Main Street Baptist Church

(Mon, Aug 18, 2008) What comes to mind when someone uses the word “revival”? Do you think of a series of special meetings, of loud and emotional preaching? Websters says it is the stirring of religious faith among the indifferent characterized by public confession of sin and profession of renewed faith. Basically, revival means to bring back to life. “Re” means to do again, “vive” means life. It refers to bringing something BACK to life which had been alive. Therefore revival basically refers to bringing God’s people who have drifted back to a fresh closeness to Him. It is different than evangelism which appeals to unbelievers to make a first-time commitment. Salvation can’t be lost, but we can become cold and in need of renewing. Periodically through history God has sparked revivals which have brought His people back to Him. One was during the time of Nehemiah.

BACKGROUND Ezra had led a small remnant of Jews back to their homeland, the majority preferring to stay in the opulence of Babylon. Fifteen years later word came to Nehemiah that things were still in bad shape in the land (Neh 1). It wasn’t his fault, and there didn’t seem to be anything he could do from 1500 miles away. Still...

1. Revival begins with one devoted believer. Nehemiah turned to God in prayer and fasting and sincerely called upon the Lord. He confessed his sin and the sins of his people. He totally committed himself to God to be used in any way necessary. God worked in Artaxertes’ heart to let him return and give him needed supplies. Nehemiah was allowed to return to Jerusalem.

2. Revival spreads to a few ready ones first. Any good fire needs two things: a hot spark and then some kindling ready to catch fire. Nehemiah was the spark, and the first thing he did in Jerusalem was to find a few good men who were open and ready for God to work. He surveyed the situation and gathered facts before acting, then spread his vision to a few he felt were ready. You can’t expect all the green wood to catch right away, only wood that is dry and ready catches right away. It takes a good core group to start a revival, then the spark spreads. Pretty soon others caught the vision and before long they were rebuilding the walls.

3. There must be unity among believers for revival to spread. Nehemiah organized the people to work on the walls, each one working near his own home. However, as is to be expected, enemies opposed. The people pulled together, though. Unity is important for a revival to spread. Disunity, unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, etc., can pour water on a revival fire before it really gets going.

4. Revival must be based on knowing God’s Word. Nehemiah got the people together and Ezra read and taught God’s word all morning. They liked it so much they asked if he’d do that in the afternoon, too. As a result they humbled themselves and worshipped God. They wanted to come back the next day for more! An appetite for God’s Word is a necessary sign for revival. Not only did they learn it, but they obeyed it, putting into practice what they learned.

5. Revival means confessing sins in prayer. The people automatically prayed and confessed their sins (Neh. 9), acknowledging His majesty and past help for them. Prayer, starting with confession of sin, is a must for revival.

6. Revival leads to publicly showing a renewed commitment. The people responded to Ezra’s teaching by ratifying their covenant with God. They officially promised to follow God only. Publicly the Jews promised (Neh 10) to not marry unbelievers, worship God on the Sabbath, pay their tithes and help provide for the temple and its priests and Levites.

7. Revival results in changed lives. As a result of this people moved back into Jerusalem and it as well as other cities thrived and prospered. The walls and city of Jerusalem were dedicated to God. Malachi ministered during this time, too.

8. To be the real thing, the results must be lasting. For 12 years things continued well under Nehemiah and Ezra’s leadership. Then Nehemiah had to return to Babylon and, when he returned a year later, the promises they made had been broken. They had married unbelieving wives and weren’t properly caring for God’s temple. Before long they again responded to Nehemiah’s and Ezra’s call to renewal and revival came again.

This ended Old Testament history. After 400 silent (no Bible books were written, but the Maccabees lived during this time) John the Baptist came on the scene, preparing the way for the Messiah. With that the New Testament began -- and another call to revival. Where do you stand? Are you in need of renewing? Is your spiritual life on fire and vibrant, or does it need to be revived? Follow the steps Nehemiah and, if God wills, you’ll have revival beginning in those around you.

TITLE: After the main character

AUTHOR: Nehemiah

DATE of WRITING: About 420 BC

PLACE of WRITING: Jerusalem

TIME COVERED: 30 years (445-415 BC)

RECIPIENTS: Returned Jews

KEY VERSE: 1:1-7 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

KEY WORD: Walls (32 times) Build (23 times)

PURPOSE: Tell how the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under Nehemiah

THEME: Steps to Renewal/revival

Spend some time reading this book this week.