By Chuck E. Tate

I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that the movie Jesus Revolution is opening at the box office right smack in the middle of a revival that seems to be sweeping our nation. What began a couple weeks ago in Hughes Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky has spread to multiple university campuses, high schools, middle schools, and churches.

My good friend and cohost, Andy King, and I sat down with his friend JD Walt for a forthcoming episode of Revival Town Podcast to talk about what God is doing in a literal “revival town” in rural Kentucky. JD is a respected theologian, former Dean of Chapel for Asbury Theological Seminary, and has been very involved with what’s going on behind the scenes to “preserve and steward, not lead” the outpouring on Asbury.

What’s fascinating and encouraging about the Asbury Revival (or Asbury Awakening as some are calling it) is the fact that there is no face or name attached to it. No one individual is leading it. Missing is a celebrity speaker and bestselling worship artist or band. 

One relevant analogy that JD shared is that fireplaces produce heat and warmth and serve their purpose when controlled and confined, but embers can be carried away by the wind to ignite new fires. The common denominator of all the “revival fires” that are spreading is the same—a genuine hunger for Jesus and His presence.

So, what is the recipe or formula for revival? Honestly, there isn’t one. Revival can’t be manufactured. God is going to do what He wants, when He wants, and however He wants. Having said that, we know that He responds to those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness. He answers when we call. He moves when we pray. He shows up when we worship. He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

According to dictionary.com, one definition of the word revival is an instance of something becoming important again.

This is not a fad. This is not emotionalism. We are witnessing a generation who doesn’t want celebrity culture. They don’t want sensationalism. They are hungry for God’s presence and they are crying out for the supernatural. It’s worth noting that Think Eternity has been raising up an army of one million twenty-somethings since 2020 to fast and pray during the first 21 days of each year during what they have deemed “roaring twenties.” It seems the Lion is roaring!

“The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” — Psalms 14:2

God has been watching and now it is evident that He is responding to a remnant of people who are seeking Him.

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

While there is no cookie-cutter recipe for revival, there are some ingredients from 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 that will all but guarantee an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

1. Humble Yourself (before you wreck yourself)

Pride comes before a fall. God gives grace to the humble. God always moves mightily through humble servants.

2. Pray (talk and listen)

Praying is talking AND listening. I believe God gave us two ears and one mouth so we will listen twice as much as we talk. We know that God can speak audibly; He speaks through visions and dreams; He frequently speaks through the still-small voice of the Holy Spirit; but His most common way to speak to us is through His Word. Don’t say God doesn’t respond to your prayers if you don’t open your Bible.

3. Seek God’s Face (get in His presence through worship)

Worship ushers in the presence of God. In His presence is fullness of joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. When you’re strong you can resist the enemy. When you resist the enemy he has to flee. When he flees, you win. You want to win? Worship.

4. Repent (turn from your wicked ways)

Repentance is not just telling God that you’re sorry—it’s showing Him that you’re sorry. And notice the word “your.” Turn from your wicked ways. You focus on your sins and I will focus on mine. Repentance is not a negative word, it’s liberating! When we repent, not only does God remove our sin—He removes the guilt and shame associated with our sin.

5. Receive (let the revival begin in our heart)

Verse 15 (in the Scripture above) says, “My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.” What place? The temple that Solomon built. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 is God’s response to the dedication of the temple. Here’s what’s really cool. Our body is now the temple. The Holy Spirit is within us wherever we go, so we can apply this verse to us personally. Wherever we pray, His eyes are open and His ears are attentive. Pray and get ready to receive!

Revival begins in your heart. I don’t know who first said it but it’s worth repeating. Draw a circle. Step inside the circle. Now pray and say, “God, I’m not moving until revival shows up in this circle.”

Chuck E. Tate is a pastor, podcaster (Revival Town Podcast), and author of “41 Will Come.”

#RevivalTown