Do you need a revival?

Is it possible for Christians to stay vived in this fast-paced culture where so many people fill every minute of every day with activity without eventually needing to be revived? And if one must be revived, does your local church have to schedule a set of revival services for it to happen?

Many who are more intelligent than me have discussed the answers to those questions. However, that history won’t stop me from sharing a few thoughts.

Most of what I could tell you about revival stems from biblical usage and how the term is defined. If your concept of revival only comes from your tradition and not from Scripture, then we are not on the same page.

Many have said that America needs revival.

I disagree. You can only revive that which has previously been vived or given life. The majority of America has not been made alive in Christ and does not need to be revived. The masses outside of Christ are “dead in trespasses and sins” and cannot be revived. Instead, they need a spiritual resurrection. They need to hear the Gospel and commit to Christ in faith. They must be born again!

If it’s not the American people that need a revival, then who does? It’s the Church that exists in this nation. Those that need reviving have previously identified themselves with the name of Jesus Christ. They were called after His name and were following Him closely. They might occasionally show up for a worship service or other church-sponsored activity.

Perhaps it’s all about semantics, and you think me petty to state my case. Nevertheless, I will persist. After all, I insist, words matter.

Resurgence is the word impressed on my mind.

The Spirit brought that new-to-me concept to describe my desires. A resurgence is defined as a rising again to increased activity after a period of little activity, occurrence, and popularity.

Let me share with you what the Spirit showed me from Psalm 119. Revival for God’s people is indivisibly linked with seeking God through His Word. Learning the text and listening to the Spirit are instrumental concepts that fuel the believer’s prayer life. Any revival movement that avoids the prayerful pursuit of God’s Word is not a biblical revival. Asaph repeatedly used the word “revive” in Psalm 119, understanding that it would come as he sought God through His Word.

I’m praying for an awakening that will rob hell of its prey.

I’m asking God to stir His people with a strong resurgence that will cause cleansing throughout the Body of Christ, and then we will walk full of His Holy Spirit power.

I want a revival for the people of God that will cause us to echo the sentiment of this old hymn, Rescue the Perishing.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Christian, will you agree with me on these prayerful desires?