(Clip) Revive My Hard Heart with No Tears
Keith Green passionately calls believers to genuine revival by softening their hardened hearts through repentance, prayer, and a renewed love for God.
This sermon emphasizes the call to rally God's people to revival, highlighting the responsibility of Christians to seek revival and the need for personal repentance and surrender. It delves into the struggle of balancing ministry and personal devotion, urging a return to a heart of worship and prayer. The message underscores the importance of living out God's Word, seeking His glory above all else, and kindling a renewed passion for Him.
Full Transcript
I got out there and made the people dance, and that's, there's a place for everything. But the Lord's called me to something different. And the thing he's called me to is to call his people to a rallying point.
Because everybody talks about revival. Oh man, Lord, send us a revival! You know, we're always praying for revival. Well, Charles Finney, the great evangelist in the 1800s, has something to say.
What he had to say was, Christians are more at fault for not being revived than sinners are for not getting converted. One morning I woke up and I wanted to cry. You ever had that happen before the Lord? You know you're just a creep inside, you know that you've been hurting him, and you know that everything he's asked you to do you've kind of put on the shelf so you can have a good time.
A Christian good time, but a good time. And I woke up and I wanted to cry because, you know, I knew I hurt God because he told me to pray, and I just didn't have time for him. I was too busy ministering to people.
I was too busy being a Martha, running around and serving God, but I didn't have time to pray, so God just said, you better get down and repent. And I go, well, how do I do that? He goes, cry. I said, I can't.
I don't feel like crying. He said, I'll wait. And I sat down and started working on this song.
Oh Lord, you're beautiful. Your face is all I seek. For when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds.
To me, he's tired. But you keep reminding tireless men who spilled their blood for thee. I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first, help me just to live it, Lord. And help me to never seek a crown, for my reward is giving glory to you. Oh Lord, please light the fire.
Hearts burned bright and clean. The lamp of my first love that shines with holy fear. I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first, help me just to live it, Lord. To never seek a crown, for my reward is giving glory to you. I'm dry.
My faith is old. My heart is hard. My prayers are cold.
And I know how I ought to be alive to you. And dead to me. What can be done for an old heart like mine? Soften it up with oil and wine.
Please you, your spirit of love, please wash me anew in the wine of your love.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Call to Revival
- Christians must take responsibility for revival
- Revival is more than a desire, it requires action
- Historical perspective from Charles Finney
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II. The Condition of the Heart
- Recognizing spiritual dryness and hardness
- The danger of busy service without prayer
- The need for heartfelt repentance
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III. The Path to Renewal
- Praying for a softened heart
- Seeking God's presence and grace
- Living out the Word with sincerity
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IV. The Reward of True Revival
- Glorifying God as the ultimate goal
- Maintaining a first love with holy fear
- Experiencing a heart renewed by God's love
Key Quotes
“Christians are more at fault for not being revived than sinners are for not getting converted.” — Keith Green
“I was too busy being a Martha, running around and serving God, but I didn't have time to pray.” — Keith Green
“Oh Lord, please light the fire. Hearts burned bright and clean. The lamp of my first love that shines with holy fear.” — Keith Green
Application Points
- Set aside daily time for prayer to nurture your relationship with God.
- Examine your heart honestly and repent from any spiritual hardness or neglect.
- Focus on living out God's Word sincerely rather than merely performing religious duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Keith Green mean by 'revive my hard heart'?
He is asking God to soften his spiritually hardened heart so he can be more receptive to God's love and guidance.
Why does Keith emphasize repentance in revival?
Because genuine revival begins with acknowledging sin and turning back to God with a humble and contrite heart.
How can believers avoid being 'too busy' for prayer?
By prioritizing time with God above ministry activities and recognizing that prayer fuels effective service.
What role does prayer play in revival according to the sermon?
Prayer is essential as it invites God's presence and transforms the believer's heart.
Who was Charles Finney and why is he mentioned?
Charles Finney was a 19th-century evangelist who taught that Christians bear responsibility for revival, not just sinners.