As my thoughts focus on revival services beginning tomorrow evening, I thought it would behoove me to write something concerning revival. First, I would like to look at its definition. What is revival? There are differences of opinions on this, even from the best of theologians. Some say that revival is where sinners are converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Others say, "No, no; sinners can't be revived. They were never made alive to start with. Revival is for the church." Others say, "Revival is when the power of God starts moving among a group of people." So, what is revival, anyway?
Let me start by saying this: I am not big on "revival," as it is often presented. "Revival" is often presented as something extra special; something almost unattainable; something that only occurs after a long list of requirements are met. However, in the book of Acts, what we call "revival" was the norm. People being saved, the church being on fire, and miracles and healings occurring on a regular basis were the trademark of the book of Acts. Please understand, I am IN FAVOR of all these things. But I don't believe these things should be trademarks of "revival," but rather of a normal, Christian walk.
However you define revival; whether it is the conversion of sinners that defines it, or the fires of the church being rekindled, or miracles and healings being brought to the forefront, WE NEED IT ALL! I am of the opinion that revival consists of all these things.
Understand this: revival is not our working - it is the working of the Holy Ghost in the midst of His people. I understand that there is one thing that will cause the Holy Ghost to move among us: humility. When God's people humble ourselves, it is sure to bring a stirring. Humility manifests itself among us through prayer and fasting primarily. However, after we have done our part, it is up to the Lord to do the rest. It is His work.
Revival, like judgment, must begin at the house of God. I am in favor of God's people doing their part to elect the most moral, godly people we can find into office. However, let me remind you that there were two great awakenings, the Pentecostal revivals of the early 1900s, Finney's revivals, Moody's meetings, and other revivals throughout American history. Of these revivals, not one of them began in the White House. Washington has never started a revival. Washington needs a revival, but it has never started one yet. We may have Ahab and Jezebel in the White House, but there will always be an Elijah to preach unwavering truth without compromise. So, do not let America's frail political condition keep you from praying for our nation concerning a revival.
As for the prerequisites for revival, humility is the only one. As previously mentioned, humility will reveal itself through prayer, fasting, and devotion to God Almighty. Some try to complicate revival. I have heard preachers give long lists of conditions to meet before the Lord will send revival. I have even heard some seem to indicate that if a group of people is not perfect, God won't send a revival. Some have used the story of Achan to say that if there person in a group who has one sin in his/her life, that group will not see revival. Well, I understand their point, but if everybody in my group were perfect, we wouldn't need revival!!! God doesn't send revival because we are perfect; he sends revival to help perfect us! When it is revival time, God does not seek out perfect people to revive; He seeks out humble people, who are willing to admit their sins and faults, and are willing to allow the Lord to work in their lives.
I pray that the Lord will send a revival in the next few days that will bring forth much fruit.
Let me start by saying this: I am not big on "revival," as it is often presented. "Revival" is often presented as something extra special; something almost unattainable; something that only occurs after a long list of requirements are met. However, in the book of Acts, what we call "revival" was the norm. People being saved, the church being on fire, and miracles and healings occurring on a regular basis were the trademark of the book of Acts. Please understand, I am IN FAVOR of all these things. But I don't believe these things should be trademarks of "revival," but rather of a normal, Christian walk.
However you define revival; whether it is the conversion of sinners that defines it, or the fires of the church being rekindled, or miracles and healings being brought to the forefront, WE NEED IT ALL! I am of the opinion that revival consists of all these things.
Understand this: revival is not our working - it is the working of the Holy Ghost in the midst of His people. I understand that there is one thing that will cause the Holy Ghost to move among us: humility. When God's people humble ourselves, it is sure to bring a stirring. Humility manifests itself among us through prayer and fasting primarily. However, after we have done our part, it is up to the Lord to do the rest. It is His work.
Revival, like judgment, must begin at the house of God. I am in favor of God's people doing their part to elect the most moral, godly people we can find into office. However, let me remind you that there were two great awakenings, the Pentecostal revivals of the early 1900s, Finney's revivals, Moody's meetings, and other revivals throughout American history. Of these revivals, not one of them began in the White House. Washington has never started a revival. Washington needs a revival, but it has never started one yet. We may have Ahab and Jezebel in the White House, but there will always be an Elijah to preach unwavering truth without compromise. So, do not let America's frail political condition keep you from praying for our nation concerning a revival.
As for the prerequisites for revival, humility is the only one. As previously mentioned, humility will reveal itself through prayer, fasting, and devotion to God Almighty. Some try to complicate revival. I have heard preachers give long lists of conditions to meet before the Lord will send revival. I have even heard some seem to indicate that if a group of people is not perfect, God won't send a revival. Some have used the story of Achan to say that if there person in a group who has one sin in his/her life, that group will not see revival. Well, I understand their point, but if everybody in my group were perfect, we wouldn't need revival!!! God doesn't send revival because we are perfect; he sends revival to help perfect us! When it is revival time, God does not seek out perfect people to revive; He seeks out humble people, who are willing to admit their sins and faults, and are willing to allow the Lord to work in their lives.
I pray that the Lord will send a revival in the next few days that will bring forth much fruit.
