How to Get a Revival Started

Once the Jewish people had successfully rebuilt the walls and fortified the gates, Nehemiah knew the work was not done. He knew none of that would matter if there was not a spiritual revival among the people of God. So he got together with Ezra the priest to get a revival started. (Nehemiah 8:1-6)

As I read the story, I noticed seven critical things that contributed to the revival.

1. The people gathered together.
2. The Word of God was read aloud.
3. They all listened attentively.
4. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God.
5. The people lifted their hands in agreement, saying “Amen, amen!”
6. They bowed down and worshipped.
7. A godly political leader and a godly religious leader worked together to make it happen.

We need to get a revival started today and we can learn from the story of Nehemiah.

They had a church service.

The people came together. The Word of God was proclaimed from the pulpit, and they all listened. The pastor praised the Lord, the people joined him, and they all bowed down and worshipped. It seems basic, but this is not what’s happening across America today. Church attendance is stagnant and in too many churches, the Bible is not the main thing. Instead, it is too often twisted to say what itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3)

The Bible is clear that we must not neglect meeting together.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25 NLT

I confess there have been times when I’ve used the “you don’t have to go to church to be saved” argument for not being actively involved in a church family. And while it is true that going to church doesn’t save you, when you are saved you must be a participating part of the Body of Christ. I am thankful that God is using the internet to reach people everywhere with the gospel. But online church is not a substitution for being present with other believers.

When we do come together as the Body of Christ, the Word of God must be proclaimed, and we must listen and allow it to change our lives. (James 1:22)

Find a Bible-teaching, Christ-loving church and become part of it.

Don’t separate your faith from your politics.

Government leaders (Nehemiah the governor) and religious leaders (Ezra the priest) came together to lead the people and minister to them.

Unfortunately, over the years America has completely removed God from the public square and it is not hard to see the devasting effect this has had on our country. As Christians in America, we should use our vote to put people in power who have a Biblical worldview. And those leaders should use their position of power to make sure God and His Word are honored in this country. The consequences for nations that rebel against God have always been ultimate destruction.

A promise God gave to His people thousands of years ago is a principle His people can hold on to today:

If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

Revival starts with the people of God! We can follow Nehemiah’s formula and get a revival started today.