Desperate Measures // Cynthia Bryan

We have a Problem. We are content. 

In this message, Pastor Cynthia Bryan stirs us to become desperate rather than content.

Our problem with contentment is that we are content with the wrong things.

We are content with occasionally praying, occasionally reading our bibles, and gathering as believers when we feel like it.

We are apathetic and distracted about the things of God.

Once I heard the stories, I couldn’t be content anymore. 

Have you heard about the Welsh national revival of 1904-05? 150,000 people came to Christ in the first 6 months. 

Azusa Street 1906: For more than 3 years the cloud of God’s glory rested on a humble building call the Azusa Street Mission. 100’s of 1,000’s of people came from around the world and were filled with the Holy Spirit. 

In the Hebrides Islands of Scotland, in 1949, the power of God fell. This Outpouring of the Holy Spirit spread through the islands and within weeks every church was filled to capacity. 

Are we aware of the desperate situation we and our community are in?

This is a desperate time that we live in:

Wars and rumors of wars, News of the threat of terrorism and war.

Uncertainty, Polarization, hate, Anger, rage and Accusation

1 Peter 5:8 NLT  

2 Cor 4:18 NIV

We are in desperate times among desperate people who don’t know where to turn. 

But you cannot be desperate FOR something until you know it exists.

When you hear the stories, you realize that the Holy Spirit still moves today like He did in the book of Acts.

Let’s look at Acts chapter 2:2-6,38,41

Desperate people were told to wait in the city to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 

But, can God do it again? Can the Holy Spirit move in a way to yield another spiritual awakening and transform culture?

Here is the good news:

A Desperate Time is the perfect time for the Holy Spirit to move; 

We are in a time now just like other times prior to great outpourings of the Spirit.

When Christians recognize they are in desperate times, they take desperate measures.

Seek (implies desperation, commitment, earnestness) the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near; Isaiah 55:6 ESV

Why do we need awakening? 

               For our families, for our neighbors, for our community, for our nation. For the young person contemplating suicide, for the lost and depressed, for the hopeless, for those who are dying without hope.

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3 NKJV 

Desperate Measures: 

               Feed the sense of desperation: 

               Repentance: Clean hands and a pure heart.

               Prayer, crying out to God for our families, our region, our nation.

               Fasting – humble yourself

               Be a bold witness. 

What desperate measure is the Lord asking of you?