THE HARVEST IS READY
FROM REVIVAL FIRE TO GOSPEL MISSION
By Reverend Gary Hoban
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” – Matthew 9:37 (NKJV)
The fire of God is never given merely to warm the Church. It is given to send the Church. Jesus looked upon the crowds with compassion and declared that the harvest was plentiful but the labourers were few. Australia needs a Church that sees people as Jesus sees them – as people for whom Christ died.
REVIVAL MUST LEAD TO MISSION
If revival turns our attention only inward, we have misunderstood its purpose. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to become witnesses. A revived Church becomes a going Church – proclaiming Christ, serving communities, discipling new believers and carrying the Gospel beyond its own walls.
SEE THE HARVEST WITH COMPASSION
Jesus was moved with compassion because the people were weary and scattered. Evangelism must never be driven by anger at culture. We speak because we love people and because the Gospel remains the power of God for salvation.
EVERY BELIEVER IS SENT
The Great Commission was not given to professional ministers alone. God sends teachers, tradespeople, parents, students, business leaders and retirees into everyday mission fields. Your workplace, street, school and community are places where the Kingdom can be demonstrated.
PRAY FOR LABOURERS – THEN BE WILLING TO GO
Jesus told His disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send labourers. That prayer must include our own availability. We cannot sincerely pray, “Lord, send someone,” while refusing to say, “Here am I, send me.”
MAKE ROOM FOR NEW BELIEVERS
If we are praying for harvest, we must prepare to receive people whose lives may be messy, unfamiliar and very different from ours. Revival requires churches with open hearts, strong discipleship and patient pastoral care.
THE GOSPEL BELONGS IN EVERY SPHERE
Christians carry the Gospel into business, education, health care, community life, sport, neighbourhoods and public service. We do not leave Jesus at the church door. We represent Him wherever God has placed us.
THE GOSPEL MUST REMAIN CENTRAL
The Church has many responsibilities, but none can replace the proclamation of Jesus Christ crucified, risen and Lord. Social action without the Gospel cannot save. Biblical truth without compassion can become distant. We need both truth and love.
DISCIPLE THE PEOPLE WE REACH
Jesus did not command us merely to collect decisions. He commanded us to make disciples. New believers need Scripture, prayer, fellowship, mentoring and a local church where they can grow into mature followers of Christ.
THE HARVEST IS IN EVERY COMMUNITY
The harvest is not only overseas. It is in Australian suburbs, rural towns, schools, workplaces, hospitals, prisons, sporting clubs and families. Mission begins where God has already placed us.
ASK GOD FOR DIVINE APPOINTMENTS
Pray for conversations that open naturally, people whose hearts have been prepared by the Holy Spirit and courage to speak when the opportunity comes. One faithful conversation can alter an eternity.
AUSTRALIA CAN STILL BE REACHED
We must refuse the belief that Australians are no longer interested in God. Many people are spiritually hungry, wounded or searching. The Church must be ready to listen, love, serve and clearly present Jesus.
DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
Paul declared that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation. We do not need to make Jesus more acceptable to the age; we need to proclaim Him clearly, graciously and faithfully.
PRAY FOR SUPERNATURAL OPEN DOORS
The Holy Spirit can prepare hearts before we arrive. Ask God for divine appointments, unusual favour, dreams, conviction and moments when people unexpectedly become ready to hear about Christ.
LET COMPASSION BECOME ACTION
It is not enough to feel concern for the lost. Invite someone for a meal. Share your testimony. Offer prayer. Serve a neighbour. Support an evangelist. Give toward mission. Small acts of obedience can open great doors.
THE HARVEST REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE
Not every seed produces visible fruit immediately. Some people need repeated witness, patient friendship and much prayer. We sow, water and trust God for the increase.
THIS MONTH: HARVEST AND GOSPEL MISSION
A great harvest of souls across Australia and labourers willing to go. Pray for compassion for the lost, bold Gospel witness, open hearts, strong local churches and faithful discipleship of new believers.
10 PRAYER POINTS
• Compassion for the lost – Matthew 9:36
• Labourers for the harvest – Matthew 9:37-38
• Bold Gospel proclamation – Acts 4:31
• Open hearts to receive Christ – Acts 16:14
• Evangelists and witnesses empowered – Acts 1:8
• Churches ready to disciple new believers – Matthew 28:19-20
• Families reached with the Gospel – Acts 16:31
• Young people encountering Jesus – Joel 2:28
• Mission to regional and remote Australia – Romans 10:14-15
• Australia becoming a sending nation – Isaiah 6:8
PRAYER FOCUS
A great harvest of souls and labourers willing to go. Pray for compassion, bold Gospel witness, open hearts and faithful discipleship of new believers.
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” – Matthew 9:37 (NKJV)
A PRAYER FOR THE HARVEST
Heavenly Father,
Give us Your heart for the lost.
Forgive us where we have become inward, comfortable or silent.
Open our eyes to the harvest around us.
Raise labourers in every church, community and generation.
Fill believers with the Holy Spirit and give us boldness to speak of Jesus.
Prepare hearts to receive the Gospel.
Strengthen churches to welcome, disciple and care for new believers.
Send workers into regional, remote and multicultural Australia.
May Australia become both a harvest field and a sending nation.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
OUR MISSION
To equip, encourage and mobilise Spirit-filled believers to pray, proclaim God’s Word and contend for revival, reformation and the advancement of God’s Kingdom in Australia.
CONNECT WITH US
Telegram: t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia
Zoom Prayer Meeting: Wednesdays — 6:30 PM AEST
Email: info@refinerylife.org
Website: www.refinerylife.org
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
NEXT WEEK
ISSUE 7 – Rebuild the Family Altar.
LET US STAND TOGETHER IN PRAYER. GOD IS NOT DONE WITH AUSTRALIA!
WATCH • PRAY • DISCERN • STAND
