Real Revival
Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?
Psalm 85:6
In the year 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, and set in motion a movement that spread like fire through Europe. Though many other factors contributed to the Protestant Reformation, God used an awakening in Luther’s heart to start a revival of Christianity in his time.
Our Scripture today from Psalm 85 calls for a revival that begins with the Holy Spirit working in individual hearts, bringing a refreshing return to God with passion and zeal. Revival is not a random burst of energy and emotion but is based on truth found in the Bible. For Luther, John Calvin and other Reformers of the 16th century, the revival that came to be called the Protestant Reformation was based on five enduring principles.
1 Scripture alone 2. On salvation in Christ alone, 3. By grace alone and (4) through faith alone,—and 5. All of this is for glory to God alone. These five points summarize the key principles of the Reformation.
Are these five lasting principles at work in our lives? As we ponder these teachings today, that were rediscovered long ago, may their truth work in our hearts to strengthen and revive us, making us agents of revival wherever God has placed us.
Read
Psalm 85.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the way you shape and discipline Your church. As I reflect on Your work of salvation, I pray with the psalmist: “Revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in you.” Start with me, Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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