News and Updates
October 1, 2024
David Copeland · October 1, 2024
Newsletter · Volume: 24 Issue: 10
2 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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Revival.
It’s a very caustic word to some.
It’s a source of irritation to others.
But to those of us who are hungry and desperate to find a closer walk with God, it’s the central focus of our eating, our drinking, our praying, our preaching, and teaching…it’s all we think about 24/7! At least, that’s all I think about: 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
I recently found these notes Jonathan Edwards wrote many years ago that need to be a guide for us as we continue to seek the Lord for an actual revival experience.
How Can I Know If I Am Having A Real Revival Experience?
1.A real revival experience will raise the esteem of Jesus.
People talk about “building the Kingdom” and say, “It’s all about Jesus,” when in reality, it’s all about their kingdom or their denomination. I just recently spoke to several pastors who were not allowed to participate in a humanitarian disaster outreach for victims of Hurricane Helene because he was not in that denomination. In so many nations of the world, there is a territorial spirit at work that keeps people divided, not just in the political arena but in the church as well. What happened to building people up into the image of Jesus and then releasing them to obey and glorify Jesus with their lives? When real revival comes, ALL attention, honor, and glory will be focused on Jesus.
2. Real revival will propel people away from sin and lust. Genuine revival brings real change! Real revival brings all glory and honor to Jesus and will cause people to be sickened over the sad state of our culture, our nation, and our world! When you can go to church, speak in tongues, fall out in the Spirit, and then go home and cuss your wife out for burning the supper, hear people use God’s name in vain, and not be grieved…you’ve not experienced a genuine revival. I have said for years that if the “glory” you are basking in is not bringing transformation into your life, all you are having is an emotional experience.
3. Real Revival will lead people back to the teachings of the Bible. That’s a real novel thought; the Bible! Not the next great book from Zondervan or Charisma!
I remember reading about Lester Sumerall going to see Smith Wigglesworth one time. As Dr. Sumerall knocked on the door, Smith opened it up and said, “…you can leave your newspaper outside and come in!”
4. People are led to truth instead of error. I realize I only see one part; therefore, I can only prophesy the part I see. Yet genuine revival will not only lead me back to the truth; it will give me a hunger for the truth, to know it and be set free!
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
5. Real revival will promote love among people. Prejudice will cease. Fighting will stop. Politicians will work for the people and not their own agendas! Preachers will love people and not jockey for a greater position within their denomination. Preachers will stop being charlatans and will preach the Good News for the Love of God and not the love of money!
Father, I pray for a mighty move of your Spirit to come to America so that all will know that Jesus is in the house!
In just a few days, our nation will go to the polls and vote for the presidential candidate they feel is most qualified to lead our country for the next four years. Friends I am not telling anyone who to vote for, but I am begging you, please pray before you vote. This is the most pivotal election in our lifetime and will literally chart the course for generations. Ask the Lord to direct you. Ten pray for our country, that God will have mercy on us and to forgive and cleanse us of all our sin.