Many ideas circulate among Christians concerning the proper definition for the phenomenon of revival. Perhaps the most common notion is that revival is a time in history when many thousands of people are suddenly converted and flood churches as new believers. This definition is contradicted by the word “revival” itself. You can only revive what already has life. New believers are not revived, rather these new Christians have been given life. They have passed from death to life.
Revival assumes there was a low level of life that suddenly gains powerful strength and the revived saints enthusiastically witness to the grace of God.
In the history of revival, the conversion of unsaved people follows the awakening (revival) of God’s people.
As we look at the world around us, we are alarmed by how many people are using assault guns to murder innocent people. It is difficult for the average adult to comprehend the depths of human depravity seen in these senseless acts. When we listen to government statements on these crimes little is said about how to resolve the difficult problem. Solutions like restricting the sale of certain guns and having background checks on those wishing to buy guns. Such measures might help in certain cases but if people are determined to acquire assault weapons, they can get them from criminals who make their living selling illegal products on the black market.
What is not investigated by authorities is to learn why some people seem to be the personification of evil. Nor is there any solution developed that would remove evil from the minds of criminals. It is here that the Gospel offers the only solution possible to heal the sinful hearts and minds of people.
A most popular hymn is Amazing Grace written by John Newton. Before becoming a Christian, Newton had lived a godless life as a slave trader and was well known for his profanity. Once the Lord drew Newton to Himself the sinner was transformed into a saint. His mind, that was once used to create vile words now created beautiful verse that speaks wonderfully of the wonders of God’s grace.
As Christians, burdened for our actively evil world, we need to pray first for a worldwide revival of the Lord’s people. Then pray for a great work of the Holy Spirit turning people from darkness to light, from evil to righteousness. This is the only real solution for the sin darkened world we live in.
“Ask Me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
and the whole earth to possess.”
-- Psalm 2:8
