I have been sharing several studies with the men on Thursday mornings on “Revival” and I feel like I should do at least one meditation on that subject for my readers.
I am very concerned about the American churches. There are a couple of books that I wish everyone would read. One is “Shepherds for Sale.” It is about pastors who have bought into the woke philosophy. The other is “Letter to the American Church.” The author says that the American church is in the same condition it was back in the ‘30s when Hitler rose to power. Because the church didn’t stand up and speak up, unbelievable atrocities took place. If you read either of these books you would see that the church desperately needs to experience a Holy Spirit revival.
In 2 Chronicles 7, we read about King Solomon and the dedication of the temple. Beginning with verses 12 through 16 we read of the formula that God gave to Solomon for revival.
“Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. 13 At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 15 My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 16 For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.”
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body.”
Brother/Sister in Christ – how often do you stop and think about the fact that your body is the dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and that He dwells in you and is always with you?
Revival is for Christians who have dozed off and become careless in their living. They are being influenced by the world culture and they are lukewarm spiritually. Does this describe you?
In Revelation 3:15-20 we have the letter that our Lord sent to the church in Laodicea. “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.”
Folks, this letter was written by our Lord to a church that thought they had it all and they had become lukewarm and indifferent to the things of God. Jesus, who is the head of the church is standing at the door of the church and is knocking, because He wants to come in.
Does Jesus want a larger role in your life? Is He knocking at your heart’s door saying “Let Me in so I can take My rightful place in your life?”
Remember the formula God gave Solomon and Israel to experience revival. (2 Chronicles 7:12-16).
In verse 14 God said —
- If My people who called by My name will humble themselves.
- If My people will pray.
- If My people will seek My face.
- If My people will turn from their wicked ways.
Folks, that is repentance.
If we will do as He says, then He will…
- Hear from heaven.
- He will forgive their sins.
- He will restore their land.
Dear ones, have you become lukewarm spiritually? Is Jesus first and foremost in your heart and life? If He isn’t, today would be a good day to put Him first. Jesus asks us to put Him first. In Matthew 22:37 He said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all of your mind.”
Do you love Him that way? If you don’t, what is hindering you? If you don’t love Him first and foremost, you need to be revived and the Holy Spirit is ready to do that for you.
The wonderful thing that happens when the believers get revived, is that it is so noticeable that unbelievers start coming to Christ. Wouldn’t that be great? I hope you will join me in praying for such an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Jubilee and other churches across the nation.
God Bless you,
Pastor Leonard
