This message was spoken by Pastor P.J. Cathcart at Warren County Christian School’s Spiritual Emphasis week on 3-14-06 and then also at the Revolution meeting at North Warren Presbyterian church on 3-19-06. Pastor P.J. is associate pastor at Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church.
Pastor P.J. asks the question: What makes a car go? Of course, it is the engine. Well, then what is the engine of the Revolution that Jesus was to bring forth in Warren County? You could answer that in many ways. Maybe you would say it is the schools, the churches, the internet, radio or anything else you may think of. Don’t look too far for the answer. The engine that drives the Revolution is YOU!!!!
But, sometimes we feel like a that old engine in the picture: Just lying there useless, broken, burnt up, missing parts & thrown away. We need a master mechanic to give us a complete overhaul. Jesus is that master who can completely revolutionize our lives.
Fuel (Gas & Air) - This is spending time in the Word of God and Spending time with Jesus in prayer and worship
We so strongly encourage all revolutionaries to get into the Bible. Why? Because, if you are putting nothing into your engine, you can be sure you will get nothing out of it. You are of no use to the advancement of the Kingdom of God if you have no fuel for your engine. In a battle if the Hummer runs out of gas, it’s just a big piece of steel in the Dessert. But if it’s got fuel, it’s an invaluable resource for winning the battle.
That is you, the great engine that Jesus has created. In the words of Aslan of Narnia, “You were saved for the battle, not from the battle.” You were created for this battle. But in order to be affective, we must have all the necessary fuel.
Are you in the Word of God and are you spending time with Jesus? If not, simply repent and begin doing it today.
Spark - Get around other people that are excited about Jesus and His Revolutionary Power Books, teachings and music can also give us a needed spark
Soldiers who have been isolated from all their comrades are likely to soon give up and “crack” under the pressure of the enemy. We are no different as Christians. Some like to say that they can handle the battles of life all by themselves. Those people are extremely arrogant and are soon to have a big fall in their life. We desperately need other fellow Christians, fellow Revolutionists who will encourage us in our quest to see Jesus take over our lives and the lives of those in our schools and communities.
Make sure that you don’t hide from your fellow revolutionists. You need to be attending church and whatever youth ministry you are involved in. Also, try to attend as many Revolution meetings as you can. This is not so the leaders can report great numbers, but rather that you can get the necessary spark to be a victorious warrior in the battles that Jesus gives you.
Compression - This is the pressure in your life that moves you from comfort to extreme service.
Compression is the component that most people don’t like. However, without it the engine does not function as it is designed to. The pressure in our life is a true gift from God. Don’t be afraid to do some things that you know are right and good, but they are also a little out of your comfort zone. It is through these that Jesus can catapult you and promote you in the battles of your life.
In these extreme times, Jesus is calling extreme warriors to be involved in His Revolution. One huge way to become extreme is to ask Jesus to take you out of your comfortable way of life and to move you into a place where faith in Him is all you have to hold onto. I can guarantee on His Word that He will come through. Truly, He will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Here’s a good quote to contemplate: “If you always do what you have always done, you will always be what you have always been.”
My friends you are the engine that Jesus is using to Revolutionize this generation. God is calling the teenager to reach the teenager. Sure, there is a place in this for the youth pastor and other adults, but you, the teen, are the primary engine that Jesus will use to reach your friends, and to revolutionize your school, your community, your church, and your family. Be always asking the Holy Spirit to give you the necessary Fuel, Spark, and Compression that you need to be the engine God has called you to be.