As Mark Finley states in the introduction to this book, the goal of this seven-chapter work is that its readers be led into “a prayer and devotional experience for spiritual revival,” as well as realizing “practical faith-sharing experiences and witnessing opportunities” (5). The anchor reference throughout comes from Ellen White’s statement in Selected Messages, book 1, page 121: “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs.”
In chapter 1, Finley addresses the experiences of both the early Christian church and early Advent movement, illustrating their fervor in seeking the Holy Spirit. This chapter serves as an apt reminder of what I read many years ago in E. M. Bound’s Power Through Prayer— recounting both great pray-ers and great revivals. Finley finishes this chapter with a wonderful focus on the prayer life of Christ.
Chapter 2 provides basic information about the Holy Spirit—who He is and what He does for us. We are reminded that “[a] genuine spiritual revival is the work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot revive ourselves. Only the Holy Spirit can bring revival” (29). Chapter 3 discusses the need for revival within the context of Matthew 24 and 25:1–13—emphasizing the oil that represents the Holy Spirit. He also shares three reasons why Christ has delayed His coming.
Chapters 4 and 5 contrast true and false revivals, focusing on the reality that “[t]he counterfeit manifestation of the Spirit is based in emotion and is more interested in signs, wonders, and miracles than in receiving a new heart” (74). On the other hand, true revival will again take place, as was spoken of by Joel (cf. Joel 2:23). Finley also elaborates upon five prerequisites for receiving the latter rain. A true revival then leads to evangelism—the theme of chapter 6. As was the case in the church in Acts, so also it will be for Seventh-day Adventists today. He closes, in chapter 7, with the reminder that ultimately the work belongs to God; but we, the church, have the joyful privilege of working with Him to finish this work on earth.
The book Revive Us Again can be read in one sitting, and serves as a wonderful devotional-type reading, both for ministers and for congregations, who want to energize their prayer meetings and other prayer groups.
