Prophet Emmanuel Gbenga Fasola
Text: Hosea 6:1–3, Habakkuk 3:2, Ephesians 5:14
Introduction:
As we examine the state of the church today, we observe a lack of genuine spirituality. Entertainment has taken the place of true worship; scientific reasoning is replacing faith in God’s Word. The pursuit of secularism and atheistic philosophies is replacing the teaching of the true gospel of Christ. These and many other factors clearly reveal the urgent need for the fire of revival in the body of Christ.
What Is Revival?
Psalm 65:9–13 gives us a vivid picture of revival. According to D.M. Panton, revival is an intense season of spiritual visitation when the Lord manifests His awesome power — producing life-changing conversions, powerful personal renewal, and comprehensive transformation in the lives of His people.
According to Andrew Murray, revival means:
"Making alive again those who have been alive but have fallen into what is called a cold, or dead, state." These are Christians who have life in Christ but need reviving, to be brought back to their first love and spiritual vitality.Revival refers to a renewed and intensified spiritual awakening within the Christian community. It is often marked by:
- A return to fervent faith
- Increased devotion
- A deeper desire for God’s work and kingdomPreparing for Revival
2 Chron 27:6, Psalm 144:1, Prov 10:5
1. Prayer: Luke 5:16, 2 Chron 7:14
Prayer lays a groundwork for revival. Prayer is the bedrock or foundation for revival. Revival is lacking because men and women of intercession are lacking. Intercessors are the warriors of revival.
Examples
- Apostle Ayo Babalola was a man known for prayer. The catalyst for the revival of 1930 was a child that was raised from dead during a prayer meeting. As the news of this miracle spread, revival burst forth in Western Nigeria and the fruit is what has spread all around the world today.
- Reinhard Bonnke, an evangelist who saw over one million people in a crusade, said he has over 500 full-time intercessors. He also has several full-time intercessory coordinators and many Christians who pray before, during and after the crusades. To experience the move of God, we must practice prayer consistently.2. Repentance:
2 Chronicles 7:14
Prayer for revival will be fruitless without genuine repentance among God’s people.
3. Hunger for the move of the Spirit
Matthew 5:6; John 7:37
4. The preaching and teaching of God’s Word
Acts 19:8–20
5. Yielding to the Holy Spirit:
Matthew 3:11
If we will yield always to the Holy Spirit, the fire on our inside will keep burning.
Prophet Emmanuel Gbenga Fasola, Ph.D
District Superintendent
Christ Apostolic Church
Possibility Assembly, Goshen Land, Kaduna