"Revival Starts with R!"

Passage: II Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentence."

Revival

Have you spent much time thinking about the subject of revival?

It would seem that a great many Christians have, and the results of all that thought are really quite interesting. At least, they interest me. You see, I *want* revival! I want it so bad, I can taste it! I am willing to do just about anything to bring about revival. And I understand from the Word, that God Himself feels the same way!

Let's take a look at revival. What is it? What is it NOT?

It is NOT:

Revival is not evangelism.

That bears reading again. Go ahead, I'll wait!

For the longest time, I was sure that I had a good grip on what revival was, and if you had asked, I'd tell you it was people hearing the Gospel message, and getting saved. I have long since learned, however, that what I just described is NOT revival, but is evangelism, or spreading the Word.

I think that the reason I was confused, was the fact that evangelism often accompanies revival, and so sometimes people get confused about the difference between the two events. In fact, I still think that a great many people are completely unaware of the fact that there *is* a difference at all. I suppose that's why I am here, right now, sharing it with you.

Revival is not just an emotional thing.

Again, many people, (especially those who have never experienced revival first hand), believe that revival is nothing more than susceptible people on an emotional roller-coaster. They voice their concerns that emotionalism has replaced sound Biblical doctrine, and generally speaking, want nothing to do with it.

That's really too bad, if not a bit understandible. You see, revival does indeed involve an emotional experience. It is not, however, limited to, nor even largely driven by the emotional aspect. Rather, it takes into account that we are emotional people created by an emotional God, and when the creation is touched by the Creator, emotions are bound to be affected.

It IS:

Revival is a personal thing.

I struggled as to whether I should include the converse of this truth in the section of what revival is not, but decided that you would forgive if I include it here instead. You see, revival is NOT a group thing! I'm going to stick my neck out here, and get a bit radical, and suggest that God is not nearly as concerned with GROUP activities, as He is with INDIVIDUAL activities.

That is to say, He is interested in us as individuals. He is interested in YOU, as an individual. And THAT is where revival begins! Let's take a look at the word, "revival"...

There it is... seven letters. As such, one might look at it as though it were in perfect balance... as a see-saw, or teeter-totter, balanced upon a fulcrum of one letter. Let me make that a graphic so you will better understand what it is of which I speak:

Take a look... the word, (much the same as many things that the Lord ordains) is in perfect balance, upon the letter "I". And it is my suggestion to you that revival... TRUE REVIVAL, starts with the individual. It starts with me. It starts with you. It is a personal thing, and an institution of a personal God!

Revival Starts with R!

I have spent the last 10 years in full time ministry, and the last 6 of those years traveling all over America. In that time, I have been exposed to literally hundreds of different instances of revival. I hate to admit it, but I have also been exposed to several instances of "man-made" revival, which, I am sure, is why some people are skeptical when it comes to the whole issue. Sad but true - there are some people out there who feel compelled to usher in their own "revival" of sorts, and when the rubber hits the road, there's nothing to it at all. God does not bless, nor condone that type of game-playing.

Rather, you can know that you are involved in absolute genuine, real revival by the way it starts!

You see... ALL REVIVAL STARTS WITH REPENTENCE!

How can you know if you are in the midst of revival? Ask yourself the question, "Have I repented recently?" You might be surprised by the response you might get if you direct that same question to the Lord. Better buckle your spiritual seatbelt, though - because God is sure to answer that question - and sometime that answer hurts!

I used to think I understood repentence. That is, up until 1995, when faced with perhaps the most difficult year of my entire life, I prayed this prayer: "Lord, reveal the secret aspects of the sin in my life, and help me to be delivered of anything that comes between You and me."

Oh MAN! I'd just about rather stand in a pan of water, and stick my fingers in a 220 Volt outlet, thank you very much! I have never before been faced with the utter, complete depravity of the sinful nature of man... until I came face to face with myself, and the sin in my own life.

It was then that I realized that repentence wasn't just a one-time event, but like many things related to Christianity, required constant attention, and renewed commitment on a daily basis. And upon this revelation - I began to experience personal revival! God was breathing fire into my spirit, and I began to once again hunger and thirst after the righteousness of God. I began to understand the Word in a new, and more profound way, and God began to produce fruit in my life the likes of which I had never seen before. I was personal witness to the 30, 60 and 100-fold harvest of personal fruit, and I saw a difference in every aspect of my life.

The good news is, you can also experience personal revival! You can share that enthusiasm with others, and then they too can experience what it is to be touched by the Lord in a personal way. And before you know it - God will have touched an entire group of people, and that group just might touch their community, and that community just might touch their region, and that region just might share revival with the WORLD!

Am I thinking too big? I don't think so! In fact, I am standing upon the Word of God that reinforces these truths! If you find time, take a look at 2 Chronicles 7:14! To God be the glory!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please light the fire of revival in Your people today! May You bring forth the truth of Your holy Word, and cause us to be doers of that Word. Bring Your people to a position of genuine repentence, and help us to be prepared for your return. We wish to be a bride that is spotless for her groom. Whatever it takes, Lord - draw us near to You, in Jesus' name, Amen!