Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled Revival – Come to the Living water (6). Her main texts were taken from the Books of John and Revelation 4 and Isaiah 55. “A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water…  Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (Jn 4:7-10; 21-26)

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (Jn 7:37-39)

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them” (Jn 10:1-6)

We are still studying the great subjects of worship and revival. We connect both with the Living Water offered by the Lord to the Woman at the well. The Samaritan woman is a sinner. She is also religious. She is seeking for truth, for life. Our Lord directs the conversation to the point of revelation. Please notice how He ‘increases’ in her heart. Initially she sees him as a needy man, a stranger, and a Jew. Then she sees him as a Prophet. Lastly, she sees Him as Christ, her Savior, and her Lord! He tells her about the true worship and then, He reveals Himself to her. “I who speak to you am He” (Jn 4:26). This is the exact moment when she believed that Christ is the Messiah. This is the moment when King Grace moved in her spirit, and she became saved. This is when she became born again. This is the moment when she became a true worshipper. This is when she drank the Living Water! We sense the holiness of that moment. There is a wonderful anointing on this encounter. We feel it too as we read the story. Glory to God! Heaven rejoices when a sinner is saved. Our Lord said this: “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Lk 15:7). We join the hosts of heaven and cry: “Worthy is the Lamb!” (Rev 5:12). In our Christian life and ministry, we need to come to this holy moment. When truth is revealed as Love who died for us, that we may live!  How do we drink this Living Water? By going straight to Him who offers it! Go to Jesus! Go to the Cross! Mediate on the Person of Jesus, who He is, what He has done, especially His death on the Cross and His resurrection! This long gaze on the Crucified will bring you the Living Water and will enable you to worship Him!

THE THRONE ROOM IN HEAVEN – COME UP HERE! – THE CALL OF CHRIST

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Rev 4:1, 2)

Worship in heaven is Christ-centered! Christ is the Creator of the Universe! Christ is Conqueror of all powers! Christ is the Controller of the Church! The Church has only one head! It is not a human head. That Head is Christ! Worship starts with the word “Come!”. The Resurrected Christ calls us to come closer to Him. As believers we believe two opposite things: 1-God is far away from His Creation and 2-God is closer than our breathing. This is a paradox. But it is true! If you lose any of these revelations, your faith will be damaged!!! The devil always attacks our faith! If you only believe that God is far away in heaven, then you lose the intimate fellowship of the Holy Spirit. If you become overfamiliar with God, and you lose the sense of wonder, you cannot worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! We need to be balanced in doctrine! This is a wonderful scripture describing God in heaven and at the same time, intimately close to His children. “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Is 57:15)

Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of Revelation are among the most important chapters in the Bible. We should study the way worship goes on in heaven so that we can do it on earth.  The voice that sounded like a trumpet calling John to see things in heaven is the voice of the resurrected Christ. He has already talked to John previously. “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” (Rev 1:9-11). The Lord dictated seven letters to John to send to the seven churches in Asia Minor. John was already in the Spirit. Now, the Lord calls John to a deeper spiritual level and to come to heaven to see things that ‘must take place’. This is a reminder that the Lord Jesus Christ is God. He oversees the universe and deigns the future.

We see that the Lord Jesus Christ initiates the conversation with the woman at the well, drawing her to Him, to the place or revelation and worship. He says: “Give Me a drink!”. It is the same Christ who calls John to a deeper revelation of worship, saying: “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this”. Our Lord calls both the unbelievers and the believers to come to Him to have an intimate relationship with Him. Worshipping God means to obey His call to come to Him! The holy heavenly call is vertical. Our response to come and worship God is also vertical. We bow before God so that our spirit will rise to meet Him up there in heaven!  

The Lord calls everyone who is tired of sin and oppression. He promises rest for the soul and easy satisfying labor when working for Him. The Lord calls those who hunger and thirst for knowing God. He promises that they shall be filled with peace and eternal satisfaction. The Gospel is the only Word of Hope and satisfaction in the whole world. The people who refuse the call are the religious unbelievers, the proud, and the hypocrites. They pretend not to be tired, hungry, or thirsty. They claim that this world satisfies them. They deceive themselves and others.  

The verb ‘to come’ is defined as moving closer towards the speaker. You leave a place and go to another place, a change of location and status.  God the Father facilitates the seeking and finding the Son.  You must be willing to come to Jesus!

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mt 11:28-30)

“And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out… Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn 6:35-37; 43,44)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Mt 5:6)

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (Jn 5:39, 40).

I read the biographies of many secular successful people. They all had money and fame. But on their dying bed they confessed that they failed to find rest of mind, peace, satisfaction, and joy! The world is not able to provide these. The Living Water is found in Christ alone!

THE GREAT INVITATION OF KING GRACE (Is 55:1-13)

This is a true story I saw on the internet. Ruby Ibarra was a 15-year-old girl Mexican girl. She wanted to celebrate her birthday party in a village in Mexico. Her parents are not wealthy people, but they love their daughter. To please her, her father made an open invitation on a video clip on Facebook. He said that all people are invited to come to the party. He later said that he intended it to be for the neighbors in his village. But by mistake, he posted it as ‘public’. Immediately, 1,3 million people responded. Thousands promised to come to the party. Ruby became an international ‘star.’ The Mexican airlines made 30% discount for anybody that wants to attend Ruby’s party. People posted fake pictures of fried turkeys and mountain of food and drinks waiting for the visitors. Two live bands came uninvited and raised the stage to play for the people. On that day, their small village was flooded with visitors. 20,000 people came to her party. There was a horse race competition where one man died. Of course, there was no food or entertainment for all. What a story… What a disappointment…

This story is a symbol of what the world promises but cannot satisfy. Men are born with legitimate desires to love and to be loved. That is why they fall in many deceptive traps. Men respond to the empty promises of the world. They go there hungry and thirsty, hoping for fried turkeys, but return home feeling disappointed and cheated. Sin always offers false hopes. Because of these disappointments, men have lost the desire to dream and hope for a better future. All people in the world are restless and depressed. They do not know that true Hope is found in Christ alone. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes (longing fulfilled, a wish come true), it is a tree of life” (PV 13:12). Because of the disappointment of the world’s invitation to pleasure, many have become bitter in their hearts. That is why when they hear the holy call of God, they doubt it and they refuse to obey it.

What is our problem? We do not seek God! Our desires for God are not strong enough. We are too easily satisfied with the temporary pleasures of sin. That is why we do not pay the price to seek the true God and His free offer of Grace. True satisfaction is found only in the Gospel. By Grace and By Faith in Christ, we are saved and satisfied. The word ‘satisfaction’ means the condition of having your desire or need fulfilled. It is the pleasant feeling that you get when you receive something you always wanted, or when you have done something, you always wanted to do. It is also defined as justification, vindication, or compensation for loss or injury. May we hear the call of Jesus and come to Him!

In Isaiah 53 we see Christ as the Lamb to be slain for the sins of the world. In Isaiah 54 we see the benefits of salvation in Christ. In Isaiah 55 we see God’s invitation of Grace towards sinners. Those who mock it, will meet God at the Judgment seat. Those who humble themselves and trust in Jesus Christ come to partake from this wonderful feast. Those who come shall be satisfied. They shall hunger and thirst no more. They shall worship God in spirit and in truth! This is a true invitation and open to all! These are some lessons taken from God’s invitation from Isaiah 55:  

GOD COMMANDS ALL SINNERS TO COME TO HIM! THIS IS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED AND RESURRECTED!

*King Grace’s invites all people to come to Him! The invitation looks too good to be true! The devil is trying to convince you to reject it. This is the truth: Grace is always too beautiful for the sinners. Grace is too Kind and too Generous, ready to welcome all who believe in Jesus. Come!

*This invitation is God’s command! It is not just a fantastic opportunity to ‘enjoy ourselves’. There are 12 commands in the first 7 verses. When God commands a man, he either obeys or he disobeys. Each option has its own consequences. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Is 1:18-20). After hearing God’s invitation, there are only two ways to respond: repentance or rebellion.  The willing and obedient eat the good of the land. The stubborn and rebellious shall be eaten by the land. The words ‘the good of the land’ mean – material prosperity in the land God has given you. This is an invitation for full forgiveness, free feasting, and prosperity! Only a fool will refuse it!

*Come! The word ‘come’ appears 4 Times! Eat! God offers the Living Water, as Milk and Wine ‘Without money and without price”. Why? Because Jesus has paid the price on the Cross! For us to have a free salvation, Jesus had to die for us! Salvation is free but it is not cheap. When King Grace talks, money is deaf and dumb!

*What is the Condition necessary for the application to this party? Spiritual thirst! Thirst is a powerful force, even stronger than hunger. You can live without food for 40 days. You cannot live without water for 7 days. These are some of the symptoms of thirst: dehydration, dry mouth, no tears when crying, fatigue, dizziness, restlessness, and confusion. “If you thirst!” You need to know your need. If you are satisfied by yourself, you cannot desire the living water. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Mt 5:3-6)

*Sin deceives and destroys us. The rich live by their money and the poor, by their labor. These two lifestyles do not satisfy. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Is 55:2).

*To be a true worshipper you must live a crucified life. Come to Jesus as you are! At the Cross, you will share in His death and resurrection. You shall find the Living water! You shall worship God in spirit and in truth! “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mk 8:34-38). The word ‘profit’ means to satisfy. Gaining the whole world at the expense of your soul, will never satisfy you! You live in a mansion, but your soul is homeless. You dress with designer clothes, but your soul is naked.

*Listen and ‘eat’ the Word of God! Open your ears and your heart! You will find the glorious joy of salvation!  “Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance” (Is 55:2). The word ‘abundance’ means ashes of sacrifice and fatness! God has accepted your soul as a living sacrifice! God is now ‘free’ to bless you above your imagination!

*THE SURE MERCIES OF DAVID

God calls sinners to Him! He will receive and bless them as He blessed King David, in the covenant of mercy and grace He made with him. David was the king worshipper of Israel, a man after God’s heart. God wants to give you the best of the best. He does not change His mind. The way God blessed David, He will also bless you! God promised David everlasting blessings and a great name. God said that David and his family will be royalty forever! His descendants will always sit on the throne (2 Sam 7:1-29). These promises are for us, the believers in Christ! What are the sure mercies of David? God dealt with Israel by way of mercy and grace. To make that mercy sure to all God took a man whom He had chosen, a man whom He loved, a man whom He intended to use. God made with a covenant with David that He would set him upon the throne. Because of David, God promised to bless all people that belong to him. These are “the sure mercies of David.” In the matter of our salvation, “the sure mercies of David” mean that God has laid blessings upon his Son, Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, God will bless all those who belong to Christ! “He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ (Ac 13:34). By the death and resurrection of Christ, these sure mercies are guaranteed to us, sinners saved by Grace! God pledges Himself to defeat all our enemies, to bless us eternally, all for the sake of His Son Jesus Christ! He is our ‘Leader and commander’! He conquered all enemies including death! Christ is forever exalted. And we are one with Him! In Christ, salvation is sure and eternal! For Christ’ sake, our family shall be saved too! Our children are children of covenant! “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Ac 16:31)

We trust God for revival based on the sure mercies of David. King Grace blesses the humble people, and they rise to positions of authority in the church and it the city. This shift creates a new atmosphere for the Gospel and to worship God. “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves” (PV 28:12; AMP). During revival people become bold and they come out from their hiding places. There is rejoicing and celebration, giving all glory to God!  

*The promise of the Gospel is for all the nations. The glory of the Lord Jesus is His authority! There is no other way to go to God but thru Jesus!

*Come, but you must come on God’s terms! You must repent! Repent quickly and completely! God is not always ‘near’. You cannot find Him always. Use the opportunity you have today! No wasting of time! Repentance is more than regret. It is a deep change of heart, mind, will and behavior. It is an unconditional surrender and total submission to Jesus! How will God respond to the true repentant soul? ‘He will have mercy and abundantly pardon!’ (Is 55:7). This is more than forgiveness. It is blessings following the mercy and grace of God!

*King Grace preaches the Gospel. This Gospel is too good to be true. The Gospel also is too good not to be true! Amazing Grace!

King Jesus warns the religious people to come and buy from Him: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Rev 3:17, 18)

WHY SHOULD WE TRUST GOD’S INVITATION?

*Because of God’s character! He alone is worthy of our trust and worship! Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let the sinner take God’s Way and think God’s thoughts! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (PV 3:5, 6). Trust God! Listen to His call! Lean on Him! God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our imagination! Humble yourself!

*Because of God’s Word! The rain and the snow change the soil. It produces seed and bread. God is in charge from the beginning to the end, from the Promise to the Performance. ‘My Word goes forth out of My Mouth’ says God! It is not the preacher speaking. It is God using the mouth of the preacher! “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Is 55:11). The word ‘void’ means empty, useless, without result. The word ‘prosper’ means to push forward, to make progress and prosper! His Word that never fails to produce results!

WHAT IS THE RESULT OF COMING TO KING GRACE?

There shall be peace, joy, singing and fruitfulness! There shall be revival! When Adam and Eve sinned, God cursed the ground to produce thorns and thistles. Now, these thorns will become cypress trees. The curse is turned in to blessings! The whole nature rejoices! Bareness becomes fruitfulness! Death dies and life takes over! This change is an everlasting sign that will not be cut off! God does all these things to ‘make a name for Himself’ so that all creation will bow to Him and give Him glory! Worship the Lord!

JUST AS I AM

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot;

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt;

Fightings within, and fears without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

(By Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871)