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"'Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?'" was the cry of the psalmist (Ps. 85:6). And it is the cry of the church once again. As so many dreadful things are hurled into our consciousness every day through the media and our own observation or experience there is a growing hunger in many hearts for God to do something radical, exciting, real and new.
There are, of course many encouraging signs. Churches all over the world are beginning to see shoots of new life springing up, sometimes in unlikely settings. Alpha courses (Alpha is a 15-session practical introduction to the Christian faith) are growing in churches, homes and prisons; the spiritual atmosphere is softer now in many ways than it has been for a long time.
Against this encouraging background it is not surprising that there is so much discussion today about revival. Churches and intercessory groups are praying for, believing in, and expecting revival. Some people are understandably confused. What do we do while we are waiting for revival? Is there life before revival? How do we recognize it and are we seeing something of it now - or not?
History shows that when revival comes men and women come alive to the life of God. Indeed, one definition might be 'to wake up and live.' It involves breathing - as the fundamental expression of life - breathing in God's Spirit and breathing out His love for the church and, through the church, the world.
In 1953 Edwin Orr, the Irish evangelist and revival historian, prophesied that the Holy Spirit was beginning to raise up a new generation of revived leaders who would be used to support and sustain a program of revival and cooperative evangelism. Whatever he meant exactly, Nicky Gumbel is clearly one of those he was speaking about.
Nicky's approach to this whole subject is refreshingly well researched and informed. Interpreting some of the teaching in the Book of Isaiah he draws out important truths for today, steering away from the hazards of speculative enthusiasms to product a well-balanced and immensely readable study. His own positive style and Charlie Mackesy's delightful illustrations make this an ideal book for any who want to find out more about this important subject. Whether you have just graduated from Alpha, or have been a Christian for some years, I am confident that The Heart of Revival will not only give you a fresh hunger and expectation for revival but also a proper understanding of what it might mean and how you can prepare."
- Sandy Millar
"The purpose of this book is to look at the text of Isaiah 40-66 and to see what lessons can be learned for today's church. Of course, there is a great deal of difference between our modern us of the word "revival" and the issues that form the background to these chapters in Isaiah. Nevertheless, there are many similarities and strong links between the two and it is these that I have sought to examine in this book.
One of the ways I hope the book might be used is as a study for small groups. We have already produced a number of follow-up books to Alpha but this is the first on that covers the Old Testament material. I hope some will find it a helpful way to start studying the Old Testament."
- Nicky Gumbel
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Why Jesus?
These booklets also make a great addition to the church welcome packet or for your greeters to give to each guest.
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