Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? (Psalms 85:6)
Biblical revival refers to an awakening, in a church or community, of interest in and care for matters relating to meaningful Christian living. Words relating to revival include comeback and re-establishment. In the words of Earle Cairns, revival is "the work of the Holy Spirit in restoring the people of God to a more vital spiritual life, witness, and work by prayer and the
Word after repentance in crisis for their spiritual decline"
The almighty God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to revival in a number of situations. Jesus's letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 reveal some circumstances that may necessitate revival. In the letter to Ephesus, Christ praised the church for their perseverance and discernment, but He stated that they had forsaken their first love. There was also lack of zeal, joy and fervency in serving the Lord. The cares and worries of life can beat us down, leaving us emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted; in such cases, revival can lift us up to new hope and faith. Whenever worldliness
and compromise become rife in the life of an individual believer or church, then revival should be sought.
As we consider the ramifications of Revival as our theme for this month, we pray that the Lord will break the charm and power of the world upon us, and generate both the will and power for us to live in the world but not of the world.
Welcome
Pastor Marcus and Norah Chilaka