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Introduction
I. In the 1930’s severe drought brought what was known as the Dust Bowl.
A. It was called the worst natural disaster in recorded history.
B. It was truly one of our nation’s greatest tragedies.
II. The Bible speaks of spiritual drought that can cause far greater devastation than a drought.
A. We face a drought of the outpouring of God’s power and blessing.
B. People throughout the world face drought and are desperate for rain.
C. The church needs to see its desperate need for a fresh rainfall from God.
Text
I. We Need A Fresh Downpour Of Rain From God (Haggai 1:6 & 9-11).
A. Often the condition of our hearts is such that we are not aware of our need at the very time it is the greatest!
B. To have a fresh outpouring of God’s power and blessing we must see and admit that we have a need.
C. We need rain when we have become spiritual deserts.
1. When worship becomes form without substance.
2. When our secular lives have precedence over our spiritual lives.
3. When we find ourselves losing battles against temptations.
4. When we have lost the joy we once had in our Christian life (Psalm 85:6); Hosea 6:3).
II. The Downpour Of Rain From God We Need Is Revival.
A. What we need is a downpour of revival.
B. Revival is always marked by an overwhelming sense of Christ’s presence in the church (Isaiah 6:1-5).
C. What do you suppose we would see if Jesus were to physically appear at worship services Sunday after Sunday?
III. Hindrances To A Fresh Outpouring.
A. Desires (Psalm 81:12-13).
B. Deeds (2 Chronicles 6:26).
C. Doubts (Matthew 13:58).
IV. The Steps That Enable God To Send The Needed Rain (Hosea 6:1-3; 2 Chronicles 7:13-15).
Conclusion
I. There is a spiritual drought in our land; we need rain!
II. There is a spiritual drought among God’s people; we need rain!
III. It is unlikely that the land will receive rain before the church does.
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