How Can You Tell If The Saints Have Been Revived?

How Can You Tell if the Saints Have Been Revived?

NEHEMIAH 8: 1 - 3

Many churches engage in revival meetings where the preacher comes and fires up the people; then he leaves. I'm not saying that this is bad, I just know that a deeper experience must be our agenda. I have done myriads of revivals and I enjoy stirring the saints to greater heights of service. However, there is always a hidden thought about whether or not the saints really have had true revival. I know that there are different types of soils in our audiences, and not all soil is prepared for the seed of the word to penetrate. But, this does not absolve us from the concern of revival.

JESUS CHRIST wants there to be tell-tale sings of His work among
His people. After He has brought about revival in the lives of
His people, He desires for there to be evidence that abides.
In the Old Testament there is an experience in the life of
Israel which illustrates this. The Lord had returned His people
to their home land and blessed them in the rebuilding of the
walls of Jerusalem. A spirit of revival resulted among the
people. Their conduct is commendable for us to copy. There are
always specific signs showing that revival has come.

I.THE PEOPLE HAD AFFECTION FOR THE SAINTS (8:1)
Note, "All the people gathered as one man..."
Before the revival, some were pessimistic and complained while
others criticized. They were not different than we before the
revival. May we be no different than they after the revival.
The spirit of revival brought reconciliation and new expressions
of love "as one man." Unity and harmony causes a body to
function together.
Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my
disciples -- if you love one another."
Candidly, has revival come to you? If you are holding a grudge
or harboring a resentment against someone, you need revival.

II.THE PEOPLE WERE ATTENTIVE TO THE SCRIPTURE (8: 2, 3)
They read it -- 8:3.
They revered it -- 8:5.
They related it -- 8: 7, 8 (understood it and its application)
Honestly, has revival come to your life? If it has, you will do
as they and study the Scripture daily (8:18).

III.THE PEOPLE AFFIRMED THEIR SAVIOR (8:6)
They had renewed reverence.
They had increased prayer.
They had expanded worship.
The Psalmist said: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into
His courts with praise."
The Lord said, "Whoso offers praise glorifies me."
Has revival come to you. If so, you will daily praise Him and
pray through Him.

IV.THEY HAD ABANDONMENT OF SIN (8:9)
They were broken over sin. They realized their righteousness
were as filthy rags.
Has revival come to your life. If so, you have a new
perspective of sin -- your sin.

V.THEY WERE AGGRESSIVE IN SERVICE (8: 10 & 18)
When revival comes, there is rejoicing in service.
There is rejoicing in sharing (soul-winning).
The joy of the Lord is dependent upon obedience to the Lord.
Relate to Jesus "who for the joy that was set before Him,endured
the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2).
Is there that joy of service desiring expression in your life?
If so, you have experienced revival. If not, you need revival.