Revival

“These men who have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 ESV)

It’s not uncommon to hear people, even Christians, say things like, ‘The church in the UK is finished’, or ‘The church is only a generation away from extinction’.

This is a rather jaundiced view of Christianity which if it is allowed to spread will infect us and the church at large.

If the church is to be alive and kicking, if it is to be a body of people that is going to make a difference in our society, indeed if it is turn the world upside down, then it has to start with us.

If revival is going to take place in our land, let it begin with me (and you).

Here are some practical things to help us if we want to see revival.

First, go deeper with God. We personally need a depth to our relationship with Him. The ‘quiet time’, where we spend time alone with God in study, prayer and meditation, has to some degree fallen out of fashion today. But we need to spend time in his presence, sometimes in silence, to be ready and receptive to what he has to say.

Second, dream bigger. Don’t limit what God can do through you. Think of stories like the feeding of the 5,000 (probably nearer 15,000 when women and children were counted) where a small boy, presented a small packed lunch, which when placed in the hands of Jesus fed all the people with plenty left over. God can do miraculous things with your ‘little’. So dare to dream big. Don’t be too safe, too quiet, or too comfortable. Prepare to step out trusting in Jesus’s promise to always be with us.

Third, go forward together. Moses was reluctant to go to Pharaoh to ask for the Israelites to be released and came up with all manner of excuses.

But God sent Aaron with him for support and encouragement. Christianity is to be lived and experienced together. The New Testament knows nothing of a solitary region; we are called to work with one another. Christianity is dangerous when Christians love each other. All we need is another person to say, ‘that’s a good idea I’m coming with you. Whatever happens I am with you and for you.’ So make sure you have Christian friends journeying you.

Fourth, realise that everything is through Him. It’s through the work of the Spirit that things happen, not by our intelligence, talents or abilities. We minister out of our brokenness, not out of our strength. And when things do happen, it’s God that gets all the glory.

Are we alive and kicking? Are we ready for revival? Are we going to turn the world upside down?

Let’s go deeper with God, let’s dare to dream bigger, let’s go forward together, let’s see the Spirit multiply our efforts, and let’s give the glory to God.

Have a good week preparing for revival.

Pastor Barry