Discussion Session 1

God-Centered Worship in Revival: A look at Hezekiah

1. a) Hezekiah desired to do “what was right in the sight of the LORD.” How does that desire allow the Lord to be the author of true revival?  b) This phrase (“doing right in the sight of the LORD”) is the divine description of several kings. Compare and contrast the end results of those kings to the outcomes of rulers described to the contrary, those who “did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.”

Part A:

• We need to be “vessels fit for the Master’s use” – 2 Timothy 2
  • God is the One who creates in someone that desire
  • There needs to be the desire (Josiah) – 2 Chronicles 34 
• Living in reverence to God makes me live in dependence upon him. Focus on what he wants, not what we want. Make him the center and conductor / director in every step.
• Phil. 2:13 “It is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
• Psalm 119:25, 37, 40, 88, 107: the emphasis on the role the word of God plays in revival

Part B:

• Interesting to recognize how few times this phrase occurs: less than half
• “There was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Maybe we want to do what is right, but in our own eyes; things then quickly take a turn for the worse. In whose eyes are we trying to “do right”? 
• Proverbs 26:12 You can probably teach a fool something but someone who  is wise in his own eyes in unteachable
• The families of the kings often bore the consequences of the failures of the kings
• For revival to happen in our assemblies, it starts with individuals and families. “They carried out the filth from the holy place.” On a personal and family level, we need to take the garbage out. How often do we need to do it in a physical sense! And how often we should be doing it morally: what are we watching…

2. Psalm 5:7 could be considered a description of a personal revival, leading to a collective revival in verse 11. What elements of this psalm can be linked with Hezekiah’s example?

• Vs 4: David recognizes God’s character as hating what is wicked
  • Prov. 8:13 The fear of the Lord is described, and the main essence of it is to hate evil
• We often read of the “heart” in connection with Hezekiah. It was a heart matter; just like in this Psalm. What are the desires and motivation of my heart? If they’re motivated by the glory of the Lord, it helps me to judge my own heart and confess. The sin offering before the burnt offering. Then rejoicing.
• Vs 7: David speaks of “Your house” and “Your holy temple.” This wa sa place accessible for David and all believers.
  • Vs 11 brings in the collective aspect. Believers shouldn’t be alone. We often want to be in our own bubble, but that’s not God’s way.
  • We need each other!
• Hezekiah recognized the holiness of God and the sin of himself and the people.
  • The pharisee didn’t recognize God’s holiness
  • The publican recognized himself as a sinner. 
• The parameters are officially set: your house, your righteousness, your holy temple.
  • God’s standards are set; we don’t set them ourselves
• 2 Chron 29:6,…
  • The emphasis is on what is the Lord’s
  • “Worship” comes from the idea of “worthship,” the worth is not in what we do but the object that is worshipped
  • The greater our appreciation of the object (the Lord), the greater our worship and motivation to do what honor’s the Lord
• When we are humble/humbled the end result is joy: Ps. 119: 67, 17; Ps 30:11-12

3. In 2 Kings 20:12-19 we find that materialism detracted from the revival of Hezekiah’s day. What other scriptures warn us about this danger?

• Materialism will erode the spiritual progress that God is doing or has done in hearts
• Job 27:16-18 – In God’s view it’s as dust
• Luke 12:16-21 
• Mt. 6:19-21
• Mt. 7:6 
• Mt. 6: – There’s a connection between material possessions and our hearts; possessions can become idols
• 1 Tim. 6: flee these things (love of money) if you want to..
• The warning not to rely on the uncertainty of riches
• Much has been said about money, but the root is what we value, which can be other things (e.g. power, status).
  • What if Hezekiah had said “look at the greatness of my God” instead?
  • “Look at our numbers, YP, children’s work, music…” instead of, “Look at the greatness of our God.” 
• Mat. 13:20-22 The deceitfulness of riches chokes the word and it become unfruitful in our lives
• The root goes much deeper than the fruit we’ve been discussing. The root issue was pride. James 4 deals with that matter.
  • James 4:1-10
    • Division comes from pride, down deep (1)
    • Confession (8)
    • Revival (10)
• When we think of materialism, we often think of abundance of goods; but it could also be the lack of it and the desire for more.
  • Philippians 4 – “I have learned… to be content” 
  • When we are absorbed by what we have, it is just as distracting as being absorbed by what we don’t have. The focus is what’s missing in both cases.
• Paul had to learn in both cases (having and not having)
• Two extremes: complacency in plenty and covetousness in need; contentment is in the middle

4. The Lord Jesus is the perfect Example of One who “did what was right in the sight of the LORD.” In Luke 1 and 2, what examples do we see of those who enjoyed personal or collective revival simply by being in the Lord’s presence? What effect did His presence have on them?

• Mary’s responses:
  • Luke 1:29: she listened with understanding to what she heard from the angel
  • Luke 2:19 she meditated on those things
  • Luke 2:51 she kept those things in her heart
• We should never have truce time with the enemy. Love of the world is at enmity with God
  • Smyrna / Pergamos
  • When we are aligned with the Lord we should be at total enmity with the World
• Mary was afraid when the Lord came and spoke to her; but then she said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” There is worship as a response to being in the presence of the Lord.
• Luke 2:2- the shepherds who came and proclaimed, they worshiped and glorified God
• Simeon: he was waiting for the consolation of Israel, magnifies the Lord in his response
• Anna likewise, vs 38, gave thanks and spoke of Him with the others who were looking for redemption in Israel; a personal revival lead to a collective revival
• There’s praise and glory to the Lord as the result of being in His presence

Discussion Session 2

Revival and the Word of God: A look at Josiah

1. Like Josiah, Timothy learned from the Scriptures when he was young. List and discuss some references in 1 and 2 Timothy which link the Word of God with spiritual energy and vigor.

• 2 Tim. 3:14-16 – Timothy had the scriptures early in life and was used by God
  • In the same passage, the Scriptures are able to accomplish that goal, but it’s not automatic: it depends on the person taking advantage of the resource of the word of God
• 2 Tim. 1:13 – hold fast to the pattern, or to the outline; know what you believe, have a formulated outline of what you believe of the Lord Jesus and basic truths
• 2 Tim. 2:15 – cutting a straight line; not only knowing what you believe but be able to not confuse scriptures but be able to discern what parts /passages apply to which truths
• Don’t take the word of God for granted knowing that we have so many copies here in our western lands. It must be internalized; again it’s not automatically acquired by possession
• 2 Tim. 2:14 – There’s no spiritual energy outside of the word of God. There  can be words spoken, but they’re of no profit if they’re not of the Word of Truth.
• 2 Tim. 4:2 – Paul doesn’t tell Timothy to keep the word of God on a bookshelf but to spread it
  • Timothy is encouraged to share the word with future generations. There are four generations in this verse!
  • Every generation has an opportunity to influence the next 3 generations with the word of God. 
• We must be careful to use not so much of our own words, but to use the word of God which is able to truly convince and convict the hearts. We so often get caught up using our own words rather than the word of God.
• At least listen when Brothers read the word

2. Identify other “young” people in the Old Testament or New Testament to consider alongside Josiah. How did their upbringing and spiritual environment compare or contrast with his?

• Two obvious examples:
  • Moses: had only a few years with his parents but was brought up to feel that he’s part of the people of God. He brought them together and led them through the wilderness (one of the most difficult tasks of the OT).
  • Samuel: he only had a few years with his parents before being sent to a wicked environment (the House of the Lord, but when it was in a wicked state). Yet, Samuel spoke the truth and was recognized as a prophet throughout the land.
  • Link this with the generational passing on of the baton in 2 Timothy:
    • Moses had Joshua behind him
    • Samuel had a David after him 
• The mother’s role is so significant: see Hannah in Samuel’s life. Revival doesn’t start with us thinking of starting a revival: it came from the heart of a woman whose heart was occupied with her God
  • Hannah spoke about 10 different attributes of who God is. Her occupation with who God is had a great effect on Samuel and thus the people. She was a woman of prayer, and so was Samuel (1 Sam. 12:23). 
  • Prov. 31:1 – “the prophecy that Lemeul learned from his mother”. He learned it, applied, and passed it on
• Joseph: had a longer upbringing with his family but was thrust into a society that told him nothing about fear of the Lord. Yet it had been instilled in him from a young age
• Esther: an orphan raised by her uncle in an environment completely unaligned and ignorant of Israel’s privileged position.
  • She recognized where strength came from: prayer (asking all the people to pray and fast)
• Contrast this with Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12 

3. What responsibilities can “older” saints embrace in order to encourage more “Josiahs”?

• “I need to talk to you young people — I need to know what to pray about” 
• Spending time with young people: not to control but for fellowship and enjoyment of their company
• 2 Tim. 2:2 – shepherding
• 1 Cor 4:15 – heed Paul’s warning that we need fathers not just instructors
• Barnabas took John Mark alongside him
• Allow space for growth: keeping prayers short; even if there is ability and capability to teach, take time to wait and make space for the younger ones to not be intimidated to stand up and speak, even if just for a few minutes
• Acts 16:3 – Paul wanted Timothy to go on with him. Paul saw a young brother who would be useful in the ministry and takes him along for training “on the job”.
  • Do we have a lack of training “on the job”?
  • On the other hand, where are the saints that have the desire to take the young people along? Paul had that desire that others have the exercise to take young people under their wing.
  • There is a need for spending time with the young people
• Young people need a sense of respect and love
  • This is two-way; both older and younger need these things
• “I want this documented”: we need shorter prayers and comments to leave room for the younger generation
• Older generation: our responsibility is to set an example in worship, in prayer, in reading the Bible, in memorizing the verses. What will they see when they find my phone? This is how we raise Josiahs.
• 1 Timothy 4:14 – It’s not a mystical thing, but a fellowship with those who had responsibility and recognized that God wanted to do something in Tomothy’s life
• The Lord Himself said, “Tend my sheep.” 
• Older ones have to give up “choosing their successors.”
  • Abraham, “Oh that Ishmael would live before you.” 
  • Isaac struggled with Jacob and Esau
  • Moses didn’t choose Joshua; the Lord put him before Moses
  • It’s not a succession plan; it’s the work of God. We need to be subject to the Spirit’s guidance
  • It’s not about our legacy; it’s about Christ. It’s not what we leave behind but how we glorify Him.
  • Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit (Zach. 4:6). It’s a spiritual work; it’s not my assembly but Christ’s.

4. The problem of the Sadducees was that they knew neither the Scriptures nor the power of God (Mark 12:24). In the context of today’s subject, how would we connect a lack of biblical knowledge with a lack of confidence in God’s power for revival?

• John 17 – He committed to His disciples what the Father had committed to Him
• Mat. 28 – “Teaching them to observe”
  • 66 Imperative instructions from the Lord 
  • By passing on the word of God from generation to generation, there is a balance. The object is to have love from a pure heart in sincere faith.
• Hosea 4:6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
• Isa 66:2 – “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word”
  • When the word of God is read and proclaimed it should have an effect on my heart. If that’s not the case anymore, we should repent and confess and ask the Lord to revive our hearts again.
• Take example from the Bereans who studied the scriptures to see “if those things are so” (Acts 17:11)
• Josiah did not celebrate the feast of unleavened bread until the book was found. It was not until then that the leaven was cast out. Then the people were also able to celebrate the Passover.
  • Initially the people were not with Josiah, but once the word of God had its effect, they did celebrate the Passover
• It’s not the word of God for the sake of knowledge: we have to see Christ in every page.
  • We have many teachers, but it’s not just about knowledge; it’s knowledge so I can see the person of Christ. We need to see him on every page.
    • That’s the “Passover”
• 2 Sam 6:2 – David’s actions overlooked the details recorded in the Word of God. We do have to know the facts, but we need to use this knowledge to direct our actions.
• Jeremiah was also a young man in Josiah’s reign. He testifies in Jer. 15:16, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”
• May we pray that the Lord would lay on older brothers particular individuals to whom you can pass on what the Lord has given you, as guided by the Holy Spirit not “choosing” your successor.
• Young people also, let’s be eager and willing to be taken under an older one’s wings so that we can continue the work of God.

Discussion Session 3

The Heart of Revival: A look at Zerubbabel

1. In laying the temple’s foundation, Zerubbabel is a type of Christ. In what other aspects can he also be compared to the Lord Jesus Christ? How should these points establish our hearts?

• Ps. 118 – He’s the cornerstone
• Ezra 4 – Enemies want to join in on the work, but no compromise is allowed
• Matthew 16 – “Upon this rock (testimony), I will build my church.” He’s the architect and builder
• Eph. 2:20 – the apostles lay down the foundation, Jesus Christ, from where the building rises
• Ez. 3:3 – the altar is built on a foundation that existed. Despite failure and captivity, the foundation remained. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11).
• John 2 – Connection between the temple and the Lord Jesus 
• The first thing that is begun with is the altar itself. Hebrews 13 – We have an altar. Revival has to begin with occupation with him and him having his rightful place in my heart
• “And his brothers” – Who is building the assembly: it’s Christ. All the credit goes to Zerubbabel, and likewise all the credit today goes to Christ.
• Ez. 5 – when the accusation letter was sent to Darius the Great, it looked like it was the work of Zerubbabel (a picture of Christ), even to the accusers. 
• Heb 13:10 “We have an altar” (the Lord Jesus Himself); followed by Vs 15 – by Him let us offer… (sacrifices)

2. A few decades after Zerubbabel’s time, the people despised the Lord’s altar and its offerings (Malachi 1:7-8). In what ways could the same attitudes undermine a revival today?

• They weren’t building with their whole heart! We too can go through the motions without being truly engaged with the spiritual aspect of the activity
• Revelation 2:4 – Leaving the first love can undermine revival and doesn’t give God full glory
• In Malachi, they were sacrificing because they “had” to, going through the motions. “This is how we were brought up.” “What would others say if I don’t show up?” But the heart is no longer there. 
  • The remedy is repentance, at the threat of removing their candlestick (Ephesian church in Revelation)
  • This is not the case in Corinth where there was moral evil; but this is how much the Lord appreciates first love
• If the altar speaks of the Lord Jesus and him having his rightful place, 1 Cor 11 we are told to examine ourselves. 1 Cor 11 describes their failed condition: the interest of Christ wasn’t there, nor His people’s. They were participating in the Lord’s supper in this condition. We should be reminded that we come together because of a person: Jesus Christ. These things that get in the way need to be judged.
  • The altar wasn’t truly set up in Corinth so consequently they were robbing the Lord of His glory, just like what they were doing in Malachi
• The altar brings the idea of what is precious to God.
  • Leviticus 10 brings the opposite – strange fire.
  • Eli’s sons – There’s a wider impact to failure that may drag down others as well
• Haggai: they were working on their own houses, not the Lord’s. To begin the work is important, but the challenge is to have the endurance despite obstacle and keep our eyes steadfastly on the Lord 
• The “Spirit of convenience” / “spirit of ease” – “I won’t offer anything that costs me nothing” – we should be aware that following the Lord comes with a cost. 
• Deut. 15:21 – “And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God.”  What we offer to someone shows what value we place on someone. Sometimes we give the Lord what’s left over in the day, a minute or two, a witness here or there. But the Lord wants us, as Paul expresses, that “not I but Christ who lives in me.”
  • What if we gave our bosses the excuses we give to the Lord: “Well there was a lot of traffic today”. Malachi challenged the people to give their offerings to governor and see how he would receive
• Isaiah and Amos: the Lord wanted them to put away the music; He hated it! How much of my service, worship is just out of habit not true appreciation

3. Through Zechariah, the Lord rebuked those who despised a “day of small things” (Zechariah 4:8-10). How would this passage have encouraged Zerubbabel? How should it encourage us?

• We often use “the day of small things” as an excuse and lowered expectation, not encouragement
• When Zerubbabel worked on the temple, there were those there who remembered the old temple.
  • There was much gold and many people, but now there was half-hearted work and not nearly the riches: there were those who wept. 
  • The Lord was looking ahead at the glory He was intending for this house, not its present humbleness
    • We shouldn’t look at what was. Rather than being sad that we haven’t seen 3,000 saved, we should remember that there is rejoicing over one who is saved.
    • Let’s not say the former days were better (Ecc. 7:10)
    • The Lord appreciates the small work, however small it seems to us; it’s great in His sight!
• God is doing a work for His eternal glory.
  • Vs 6 – it’s a spiritual work, not by might nor by power. 
  • The Lord will finish the work He started, for His glory (Phil. 1:6)
  • Vs 7 – There will be a completion, a capstone – the work will be finished.
    • It’s finished with grace; we don’t deserve it.
    • Hymn “Grace is the sweetest sound”: “Grace all the work shall crown / Through everlasting days / It lays in love the topmost stone / And well deserves the praise
• Rev 3:8 – There’s appreciation for the small things; even a cup of water!
  • We shouldn’t necessarily strive for the small things, but we recognize His greatness. Don’t judge the Lord by the small strength that I have, but the Lord sees the grand plan.
  • Let’s avoid what could be “false humility” of “small things” but recognize that the Lord’s work is great whatever its size in our eyes
• The reality of the mission field is often that we see one step forward, but then see two steps backwards. Don’t overlook the one step forward! Do we appreciate the small steps forward that we see in others? We should be encouraged by even the small steps! Don’t be discouraged; look back and give God glory for the big picture made up of all the small steps.
• When you’re building a sports team, you need different sets of skills: powerful contributors and “nimble” contributors. But together they make a championship team. It’s likewise in the body of Christ.
• Book by J.P Philips – “how small is your God” – most of us live like we have a small God and we don’t trust him enough. Our God is the God of Old Testament miracles and New Testament ones!  
• Mat. 12:18-21 – He’s great but does not despise the bruised reed or the smoking flax; e.g. the Samaritan woman

4. Several times in this era we read about a stirred-up spirit (Cyrus, Ezra 1:1; the people, Ezra 1:5; Zerubbabel, Haggai 1:14). Discuss these and other biblical connections between being stirred up and being active for the Lord.

• 1 Cor 15 – An encouraging (and long) chapter of Christ’s resurrection and ours.
  • Vs 58: as long as we are not yet physically in that realm of resurrection, there’s still work to do!
• 1 Thes 5 – Don’t quench the Spirit – we have to give it room to take action
• 2 Tim 1:6 – rekindle the gift in you because God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. We should remember that the Spirit of the Lord is still here to revive us
• Paul in Athens – He was stirred up by the paganism and how far people were from God. 
• The first thing that should happen when our spirits are stirred up is worship. In Hebrew, worship and service are the same. The Lord wants to see our hearts respond in worship which then flowers in service.
  • If our view of God is small, our worship will correspond, so will our trust in Him and service for Him

Discussion Session 4

The Power of Revival: A look at Nehemiah

1. a) Daniel had prophesied about the difficult times when Jerusalem’s wall would be rebuilt (Daniel 9:25). What should this and other scriptures tell us about the work of building?

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

b) Nehemiah was a collaborative builder (Nehemiah 2:18). What are some New Testament links to this matter of taking the lead in a proper way among God’s people?

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work

• With Nehemiah, as it was with Josiah, he wasn’t an “office leader” but was always right there with those who worked, fully engaged all the time
  • Nehemiah 4:23 – He didn’t even change his clothes!
  • We also see this in Ezra where the leaders themselves took initiative and worked themselves in the mission
• The times now are similar to the times of Nehemiah. If we look at the circumstances we’ll be discouraged; if we look within we’ll be discouraged. We must look to the Lord for encouragement and strength.
• NT examples:
  • Acts 11:25 – Barnabas went to find Saul to bring him to Antioch; the team work started here, and what a ministry the Lord had stored for Paul
  • Acts 20:28 – Paul was collaboratively working among the people of God and encouraging the overseers to do the same work together, to build one another up.
    • The easy thing to do is to tear apart; the hard thing is to encourage and build up one another
• Opposition tends to discourage us. 1 Pet. 4:12; we shouldn’t think the fire of persecution and opposition strange.
  • It’s normal that opposition takes place
  • When the Holy Spirit works, the devil is right there to interrupt
  • 1 Cor. 16:9 – we tend to think that when there are many adversaries that the door is closed; but it’s in fact quite the opposite. When there’s opposition, it’ often a sign we’re on the right track
• Before the Lord went to the cross, he spoke of what he was going to do. John 16:33 – “Ye shall have tribulation”
  • Don’t be distracted don’t let the obstacles get in your way
• Mat. 20:26-28 – The Lord Jesus, our perfect example, was a leader by serving

2. By the initiative of Nehemiah and Ezra [godly individuals] a revival continued among all the people of God. In Nehemiah 8:1 all the people gathered [by the power of the Spirit] as one man [united] into the square before the Water Gate [with the Word of God]. What other scriptures can help emphasize these principles outlined in the passage?

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.

• 1 Cor 3: – Laborers together with God – What a team to be on!
  • You get a lot done if you work together as a team!
  • We need to look at what we build with, and who we build with
• Regarding gathering: where two or three are gathered
  • It’s the Spirit who does the gathering
  • “When you come together” – 1 Cor 5, 10-14 (Several mentions of “when you come together”)
  • There’s a oneness and central theme when we come together
  • There’s an object set before us when we come together; the Spirit will always bring attention to Christ. When Christ is the object, the enemy is always attempting to detract from Him
  • “If the enemy is leaving you alone you’re no threat to the enemy…”  – Br. Campbell quote
• Acts 15 – the enemy was at work to create division, but we see the work of the Holy Spirit in unity and agreement regarding the decision
• When Israel was in the wilderness they were provided with manna, which speaks of the Lord Jesus; It looked like coriander seed (Exo. 16:31)
  • Coriander seed: only used in relation to the manna, but it has a root of “bringing together”
  • Taste was like honey cake
    • The product of thousands of bees working together; one bee can’t produce 
    • There’s a need to feed on the Lord Jesus, which will bring about unity and a sweetness for the Lord, and for people (the people were the ones who ate the manna)
• Nehemiah 8:3 – Ears were attentive, vs 8: they praised God, they stood up (respect). NT Examples:
  • 1 Thes 2:13 
  • The Bereans examined the word and let is speak
• Exodus 10: young and old, sons and daughters; unity of all ages
• Ezra and Nehmiah took initiative, even in a dark time
  • Elijah on Mt. Carmel: one against 450 prophets. But because of the one man there was revival, albeit short-lived – 1 Kings 18:39 (“The Lord, He is God.”)
  • The effect of one man’s faithfulness

3. At the Water Gate, all the people gathered to hear the reading of the Word of God. They left with understanding and with joy. How should this example guide us when we speak about the Scriptures in our homes, workplaces, and assemblies? What other passages elaborate on this subject?

• Neh 8:7, 8, 12 – Those that helped the people understand; vs 12, the people had understanding
  • There is a strong link between understanding the word of God and joy!
• 1 Thes. 5:21 –
  • test all things; hold fast what is good; we tend to mention the things we didn’t like or thought was wrong. We shouldn’t only focus on that, but rather to “hold fast that which is good.”
  • Regarding the messenger: children hear what and how parents speak about them! But look at how Paul talks about his fellow workers; he’s very positive about everyone Romans 16
• There is evidence they understood: they put what they learned into action (they build booths)
  • Ez. 33:31-33 – it’s a very serious thing for God when we hear without doing the word of God
  • The Lord Jesus likens the man who does His word as one who builds his house on a rock. James admonishes us too to be doers, not just hearers of the word
• Vs 17 – we learn that it had been a very long time since the feast had been observed
  • They weren’t influenced by tradition (what their parents did or didn’t do), but what the word of God teaches
• Vs 8 – principles for those who teach the word
  • They read distinctly: observation
  • They gave the sense: interpretation (what does it mean) – Don’t skip this and jump to application
  • They caused them to understand: application (how does it apply)
  • (not here, but based on Peter’s writing: 2 Peter 1:20): correlation – what other Scriptures say about the current topic
  • The result of all of these is understanding. We don’t want folks walking away saying “I don’t know what he said”
• The reading of the word continued for half a day. They simply read it. Isa. 55:11 (the word will not return void).
  • We should not only use this for the gospel, but also more broadly for the word of God
  • If we’re presenting the word of God (not our own opinions or what we want to say) at our studies, conferences, etc., it will result in joy
  • The joy was not short-lived. They went home joyful as well. How are our lives going to be different when we get home?
• (Regarding the resulting joy of the understanding): the Ethiopian eunuch. He needed to understand the word after reading it, resulting in the proper application of the word in his baptism, and finally he went on his way rejoicing.
• The word of God will not change, but if people are gloomy, perhaps we should look at what and how we’re presenting, giving understanding, and interpreting the word of God. Even correction should result in joy.

4. As in Nehemiah’s day, prayer and the Word of God featured prominently in the early Church. Using examples from the book of Acts, identify some essential points for those who desire revival today.

• Acts 4 – the first thing they did after persecution was prayer
• Acts 12: when Peter was imprisoned the assembly gathered and prayed the whole night for him
• Acts 2 – The subject and object of their message was Christ
• Acts 6: – “Continually to prayer and the ministry of the word”
  • If we don’t pray enough before we get up, the ministry will not be as effective as it could have been
• Acts 2:42 – Four pillars of the early church
  • Apostles’ doctrine: the word of God
  • Fellowship – This is connected with the “apostles doctrine”- fellowship flows out of doctrine 
  • Breaking of bread
  • Prayer – how often have we unnecessarily skipped the prayer meeting last year? 
• We shouldn’t use formulas or expressions without really relying on prayer 
• If we want revival in our assemblies, let’s focus on the mid-week meetings where prayer and the word of God are emphasized!
• Acts 28:30-31. Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house receiving those who visited him (fellowship), preaching and teaching (doctrine), Christ (object and subject. No doubt this resulted in joy!