Dimensions of Revival: Transforming the Individual and Church for God's Glory

by Glenn Bleakney

The Perpetual Fire of Revival

Introduction: The Ever-Burning Flame

At the heart of all revival, whether personal or corporate, lies the principle of the perpetual fire. In Leviticus 6:12-13, God commands the priests to keep the fire on the altar burning continuously: "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out." This perpetual fire symbolizes our ongoing devotion to God and serves as a powerful metaphor for revival. Just as the priests were responsible for maintaining this fire, we too are called to tend the flame of revival in our hearts and churches. This concept of a constantly burning fire underscores the truth that revival is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal and transformation.

I. Revelation: God Revealed to His People

At the core of any true revival is a fresh revelation of God to His people. This divine self-disclosure is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound, transformative encounter with the living God. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, the prophet Ezekiel experiences a vivid revelation as he is led by the Spirit into a valley of dry bones. This vision, culminating in the breath of God bringing the dry bones to life, symbolizes the power of divine revelation to bring renewal and revival to what was once lifeless.

1. Encountering God's Holiness

Revival often begins with a renewed sense of God's holiness, leading to deep conviction of sin and a desire for purity. Isaiah 6:1-7 describes Isaiah’s encounter with the holiness of God, where he is overwhelmed by the glory of the Lord and his own unworthiness, leading to purification and commissioning. A similar response is observed during revivals, where people are driven to repentance and a pursuit of righteousness as they come face to face with the holiness of God.

2. Experiencing God's Love

As people encounter God's love in powerful ways, it transforms their relationships with both God and others. In Romans 5:5, Paul speaks of the love of God being poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This outpouring of love ignites a passion for God and a deepened love for others, a hallmark of true revival.

3. Understanding God's Word

Revival is typically accompanied by a hunger for Scripture, with people gaining fresh insights and a deeper understanding of God's truth. The disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:32 experienced their hearts burning within them as Jesus opened the Scriptures to them, a powerful picture of how revival brings renewed understanding and passion for God's Word.

4. Witnessing God's Power

Revelations of God's power through miracles, answered prayers, and transformed lives are common during times of revival. In Acts 4:31, the early church experienced a shaking of the place where they were gathered, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking the word of God with boldness. Such demonstrations of power inspire faith and fuel the fires of revival.

5. Sensing God's Presence

A tangible awareness of God's presence in worship, prayer, and daily life is a hallmark of revival. Exodus 33:14-16 highlights the importance of God's presence, where Moses refuses to move forward without the assurance of God's presence with him and the people. In revival, there is a heightened sense of God’s nearness, prompting deeper worship and greater commitment.

Fostering an Environment for Revelation

To foster an environment where such revelation can occur, it is crucial to emphasize seeking God through prayer and fasting, create space for extended times of worship and waiting on God, and encourage testimonies of encounters with God. Teaching on the various ways God reveals Himself in Scripture and today is essential, along with encouraging individuals to maintain their personal "altar fire" through consistent devotional practices.

II. Restoration: The Broken Healed

As people encounter God in fresh ways, a natural outcome is the restoration of what has been broken. This healing touch extends to individuals, relationships, and communities. Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 37 is a powerful illustration of restoration, where the dry bones not only come to life but are restored to a vast and mighty army. This transformation from death to life is symbolic of the restorative power of God during times of revival.