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by Dr. Rev. David R. Mains
Text: Matthew 24:42-44 
Subject: Personal revival.
Desired Response: Live watchfully.
How To: (1) Be aware of the predicted signs. (2) Live in a state of preparedness. (3) Carry with you this unquestioned hope.
How Long: Give opportunity for people to meet with the Lord at the close of this service.
Sermon in a Sentence: When we live watchfully as our Lord instructs us, we begin to experience the joys of personal revival.
The key word in today’s sermon is “watch.” Not “watch” as in “Rolex” or “Timex”, but as in “to pay attention.” It’s like we tell our children, “Be sure to watch for traffic whenever you cross streets.”
I looked up the word “watch” in the huge 1800-plus-page Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, and it lists 24 different shades of meaning for “watch.” These range from the casual “let’s watch television” to the important assignment of a soldier, “Yes sir, I understand my job is to keep the fourth watch of the night.”
I view my main task this visit as explaining to you what Jesus meant when he used that word in His Olivet Discourse, or His words spoken to His disciples at the Mount of Olives not long before His death. These were about signs related to the end of the age. Let me read one short paragraph from Matthew 24. These are verses 42-44:
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
This is Sunday 6 of 8 in a 50-Day Spiritual Adventure we are presently involved in called The Remarkable Revelation. Another word for Revelation is “apocalypse.” All Adventure participants are expected to experience accelerated, measurable and lasting spiritual growth. That’s the payoff for the extra time required to be involved as an Adventure team member.
For the sake of visitors, and as a refresher for all of us, I think it would be helpful to quickly review the territory covered so far.
On Sunday One, we got acquainted with apocalyptic writings. This was important because it served as an introduction to the book of Revelation. Many people find Revelation to be difficult reading, but it doesn’t have to be once you understand a few guidelines as to how to approach this kind of writing. For example, it’s important to look for the major lessons being taught, and not to immediately get caught up in the smaller details.
In the week after that first Sunday we read on our own several chapters from Revelation, and also from the Old Testament book of Daniel.
That prepared us for Sunday Two about Satan masquerading as an angel of light. The bottom line was to realize that he’s a master of deception. Not only does he mislead individuals, he plays false with entire nations. And I suggested that he could be doing precisely that regarding what he has in mind for America’s future.
That second Adventure week, we read Bob Fraley’s short but powerful book, The Day That Changed America. It asks the disturbing question of whether down the road America could actually be the Beast in Revelation 13! I’m also pleased that numbers of you are reading his longer book called Salt and Light.
My key sentence for Sunday Three was: “Christ’s followers should guardedly prepare for a ‘saints’ holocaust more terrifying than any previous persecutions.” When Satan gains control of the world and its power bases, it’s not going to be a good day for believers.
If present trends continue, the devil’s grip on our nation will grow tighter and tighter. That was the sermon thrust on Sunday 4. It’s why the faithful in this generation must take seriously their role of intervening for our children and grandchildren. I trust you have already started living out the ramifications of that message.
Incidentally, all the sermons in this series have been recorded, and tapes are available for you who couldn’t be here on a given date.
Last weekend I set a revival direction for the second half of our Adventure. The thrust of my remarks was that because it’s the only force powerful enough to stem the present tide, we must talk often about revival in the church.
I purposely approached that word revival in a different way, by speaking about our congregation experiencing the presence of the Lord. That’s actually the outstanding characteristic of all times of authentic revival. And I carefully listed what to look for in a church that is honored by Jesus’ presence with them Sunday after Sunday.
Today, Adventure Sunday 6 of 8, I want to narrow our focus to personal revival. What that looks like and how you go about experiencing it. 
After today, we will have only two more Adventure Sundays to go. And I encourage you to keep up the good work.
This past week you were asked to evaluate our church regarding seven specific matters. These would mark us as a congregation if Jesus were to join us as we come together. Specifically they were:
- An increased and intense participation in worship.
- An outpouring of love for one another.
- A growing boldness in all aspects of prayer.
- The preaching and hearing of God’s Word as anointed by the Holy Spirit.
- An eager renewal of interest in all outlets of Christian service.
- A remarkable sense of confidence and eagerness in evangelism.
- A display of both wisdom and maturity when spiritual warfare begins.
One element was noticeably missing. I haven’t yet told you what that is. I’m sure some of you have already figured it out on your own. I’ll cover it before I’m finished today.
Using the same picture of Jesus being present, let’s get a feel for what revival in a home would be like. How would having Jesus as your houseguest affect the way you live? It would certainly put everyone on their best behavior. You can imagine two siblings arguing vociferously and a concerned parent putting a finger to her mouth and forcefully whispering “Shhh!” while pointing anxiously upstairs to remind them that Jesus is there.
Would family members work at being as polite as possible to one another? Would put-downs be kept to a minimum and affirming words spoken more consistently?
Certainly family crises would be handled differently with Jesus present. He would offer a much greater sense of peace and security. Jesus preached that a house built on the Rock could survive any storms that beat against it.
Anyone fortunate enough to be honored by such a wonderful guest would want friends and associates to meet this unique person. Times would be scheduled for social occasions when others could learn what it’s like to be close to the most important person who ever lived.
It’s conceivable that some adjustments would be needed. With penetrating honesty, Jesus might occasionally challenge someone’s use of time or money. If that should happen too frequently, an uneasy feeling about the arrangement might develop. A man or woman might regretfully confide to a friend, “Even important guests can overstay their welcome!”
Sooner or later people might even discover themselves saying, “For the sake of everyone involved, Jesus, we think maybe You would be happier living somewhere else.”
In reality, people aren’t usually that up-front in the way they talk to the Lord. They’re more likely just to start ignoring Him—acting as though He’s not there—and rationalizing their desire to send Him packing. “He deserves something better—something more suitable for a king than a dormitory, a safer environment than our neighborhood.”
How wonderful when people learn to live in the reality that Jesus is the unseen guest in Christian homes. His presence is more precious than expensive furniture in the living room or a pool in the back yard. And this privilege is not just wishful thinking. It’s a truth that is central to what revival living is all about.
To understand personal revival, let’s use this same picture of living with Jesus as your constant companion. It’s purposely always making yourself aware of His closeness. Old-timers sometimes use the term “practicing the presence of Christ.”
End of Short Preview for Sermon #6 | 
