Revival as the Corn

Hosea 14:7 "They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon." This sermon explores the biblical imagery of revival found in Hosea 14, using the metaphor of corn reviving after a shower to illustrate God's sovereign work in restoring His people. The message emphasises that true revival is not a human effort but a divine act where God reveals Himself in holiness and power, causing the church to stand upright in grace. It identifies the necessary conditions for this blessing: dwelling under God's shadow through intimate prayer and seeking His face, coupled with a genuine, complete return from sin rather than a fleeting desire for change. The preacher highlights the historical context of revivals, such as the 1859 awakening in Ulster, to show that periods of moral decline often precede divine intervention. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a sweet savour of Christ to permeate the community, urging believers to rely on God's promise to heal backsliding and spread the gospel with irresistible power.