BIBLICAL REVIVAL

I Was Just Thinking About – BIBLICAL REVIVAL.

Living in the South (Bible Belt), one has occasion to see a tradition being continued in various Church groups. Most have seen the signs that declare – Church Revival – three nights only (or some similar statement). While the intention seems noble, the idea conveyed that something unique, supernatural or dynamic will occur during those selected days is short-sighted. Question: Can a Revival be announced or is it something that takes place spontaneously? What is God’s requirement?

It seems that one should never drift too far from a specific word from the Lord in this regard. After the completion of the Temple being built, we read in II Chronicles 7:12-15, “Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name 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.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

An additional factor is emphasis upon prayer. The Lord said: “I have heard your prayer.” One can wonder why prayer for Church Renewal or Revival is so seldom prayed. One should follow the model in Acts 4:29-31, “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

Another observation is that the “Revival” posters and signs are usually associated with Baptist-oriented church groups. Some Presbyterian Churches have benefitted from instruction based upon From Embers to A Flame by the Presbyterian Pastor Harry L Reeder. He states: “God’s instructions to the church at Ephesus serve as a curriculum outline for church vitality and revitalization:  Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first.” See: Revelation 2:5. “There is a three-fold paradigm for renewing our churches: Remember…Repent…Recover... Church vitality or revitalization is nothing more than following God’s prescription for church health. Church health naturally leads to conversions and improved personal discipleship, for our good and God’s glory.” Does the Church you attend need a Biblical and Spiritual Revival?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.