This should be the cry of every child of God. The need for revival presupposes that a period of decline exist. It suggest that the candle of faith is burning low. Spiritual passion has become lackluster. First love has become left love. Worship has become moderate to light. The pews are filled with unforgiving spirits. People become inundated with complacency and halted with the pad-locks of traditionlism. There are others who are simply roll-book members. These are all indicators that we are in need of a revival. But what is a revival? It is not a shout in the camp. It is not a week or two day set aside. It is not a yearly occurrence. It is not a time for so-called good christians to massage their egoes. Revival, primarily is for the people of God. The word "revive" is derived
from a Latin meaning; It means to live again. To rekindle an almost dead fire. It is clear that the term can only apply to that which once lived. Nothing that never lived can be revived. J. Packer defines revival as God’s quickening visitation of His people, touching thier hearts and deepening His works of grace in thier lives. Robert Baird defines revival as the extraordinary season of religious interest. Stephen Olford calls it, the sovereign act of God, in which He restored Hi own backsliding people to repentance, faith and obedience. Edwin Orr calls revival, a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Robert Coleman calls it, the awakening or quickening of God’s people to their true purpose. Richard Roberts says; it is an extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit producing extraordinary results. Charles Finney calls it the return of the church from her backslidings, and the conversion of sinners. Finnaly, Duncan Campbell calls revival, a community saturated with God. There are three terms that are used interchangeably during a revival; renewal, awakening and revival. A renewal is God touching an individual. An awakening is God touching a nation. But a revival occurrs when God touches the community of the faithful. True revival will produce results in biblical proportion. It will cause God to pour out His presence. It will expose hidden sin. Revival will cause back-slidders to repent. True revival will exalt the mercy of God. It will cause men to acknowledge the sovereignty of God. It will transform a church of invalids into a camp of soldiers. True revival will bring nutriment and stimulant to the pining spirit. Real revival will kindle an unhindered passion for lost souls. True revival will provoke gifts and abilities.
Let us consider the following:
I. Revival is a pressing issue. (The Psalmist Question; Wilt Thou not revive us again?)vs 6
II. Prayerful Desire. (Wilt Thou?)vs 6
III. Prayer of Inclusiveness. (Revive Us)vs 6
IV. The Only Person Who Can Revive Us. (Thou)vs 6
V. The Purpose of Revival. (Open our spiritual hearing) vs 8
VI. The Price of Revival. (Don’t turn again to folly) vs 8
VII. The Promises of Revival. vs 10
(Mercy and truth are met together)
(Righteousness and peace shall kiss each other)
(Truth shall spring out of the earth)
(Righteousness shall look down from Heaven)
(The land shall be fruitful)
(There shall be glory in the land)
1. Spiritual Glory.
2. Moral Glory.
3. National Glory.
4. Sanctuary Glory.
5. Harvest Glory.
6. Worship Glory.
7. Inner spirit Glory.
VIII. The People of Revival. vs 6 (Thy People)
IX. The Plea of Revival. vs 6 (That we may rejoice in the Lord)
X. The Persistance of Revival. VS 6 (Revive us Again)
We will become sluggish AGAIN......
First love will become left love AGAIN...
Our feet will slip AGAIN....
We will become prideful AGAIN....
We will yield to temptation AGAIN....
Our faith will run low AGAIN....
We will become carnal AGAIN....
Conclusion: Lord, Revive US AGAIN....
May God Richly Bless and Keep You.
Pastor Rodney L. Johnson Sr.,
Historic Bethlehem Baptist Church
Hahnville, LA.
70057
