What is Revival ?

Lessons from Ezekiel 37

The Hunger for Authentic Faith

In our increasingly fragmented society, many have grown disillusioned with institutional religion. Yet there remains a deep hunger for authentic community and genuine faith. This longing for real connection - with both God and others - sets the stage for profound spiritual renewal. By returning to the core of what it means to follow Jesus, we can rediscover the vibrant, world-changing faith that has always been at the heart of Christianity.

The Timeless Power of Revival

The concept of revival, far from being outdated, offers a timely and powerful solution to the spiritual malaise affecting many individuals and communities today. Drawing inspiration from the vision in Ezekiel 37:1-14, let's explore how revival can breathe new life into the body of Christ, transforming both individuals and faith communities.

Key Principles of Revival

1. Revival Begins with God's Initiative: True revival is not manufactured through human effort alone. It starts with God's desire to breathe new life into His people.

2. Revival Requires Human Cooperation: While God initiates revival, He invites human participation. Our words and actions play a crucial role.

3. Revival is a Process: The restoration in Ezekiel's vision happens in stages, reminding us that revival is often gradual.

4. The Ultimate Goal is to Know God: The deepest purpose of revival is to bring people into a fuller knowledge and experience of God Himself.

With these principles in mind, let's explore how revival impacts the church in three key areas: restoration, reformation, and revitalization.

Restoration: Healing the Broken

One primary effect of revival is the restoration of what has been broken. This includes:

- Healing of personal wounds and traumas

- Reconciliation in relationships

- Restoration of faith for the disillusioned

- Renewed hope for those feeling spiritually dry

Practical steps for fostering restoration include creating safe spaces for sharing struggles and receiving prayer, offering counseling and support groups, teaching on forgiveness and inner healing, and encouraging testimonies of God's restorative work.

Reformation: Reshaping the Church's Structure and Focus

Revival often leads to reformation - reshaping how the church operates and understands its mission. Key areas of reformation might include:

1. Emphasizing the Body of Christ: Fostering greater unity between churches and ministries.

2. Embracing Diverse Ministry Gifts: Returning to the New Testament model of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers working together.

3. Balancing Inward and Outward Focus: Ensuring churches effectively make disciples who can impact the world.

4. Decentralizing Ministry: Empowering ordinary believers to step into their gifts and callings.

5. Renewing Worship and Prayer: Fostering more dynamic, participatory worship and emphasizing corporate prayer.

Implementing these reforms requires wisdom, patience, and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance while being mindful of specific contexts and congregational needs.

Revitalization: Infusing New Life and Purpose

The climax of Ezekiel's vision comes when the breath of life enters the reconstructed bodies. This pictures the revitalizing power of the Holy Spirit, which is at the heart of true revival.

Hallmarks of a Revitalized Church

1. Renewed Passion for God: Revival rekindles our first love for Jesus.

2. Empowered Witness: A revitalized church becomes bold in sharing the gospel and demonstrating God's love.

3. Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts: An increase in the operation of spiritual gifts, including healings and prophecy.

4. Accelerated Spiritual Growth: Revival creates an environment where people grow rapidly in faith.

5. Increased Impact on Society: A revitalized church becomes a powerful force for positive change.

6. Generational Awakening: True revival often impacts multiple generations, stirring young people to passionate faith.

Participating in God's Reviving Work

As we reflect on these principles of revival, we're challenged to ask: How can we participate in God's reviving work in our time? Whether our personal faith feels dry, our church seems stagnant, or our community appears spiritually dead, Ezekiel 37 reminds us that nothing is too far gone for God to breathe new life into it.

Are we willing to prophesy life to dead situations? Let's create space in our lives and churches for God to restore, reform, and revitalize. And let's hold onto the hope that as we do, we will see a mighty army rise up - a church fully alive, empowered by the Spirit, and ready to impact the world for Christ.