Watch the video version on Bill’s podcast.

The U.S.A. immerged from the pandemic with a new set of morals. For decades, a moral shift has occurred from glorifying God to self-gratification, and the pandemic completed the transformation. Even the Church is taking on end-time characteristics of the “great falling away” described by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.  

Unsurprisingly, the Christian community is crying out for revival in our country. The revival at Asbury University in Kentucky gives me hope that we could see a movement of the Spirit in a mighty way. But what is a revival? Is it an overwhelming move of the Spirit in which people fall on their faces and return to the Lord, or is it more personal responsibility? I believe both are true. As the Spirit moves, people respond. But the Spirit has been moving since the beginning of creation. So, what causes a revival to break out? If we experience a revival in our country, it will start on a personal level. 

Jesus described in detail what a dead Christian society looks like in Revelation 3:14-18: prideful, unaware, shameful. And U.S. Christianity serves as a stark reminder of the Church of Laodicea. So, do you want revival? God has given a straightforward four-step process for anyone to experience a genuine revival. 

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV)

I know what you’re saying, “Bill, we’ve heard this before.” But we are not to be hearers only but does of the work (James 1:22-25). What does it say about Christianity when we know what we are supposed to do, yet we won’t do it? So, ask yourself this question before you read any further, “Are you willing to do what is necessary to experience revival in your heart and life?” 

Step 1: Personal Humility

Humility is not a position of falling on your knees but a heart posture before God. People humble themselves before God by making the radical decision to submit themselves to God in all areas of life. There is no grey area of humility. You are either prideful or humble, but you can’t be both. Start your revival journey by identifying the areas of your life you will not surrender to God. You will be a war with the Spirit until you are willing to let go, for most revival stops here. 

Step Two: Corporate Prayer

Prayer is never to change God’s mind but to agree with Him. The book of Hebrews describes prayer as coming boldly to the throne to find grace and help in a time of need (Heb 4:16). When we pray, we find ourselves in the throne room face to face with God. Everyone that comes into God’s presence finds themselves lying on the ground as a dead man. But through the blood of Jesus, we can come boldly to the throne and seek God’s face. 

Step Three: Godly Focus

God has promised that all who seek Him will find him, and he desires to be found. Being in the presence of God will cause you to not only see Him high and lifted up but will also reveal your sinful state. (Isiah 6:1-4) The only way we survive such an encounter is through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ. Too often, I see Christians hiding from the presence of God like Adam in the bushes, trying to cover up his guilt and shame. You will only experience revival when you come out of the shadows and apply the gospel to every area of your life. 

Step Four: Personal Repentance

One of the most significant pieces of evidence of revival is the confession and repentance of sin. Revival will never come if you are unwilling to turn from your wicked ways. One of my mentors, Alan Shelby, once said, “You can come as you are, you just can’t stay as you is.” The Church is in this state because of the gospel preached without repentance. Revival will only come when the redeemed walk in righteousness. 

God never meant revival to be a passing moment but a lifelong pursuit of his presence and holiness. You can have a revival today!! As you experience revival and others around you experience revival, a movement of revival will occur.