Walter Kaiser
February 8, 2003
9:30 am
Message Summary
Walter Kaiser wrapped up his series on repentance and renewal by speaking from Psalm 85. The theme of the passage was taken from verse 6 where the Psalmist asks, “Will you not revive us again?” The main thrust of Kaiser’s sermon was that revival will follow repentance.
Kaiser reminded the congregation that “revival is a gift that comes from God; it comes out of His grace.” In verses 1-3 Kaiser pointed out that the passage first deals with repentance. In verse 2 the Psalmist says that God forgave the sin of His people. God has forgiven them because they asked for forgiveness.
Kaiser then explained how verses 4-7 show that there is no joy in life where there is sin. Verses 4-7 are a crying out of the psalmist to renew their joy. Kaiser said “the church ought to have a sign: please litter, leave your sins here.” The implication was that sins need to be confessed for renewal to take place, and church should be the place to do it.
Verses 8-9 ask for peace and show that obedience is the prerequisite for God’s peace and His presence. Kaiser repeatedly showed how as a church we need a sense of how our sin saddens and angers God. At the same time Kaiser was showing that if we confess this sin, and turn and obey, God will bless us.
In verses 10-13 the psalmist asks God to help us get along with one another. In all of these things we need God’s help. We need God’s help in forgiveness, we need His help in obedience, and now we need His help in loving each other. Kaiser closed by pointing out that in verse 12 God promises to bless holy living.
Student Response
Throughout the week Kaiser pounded home the idea that repentance is the key to starting revival. His point about littering our sins and leaving them in the church was well taken. Too little confession takes place in our lives today, and often in the lives of the church. Confession is often left out of evangelical services, but why? Seeing our sins in light of a Holy God always leads to confession, and this will pave the way for revival. This message, a message for repentance and renewal, will hopefully hit home for many people.
—Tyce Jensen, Senior, Communications/Print Media major