You Could Spark A Revival
When you hear the word "Revival" what do you think of?
Do you believe revival is still possible today?
Could a nation turn their heart towards God & see God move in a big way. We believe He can & He will.
The question is, "What are the requirements of revival?" This is what we discussed during Sunday's message. There are 3 requirements & here they are.
REQUIREMENT 1: Revival always starts with Reformation.
All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel… Nehemiah 8:1-2 NIV
Revival is a return to the spirit of God. Reformation is a return to the word of God.
These 2 things are always related. You can’t have a revival without reformation because the spirit of God authored the word of God. If the word of God is not preached, the spirit of God will not move.
In the story of Nehemiah, Ezra goes in front of God's people & reads his Word for 6 hours! (And you think your Pastor preaches long :)
When it comes to the Word of God, there are two options:
- The Bible stands in authority over you.
- You stand over the authority of the Bible.
If you want to see God move, let Scripture stand in authority over you!
Here's the second requirement:
REQUIREMENT 2: Reformation results in Repentance.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah 8:9 NIV
When you sin, you should feel conviction. Conviction is in emotion that should lead you to repentance. Repentance means to turn away.
If you want to see God move in a big way, you need to be close to God. Sin separates you from God.
If you're sinning, it's time to repent & turn towards God.
Here's number three.
Requirement 3: Repentance restores Rejoicing.
Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6
When the presence of God draws near & becomes a reality in your life...You realize that you are GREAT SINNER, but Jesus is a GREAT SAVIOR.
Israel had been in active rebellion against God for 142 years, but they were restored to the love of God in a day!
You can be restored to God today!
When a community of believers repents of their sin & draw near to God they are on the precipice of seeing God move in a big way.
Nehemiah sparked a national revival with his faith & God wants to use you to do the same.