We Need Revival

What is revival? Revival is the restoration of the church itself to a vital and fervent relationship with God after a period of decline. Revival has also been called "awakening" as the church awakens to her true call to live for Jesus Christ in the earth.

In essence, revival reestablishes God's standard of righteousness, and has been known to change the atmosphere of entire regions, or even nations. Listen to the wisdom of Proverbs 14:34. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This is pure wisdom from the mouth of God. Righteousness lifts up nations. On the other hand, sin disgraces nations.

When disgrace replaces the standard of righteousness in a nation (as in ours), that nation is in decline. But a nation in decline is not necessarily a nation doomed. That nation needs revival. True revival can change things. Revival can restore things. Revival however, must begin with the church. (When I say the church I am referring to those who are truly born again of the Spirit of God.) There is no other way for it to spread to sinners.

Revival is not a series of meetings. Revival again is restoration. You and I must pray fervently for the restoration of God's church in America, and in the world. As born again followers of Jesus Christ we must pray fervently for the restoration of ourselves. If revival must start with the church, it must start with me (and you). Listen to Jesus' words to the church at Ephesus. "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent." (Revelation 2:4-5)

The answer for our nation is not found in the political realm. The answer to the terrorist threat is not found in our military or in the sophistication of our intelligence capabilities. The answer to injustice in our land is not found in demonstrations or in violent protests. The answer for our nation IS revival. It's that simple. The church must return to her first love, Jesus Christ. Let the depravity of our world and the church compel us (the church) to self-examination. How far have I fallen? Do I even remember my first Love? Will I repent, or continue to judge this crazy world?

As our world seems to fall apart we must pray for revival of the church. No matter how loud the terrorist threat gets I must seek His kingdom first. No matter how angry I get at the injustices of the world against Christianity...I must pray for revival. And no matter how disgusted and discouraged I may become over the lack of God's standard of righteousness upheld in our land...I must fervently seek the face of God for restoration of His blood-purchased church.

Are things bad? Yes. Are things hopeless? No. God's church is at a crucial crossroads in these last days however. Will she repent? Will she pray for revival of herself? Just like salvation, revival is God's work. We must fully trust Jesus to move in behalf of His church. And we must be willing to change as He once again invades our lives.

Can you see the need? Don't look at the folks in the world. Look at the church. Look at yourself. God created His church to be the most powerful force on the face of this planet. Instead she is divided and consumed with herself! Revival is the answer. I challenge you. Pray for revival. Study revivals of the past. Pray for the restoration of God's church. Don't be moved by the natural things. Simply seek first His kingdom, and His righteous until He moves.

"Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways." (Psalm 119:37)