Summary
Highlights
Revival is defined as a supernatural, unexpected, and desired work of the Lord, characterized by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, magnifying Christ, increasing hunger for God's Word, an awareness of sin, joy in worship, and a passion for the lost. It's an intensification of God's normal work, bringing continuity to the preached Gospel and transforming individuals from nominal Christianity to deep commitment, leading to many conversions.
The 16th century, a time of spiritual gloom in Europe, saw God ignite a widespread revival through figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and William Tyndale. The Reformation emphasized 'scripture alone, grace alone, by faith alone, through Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.' Tyndale's translation of the Bible into English made God's Word accessible, fueling a movement that transformed lives and society. The persecution faced by martyrs like Hugh Latimer further solidified the truth of the Gospel.
The Puritan era, particularly around Cambridge University, focused on training ministers and applying religious experience to all areas of life, from work to marriage. Preachers like John Rogers of Dedham, known as 'Roaring Rogers,' had a powerful, awakening ministry. Puritans were known for their radical dependence on the Holy Spirit and fervent prayer, desiring both individual and national reformation. They endured persecution, but God used suffering to mature His people and glorify His name.
In 1630 at Kirk o' Shotts, a communion season marked by prayer culminated in a powerful sermon by young John Livingston. Despite his initial trepidation, Livingston preached for hours from Ezekiel 36:25-26, and God used this one sermon to bring 500 people to saving faith. This event highlights God's choice to use the 'weak things of the world' and His sovereign power, often in response to fervent prayer, demonstrating that Revival is of God, not of men.
Jonathan Edwards' ministry in Northampton, Massachusetts, was central to the Great Awakening. Starting with a 'Little Awakening' in 1734, Edwards witnessed profound concern for spiritual matters, joy in worship, and deep conviction of sin among all ages. His sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' delivered in Enfield, Connecticut, led to widespread cries for salvation. Edwards' writings, particularly 'Religious Affections,' provided discerning insights into genuine conversion, emphasizing the heart and God's sovereign grace.
The 18th-century revival in Great Britain saw figures like Daniel Rowland in Wales, George Whitfield, and John and Charles Wesley experience profound conversions and lead powerful preaching ministries. Whitfield and the Wesleys, despite theological differences (Calvinism vs. Arminianism), preached Christ to vast crowds. The cooperative efforts of Rowland, Howell Harris, and William Williams Pantycelyn transformed Wales, leading to societal change and a flourishing of hymns that expressed deep spiritual experience.
In Kilsyth, Scotland, William Hamilton Burns faithfully ministered for years, laying a spiritual foundation. In 1839, his son, William Chalmers Burns, preached a sermon that unleashed a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. People were profoundly convicted of sin, expressed emotional agony, and experienced mass conversions. The Revival transformed the community, with increased prayer, altered lifestyles, and a focus on spiritual matters, demonstrating that persistent, faithful ministry can set the stage for extraordinary blessing.
The years 1857-1861 saw a remarkable revival across America, Ireland, and Wales. It began with Jeremiah Lanphier's lunchtime prayer meeting in New York City, leading to widespread prayer and hundreds of thousands of conversions. In Ireland, James McQuilkin's prayer group in Kells sparked a regional revival that spread rapidly, marked by deep conviction, transformed homes, and earnest joy. David Morgan in Wales initially skeptical, became a powerful preacher as God moved through prayer, despite some issues concerning 'revivalist' techniques.
The 1949 Lewis Revival on a remote Scottish island began with the fervent prayers of two elderly sisters, Peggy and Christine Smith. Their persistent intercession for God's blessing, along with other praying saints, created an atmosphere for God's presence. Evangelist Duncan Campbell witnessed immediate and profound spiritual awakenings, with people under deep conviction and seeking Christ. This revival underscored that God uses ordinary people's prayers to ignite extraordinary movements of His Spirit, emphasizing that true revival comes from God's sovereignty, not human manipulation.
Revival cannot be forced or manipulated by human effort but is a sovereign work of God. It is often granted in response to earnest, fervent prayer from those distressed by God's dishonor. We should long for God Himself, not just the fruits of revival. Faithful service, steadfast preaching of truth, earnest prayer, and living a holy life are the best preparations. God's means, though seemingly unimpressive (prayer, preaching, godly lives), are what He promises to bless in His time and for His glory. Christians should pray for a Great Awakening, trusting in God's power to revive dry bones and bring abundant life.