What is Revival?

[Gerald Creasy]

I need a few responses.

I will not participate or dispute this topic.

[jessea]

Simply put, I believe it is when the people of God recognize their rebellion against God and His word, repent for the error of their ways, and through prayer and fasting make a renewed commitment to obey His word.

[deb]

It is when you are set afire by the Holy Spirit and consumed with purpose and passion to follow and do the works of Jesus.

[RamboPreacher]

it's when you call in an evangelist, and hold tent meetings for a week in the front or back yard of the church.

[RaceRunner]

One definition might be:

Revival comes when you (individually or corporately) realize that being consumed by anything other than Jesus Christ is wrong (sin, wrong path, emotions, circumstances, situations, etc.) ...and you repent (turn from, forsake in Godly sorrow) and become consumed by Him instead.

[scooter]

Something an established church has experienced, a functioning church is living and a dead church needs.

[scooter]

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

I also like the seasonal approach.

[free]

Screaming, yelling, uncontrolled jerking and shaking...A loud evangelist who looks mad at the world who spits on half of the congregation!

[Paully_44]

Screaming, yelling, uncontrolled jerking and shaking...A loud evangelist who looks mad at the world who spits on half of the congregation!

nice!

I was thinking it is when you "get" to go to church every single night of the week and miss all your favorite shows.

[JustJay]

I like what racerunner said:
Revival comes when you (individually or corporately) realize that being consumed by anything other than Jesus Christ is wrong (sin, wrong path, emotions, circumstances, situations, etc.) ...and you repent (turn from, forsake in Godly sorrow) and become consumed by Him instead.


Basically, to come alive again.

[Pastor Bill]

Literally the word means "to bring back from the dead" doesn't it? I think that's what true revival is, although we do at times schedule services and call it that out of tradition, and those series of meetings can be good, or can be a mess, depending on the church, the evangelist, and many other things.

[paul]

In 1712 Solomon Stoddard preached a sermon in Northhampton Massachsetts entitiled, On the outpouring of the Spirit of God. His sermon outline points were:
Doctrine: There are some special seasons wherein God doeth in a remarkable manner revive Religion among His people.
Question: How is it with a people when Religion is revived?
1. Saints are quickened
2. Sinners are saved
3. Many that are not converted do become more religious
Observation: This reviving is sometimes longer, and sometimes shorter. Sometimes religion flurishes in a country for a great many years, but sometimes less.

Solomon Stoddard's grandson would be called to be the associate pastor. Jonathan Edwards.

[beckrl]

Acts 4
29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (went on speaking)

On the day of pentecost that had already been filled with the Holy Ghost
Acts 2:4

[rspastor]

Revival is a term relating to the tranformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. That transformation should empower believers to go out and share their faith and operate in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I personally enjoy going to "revival" meetings to hear the Word, worship, and get energized. These types of meetings build fellowship and should drive people to seek personal transformation. I even enjoy the various physical expressions that have marked the Pentecostal movement. Problem I have is when folks shout at church, but refuse to share their faith with those who are hurting and lost.

[kurt73]

Revival is a term relating to the tranformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. That transformation should empower believers to go out and share their faith and operate in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I personally enjoy going to "revival" meetings to hear the Word, worship, and get energized. These types of meetings build fellowship and should drive people to seek personal transformation. I even enjoy the various physical expressions that have marked the Pentecostal movement. Problem I have is when folks shout at church, but refuse to share their faith with those who are hurting and lost.

I agree 100%, revival for the believer. We always associate revivals as being a way to bring in the lost, yes it does do that but it is mainly to revive the followers in Christ.

It is a time to restore, refresh and renew the men & women of God.