The word revival is often used in Christian preaching, yet most people have never truly seen or experienced a genuine move of God. Revival is not hype, emotion, or a special meeting—it is hearts being awakened and transformed by truth.
We see a true revival unfolding in the ministry of John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:1–3, 5–6 (NKJV) “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’ … Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”
At this moment in history, God was using John to awaken people to Himself. It was a powerful move of God—unlike anything that generation had seen. Crowds came from everywhere. Some came out of curiosity. Others came with a deep inner longing for God. Either way, when truth confronted their hearts, they repented, were baptized, and began to see life from a God-shaped perspective.
Even the religious leaders came. Steeped in pride, they believed they already possessed spiritual insight. Yet jealousy and arrogance blinded them. Though outwardly religious, many were inwardly corrupt.
When John saw them, he did not soften the message.
Matthew 3:7–8 (NKJV) “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…’”
John’s words sound harsh, but they were aimed at hardened hearts. To sincere seekers, however, his message was life-giving. His call to “bear fruits worthy of repentance” is the dividing line between religious activity and true revival—whether in a heart, a city, or a nation.
God is always moving on the earth, but we are not always in places where public outpourings occur—and we don’t have to be. God invites us to seek revival right where we are. He calls us to draw near to Him personally. He reveals truth so we will see it, respond to it, and be changed by it. Right now, He is calling you.
Why does God call us to turn from attitudes and behaviors He labels as wrong? Because they are destructive. They hurt us. They hurt others. And they block the blessings God longs to give us.
Psalm 146:8 (NLT) “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly.”
God’s motive has always been love.
The phrase “bear fruit worthy of repentance” means more than saying “I’m sorry.” It means evidence—a visible change in thinking, attitudes, and behavior. Drawing near to God is the first step. Genuine repentance is the second. But without real fruit, words alone are empty.
Many people apologize repeatedly yet live unchanged. True repentance produces transformation, and that transformation releases personal revival. And here’s something powerful: when God brings change in one area of your life, it often spills into many others. That’s what makes revival so powerful.
Change may not happen overnight. We often try to change in our own strength before realizing we need God’s grace. When we fail, we learn that lasting transformation comes only through Him. But when repentance is sincere and the heart is willing, God supplies the strength needed—even if growth takes time. He sees your heart, and He is patient with those who are genuine.
As you continue this journey, step by step, you will begin to bear fruit worthy of repentance. With each layer of growth, you will experience personal revival. You will love God more deeply and reflect His life more clearly to the world around you.
And that is exactly what God desires—a revived you.
Psalm 143:11 (NKJV) “Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake, bring my soul out of trouble.”
