Characteristics of Genuine Revival

As a pastor, I have received a lot of unsolicited advice and probably offered just as much. I have often thought, while some interloper was babbling on and on, this person has never heeded their own personal counsel. When I share with you this week ten out of the fifty four imperatives in the Epistle of James, you can be assured that I have practiced many times what I will be preaching. I can assure you that the Devil does flee when we resist him and when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.

May I suggest that:

If the Lord is God, then follow Him

If the Bible is God's Word, then obey it

If you want revival in your heart, then repent

James 4:6-10 offers a call to repentance, not for the unbeliever, but for the believer. Not for the lost, but for the saved.

This Epistle is for professed Christians to test their faith to find out whether it is genuine or false. He wants no one to be deceived - as do I. I would add to that, however, that every good pastor, which James was, also wants their flock to live up to their full potential i n Christ. Revival is about getting back on track so that becomes a reality. Use your time, talents and gifts for God. You will not regret it.

In Christ,

Pastor Todd