Missions

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REVIVAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Late is defined by Webster’s New Encyclopedic Dictionary as “coming or remaining after the due, usual or proper time”. It is used with reference to activity, programme or event. When something is done behind schedule, or at a time that is inappropriate, four things are likely to happen. One, opportunities might be lost (Lk. 16:23-31). Two, more harm could be incurred (Acts 5:7-10). Three, the late comer will be bereft of valid information for wise decision or choice. And four, one will lag behind, and may not be in a better frame of mind to achieve the best within the time limit. As it applies to an individual, so does it apply to an institution like the church?

When I consider the rate at which sin is eroding the church these days; the extent to which the world is exerting undue influence upon believers in Christ, and the general weakness in prayer and Biblical holiness, I begin to see an urgent need for revival. There is no gainsaying the fact that most Christians, who began the heavenly race in holiness and righteousness, are toady ending up in sin.
 The faithful are ending up unfaithful.
 The committed are ending up irresponsible.
 The spiritual are ending up carnal.
 The active are ending up passive.
 The zealous are ending up indifferent.
 The prayerful are ending up prayer less.
 The generous are ending up stingy.
 The obedient are ending up rebellious.
 The peaceful are ending up hostile.
 The humble are ending up arrogant.
 The meek are ending up non-compliant.
 The loving are ending up haters.
 The soft-hearted are ending up hard-hearted.
 The bold are ending up shy.
 The evangelistic are ending up ashamed of the gospel.
 The “terrors to the devil” are ending up “preys to the devil”.
 The heavenly conscious are ending up earthly-minded.
 The afraid of hell are ending up non-challant about hell.
Against the back drop of these moral decadence, I have the burden to write to encourage the Assemblies of God Faithful, Local Churches, Sections, Departments and the General Council to give more attention to revival and revival-oriented programmes. This is the only way to rid the church of sin and corrupt politics which has eaten deep into her fabric. Any further delay to this clarion call may spell doom for the church, and give the devil and his agents more opportunity to carry out their nefarious activities.

Before I drop my pen in part one of this article, I would like to proffer answers to some salient questions that the reader may like to ask. The first is: What is Revival? And the second is: When is the right time for Revival?

REVIVAL DEFINED
The word revival comes from two Latin words “re” and vivo”. “Re” means “again”, and “vivo” means “to live”. Revival therefore means “to live again”. Revival is the sovereign act of God upon the church whereby He intervenes to lift the church to a state of spiritual consciousness and vitality once again. It is a time of spiritual rejuvenation when God brings life to the spiritually dead, cleansing to the morally depraved, and deliverance to the bound.

THE RIGHT TIME FOR REVIVAL
In my own opinion, revival should be convened when:
 The church is spiritually weak or dead.
 The believer is spiritually weak or dead.
 Repentance and salvation are possible (Acts 3:19; 2 Cor. 6:2).
 Sin can be forgiven (Ps. 32:1,2).
 Prayers can be heard (Isa. 55:6,7).
 Healing is possible (Hos. 6:1-3).
 Love for God is growing cold (Matt. 24:12).
 Zeal for the things of God is diminishing (Ps. 69:9; Phil. 2:20,21).
 Evil is on the increase (Matt. 24:12).
 Spirituality is on the decline (1Cor. 3:3-7).
 The world is exerting undue influence on the church (Rm. 12:2; 2 Tim. 4:10).
 The church is decreasing in attendance (cf. Acts 2:47).
 The presence and power of God is no longer felt (Josh. 7:12; Lk. 5:17).
 The devil and his agents are operating in the church without resistance (James 4:7; Rev. 2:14,15).
 The truth is compromised (1kgs 22:7-14; Jn. 8:32).
For more details on revival, get a book by this writer titled: Revival: The only Remedy.


REV. EVANG. M.N. NWOSU, JP.
Leader: Onitsha Urban Section 3,
Assemblies of God, Onitsha District.
Phone: 07035410897, 08186858254.
E-mail: [email protected]

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