capture-0030First, let’s choose a definition for revival.  There are many, but my favorite is:

Revival occurs when God is free to operate according to his will in a person, in a church, in a city or in a nation. 

Inherent in this definition is the expected responsiveness of the church. 

Now, while this definition is simple and clear, there are a myriad of complexities that must be addressed.  Threats, learning curves, personal brokenness, etc.  The enemy is a master at introducing the issues necessary to cause us to pull back control from the Holy Spirit and willingly struggle with our brothers and sisters.

I’m not going to attempt to address the complexities at this time, but for the sake of understanding, I’ll list some of them here:

  • Gossip
  • Theological differences
  • False expectations
  • Neglected legitimate expectations
  • Apathy
  • Gift projectionCAPTURE-00027 (3)
  • Stress
  • Emotional/mental distress
  • Lack of revelation
  • Lack of clear corporate vision
  • Intentional division between bodies
  • Fear of man
  • Pride
  • Personal agenda
  • Conditional participation
  • Morality issues
  • Unbelief

And there are many, MANY more.

That being said, there is still an elementary, simple and clear process of revival.  Another way to say it is, revival is a guarantee if we follow biblical protocol.  It’s not a hopeful pursuit, it’s not a gamble.  It’s not a needle in a haystack.  Revival is a guarantee if we follow the instructions that God ensured were clear cut in the Word of God.

I posted recently on the ONETWENTY experiment based on my book, 20 Elements of Revival.  We know there are over 19,000 cities in the United States of America and NONE of them are experiencing revival.  I believe it’s appropriate to say that, on a city church level, over 19,000 cities are doing it wrong.  I’m not attempting to be obviously negative for the sake of dramatic impact.  I do know there are a lot of amazing things going on in churches and places in the nation.  However, we must soberly and humbly admit, on a city level, we are doing it wrong.  If we were doing it right we would find ourselves blown away by the presence and power of God on a city level.

What would happen if we initiated a ONETWENTY experiment in a city?  Here’s what that city needs to qualify for this experiment:

  • Agreement and participation of the city church leaders
  • A group of people (120?) who will follow the Acts 2 pattern and cancel life for ten days or until the Holy Spirit arrives in power
  • A continual devotion beyond the ten days to the development of the city church
  • Humility and intentional agreement (leaving opinions, personal agendas, etc. at the altar)
  • A lifestyle of continual, intentional prayer, together with others

There are certainly other elements, and the issues mentioned above must be dealt with, but the bottom line is this: If we are so hungry for revival that we’ll do anything necessary, we will experience revival.  God isn’t resisting us!  He’s not holding back just for kicks.  He desires to reside with us and to invite us into his supernatural realm.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It’s ALL about revival!

Holy Spirit, come as you are and do what you want in our cities!  Here we are, send us!

John

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This entry was posted on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 1:02 pm.
Categories: Revival and Prayer.

Viewing 2 Comments

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    JOHN!! I have been trying to contact you ever since you left C3 in Roseville, MI...
    U gave a powerful life-saving Word to the body of Christ while you were here!! I sat and participated in the services at C3 and at IHOPE. One of the issues that definitely changed my life was given at IHOPE...I was going thru the absolute worst time in my life.I was overcome with saddness,grief,strife,unforgiveness,mumbling,criticizing,anger,unbelief,lack of faith,ready to "throw in the towel" on christianity, churchiosity, and the god I had believed(yet a lie) I was serving... I believed a lie, I had believed the world system more than I believe YHWH, and I was certainly in a place of unforgiveness and bondage, a literal prison cell!~!
    You had talked about true worship, GOD wanting us to come into "the church setting" full and leave empty- well my dear friend...long story short, that is what happened to me! I entered FULL of strife and garbage, left empty...yet FULL of HIS SHALOM, HIS PEACE, FREEDOM, AND EXPECTANCY!!! I am so ready to catch on fire...YHWH is my WAY!! I am able to now pray blessings for my so-called enemies...the prayers I would so pray for myself and loved ones are my expectancy for those who depise me, use me, persecute me!! I LOVE YOU MY BROTHER!! Jesus, the Word, sent YOU to me!!! I bless you in the name of JESUS!!
    It is hard to explain my situation in a comment form, there is so much more, yet I want you to know ---I got it! I caught it! I want it! I can't live without catching on fire!!! I have been given a new life -yet, again, thank the Lord, He is ever merciful and loving...
    all I can say is Hallelujah!!
    love, in Christ, your sister, Kristine Preuss
    kk.preuss@yahoo.com
    p.s. I want to learn more about the caves you talked about!!
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    • v
    HI!!! That is so AMAZING! Wow. God is so good at what He does. I can't wait to get back there to Detroit. I'll be there in November... Praying for more and more!
 

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