REPENTANCE, RENEWAL, REVIVAL

Last Sabbath I shared with you about a time in our church history when pioneers would meet at the House of Prayer and earnestly confessed their sins of indifference, neutrality, lackadaisical attitude, discussing among themselves the uncomfortable possibility that they were Laodicean!  From 1855 to 1860 they, Early Adventists, literally called themselves Laodicean church.

The Laodicean picture of Jesus knocking on the door led many to cry out, thanking for a reminder for humility and rededication.  A genuine revival began as people said “I open the door of my heart, Lord Jesus, come in!”  Those who were accepting the call for revival cleared away the rubbish, overcoming selfishness, criticism, hatred, they marched together in harmony, but not in their own strength, they agonized in prayer for God’s deliverance!  Our church was known for “wet cheeks” and “shining faces.” 

Last Wednesday night there were about 30 people in the church Prayer meeting as the Community Service volunteers came and joined in.  Some commented excitedly about how good it is to see the prayer meeting growing.  We noted that it was the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of Ten Days of Awe, or feast of Trumpets, days of repentance leading to the Day of Atonement next Sabbath.  Not many were initially aware of that, but even beforehand they were moved to pray for repentance, for seeking God’s Will.  What a day that will be when our Prayer meeting attendance will be greater than our regular convocation numbers!  When we would also be known for our joyous faces, as all would be reconciled to one another, when grudges would be dropped, when all bitterness would be truly laid “at the cross.”

As we are preparing for the Lord’s Supper next Sabbath, I invite you to put on your calendars a special appointment – November 6-13.  Every night at 7 pm we will come together in prayer.  Elders will lead in short Biblical exhortation preparing all to pray blessings and intercede for their friends and families.  A week of Prayer Evangelism, a week of Revival.  And it all must be preceded by repentance.  We are ambassadors of Reconciliation, commissioned by God, as though He is making His appeal through us. (2^nd Corinthians 5:19-20)