Are you yearning for revival? Many are, like Leonard Ravenhill, a British evangelist and revivalist known for his uncompromising preaching on repentance, holiness and genuine revival. His teachings centred on the “disparities” – as he called them – between the dynamic early church in the Book of Acts and the often-lukewarm Western evangelicalism of his time, with its false teaching and cultural compromise. He has been described as a “religious specialist” sent to “beard the priests of Baal on their own mountain-top,” unafraid to shame careless leaders or warn wandering believers. Truth is often uncomfortable. Born in England, Ravenhill witnessed firsthand what happens when nations lose their fear of God – following the second world war, the Western world had entered an era of material prosperity and spiritual complacency, and a growing rejection of Biblical authority. His book “Why Revival Tarries” became a classic because it cut through excuses and went straight to the heart:
“The church used to be a lifeboat rescuing the perishing. Now it’s a cruise ship recruiting the promising.” He said that revival never begins in the streets – it begins in the hearts of God’s people, on their knees, in repentance and holy desperation. If Ravenhill were alive today, looking at Australia – a nation that once proudly called itself “a Christian country” – he would weep, as many of us do. We have replaced conviction with comfort, truth with tolerance, and holiness with humanism. We’ve traded the fear of God for the fear of man and taken on some of their beliefs, even in the churches. He would say to us, as he said then: “The world is not waiting for a new definition of the Gospel – it’s waiting for a new demonstration of it.” And what of your community? It may have many beautiful churches and a rich Christian heritage. But like much of Australia, it’s drifted – quietly, comfortably – spiritually asleep. We’re busy with activity but often empty of Holy Spirit fire. We discuss revival, but seldom travail for it in prayer.
Ravenhill warned, “As long as we are content to live without revival, we will.” The early church didn’t have cathedrals, programs, or social status – it had something far greater – it had what we desperately need again: the power and presence of God. We have buildings, programs, technology and freedom to worship (for now). We have comfort, convenience, and endless access to information. But we no longer have the power or the Spirit-driven conviction that turned the world upside down, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The early church met in homes with other Spirit filled believers. They gathered for teaching, for the breaking of bread, for prayer, and for fellowship – Acts 2:42. And through their simplicity, faith, and unity, they turned the world upside down. They didn’t just believe in miracles – they lived them. The sick were healed, the oppressed were set free, and entire cities were changed because ordinary people believed in an extraordinary God. Led by the Holy Spirit, and living in an environment of extreme persecution, they changed the world.
Today, some say God stopped doing miracles! That cannot be. When Peter was confronted by the Jewish leaders and questioned how the lame man who sat daily begging at the Beautiful Gate was healed, he said: “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth…. that this man stands before you healed.” Acts 4:10 There was power in the name of Jesus then – to cast out demons, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead – there is power in the name of Jesus now. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 Today, the same Jesus, the same Spirit beckons us to return – to the purpose, the righteousness and the power of the early church. To once again assemble with like-minded believers – unhindered by denominational differences and false teaching. To gather together in the love of Christ, in unity and the power of the Holy Spirit. To pray fervently, encourage one another, walk in faith, expecting God to move.
We are yearning for revival, and it must begin with us – a remnant of believers who refuse to be lukewarm, who refuse to be silent and conform to the world. We must hunger again for the presence and power of God. We must return to the simplicity of the Gospel and the whole counsel of God’s word. We must live without compromise and speak truth without fear. It’s time to rise again as the Spirit-filled church that prays, heals, loves and believes. One that changes the world – not one that is changed by it. We cannot revive our cities or our nation by going along with the world and remaining silent on important issues – we must stand apart, filled with holy fire, love, and courage. So let this be our prayer, echoing Ravenhill’s cry: “Lord, bend the church — and save the world.”
Source: Article written by Kris Dhillon Head of the Orange Christian Alliance
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