By Abel Ukachi Amadi

Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (KJV).

The word revival comes from the Latin word, re, which means “again,” and vivo, which means “to live.” Revival literally means “to live again.” It seems our first love for God when we got converted is gradually waning. The revival fire has been extinguished in some churches and it seems there is no fire on the pulpits. Sinners come to some churches and return the same way they came.

The word of God preached on the pulpits no longer carry power to convict sinners of their sin. Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and 3,000 responded to that first appeal (Acts 2:41). The book of Acts recorded, “that many of them which heard the word believed, and turned unto the Lord,” (Acts 11:2). Charles H. Spurgeon said: “It is extraordinary power from God, not talent, that wins the day.

It is extraordinary spiritual unction not extraordinary mental power that we need. Mental power may fill a chapel, but spiritual power fills the church with soul anguish. Mental power may gather a large congregation, but only spiritual power will save souls. What we need is spiritual power.” We need revival and it means to come alive again.

If we want to see revival, then there is a cost. There is a cost for every move of God just like every kingdom benefit delivers at a cost. The prison keeper asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). They replied him: “Believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,” (Acts 16:31). Many times we cry out for a move of God in the church, but the question is; are we ready to pay the price for the move of God amid us? God is waiting on us. The keys to revival are found in 2Chronicles, Chapter 7. It is a promise from God that if the church, His people, will do their parts, then God will fulfill His promise to send revival. Revival begins with the people of God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 starts with the words,

“If my people, which are called by my name.” To pray for revival, you must be born again and become a child of God. God does not hear the prayer of a sinner (John 9:31). Another key to revival is humility as seen in 2Chronicles 7:14. God’s people must be broken in the spirit and humble to seek for revival. James 4:6 states: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When God’s people are humble, God is drawn to them. When pride is present, He resists them. Being humble is going on our bended knees to ask God to send out revival.

Prayer is another key to revival as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Zechariah wrote in Chapter 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Prayer unlocks Heaven and brings heavy spiritual downpour on the people. The move of God is released through prayer. It is not enough to preach about revival, but we must pray revival down. Seeking God’s face is another key to revival.

Seeking His face involves determination, discipline and perseverance. Seeking God’s face is speaking to God and hearing from Him. Repentance is also a key to revival. We must repent from our wicked ways to see revival. God hates sin. Sin hinders revival. Revival comes when Christians get their relationships right with God

• Today’s Nugget: Revival is coming alive again. Prayer: Lord purge me from every sin in my life. Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: [email protected], Rev. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria