3 Promises of Revival

Good morning Wesley.

I am so excited that you are here with us this morning. Morning as we prepare our hearts for revival. I am reminded that revival is God’s plan. I read this recently.

God's promises for revival bring hope and renewal to our weary souls and communities, calling us to a deeper faith and dependence on Him.

How would you view here would like hope and renewal too weary, soul that sounds great, does not it?

This morning we are going to be looking at three promises that God has given us through the holy Scriptures concerning revival.

The first promise is:

Revival Refreshes the Spirit

2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Humble Themselves

What does it mean to humble yourself?We know the Scripture says that we should Humble ourselves.But exactly what does that mean?

James 4:6 Gives us a promise to those who humble themselves

James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6 But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).

1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

Webster’s dictionary defines

Pride, or the loss of humility, is the root of every sin and evil.

Andrew Murray

Pride is a sinner’s torment, but humility is a saint’s ornament.

William Secker

Consider the prodigal son, who, after living recklessly, found himself in a desperate state. When he returned home in repentance, his father ran to him with open arms, symbolizing how God joyously welcomes back the repentant sinner. This heartfelt return not only restored the son’s relationship with his father but also rejuvenated his spirit. Repentance brings liberation and refreshment to our souls, proving that it's never too late to turn back to God.

Prayer Preceding Renewal

Psalm 85:6-9

Psalm 85:6 Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?

Psalm 85:7 Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Your salvation.

Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly.

Psalm 85:9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.

God's promise of revival is tied to His steadfast love and salvation, inspiring believers to pray fervently for renewal in their own lives and the community. This point can suggest that God's faithfulness in the past assures us of restoration and joy when we cry out for His presence today.

In the early days of the Azusa Street Revival, as people gathered in a small, run-down building in Los Angeles, it wasn't just charismatic preaching that ignited the flames of renewal; it was unceasing prayer. Witnesses recount how the fervent prayers of a diverse group of believers were foundational to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, transforming lives and communities. Before the miraculous power of God manifested, there were humble hearts seeking His presence through prayer, illustrating that no revival occurs without intense prayer preceding it.

8989 The prayer preceding all prayers is “May it be the real I who speaks.”

C. S. Lewis

Promise of the Spirit's Power

Joel 2:28-29

Joel 2:28 “It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.

Joel 2:29 “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

Here we find the promise of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, as foretold by the prophet Joel, and how it finds its fulfillment in Christ. Emphasizing the accessibility of God's Spirit to all believers, you might encourage the audience to recognize the empowerment and new life that come through the Spirit, urging them to embrace this promise for revival.

During the Great Awakening in the 18th century, people flocked to hear preachers like George Whitefield. Imagine a field filled with eager faces, hoping for a glimpse of the Spirit’s power at work. Whitefield's sermons, marked by passion and energy, would leave the audience in tears or joy—but not just on their faces! People would often declare they felt as if their hearts were strangely warmed, bringing joy and energy back to their lives! This revival set a stage of hope and power that continues to inspire today's believers.

The possibilities of prayer run parallel with the promises of God.

Edward McKendree Bounds (American Methodist Episcopal Minister)

Rekindles Passion for the Lost

A missionary told a heartbreaking story of a remote community with little access to the gospel. When he arrived, many had never heard of Christ. After working tirelessly to share God’s love, he saw a young man come to faith. The joy was indescribable as this passion spread throughout the community. It reminded me of Matthew 28:19-20 – the Great Commission calls us to go into all the world. If one voice can change an entire community, imagine our impact in our own neighborhoods!

Keep your mind occupied with this certain truth: He is come to save that which was lost, and there is no lost one so far lost that Jesus cannot find him and cannot save him.

Andrew Murray

Questions to ponder

According to Psalm 85:6-9, why is prayer essential in the process of revival?

How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate the theme of revival?