Several times, questions have been asked and left unanswered about what revival is! Revival refers to a spiritual awakening or renewal. This can occur in various contexts including individual lives, churches, communities or even entire nations.
Revival is a powerful movement of God’s spirit, bringing renewal, restoration and transformation. It is often characterized by increased spiritual fervor, a heightened sense of passion and enthusiasm for God. Christians renew their commitment and dedicate themselves afresh to faith, values and beliefs, evangelism and outreach thus an increased emphasis on sharing the gospel and spreading the message. Revival also involves repentance and confession, worship and praise, fresh anointing and empowerment which have a great impact on the community.
The revival in early 20th century China, led by missionaries like Jonathan Gorfoth resulted in the conversion of many Chinese to Christianity, as well as establishment of schools, hospitals and other community programs. Goforth was known for his passionate preaching and his emphasis on the Holy Spirit and his ministry led to many conversions and revivals in Henan and other parts of China.
Goforth’s ministry was not without challenges, however, he faced opposition from both Chinese officials and other missionaries who were skeptical of his emphasis on the holy spirit. Despite these challenges, he continued to preach and minister thus his work having a lasting impact on the church in China.
One of the most notable aspects of Goforth’s ministry was his emphasis on the Holy Spirit. He believed that the spirit was essential for true revival and he preached and prayed for the spirit’s power to be manifest in the lives of believers. This emphasis on the spirit was controversial at the time but it helped to spark a number of revivals in Henan and other parts of China. Goforth’s ministry also had an impact on the broader church in China. He was one of the first missionaries to emphasize the importance of evangelism and discipleship, and his work helped to lay the foundation for the growth of the church in the 20th Century.
In conclusion, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in revival, stirring the hearts of believers and unbelievers alike, and empowering the church to fulfill its mission. Through the Spirit’s work, revival brings spiritual awakening, convicting people of sin and leading them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The spirits presence ignites a passion for prayer, evangelism, and discipleship, transforming individuals and communities. As we seek revival, let us remember to rely on the Holy Spirits psower, guidance, and wisdom.
