There are no shortcuts. No "modern version" for repentance. No time-saving options for prayer.
Charles G. Finney was an American Presbyterian minister in the 19th century who led in the Second Great Awakening. He has been called the "Father of Modern Revivalism." We might not agree with everything he ever said, but some of his thoughts on revival are thought-provoking. For instance, he once wrote on "How to Begin A Revival":
"The first step is a deep repentance, a breaking down of heart, a getting down into the dust before God, with deep humility and forsaking of sin."
There are no frills or secrets to that. Just the basics. Just exactly what Scripture teaches us.
Finney also wrote, "Revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God."
Vance Havner was another great preacher who spoke out about our need for true revival. He once said, "Sunday morning Christianity is the greatest hindrance to revival."
What Havner meant was that many times we think we are being obedient to God when we attend a church service, when much more is required. Revival requires that we do much more than just go through the motions.
In our quest of "Striving to please Him in all that we do," let us start with turning our hearts back to God. Let us start with repenting of our sin. Let us start by rekindling our spirits and our devotion to Christ.
--Rocky Henriques, www.uticabc.com