MIGHTY REVIVAL SPIRIT
INTRODUCTION
Mighty revival spirit is urgently needed with a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit for salvation of souls and refreshing previous commitments to God. There is a need for renewed interest; to reawaken as well as bring others into the fold.
Jesus, in addressing the religious of His day, said: You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, this people draws nigh (near) to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:7-9). He recognized a mere show of religion rather than a deep-rooted life-changing commitment.
Mighty Revival Spirit
State of Contentment
Jesus addressed a lukewarm church: Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (spit) out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16). A church which said: I am rich, and increased with goods (wealthy), and have need of nothing: and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17).
It was noted that the Laodicean church was likened to lukewarm water being virtually worthless. Its name meant "People Ruling" representing the materialistic church of all ages. The works of the Laodicean church were as worthless as the city's lukewarm water.
The Laodicean church had allowed a state of contentment to settle in; seeing no need to further its spiritual growth. In our modern day setting we are seeing a similar path of contentment; with no desire to witness a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit.
Day of Pentecost
A mighty revival spirit was noted on the Day of Pentecost after hearing the anointed Word of God, where many cried out: What shall we do? The Apostle Peter responded with: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (that of God's Spirit) (Acts 2:38).
It was noted that repent is to change one's mind and attitude which leads to the spiritual, rather than carnal (fleshly), side of man and brings salvation of the soul. Many today have failed to make this necessary step; for they are comfortable with their present life, with no desire to change. A mighty revival spirit will bring a change of heart; a sanctified (separated) life in Christ.
Scripture reveals: And with many other words did he (Apostle Peter) testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward (crooked) generation. Then they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread (communion), and in prayers (Acts 2:40-42).
God's Spirit
Scripture reveals: When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord (purpose) in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as a rushing mighty wind, and filled all the house where they were setting. And there appeared to them cloven (divided) tongues of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost (that of God's Spirit), and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).
I have witnessed God's Spirit filling a place of worship with a mighty revival spirit, in my earlier days in the church, but not in the same magnitude today. It was a mighty revival spirit flowing in the midst of those whose hearts and lives were in tune to God and His Son; and if not, conviction would come, with a change of heart taking place, adding more into the kingdom of God.
Downward Trend
Pentecostal Movement
It is sad that there appears to be a downward trend of welcoming God's Spirit; while in many Third World nations the power of God's Spirit is very much present, because He is fresh and revealing to them. One example is the missionary effort I am personally aware of: "South American Call" that is seeing a great move of God on the Amazon River in Peru.
It was noted that the Pentecostal movement is now being tempted to pursue social status rather than sanctification; financial security rather than sacrifice, prestige rather than the presence of God, and respectability rather than the moving of the Holy Ghost (God's Spirit).
General Booth of the Salvation Army stated: I consider the chief dangers that confront the coming century will be Religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianity without Christ; Forgiveness without regeneration; Morality without God; and Heaven without Hell.
Decline in the Church
Many older saints of God have witnessed a decline in the church; while those who have not been around to witness such are content with things as they are. We have not only seen an erosion in the church in many nations; of previously held convictions, but a new generation of believers who no longer seek the teachings and inspirations of the past.
I have been in the Pentecostal realm for 46 years, since the day of my salvation, and have seen a vast change since my earlier days. Worldliness has drawn it further from its former state. Worldly allurements have come into acceptance; with little noticeable difference in those of the world and those who profess faith in Christ. One man of God noted: The Church use to set an example for the world but now the world is setting an example for the Church.
We need a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit; a mighty revival spirit within the church, to awaken it to its need of sanctification (being set apart unto God). Many who attend God's house, even in the Pentecostal realm, are completely unaware of what a movement of God's Spirit is all about.
Spirit of God Conviction
There is a need for a renewal of hearts and lives; a mighty revival spirit instilled in the life of believers, as well as new converts coming into the fold. There are those who have never grasped the significance of a separated (sanctified) life in Christ.
Apostle Paul wrote: Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators (sexual immoral), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind (sodomites). Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
It was noted that some professed Christianity but not as a rule of life; Apostle Paul saw this as a fatal mistake. He warned that no one allowing himself the indulgence of known sin in his life; can be saved, unless repentance comes into focus. Apostle John revealed the antidote of such a condition: If we confess our sins, he (the Lord) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). This opens the door for God's forgiving and cleansing light to purify one's heart with a mighty revival spirit springing forth.
Seeking God
2 Chronicles 7:14 needs to come into focus of any nation (individual) who have withdrawn away from a close relationship with God: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
This promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel, but is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith. This verse stands as a high expression of God's loving readiness to hear the prayers of a repentant people. Compliance will bring one in line with this verse.
Apostle Paul wrote: And such were some of you, but you are washed (cleansed of past sins), but you are sanctified (set apart unto God), and you are justified (declared righteous) in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11). It will take the Spirit of God; a mighty revival spirit, to bring such a status into existence.
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