By the grace of God this October I am currently in Asia , specifically New Zealand, Hong Kong and Philippines on the platform of International Gathering of Eagles Conference.(IGOE)
I read in the local newspaper on October 4 in Auckland that there is an increase in the number of irreligious people in New Zealand from 48 to 52 percent of the 5.2 million population in the past 4 years.
The religiously unaffiliated people are the largest group in Hong Kong, accounting for 61% of the 7.3million population according to 2023 census from Wikipedia. Christianity accounts for 20%.14% are Buddhists.
Although statistically, 88% of Philippines 100 million people are Christians 79% are Catholics with 9% Protestants including Pentecostals.
What the Holy Spirit is ministering to me is that we need to bring back revival to the church to see a reversal of this spiritual ugly trends.
Revival is the process of rekindling spiritual fervor, passion for God, and awakening the Church to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Throughout history, revival has been the spark that brings transformation, restoration, and an outpouring of God’s grace. If the church has lost its fire, it’s essential to take intentional steps to bring it back.
Here are practical ways to bring back revival to the Church:
1. Return to Deep, Fervent Prayer- Go back to the Upper room
• “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.” — 2 Chronicles 7:1
Revival starts with prayer. In every historical revival, believers were committed to deep, consistent, and fervent prayer. Returning to a place of prayer with humility and repentance is foundational. The Church must earnestly seek God’s face for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
Action Steps:
• Organize corporate- NATIONAL prayer meetings focused on seeking God for revival.
• Encourage individual and small group prayer efforts that focus on personal and communal repentance.
• Lead the congregation in prayers of intercession for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, both within the church and in the community.
2. Repentance and Turning from Sin
• “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19
• Philipine is known for corruption - Judges 6:24 Break the Altar of Corruption, crime ,prostitution,
Revival always involves a turning away from sin and a return to holiness. The Church must confront compromise, worldliness, and sinful practices that have dulled its spiritual sensitivity. When there is true repentance, the Holy Spirit moves freely, and times of refreshing follow.
Action Steps:
• Preach messages that call for repentance and holiness.
• Create space for personal reflection and confession of sin during worship services.
• Encourage accountability within the church through discipleship groups that foster spiritual growth.
3. Prioritize the Preaching of the Word
• “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12
Revival cannot happen without the Word of God being at the center. The church needs to return to solid, Spirit-filled preaching of the Scriptures.It is the Word of God that convicts hearts, transforms minds, and ignites passion for God.
Action Steps:
• Ensure that sermons are deeply rooted in Scripture and full of truth and power.
• Encourage the congregation to study the Bible diligently, both personally and in small groups.
• Create platforms for Bible teaching and discussions that stir hunger for deeper knowledge of God’s Word.
4. Create an Atmosphere of Worship and Adoration
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” — John 4:23
Worship draws God’s presence, and His presence brings revival. When the Church gathers to worship in spirit and in truth, God inhabits the praises of His people.
Revival begins when worship is authentic, passionate, and focused on glorifying God.
Action Steps:
• Cultivate a worship culture where the focus is on exalting Jesus, not on performance or entertainment.
• Encourage spontaneous and Spirit-led worship that allows for moments of deep encounter with God.
• Make room in services for extended times of worship and adoration to create space for God’s presence.
Watch Out for Part 2.