True Revival By Pastor Gene C. Fant, Sr.

  II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." NKJ

  What we need today more than anything is revival! I mean a mighty manifestation of God beginning among His people. God will give revival when the people of God love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

  Many have given up on revival. There are fewer attempts every year. I read of the great revivals in the past and remember how churches would be packed. In our southern culture revival was defined as a week of spirited preaching with services each night. My first revival meeting lasted two weeks and now some attempts last only one day. In earlier days the first week was to get the church members revived and the second was to get the lost saved. In our day revival services are usually well attended on Sunday morning but only the faithful few attend the remainder of the week. I had rather see a few meet the requirement of humbling themselves, seeking God's face through prayer, and turning from sin to obey God. Then God will bless with answered prayer, forgiveness of sin, and healing of our land.

  Genuine revival will always be preceded by a hunger for God's Word and a desire for the presence of the Lord expressed in sincere prayer. Prayer will become so effective that requests will come from near and far because God hears and answers the prayers of revived people. Weeping over the lost will become as prominent as praying for the sick in our midweek prayer services..

  When revival comes there will be equality before the law for all classes and races.

  Those who have been nursing grudges over past slights will repent.

  Revival begins with the people of God but will not end there for folks will be saved and there will be a generosity in meeting the needs of others and sharing Jesus here and around the world.

  Families will be committed to having an effective family altar. There will be fewer broken marriages. Backsliders will be revived and their children will once again be taught the gospel, and moral values.

  Satan will intensify his attack but will be overcome by the blood of Christ.

  The people of God will reflect moral values consistent with Christ. When enough of us are right with God, crimes will decrease, children will be safe in our parks, and the aged will not have to live in fear in their homes. There will be less drunkenness, drug addiction, pornography, abuse, disease and crimes.

  Youth will be mentored by caring adults and surrender to serve the Lord in the church and society.

  God will give birth to souls who will join with us and will be nurtured and matured.

  The question is, will we seek revival now, or wait until calamities are released which are poised to afflict our world? It is time for the people of God to wake up, go down to pray, seek God's face, turn from their wicked ways, get up, and go out in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then the Lord will hear from heaven, forgive our sin, heal our land and His church will be refreshed! We must not give up on true revival.

  Pastor Fant lives in Nashville and can be reached at genecfant@bellsouth.net