True revival

All revivals I have read about had various experiences from the revivals of Jonathan Edwards to John Wesley to the Second Great Awakening in the 19th century. The focus, however, of these revivals was not on experiences. Neither Edwards nor Wesley ever pushed people over. Neither Edwards nor Wesley ever made personal experiences the main issues. The revival in Wales at the turn of the 20th century was focused on prayer and meeting Jesus. . . . Crying, shaking, falling down, singing, etc. all took place under Edwards, Wesley, Finney, or Roberts but these were not the issues. Preaching salvation through Christ and holiness were issues.

Revival should not be about experiences. Revival should not be about healings or manifestations of the Spirit or laughing or crying. Revival should be about Jesus and His glorious kingdom. Revival should be about drawing near to God and becoming more like Christ in all our lives. Revival should not be about chaos or even silence. Revival should be about Jesus and Jesus alone. Without a doubt true revival should push us out of our comfort zones into a deeper committment to Jesus but revival should not about anything or anyone other than Jesus. Jesus beign exalted in His Church is what revival should be about as revival brings the Church back to being the Church He has called her to be as found in the New Testament.

- The Seeking Disciple