As the doors of our local churches begin to reopen, let us pray for and seek a revival of the Holy Spirit's ministry in ourselves and the church of God which Jesus purchased with his own precious blood. Acts 20:28

This is ever the more incumbent upon us today as we “ … see the day approaching. The Lord is at hand.” Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 4:5

In the spring 2020 issue of “The Vine and Branches” magazine, editor and retired Lutheran pastor David R. Barnhart writes: “If America is to be restored and our churches revived, it will require a return to Spirit-inspired, biblically based, Christ-centered teachings.”

These words are true my friends, and we must heed them if we earnestly desire spiritual revival in ourselves and our churches.

True revival is manifested not so much in unbelievers getting “right” with God, but with believers and churches getting “right” with God through Jesus Christ.

“We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn (first in rank) over every creature.” Colossians 1:14-15

Indeed, “by him (Christ) were all things created that are in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible … all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17

As churches reopen, may their pulpits resound with renewed preaching of Christ, his cross and his glorious Resurrection; “…for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

While many may scoff at this, we must stand fast and not be deterred in proclaiming a Christ-centered Gospel. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” Corinthians 1:18

As the day approaches, may we renew our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and purpose to make him once again, as David Barnhart encourages us, as “the vanguard of the Church's life and proclamation.”

May God richly bless each and every one of you.

Pastor Larry Thompson is an ordained minister and member of First Baptist Church of Butler.