Revival and repentance

Time and time again, and also every year or so we find those who claim that God has specifically told them that revival is coming soon.  Some claim special revelations and "downloads from God".

It really does depend on what one means by revival.  I, personally, would love to see a revival of sound Gospel preaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  This message should include teaching or at least an understanding of repentance and humility before God, in order to be in the right state to receive His richest blessing and gifts of love and grace.

Praise God that He is the author and finisher of our faith, the pioneer and perfecter. He directs our paths if we are His children.  The Lord truly goes before us, alongside us and keeps us in the Way and also in Christ Jesus the Lord.  His providential care is so wonderfully at work in our lives.

What do we mean by REVIVAL?  The word is not found in the Bible, but the Lord as our shepherd revives us and keeps us.

One could argue that Luke's early church history in Acts 8, from verse four, gives a good account of revival or conditions that accompany revival.  Perhaps "revival" is not the best word, but divine manifestations of God's powerful grace. The passage mentions great signs and miracles; see verses 6,7 and 13. 

For many years I wondered what prompted Simon the sorcerer to offer money for "this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."  Was it tongues?  Was it seeing people in spiritual ecstasy?  What exactly did he wish to get?

I now believe that Simon saw the very power and presence of God working in the lives of those around him.  He saw changed lives, people delivered from the darkness of the occult, from despair and depravity.  He would have witnessed their joy and new found freedom in Christ as they renounced their evil ways.  Simon and the people saw the miraculous signs, the removal of evil spirits, the healing of paralytics and cripples.  God was working mightily through His servant Philip. Simon coveted the ability to manifest the power of God.


Some Christian leaders seem to talk a lot about it and even have a ministry promoting revivalism.  But the Kingdom of God is not talk.  I wish to see what Simon saw, but I will not be paying any money to preachers who promise much but deliver little.  They can talk a good talk, but do they walk a good walk with the Lord, who really does mighty works?