Memory Verse: Revelation 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.
Speaking at a large gathering for preachers, a prominent Christian educator said that one of the tragedies of this century is that no one living today has seen a great revival. There is a sense in which the speaker was right and another in which he was wrong. It is true that we have not witnessed a great nationwide revival where the churches have been filled with joyous revived believers with the resultant reaping of thousands of souls. On the other hand, many of us have seen genuine revival in individuals and have experienced it ourselves.
It is characteristic that God offers His blessings to all. When they are not accepted, a smaller group may benefit. It the few do not respond, that still cannot keep the individual from receiving God's best.
It would be wonderful to have a revival in the churches of the land that brought greater blessing than any great move of God in history. That is entirely possible -- but may not occur. If such a nationwide revival does not come, it does not mean that revival cannot come to your church. The Christians in your local church can lay aide all differences. They can set aside special times of prayer and claim the power of God for their needs. They can cultivate a compassion for people that sends them out to reach the lost. There can be a bond of love established between your pastor and his congregation that will put down all divisions and bickering. Joy can characterize all the services of your church. Sound great? It can happen.
However, if revival does not come to your church, you can experience personal revival. No one can keep you from having revival . . . except you!
Speaking at a large gathering for preachers, a prominent Christian educator said that one of the tragedies of this century is that no one living today has seen a great revival. There is a sense in which the speaker was right and another in which he was wrong. It is true that we have not witnessed a great nationwide revival where the churches have been filled with joyous revived believers with the resultant reaping of thousands of souls. On the other hand, many of us have seen genuine revival in individuals and have experienced it ourselves.
It is characteristic that God offers His blessings to all. When they are not accepted, a smaller group may benefit. It the few do not respond, that still cannot keep the individual from receiving God's best.
It would be wonderful to have a revival in the churches of the land that brought greater blessing than any great move of God in history. That is entirely possible -- but may not occur. If such a nationwide revival does not come, it does not mean that revival cannot come to your church. The Christians in your local church can lay aide all differences. They can set aside special times of prayer and claim the power of God for their needs. They can cultivate a compassion for people that sends them out to reach the lost. There can be a bond of love established between your pastor and his congregation that will put down all divisions and bickering. Joy can characterize all the services of your church. Sound great? It can happen.
However, if revival does not come to your church, you can experience personal revival. No one can keep you from having revival . . . except you!
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