“What Kills a Revival?” is the third message in the series Revival Isn’t Coming, It’s Calling, a bold reminder that revival doesn’t begin with a crowd, a stage, or a moment—it begins with us. We often pray, “God, do something,” while standing close enough to be the answer. We want God to act without us having to move, but revival has never worked that way.
This message confronts the subtle ways revival gets stalled: when we drift into consumer faith, when we wait to be inspired instead of choosing to serve, and when belief stays theoretical instead of becoming visible. History reminds us that during World War II, churches in London grew not because services were better, but because believers were present—opening homes, feeding strangers, sitting with the grieving. The church didn’t grow because it was persuasive; it grew because it was available.
Drawing from James 2:14–26, we’re reminded that faith without action is dead. Real faith moves. Revival grows when spectators become servants, consumers become contributors, and believers become available. Your time, gifts, and willingness may be the very answer to someone else’s prayer.
This sermon points us toward lived-out faith through practical obedience—joining a ministry team, helping a neighbor, bringing a meal, encouraging someone who’s struggling, and showing up even when it’s inconvenient. If we don’t move, needs stay unmet and people stay unseen—not because God didn’t hear, but because we didn’t obey. But when the church serves, cities change, families heal, and faith comes alive. Revival doesn’t come from what we believe alone—it comes from how we live.
