Each person seems to have their own idea or opinion of what revival means. But one thing that everybody seems to agree on is that revival involves a change in people. And it involves a change in the way that we relate to God.

So with that basic understanding under our belt, I want to look in this section at the subject of revival in more detail. I want to understand what it is, how it works, where it comes from, who needs it, and how we go about obtaining it.

This section is just going to be an introduction. I am going to lay a groundwork or a foundation on the subject so that we have something to build on.

There are many different views that people have on this subject of revival. Here are some of the common views that you have probably heard.

Related to Evangelism

Some people see revival as a mighty move of evangelism in an area. In many places revival meetings really are nothing more than evangelistic outreaches where souls are gathered in.

In some of the revivals in times gone past, there has been a shaking of the community and souls have been coming in by the hundreds. So for many people, revival means an influx of the lost.

Outpouring of the Spirit

To others, revival means a mighty manifestation of the anointing of God, with signs and wonders and a mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God.

Certainly in many places where revival is taking place right now, we are seeing God move in fresh ways. A fresh anointing power of God is coming in meetings, and people are saying,

"This is revival. This is what we've been praying for."

So many people seem to think that this is what revival is. Revival is an increase of the anointing presence and power of God in the meetings.

A Change of Heart

Some see revival as being a change of heart that takes place in individuals, rather than an outpouring in a group. It is said that revival is 'of the heart', and not an external thing. Revival is something that takes place within.

Other people following on further, say that revival is having a greater awareness of our sin. It brings a greater emphasis on holiness and sanctification, and in walking righteously with God.

So revival to them means a move of holiness and separation from sin.

Back to First Love

To others, revival is simply a restoration of first love to those whose hearts have grown cold; who have strayed away from the Lord and lost that first love.

To them revival means coming back again to the place where you once were, back into that relationship experience of being deeply in love with the Lord all over again.

These are the different views of revival. And I dare say that you will be able to identify with one or more of these. Right now you are likely thinking, "Yes, that is what revival is. That is what I've always understood by revival."

Well are you right or are you wrong? Is revival all of these? Is revival any of these or none of these? Is revival perhaps something else altogether?

Will I be teaching heresy here? For the sake of producing something new, am I going to give you a view on revival that you have never heard before?

So let's go on and look at the subject. Let's see if I agree with these viewpoints or not, and if the Word of God agrees with them or not.

Let's consider if that is really what God wants to say to us at this time concerning this subject of revival.

I am going to pose a few questions now and I will try and answer those questions very simply.

What is Revival?

Firstly what is revival? That is a good start. What does the word revive mean? People are digging in the dictionary to try and understand what revive means.

They are splitting hairs over exactly what the dictionary meaning of the word revive is. They are therefore trying to interpret it into the context of their own pet view on revival.

And they try to use it as an excuse to escape what they know God wants them to do.

What does revive mean? Revive means literally 'coming to life'. You may say, "Oh wow, I thought you were going to give me something a bit more complicated than that."

[Romans 14:9] is one of the few New Testament passages where you will find the word revival. But you have to look the word revive up in the King James version, because revival is not a New Testament word.

It does not occur in the New Testament. Why not? For a very important reason. It means something different in the New Testament. That Scripture says this: For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

What this verse literally means is, For this reason Jesus died and came back to life.

That is all revive means. Jesus died and was made alive. Revival means coming back to life. It is really quite a simple definition.

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