Revival & Reformation: Our Urgent Need

The Dying Ember

There’s a quiet parable often told—a pastor visits a church member who has grown distant. The man lets him in, and together they sit silently by the fire. After a while, the pastor takes the fire tongs and draws out a single glowing ember, placing it alone on the hearth. It glows… for a moment. But slowly, the light fades. The heat dies. The ember goes cold.

Without saying a word, the pastor returns the ember to the fire. Almost instantly, it glows again—vibrant, alive.

That ember is many of us.

Maybe you once burned brightly for God—your spiritual life was vibrant, real, and alive. But slowly, whether through distraction, discouragement, or hidden compromise, the fire has dimmed. The good news? It can burn again. You can be revived.

The Laodicean Diagnosis

In Revelation 3:14–22, Jesus addresses the last-day church—Laodicea. It’s not a flattering diagnosis.

“You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—but do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

This isn’t a worldly group. It’s God’s people—self-deceived and spiritually bankrupt. And worst of all? Jesus is outside, knocking, trying to get in.

Ellen White warns:

“What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that they are right when they are all wrong?” (Review & Herald, Oct 7, 1890)

The root issue? We don’t sense our need. And revival doesn’t begin with emotional excitement—it begins with honest recognition and humble seeking.

Revival & Reformation: What’s the Difference?

We throw around the word “revival,” but do we understand what we’re asking for?

Ellen White defines it clearly:

“Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices...” (RH, Feb 25, 1902)

We need both:

• Revival is about new life.

• Reformation is about new direction.

One without the other is dangerous:

• Revival without reformation is emotionalism.

• Reformation without revival is legalism.

Biblical illustrations echo this truth. In Ezekiel 37, the valley of dry bones only came to life when both sinews formed and the breath of God filled them.

What’s Hindering the Fire?

If revival is our greatest need, what’s stopping it?

Internal barriers:

• Unconfessed sin

• Pride and self-sufficiency

• Complacency and worldliness

External barriers:

• Entertainment over Scripture

• Neglect of prayer

• Waiting for others to change first

Ellen White puts it bluntly:

“Are we hoping that the whole church will be revived? That time will never come.” (1SM 122)

Revival isn’t about waiting for the church—it’s about surrendering your heart.

The Path to Personal Renewal

So how can we be revived? Scripture gives us a clear path:

1. Heart Searching & Repentance

“Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord...” (Hosea 10:12)
Real revival begins with honest repentance—sorrow for sin and turning from it.

2. Returning to the Word

Study the Bible not just academically, but devotionally. Let it read you.

3. Earnest, United Prayer

“A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs... But it is to be sought for through earnest prayer.” (RH, March 22, 1887)
Revival starts in the closet—and spreads to the circle.

4. Seeking the Holy Spirit Above All

“How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13)
Ask, seek, knock. The Spirit transforms and empowers.

5. Pursuing Reform—Personally and Corporately

Like Josiah in 2 Kings 23, we must tear down the idols—removing anything that offends God.

“Reform, continual reform, must be kept before the people... Reforms must be entered into with heart and soul and will.” (CH 445)

Don’t Wait for Others—Start Now

Will everyone respond? No. But you can.

“Not all will be ready to heed the call... but those who do will shine as lights in a dark place.” (5T 81)

Start simple:

• Begin a daily devotional habit

• Start or join a prayer group

• Ask God to search your heart

• Reevaluate your priorities—what’s feeding your soul?

Consider this: The Fulton Street Prayer Revival of 1857 began with one man praying in a church basement. Within months, thousands gathered daily in prayer across New York.

One spark. One ember. That could be you.

Will You Be the Spark?

When Isaiah saw the glory of God in Isaiah 6, he was undone. He confessed his sin—and then he heard the call: “Whom shall I send?”

God isn’t just looking for a crowd. He’s looking for the consecrated.

He’s knocking—on your heart.

Will you let Him in—not just for a visit, but to take over?

Will you pray, not just for revival—but to be revived?

“Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work.” (Steps to Christ, p. 70)

Let God breathe life into the dying ember. Don’t wait for others. Don’t settle for lukewarm.

Let the fire begin in you.