Dear friends,
“What will it take for Australia to see revival?”
I have been grappling with this very question over the past few months.
As I’ve spoken with other Christian leaders about it a couple of themes have emerged.
Prayer – Proclamation – Unity – Repentance – Devotion – Availability – Worship.
Nehemiah 8 gives a great example of revival, it’s worth a read, outlining what happened as the people gathered around the Word of God with sincere hearts, humility and unity.
In this story, we see parallels to today with a shattered ‘church’ and rampant individualism. But they come together to rebuild (unity), using their gifts to bring people closer to God (availability). They get closer to God (worship), building infrastructure so the Word of God could be heard (proclamation. They apply it personally (devotion) and finally, they respond with weeping (repentance). That’s revival.
It’s easy to look at today’s problems and lament over the rise of anti-Christian ideals, identity politics and cancel culture. We cannot ignore these realities, but if we are really serious about revival, here’s where I believe we need to focus;
“…throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith.” – Heb 12:1-2 NIV
Just imagine if every believer did that – we would change, and so would our nation! That is why all of us in the Vision family are so passionate about helping people look to God. It is His gift of faith that brings change, if only we will take it and run with it!
Will you take a step of faith in support of declaring God’s Word through media in our nation? This is an important time of year for the ministry with the launch of our annual mid-year appeal – we invite you to join with us with your tax-deductible gift by June 30, as you are able and led by God.
There is no doubt that God wants to work through us to help our nation and her people thrive – but Scripture and history show that revival starts with a change in us, first. Lord, may it be so as we keep our eyes fixed on you with humble and open hearts.
May God bless you richly,
Phil Edwards
Chief Executive Officer
PS I’m thrilled to be able to share some stories of how your support is making a difference among the approx. one million people Vision is now reaching each month. But we have only just scratched the surface!
