There's a new story for the church in Australia – Mark Sayers
Jul 7, 2024
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Mark Sayers, Australian author and speaker, discusses growth and renewal through crisis, a shift towards contending Christianity in Australia, and themes of prayer, unity, and heightened expectation in the church.
Crisis leads to growth and spiritual renewal within individuals and the church.
Unity among diverse groups signals a shift towards contending for God's movement and potential revival.
Deep dives
Testimony of Past and Present Spiritual Renewal
The podcast delves into a testimony of a spiritual awakening that occurred at Asbury University a year ago, where an outpouring of God's spirit transformed the community. This experience led to a transformative period of traveling and sharing the testimonies across various cities. The focus then shifted to reflecting on current spiritual movements and the anticipation of God's work in the present. Scriptures were drawn upon to emphasize the significance of living continually in God's presence.
Journey from Crisis to Contending for Renewal
The episode explores a journey from crisis to contending for renewal within the church and individual faith. It discusses the concept of 'holy discontent' leading to personal and communal transformation. The narrative highlights that crises can serve as gateways for profound growth and opportunities for contending for the next move of God. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, preparation, suffering, and contending for a better future in times of discontent.
Formation of Remnants and Path to Revival
The conversation delves into the formation of 'remnants,' groups of diverse individuals contending for spiritual renewal. It underlines the disruptive unity and hunger for God among people from various denominations and backgrounds. This unity signals a shift from cultural Christianity to a posture of contending for God's movement, leading to potential revival. The narrative explores the historical pattern of renewal spreading from smaller groups to broader cultural influence.
Invitation to a New Era and Stewardship of Spiritual Awakening
The podcast extends an invitation to embrace a new era of faith and spiritual intensity. It discusses the intensified Christian life as a response to the evolving cultural landscape and a call to step into a deeper faith journey. The episode underscores the importance of stewarding spiritual awakenings by nurturing unity, prayer, and a heightened expectation of God's work. It encourages pressing into new postures and wineskins to navigate and embrace the ongoing spiritual transformation.