REVIVE US AGAIN!

"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" - Psalm 85:6

This past Wednesday marked the 46th anniversary of the great Asbury Revival.  On February 3, 1970, Asbury College was conducting its usual chapel service.  Chapel services usually ran for one hour ... but this one ran for a whole week without interruption.  Revival had come.

Many think that revival is a week of planned meetings, led by a guest evangelist.  The Asbury revival disproves such a belief.  The Asbury revival was not planned and preaching did not even occur.  Much of the uninterrupted service included students repenting of sin and getting right with God.

I am convinced that the only hope for America is revival.  Revival is not evangelism, although it produces evangelism.  Revival is all about God's people getting right with Him.  Revival in the church is often required before there will be an awakening among the lost.

We tend to think that revival is all about drawing larger crowds at church and a great deal of emotionalism.  I can't imagine revival coming without a certain degree of emotion, but that emotion is usually spawned by repentance and restoration of relationships.

I am convinced that most Christians are not enthusiastic about revival.  Some are apathetic because they have a false concept of what revival is really all about.  Others are very resistant to revival because of the high price that must be paid for revival to come.  In all fairness, revival does come with a steep price.  Most church members are not willing to humble themselves, destroy personal idols and seek the face of God.  Revival is uncomfortable to our sinful flesh and brings chaos to our routine.

I think it is obvious that revival is needed.  Televangelists often portray Christianity in an unfavorable light, causing many to think that churches only want their money.  Unbiblical teaching and superficial "experiences" shown by some TV ministries have many unbelievers convinced that Christianity is a fake religion.  Local churches aren't much better.  Many local churches are either spiritually dead or on life support.  Other churches seem to be like the theater, putting on a choreographed performance each week.  Missing from most evangelical churches is the power of the Holy Spirit, changing lives through the ministry of God's Word.  This life-changing ministry cannot be produced through entertainment, impressive programs or stirring music.  Only God can bring such a change. 

While some plan for revival, God cannot be programmed to respond at our beckoning.  He acts according to His own plan & at His own timing.  There are many who foolishly think that God may be manipulated into bringing revival.  We can't control God by our emotions or actions.  However, I do think there are two things we should do if we yearn for a mighty move of God.

1.  PRAY

First of all, pray for revival.  One prominent pastor seemed to condemn the very concept of revival.  He felt that pastors & churches simply need to "do what they know they ought to be doing," rather than pray for revival.  I fear that this pastor overemphasizes the human effort in spiritual matters and de-emphasizes the need for the supernatural.  Whether this is the case or not for him, I know that revival will never come without the Lord.  Jesus said, "Ask and ye shall receive."  It is time for God's people to get on their knees and get serious with God about their attitudes, affections and actions.  It is time for churches to seek God in prayer.  Without Him, there is no hope for America.

2.  PREPARE

We cannot produce revival, but we can prepare for revival.  We cannot manipulate God into bringing revival, but we can make ourselves willing candidates for revival.  While we need to pray for revival, we must understand that prayer is not a substitute for obedience.  When we are led to repent of a specific sin, we should immediately respond with humility, submission and determination. 

We need revival.  It is wrong to expect unbelievers to repent if we are not willing to repent ourselves.  It is wrong to expect your neighbor to get right with God if you are not right with God yourself.  Revival begins on an individual basis.  We must get serious with God ourselves. 

Change must occur at the house of God, but it must start with you and me.  These are desperate times.  It is time for us to seek God in desperation. 

Join with me in praying the words of the old hymn,

Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;

May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory,

Hallelujah, Amen,

Hallelujah, Thine the glory,

Revive us again!