Oak Hill Church of Christ 10-5-25 Message: "A Revival For Such A Time As This"

Oak Hill Church of Christ Preaching Minister, Randy Sterling, delivers a message on the need for revival and rebirth in the individual and in the modern day.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has caused a variety of reactions from America and the Western World as people of faith grapple with discovering the truth that they are hated, even for beliefs which God Himself holds.

In the face of such reckless hate and violence, what can people do? Some might consider surrender. Perhaps staying quiet might allow a person to live in safety a little while longer. Perhaps by abandoning Biblical principles, such a person might be accepted and even protected from further violence.

God, in the New Testament, suggests a different path. One of courage and strength. One that rejects fear and conformity in exchange for safety. One that adopts courage and resilience in the face of danger. The Apostles in the early church, especially in Acts, were constantly facing persecution. Stephen was stoned to death. Paul spent many years in prison. Of course, Jesus was crucified.

How did such men gather the courage to defy the violence and hate of those around them?

Revival.

It's really two concepts in one word, and it doesn't mean tents and brimstone pulpits. It means: 'to live again.'

If there's one thing you can be sure that Jesus taught, it's that you can't live again unless you've died.

Newness of life cannot come without the death of the old life. Eternal life cannot come until our life in this world comes to an end. If you truly want to live, you've got to die first. Die to the part of you that shrinks in fear instead of speaking the Word of God you know to be true. Die to the part of you that compromises and bends words to fit in. Die to the part of you that is of this world, because you don't belong here; you belong with God in Heaven.

Bury those things in the grave through Baptism, and put on Christ. Rise up out of the water a reborn creature, revived to the fullness of life that can only can come through Christ Jesus. If you've already been Baptized, but you feel like you've been dragged back into that old way of living, pray and ask for forgiveness and renewal. God is strong to save, and abounds in grace and mercy for you. Then, take a step forward in courage, knowing that with God on your side, you will prevail.

Be revived.