A Brief History of Revivals
Mack Tomlinson traces the powerful history of spiritual revivals, emphasizing God's sovereign work through prayer, preaching, and the Holy Spirit to ignite widespread renewal.
This sermon emphasizes the historical accounts of God bringing revivals to souls, churches, nations, and missionary work throughout different periods, highlighting the impact of prayer, preaching, and the Holy Spirit's sudden and powerful movements. From the Great Awakening to the Fulton Street Prayer Revival, Hebrides Islands, and Western Canada, these stories showcase how God's work can spread like wildfire, transforming lives and communities through the outpouring of His Spirit.
Sermon Outline
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I. Historical Revivals
- The First Great Awakening and key figures
- The 1857-1858 Fulton Street Prayer Revival
- The Hebrides Islands Revival of 1949-52
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II. Characteristics of Revival
- Sudden and mysterious workings of the Holy Spirit
- Growth like a snowball or increasing rain
- The wind of Pentecost as a model
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III. Modern Implications
- The need for prayer and intercession
- The role of ordinary believers in revival
- The call for revival in local churches
Key Quotes
“God has always brought revivals to souls, to churches, to nations, to missionary work.” — Mack Tomlinson
“When the Holy Spirit comes, He comes suddenly, surprisingly, mysteriously, sometimes like a gentle breeze, sometimes like a gushing wind.” — Mack Tomlinson
“It's like a snowball rolling down a snow-covered hill. It's growing. It's like a gentle light rain increasing and more keeps coming until a downpour soaks everything.” — Mack Tomlinson
Application Points
- Commit to a consistent life of prayer and intercession as a foundation for revival.
- Recognize that revival often begins with small, faithful steps and grows exponentially.
- Encourage your church community to seek the Holy Spirit's power for renewal and transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a revival according to Mack Tomlinson?
A revival is a sovereign move of God bringing spiritual awakening through prayer, preaching, and the Holy Spirit that results in widespread conversions and renewal.
Who were some key figures in historic revivals mentioned?
George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Duncan Campbell, and Bill McLeod are among the notable leaders highlighted.
How does prayer relate to revival?
Prayer, especially persistent and corporate prayer, is foundational and often precedes and sustains revival movements.
What biblical event does the sermon reference to illustrate revival?
The sermon references Pentecost and the events in Acts 4 where the Holy Spirit came with power, shaking the house and filling the believers.
What practical advice does the speaker give for those wanting to see revival?
He encourages believers to commit to intercession and prayer, emphasizing that revival often starts with faithful prayer.