Revival Fire

Rekindling the Flame for a Lost Generation”

culled from the books "Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill" & "One More Revival by Daniel Popoola"

Text: Hosea 6:2-3; Matthew 11:12; Psalm 85:6; Acts 2:41

Key Hymn: “Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me”

Introduction: The Cry for Revival

The need for revival is the most urgent cry of our time. The world lies in moral and spiritual decay, and yet, within the walls of many churches, we see complacency, strife, and a diluted gospel that lacks power. Revival is not a mere religious program; it is the supernatural move of God that transforms individuals, churches, and nations. It is the return to the Acts 2 experience, where multitudes were saved and communities were turned upside down.

As declared in Why Revival Tarries, the absence of revival stems not from God's unwillingness but from man's unpreparedness. Similarly, One More Revival, exhorts us to prepare as vessels for the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. The flame of revival is within reach, but it requires desperation, brokenness, and a holy cry.

Revival is not a gathering of believers or fervent prayers alone. It is when the Spirit of God breathes life into spiritually dead souls. It is the breaking of chains, the convicting of sinners, and the birthing of righteousness. Revival is God’s divine intervention, restoring humanity to His purpose and glory.

The Marks of Revival

1. Repentance: Revival begins with a broken and contrite heart. (Psalm 51:17)

2. Transformation: The vilest sinners are made new. (Acts 9:1-18)

3. Contagiousness: True revival cannot be confined; it spreads like fire.

4. Fruitfulness: In the Welsh revival, entire communities turned to God. Politicians, drunkards, and criminals surrendered at the feet of Christ.

Why Revival Tarries

1. Worldliness: The greatest hindrance to revival is the infiltration of worldliness into the church. The book Why Revival Tarries calls this “spiritual adultery.” As the book: One More Revival notes, revival cannot co-exist with a love for the world. We must cry like Evan Roberts, “Bend me, Lord,” until our desires align with His.

2. Lack of Prayer: Revival is born in the prayer closet. It is sustained by persistent intercession. Elijah prayed until fire fell (1 Kings 18), and the disciples tarried in the upper room until the Holy Spirit descended (Acts 2). Yet today, many neglect the altar of prayer, opting for convenience over consecration.

3. Division in the Body of Christ: One More Revival emphasizes that unity is the prerequisite for revival. Elijah rebuilt the broken altar with twelve stones representing Israel’s tribes before God answered with fire. In our churches, we must remove envy, strife, and division, aligning ourselves with God’s purpose.

The Chemist of Revival: The Man God uses

1. Brokenness: Revival begins with individuals who are wholly surrendered to God. Brokenness is dying to self, as Jesus said, “Except a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies…” (John 12:24). God is not looking for talent or titles but for yielded vessels.

2. Holy Desperation: Why Revival Tarries describes revivalists as men and women who “agonize, not organize.” In Nigeria, Ayo Babalola left behind worldly comforts and spent days in prayer on mountain tops, ushering in a move of God that emptied hospitals and silenced demons.

3. Aggressive Prayer: Revival requires fervent, faith-filled prayer. As One More Revival writes, “Gentility in the place of prayer will not help.” We must pray until heaven is moved and hell is shaken.

4. Dependence on the Holy Spirit: No Holy Spirit, no revival. The early church did not rely on marketing or human effort; they depended entirely on the Spirit’s power. In Ezekiel 37, the dry bones came to life only when the breath of God entered them.

Impact of Revival

When revival comes, its effects are undeniable:

1. Salvation of Souls: Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost led to the salvation of 3,000 souls. True revival draws sinners to the cross in droves.

2. Societal Transformation: In Wales, bars closed, crime rates plummeted, and righteousness prevailed. When revival touches a nation, it cannot remain the same.

3. The Glory of God: Revival glorifies God as His kingdom is established on earth. “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9)

   
   

Preparing for Revival

1. Seek God’s Face: Revival is not something we conjure; it is a gift from God. Pray fervently, “Lord, send revival, and let it begin with me.”

2. Repentance and Sanctification: Personal holiness is the foundation of corporate revival. “Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

3. Unity in the Body: Lay aside denominational pride and personal offences. Pray together, labour together, and long together for God’s glory.

4. Tarrying in Prayer: One More Revival reminds us that revivalists rely heavily on the Holy Spirit. Do not cease praying until the fire falls.

   
   

Conclusion: One More Revival, Lord!

As we cry for revival, let us remember that God desires to move mightily among His people. He has done it before through men like Evan Roberts, Ayo Babalola, and William Seymour. He can do it again.

Let us echo the psalmist’s plea: “Wilt Thou not revive us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?” (Psalm 85:6)Church, the time is now. Cry out, tarry, and prepare. Revival is not a distant hope—it is a divine promise awaiting fulfillment.

Will you be God’s vessel for this generation? Surrender today and let His fire ignite your soul.

Peace with God,

Daniel Popoola