A Great Revival

When Jonathan Edwards began preaching in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1734, the moral conditions of that colony and throughout the British settlements were at an extreme low. The New England that was to be a “city on the hill” had become materialistic, the strict Puritan teachings no longer followed.

From the pulpit, Edwards stressed the importance of an immediate, personal spiritual rebirth. He preached the unworthiness of sinful man and the grace of God upon which any of us is totally dependent for salvation—and a revival began in his church, first among the youth and then spreading to the adults.

Edwards wrote that “in the spring and summer following, anno 1735, the town seemed to be so full of the presence of God; it never was so full of love, nor of joy, and yet so full of distress, as it was then.”

In two years, three hundred converts were added to the church, and news of the revival spread throughout New England.

* * Patriot’s Prayer * *

Dear Lord Jesus, send a great revival in our land today—and let it begin in my heart. Renew my passion for You so that my love for You impacts my life, my family, my friends. And do this, I pray, across this great land so that our nation will return to You in a mighty way.

* * Patriot’s Promise * *

The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. — 2 Chronicles 30:9

Your Turn

What would happen in America if people returned to God in renewal and revival? How can we experience an “immediate personal spiritual rebirth”? Please share your comments and thoughts on our blog. We would love to hear from you!