Revival or Revival Services

Jonathon Edwards was instrumental in summoning the First Great Awakening mainly as a result of his concert of prayers.  Edwards felt convicted about the necessity of prayer as the only way to invoke revival so he called on Christians on both sides of the Atlantic to pray sincerely for revival to break forth.  Edwards, along with Andrew Murray and Timothy Smith, contended that for revival to take place and be sustaining five elements must be present.  First, there must be intersession.  God’s people must begin to intercede corporately and individually.  Revival does not just take place because we schedule services, line-up a speaker and musician, and promote the services.  We need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do a supernatural work in the lives of the people.  Secondly, there must be revelation.  Once God’s people begin to pray earnestly then God will pour out a manifestation of Himself and the trinity.  He reveals himself to his people in a new and fresh way drawing His people to Him.  Next, there is a consecration of God’s people.  His children begin to recognize the necessity of a life completely dedicated to God and His work.  Therefore, God’s people set their lives apart for holy living and holy working.  In addition to being consecrated to God His people consecrate themselves to one another.  We see this in the early church as mentioned in the book of Acts where they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers.  The early church consecrated themselves to one another but more importantly to God.  Fourthly, there is a revitalization.  Ministries which were once passé are now mainstream and of great importance. Programs which had become ignored now become center stage.  This is not because they have been necessarily overhauled with a new twist but because the Spirit of God has filled His people and they have a renewed sense to become missional in their life.  Finally, when revival takes place there will be an expansion.  Because the church has been renewed, revived, and re-focused the Gospel of Jesus Christ is expanded and spread throughout the city, county, state, nation, and world.  You see when the church becomes focused on God and His mission she begins to have a greater impact on her surrounding culture. 

FBC has a date set aside for revival services to be held April 22-25 with two gifted men to come speak and share message through songs.  We have set in place a group of people to help facilitate with the logistics.  The staff is praying along with the added emphasis of our prayer coordinator, Mary Jim Beck.  However, if we are to see a great revival sweep through FBC and Florence we must heed to the words written in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which state, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, PRAY and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, THEN will I hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.” 

Church family, I would love to see God begin a revival like we have never seen before.  I would love to see God use this church in ways we have never experienced before.  I would love to see our hearts bent on one thing, wholeheartedly, obediently serving our Great God.  I would love to see revival begin now in our hearts!  Will you join me as we pray for revival to come to FBC. 

Earnestly Praying,

Pastor Ric