Q.

What do you think is the biggest hindrance to revival in today’s society? And on the flip side, what is the biggest key to having revival in today’s society?

Colton

A.

Hello Colton,

Thanks for your thought-provoking question. If we’re speaking of society, several thoughts come to mind.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” In this text, seeking God is an expression of faith. Repeatedly, the Scripture emphasizes that if you seek the Lord, He will be found of you (e.g. Deut. 4:29; 2 Chron. 15:2). It seems the greatest hindrance to an awakening in society is a lack of seeking God.

But what would make society want to seek God? Salt makes people thirsty. If the church was revived and functioning as salt and light, society would be affected. In fact, if the church were revived and interceding for those unaware of their need, seeking the blessing for those not seeking it themselves, then society might be awakened by an outpouring of God’s Spirit.

The greater need initially is a revived church. We see this played out in the book of Acts. The Great Awakenings reveal the same pattern. Andrew Murray said, “A revived church is the only hope for a dying world.”

Ultimately, the greatest hindrance to a revived society is an un-revived church. Conversely, the greatest solution is a revived church. In light of this truth, Martin Lloyd-Jones lamented the fact that “the greatest problem confronting us in the church today is that the vast majority of professing Christians are not convinced of the reality and the desirableness of revivals.”

John

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