Live Again

(Revelation 1:18) (NLT) “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”   (Revelation 3:1) “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.   (Revelation 3:2) Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.   (Revelation 3:3) Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”   Title of Message: Live Again   The Causes of Spiritual Death: 1. Unrelenting trial and temptation.   (Psalm 143:3-6) “The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.”   2. Attacks from others.   (Psalm 109:3) “With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause.”   3. Personal tragedy.   (Psalm 61:2) “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to a rock that is higher than I.”   4. Guilt and shame.   (Psalm 38:4-5) (NLT) My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. (Psalm 38:6-7) (NLT) I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. (Psalm 38:8) (NLT) I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.   (John 5:39) (MSG) You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.   (Revelation 22:17) “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”   How do you live again?    1. Respond to the invitation.   (Isaiah 55:1-2 NLT) “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.”   2. Renew your relationship with God.   (Isaiah 55:3 NLT) “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”   3. Repent of everything that is in the way.   (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT) “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”