PERSONAL REVIVAL
Over the next few weeks, in preparation for the Pasadena Revival gathering, we will take excerpts from powerful devotionals on the topic of revival. Here is our first one by Dr. John Sweetman. You can find the entire Bible plan on revival here: 21 Days of Prayer for Revival
Paul’s letters were not ad-lib scribblings but very carefully constructed documents. It cost a lot of time and money to write a letter in Paul’s day, so you had to be sure that you were not wasting words. In our Scripture reading today, when Paul outlines a prayer that he prays for those he is writing to, don’t think that he is making it up as he goes. Every word counts. Every phrase matters.
I think this prayer relates to personal revival because it ends up with God doing “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine by his power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20). See if you can pick out two steps to personal revival in this rather complex passage.
Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul is praying for something to happen in the inner being/heart of the Ephesians. For us, the word heart epitomises the centre of our emotions. It is the place where we feel. But for the Hebrews, it was much more. It was the centre of everything. Your heart controlled your thinking, your decisions, your opinions, your motivations, and your morality, as well as your feelings. When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes and positions himself in your “heart,” at the centre of your life. In this prayer, Paul is praying that the Holy Spirit would do a powerful work in hearts of the Ephesians, so that Christ could live there.
But wait a minute, if we are Christians then surely Jesus is already living in us, along with the Holy Spirit. So why does the Spirit need to work powerfully to enable Jesus to dwell in our hearts? It all hinges around the word “dwell” which means live permanently, really settle down there.
My wife Deb and I are stayers when it comes to homes. We lived in our last large family home for over 20 years. We settled down there. We outlasted the kids who left, came back and moved out again. We eventually got all their gear out too. It became truly all our place. We owned it in every way. We “dwelt” there.
The trouble with our heart is that it is a crowded place with lots of tenants. Jesus lives at the centre of our lives, but so do our fears, our curses, our idols, our passions, our pain, our habits. When it comes to making decisions that govern how we will live, there are many residents having their say in our heart. Sometimes we listen to Jesus, but our choices are also driven by the other voices at our very centre. They make it difficult to love and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Paul is praying that the Spirit would work powerfully so that the other tenants would be driven out completely. Then Jesus could have the whole place. Then he could speak without confusion. Then he could work powerfully through our lives. This is not a matter of willpower. I am sure you have tried. It is the freeing work of the Holy Spirit that we pray for. This is a key step in personal revival.
Prayer Response
I do not know how this is going to happen, but I pray, Holy Spirit, that you will work in my heart to get rid of all that Jesus does not want there. Jesus, I really want you to dwell in me, all of me. I want to love you and follow you and be full of you. Holy Spirit, please root out all that opposes Jesus in me.
Prayer for Revival
There are so many places in our world that you do not rule, Jesus. Please extend your kingdom. Take charge. Show your power. Drive out the evil forces and establish your authority. We need you Jesus.
Mark your calendar! 🗓
Exciting things are coming to Crosspoint! See below for several of these opportunities to serve and grow together. Be sure to save the dates and be a part.
May 14 Mothers' Day
My dad used to always say to my siblings and me, "Your mother went into the jaws of death to bring you into this world!" (He has always had a penchant for the dramatic. 😂) Seriously though, moms are special.
If you are a woman, you most likely play the role of "Mom" for someone - whether it is a sibling, friend, or your own kids. You may be a "spiritual mom" to someone who is new to faith in Christ. On Mothers' Day, we celebrate you! (Well, we will actually celebrate Jesus, but we want to honor you!)
Invite your mom to come to church with you. We have a gift for every woman who comes to church that day.
May 18 - 20 Ladies' RetreatWe’re thrilled to invite you to our 3rd annual women’s retreat! This is always a special time to head out of town to reflect, worship God, study His Word, build friendships, and just get refreshed. Come with us!The planned spots have been filled, but if you are still interested in going, please reach out to McKenzie. We want to make a spot for you. She can be reached via email here.Theme: Prayer (how to strengthen your relationship and communicate with God)
Thursday, May 18, 4pm until Saturday, May 20, 10am
Cost:
$145
*Price includes dinner on Thursday and Friday and breakfast on Friday
We encourage you to find friends to carpool with. If you are driving and are able to take others with you, please let us know.
June 2 - Friday @ 7:00 pmPasadena RevivalInvite your friends and family for this special night of worship and the Word as we share with others in our community the wonderful forgiveness and grace of God! He has revived and changed lives at Crosspoint, and He wants to do it all over the city!
*childcare will be provided*
Venue:
Lee Chapel at PazNaz
3700 E Sierra Madre Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
July 1-2
SoCal Harvest
We get to go serve Jesus and encourage new believers in their walk with the Lord at SoCal Harvest. Some of the top Christian bands will be there leading us as we worship Jesus, and Pastor Greg Laurie will deliver a powerful Gospel message. Mark your calendars and plan to go with us. Invitations and bumper stickers will be available soon to help us get the word out.
Church App
Download our app and stay connected with your church family, your small group, and upcoming events! You can also give and listen to past services. Download here: Apple App Store or Google Play
Service Times and Location
434 N Altadena Drive
Pasadena, CA 91107
Sunday @ 10:30 AM - Worship gathering
Childcare through age 5 is available. Check-in starts at 10:15 am
Sunday @ 5:00 AM - AWANA
Our fun and exciting program for teens and children continues this Sunday night at 5:00 PM. Check-in starts at 4:45 PM. Click here for information you can share.
Wednesday @ 7:00 PM - Growth Group
It is incredible to see what God has been doing through our Bible studies in Growth Group. Our Bible studies have been powerfully used by the Lord to strengthen our faith and build relationships within our church family. See you this Wednesday!
LIVESTREAM
We will be streaming the 10:30 am service LIVE on our YouTube channel.
What is your Next Step?
God intends for us to grow in our new life in Christ. Here are several things you can do to jumpstart that growth.
Enroll in Christian Life Coaching.
Become a Member of Crosspoint.
Whatever your next step is, we are here to support you and help you make it!
Not sure of your next step? That's ok too! We can help. Click here!
Love and Share
Share Crosspoint on social media! Help your friends and family see what God is doing in lives! As you love and share our posts, others see how excited you are about what God is doing. Hey, they just might show up and start walking with Jesus too!
