The word “revival” means many things to all types of people. Revival has been loosely defined in a spiritual context as well. I, Donovan Dreyfus, have set out to bring clarity to the spiritual phenomenon of revival. The information put forth will serve as an introduction to my Collaborate Move•Meant School of Revival. I encourage everyone to participate in the conversation of what revival should be in the church and society. Please include your perspective in the comments below.
An explanation for revival
A common secular definition for revival is “the reawakening of religious fervor, especially by means of a series of evangelistic meetings” (New Oxford American Dictionary).
Unfortunately, the secular definition of revival can be interpreted as limiting all revival activity to the corporate experience of the church within religious meetings.
The definition of revival can be expanded to also include the personal experience of individuals within the bigger context of life. A proposed definition for revival is stated below.
Revival is a reawakening of spiritual fervor for the kingdom of God to be fully manifested in every area of life.
It is true that religious fervor can rally believers together in a special series of meetings to pursue a corporate revival. Often times, nonbelievers take on the Christian faith. Many good things happen in the church as a result of the events. Then, the religious fervor wanes and the meetings stop. Soon afterward, the church finds itself following the same routines of religion it was stuck in before the revival meetings were held.
The problem
Religious fervor alone cannot lead a corporate assembly of believers out of the religious routines of running a church.
The answer
Reawaken within believers a spiritual fervor for the kingdom of God to be fully manifested in every area of life.
As you can see, the Collaborate Move•Meant School of Revival definition for revival is also a call to action. It stirs people to seek the kingdom of God in every area of life.
The church also needs to focus on the kingdom of God, not religion, in order to experience lasting revival. Jesus made a central statement about what our focus must be on to fully live. He said, “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matt. 6:33 NLT). This directive applies to the organized body of believers within the church as well.
Personal revival is our responsibility
Ultimately, as believers, it is our responsibility to personally pursue revival. We do not have to wait for the next church meeting to personally experience revival. We can discover the kingdom of God in every area of life. Father God wants to partner with us in the process of seeking His kingdom. He is happy to show us how to experience His kingdom. It is His pleasure to manifest His kingdom in every area of life. He is fully engaged with us because of His unconditional and unfailing love.
Are you ready to take responsibility for your personal revival?
Ask Father God to partner with you in the process of discovering His kingdom.
Ask Him to show you how happy He is with you in the process.
Ask Him to help you stay fully engaged with Him every time He speaks to you and reaches out to you in the process.
Ask Him to help you receive His unconditional and unfailing love to experience all of the benefits of experiencing His kingdom.
Lastly, ask Him to help you lead people into a relationship with Him and enter His kingdom.
Donovan Dreyfus is the author of the Collaborating with Jesus book. He also founded the Collaborate Move•Meant Studio and Open Blue Hub, visionary outlets for investing in individuals.
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Are you ready to take responsibility for your personal revival?
The Collaborating with Jesus guide is a perfect companion book for life’s spiritual journey. It will awaken within you a spiritual hunger for the kingdom of God in every area of life.
