On June 4, Pastor Bai Yu'e continued to share online on how the church could experience revival, elaborating on seven necessary conditions for revival.
In the first episode, Pastor Bai said that revival could be achieved by listening and doing, loving one another, and glorifying God while serving others.
She explained seven areas where Christians can pursue to revive the church.
1). Motivated by the love of God
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)
The love of Christ inspires us. The Lord Jesus laid down his life for us because of his love for us. Our Lord has set a good example for us. He used his life and his love for all to conquer mankind without one soldier. Love is the motivation for the development and revival of the church.
2). Built on the rock
The foundation must be rooted on the rock. Jesus is the unchanging and faithful one in whom we believe. He is the solid rock and the foundation of the church. The storms of bring us nothing but suffering, disease, persecution, and slander.
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:24-26)
The Lord is always on our ship. Our lives can be compared to sailing on the sea. Sometimes, we will encounter storms, but we should not be afraid because the Lord is with us. Christians should be able to withstand persecution, slander, and tribulation without falling, firm, and unshaken in their faith.
3). The guidance of the Holy Spirit
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6)
Both pastors and co-workers in the church should pray for the Holy Spirit’s illumination and guidance. Any so-called spiritual person, including a leader in the church, whose heart is not completely upright and righteous, needs the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For those who work in God’s service, it is the same. We are not God, so we need to pray and beg the Holy Spirit to lead the church. We are very limited as our thinking is biased, our minds distorted and our thoughts fluctuate.
4). The example of the flock
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Today the church lacks those who are committed to this type of service. Everyone seems to be the same. In fact, those who are servants of God must learn from the life of Jesus. It means that I should be a good shepherd, one who can lay down my life for the sheep. There are not many good shepherds who are able to give everything to their sheep. We need to pray that the Lord will have mercy on us. A true shepherd must have a sense of responsibility for the flock—this is what the pastor lives for. We should help brothers and sisters in their time of need. We should live like the Lord.
5). Enthusiastic service
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:11)
Some believers say that I don’t have enough knowledge nor do I speak eloquently. When the Lord chose Peter, most of the disciples were ignorant people, fishermen, and poor people. Our eloquence, wisdom, and power are all from God. These disciples were more enthusiastic in their service of God than people today. Those who work in the church today also serve others, but they seem very helpless. When they are asked to carry out their duties in the church, their attitudes may make us feel very uncomfortable. But there are some people who have love for others and are especially grateful. God will destroy the wisdom of wise men. God lets us use wisdom and intelligence from him. Therefore, those who serve in the church should do so enthusiastically and firmly.
6) Worship God honestly
Many people who come to the church have different needs. Are you worshipping God sincerely every Sunday? Do you have another purpose? We worship our God only because he deserves our worship and praise. One person can be hypocritical and disguise himself before others, but one can never disguise himself before God. If you are a child of God, you will be blessed by God. But if you come to serve the Lord with other intentions, the future will reveal the true you.
7. Unity of the Church
A holy church must be united. How can the church unite? In the early days, the believers from every nation declared the wonders of God in their own tongues. Paul said that your joy is made complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. The church is present in the world today — it is the representative and epitome of the kingdom of heaven. It will never tolerate the power of darkness, nor let various denominations exalt various gifts. Many people are just pursuing their own ideas and working toward achieving their own desired goals. Instead of exalting Jesus, they are exalting themselves or certain denominations and spiritual gifts. This thinking is narrow-minded and prejudiced. The church must be united because the church is the body of Christ and the representative of heaven on earth. How can there be envy and disputes in heaven?
- Translated by Abigail Wu
