24. When do we need Revival?

 

Thoughts for the prayer warrior

 

24. When do we need Revival?

 

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14.                                            

          “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

          I want to speak about REVIVAL today. The preaching of revival must be a good sign, for it is the ONLY WAY to avoid spiritual decay. From Psalm 24:3-4 it says, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.”

 

We learn that a revival affects THREE THINGS:

1. OUR HANDS.

          These must be clean. For the HANDS represent our actions.

2. OUR HEART.

          It must be pure. For the HEART represents our feelings.

3. OUR TONGUE.

          It must not be deceitful. For the TONGUE represents our speech.

          These THREE THINGS represent our TRUE character.

 

 

1.    WHAT IS REVIVAL?

 

          Revival means to come back to life, to return to consciousness, to return to a new zeal of life in Christ, and our hope of salvation. Revival is not evangelism!

There is a big difference between EVANGELISM, and REVIVAL.

 

1. EVANGELISM.

A “sinner,” needs evangelism to bring him to the Lord. He needs a “new birth,” for he is dead in his sins, and you cannot revive a dead person.

 

2. REVIVAL.

A “Christian,” needs revival to bring him back from a backsliding way. This includes a deep conviction of sin, for revival is a NEW beginning of OBEDIENCE to the Almighty God. Revival brings a deep sense of the presence, glory, and wonder of God.

 

2.    WHEN IS REVIVAL NEEDED?

 

          You will not purchase any item unless YOU NEED IT. You will NOT BE REVIVED unless YOU FEEL OR HAVE A NEED FOR IT. When YOU hunger and thirst for revival, God will give it. The river of God is always flowing in freshness, and spiritual strength, but YOU will NOT drink from it until YOU ARE THIRSTY!

What are the signs of our need of revival?

 

1. LACK OF LOVE.

          A lack of love is a sure sign, for the need of revival. When there is a want of brotherly love among the believers that replaces fellowship. This is a sure sign that revival is needed.

 

2. SIN.

          Worldliness is a sure sign, for the need of revival. When questions need to be asked.

a. Do I love reading the Sunday papers, more than my Bible?

b. Do I know all the words of the world’s songs, but forget the words of the Lord’s songs?

c. Would I rather go to the entertainment of the world, rather than the house of God?

d. Am I more interested in being popular with my friends, than in humble service to the Lord?

 

Gross sin is an open sign that revival is needed!

A.   Revived Christians are concerned for the LOST.

B.   Backslidden, cold Christians do not care if sinners go to hell or not!

3.    HOW TO GET REVIVAL!

 

          2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

Lays down FOUR simples to the point STEPS TO REVIVAL. But note: the text, first defines WHO MAY BE REVIVED: “MY PEOPLE...called by My Name.” Only God's TRUE children can be revived. Sinners need to be converted! Which often comes about when the CHURCH IS REVIVED!

 

1. “HUMBLE THEMSELVES.”

          This is not me humbling you, or you are humbling me, but you are giving of yourself in full submission to God. Humility is the opposite of pride, so first do away with pride, sin, and worldliness, and revival will come.

 

2. “PRAY.”

          God is waiting for YOU to open your mouth, and to start confessing sin. To lay aside YOUR cold words, and indifferent prayers, and to be REAL, BEFORE a Holy God.

 

3. “SEEK MY FACE.”

          To seek is to search carefully. Why search for the face of the Lord? Because when we sin, He turns His face away from us! Confession of sin restores contact with the Lord.

 

4. “TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS.”

          This is true repentance! Ask the Lord God to give YOU a bitter hatred for sin, as it is in His eyes. SIN crucified the Lord of glory, my Saviour. It was because of SIN that He died, so now I hate SIN!

 

          The results of meeting theses FOUR CONDITIONS OR REQUIREMENTS are:

 

1. GOD WILL HEAR YOUR PRAYERS.

          Hear, in the sense of receiving them graciously, and He will answer them.

 

2. GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SIN.

          This is the most glorious thing in the world to receive.

 

3. GOD WILL HEAL AND STRENGTHEN YOUR LIFE.

          The Holy Spirit and the Son will direct you.

 

4.    WHY DO WE NEED REVIVAL?

 

          We need to be revived because of sin that so easily befalls us. Coldness and backsliding are the results of sin.

 

1.    Only the revived man can love the Lord with ALL of their heart, soul, strength, and mind, Luke 10:27 “So he answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbour as yourself.”

 

2.    Only the revived man can love the Word of God, and its message.

 

3.    Only the revived man loves to pray.

 

4.    Only the revived man, loves to sit at Christ’ Throne.

 

5.    Only the revived man loves to see souls saved.

 

6.    Only the revived man gives glory to God.

 

7.    Only the revived man, watches, and waits for the Lord’s return.

 

Conclusion:

 

Do you want revival?

Are you willing to pay the price in the loss of your sin, coldness of heart and empty spiritual lives?

You do! So, let us pray and call upon the Lord to heal our land by revival in His Church today.

          I long to see churches full, overflowing churches and mighty acts of power and authority as the Lord Jesus moves among us, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

          Revival changes us, and it changes nations. So, I need revival in my soul!

automatically be on going where obstacles to it (unbelief, lack of concern, sin) are removed and right goals are aimed at. Pentecostalism is sometimes interpreted as permanent revival in this sense.

The law of revival is that when the church prays, repents, and seeks God, God guarantees an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in revival blessing. Just as, under God’s kind destiny, the farmer’s sowing and caring for his field guarantees a crop.

23. What is Revival?

 

Thoughts for the prayer warrior

 

23. What is Revival?

 

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14.                                            

          “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

          Most Christians realise that we need a Holy Spirit revival, but how many will pay the cost of revival. Many imagine that revival is full, overflowing churches and mighty acts of power and authority. But it also means more than that. For revival destroys our plans, makes our meetings untidy, and brings with its open weeping before God, for it shows the seriousness of our sin.

But most of all, revival puts God in His proper place. Are you willing to pay the price for revival here? “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6.

 

1.    What is Revival?

 

1. REVIVAL IS NOT EVANGELISM.

A. Revival is to the Church of Jesus Christ.

B. Evangelism is to the world at large.

C. Revival is what the Church experiences.

D. Evangelism is what the Church does; it is what the world experiences.

2. REVIVAL IS NOT REFORMATION.

          Reformation is the reforming of the people of God after a long time of doctrinal error. We can see this in the Old Testament where several times God's people abandoned Him and worshipped idols. Again, during the "time of reformation" there was a returning to God.

 

3. REVIVAL IS NOT RESTORATION:

          Restoration is the returning of the Church to the gifts and graces which have been lost. Often this may take years.

Again, in the Old Testament often when the people of God failed to serve Him, they lost out on the prophetic Word of the Lord God.

 

4. REVIVAL IS NOT RENEWAL.

          Renewal is an act of the Holy Spirit which brings Christians into a fresh experience of the life of God. This is now seen in the mainline churches coming under the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is what brought back Pentecostal churches.

 

2.    So, What is True Revival?

 

1. REVIVAL IS SUPERNATURAL.

          Revival is the giving of life again to that which is dead or dying. It is a new move of unquestioning obedience to God's Word. It is a movement of the Holy Spirit bringing about a revival of the New Testament Christianity in the Church of Jesus Christ and the community. It is the work of God's Spirit among His people, the saints getting back to normal gain. For the “supernatural” should be the “normal” in the Christian life!

 

2. REVIVAL COMES FROM GOD.

          Ezekiel 37:1-14.

“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down during the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed, they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

So, I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Again, He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus, says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”

          So, I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone.

Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also, He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”

So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.

They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' Therefore, prophesy and say to them,

'Thus, says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.”

In Ezekiel's vision revival is not only started by God. But He is the one who brings life. For we cannot create it by preaching, programs, or community action.

 

3. BUT WE CAN PREPARE FOR REVIVAL.

Even though we cannot start it, we can prepare for it. The Psalmist began to prepare through prayer Psalm 65:6 “Being clothed with power,” through obedience Psalm 85:8 “I will hear what God the Lord will speak,” through repentance Psalm 85:6 “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” And through reverent fear Psalm 85:9 “Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him that glory may dwell in our land.”

 

4. REVIVAL IS FOR THE CHURCH.

          We cannot pray for revival to come to 10, Downing Street. For revival is for the Church of Jesus Christ. We are the light of the world, and the salt of the earth and we cannot bring flavour if we remain in the saltcellar

 

5. GOD HAS SENT REVIVAL IN THE PAST.

          The general plan is that a small section of the church begins to pray, their relationship to God begins to change. A great sense of the seriousness of sin and coldness of attitude towards God both in personal and corporate life causes repentance and a change of life. Eventually his main body of the church is affected by the praying minority.

6. REVIVAL BRINGS REJOICING.

          The new relationship with God breeds zeal, confidence and through the change of life, witness, and new growth. There is now a change in every aspect of life which spreads into the community.

 

7. REVIVAL REVEALS GOD.

          In revival God is revealed. He alone is glorified. Everyone is overwhelmed by His holiness. Through the church God enters the community and brings about conversions and lasting moral changes.

 

Conclusion:

 

          Do you want revival?

Are you willing to pay the price in the loss of your sin, coldness of heart and empty spiritual lives?

You do! So, let us pray and call upon the Lord to heal our land by revival in His Church today.

I long to see churches full, overflowing churches and mighty acts of power and authority as the Lord Jesus moves among us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Revival changes us, and it changes nations. So, I need revival in my soul!

          “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

23. What is Revival?

 

Thoughts for the prayer warrior

 

23. What is Revival?

 

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14.                                            

          “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

          Most Christians realise that we need a Holy Spirit revival, but how many will pay the cost of revival. Many imagine that revival is full, overflowing churches and mighty acts of power and authority. But it also means more than that. For revival destroys our plans, makes our meetings untidy, and brings with its open weeping before God, for it shows the seriousness of our sin.

But most of all, revival puts God in His proper place. Are you willing to pay the price for revival here? “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6.

 

1.    What is Revival?

 

1. REVIVAL IS NOT EVANGELISM.

A. Revival is to the Church of Jesus Christ.

B. Evangelism is to the world at large.

C. Revival is what the Church experiences.

D. Evangelism is what the Church does; it is what the world experiences.

2. REVIVAL IS NOT REFORMATION.

          Reformation is the reforming of the people of God after a long time of doctrinal error. We can see this in the Old Testament where several times God's people abandoned Him and worshipped idols. Again, during the "time of reformation" there was a returning to God.

 

3. REVIVAL IS NOT RESTORATION:

          Restoration is the returning of the Church to the gifts and graces which have been lost. Often this may take years.

Again, in the Old Testament often when the people of God failed to serve Him, they lost out on the prophetic Word of the Lord God.

 

4. REVIVAL IS NOT RENEWAL.

          Renewal is an act of the Holy Spirit which brings Christians into a fresh experience of the life of God. This is now seen in the mainline churches coming under the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is what brought back Pentecostal churches.

 

2.    So, What is True Revival?

 

1. REVIVAL IS SUPERNATURAL.

          Revival is the giving of life again to that which is dead or dying. It is a new move of unquestioning obedience to God's Word. It is a movement of the Holy Spirit bringing about a revival of the New Testament Christianity in the Church of Jesus Christ and the community. It is the work of God's Spirit among His people, the saints getting back to normal gain. For the “supernatural” should be the “normal” in the Christian life!

 

2. REVIVAL COMES FROM GOD.

          Ezekiel 37:1-14.

“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down during the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed, they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

So, I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Again, He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus, says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”

          So, I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone.

Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also, He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”

So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.

They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' Therefore, prophesy and say to them,

'Thus, says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.”

In Ezekiel's vision revival is not only started by God. But He is the one who brings life. For we cannot create it by preaching, programs, or community action.

 

3. BUT WE CAN PREPARE FOR REVIVAL.

Even though we cannot start it, we can prepare for it. The Psalmist began to prepare through prayer Psalm 65:6 “Being clothed with power,” through obedience Psalm 85:8 “I will hear what God the Lord will speak,” through repentance Psalm 85:6 “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” And through reverent fear Psalm 85:9 “Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him that glory may dwell in our land.”

 

4. REVIVAL IS FOR THE CHURCH.

          We cannot pray for revival to come to 10, Downing Street. For revival is for the Church of Jesus Christ. We are the light of the world, and the salt of the earth and we cannot bring flavour if we remain in the saltcellar

 

5. GOD HAS SENT REVIVAL IN THE PAST.

          The general plan is that a small section of the church begins to pray, their relationship to God begins to change. A great sense of the seriousness of sin and coldness of attitude towards God both in personal and corporate life causes repentance and a change of life. Eventually his main body of the church is affected by the praying minority.

6. REVIVAL BRINGS REJOICING.

          The new relationship with God breeds zeal, confidence and through the change of life, witness, and new growth. There is now a change in every aspect of life which spreads into the community.

 

7. REVIVAL REVEALS GOD.

          In revival God is revealed. He alone is glorified. Everyone is overwhelmed by His holiness. Through the church God enters the community and brings about conversions and lasting moral changes.

 

Conclusion:

 

          Do you want revival?

Are you willing to pay the price in the loss of your sin, coldness of heart and empty spiritual lives?

You do! So, let us pray and call upon the Lord to heal our land by revival in His Church today.

I long to see churches full, overflowing churches and mighty acts of power and authority as the Lord Jesus moves among us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Revival changes us, and it changes nations. So, I need revival in my soul!

          “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

         

18. Revive us again!

 

Thoughts for the prayer warrior

 

18. Revive us again!

 

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14.

“Then if My people will humble themselves and pray, and search for Me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.”       

         

I want to speak about REVIVAL today. To prayer for revival is the ONLY WAY to avoid spiritual decay, in OUR LIVES, and the life of the Church. 2 Chronicles 7:14, lays down FOUR simple STEPS TO REVIVAL.

          But, note: the text, first defines WHO MAY BE REVIVED: “My people...called by My Name.” Only God’s TRUE people can be revived. Sinners need to be converted! This often follows when the CHURCH IS REVIVED!

Today I want to carefully look at some of the conditions that God places on the outpouring of revival, from 2 Chronicles 7:14. “Then if My people will humble themselves and pray, and search for Me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.”

 

1.    God is looking for people to revive. “If My people.”

 

The “if” here is the beginning of the conditions that God is looking to be met before He will act.

God is issuing a conditional promise to His people, “IF” you do these things, I will respond. God has an expectation of detailed things before He brings revival.

These promises are only for those who place their faith in God. God is speaking to His people and no one else here. We must understand that this is a special deal that God only offers to His people. We often forget that the work of revival always begins with God’s own people first, why?

God must first renew His people before the real work of winning the world can take place. The work of revival must begin with God’s own people but is never meant to end there. For revival is to be ever-lasting and to truly make an impact on the world, we must reach out.

 

2.    “If My people, who are called by My name.”

 

God calls us out from among the world. Being a Christian means that we are meant to stand out from the rest of the world. We must live differently than the world because:

a.     We value different things.

b.    We value an eternal promise.

c.     We value a different lifestyle.

We are all called to be a holy priesthood, where every believer carries the responsibility for ministry, not just the pastor or the oversight and leaders. We are all called to be Christ’s witnesses in this world to share His truth and boldly seek His power.

We are known by a new name. Whenever a person comes to Christ they are a new creation and are given the opportunity to live a transformed life. The old is down away with, and all things have become new.

 

3.    “If My people will humble themselves and pray.”

 

Why does God desire for His people to humble themselves? The word humble means to be in submission, to live in a state of surrender. When we humble ourselves, we are literally saying to God, you are in control of my life. Remember that simple prayer that Evan Roberts prayed, “Bend me O Lord.” When we humble ourselves before God we are allowing Him to bend us to His will.

What happens when God bends us?

1.) Bending opens us to His guidance (Psalm 25:9).

2.) Bending allows us to know His grace (Proverbs 3:34).

3.) Bending gives us a gentle heart (Matthew 11:29).

4.) Bending leads us to true greatness (Matthew 23:12).

5.) Bending gives us spiritual garments (1 Peter 5:5).

6.) Bending gives way to eternal glory (Philippians 2:8).

Once we allow God to bend us, we cannot remain the same!

 

4.    “And pray.”

 

One of the key principles of revival is a concerted effort in prayer. When we pray we are bringing our lives to inter act with God and in the moment that we meet with God something amazing happens; He pours Himself into our lives. Therefore, prayer is so essential to experiencing revival.

Prayer is the foundation of a growing relationship with God and without prayer that relationship will never truly grow. We must go deeper with God if we ever want to experience revival in our lives.

Each day we decide to either build up that relationship with God or to settle for where we are in our relationship with God.

The principle of prayer is flows out of the New Testament Church

1.) Prayer needs to be a continuous aspect of the church (Acts 1:14).

2.) Prayer was a major part of the life of the church (Acts 2:42).

3.) Prayer is vital to seeing a divine display of power (Acts 4:31).

Revival is nothing more than God stepping into His relationship with you and filling it with His presence and power in a fresh way.

If you are not developing that relationship with God, you will never experience personal revival.

 

5.    “And seek my face.”

 

The Hebrew word for seek means to intend to find or to deeply desire. To seek something from God means to first have the deep desire to see it happen and then to keenly and persistently pursue it.

One of the major reasons why churches never see a movement of God is because they do not want it bad enough. There is a personal price that must be paid in finding revival. It is opening yourself to the leading of the Holy Spirit and then obeying what the Spirit says.

In 1904 those young people from Evan Roberts home church wanted to see revival so badly that they stayed at the church and prayed until 2am. We struggle to gather a handful of people to pray. The church today does not see God moving because we have stopped seeking. We need to be seeing 50 plus praying for a new move of God.

God said these words to Jeremiah: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”. We will only truly find God and His reviving power when we really and truly desire that which only He can give us.

Once that desire is there, then we must pursue it.

 

6.    “And turn from their wicked ways.”

 

When Evan Roberts spoke to those young people in Wales, his first challenge to them was to confess any known sin to God. Revival will never happen in your life until you let go of your sin. Sin is nothing more than pure bondage and it holds you in place like a chain wrapped around your body.

Why is it that God desires confession?

1.) Confession is a realization of wrong doing.

Most children get themselves into trouble from time to time. When your kids get themselves into trouble and must be told off, how many of you ask them if they know what they did was wrong?

We are God’s children and confession is merely telling God what it is that you have done wrong. When we confess we are admitting the fact that we have done wrong.

2.) Confession renews your relationship with God.

God cannot work through sinful living; it is impossible. God can only move in our lives when the path has been cleared. When we confess our sins to God, it is a clearing of the path that allows God to move because when we confess, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse our lives.

 

3.) Confession seeks God’s assistance.

When we confess our sin to God it is allowing Him to take the chains that bind us from our back and set us free. God never forces us to do anything that we do not want to do but when we confess, we are asking for God to send us His help.

 

Conclusion:

 

This morning, I firmly believe that God has the desire to bring revival to this church. The only question that really remains is do you have the desire to be revived?

If you want to experience personal revival, today, is the day to seek God.

If you want this church to see a shared revival, today, is the day to seek the Holy Spirit.

If you want our community to see a mighty outpouring of power, today, is the day to seek Jesus.

If God is tugging at your heart today, come forward and seek power from on high.