Last Sunday, we saw how God’s Word calls for us to engage in three things to bring about a revival.[1] First, we must pray in a manner that brings our will in alignment with God’s will. Secondly, we need to immerse ourselves in God’s Word. Third, we must adopt an attitude of self-examination that brings us to repentance. If we do these things, we pave the way for the Holy Spirit to lift us up and restore our souls in a time of revival. But, with things as morally corrupt as they are in our society today, is revival possible? Of course, it is! Think about the times in the past when societies have fallen low, but God brought about powerful revivals that turned the hearts of people to Him.
For example, last Sunday, I mentioned the revival that King Josiah initiated in the latter part of the 7th century B.C.[2] This king turned the Israelites back to the Law of Moses as their moral compass. A century before that, God brought about a great miracle when the Prophet Elijah defeated 850 priests of the false gods, Baal and Asherah. Elijah won a great spiritual contest that brought repentance among God’s people and opened the way to revival.[3] And, if you think the people during Josiah’s and Elijah’s times were evil, they couldn’t have held a candle to the wicked people in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. God sent the reluctant missionary Jonah as an evangelist to Nineveh around 760 B.C. When they heard the Word of God preached by Jonah announcing judgment against them, they repented and experienced a revival of their souls. No such revival was possible through the false gods they had been worshipping.[4] Turning to the New Testament, we find one of the greatest revivals of all time occurred at Pentecost. It was then that the Holy Spirit descended upon the early Christians and ignited a revival that reverberated throughout the Roman Empire. In fact, its impact continues today as WE are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
So, as you can see, God has always been faithful in producing revivals. The Holy Spirit does this exactly at the time revival is needed the most. Now, some may say: “Yes, but that was back in the ancient times of the Old and New Testaments. What about today in the modern world in which we live?” Well, there have been many revivals in the course of the Church’s history. Some of them have been in modern times. Take for example, the revival known as the “Great Awakening” that took place here in America during the 1700’s. Historians agree that there was a state of great spiritual decline at this time among Christians in both Europe and in the American colonies. Britain, which had been a stronghold of the Christian church, saw its citizens descend into “drunkenness, gambling, cruel and inhumane treatment of children and women, and other deplorable moral vices.”[5] There was little hope of the clergy bringing the people back to God because the Church of England’s own priests were noted for their utter corruptness.
Things were no better in the American Colonies. The Puritans had come to New England for the purpose of maintaining their traditional Christian beliefs. But, as the colonies started experiencing economic success, as so often happens, the people started to drift from God. As time went on, each generation stepped farther away than the one before it. As the American frontier expanded westward, this became an even greater spiritual problem. One church historian put it this way: “The population of the Colonies had grown; multitudes had no church connection and no church or pastor to minister to them. The expansion into the wilderness with its rigors and hardships had also hardened the people to spiritual matters. The necessity of surviving in the now kept men from thoughts of eternity.” [6] In this climate of spiritual decline, great pastors like Jonathan Edwards in New England, George Whitefield in Maryland and the Carolinas,[7] John Wesley in Georgia[8] and Samuel Morris—the farmer and bricklayer in Hanover County, Virginia,[9]— all prayed and preached until the Holy Spirit brought a spiritual wildfire that spread throughout the land.
And yet, there will still be those who will say that I am “comparing apples to oranges.” In other words, they may remain unconvinced that the Great Awakening of religious fervor that emerged in the American colonies is a sign that a similar “awakening” could happen today. But, the reality is that it is happening right now in this country. And, we—the Church—need to do all we can to participate in what the Holy Spirit is doing. What is He doing? And, who is He doing it with. The answer might surprise you because the Great Awakening almost 300 years ago started when the Holy Spirit set this same age group on fire for the things of God.
Today, it is not the elders in the Church who have shown signs of revival. Nor is it those of middle-age. Rather, just as the case was in the 1700’s,[10] today it is the young people who are experiencing a regeneration of the spirit in America. They are the ones who are now generating the sparks of a new spiritual awakening and revival in this nation. There are so many examples of this. It started back in 2023 with the students of Asbury University in Kentucky. What started as a simple gathering of young Christians mushroomed into days of student-led pray, praise to God and the conversion of souls. Throughout 2024, similar bursts of the Holy Spirit ignited young people at many college campuses including: Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Texas A&M, the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State, the University of Tennessee, Ohio State University and Liberty University here in Virginia. Also last year, a huge event was held at the University of Arkansas where 10,000 students came together from about 67 different colleges—all seeking the Lord![11]
These revivals on college campuses have gained even more momentum in 2025. Back in February of this year, again at Asbury University, more than 8,000 students packed the basketball arena to worship the Lord, and to hear the Gospel preached. The one of the event organizers said: “Every time they are confessing their sin, they are yelling it out. They are responding to the Gospel in herds. Like droves of kids are coming forward to receive Jesus. We are baptizing kids for an hour and a half. [They are] giving their lives to Jesus.” The following day, a reporter for the Christian Broadcasting Network stated: “I've never seen anything like what happened last night. Kids lining up to get baptized in 30-degree weather – it's truly amazing what's happening.”[12] No doubt about it—that’s what revival looks like.
But, these things don’t happen by accident. As I indicated earlier, we need to take an active role in paving the way for the Holy Spirit. For example, prior to one of these events, one of the organizers explained their spiritual preparation: “Our local student team organized weekly prayer gatherings and walked up to 42 miles one Saturday as they prayed over their campus.” Can you imagine that much walking? The participants called them “Jericho Marches” because they “saw walls come down” that had previously been barriers to revival. And, how much prayer did they engage in? One student revealed: “We’ve been praying for this night for months, and God met us here again. We know it's just the beginning of all He has in store.” When asked how they could muster such spiritual strength, the student responded: “You get so tired of the enemy and his attacks, that you will do anything. EVEN IF IT COSTS EVERYTHING. Many times God will use our deepest pain to propel us into our deepest purpose.”[13]
This student makes a good point: There is going to be resistance to any revival efforts. Satan hates revivals and he will do anything within his power to snuff them out. He is particularly vicious against those who attempt to influence young people. Tragically, we saw this during the past week with the heinous murder of Charlie Kirk. IT COST HIM EVERYTHING. Charlie dedicated his life to pointing young people on campuses across the country to a way of life that secular educators, leftist politicians and vulgar social influencers view with disdain. Charlie preached to young people the benefit of limited government and constitutional principles based upon the unalienable rights that come FROM GOD. Regent University put it well when its website mourned Charlie’s death and hailed him for “energizing and empowering the next generation.” The university’s statement summarized his legacy as follows: “Kirk's influence in shaping political discourse, particularly among young voters, was both significant and enduring. His faith and dedication to civic education have left an indelible mark on the world.”[14]
So, pray for the leaders of these revivals that God will protect and encourage them despite the evil resistance they will encounter as they lead these young people to Christ. Along these same lines, I was recently talking with Pastor Jeff Alston. As you may, he know is also the regional director of The Fellowship for Christian Athletes for this region. Jeff has preached here a few times and is a wonderful Christian. He told me that has seen a revival among college athletes at UVa and at many nearby local high schools. In fact, he has received several requests from high school coaches whose players want him to pray with them before, and sometimes after, football games. I asked him if he received much push-back from some of the secular and atheist parents or teachers. Jeff said that, for the most part, things have moved forward very well. But, he did receive one strongly worded objection from a teacher who said she didn’t want any Christianity in the schools. Ironically, she made sure she touted her desire to promote “inclusivity” in schools. Whenever you hear that word “inclusivity” used by a non-believer, in reality, it translates into saying: “I approve of anything that corresponds to my corrupt worldly views and want such things included, while I actively desire to exclude Jesus.” There are at least three words that describe that kind of mindset: One is “hypocrisy,” another is “intolerance,” and the final one is “blindness.”
But, we still have to be excited by the news of revival throughout the country. Earlier this month, around 9,000 students gathered at the University of Oklahoma to seek the Holy Spirit where hundreds were baptized and thousands recommitted to Jesus Christ. About the same time, many players on the #1 ranked Ohio State football team conducted an event they called “An Invitation to Jesus.” Over a 1,000 students showed up and many were baptized right on the spot. One of the football players gave the following testimony: “Football is so much more than just what people see on Saturdays! It’s not about the wins or the losses nor is it about the national championships. It’s about using the platform that the Lord has given us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!”[15] What a wonderful statement this is for a revival because you could say the same thing about the Church. Church is so much more than just what we do on Sundays. It’s about using our “platforms”—each and every one of us—to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What we must provide to the world around us is the message that Jesus Christ is what they need. Whether people know it or not, He is the One they are searching for. That is a central part of the revival message.
Jennie Allen leads the organization named “UniteUS” which sponsors many of these Christian gatherings on college campuses. Does she think we are experiencing something special among these young people? Could a nation-wide revival be underway here in the U.S.A.? Ms. Allen’s answer is this: “It sure feels like it is here. Revival can start with each one of us saying ‘yes’ to the call of God to reach the world right around us.”[16] Through organizations like Unite US, we are beginning to see that Gen-Z (those ages 13 to 28) is not the spiritually apathetic generation they are often made out to be. A junior at the University of Kentucky summarizes what his generation is now realizing. He recently stated: “I've seen and, and experienced firsthand, the death and the depravity that is disguised as the college experience. We’re just taught like this is what fulfills you and then this is life and then we, we take it and it kills us, and we're like, ‘Well I guess, I guess something's wrong with me.’”[17]
Now, hold this young man’s statement in your minds for a few moments, because it really jumped out at me when reading a recent statement by James Dwyer, who is an eminent professor at William and Mary Law School. The statement deals with parents’ right to be involved in decision-making when it comes to their children’s education. Dwyer, who has long been a vocal opponent of homeschooling, thinks parents don’t have any rights regarding their children’s education except for such rights that are given by state lawmakers. In other words, he claims that governments, not God, are the sole source of parental rights in raising their children. In a fairly recent interview, Professor Dwyer said: “The reason parent-child relationships exist is because the State confers legal parenthood…”[18] Wow! This statement is not taken out of context. This law professor actually believes that parents’ rights to determine the welfare of their own child’s education is subject to whatever the government might say those rights happen to be. In other words, what rights the government might give to parents can just as easily be taken away.
Can you imagine someone thinking that the government has the sole say in “educating” your child? Parental rights do not come from the government; they come from God. The Bible Proverbs 1:8-9: 8 “My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you. 9 Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance.” (TEV) And, in Proverbs 22:6, parents are instructed to: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NLT2) “Your children” is a reference to the parents, not to the state, when it comes to educating one’s children. It’s a good thing that Professor Dwyer is not a lawmaker.
However, I became even more concerned when I heard an equally disturbing statement this past week by one of our lawmakers. In fact, he is one of the most powerful men in Congress: Our United States Senator from Virginia, Tim Kaine. The Senator’s statement came during the confirmation hearing of Riley Barnes for his seat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. During the hearing, Senator Barnes stated: “We are a nation founded on a powerful principle, and that powerful principle is that all men are created equal, because our rights come from God our Creator — not from our laws, not from our governments.” Now, I didn’t see anything wrong with that statement. But, Senator Kaine found this to be quite “troubling” and responded: “The notion that rights don’t come from laws and don’t come from the government but come from the creator — that’s what the Iranian government believes.”[19] It appears that Senator Kaine knows more about the Iranian government than he does about our own. Perhaps, he should read the fundamental precepts of our laws and rights as found in our Declaration of Independence. There, Thomas Jefferson assures us that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Apparently, Senator Kaine disagrees with both Mr. Barnes and Mr. Jefferson about our rights coming from God.
So, why do I even bring up the subjects of Professor Dwyer and Senator Kaine? Well, it gets back to what that junior at the University of Kentucky said. On behalf of himself and Generation Z, this young man acknowledged that the secular worldview thrust on him in the classroom was supposed to be fulfilling. However, in reality, he found that these worldly views offered nothing but “death and depravity.” People who have the mindsets of Professor Dwyer and Senator Kaine are the very ones trying to sell our society a bag of false goods filled with death and depravity. The relief from all our problems, so they claim, will come from the government—in other words, from secular educators and lawmakers, etc.—not from God. It is the same lie that Satan sold to Adam and Eve in the Garden. And, when they bought that bag of false goods—and rejected God’s Word—they did, in fact, descend into a world of death and depravity. Humanity has been wallowing in this depraved world ever since. But, here’s the thing: Our hope is not in the lies of Professor Dwyer, Senator Kaine or other peddlers of falsehoods. Our only hope to come out of this fallen world run by Satan is God. God is the true source of our morality, laws and wellbeing. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross to provide us with an opportunity to choose eternal life and to reject the death and depravity of this world.
Here, the parent-child analogy is quite applicable. The things of this world will try to separate you from your ONE TRUE PARENT. He is GOD THE FATHER, made known to us through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST. There are “children” in this country, ages 8 to 98, who are searching for their Spiritual Father. They are looking for real life, not mere existence. They are seeking purpose in life. They want to have hope for the future. They are searching for the Truth. Most of all, they are looking for love. What these young men and women throughout these college settings are finding out is that God is love.[20] Jesus is the only one who can truly meet all our needs in life. He came to give us life in order that we can enjoy it more abundantly by following His Ways, His Truth and His Life—not the dark and diminished “life” promised from secular educators and worldly politicians. Jesus warns us that: “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (TLB) There are so many “thieves” out there in the world disguised as educators, politicians, false preachers and media hacks who want to rob you of eternal life. But, the Psalmist reminds us that those who trust in Lord have a ROCK and a REFUGE that they can always rely upon.[21] Now, many young people across America are seeing that reality and taking advantage of the refuge that only Christ can give.
Yes, it is very encouraging to see young people in many of our colleges and universities who have found that our rights, our purpose in life, OUR REFUGE and OUR ETERNAL FUTURE come from JESUS CHRIST. No one comes to the Father except through Him.[22] Those college students who have seen His Light are an example to us that revival is still possible in this country. It is also possible here in this church—in this community. So, in the coming week, pray for our revival and seek God in His Word. Adopt a spiritual attitude of repentance. And call out to others for them to join the revival that’s coming our way. That’s right—RIVIVAL IS COMING! Don’t you want to be a part of it? So many young people have already gotten on board. It’s time that we “old folks” get on the “revival train” before it (and WE) “LEAVE THE STATION”!
Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor
Forest Hill Baptist Church
September 14, 2025
©2025 All Rights Reserved as follows:
Anyone is at liberty to use this sermon or any portions thereof for educational or religious purposes, with or without credit. The pastor believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God’s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.
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[1] 2nd Chronicles 7:14 “If my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.” (TLB)
[2] The account of Josiah's revival is covered in 2nd Kings 22-23 and 2nd Chronicles 34-35.
[3] The narrative of Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal is found in 1st Kings 18.
[4] Jonah 3:6-9 6 “For when the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne, laid aside his royal robes, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And the king and his nobles sent this message throughout the city: ‘Let no one, not even the animals, eat anything at all, nor even drink any water. 8 Everyone must wear sackcloth and cry mightily to God, and let everyone turn from his evil ways, from his violence and robbing. 9 Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will decide to let us live and will hold back his fierce anger from destroying us.’” (TLB)
[5] Lescelius, Robert H.: The Great Awakening: A Pattern Revival. In: Reformation and Revival vol. 4. Carol Stream, IL, Reformation and Revival Ministries (1995), Nr. 3, pp. 25–38.
[6] Ibid.
[7] “Great Awakening,” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/Great-Awakening (accessed September 10, 2025).
[8] “The Great Awakening: A Turning Point in Colonial America,” Liberty First Society, https://app.libertyfirstsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Great-Awakening-resource-text.pdf (accessed September 10, 2025).
[9] Lescelius, Robert H.: The Great Awakening: A Pattern Revival. In: Reformation and Revival vol. 4. Carol Stream, IL, Reformation and Revival Ministries (1995), Nr. 3, pp. 25–38.
[10] Diane Severance, Ph.D., “What was the Great Awakening? Key Figures and Events,” Christianity.com, https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/the-great-awakening-11630212.html (April 27, 2023).
[11] Abby Trivett, “11 Universities That Experienced Revival in 2024,” mycharisma.com, https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/11-universities-that-experienced-revival-in-2024/ (December 19, 2024).
[12] Talia Wise, “‘They Want God’: 8,000 Students Seek Jesus in Huge Kentucky Revival, 2,000 Give Lives to Christ,” CBN.com, https://cbn.com/news/us/they-want-god-8000-students-seek-jesus-huge-kentucky-revival-2000-give-lives-christ (February 13, 2025).
[13] Ibid.
[14] “Gordon Robertson and Regent University Respond to the Murder of Charlie Kirk,” Christian Broadcasting Network, https://cbn.com/news/us/gordon-robertson-and-regent-university-respond-murder-charlie-kirk (September 10, 2025).
[15] Benjamin Gill, “9,000 Oklahoma Students Seek God at UniteUS, Ohio State Football Team Reaches Hundreds for Jesus,” https://cbn.com/news/us/9000-oklahoma-students-seek-god-uniteus-ohio-state-football-team-reaches-hundreds-jesus (September 9, 2025).
[16] Ibid.
[17] Talia Wise, “‘They Want God’: 8,000 Students Seek Jesus in Huge Kentucky Revival, 2,000 Give Lives to Christ,” CBN.com, https://cbn.com/news/us/they-want-god-8000-students-seek-jesus-huge-kentucky-revival-2000-give-lives-christ (February 13, 2025).
[18] “Shocking Video: Law Professor Attacks Parental Rights,” Parentalrights.org, https://parentalrights.org/dwyer/ (accessed September 11, 2025).
[19] Joshua Arnold, “Sen. Tim Kaine claims rights come from government, not God,” ChristianPost.com, https://www.christianpost.com/voices/sen-tim-kaine-claims-rights-come-from-government-not-god.html (September 6, 2025).
[20] 1st John 4:8 “ Whoever does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE.” (TEV)
[21] Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (NIV)
[22] John 14:6 [Jesus said:] “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NIV)
