AvivaMente #1
Introduction. As we contemplate a series of evangelistic services, we might ask, “Do we need a revival?” … “How can we have a real revival” … Let’s turn to the Scriptures and find our answers.
In Rev. 1:12–16, we find the Son of Man walking among the churches as the “great head” …
In chapters 2 and 3, it tells us that as He walks among the churches He looks upon the work of His own hands, and too often finds it drooping, declining, dying … He utters His rebuke, “I know thy works—be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die” … (1) Of Ephesus he said, “Thou has lost thy first love” … (2) Of Smyrna, Hypocrisy … (3) Of Pergamos, Idolatry … (4) Of Thyatira, Spiritual adultery … (5) Of Sardis, Complacency—“A name that thou livest, and art dead” … (6) Of Laodiceans, Lukewarm—another form of complacency … All these thought they did not need the Lord—“Thou sayest, I am rich—and have need of nothing” …
In each case, the Lord calls for repentance—an awakening and turning to God …
I. WHEN REVIVALS ARE NEEDED
1. When iniquity abounds … Isa. 59:2 …
2. When there is want of power upon the Word—no results from preaching …
3. When the presence of Christ in the soul is not duly prized …
When other things are more important …
4. When the principles and conduct of Christians are not distinctly separate from the world … 2 Chron. 19:2 …
II. HOW IS A REVIVAL PRODUCED?
1. By exciting the people to pray …
(a) Every great campaign of God’s people has been preceded by prayer …
(b) Acts 1:14—prayer before Pentecost …
(c) 2 Chron. 7:14 …
2. By a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians …
Think again of Pentecost—Acts 2:41–47 …
3. By a steadfast adherence to the Word of God …
(a) Acts 2:42—“They continued steadfastly …” …
(b) By being examples of our teachings …
4. By a distinct separation of Christians from principles and practices of the ungodly …
“Come ye from among them and be ye separate” …
When we prepare hearts in prayer and our lives by Christian living, God will send a revival …
5. By pouring out a spirit of love and unity upon the church … At Pentecost they were concerned about the needs of others …
6. By restoring those who have erred in doctrine and practice …
By restoring the joy of salvation …
7. By saving the lost and adding them to the church—Acts 2:47 …
Conclusion. The need of revival is evident—the Lord is ready.
ARE YOU READY?