Preacher ： Pastor Chris Manivan
Introduction
Pastor Chris began with a prayer of illumination, inviting God to open hearts and minds to His Word. He then shared the powerful testimony of the 1973 Bario Revival in Sarawak, where a group of students gathered not for a grand event, but for sincere prayer and confession. This led to a deep movement of the Holy Spirit that transformed individuals, families, and entire communities.
He emphasized that revival is not manufactured by human effort but initiated by the Spirit of God. The same God who moved in the past is able to move again today. This raises a heartfelt prayer within us: “Lord, would You do it again?”
1. Recognizing Spiritual Dryness
Bible Scripture ： Psalm 85:6
Pastor Chris highlighted that the cry, “Will you not revive us again?” is not from unbelievers, but from God’s own people. Even while continuing religious practices, they felt something missing—God’s presence and life.
He explained that many believers today experience the same condition: being faithful yet spiritually dry. We may have structure, discipline, and routine, but lack true spiritual vitality. Like a relationship without intimacy, our walk with God can become mechanical.
He emphasized that God does not desire mere outward form without inner life. True spiritual vitality comes when both the Word and the Spirit are present, bringing transformation.
2. Life Comes from the Breath of God
Bible Scripture ： John 20:22; Genesis 2:7
Pastor Chris explained the meaning of “Spirit” (ruah) as breath—the very life of God. Just as God breathed into Adam and he became alive, spiritual life begins when God breathes into us.
He warned that we often become “box-ticking Christians”—reading the Bible, praying, and attending church out of routine, yet lacking true life. Spiritual vitality cannot come from effort, structure, or activity alone—it must come from God.
He highlighted Jesus breathing on His disciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” showing that life and empowerment come directly from Him.
3. From Dry Bones to Living Army
Bible Scripture ： Ezekiel 37:1–10
Pastor Chris explained the vision of dry bones as a picture of spiritual dryness—not just dead, but very dry, indicating long-term lifelessness. The bones were scattered, showing brokenness and hopelessness.
When God asked, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel responded in faith, “Sovereign Lord, You alone know.” This reflects trust in God even when situations seem impossible.
He emphasized two key steps in revival:
The Word was spoken first → structure formed (bones, flesh)
Then the Spirit breathed → life came
This shows that structure without the Spirit is lifeless, and true revival happens when both Word and Spirit work together.
Conclusion
Pastor Chris concluded by reminding that revival begins personally, not corporately. Before God revives a church or community, He desires to revive individual hearts.
He shared his personal testimony of a near heart failure, emphasizing the brevity of life and how easily we take both physical and spiritual life for granted. Just as the body needs breath to live, our spirit needs God’s breath.
He called the congregation into a personal response: to step into a “circle” and pray, “Lord, revive me.” Revival is not just a message, but an invitation to encounter God afresh.
Take-away Message
Revival begins when God breathes life into a surrendered heart—moving us from dry routine to living relationship with Him.。
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