Sermon Central
-
Would God Vote For You? [candidates For Revival]
Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 2, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: The election is over, and now the Church’s focus should turn to where our true hope is: NOT THE WHITE HOUSE/STATE HOUSE/COURT HOUSE, BUT GOD’S HOUSE, AND YOUR HOUSE, AND MY HOUSE!
WOULD GOD VOTE FOR YOU?
[Candidates for Revival]
[This will be presented over several weeks...]
[much of outline courtesy Life Action Ministries.]
Introduction
God chooses to use ordinary people who are yielded to Him to accomplish His purposes in this world that we live in.
We were nothing and even less than nothing before God found us and changed our lives!
All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
We were great big zeros! But God chose to do a work in us for His honor and for His glory!
1 Corinthians 1:26-29–“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
The Word of God reveals to us that God is constantly seeking for men, women, and young people who will give themselves totally to Him!
Yesterday we went to the polls to choose the leaders of our various levels of government. When we went to the polls, we chose government leaders based on their past performance, their future plans, and their ability to lead.
Hopefully, we also want to know what candidates believe and where they stand on various important issues. We want to know if their actions match their rhetoric. We want to know if we can trust them to do the right thing. We want to know if they have a long-term record of good decisions. We want to know if they have been and are going to be agents for positive change in our land.
By the way, we should choose candidates based on God’s values. If we don’t elect leaders that reflect God’s values in their lives, then we are in jeopardy of bringing further reproach on our land. Proverbs 14:34–“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Imagine if you will, God entering a polling booth, but rather than presidential or congressional candidates, He finds your name as a candidate. What you are running for is that person that Ezekiel is talking about here.
Someone to make up the hedge.
Someone to stand in the gap.
The question is, would God vote for you?
While God may not be casting a ballot, He is nevertheless looking for representatives. He wants men, women, and young people from every walk of life. He is searching for those individuals who meet His criteria for becoming catalysts for revival.
He is looking for those who will reflect His values, represent His philosophy, take the action necessary to carry out His will, and meet the conditions for an outpouring of His presence.
The real power to change the world isn’t in the hands of the politicians; it rests with the people of God. It rests with those who have experienced the life-transforming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God has a master plan that goes far beyond our limited comprehension.
1. He wants to save sinners.
2. He wants to revive His Church.
2 Chronicles 16:9–“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”
God has promised to show Himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him! Let’s check our record on some key issues that are in the forefront of God’s platform for our lives!
I. THE WAR ON EVIL. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
The war on terror in this world was in the forefront this election year.
However, there is a related war and a much greater war that is raging and that has been going on since the garden of Eden. That is, the spiritual battle against Satan and his forces.
As God looks at our war on evil, would He say that we are waging an effective war against the darkness in this world?
A. Are We Strong In The Lord And In The Power Of His Might?
B. Are We Armed With The Whole Armor Of God?
1. Truth. (Belt)
2. Righteousness. (Breastplate)
3. Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (Shoes)
4. Faith. (Shield)
5. Salvation. (Helmet)
6. The Word of God. (Sword)
C. Are We Using The Divine Weapons Of Prayer And Scripture To Wage War Against The Enemy Of The Souls Of Men?
D. Is The Light Of Christ That Is In Us A Source Of Hope To The World Around Us?
