The Beginnings Of Revival

The Beginnings of Revival

2 Chronicles 7:14

October 2001

Introduction

What does America need most right now?

Some would say that we need peace the most

Some would say that we need security the most

Some would say that we need justice the most

Some would say that we need victory the most

On October 11th I believe that I saw what we need most in our nation. This date was a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. I watched as crews at ground zero in Manhattan stopped digging and clearing rubble for a moment of silent prayer. I was moved as I watched a service of remembrance at the Pentagon. Before President Bush addressed the crowds, a military choir sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic and it was incredible. The song stirred the hearts of all who heard it and even the President was choked up about it. The final chorus of that great hymn says: “Glory, glory halleluia. Glory, glory halleluia. Our God is marching on!”

What we need most in this great nation right now is for God to move. We need God to come and manifest His power, His grace and His forgiveness. What we need is revival. Not in part of the nation, not in some of the nation, not in most of the nation but in all of this great nation.

Revival is the extraordinary work of god among His people causing extraordinary results in and through the church – Promise Keepers

Revival is a process that God uses to change the world. Revival is God’s way of bringing His people back to him. Revival is not just for those who are lost but it is also for the faithful who have lost the fire of their faith. Revival is for those who need a fresh anointing from God. In reality revival, real revival is for every single person on earth.

Phases of Revival

Phase 1: God is on a mission to redeem a lost world. He calls His people into relationship with Himself, and he accomplishes His work through them.

Phase 2: God’s people depart from Him, turning to substitutes for his presence, purpose and ways.

Phase 3: God disciplines His people out of His love for them that they would return to Him

Phase 4: God’s people cry out to Him for help

Phase 5: God calls His people to repent and return to Him or perish

Phase 6: God revives His repentant people by restoring them to a right relationship with Himself

Phase 7: God exalts His Son Jesus in His people and draws the lost to a saving faith in Him

Let’s look at God’s prescription for revival

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Body

I. Revival Begins with a Personal Call

A. A call from God

1. Revival begins with a call from God

a.) God call for people to return to Him

b.) God calls for people to recommit to Him

c.) God calls for people to remember Him

2. The message of god is very clear

a.) Revival is an act of God, not us. We do not bring revival. We do not create revival. We can only respond when God calls

b.) Revival can only begin when you respond. The voice of an eternal, Almighty God is calling your name. The same voice that called to Moses from a burning bush is calling out to you. The same voice that called Samuel in the tabernacle is calling out to you. The same voice that called Lazarus back from the grave is calling out to you. God is calling, will you respond?

B. A call for a special people

1. God’s people are special

a.) We hold an eternal inheritance

b.) We are children of god Almighty

c.) We are separated for holiness

2. God knows you are special

a.) God created you - You are the workmanship of God

b.) God knows you completely

3. God has a plan for your life

a.) God has a personal call for you to answer

b.) God has a purpose for you to fulfill

C. A call of conditions

1. God gives conditions for revival

Since it is God who brings revival to us, He also sets the conditions for revival. His primary and only condition is for us to respond to His call on our lives. God never forces His will on any person. He allows us to have the final choice.

2. God will bless those who pursue Him

God is searching for people He can pour His blessing on. Following God is a choice and not everyone will follow God when He calls. God has promised to pour His blessing on those who are committed to Him

II. Revival Blossoms with a Private Conviction