Revival in the Land, pt. 1: What is a Revival? Are they Biblical and how and why do they Happen?

A “revival” is a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God’s holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness.

Revival movements throughout church history have been understood as moves of God that result in waves of increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of a church congregation or society, with a local, national or global effect. Proponents view revivals as the restoration of the church itself to a vital and fervent relationship with God after a period of moral decline.

But are revivals Biblical? If so, what does the Bible say about them? What about some of the more bizarre and controversial activity that seems to accompany modern revival movements? Is that from God too? Or from some place else?