Revival In Jerusalem
By Dr. Bill Rains, Senior Pastor | May 3, 2026
Father, thank you so very much for the gift of salvation... We're especially thankful, Lord, for Danielle and Jax and Avery's confession of faith and their baptism. Lord, our heart goes out... Help me to preach and help us to listen and apply in Jesus' name. Amen.
On May 3, 2026, Dr. Bill Rains preaches Revival In Jerusalem from Nehemiah 8:1-18. When God’s people gathered as one to hear the Word, revival broke out — marked by hunger for Scripture and immediate obedience.
1. The People Gathered Together
All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street before the Water Gate. The temple could not hold them, so they crowded into the broadest street and stood from morning until midday. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another..." (Hebrews 10:25). God’s people have always made it their practice to gather. Hosea 4:6 warns, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Dr. Rains reminded us that this includes the alarming statistic that 53% of people 30 and under favor socialism and communism — a sobering picture of what happens when generations are not taught the truth of God’s Word. We must prioritize gathering in the house of God.
2. The Preaching of the Book
The people spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses. Ezra stood on a wooden pulpit with priests beside him and read from the Law from morning until midday. The Bible records this emphasis on God’s Word 13 times in just 18 verses. The people were attentive, they caused the people to understand, and they gave the sense of it. In a world filled with philosophy, media, and opinions, these returned exiles wanted thus saith the Lord. Dr. Rains challenged us: Demand Bible-preaching churches. Learn to love the Word. Discipline yourself to hear it and appreciate the “foolishness of preaching” by which God saves those who believe.
3. The Practicing of Their Religion
The people did not stop with hearing — they became doers of the Word. They lifted their hands, bowed their heads, worshiped, and said “Amen!” Then they obeyed what they learned by keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, building booths as commanded. They sat in the tents and reflected on God’s faithfulness during Israel’s wilderness journey. Revival is not merely a movement — it is individuals surrendering personally to the will of God. True revival begins when we gather faithfully, love the Word, and practice what it says.
Revival comes when God’s people gather as one,
hunger for His Word, and walk in obedience.
May we be that people today!
Do you care enough to gather faithfully with God’s people? Are you practicing your faith — obeying God’s Word in your daily life? Start today. Get back to the Book in your home and in your church. Let personal revival begin in your heart, and watch what God will do in our families, our church, and our nation.
