Have you wondered why we have been experiencing so many violent acts of terrorism all over the world in recent years? Rev. 12:12 may supply the answer. The latter part of verse 12 says, “…for the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.” Rev. 20:10 makes it clear that the devil will be ultimately thrown into the lake of fire. Because he knows that he has a relatively short time he inspires wicked people to carry out violence. His nature is to kill and destroy and that is exactly what these persons perpetuate in killing indiscriminately.
The word makes it clear that we, as Christians get caught up well before Satan is cast into the lake of fire. Many of us pray for a great Revival and Spiritual awakening before the church’s exit into heaven. There is no better prescription for revival than II Chron. 7:14. It suggests three things that we, as Christians, must do and then three things that God promises to do.
The first thing that God’s people must do is to humble ourselves. We must recognize that we cannot bring revival in our own merit or power. We must cry unto God and let him know that he is the only one who can bring this earth-shaking spiritual awakening that we need.
Secondly, the word requires of us much prayer and seeking after him to give us what we need. Are you involved in prayer meetings that are serious about seeking for this kind of awakening? I, personally have the privilege of joining other dear Christians, pastors and key laymen, in six different prayer meetings each week. I would hope you would join us in praying every week for “Revive Ohio.” It is an evangelistic movement which has its headquarters in Texas and is spreading across the nation in various states. At the time of this writing, we are meeting every Thursday evening at the Russell Road Church at 6 p.m. for an hour of prayer. Seriously think of joining us and bringing others with you.
The third thing that is required of us is to turn from our wicked ways. We as a nation need to cry unto God for forgiveness for many things. We walk in a cesspool of grievous sins: pornography, addictions of all kinds, adultery, homosexuality, idolatry, exclusion of God from many venues and a multitude of other sins. Let us confess personal sins and ask the Lord to reveal to us other sins in our lives. We then confess them and ask his forgiveness. (I Jn. 1:9)
After we do our part God obliges himself to respond in this passage of scripture.
First, he will hear from heaven. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a God who hears the prayer of every child, man or woman including the words of praise that we offer? I have had the privilege of leading a lot of people to the Lord and it is such a delight to hear them pray the sinner’s prayer to receive Christ into their hearts to be their savior from sin and to give them eternal life. If you are reading this and have not done so then simply pray that he comes into your heart, cleanses you and gives you eternal life. I did this as a 14 year old boy and have never regretted it.
Secondly, He promises to forgive us of our sins. Perhaps you have been deeply troubled over something that you did in the past and need forgiveness. Ask him and he will totally forgive you. Perhaps you had an abortion years ago and now deeply regret it. My friend it is forgivable. The precious blood of Christ covers it all.
He, finally, promises to heal our land. He can deal with addictions and crime better than our wonderful law enforcement personnel. The Cainridge Revival in Kentucky back in 1802 was an example of how a state that was saturated with drunkenness and immorality was completely reversed into a moral, sober state. Many counties went dry and remained that way for almost 200 years. More recently the Hebrides Revival in a little island not far from Scotland had seven people in an old house praying all night on Tuesdays and Thursdays along with two little widow ladies who did the same thing in their home in front of a little peat fire place. God’s Spirit fell on that island and drunks were lying on the streets crying for God’s mercy and dance hall girls ran from the convicting Spirit to the dance halls to find other girls on their knees begging for God’s forgiveness. The youth flooded the churches that they had previously forsaken. My friends, let us confess our sins and seek God for a revival in Shelby County that will be read about all over the world. See you in prayer meeting!
