March 2019

We are right in the middle of 40 Days of PrayerToward Church Revitalization at Inglewood Baptist Church. I have been moved and convicted by the guide we are using during this season of prayer. I have been asking myself some important questions: What would happen if I was truly spiritually revitalized? What would happen if true revival were to “break out” in and among God’s people? Scripture speaks to the “Cycle of Spiritual Awakening” in the Bible. Where are you in this cycle?

Are you truly worshipping and serving God? Or, are you experiencing a sense of spiritual decline or even the judgment and convicting power of God? Are you crying out for God to do a new work in you and the church?

Question: What should we do in order to see a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit?

Answer: We must hear what God told the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7. This was a church that had lost its “first love”, a love for Jesus and the things Jesus loves. This church needed a true revival! In Revelation 2:5 Jesus said to them,

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.

  Remember your salvation – what God did in you through Jesus Christ
  Repent of the sins that have caused you to forget God, that led to cold-hearted indifference
  Return and do what you did when you were first saved and called by God.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us turn back to God, pray for the Spirit to move in new and fresh ways, and unite for church-wide revival.

And how will we know if we’re on our way to experiencing true revival and revitalization?
Time – we’ll want to spend more time with Jesus, His Word, and His people.
Talk – we’ll want to spend more time in prayer, speaking, and especially listening to God.
Testimony – we’ll have a growing desire to speak with others about the good news of Jesus Christ
Treasures – a renewed heart will swell in generous gratitude and willingness in the giving of our time, our talents, and our tithes in support of God’s kingdom work.

Let it begin with me,
Pastor Kevin Shrum