As long as I can remember, revival has been a rallying cry among a number of Christian denominations. Even though everyone’s definition of “revival” is a little different, many Christians recognize the need for renewal within the faith. Whether they are annual campmeeting-style assemblies or more formal spiritual disciplines, we can all agree that believers have a spiritual work that must be done as we seek to reach ourselves and others with the Gospel.
In inspiring these renewal movements, what are some fundamental truths about revival? How does it happen, and what should we know about it?
Revival starts within
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus tells us:
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (NKJV)
While some debate the intention of this passage, I believe Jesus was telling us three very key things about the Kingdom of God (and being part of it):
- The Kingdom of God isn’t, at least at this point in history, visible as a nation with borders and national rule.
- It functions within the midst of those who recognize it.
- Its function is within, around, and among believers (as the word “within” means all these things).
We cannot be citizens of God’s Kingdom if it’s not within us, around us, and among us. This means that, whether we like it or not, revival – or spiritual renewal – starts within each one of us. As Christians, I believe we go through many revivals, renewals, and returns to the faith. Our journeys with God take us to different places, demanding we grow and understand our faith differently. Our “inner revival” is the work of the Holy Spirit within each of us. If we want to see revival in a bigger sense, it must start with our own dedication to our faith.
It demands unity
“Unity” is a word we like to throw around, often without context. Many groups think unity means working on a project or discussing differences in belief. Some use the term to make everyone nod in agreement without any definition therein. Still, others believe unity consists in ignoring differences and only attending to commonalities. Who is right?
It’s important to understand that believers have always had differences in some spiritual understandings. This was true in the first century, and it’s true today. A thorough study of the New Testament proves unity was a challenge for believers, even in those days. It’s not possible to find a church where every member agrees on every single thing, not to mention sees everything the same way. That being said, it’s true that all denominations have commonalities and differences. If we leave the conversation there, unity is never possible.
The base purpose of revival is to revive, or bring to life again, aspects of people’s spiritual lives that have gone stale, dry, or dead. As a unifying principle, we must understand the essentials of our faith, as found in Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV) Unity recognizes we can’t be one without the Spirit. The Spirit, as we understand in Scripture, is the source of both natural and spiritual life. This means the work of the Holy Spirit is essential to bring us together in unity for the purpose of discovering new spiritual life. If we try to have revival without the Spirit, we will never find life.
It demands a price
Sometimes I watch commentaries on the big revivals of the 1990s, especially the Brownsville Revival. It’s fascinating to note the variety of opinions people have in the aftermath of these events. As I listen to people’s perspectives, I often come away with the thought that these people have no idea what it’s like to lead a renewal movement of that magnitude. We have no concept of what it’s like to manage hundreds of thousands of visitors in a year. Coordinating services every day of the week is exhausting. Keeping leadership momentum is a huge chore. Maintaining messages, sermons, attendees, and your own spiritual life is a task. It’s fine to have an opinion, but until you’ve managed something of this magnitude, you have no clue the price of leading a revival movement.
We all love the idea of revival. The idea of having lots of people become Christian because of “your church” sounds exotic and fulfilling. We long to be the “it” church on the block. The reality is, however, that most churches seek revival never have it because they are unwilling to pay the price for it. If you want to see revival, it’s a good practice to start praying, seeking God, working out personal issues (such as prejudices), and open the church to anyone who needs it. It takes the principles of inward revival: self-discipline, self-control, and spiritual maturity. Revival is far more than pretty music and a lot of people falling on the floor. Remember the words of Philippians 3:8:
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. (NIV)
It is not necessarily mass conversion
Most of us assume revival is synonymous with mass conversion or large groups flocking to a church to see what’s going on there. Revival can take on this form, and has at different periods throughout history. Revival, however, can also happen on a smaller scale. Since revival is essentially a renewal work by which people turn to God, it can happen at any time among any people. If we are honest, revival happens every time someone finds Jesus in their lives, any time we have a spiritual breakthrough, and any time we get serious in our walk with God. Jesus said it best in John 1:12-13:
But as many received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.(KJV)
It can and cannot be scheduled
I know it looks like I contradicted myself with this heading, so bear with me for a minute. The basic fact of revival is that we cannot schedule it to start on a mass-scale. Several years ago I saw a poster for a local meeting. The goal was, you guessed it, to “start revival” in the area on the first Sunday afternoon in November. Trying to schedule revival like this is a misnomer. We can’t schedule the Holy Spirit to show up and work on our timetable, hoping we will be able to deliver certain results. The disciples didn’t know when they gathered in the upper room that spiritual outpouring would follow. They walked in obedience to their Savior and trusted God to show up, doing whatever was necessary.
That having been said, remember that revival starts within. Every one of us can “schedule” our personal dedication to God. We can each make the commitment to pursue spiritual renewal ourselves. Whether it’s deciding to be at church more frequently, attend to personal Bible reading or devotional time, stepping up in leadership at church, or making changes, we can all “schedule” our commitments that lead to inward revival. The Song of Songs 1:4 tells us:
Draw me! We will run after you! The king brings me into his apartments! We will be glad and rejoice in you! We will recall [when we were favored with] your love, more fragrant than wine. The upright [are not offended at your choice, but sincerely] love you. (AMPC)
Signs and wonders are a sign of revival, but are not it
Joel 2:28-29 says:
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days I will pour out My Spirit. (KJV)
Signs and wonders are part of the Christian faith, and they are wonderful to receive. While signs and wonders can accompany revival as a sign of it, they are not, in and of themselves, a sign of a mass revival. Signs and wonders don’t make a revival. Likewise, signs and wonders can appear at any point in a believer’s walk. We do not need to wait for revival to see God’s signs and wonders in our lives.
Counterfeits can look like revival
Counterfeit spirituality is part of a fallen world. As they say, not all that glitters is gold. It’s important we remember two things in this vain:
- We can’t measure revival by numbers, signs, or wonders, but by the results of a movement.
- If there’s no manifestation of change among a people, a revival hasn’t happened.
Change is the sign of renewal. God doesn’t need to change our circumstances to renew us. Many groups claim they have signs and wonders, but these movements draw people further away from God and the life we have in Christ. Don’t be so easily swayed by signs and wonders, but be impressed by God’s power to transform lives. 1 John 4:1 advises:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (KJV)
There’s nothing wrong with researching a movement, investigating its claims, and establishing its foundation. As a side note: keep in mind all movements have supporters and detractors. Pay attention to factual information rather than speculative claims.
Are you ready for revival?
Being a part of spiritual movements bigger than ourselves is always an empowering experience. Revival is one such experience that can draw us to others. If it’s something you seek, start seeking revival within. Renew your own commitment to God. From there, get more involved in the church or ministry you’re part of, recognizing God’s movement there. Believing God can do amazing things in the church as a whole, don’t forget to believe God can do something amazing within you. Seek His Spirit, recognizing it is, in all things, what gives you life.
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