Recently, while in the Word of God, I was taken to a portion of scripture that ties into my message from last weekend. For those who weren't able to be with us, I started a two-part series, entitled, "Good Looking Christians." This message is all about the adventure of the Christian life, and how to deal with every situation that comes our way. The scripture I want to share with you today is found in 2 Timothy 2: 1-7.

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

While reading this I was reminded of some characteristics of a true revivalist found in a book by John Gilles, written in 1795. A 'revivalist,' in those days, is a man or woman dedicated to awakening the spiritual lives of others. Here we are, over 200 years later and these characteristics fit perfectly. We should all be involved in awakening others to spiritual truth, and discipling them in the things of God.

I've taken these characteristics and added a few thoughts of my own, and some other men of God. Enjoy.

• They were men and women serious about the great work of the ministry into which they entered.
  They felt the urgency and weight of the responsibility entrusted to them by God. They were ready to throw their entire lives into the conflict.
• They were men and women bent upon success.
  As warriors they 'set their hearts on victory.'
  "What a difference in men who go into battle intending to conquer if they can, and those who go into battle intending to conquer." (D.L. Moody)
  As shepherds they watched, gathered, guarded and fed the sheep committed to their care. They fought with anticipation of triumph under the leadership of the Great Captain - Jesus.
• They were men and women of faith.
  They plowed and sowed in hope. They had confidence in God that He would not send them into warfare alone. They had confidence in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost - that they would stay true to the promises in the Word. They were convinced that the Word would never return void.
• They were men and women of labor. They had not time for levity, sloth or idle pleasure. They labored for eternity.
  "Let me say outright that no man who is not prepared to work himself to death has any right in the ministry at all" (Ian McPherson)
  "Kill yourselves with work and then pray yourselves alive again." (Charles Spurgeon)
  "After a man is a Christian, I work him day and night. I believe that for one man killed by overwork in the cause of Christ ten thousand die from laziness." (D. L. Moody)
  "Become interested in God's work and God will become greatly interested in your work." (D.L. Moody)
  "I believe that when Paul plants and Apollos waters, God gives the increase. I have no patience with those who throw the blame on God when it belongs to themselves." (Charles Spurgeon)
• They were men and women of patience.
  They knew that many godly plans had been derailed by impatience. They knew that revival could not be forced upon people, it had to be sent by God.
• They were men and women of boldness and determination.
  They understood that a timid sirit shut many doors of opportunity. They set their minds to the task and were unwavering in their commitment.
• They were men and women of prayer.
  They labored much, studied much, but above all, prayed much. A single word, coming fresh from the lips of a warrior set on fire by God would avail more than a thousand others.
  "A calm hour with God is worth more than a lifetime with man." (Robert Murray McCheyne)
• They were men and women convinced of the doctrine they preached.
  Their trumpet gave no uncertain sound. Their preaching was fearless, falling on the audience with tremendous power. Their preaching was weighty, cutting, piercing, sharper than a two-edged sword.
• They were men and women of deep spirituality.
  Their daily walk testified of the truth they preached. Their lives and their lips lived in harmony.
  "A holy man is an awful weapon in the hands of God." (Robert Murray McCheyne)

Countless people, through the ages, have set a strong example for us to follow. May we also ensure that generations after us can have a solid pattern by which to live for Christ.

Don't forget about Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study. Jeri and I love you so much!

Blessings,

Pastor Steve