What is Revival?

Our current sermon series is “Revive the Church: a Verse by Verse Exposition of 1 Timothy.” What would revival look like if Lawndale experienced it? It may not be what you think.

Some would say a series of services with a dynamic speaker, plenty of people at the altar, along with lots of tears. Maybe that would be good, but that’s not revival. It’s interesting to go back and read Jonathan Edward’s work “Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit” in reference to revival. After identifying some wrong ideas, he proceeds to give 5 evidences. Let me summarize them in my words and very concisely:

1) A deeper devotion to and appreciation of Jesus

2) Spirit-led repentance

3) Greater engagement and respect for God’s Word, the Bible

4) A collective acceptance of truth by God’s people

5) Greater love for God and people

If this is revival, “God, please send revival in my life and at Lawndale. We need You, desire You, and long to know You better, to enjoy You more, and to glorify Your name. We cry out for revival, for You to get the glory that You deserve and for Your fame to spread in our families and in our community. We ask, not because we deserve it, but to make Your great name known. In Jesus’ name, amen!”

Join me in praying for revival in your life, in your family, in your church family, and in your community. And I hope you will join me as we continue making our way through 1 Timothy!