Bringing A New Thing To Birth
Alan Bartley passionately conveys that God brings new spiritual birth and revival through humble, yielded vessels even amid apostasy and personal trials.
This sermon focuses on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting her desperation, sorrow, and deep prayer for a child despite being misunderstood and provoked. It emphasizes the importance of being dissatisfied with the status quo, seeking God fervently, and being willing to let go of reputation and personal desires to fully surrender to God's will. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on revival, consecration, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in prayer and faith.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Story of Hannah and New Birth
- Hannah's prayer and vow amidst national apostasy
- God's intervention through an ordinary vessel
- The birth of Samuel as a symbol of new beginnings
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II. The Burden and Call for Revival
- Personal experience of burden and prayer for revival
- The pain and glory of God's refining work
- The necessity of yielding to God's sovereign hand
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III. The Challenge of Reputation and Suffering
- Losing reputation and facing opposition
- The call to be a 'big fat zero' for God's glory
- Trusting God even when promises seem delayed
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IV. The Hope and Assurance in God's Promises
- God's faithfulness despite human failure
- The power of prayer and faith in bringing new things to birth
- Encouragement to remain steadfast in spiritual longing
Key Quotes
“Revival is really just God taking possession of the vessel and just having his way.” — Alan Bartley
“You have to be willing to be a big fat zero. You've got to be willing to let God pass you by.” — Alan Bartley
“God can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. He takes the natural and propels it into the supernatural.” — Alan Bartley
Application Points
- Yield your personal will fully to God to allow Him to work powerfully through you.
- Commit to persistent and heartfelt prayer even when it feels burdensome or lonely.
- Embrace trials and loss of reputation as part of God's refining process for revival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hannah and why is she important in this sermon?
Hannah is the biblical woman who prayed fervently for a child and gave birth to Samuel, symbolizing God's ability to bring new things to birth through humble vessels.
What does revival mean according to Alan Bartley?
Revival is God taking possession of a person and working through them sovereignly, often involving personal suffering and yielding of one's own will.
Why does the speaker mention losing reputation?
Alan Bartley emphasizes that God often calls His servants to surrender their reputation and endure hardship to be used powerfully for His glory.
How does prayer feature in the message?
Prayer is presented as a vital and sometimes burdensome appointment with God that leads to spiritual breakthrough and revival.
What encouragement does the sermon offer to listeners facing trials?
The sermon encourages believers to trust God's sovereign plan, remain faithful in prayer, and be willing to suffer for His purposes.