Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Memory text:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let’s consider other indicators of the need for revival in a person or a church.
There is dissension, division, and disunity among believers. They are not just relational problems but spiritual warning signs that revival is urgently needed. They indicate the prevalence of the works of the flesh. These include, “idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division” (Gal 5:20). Did you notice these…quarreling, dissension, division in the list? The GNT paints it more vividly: “they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups;” They fight and ‘separate into parties and groups’. According to the preceding verses, love, peace, patience, and gentleness are present and rule in a life where the Holy Spirit is active. The fruits of quarreling, dissension, and disunity include wrangling, gossip, jealousy, unforgiveness, or bitterness and the likes. Where these are ruling, love and unity can not thrive there. No wonder Jesus prayed for His disciples that, “they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You…” ‭‭ (John‬ ‭17‬:‭21‬). The Spirit of God does not dwell in a place where there is bitterness, division, and disunity, but evil spirits thrive there (Jam 3:16).
Similarly, an indication that revival is needed is when a believer or a church looks, talks, and acts like the world. This is when a believer or a church begins to blend rather than stand out. We are set apart (Matt 5:14; 1 Pet 2:9). We are called to shine as beacon lights in the midst of a crooked and corrupt society. Though, in the world, we are called to be different but not in pride. We are the salt of the earth, that is, we are called to flavour the world and preserve the world from being corrupted. Jesus warned of the danger of losing our flavour ‭‭(Matt‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬).
Unlike in the days of the early church, when the believers were identified by their character, it is the opposite today, as the church has become so worldly and the world has become so churchy!
A saltless salt is useless. Hidden light can’t help the lost! A worldly church can’t carry heavenly power! We influence the world by standing out and not blending.
Friends, revival restore the holiness, power, unity, and identity of the church. It purifies the church so that the world can see Christ in us again, thereby reviving our witness and influence.

Prayer points
1. Father, set me ablaze for You, that the flesh be put to death and the spirit be brought alive in me again, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, purify me from every form of worldliness that the world can see Christ in me again, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. My power of influence in the world is in standing out and not blending.
2. Revival breaks pride, the dominion of the flesh, and softens hearts and restores forgiveness.