Dimensions of Revival: Transforming the Individual and Church for God's Glory
by Glenn Bleakney
The Perpetual Fire of Revival
Introduction: The Ever-Burning Flame
At the heart of all revival, whether personal or corporate, lies the principle of the perpetual fire. In Leviticus 6:12-13, God commands the priests to keep the fire on the altar burning continuously: "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out." This perpetual fire symbolizes our ongoing devotion to God and serves as a powerful metaphor for revival. Just as the priests were responsible for maintaining this fire, we too are called to tend the flame of revival in our hearts and churches. This concept of a constantly burning fire underscores the truth that revival is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal and transformation.
I. Revelation: God Revealed to His People
At the core of any true revival is a fresh revelation of God to His people. This divine self-disclosure is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound, transformative encounter with the living God. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, the prophet Ezekiel experiences a vivid revelation as he is led by the Spirit into a valley of dry bones. This vision, culminating in the breath of God bringing the dry bones to life, symbolizes the power of divine revelation to bring renewal and revival to what was once lifeless.
1. Encountering God's Holiness
Revival often begins with a renewed sense of God's holiness, leading to deep conviction of sin and a desire for purity. Isaiah 6:1-7 describes Isaiah’s encounter with the holiness of God, where he is overwhelmed by the glory of the Lord and his own unworthiness, leading to purification and commissioning. A similar response is observed during revivals, where people are driven to repentance and a pursuit of righteousness as they come face to face with the holiness of God.
2. Experiencing God's Love
As people encounter God's love in powerful ways, it transforms their relationships with both God and others. In Romans 5:5, Paul speaks of the love of God being poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This outpouring of love ignites a passion for God and a deepened love for others, a hallmark of true revival.
3. Understanding God's Word
Revival is typically accompanied by a hunger for Scripture, with people gaining fresh insights and a deeper understanding of God's truth. The disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:32 experienced their hearts burning within them as Jesus opened the Scriptures to them, a powerful picture of how revival brings renewed understanding and passion for God's Word.
4. Witnessing God's Power
Revelations of God's power through miracles, answered prayers, and transformed lives are common during times of revival. In Acts 4:31, the early church experienced a shaking of the place where they were gathered, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking the word of God with boldness. Such demonstrations of power inspire faith and fuel the fires of revival.
5. Sensing God's Presence
A tangible awareness of God's presence in worship, prayer, and daily life is a hallmark of revival. Exodus 33:14-16 highlights the importance of God's presence, where Moses refuses to move forward without the assurance of God's presence with him and the people. In revival, there is a heightened sense of God’s nearness, prompting deeper worship and greater commitment.
Fostering an Environment for Revelation
To foster an environment where such revelation can occur, it is crucial to emphasize seeking God through prayer and fasting, create space for extended times of worship and waiting on God, and encourage testimonies of encounters with God. Teaching on the various ways God reveals Himself in Scripture and today is essential, along with encouraging individuals to maintain their personal "altar fire" through consistent devotional practices.
II. Restoration: The Broken Healed
As people encounter God in fresh ways, a natural outcome is the restoration of what has been broken. This healing touch extends to individuals, relationships, and communities. Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 37 is a powerful illustration of restoration, where the dry bones not only come to life but are restored to a vast and mighty army. This transformation from death to life is symbolic of the restorative power of God during times of revival.
1. Personal Healing
Revival brings personal healing in various areas, such as emotional wounds, traumas, addictions, and destructive patterns. Psalm 147:3 declares, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Revival is a time when God moves mightily to restore joy and purpose in individuals' lives.
2. Relational Healing
Revival often leads to relational healing, including reconciliation in families, unity among church members, and bridging racial and social divides. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul speaks of Christ as our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility. True revival breaks down barriers, bringing unity and reconciliation.
3. Spiritual Restoration
Spiritual restoration involves the renewal of faith for the disillusioned, rekindling passion for those feeling spiritually dry, and restoring callings and giftings. Psalm 51:12 echoes this theme: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." Revival reignites spiritual fervor and renews a sense of purpose and calling.
4. Community Restoration
Revival extends beyond individuals and the church, impacting communities through addressing systemic injustices, bringing hope to marginalized groups, and fostering a culture of compassion and mutual support. Isaiah 61:4 speaks of the rebuilding of ancient ruins and restoring devastated places, reflecting the community transformation that often accompanies revival.
Practical Steps for Fostering Restoration
To foster restoration, churches can develop comprehensive inner healing and deliverance ministries, offer training in conflict resolution and reconciliation, create support groups for various struggles and addictions, and encourage public testimonies of God's restorative work. Partnering with other churches and organizations to address community-wide issues and teaching on the importance of personal healing and restoration as a precursor to ministering to others are also key steps.
III. Reformation: The Saints Empowered
Revival often leads to a reformation of church structures and practices, with a renewed focus on equipping all believers for ministry. This empowerment reflects the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people, enabling them to prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions, signifying the democratization of spiritual gifts and ministry.
1. Rediscovering the Priesthood of All Believers
Revival brings a rediscovery of the priesthood of all believers, empowering every member to minister, breaking down the clergy-laity divide, and fostering a culture of mutual discipleship. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are "a royal priesthood," called to declare the praises of God, highlighting the role of every believer in ministry.
2. Embracing Diverse Ministry Gifts
Revival encourages the recognition and development of diverse ministry gifts, such as apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching gifts. Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks of these gifts given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, showing the importance of diverse giftings functioning in harmony for the building up of the body.
3. Decentralizing Ministry
Revival often leads to the decentralization of ministry, shifting from a centralized, program-driven model to a more organic, relational approach. Acts 2:46-47 depicts the early church meeting in homes, breaking bread together, and enjoying the favor of all people, illustrating the effectiveness of decentralized ministry during times of revival.
4. Emphasizing Discipleship
Discipleship becomes a central focus during revival, with comprehensive discipleship pathways being developed, focusing on character formation alongside skill development, and encouraging mentoring relationships. Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, highlighting the importance of discipleship in the life of the church.
5. Fostering Unity in the Wider Body
Revival fosters unity in the wider body of Christ, breaking down denominational barriers, collaborating on city-wide or regional initiatives, and celebrating diversity while maintaining unity in essential doctrines. John 17:21 records Jesus' prayer for unity among His followers, a prayer that finds fulfillment during times of revival.
Implementing Reforms
Implementing these reforms requires ongoing leadership development and training, flexibility and willingness to change long-standing structures, clear communication about the biblical basis for these changes, and patience as people adjust to new ways of functioning as the church. Emphasizing the role of personal spiritual disciplines in sustaining corporate reformation is also crucial.
IV. Revival: The Church Raised Up
The ultimate goal of revival is a revitalized church, fully alive and empowered to fulfill its mission in the world. This echoes the vision in Ezekiel 37, where the once-dead bones are raised up as a mighty army, representing a revived and empowered people ready to carry out God's purposes.
1. Renewed Passion for God
Revival ignites a renewed passion for God, deepening love for Jesus, increasing commitment to prayer and worship, and fostering greater surrender and obedience to God's will. Psalm 42:1 captures this longing: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." This thirst for God is characteristic of a church in revival.
2. Empowered Witness
Revival empowers believers to witness boldly, increasing effectiveness in evangelism and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ. Acts 1:8 promises that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to be witnesses, a reality that is often renewed during revival.
3. Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts
During revival, there is often a greater operation of spiritual gifts such as healing, prophecy, and other charismatic gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:7 speaks
of the manifestation of the Spirit being given for the common good, emphasizing the need for wisdom in stewarding these gifts for the benefit of the entire body.
4. Accelerated Spiritual Growth
Revival brings about rapid maturation of new believers, deepening of faith among long-time Christians, and an increased display of the fruit of the Spirit in believers' lives. Colossians 2:6-7 encourages believers to be rooted and built up in Christ, a process that is often accelerated during times of revival.
5. Increased Impact on Society
A revived church has an increased impact on society, launching creative initiatives to address social issues, influencing various spheres such as business, education, and government, and transforming local communities. Matthew 5:14-16 describes believers as the light of the world, called to shine in such a way that others see their good works and glorify God, a calling that is heightened during revival.
6. Missional Focus
Revival often leads to a renewed commitment to local and global missions, with innovative approaches to reaching unreached people groups and holistic ministry addressing both spiritual and physical needs. Romans 10:15 emphasizes the importance of those who are sent to preach the gospel, a mission that is often renewed with vigor during times of revival.
Cultivating and Sustaining Revival
To cultivate and sustain this revitalization, it is essential to maintain a posture of dependence on the Holy Spirit, regularly celebrate and document what God is doing, develop systems for ongoing leadership development and succession, and stay connected to the wider body of Christ for accountability and fresh input. Continually casting vision for God's ongoing work of revival and transformation, regularly teaching on the importance of personal revival, and encouraging accountability partnerships are also critical for sustaining revival.
V. The Interplay of Personal and Corporate Revival
Understanding the relationship between personal and corporate revival is key to sustaining long-term spiritual renewal. Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones coming to life in Ezekiel 37 serves as a powerful metaphor for how personal and corporate revival are intertwined.
1. Personal Revival as the Foundation
Individual spiritual vitality fuels corporate revival. Each believer's "altar fire" contributes to the overall spiritual temperature of the church. Romans 12:11 encourages believers to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, emphasizing the importance of personal spiritual fervor.
2. Corporate Revival as a Catalyst
Church-wide renewal can spark and strengthen personal revival. The collective experience of God's presence can deepen individual encounters. Acts 4:31 shows how the corporate prayer of the early church resulted in all being filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the power of corporate revival to ignite personal renewal.
3. Mutual Reinforcement
Personal and corporate revival form a positive feedback loop. As individuals grow, the church is strengthened; as the church is revived, individuals are inspired. Ephesians 4:16 speaks of the whole body being joined and held together, with each part doing its work, leading to growth and building up in love.
4. Guarding Against Imbalance
Overemphasis on corporate experiences without personal devotion can lead to shallow faith, while focusing solely on personal revival without corporate engagement can lead to isolated spirituality. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to neglect meeting together but to encourage one another, highlighting the need for balance between personal and corporate revival.
5. The Role of Leadership
Leaders must model personal revival while facilitating corporate renewal. They should teach the congregation how to maintain their personal "altar fire." 1 Timothy 4:16 urges leaders to watch their life and doctrine closely, ensuring both personal and corporate revival are sustained.
6. Practical Application of the Leviticus 6 Principle
Encouraging daily "tending" of one's spiritual fire through prayer, worship, and Scripture meditation, regularly "adding fuel" through retreats, conferences, or special times of seeking God, and being vigilant against factors that might extinguish the flame of devotion are all practical applications of the Leviticus 6 principle for sustaining revival.
Summary: Sustaining the Fire of Revival
The image of the perpetual fire from Leviticus 6 reminds us that revival is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of renewal. It requires persistent prayer, openness to the Spirit's leading, and a willingness to be continually transformed for God's glory and the world's good. As each believer tends to their personal altar fire and churches cultivate environments for corporate renewal, we create the conditions for a sustained move of God that can transform individuals, communities, and nations. It is essential to prioritize the Lordship of Christ in our lives and churches, allowing Jesus to be revealed in His full glory. We must also be intentional in ministering healing to the broken, as highlighted in Luke 4:18-19. Furthermore, believers need to be equipped to take their rightful place within the Body of Christ, not merely as individual parts but as integral members of the ONE BODY, functioning in true unity.
