An Article of Faith

There’s no simple formula for revival, but there are clear biblical patterns that begin with a sense of spiritual need.
Have you awakened to the spiritual emergency facing our nation? OneCry is not a program, organization, or event. It’s a movement of like-minded people who agree that our nation is facing a spiritual emergency and needs a dramatic turnaround _ but not just the kind that comes from different politics, more education, improved morality, or a better economy. It’s a plea to God for spiritual transformation of our hearts, homes, and communities by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The very first step in joining OneCry is to affirm the following Declaration of National Spiritual Emergency:
“With heavy hearts, we recognize that the church in America is in a state of spiritual emergency. Like the churches warned in Revelation, we have become lukewarm and compromised, and the light of our witness has grown dim.
“We confess that despite access to more resources and biblical teaching than any other group of believers in history, we are not characterized by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. And we acknowledge our lack of widespread impact for Christ on our lost and disintegrating culture.
“But God is waking us from our slumber and mobilizing us to pray earnestly for revival. Together, we desire to travel the narrow and road of brokenness, humility, and repentance.
“In desperation for God, we cry out for the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit in our day. We believe that true revival is the only hope to reverse our spiritual recession and enable us once again to display the beauty of Jesus Christ and His gospel throughout the world.
“Because we believe that only Christ can save, heal, and revive, we pledge to: Turn in humble repentance from every sin God reveals to us. Pray with urgency for spiritual recovery and awakening. Unite with other believers in spreading the hope of Christ-centered revival.
“Lord, send revival, and let it begin in me!”
Is this your cry? If so, visit www.OneCry.com and add your name to thousands of others who are committed to praying for revival in the spirit of this declaration. (Taken and adapted from: OneCry: A Nationwide Call for Spiritual Awakening. Visit www.onecry.com.)
“If My people,” declares the LORD, “who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV.)

Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.