Today the word Revival has largely lost its real meaning. Our present generation, never having witnessed the mighty movings of God in nation-wide spiritual awakening such as has taken place in past generations, has little conception of the magnitude of such a "visitation."
Heaven-sent revival is not religious entertainment, where crowds gather
to hear outstanding preachers and musical programs; neither is it the result
of sensational advertising - in a God-sent revival you don't spend money
on advertising; people come because Revival is there! Revival is an "awareness
of God" that grips the whole community, and the roadside, the tavern, as
well as the church, become the places where men find Christ. Here is the
vast difference between our modern evangelistic campaigns and true revival.
In the former, hundreds may be brought to a knowledge of Christ and churches
experience seasons of blessings, but as far as the community is concerned
little impact is made; the taverns, dance halls, and movies are still crowded,
and the godlessness marches on. In revival, the Spirit of God, like a cleansing
flame, sweeps through the community. Divine conviction grips people everywhere;
the strongholds of the devil tremble, and many close their doors, while
multitudes turn to Christ!
References Used:
When God Stepped Down From Heaven by Owen Murphy