What is TRUE "REVIVAL"?
Posted by: prophetic <prophetic@...>
-by Don Harkins.
What is revival? We all supposedly long for and pray for
revival. We constantly hear both preachers and even
sometimes politicians make statements to the effect that
what America needs is revival. A look at Webster reveals
that revival is restoration, religious awakening, meeting,
being made alive or refreshed.
What is true revival? Is God interested in revival? Has
America gone too far down the wrong track to witness
another great revival? Thank God there is revival sweeping
many of the third world countries but how desperate are we
for revival in America? Remember this definition of revival
as given by one of the early revivalists.. nothing more than
God finding a dwelling place on earth, nothing more or less
than the abiding presence of Jesus Christ.
Lets let an early revivalist, named Owen Murphy answer
the question as to what is true revival. The following are
quotes from his article 'This is Revival': When men in the
streets are afraid to open their mouths and utter godless
words lest the judgments of God should fall; when sinners,
overawed by the Presence of God tremble in the streets
and cry for mercy; when, without special meetings and
sensational advertising, the Holy Ghost sweeps across
cities and towns in Supernatural Power and holds men in
the grip of terrifying Conviction; when every shop becomes
a pulpit; every heart an altar; every home a sanctuary and
people walk softly before God, this is Revival.
Today the word Revival has largely lost its real meaning.
Our present generation, never having witnessed the mighty
movings of God in nationwide spiritual awakening such as
has taken place in past generations, has little conception
of the magnitude of such a visitation. Heaven-sent revival
is not religious entertainment, where crowds gather to hear
outstanding preachers and musical programs: neither is it
the result of sensational advertising in a God-sent revival
you dont spend money on advertising; people come
because Revival is there. Revival is an awareness of God
that grips the whole community, and the roadside. The
tavern, as well as the church, become the places where
men find Christ. Here is the vast difference between our
modern evangelistic campaigns and true revival. In the
former, hundreds may be brought to a knowledge of Christ
and churches experience seasons of blessings, but as far
as the community is concerned little impact is made... In
revival, the Spirit of God, like a cleansing flame, sweeps
through the community, divine conviction grips people
everywhere; the strongholds of the devil tremble, and many
close their doors, while multitudes turn to Christ.
This is true revival and the church must be first follow the
mandates of 2 Chronicles 7:14. How disturbing are the
words of some of our leaders who estimate that only
25% - 30% of church members will actually go up in the
rapture and how alarming it is to see the news reports that
the social ills of our society such as divorce, adultery,
homosexuality, unforgiveness, strife, jealousy, disputes
and factions are as prevalent inside the church as they are
outside the church. The church must have revival. How do
we get there? In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we are told very explicitly
how to experience revival and we are all familiar with these
words. In this verse there are four conditions that must take
place in order for revival to become a reality in our world
today. My people must
humble themselves, must pray,
must turn from their wicked way and must "seek My face" -
four conditions to meet for revival. The sins of pride,
unrighteousness and prayerlessness and all of the carnality
within the churches must be dealt with before we see revival.
However, the question at hand is this, IF, are we willing to
pay the price for revival or will we be content for business as
usual and witness an occasional time of refreshing in our
midst while our families, communities, churches and nation
slide further into anarchy, apostasy and apathy. Its up to
you and me. God will uphold His end of the challenge if we
meet the conditions as outlined in His Word.
IF my people will: (1) Humble themselves, (2) Pray,
(3) Turn from their wicked ways, and (4) Seek my face.
Andrew Bonar explains, revivals begin with Gods people,
the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them
new fervor and compassion and zeal, new light and life, and
when He has thus come to you, He next goes forth to the
valley of dry bones. Oh, what responsibility this lays on the
Church of God! If you grieve Him away from yourselves, or
hinder His visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely!.
We need revival so that we can once again touch this
nation and world for Christ. We must have revival, one that
touches every segment of our society.
If we want revival, we will cry out to God out of desperation.
A place that we know that we cant survive without His
touch and His indwelling presence. Hannah was desperate,
so were Ezra, Nehemiah and the other prophets of old.
Evan Roberts of Wales was desperate for revival. In fact, he
prayed 11 years for revival. He was a very humble man, a
man in his twenties when in 1904, he witnessed the Welsh
revival that swept the world. Will you be the one that perhaps
makes the difference? Prayers of desperation and an intense
desire for revival will produce groanings, travail, anguish,
agony coming from the prayer closet. Prayers of DESPERATION.
Repentance or a turning away from the former, according to
our scripture, must take place before revival. It's repentance
or judgment. All of the sins of the church - pride envy,
jealousy and unforgiveness must be repented-of if we want
revival. Repentance is Godly sorrow and a turning away from
the past. Ezra and Nehemiah cried out in repentance on
behalf of their people. We must not only repent of our sins
and failures, but also for the sinfulness of our church,
families, communities and nations. -Prayers of REPENTANCE.
Only then will true Revival come.