Rebuilding the Old Ruins
Pastor Alex Hall | October 19, 2025
In a world where the church often seems to have lost its way, there's a pressing need to return to the foundations laid out in God's Word. We've strayed from the original blueprint, attempting to build something "better" or "more modern" that fits what people want to hear. But in doing so, we've created a powerless Christianity, especially in the West.
The mission of Revival is to rebuild the old ruins, to raise up former desolations, and to repair the ruined cities. It's time to stop relying on human wisdom and return to the Word of God as our guide.
Many churches today have become caught up in the "machine" of attracting people through big productions, fog machines, and LED boards. While there's nothing inherently wrong with these things, they often become a substitute for true discipleship and spiritual growth. We've settled for milk when we should be seeking meat.
The danger lies in manipulation masquerading as motivation. When we rely on emotional stories and illustrations to move people rather than the power of God's Word, we're treading dangerously close to a form of witchcraft - using manipulation and control to achieve our ends.
It's time to return to the Word. The Holy Spirit is the true teacher and counselor, capable of convicting hearts and transforming lives. We don't need to rely on human experts or theology textbooks that claim to have all the answers. God is infinite, and no one has Him completely figured out.
A key aspect of returning to God's blueprint is embracing the fullness of the Holy Spirit's work. Some theological perspectives teach that miraculous gifts ceased with the apostolic era. However, a fresh reading of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, reveals that these gifts are still active today. The "perfect" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13 refers to the return of Jesus, not the completion of the New Testament.
As we rebuild the old ruins, we must also confront areas where we've settled for less than God's best. One such area is finances. Many believers have bought into a "poverty gospel," believing that financial struggle is somehow more spiritual. However, Scripture paints a different picture.
In Malachi 3, God challenges His people to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising to "open the windows of heaven" and pour out blessings. He even invites us to test Him in this! This isn't about manipulating God for wealth, but about stepping into obedience and faith.
Some have been so afraid of the "prosperity gospel" that they've embraced poverty as a virtue. But God's Word speaks of prospering - not just in finances, but in all areas of life. As 3 John 2 says, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
True prosperity begins with the soul. As we align ourselves with God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we often see improvement in other areas of life - health, finances, relationships. But even if we were to lose everything, if we can still say that Jesus is enough, that's when we know our souls are truly prospering.
For those struggling financially, it's worth examining whether you're robbing God of tithes and offerings. The tithe - the first 10% of our income - belongs to God. When we withhold it, we're living in disobedience and missing out on His protection and blessing. God invites us to test Him in this area, promising to "rebuke the devourer" on our behalf.
It's time for the church to step into maturity and faith. We're called to set captives free, to be a light to the nations. But we can't do that if we're living in poverty and fear ourselves. God wants to prosper His people so that all nations will call us blessed, seeing the supernatural hand of God at work.
This isn't about greed or materialism. It's about aligning ourselves with God's Word and stepping into obedience by faith. When we do, we position ourselves to be used mightily by God, to have resources to advance His kingdom, and to be a blessing to others.
As we close, let's remember that above all, Jesus is more than enough. Even if we lost everything, if we still have Him, we have all we need. But let's not settle for less than what He desires for us. Let's take an accounting of how He's blessed us - in our souls, our health, our finances, and every area of life - and give Him praise.
The church is poised to take new territory and prosper in ways we've never seen before. Future generations will look at what God does and say, "This could only be the hand of the Lord." Will you be part of it? Will you step out in faith, leaving behind fear and complacency?
It's time to rebuild the old ruins, to return to God's blueprint for the church. It's time to embrace the full work of the Holy Spirit, to step into obedience in our finances, and to believe God for greater things. As Hebrews 10:39 reminds us, "We are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul."
Let's be a people who fight forward, who advance and prosper in every area of life. Not for our own glory, but so that the world may see and know that our God is real, powerful, and good. The harvest is coming. Will you be ready to receive it?