By Owen Murphy
When men in the streets are afraid to open their mouths and utter godless words lest the judgments of God should fall; when sinners, overawed by the Presence of God, tremble in the streets and cry for mercy; when, without special meetings and sensational advertising, the Holy Ghost sweeps across cities and towns in Supernatural Power and holds men in the grip of terrifying Conviction; when “every shop becomes a pulpit; every heart an altar; every home a sanctuary” and people walk softly before God, this is Revival!
Today the word Revival has largely lost its real meaning. Our present generation, never having witnessed the mighty movings of God in nation-wide spiritual awakenings such as have taken place in past generations, has little conception of the magnitude of such a “visitation.”
Heaven-sent revival is not religious entertainment, where crowds gather to hear outstanding preachers and musical programs; neither is it the result of sensational advertising – in a God-sent revival you don’t spend money on advertising; people come because Revival is there! Revival is an “awareness of God” that grips the whole community, and the roadside, the tavern, as well as the church, become the places where men find Christ. Here is the vast difference between our modern evangelistic campaigns and true revival. In the former, hundreds may be brought to a knowledge of Christ and churches experience seasons of blessings, but as far as the community is concerned little impact is made and godlessness marches on. In revival, the Spirit of God, like a cleansing flame, sweeps through the community. Divine conviction grips people everywhere; the strongholds of the devil tremble, and many close their doors, while multitudes turn to Christ!
Source: When God Stepped Down From Heaven
Some Responses
There is no revival without reformation, which includes theological fidelity. There will be no genuine revival where orthodoxy and doctrine are neglected.
- Andrew Sandlin, editor, Chalcedon Report
The reason there is no Revival is that there is no Law of God taught; no obligation to bring the nations under God’s law. It does not enter their heads.
- Ray Joseph, pastor, Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church, Southfield, Michigan
