“THE TRUE ESSENCE OF REVIVAL”

Psalm 85:6,7
By: Dr. Gary G. Dull
INTRO: As a child I always looked forward to “REVIVAL SERVICES.” “REVIVAL
SERVICES” are good and needed, but “REVIVAL SERVICES” do not guarantee REVIVAL!

QUESTION: WHAT IS REVIVAL? The word “REVIVAL” implies the existence of life. For
instance, when someone has a cardiac arrest, the healthcare people often “REVIVE” that person,
meaning that LIFE HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK INTO FUNCTION FOR THE
INDIVIDUAL. When applied to spiritual matters, REVIVAL implies the existence of spiritual
life, but that spiritual life has been on the decline and now has been brought back to the fullness
of spiritual life. In short, REVIVAL IS WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE GET RIGHT WITH GOD!
Many people confuse REVIVAL with EVANGELISM! But REVIVAL is WHEN GOD’S
PEOPLE GET RIGHT WITH GOD, and EVANGELISM is WHEN THE LOST GET RIGHT
WITH GOD. Some people do not need SPIRITUAL REVIVAL, they need SPIRITUAL
“VITAL”… THAT IS, THEY NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN!

WHAT ABOUT YOU? HOW DO YOU NEED TO GET RIGHT WITH GOD? Take a good
look at your life now, and make sure you get right with God the right way. DO NOT DELAY!

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NOTE: Psalm 85 was written in a time of Israel’s spiritual trouble with the assurance that God
would bring revival to the land in His time. In verse 6 we can see four elements of revival that
are crucial for us to understand if we truly want to see revival in our own life, church and nation.
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I. REVIVAL COMES FROM GOD

“WILT THOU?”
The Principle: Revival is not “worked up” by man, but it is “SENT DOWN” by God!
Hosea 6:1-2
ILLUSTRATION:

II. REVIVAL IS NEEDED FREQUENTLY

“REVIVE US AGAIN”
The Principle: Every time there is a “STRAYING AWAY FROM GOD,” there needs to be a
“TURNING BACK TO GOD.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
ILLUSTRATION:

III. REVIVAL IS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER

“WILT THOU NOT REVIVE US AGAIN?”
The Principle: Revival is not MAN MADE through organization, but it is GOD SENT when
MEN PRAY SERIOUSLY! Hosea 14:1-7
ILLUSTRATION:
IV. REVIVAL BRINGS GREAT JOY
“THAT THY PEOPLE MAY REJOICE”
The Principle: Revival brings joy because of what God does for the one who is truly
revived. Psalm 32:1-5
ILLUSTRATION:

LESSON: REVIVAL IS FOR SAVED PEOPLE WHO HAVE GOTTEN AWAY FROM
THE LORD. BUT WHEN SAVED PEOPLE GET RIGHT WITH THE LORD, LOST
PEOPLE GET SAVED!

QUESTIONS:
1) DO YOU NEED EVANGELIZED?
2) DO YOU NEED REVIVED?