What is an old fashioned revival?

Is Revival Near?

“The Gospel is not an old, old story, freshly told. It is a fire in the Spirit, fed by the flame of Immortal Love; and woe unto us, if, through our negligence to stir up the Gift of God which is within us, that fire burns low.” ~ Leonard Ravenhill, Why Revival Tarries

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘revival’? When I think of this term I think of renewed passion, energy for God’s Kingdom, setting down of ways that do not honor God, repentance, and restoration of a spirit of outreach. The Enemy never stops working to demolish our faith, and we must never stop striving to grow and feed our faith. This Fall Revival Series is an effort to draw our attention to the glory of God.

The Prophets spoke out against religious service that had no heart. This Revival Series is not about boostingWednesday Night attendance. Having breathing bodies in the pew is not God's idea of success or vibrant faith! This revival series is about placing ourselves under the hearing of God’s Word and opening ourselves up to His leading.

Think about it this way. Which action pleases the Enemy more: the hearing of messages meant to stir our hearts or the dusty reality of your empty pew?

We so often have let our everyday lives become overloaded and crowd out every opportunity to study, pray & fellowship. So I encourage you to engage this formula for revival:

Arrive Five Minutes Early. Our chronic late arrival leaves us no opportunity to greet both family and guests and discourages our speakers. Worship is not like a light switch … you don’t just sit down and turn it on. Arrive early enough to get your heart warmed up to receive and give a blessing. You can do this! What’s more motivating than an appointment with the King of Kings?

Pray Every Day. Pray not only for the sick but for the saved. Pray for our church, elders, ministers, and teachers. Pray for the lost. Pray for God to stir us up and open our eyes to opportunities He gives us to share the gospel with the lost world around us.

Bring a Friend. A guest speaker for a special series gives you an opportunity to ask a friend to join you. Introduce them to others. Pray for them during the service that they will have open hearts.

Attend Every Service. Each of our ten speakers will bring their own experience and viewpoint to our revival. Who knows but that one of them will really connect and reveal something you have needed to hear?

Pray More!  As we do everything we can do, plead with the Power that can do more than we can imagine! 

I believe this could be a turning point for our church. Every one of you is an important part of the history of this congregation.

What if this season of revival is a historic game-changer for our congregation??

My friends, we are not waiting on God to do something, He’s waiting on us. Pray … Commit to be present … Bring a friend … Pray some more. Revival is near.

God be near, we depend on You.   
                     

John Dobbs