Revival is increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of a church congregation or society, with a local, national or global effect. The Old Testament offers a picture of spiritual revival in the ministry of Ezra. In Nehemiah 8, Ezra read the Law before the people, calling them to repentance. The people both learned and began to apply God’s teachings, showing their changed hearts.
In the New Testament, Jesus called the Ephesian Christians to “return to their first love” (Revelation 2:4-5). He called them to return to their original passion for Christ and live for Him with all of their heart. Still today, God calls each believer to spiritual awakening. In addition, there are appropriate times for churches to focus on spiritual awakening or Christian revival, repenting of sin and seeking to live holy before the Lord.
