Times Of Refreshing 1 Series

E. GIVE TO GOD

1 Corinthians 16:15-18

15 I urge you, brethren-you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints-16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge such men.

F. WITNESSING

Philemon 1:4-7

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

G. MINISTRY

2 Corinthians 7:13

By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.

3. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE TIME OS REFRESHING COMES?

If we can look at what happened when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in Acts 2 we can get a picture of our lives when we are refreshed by God.

A. POWER AND WITNESS

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

B. GROWTH

Acts 2:41

Those who accepted their message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:47

The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

C. RESTORATION

Acts 3:21

Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

D. BLESSINGS

Acts 3:25-26

25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

E. BOLDNESS

Boldness to do God’s mandate in our lives.

Acts 4:13

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

4. TIMES OF REFRESHING WILL BE FULLY FULFILLED IN THE SECOND COMING

Acts 3:19-21

19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

The apostle’s statement was especially meaningful to the Jewish audience with its reference to the millennium when Messiah would rule. But the good news of spiritual life would also be extended to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Even now as believers we can experience a time of refreshing by quieting our hearts in a devotional time of prayer and Bible reading. When we spend time alone with the Lord, we can experience His peace and joy which renews us in spirit. Aren’t you thankful for these daily times of spiritual refreshment?

A Prayer: Lord, I need my spirit refreshed and renewed today. Speak to me through Your Word that I might hear Your heart. Help me to share my heart with You in prayer. Amen.