The Purpose of Revival

Sunday, March 2, FBC Sun Lakes begins revival services with Dr. Jimmy Draper as our evangelist. If you have any knowledge of LifeWay, which is the producer Bible study materials and support services for Southern Baptist churches throughout the world, Jimmy retired recently as President and CEO. But this is not what attracts me to him. Jimmy Draper continues to express a pastor's heart in his care and and passion for the local church. His preaching carries this passion for God's people as well as a great concern for those who do not know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior.

Not many churches still set aside time for revival services. That's unfortunate because the greatest need in churches today is revival. We have allowed a "church culture" do emerge over the past many years that has marginalized or even moved away from an intentional effort to inspire people to personal renewal and commitment to reaching the lost. O that we might hear again that great old hymn that was usually sung as a part of every revival ---- "Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power, that sinners be converted and thy name glorified!"

God is bringing miraculous opportunities to our church. We are experiencing a growing heart for the world that stirs the heart beyond the ability to comprehend. But remember this, God always sees the world in need of Jesus. Anything less on our part only limits the blessings that the Father has for us. We need that "Pentecostal Power" to respond in submissive obedience to the call of God to each of us. It will never happen with business as usual. It will take a church that will only be satisfied with God's power being evidenced in every area of the life of that church. This is why the revival before us is so important. I'm praying that each of us will open ourselves to the Holy Spirit to do what ever He wants to do in us. This must happen before God will do the miraculous work He has prepared for us.

Let's make this our song --- "Lord, send the old time power, the Pentecostal power, that sinners be converted and thy name glorified!" That's the purpose for revival!

PB