Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of experiencing the true presence of God for genuine revival, drawing from Isaiah 4 and the covenant with Abraham. He reflects on the longing for a permanent manifestation of God's glory, akin to the fire that led the Israelites, and the need for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit continually. Ravenhill critiques the superficiality of modern church practices and calls for a deep, transformative hunger for God that leads to true spiritual awakening. He urges the church to seek purity and a deeper relationship with God, rather than mere numbers or success, highlighting that true revival comes from a heart fully surrendered to God.

Charles Finney addresses the nature of excitement in religious revivals, emphasizing that true spiritual experiences often lead to physical prostration due to overwhelming clarity of divine truth, as seen in biblical figures like Daniel and Saul. He distinguishes between genuine excitement from the Holy Spirit, which promotes clear understanding and calmness, and the chaotic, emotional excitement often generated by loud preaching or sensationalism. Finney warns against confusing these two types of excitement, advocating for discernment in recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals' lives. He shares a personal observation of a camp meeting where superficial excitement overshadowed genuine truth, underscoring the need for a focus on clear manifestations of God's truth rather than mere emotional displays.

Charles Finney addresses the dangers of false revivals, emphasizing that true religion is characterized by love rather than bitterness and zeal without compassion. He warns that many supposed revivals are marked by a spirit of fanaticism, leading to fault-finding and a lack of genuine Christian love among both supporters and opponents. Finney encourages ministers to be vigilant against this spirit, advocating for a gentle and loving approach to correction and guidance. He highlights the need for discernment in recognizing true revivals and the importance of maintaining a spirit of unity and love within the church. Ultimately, he calls for a balance between fervent evangelism and the gentle spirit of Christ.

A.W. Tozer warns against the error of mistaking effects for causes in the church, emphasizing that sincere ministers without discernment lead to false conclusions. He critiques the notion that engaging in activities like foreign missions or social justice will automatically result in spiritual revival, arguing that these are merely effects of true revival rather than its causes. Tozer likens this misguided reasoning to a doctor advising a sick patient to play sports to regain health, highlighting the danger of such advice in spiritual matters. He calls for a deeper understanding of the true causes of revival to avoid confusion and spiritual stagnation.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the distinction between false and true revival, asserting that true power comes from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus rather than outward manifestations. He reflects on the little strength of believers who have kept God's word and not denied His name, highlighting that genuine transformation occurs within the heart. Waldvogel warns against the allure of superficial revivals that focus on external signs rather than the inward work of Christ. He calls for a return to seeking Jesus Himself, rather than merely His blessings, and encourages believers to surrender fully to Him. The sermon serves as a reminder that true revival is often hidden and requires a sincere desire for Christ.

Oswald J. Smith emphasizes the critical role of deep conviction of sin in genuine revivals, contrasting it with the superficial methods of modern evangelism that lack true spiritual depth. He argues that without the Holy Spirit's work in convicting individuals of their sin, efforts to lead them to Christ are often fruitless and result in shallow conversions. Smith laments the absence of heartfelt repentance and the urgency that should accompany a sinner's cry for salvation, advocating for a return to a more profound understanding of sin and the need for redemption. He calls for a revival that stirs true anguish for sin, leading to authentic conversions that endure over time. Ultimately, he stresses that true evangelism must be rooted in the conviction of sin, allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts before calling individuals to faith in Christ.

In this sermon, the speaker introduces the topic of revival and its importance in personal and corporate spiritual growth. The purpose of the message is to ignite a desire for revival in the hearts of the listeners. The speaker emphasizes the need for a deep longing for God's work in one's own heart before experiencing personal or corporate revival. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to work in the hearts of the young people and for them to seek Him fervently until they find Him in reality again.