Experiencing Renewal in Our Hearts: A Reflection on Renew Weekend!

Revival is Here! Across the U.S., a wave of renewal is stirring—led not by megachurches or media empires, but by the faithful obedience of Gen Z and Millennials. From social media testimonies to cultural influencers like Bradley Huff and even mainstream figures like Joe Rogan acknowledging Christianity's resurgence, God is clearly moving. At Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, we were blessed to host Renew Weekend was an incredible three-day event focused on spiritual renewal in our hearts, our churches, and our cities. What follows is a deep-dive recap of powerful sermons, Spirit-filled worship, and tangible moments of transformation that left our community longing for more of Christ.

Friday night - Pastor Nate Early: "How Can We Experience Renewal in Our Hearts?" (Revelation 2:1-7)

Nate Early, from Dallas, TX, opened the weekend with a charge from Revelation 2:1-7. He reminded us that when John saw Jesus after 40 years, he didn't casually greet Him—he fell at His feet in worship (Rev. 1:17). That awe is where renewal begins.

1. Jesus Commends the Church (Rev 2:2, 6)
   • The Ephesians didn't tolerate sin. Neither should we.
   • Culture says tolerance is a virtue—but Jesus calls for holiness.
   • "Christ's organization tolerates what this generation celebrates." - John Wesley
   • Christians are called to stand firm even when the world applauds compromise.
2. Jesus Rebukes the Church
   • The Ephesians' love had grown cold. Their faith became obligation, not delight (Matt 24:12).
   • This fading passion can subtly creep into our own routines.
3. How Do We Renew That Love? (Rev 2:5)
   • Remember - Recall when you talked to God more than about Him.
   • Repent - Turn back with the passion of newlyweds in love.
   • Reconnect - Rekindle that first-love fire and run the race with endurance.
4. Key Reflection: "You never know how much you truly believe something until it's a matter of life & death." — C.S. Lewis

Saturday Morning (4/12) - Breakout Sessions: Jim Harris/Glenn Best

1. Topic: Walking Through the Valley
   • Speakers Jim Harris and Glenn Best led breakout sessions centered on Psalm 23. These teachings reminded us that both spiritual and physical needs matter in times of grief:
     • Don't make major life decisions while grieving.
     • Don't let others define how you should grieve.
     • Don't isolate-journal, worship, and serve.
     • We don't move on. We move forward.
   • Scriptures for the Valley:
     • Psalm 23, 46, 18, 34, 42, 59 | Job 1:20-22; 42:1-6 | 1
     • Peter 5:10 | Isaiah 41
   • Truths to Embrace:
     • REFUSE self-pity.
     • Rely on God's promises, not your emotions.
     • BE a help to others—your healing may bless someone else's heart.

Saturday Night - Austin Marshick: "What Will It Take?" (Acts 11:19-26)

Austin challenged us to ask: What will it take for our city to experience renewal?

• Scene 1: Preaching Christians (v.19-21)
  • Renewal starts with ordinary people sharing Jesus.
  • God saves strategically-your workplace, your family, your circle is your mission field.
  • The hand of the Lord was with those who preached Jesus.
• Scene 2: Encouraging Christians (v.22-24)
  • Barnabas was sent not to preach, but to encourage.
  • We need more encouragers who fan the flames of revival.
• Scene 3: Discipling Christians (v.26)
  • Antioch believers were called "Christians" because they acted like Christ.
  • Revival requires discipleship—not just wearing the label, but embodying the life.
• Big Idea:
  • Radical discipleship flips cities upside down. Want to see revival? Be a preacher. Be a Barnabas. Be a disciple-maker.

Sunday Morning - Pastor Ted Traylor: "Renewal in Spirit-Filled Living" (John 7) - Pastor Ted Traylor 

Pastor Traylor unpacked what it means to live filled with the Holy Spirit:

• It begins with a drink - John 4:14
• It flows like a river - Genesis 26:12-25
• The Spirit empowers believers to rise above idolatry, materialism, and sin (Eph. 4:30; John 15).

Sunday Morning - Tim Hunter: "Renewal in Our Church" (Acts 2:1-21)

Tim Hunter closed the morning service by revisiting the birth of the church.

• When the Spirit Comes:
  • Presence of God - The church is birthed by God's breath, not man's plan.
  • Newness - We become God's temple. The reversal of Babel.
  • Unity to the Mission - Peter preaches from Joel. The Word and Spirit are always united
  • Exaltation to Christ - Revival always leads to Jesus.
• Kingdom Principle:
  • God replaces the earthly with the heavenly when we wait where He wants.

Renewed Life Through Mercy - Romans 12:1-2

Young Preachers Sermons

• Sam Dickens: "God's Mercy Renews Us"
  • Renewal begins with the mercy of God.
  • Mercy isn't earned—it's a gift, fully realized at the cross.
  • Renewal is daily surrender, not just emotional hype.
  • Invitation: Lay your burdens at the cross.
• Gavin Dickson: "A Joy-Filled Sacrifice"
  • Real renewal = Living as a walking, talking sacrifice.
  • Sacrifices in the OT were dead. Ours is living.
  • Joy isn't found in control-but in surrender.
• Keegan Thomas: "Do Not Be Conformed"
  • Stop blending in. Say NO to the world.
  • Conformity to culture compromises your calling.
  • "When we grow up, we look like our decisions." 
• Nate Dickerman: "Be Transformed"
  • Don't just play defense (avoiding sin); play offense
  • —be transformed!
  • Discipline your mind like an athlete.
  • The Bible isn't a textbook—it's a playbook.
• Jack Tyner: "Proving God's Will" dokimazo - To prove through use.
  • Live out your faith so that the world sees the value of God's will.
  • "Redemption unused is like a golf net never touched."
• Final Word: The Truth That Transforms
  • "Anyone can change direction, but one must know the way to go."
  • There is no "your truth" or "my truth"-only The Truth (John 14:6).

Renew Weekend 2025 was more than a conference. It was a divine encounter that reminded us that true renewal starts with God's mercy, flourishes in surrendered lives, and overflows into our cities through radical discipleship. Let this be more than a memory. Let it be the spark of transformation-one that flips churches, hearts, and cities upside down.

Scriptures to Meditate On:

• Romans 12:1-2 | Acts 2 | Revelation 2:1-7 | Psalm 23 | John 7 | 1 Peter 5:10 | Isaiah 41 | 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Call to Action:

• What burden do you need to lay at the cross?
• What step of obedience is God asking you to take?
• Who will you encourage today?

Let's not just talk about renewal—let's actually live it. Jesus' ministry, with all his teachings, miracles, and the way he gathered his disciples, really kicked off a revival movement. A great example of this can be found in Matthew 28:16-20: "The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Jesus came up and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow everything I've commanded you; and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. This moment is known as "The Great Commission," where Jesus sends out his disciples to spread the word and baptize believers. Renewal Weekend was just a glimpse of the revival we really need in our world right now!