By Lane Loman, FAS Speaker
When Pastor Marlon King picked us up at the Norfolk, VA, airport, after the usual greeting, complete with smiles and hugs, he was quick to bring us up-to-date on what was happening at his church. We conducted a Holiness Summit at the church in January of 2019, so we were eager to hear the report.
Our revival at Virginia Beach First Church of the Nazarene fell right in the middle of the “casting” of their ministry vision for 2020; “Raising Up a People Who Are Known for Their Walk with God!” The vision would include, but not be limited to “knowing God’s presence, power, purpose, purity, plans, promises, preparation, provision, and passion.”
For me, discerning the mind of the Spirit regarding the sermon for each service is often my greatest challenge. The sermons I preached coincided with the church’s vision for the new year and hopefully would help accomplish the expected outcome for the pastor and his people.
It was gratifying to hear positive comments from those attending the revival. “That is what we needed to hear!” “That sermon was for me!” “The Lord spoke to me and I realized what I needed to do!” Seeing people respond publicly, completely surrounding the place of prayer at the end of two of the services, was proof that the Holy Spirit was speaking, working in the hearts of the people.
I have learned that not all the results of a revival meeting are immediately realized. It remains to be seen what the Lord will do as this church implements their vision statement. However, the Bible promises, “God will give the increase!”
Every revival is successful when people pray, God’s Word is faithfully presented with integrity, and people respond in obedience. Such was the case at First Church of the Nazarene in Virginia Beach, VA!