Revival

For many years, churches in the south had revivals in the late season of Autumn.  Why then? Usually, it was so farmers could get their crops in before the church started revival.  Other churches held tent revivals in the spring to change the pace and welcome new people to join them in a different setting.  I am sure some of our oldest members remember 2-week revival services or even noonday services of revivals.  Revival services were a common practice amongst churches, but as one pastor said, in those days most all members worked during the day and there were no night activities to compete against.

But the fact is, churches are still in need of revival. Notice I didn’t necessarily say Revival services but revival.  This week as I preached a revival at a sister church, I reminded the congregation each service, I am not the reason a revival comes, only the Holy Spirit can bring revival in a church.  The Holy Spirit can bring revival to a church through a mission trip, a prayer circle, a youth group, even during a regular Sunday morning worship.  Revival centers upon the people of God responding to the call of God. It is a call of recommitment and renewal to God and His church.  The response of the church to a Holy God is the key to true revival.  This coming Sunday, I am going to share with you a message concerning revival and I hope you will make every effort to be here for this important message.

King David cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ Psalm 51:10. Nehemiah, would weep, mourn, fast and pray for God to intervene amongst his people. The prophet says, “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly; Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.” Joel 1:14. My point is that throughout scripture there was a cry for revival in the land. But as David reminds us, it starts with a willingness to have a personal revival.

I am praying for a true revival for FBC to happen in the days to come.  How it will happen and where it will come from, I am not sure.  I know it must be Holy Spirit led and not man made.  It starts with a true self evaluation and a desire to return to God.  Revival is found in a church when a church is found seeking God. I am praying for a true revival to come to our church in 2026. As the great hymn states, “Lord send a revival and let it begin in me.”