To convey the idea of a spiritual awakening or renewal
- Isaiah 57:15 - 'For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'
- Hosea 6:1-2 - 'Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.'
- Ezekiel 37:4-6 - 'Then he said to me, 'Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.'
In Psalms 85:6-7, the Hebrew word for 'revive' is 'chayah,' which means to restore to life, to give new strength or energy. Emphasize this meaning to convey the idea of a spiritual awakening or renewal. Explore the usage of the word 'revive' in other passages like Isaiah 40:31 and Acts 3:19 to show how it relates to the sermon's point of seeking revival and experiencing God's renewal.
Consider incorporating personal stories or testimonies from individuals who have experienced revival in their lives. This can help illustrate the impact of revival and make it relatable to your audience. Provide practical steps or actions that individuals can take to cultivate revival in their own lives, such as prayer, studying the Word, seeking accountability, and participating in corporate worship. Highlight the importance of repentance and surrender as key elements in experiencing revival, drawing from passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14 and James 4:8-10.