Themes for Revivals by Adventist Preachers

Adventists consider the Bible the foundation of their faith.

Adventist theology and practice, born in the 1840s amid the revival fires of the Second Great Awakening, emphasizes the soon second advent of Jesus Christ and a message of renewal and reformation. Adventist pastor Larry Kirkpatrick cites, in a January 2011 sermon, Adventist matriarch Ellen White, who said, "A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work."

Repentance

Adventists credit Ellen White, whose prophetic ministry contributed to the movement in its formative days in the 1840s, with tremendous influence. The official Adventist website states, "The prophetic guidance of Ellen White within the movement solidified this perspective of social, organizational and theological freedom." Among her many celebrated quotes is the statement, "I tell you that there must be a thorough revival among us....There must be confessions, repentance and conversions. Many who are preaching the Word need the transforming grace of Christ in their hearts." Turning from one's personal sins and unto God is a keystone of Adventist revival theology.

Readiness for Christ's Return

Special emphasis is placed on personal readiness for Christ's second coming. This is accomplished through steadfastness in doctrine and holy living, as defined by the Bible. The official Adventist website notes that Adventist pioneer and Baptist preacher William Miller's theological knowledge and passion as he spoke about Christ's second coming was such that "scores of Christian Connection churches and many of its ministers and leaders became 'Adventist' in the late 1830s and 1840s."

Sabbath Observance

Observance of the Sabbath as a special day for rest, ministry and worship, following Jesus' teachings, is seen as a critical component to godliness. Obedience on this critical point is key to preparing for renewal and revival. According to the Adventists' official website, "The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another."

Church Unity

Unity among God's present-day faithful remnant in the church is a critical component of revival. Adventist author Bill Knott writes of this in an article titled "The Incendiary Fellowship." He admonishes, "Apart from each other, we may flare with bright but temporary light. But pressed together---consciously collected for the Spirit's fiery purposes---the personal revival that God is now bringing to hundreds of individuals will soon become that great and general revival for which we've all been praying."

Concern for Others

Concern for the salvation of others is a keystone of genuine revival. Adventist author H.M.S. Richards, in an article titled "The World is Waiting," exhorts Adventists to pray in this manner: "Give us a new heart, a heart of flesh that reaches out for the salvation of the whole world. O Lord, how can we see nations going down in blood and terror, and millions concerned and wondering and perplexed? How can we look at San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and all these great cities and not weep over them?"

References

• "Seventh-Day Adventist Church"; Fundamental Beliefs
• Revival - Our Work; Larry Kirkpatrick; 2011
• "Adventist World"; The Incendiary Fellowship; Bill Knot;
• "Adventist World"; The World is Waiting; H.M.S.Richards, Sr.
• "Adventist World"; Everyday Revival and Reformation; Kathy Beagles
• "Adventist World"; Revival and Reformation Resources