Christian Revival- What Is It?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible speaks of revival in both the Old and New Testaments. In each case, the people of God strayed from their faith to one degree or another. Each time, God brings about a chance for them to return to Him. In the Old Testament, prophets were often the messengers of the revival call, reminding people of the law of God and their need to follow it. In the New Testament, revival is heavily discussed in the book of Revelation, specifically in the letters to the seven churches. These letters share some reasons for needing a revival, such as growing defeated under heavy persecution, losing our initial joy and excitement for our faith, getting wrapped up in the world, and being deceived by false teachers. All of this can pull us from our faith. Returning to God is the goal for the churches receiving the letters in Revelation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• When we turn from sin and return to God in prayer, we regain the benefits and blessings God promises to His people. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
• The Old Testament offers a picture of spiritual revival in the ministry of Ezra. Ezra read the Law before the people, calling them to repentance. The people learned and began to apply God's teachings, showing their changed hearts. (Nehemiah 8:1-6)
• When we have strayed from our faith and are confronted with the glory and holiness of God, we are reminded of our place and our need for Him. This can bring revival as we understand who we are and who God is. (Isaiah 6:5)

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Revival involves repenting of the sins that are distancing us from God and turning to Him. He will forgive us our sins and provide the refreshment we need. (Acts 3:19)
• When we turn from our sin, we can “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to” us (James 4:8).
• In the first of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, the church of Ephesus hears that Jesus is not pleased because they have “forsaken their first love” or their initial commitment and passion for following Him. This can happen to us today as well and is a cause for needing personal revival. (Revelation 2:4-5)
• Some churches to whom these letters were addressed needed revival for issues like just going through the motions of faith, being spiritually exhausted from persecution and hardship, and compromising with the world. Other churches are told they need revival because they were tolerating false teachers, becoming complacent, and focusing more on appearing spiritually prosperous instead of actually having an authentic faith. Current believers may need revival concerning these issues as well. (Revelation 2-3)

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Christian revival has been expressed in many ways throughout church history. The term is most often thought of in association with times of great spiritual renewal such as the First Great Awakening in the United States in the 1730s and 1740s. During this time, a renewed focus on preaching and evangelism stirred the hearts of many in ways that changed the church and society at a deep level.

In the twentieth century, revival meetings served as an important part of many Protestant churches in the United States. During these meetings, an evangelist or minister, usually from out of town, would call people to holiness and to share the gospel with the unsaved.

By the end of the twentieth century and now into the twenty-first, the citywide outreaches like those of Dr. Billy Graham are less common in the United States, yet similar outreaches continue in other nations where the church is quickly growing, such as Brazil, India, and parts of Africa. In addition, the use of media technology continues to extend Christian revival through radio, television, print, and online strategies to spread the gospel and spiritual renewal.

Revival is not just corporate or meant only for large groups of people. Still today, God calls each believer to spiritual awakening. When we personally pursue spiritual revival in our own lives, we grow closer to God and return to His path for our lives.

UNDERSTAND

• Revival is often seen as large movements of people returning to their faith.
• God calls individual believers to their own revival when they have strayed from faith.
• When we experience revival, we repent of our sin and allow God to renew us.

REFLECT

• What are some ways you ensure your spiritual life doesn’t become rote?
• What revival efforts have you found effective, in your local church or other area?
• Do you recognize any of the issues mentioned in Revelation 2–3 in your own spiritual life?

ENGAGE

• What are some ways believers can help one another avoid spiritual staleness?
• Among unbelievers especially, tent meeting revivals have the stigma of being overly emotional services led by fraudulent traveling preachers. How can we engage someone who believes that stereotype?
• What are some of the main impediments to spiritual revival?