A Sermon Summary (2 Chron 7:14)
Pastor Dave Hentschel
A Nation in Need of Revival
The spiritual landscape of America is shifting rapidly, and not in a positive direction. Recent studies reveal that fewer than 47% of Americans now identify with a church, synagogue, or mosque, down from 70% in 1999. Meanwhile, the percentage of Americans claiming no religious affiliation has soared to 30%. Even among self-identified Christians, Bible engagement is at an all-time low. These sobering statistics reveal an urgent need for spiritual revival.
But revival doesn’t begin in the White House, the schoolhouse, or even the courthouse—it begins in the church house. More specifically, it begins in the hearts of God’s people. The call of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is as relevant today as it was when God first spoke it to Solomon:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Revival starts with us. Let’s examine the four key steps outlined in this verse.
- God’s People Must Humble Themselves
Humility is the foundation of revival. Pride blinds us to our own need for change and keeps us from experiencing God’s power. Richard Lovelace, in Dynamics of Spiritual Life, writes, “People who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure.” This insecurity fosters pride and self-reliance, the very antitheses of revival.
True humility acknowledges our dependence on God. It admits, “I can’t fix myself, let alone my community, my church, or my nation. Lord, I need You.” Revival cannot happen until God’s people lay down their pride and come to Him with open hands and surrendered hearts.
- God’s People Must Pray
Prayer is the lifeblood of revival. It is in prayer that we align our hearts with God’s purposes. Lovelace emphasizes the importance of prayer, noting, “Spiritual life flows out of union with Christ, and the channel of that union is prayer.” If we long to see God move in power, we must become a people who pray with urgency and persistence.
Revival prayer is not casual or occasional; it is fervent, united, and desperate. As the old saying goes, “When man works, man works. But when man prays, God works.” What would happen if our churches became houses of prayer once again?
- God’s People Must Seek God’s Face
Revival is not about seeking God’s blessings—it’s about seeking God Himself. To “seek His face” means to long for His presence above all else. Revival happens when we hunger for God more than we hunger for success, comfort, or security.
In today’s culture, distractions abound, pulling our attention away from God. Revival calls us to recalibrate our priorities, putting Him first. As Psalm 27:8 declares, “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”
Seeking God’s face requires intentionality. It may mean turning off the television, setting aside our phones, or rearranging our schedules. But the reward—God’s presence—is worth it.
- God’s People Must Repent
Revival requires repentance. This is not merely feeling sorry for our sins but turning away from them and walking in obedience to God. Repentance involves naming our sins, confessing them, and asking for God’s grace to change.
Richard Lovelace insightfully writes, “Revival is a renewed outpouring of the Spirit through the ordinary means of grace.” But the Spirit’s power is hindered when sin remains unaddressed in our lives. If we desire revival, we must ask God to search our hearts, reveal our sin, and give us the courage to turn from it.
Repentance is not just for individuals—it is for communities. What corporate sins might we, as God’s people, need to repent of? Have we grown lukewarm, apathetic, or self-focused? Revival starts with honest repentance.
Application: Do We Want Revival?
The question before us is simple yet profound: Do we want to see God bring revival? Are we willing to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways?
Revival begins with a decision. It begins when God’s people cry out, “Lord, start with me.” It begins when we, as the church, stop pointing fingers at the world and instead look inward, asking God to renew our own hearts.
May we have the courage to take these steps of obedience and faith, trusting God to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. Revival is possible. The question is: Do we want it badly enough to ask for it?
