Is there anyone that thinks we don't need revival?I have studied revival pretty extensively, and I'd like to share a little bit of that knowledge with you. Revivals have come and gone since the beginning of Christianity. The Spirit of God ebbs and flows like the seasons described in Ecclesiastes 3. Because God is sovereign, He gets to determine the seasons of the Spirit, not you or me. I also know that He responds to events in creation by answering prayer, and raising up standards against evil.
As we take a quick look at revival, I'd like to mention that we have had renewal over the seasons as well. A renewal is that which happens in the church to believers, where a revival encompasses a community or region, involving both renewal in the church and the salvation of the lost outside of the church.
Many Catholics were responsible for renewals and revivals at various times over the centuries. St. Patrick brought a miraculous revival to what is now Ireland. After the Protestant Reformation, which was a revival in itself (1514-1648), there was a Counter Reformation that got the attention of Rome.
With each revival came a new denomination, and since 1648 we've had quite a few. The First Great Awakening left an indelible mark on American religion. Congregational, Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, and German Reformed, Baptist and Methodist denominations came face-to-face with the conviction of sin and the holiness of God. It had little impact on Anglicans and Quakers - but their time was coming.
More recently we've had the Pentecostal Revival that started at Azusa Street on April 14, 1906. In a time of segregation it was a powerful revival that included both backs and whites. The participants received criticism from secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox. This was the catalyst for the Assembly's of God. Almost 100 years later, it is the fastest growing denomination in the world.
There have been healing revivals with Christians such as John G. Lake, Smith Wigglesowrth and Kathryn Kuhlman; sometimes called the mother of the Charismatics.
In my life time we've had the Charismatic Renewal (Catholic and Anglican), the Toronto Blessing, the Brownsville Revival (Pensacola) and others in Africa, South America and Europe.
The Spirit of God is at work throughout the nations.
With each move of God, there are different expressions of His presence. With each wave of the things of God, we went deeper. Fresh revelation, scriptures opened and often powerful manifestations of God which are not easily explainable - many times involving the gifts of the Spirit.
I am not a prophet, but I hope that we have another mighty move of God, one where millions get saved, and every Christian falls deeply and passionately in love with Jesus; hearing His voice and taking territory for the Kingdom. I have a plan so we are in position if it happens.
As God prepares his bride for the coming of His Kingdom - for the last trumpet, where will He find you?
Will you be pointing fingers at other Christians - debating theology, or at work preaching the Gospel, loving your neighbor and waiting for His return?
3 comments:
Revivals and Renewals. Quite an interesting concept don't you think.
I remember the tent revivals in Brownsville Florida before they established a brick and mortar church for revivals on those grounds as a child. It became a mega church from those humble beginnings and today that church is poised to have another lengthy revival should they choose.
Do you think that the explosion in new denominations were because the established churches faild to allow the free will of God in their services?
Although a lot older and not as active today, there is one other that can be conidered. Paul Cain who is known to be an accurate prophet and miracle healer in his conferences.If you ever hear of him being close by, by all means attend one of his conferences. You will not be dissapointed.
Yes, I think a revival would be nice.
Hey Larry - well, the local revivals that take place in tents are goo too. They don't get a lot of attention, but they are important.
I am very familiar with Paul Cain. My daughter was healed at a conference we went to with him. His prophetic ministry was quite amazing, calling people out by name for a word from the Lord.
I have read quite a bit about his ministry from the past and into the present but have never been to a conference where he was attending.
Perhaps some day I might get that opportunity.
Post a Comment