REVIVAL

REVIVAL

It seems like some ancient word tied to an event in the early churches or in the old fashioned seasonal meetings of American church. The supernatural attraction of the Holy Spirit upon believers’ hearts to forsake sin and fall in love anew with Jesus Christ. It would be preceded by weeks of prayer; burdened hearts would break over lost family members and friends. The preachers were faithful delivers of the Word of God. They too would fall under the influence of the Spirit and the mundane monotone proclamation would turn into the dynamic presentation of an evangelist.

The topics at work the next day would be how God worked in the services. Who was saved and how people were moved to rededicate their lives to Christ were the real news among the brothers. Revival! That personal work of the Holy Spirit on a Christian’s heart changing them again toward a commitment to the Lord and His church. I’ve been there and remember it well. I’ve seen the effect of true revival on God’s church. I long to see it again.

The singing is louder, less inhibited; people seem not to be time conscious, there is anticipation as invitation time or altar call begins. When it happens, no one wants it to end. We yearn for that pew clinging, heart wringing, hymn singing, Holy Ghost preaching filled services. People start praying on their knees, weeping uncontrollably, repenting of sin completely and life changing confessions are shared.

It is not a matter of technology nor does the Lord care whether we sing old Hymn or contemporary Praise. He just wants our hearts again surrendered to Him. There will be little remembrance of the preacher but the scripture will resonate in the hearts of changed people. Every age will be touched, every Bible teacher quickened to understand deeper truth and families once again start those devotions daily.

All of this brings back memories of those precious times God visited our churches. Oh Lord! Do it again! We need revival desperately in our churches, our country, and our own lives. Help us before it’s too late. Send revival to our church. The time is now before it is too late.