir, I can't go to prison next.
Why can't you go to prison next Monday morning? She said, Because I'm starting a prison sentence in France next Monday morning, that's why. Oh dear Lord. That passion, that vision seems to have gone somehow.
Do you know why? Because the cross has got dimmed, for one thing. Because the resurrection has got dimmed, for one thing. Because we give Satan more credit than he should have.
He gave us power over all the power of the enemy. Does that happen in your church? Come on now, come on, not theologically, does it happen?
Sermon Outline
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I. The Power of Revival
- Revival ignites passion to seek the lost
- Historical examples of bold revivalists
- Revival breaks societal and spiritual barriers
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II. The Centrality of the Cross
- The cross must never be dimmed or forgotten
- Sacrificial love compels obedience
- The resurrection empowers believers
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III. Overcoming Fear and Opposition
- Faith overcomes legal and societal obstacles
- Believers have authority over the enemy
- True revival requires boldness and courage
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IV. The Call to Active Faith
- Yielding all to the Lord to save at any cost
- Living a life empowered by divine fire
- Continuing the mission despite hardship
Key Quotes
“There is a love constraining me to go and seek the lost.” — Leonard Ravenhill
“Because the cross has got dimmed, for one thing. Because the resurrection has got dimmed, for one thing.” — Leonard Ravenhill
“He gave us power over all the power of the enemy.” — Leonard Ravenhill
Application Points
- Commit fully to the Lord with a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the lost.
- Keep the significance of the cross and resurrection central in your daily walk to maintain spiritual passion.
- Exercise boldness and faith to overcome fear and opposition in your ministry and life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of this sermon?
The sermon calls believers to embrace the power of the cross and resurrection to ignite true revival and boldly seek the lost.
Why does Leonard Ravenhill emphasize the cross?
He believes the cross is central to revival and that when its significance dims, so does the passion and power of the church.
What examples does the speaker use to illustrate revival?
He references a woman who boldly defied legal authorities during revival meetings, showing sacrificial obedience and courage.
How does the sermon address fear and opposition?
It encourages believers to rely on their God-given authority over the enemy and to remain fearless in their mission.
What practical steps does the sermon suggest for revival?
Yielding fully to God, embracing the fire of the Holy Spirit, and actively seeking the lost despite obstacles.