While Man remains God’s method for accomplishing His purpose on earth, the Word of God is the primary tool He gives to Man to fulfill the divine mandate. This is obvious in every generation both in the Bible time and in our contemporary days. Prior to the move of God in any place at any time, the consistent pattern that God has ever followed and still following is the revelation of His Word. For instance, the overwhelming revival that transformed the nation of Judah under King Josiah took place after the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35). Likewise, the revival that took place at the Water Gate under Ezra the Scribe would have been impossible except through the Word of God that was read distinctly and accurate explanation that was given to help the people understood what was read by Ezra and his associates (Nehemiah 8:8).
When the Word of God is revealed or discovered and is effectively delivered under the auction of the Holy Spirit, the resultant effects of its impact in the lives of men is always far reaching. These effects are what usually lead to revival. As you open your heart to encounter the eternal Word of God, I pray the Lord will help you to gladly receive His Word into your life with its transforming power in Jesus name.
Before we go on to consider the roles of God’s Word in revival, let’s quickly go over some helpful tips for reading the Word of God:
1. Read the Bible prayerfully (Psalm 119:18)
2. Read the Bible thoughtfully and applicably. Think about the meaning and implications of what you are reading.
3. Read the Bible carefully. Take careful not only of the words that are used but also of how they relate to one another.
4. Read the Bible repeatedly. Sometimes, to have a clear understanding, it may be of great help to read the same portion over and over and from different translations and versions of the Bible.
5. Read the Bible extensively. Sometimes it is of great help to read large portion of the Bible at one sitting. But let it be when you are alert and not likely to be disturbed while reading.
6. Read the Bible regularly. It is good you create a particular time to deliberately and habitually give yourself to the reading of the Word of God.
7. Read the Bible faithfully. No doubt, there will be days when you will fail to read the Bible. Don’t be discouraged, take up your Bible and faithfully resume your practice of reading it.
8. Read the Bible obediently. The Word will make no sense and will accomplish nothing in your life until you learn to develop courage to do exactly what it says to you.
THE EFFECTS OF GOD’S WORD THAT BRING LASTING REVIVAL.
1. God’s Word Convicts: One of the great proofs that the Bible is truly God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16) is its inherent ability to convict men and women, lowly and mighty, small and great of their sins. Nehemiah 8:9; 9:1-2; 1 Samuel 12:7-14; 2 Chronicles 34:18-19; Acts 2:27, 41.
2. God’s Word Exposes, Corrects Transforms Our Lives: Psalm 17:4; James 1:23-25; 2 Corinthians 3:18. The Word of God is both the divine mirror and God’s ultimate standard or principles for life and living. A consistent gaze at the Word of God produces in us the righteousness of God, makes us complete and fitting for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).
3. God’s Word Cleanses: Psalm 119:9; Malachi 3:1-4; John 17:17; Ephesians 5:25-27; Isaiah 1:18; 1 Peter 1:22. The Word of God cleanses the soul.
a. It cleanses us from wrong thoughts. Psalm 1:2; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8, 9
b. It