As this key marker of worship ends, true Christ followers must begin to ask themselves some difficult questions. One of those questions should be how do we carry a revival spirit in the marketplace.
The Ingredients for Revival
There are two ingredients that must be present to produce an environment that is ripe for revival: worship and repentance. When both of these elements are found among the Body of believers, God’s presence will linger and meet us.
God wants our hearts postured to him. Jeremiah 17:10 says
I the Lord search the heart and test the mind to give every man according to his ways according to the fruit of his deeds. (ESV)
He tests us; therefore, we must come to him with a pure heart and pure intentions. If we try to fake our way into revival, it won’t get us very far. Miracles, signs, and wonders will not be performed in our midst. And worse, unbelievers will not get to see the Lord who is over all.
The Spirit of Revival in Believers
Followers of Christ should carry worship and repentance with us everywhere we go. In all things, we should seek to see God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
You see, revival is more than a moment, more than an experience in the life of true believers. The spirit of revival is constantly in us and on us. It’s what causes us to carefully consider our brother. The spirit of revival causes us to look to God and to keep him as the only person we seek after.
The Spirit of Revival and Awakening in the Marketplace
There’s been a lot of social media debate about whether the events at Asbury University were actually those of a revival or just an encounter with God. I say it isn’t important. God showed up and that’s all that matters.
However, I would like to take the time to distinguish between revival and awakening. I submit to us that revival is for the children of God; awakening is for those yet to know him.
If we accept that revival is for believers, and we accept that the spirit of revival is a lifestyle, this will help us better understand our assignment as we go into our places of work. Whether it be on Zoom or even in the office building, we are armed with a heart of worship and repentance to God that rubs off on others. They begin to notice the light we carry.
For lukewarm Christians in our midst, we pray that a heart of worship and repentance is what they receive. But for those who do not have a relationship with God, this becomes their moment to awaken to the truth that Jesus died for them and there is a God in Heaven who loves them and wants the very best for them.
The Asbury revival may be ending but it doesn’t have to be over for us. Let this presentation be an invitation that changes our heart and welcomes the Father closer to our hearts.
Featured photo by Christian Dubovan on Unsplash; in-text photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
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