Where is Revival?

The thought of revival has been heavy on my heart these last few days. Where is revival? Do we even desire to see it again in the church? What really is revival and are we willing to pay the price for it?

If there is something this nation needs it is revival! Furthermore, the church is at a critical place in America and revival is the only thing that will propel the church forward. There are thriving and alive churches but we truly need an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will result in changed lives.

I read an article recently that arrested my attention:

"Evangelism, fine as it is, is not revival. After a signally successful meeting, Billy Graham was asked, "Is this revival?" Graham replied, "No. When revival comes, I expect to see two things which we have not seen yet. First, a new sense of the holiness of God on the part of Christians; and second, a new sense of the sinfulness of sin on the part of Christians."
We might add a third and closely-related indication of revival: a new working of the Holy Spirit in the local church. Why? For two big reasons, among others; first, because the Word of God calls for it; and second, because the world challenge calls for it." —Moody Monthly-

If we take God's Word seriously then these words will beckon us to search our hearts. Revival will produce holiness and it will cause us to be aware of our own sinfulness. The problem lies in the fact that we have rewritten what holiness is. Christians embrace, watch, participate, and talk in ways that once were considered unholy. Has God changed His mind? Or have we changed our view of holiness?

I still read the Psalmist with a great fear of God when He said:
"1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts." Psalm 15 NLT

I believe the church will see revival when we lead the way of being a holy people, a people set apart to God and willing to ask Him to search our hearts and see if there is any wicked way in us. Uncomfortable? Yes! But necessary if we are to see God bring a revival to our church and our lives.

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