Revival Meetings

Revival meetings have multiple benefits which will extend into eternity. Some of these benefits are due to the concentration of group efforts, such as special prayer times, invitations being given to neighbors and friends to attend, and a group concern for all the church to be revived. The night after night use of the Gospel Hammer that breaks the stony hearts, as Jeremiah tells us, will be effective, along with the use of the Word through which the Holy Ghost comforts and strengthens the believers.
The blessings of revival serve as an encouragement in our sometimes-strenuous life, giving us vitality to press on in life. Through this revival encouragement, one goes on facing trials in life with a renewed zeal for our Lord.
We benefit from being established more firmly in the old and new-found Truth leading to a deeper commitment in life. Many resolutions are made while sitting under revival exposition of the Word, and we humbly say, thank you Lord for helping us live true to them. An appreciation for such a Christian heritage lifts our spirits, and creates a soul-longing for this to continue to be available for succeeding generations.
Many of us can remember the night, the building, and the bench, the evangelist, the feeling, and the benefit of the revival meeting where we accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. As we now give the invitation or sit in the audience as an invitation for receiving salvation is given, we remember the struggles we had, and also remember the victories won. These experiences give us a renewed sense of concern and interest for the salvation of other lost souls. A real benefit then is when the angels of heaven rejoice with us in the salvation of others.
We appreciate the benefit of heart searching. As one brother said, “I enjoy revival meetings very much because they bring out the true me and give me a stronger desire to serve my Lord in the spirit and the truth.” The arduous process it sometimes takes to uncover the hardened conscience of the “true me” can often be effectively done in revivals. When a person is willing to repent in sorrow and contrition, the benefit is the strengthening of the inner man; as well as adding new strength to the church group. It is true as one has well stated, that revival must begin in me for the church to receive a real benefit.
The strengthening effect of revival meetings is a viral benefit. After successful revival, love flows more freely; concerns for each other are more keenly felt; forgiveness is easier; work in the congregation is done more earnestly; little mistakes can be over-looked more readily; and a deeper concern for the lost is felt. The benefit, therefore, is that the church is given an extra boost. In Psalm 85, the question is asked, Wilt thou be angry with us for evil? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? Wilt thou revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? The psalmist pleads, Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. Finally, he says, …for he (the Lord) will speak peace unto his people and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Otherwise, revival has no benefit.