Revival

Josho · Dec 13, 2020

APAK said:
I agree with your post as some it does speak to what I also said, from a different perspective.

I have a question or two though, what is the purpose of a revival in the West today, and why not include the East? Do I even agree with even this? Not at all, because strictly speaking, it is not the nations as a whole that need revival, believers cannot revive evil in their midst to Christ or mix with it, within nations. There is no such thing as a pure 100% Christian nation; even in OT of the 12 tribes of Israel, not all were believers. Never was and never will be for obvious reasons.

Now, a revival via the Spirit, to strengthen and re-weld loosened bonds within the ekklesia only, is my hope and prayer, indeed, where ever they are living on this planet. And especially today, to be strong, vigilant, as we eagerly await our Saviour, in glory and power.

I have not forgotten about this post, but I decided to create a new thread about this topic of Revival, as there are enough politics at the moment, my answer to these questions is the spark of revival has already been ignited in many of the Eastern Nations, and many of these are persecuted nations or third world countries.

A few months ago missionaries from CFaN were preaching the Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ in an African country, I don't remember which country, but in just 3 weeks, 200 thousand people gave their lives to Jesus. In the Middle East we are also continuously hear people turn to Jesus, whether if it be through dreams, visions directly from Jesus, missionaries going to spread the gospel in these places, or people seeking for the real God, with Islamic extremism being revealed, as a result they no longer want to associate themselves with a false religion. Also I believe there continue to be many people converting to Jesus in many of the Asian persecuted nations.

It's in many of these Eastern nations where the Harvest is large, ripe and plentiful and the moment, this is where many are willing to hear the Gospel, these are the places where many are willing to hear the good news of Jesus, and see Jesus work miracles in their lives.

And yes you are right revival is needed all around. As Revival is not just the bringing in of the lost to Jesus, but it is also re-igniting the flame and fire in many Christian lives as well, even in a country that is 90% + Christian, there is a need to be revived, to make sure that they don't become the sleeping Church.

Some have even said that revival will take place in those persecuted nations first and spread out into the West..

The difference is readiness and openness. Of course persecution also plays a part, because these people are living in the position of books of Acts where persecution does come when they do preach the Gospel, and they got to trust God entirely, you know I have even heard some ex-muslim converts say that they no longer fear the threat of rape, because they have given their lives to Jesus, they have set aside their lives as a sacrifice to go do the work of God, and these are both men and women. This is the courage they have.

JohnDB · Dec 13, 2020

I see the chances of Revival as low currently.

This next year and the following will be a recovery period...followed by or during a drunken party of sorts.

Then there will be a chance at revival...not a big one but a chance.

Lately the Christian community has given itself over to promoting wackanoodle conspiracy theories and political hate speech. The leadership has been seen doing everything it shouldn't...from holding services in person when they knew they were sick to saying the virus was fake but later succumbing to the grave when they got it. Then there's the plethora of sexual scandals and fleecing the flock for free services and goods.
They have done this so much so that we are now hesitant about our leadership. From Seminary President to Sunday School teacher...many can be found on Santa's "Naughty List".

We could use a voice of sanity in the Darkness like Billy Graham was. One willing to go to extremes to not get caught up into obvious sinful lifestyles. That could bring change. One that focuses his message on altruism and holy lifestyles.

Dunno where that voice is going to come from.

APAK · Dec 13, 2020

Josho said:
I have not forgotten about this post, but I decided to create a new thread about this topic of Revival, as there are enough politics at the moment, my answer to these questions is the spark of revival has already been ignited in many of the Eastern Nations, and many of these are persecuted nations or third world countries.

A few months ago missionaries from CFaN were preaching the Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ in an African country, I don't remember which country, but in just 3 weeks, 200 thousand people gave their lives to Jesus. In the Middle East we are also continuously hear people turn to Jesus, whether if it be through dreams, visions directly from Jesus, missionaries going to spread the gospel in these places, or people seeking for the real God, with Islamic extremism being revealed, as a result they no longer want to associate themselves with a false religion. Also I believe there continue to be many people converting to Jesus in many of the Asian persecuted nations.

It's in many of these Eastern nations where the Harvest is large, ripe and plentiful and the moment, this is where many are willing to hear the Gospel, these are the places where many are willing to hear the good news of Jesus, and see Jesus work miracles in their lives.

And yes you are right revival is needed all around. As Revival is not just the bringing in of the lost to Jesus, but it is also re-igniting the flame and fire in many Christian lives as well, even in a country that is 90% + Christian, there is a need to be revived, to make sure that they don't become the sleeping Church.

Some have even said that revival will take place in those persecuted nations first and spread out into the West..

The difference is readiness and openness. Of course persecution also plays a part, because these people are living in the position of books of Acts where persecution does come when they do preach the Gospel, and they got to trust God entirely, you know I have even heard some ex-muslim converts say that they no longer fear the threat of rape, because they have given their lives to Jesus, they have set aside their lives as a sacrifice to go do the work of God, and these are both men and women. This is the courage they have.

Hallelujah, a revival is not seen on my radar today because I have not been searching for it in the news. I just see politics, bad actors and evil spreading around the globe. This is really great news if this is a real worldwide revival. I for one need to read more on this subject these days. It's more uplifting and positive.

Yes, we all need courage in spirit for the Lord and to tell the story of salvation to the world. Evil hearts can change to Christ as the Father permits. And we are to be the catalysts in many cases for it.

Thanks for the 'good' news and blessings from God.

APAK

Nancy · Dec 13, 2020

APAK said:
Hallelujah, a revival is not seen on my radar today because I have not been searching for it in the news. I just see politics, bad actors and evil spreading around the globe. This is really great news if this is a real worldwide revival. I for one need to read more on this subject these days. It's more uplifting and positive.

Yes, we all need courage in spirit for the Lord and to tell the story of salvation to the world. Evil hearts can change to Christ as the Father permits. And we are to be the catalysts in many cases for it.
APAK

Hi APAK!
So difficult to be the catalysts during these Covid days. No body is gathering.
And of course, all they do want to talk about, or gripe about I should say, is.... politics. Can't think of a more successful way to separate people in general. The hate talk, the constant lies and misinformation has everyone simply speculating and, we know how bad that can get. As far as revival goes, in the West anyhow, can't see it happening yet...nothing is impossible for our Great God! Third world and persecuted countries I can easily see revival as, they are so poor and have such need spiritually, they are the ones I see as those who Jesus said “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30 Seems theirs would be a simple faith, like a child's. God is giving and has been for millennia, warnings to turn from evil and to Him. My biggest prayer for the lost is that God would bring to memory the things they might have heard from family members and friends who are Christian. So, hopefully there will be a revival of sorts in our countries.
The toughest thing for myself is to see all my younger nieces and nephews, claiming Christianity yet...sleeping around and doing what displeases The Lord. They are young and I will constantly pray for an increasing hunger in their hearts for the things of God...I pray they WANT to know the truth, no matter what. Nations will be judged and, I do have much concern for the "rich" countries.
God save us!

APAK · Dec 13, 2020

Nancy said:
Hi APAK!
So difficult to be the catalysts during these Covid days. No body is gathering.
And of course, all they do want to talk about, or gripe about I should say, is.... politics. Can't think of a more successful way to separate people in general. The hate talk, the constant lies and misinformation has everyone simply speculating and, we know how bad that can get. As far as revival goes, in the West anyhow, can't see it happening yet...nothing is impossible for our Great God! Third world and persecuted countries I can easily see revival as, they are so poor and have such need spiritually, they are the ones I see as those who Jesus said “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30 Seems theirs would be a simple faith, like a child's. God is giving and has been for millennia, warnings to turn from evil and to Him. My biggest prayer for the lost is that God would bring to memory the things they might have heard from family members and friends who are Christian. So, hopefully there will be a revival of sorts in our countries.
The toughest thing for myself is to see all my younger nieces and nephews, claiming Christianity yet...sleeping around and doing what displeases The Lord. They are young and I will constantly pray for an increasing hunger in their hearts for the things of God...I pray they WANT to know the truth, no matter what. Nations will be judged and, I do have much concern for the "rich" countries.
God save us!

You know Nancy, I do know what you speak of here. I'm coming from a similar approach to this topic as you. And I know your family concerns regarding their faith or lack there of, is so troubling to you. You mentioned this before. And I'm truly sorry on that point. It can alter your perspective and broaden it out to other things in life as you paint them all black or bleak as well.

Yes, the COVID rules do restrict our movements to do any witnessing....so we do what we can at home, on chat rooms, on the phone...

I have a sister, a year older than me, my long lost sister. I just reunited with her. It has been over 19 years since she rose from her death and now she speaks to me....lol

Anyway, she and I grew up Catholic, and today I'm of God through Christ as a believer although I still do not know about my sister. So, as I speak the small talk with her over the phone, I actually preach to her gently about Christ and scripture; mixed in with conversation it seems..I just cannot help myself. She tells me she really is listening to me, and she keeps referring to a younger family where she babysits their 3 years old. She says that the Dad speaks like me all the time. I still think she just listens and that's all......if you get my meaning.

All the Best Nancy in the cold country of Buffalo....I do believe that even if the road ahead is rocky for the country and your family...it will straighten out and become smooth and level as a flat well-sealed road...

I pray for you and all those that are hurting today. I sometimes feel inside their emotions and also their courage.....we are surely complex creatures aren't we....??? Smile, the Son shines on you Nancy...

Blessings to you and family, and love from your brother in Christ

APAK

Hidden In Him · Dec 13, 2020

JohnDB said:
I see the chances of Revival as low currently.

This next year and the following will be a recovery period...followed by or during a drunken party of sorts.

Then there will be a chance at revival...not a big one but a chance.

Lately the Christian community has given itself over to promoting wackanoodle conspiracy theories and political hate speech. The leadership has been seen doing everything it shouldn't...from holding services in person when they knew they were sick to saying the virus was fake but later succumbing to the grave when they got it. Then there's the plethora of sexual scandals and fleecing the flock for free services and goods.
They have done this so much so that we are now hesitant about our leadership. From Seminary President to Sunday School teacher...many can be found on Santa's "Naughty List".

We could use a voice of sanity in the Darkness like Billy Graham was. One willing to go to extremes to not get caught up into obvious sinful lifestyles. That could bring change. One that focuses his message on altruism and holy lifestyles.

Dunno where that voice is going to come from.

I almost posted to this thread this morning, but I didn't want to be the one to cast a pall over it. But I don't see it either. I actually see the slow decline then increasing to a rapid decline now, especially in the States. The enthusiasm of the Dominion and Prosperity crowds is about to come to a screeching halt, as is that of the political faction, and the Christian youth will continue to be both mentally and morally corrupted, so the future is not bright. BUT, the opposition that is now going to come from society against Christians is going to have an adverse effect on those who are truly committed to the Lord. I've been waiting to post a thread on this, but the hardships of the times will actually have the effect of making them draw ever closer to the Lord, and eventually to manifesting the Lord Jesus Christ in His Power to a greater extent. But this will take time. I see the next twenty years as being the absolute darkest in the history of the US spiritually. It will take pursuing the Lord Jesus Christ in one's own personal life with a full devotion to survive it, because by the end of this period there will likely not be many churches left in this country just like exists now in Europe. But when the faithful are pushed to their very limits is when the turn will finally come. I don't know that I will live to see the day, but just when it looks like the church has been all but destroyed is when the power of God is going to be poured out on the faithful; those who have stood for the truth against a society that has increasingly turned to despising them, hating them, and opposing and even attacking them at every turn.

I know this day is coming because it is very clearly prophesied that it will. The harvest at the end of the age is not going to be some little dribble of two or three thousand people who just hung on for dear life until the end. It will be on a scale no one in Christianity at the current time can even dream of. But for the next twenty plus years, I believe we will see an increasing decline that accelerates and the vast majority will eventually turn away from Christianity because they are not able to stand in the face of opposition. Those who can, however, will prove themselves worthy to eventually be empowered by the Spirit of God to bring in the true end-time harvest.

APAK · Dec 13, 2020

Hidden In Him said:
I almost posted to this thread this morning, but I didn't want to be the one to cast a pall over it. But I don't see it either. I actually see the slow decline then increasing to a rapid decline now, especially in the States. The enthusiasm of the Dominion and Prosperity crowds is about to come to a screeching halt, as is that of the political faction, and the Christian youth will continue to be both mentally and morally corrupted, so the future is not bright. BUT, the opposition that is now going to come from society against Christians is going to have an adverse effect on those who are truly committed to the Lord. I've been waiting to post a thread on this, but the hardships of the times will actually have the effect of making them draw ever closer to the Lord, and eventually to manifesting the Lord Jesus Christ in His Power to a greater extent. But this will take time. I see the next twenty years as being the absolute darkest in the history of the US spiritually. It will take pursuing the Lord Jesus Christ in one's own personal life with a full devotion to survive it, because by the end of this period there will likely not be many churches left in this country just like exists now in Europe. But when the faithful are pushed to their very limits is when the turn will finally come. I don't know that I will live to see the day, but just when it looks like the church has been all but destroyed is when the power of God is going to be poured out on the faithful; those who have stood for the truth against a society that has increasingly turned to despising them, hating them, and opposing and even attacking them at every turn.

I know this day is coming because it is very clearly prophesied that it will. The harvest at the end of the age is not going to be some little dribble of two or three thousand people who just hung on for dear life until the end. It will be on a scale no one in Christianity at the current time can even dream of. But for the next twenty plus years, I believe we will see an increasing decline that accelerates and the vast majority will eventually turn away from Christianity because they are not able to stand in the face of opposition. Those who can, however, will prove themselves worthy to eventually be empowered by the Spirit of God to bring in the true end-time harvest.

Yes, I do also see the decline in true faith and true Christ consciousness in the West, at least. A decline in true enduring faith is so evident.
I hear now folks on the streets, in the neighborhoods, of their preachers saying these are the times that test one's faith. I also hear of folks that never spoke of Christ to me, now calling themselves Christians. I wonder if this is done out of fear, reaching for the comfort of others that are genuinely of Christ, or not. I suspect the latter, these are some of the fakers that are looking for any anchor in their lives, for the first time. I sense and see real fear in their eyes. They need to know Christ!

I believe if there was a time in my life, this is truly the time, today. This 'crack' in faith will be even deeper and wider in the coming years. This is the time of separation and the counting of the faithful, the true believers from the fakers, those that have impure hearts weighed down with many thistles. One cannot serve two masters or be double-minded.

Hidden In Him · Dec 13, 2020

APAK said:
Yes, I do also see the decline in true faith and true Christ consciousness in the West, at least. A decline in true enduring faith is so evident.
I hear now folks on the streets, in the neighborhoods, of their preachers saying these are the times that test one's faith. I also hear of folks that never spoke of Christ to me, now calling themselves Christians. I wonder if this is done out of fear, reaching for the comfort of others that are genuinely of Christ, or not. I suspect the latter, these are some of the fakers that are looking for any anchor in their lives, for the first time. I sense and see real fear in their eyes. They need to know Christ!

I agree. A surface faith won't get it in the future. I think this is why in the Parable of the Sower He warned about the anxieties of this life choking out the word. Turning to God amid trials is a good thing - the right thing to do - but it takes more than simply using God as a crutch when times get hard. That is not enough to empower the soul. It takes giving oneself to the word, which He said is Spirit and Life, and the more they grow concerned with the trials and worries of the times, the more they will be distracted from spending time in it.

The knowledge of the word has been in steady decline, and I think this will only speed up that decline now even more, though there will be some who lay ahold of God as never before. Those are the ones you look for now.

Josho · Dec 29, 2020

There was revival in Honduras within the last 10 years, I am not sure if it is still going. It's also worth noting that the homicide rate has dropped in Honduras within the last 10 years.

Now when I looked up the homicide rate in Honduras, I also noticed it has plummeted in El Salvador.

So I wanted to find out what has been going on in El Salvador, and I found this a Revival hitting a notorious prison and nearly all the prisoners turning to Jesus. I would like to look further into this though, as that graphs latest statistics was from 2017, it would be interesting to see if it has gone down any further since then.

Christian Revival Transforms Notorious Prison - Vision Christian Radio

The main point here, is God is still transforming nations, He is still transforming the lives of many many people.

Keep the faith in Jesus that He can still transform nations, stay hopeful, stay prayerful.

Nancy · Dec 29, 2020

APAK said:
You know Nancy, I do know what you speak of here. I'm coming from a similar approach to this topic as you. And I know your family concerns regarding their faith or lack there of, is so troubling to you. You mentioned this before. And I'm truly sorry on that point. It can alter your perspective and broaden it out to other things in life as you paint them all black or bleak as well.

Yes, the COVID rules do restrict our movements to do any witnessing....so we do what we can at home, on chat rooms, on the phone...

I have a sister, a year older than me, my long lost sister. I just reunited with her. It has been over 19 years since she rose from her death and now she speaks to me....lol

Anyway, she and I grew up Catholic, and today I'm of God through Christ as a believer although I still do not know about my sister. So, as I speak the small talk with her over the phone, I actually preach to her gently about Christ and scripture; mixed in with conversation it seems..I just cannot help myself. She tells me she really is listening to me, and she keeps referring to a younger family where she babysits their 3 years old. She says that the Dad speaks like me all the time. I still think she just listens and that's all......if you get my meaning.

All the Best Nancy in the cold country of Buffalo....I do believe that even if the road ahead is rocky for the country and your family...it will straighten out and become smooth and level as a flat well-sealed road...

I pray for you and all those that are hurting today. I sometimes feel inside their emotions and also their courage.....we are surely complex creatures aren't we....??? Smile, the Son shines on you Nancy...

Blessings to you and family, and love from your brother in Christ

APAK

@APAK
I am only now seeing this post as I must have missed it in "Alerts".
I am so happy that you and sis have reunited! I have a vague memory of you also speaking of your sister a year or two ago, whether inbox or on forum, don't remember...He is good. Me and my sibs were also brought up Catholic...baptism, first communion, confirmation, religious instructions every Tuesday after school...we were in public school and we walked about 10 or 12 blocks to the Catholic school for that.

"And I know your family concerns regarding their faith or lack there of, is so troubling to you. You mentioned this before. And I'm truly sorry on that point. It can alter your perspective and broaden it out to other things in life as you paint them all black or bleak as well."

Well, thanks brother! It is my nieces and nephews who concern me but, there is His peace as I pray for them. We might not live to see our prayers answered but we can rest in that He hears them and, if we are praying His will and we know it for sure, then it will be done!

"So, as I speak the small talk with her over the phone, I actually preach to her gently about Christ and scripture; mixed in with conversation it seems..I just cannot help myself.
I know what you mean! But, you are a gentle kind of man and, say what is in your heart and, when the Holy Spirit moves us to speak...we CAN'T help ourselves, amen?

She tells me she really is listening to me, and she keeps referring to a younger family where she babysits their 3 years old. She says that the Dad speaks like me all the time. I still think she just listens and that's all......if you get my meaning."

Oh my brother! We plant the seeds and they can be recalled to her memory at any given time. Not to mention the dad of the kids she sits for, I can even see the answered prayer here! He has sent others in her path to confirm things she has heard from you!
Sometimes those who we think might not be listening...are remembering, that is evident in that she said that the dad spoke "like you" so...she was listening alright!

Again, so sorry I missed this post!
Happy New Year and many GOOD things to come your way in 2021

Nancy

Nancy · Dec 29, 2020

Hello brother Hidden!

"BUT, the opposition that is now going to come from society against Christians is going to have an adverse effect on those who are truly committed to the Lord."

I agree fully. How many times are we told to be built up in our faith, and to not fear or be anxious for nothing? When we can faint at the smallest of trials now, how will we stand when real trials and tribs come?

"I've been waiting to post a thread on this, but the hardships of the times will actually have the effect of making them draw ever closer to the Lord, and eventually to manifesting the Lord Jesus Christ in His Power to a greater extent."

Or, it could be what some refer to as "the great falling away"? And, many also talk of the great revival of the Church...I have no verses for this, it's just what I've read/heard said.
You should make a thread on this, I think!

Yes, agreed! I know these times have compelled me to draw closer to Him in prayer and gratitude.
His peace brother!
We need to stick together, because:

marksman · Dec 29, 2020

Often I read other people views on subjects as I have no particular view myself but as I read a revelation comes to me and it takes off. I did a study of revivals when I was at Bible College and found it fascinating reading. Reading about the actual revivals is much more interesting than reading people's views on revivals. Even better to be part of it.

When I lived in the UK, I was part of a church that experienced revival for 30 years. I have never come across another church like it, not even Toronto.

So what did I get when reading the posts here? One word and that is REMNANT. God only needs a remnant to make something happen. Consider the following.

How many were involved in getting the children of Israel out of Egypt? TWO. Moses and Aaron.
How many were used to destroy the walls of Jericho? 300 not 30,000.
How many were used to bring the children of israel into the promised land? Two, not 12. Joshua and Caleb.
How many Prophets were used to convict Israel of their sin? One. Jeremiah.
How many were used to change the world? 12 disciples.
How many men were required to defeat the Philistines? ONE. David when he killed Goliath.
How many people started the Azusa Street revival? Six.
How many people were used to open China to the gospel? ONE. Hudson Taylor.
How many were involved in starting the Welsh revival? ONE. Reese Howell.
How many were involved in starting the Argentine revival in the 50s? ONE Ed Miller.
Who was used to start a prayer ministry in Moravia that lasted 100 years? ONE. Count von Zinzendorf.
How many were used to start the charismatic renewal in the UK? Two. Sid and Millicent Purse.
Who was the Baptist pastor who brought the charismatic renewal to the Baptist Church in the UK? ONE. Michael Pusey.
How many were used by God to start what is known as Teen Challenge? ONE. David Wïlkerson.
Who rescued the orphan street children in Malawi? TWO. Roland and Heidi Baker.

And that is just before breakfast.

If you are looking for the Baptists, The Pentecostals, The Anglicans, The Lutherans, The Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All to be the ones to be the catalyst for revival forget it. It will be a remnant who are prepared to pay the price. It could even be you. Most church leaders are more interested in the status quo, getting their pay cheque and their pension than revival.

Knowing what I know about the church and revival, I have distanced myself from the church because I don't want to be sucked into being satisfied with the status quo.

P.S. What do you get if you cross santa with a duck? A christmans quacker!

Josho · Dec 30, 2020

marksman said:
Often I read other people views on subjects as I have no particular view myself but as I read a revelation comes to me and it takes off. I did a study of revivals when I was at Bible College and found it fascinating reading. Reading about the actual revivals is much more interesting than reading people's views on revivals. Even better to be part of it.

When I lived in the UK, I was part of a church that experienced revival for 30 years. I have never come across another church like it, not even Toronto.

So what did I get when reading the posts here? One word and that is REMNANT. God only needs a remnant to make something happen. Consider the following.

How many were invovled in getting the children of Israel out of Egypt? TWO. Moses and Aaron.
How many were used to destroy the walls of Jericho? 300 not 30,000.
How many were used to bring the children of israel into the promised land? Two, not 12. Joshua and Caleb.
How many Prophets were used to convict Israel of their sin? One. Jeremiah.
How many were used to change the world? 12 disciples.
How many men were required to defeat the Philistines? ONE. David when he killed Goliath.
How many people started the Azusa Street revival? Six.
How many people were used to open China to the gospel? ONE. Hudson Taylor.
How many were involved in starting the Welsh revival? ONE. Reese Howell.
How many were invovled in starting the Argentine revival in the 50s? ONE Ed Miller.
Who was used to start a prayer ministry in Moravia that lasted 100 years? ONE. Count von Zinzendorf.
How many were used to start the charismatic renewal in the UK? Two. Sid and Millicent Purse.
Who was the Baptist pastor who brought the charismatic renewal to the Baptist Church in the UK? ONE. Michael Pusey.
How many were used by God to start what is known as Teen Challenge? ONE. David Wïlkerson.
Who rescued the orphan street children in Malawi? TWO. Roland and Heidi Baker.

And that is just before breakfast.

If you are looking for the Baptists, The Pentecostals, The Anglicans, The Lutherans, The Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All to be the ones to be the catalyst for revival forget it. It will be a remnant who are prepared to pay the price. It could even be you. Most church leaders are more interested in the status quo, getting their pay cheque and their pension than revival.

Knowing what I know about the church and revival, I have distanced myself from the church because I don't want to be sucked into being satisfied with the status quo.

P.S. What do you get if you cross santa with a duck? A christmans quacker!

Wonderful post there @marksman and what you say about the remnant is so true.

https://www.christiantoday.com/arti...christianity.and.plants.50.churches/80713.htm

This other story I found is a few years old, article from 2016, a Muslim doctor from West Bengal, India got cancer, turns to Jesus, got healed from cancer by Jesus and then went on to plant 50 churches, this is a pretty awesome testimony.

Praise the Lord, Glory to God.

Jay Ross · Dec 30, 2020

A DR. Rev. Geoff Waugh did his PHD on basically how revivals were started, and has produced a library of books on the subject, with updates to the present time.

He is a story teller and although he has travelled the world, and written books on the subject of revivals, to my knowledge, he has never written a book on how to maintain a revival in a church once it has started. To my knowledge most "revivals" that have started fade away over time, some quickly, one, that I recall, lasted for around 100 + years.

The most important teaching is not on how to start a revival, but on how to maintain the on growing growth of the revival. The Bible tells us how we are to do just that, but few people know how to do that effectively.

Geoff started a Public Group on Facebook (1) Renewal and Revival | Groups | Facebook where he has free books available for people to download and read for anyone interested.

Berserk · Dec 30, 2020

"Revival" is a watered-down term. In the last few centuries there have been 5 revivals: The first and second Great Awakenings (18th and 19th centuries), the Welsh Revival of 1904-1906), the Azusa Street Revival of 1908-11), and the Hebrides Revival of 1949-1954. In these revivals the Holy Spirit fell primarily on the unchurched and the electrifying Holy Spirit's convicting presence was felt almost everywhere, quite apart from any promotional efforts. 2 symptoms of spiritual decline illustrate why we can't have such widespread revivals now:

(1) Christians are unwilling to meet God's conditions for triggering revival, the conditions met by the leading figures of past great revivals. To sense those conditions it is necessary to study the lives of the central figures used by God in these revivals. But most Christians lack sufficient passion for revival to even watch videos on how godly intercessors were mightily used to bring mass revival. I know this from repeated efforts to gain such interest by posting such videos on Christian sites.

(2) Very few Christians are willing to join weekly prayer groups. I am a member of such a weekly group of 5 that has witnessed many marvelous answers to prayer. Our efforts to inspire others either to attend our group or start their own prayer groups in other churches have been an abysmal failure. Even pastors who initially attend such fledgling efforts, soon drift away, invoking the lsme excuse of needing time off.

marksman · Jan 1, 2021

Berserk said:
"Revival" is a watered-down term. In the last few centuries there have been 5 revivals: The first and second Great Awakenings (18th and 19th centuries), the Welsh Revival of 1904-1906), the Azusa Street Revival of 1908-11), and the Hebrides Revival of 1949-1954. In these revivals the Holy Spirit fell primarily on the unchurched and the electrifying Holy Spirit's convicting presence was felt almost everywhere, quite apart from any promotional efforts. 2 symptoms of spiritual decline illustrate why we can't have such widespread revivals now:

(1) Christians are unwilling to meet God's conditions for triggering revival, the conditions met by the leading figures of past great revivals. To sense those conditions it is necessary to study the lives of the central figures used by God in these revivals. But most Christians lack sufficient passion for revival to even watch videos on how godly intercessors were mightily used to bring mass revival. I know this from repeated efforts to gain such interest by posting such videos on Christian sites.

(2) Very few Christians are willing to join weekly prayer groups. I am a member of such a weekly group of 5 that has witnessed many marvelous answers to prayer. Our efforts to inspire others either to attend our group or start their own prayer groups in other churches have been an abysmal failure. Even pastors who initially attend such fledgling efforts, soon drift away, invoking the lsme excuse of needing time off.

Revival is a term abused by those who want to whip up the congregation to expect something different and a lot of the time nothing every happens.

" We are going to have revival meetings next month" What? I wonder if God knows. Interpret. We are going to have a few meetings with a visiting preacher who is good at raising expectations and giving people a good time. When he has come and gone we can all go back to doing what we usually do.

Talking about prayer meetings. Michael Pusey who was our pastor at the time announced that he was going to set aside Tuesday evening to pray and wait on God and anyone was welcome to join him. About six of us did. We had no programme. Just pray as the spirit led. We had a few prophecies (this is a Baptist church by the way) After six months of meeting, Michael said God told him to have a healing meeting in the church. A die in the wool Baptist church have a healing meeting? Shock horror.

He told the deacons and the church of his plans and the deacons called a members meeting. Motion was he had to call off the healing meeting or resign. In true Baptist tradition the members voted on the motion and the deacons lost.

The healing meeting went ahead and the deacons resigned and left the church. That was the day we became a charismatic Baptist church which Michael eventually took to the denomination all over England.

Two years later, when the church was blooming, most of the deacons came back and apologised and said they were wrong.

Truman · Jan 2, 2021

marksman said:
Revival is a term abused by those who want to whip up the congregation to expect something different and a lot of the time nothing every happens.

" We are going to have revival meetings next month" What? I wonder if God knows. Interpret. We are going to have a few meetings with a visiting preacher who is good at raising expectations and giving people a good time. When he has come and gone we can all go back to doing what we usually do.

Talking about prayer meetings. Michael Pusey who was our pastor at the time announced that he was going to set aside Tuesday evening to pray and wait on God and anyone was welcome to join him. About six of us did. We had no programme. Just pray as the spirit led. We had a few prophecies (this is a Baptist church by the way) After six months of meeting, Michael said God told him to have a healing meeting in the church. A die in the wool Baptist church have a healing meeting? Shock horror.

He told the deacons and the church of his plans and the deacons called a members meeting. Motion was he had to call off the healing meeting or resign. In true Baptist tradition the members voted on the motion and the deacons lost.

The healing meeting went ahead and the deacons resigned and left the church. That was the day we became a charismatic Baptist church which Michel eventually took to the denomination all over England.

Two years later, when the church was blooming, most of the deacons came back and apologised and said they were wrong.

Beautiful story...I think I have something in my eye...make that eyes!

Berserk · Jan 2, 2021

marksman said:
Revival is a term abused by those who want to whip up the congregation to expect something different and a lot of the time nothing every happens.

" We are going to have revival meetings next month" What? I wonder if God knows. Interpret. We are going to have a few meetings with a visiting preacher who is good at raising expectations and giving people a good time. When he has come and gone we can all go back to doing what we usually do.

Talking about prayer meetings. Michael Pusey who was our pastor at the time announced that he was going to set aside Tuesday evening to pray and wait on God and anyone was welcome to join him. About six of us did. We had no programme. Just pray as the spirit led. We had a few prophecies (this is a Baptist church by the way) After six months of meeting, Michael said God told him to have a healing meeting in the church. A die in the wool Baptist church have a healing meeting? Shock horror.

He told the deacons and the church of his plans and the deacons called a members meeting. Motion was he had to call off the healing meeting or resign. In true Baptist tradition the members voted on the motion and the deacons lost.

The healing meeting went ahead and the deacons resigned and left the church. That was the day we became a charismatic Baptist church which Michel eventually took to the denomination all over England.

Two years later, when the church was blooming, most of the deacons came back and apologised and said they were wrong.

What cessationist evangelicals don't realize is this: if God can't or won't do it now, then it is reasonable to infer that He couldn't or wouldn't do it in Bible times either. Our local prayer group of 5 has lasted 7 years and has witnessed many miracles. Last year I had 2 sonograms and 1 catscan that showed a blocked tube under the kidney and resulting urine trapped in the kidney that likely required surgery. Our prayer group prayed for me. Then the week before Christmas I was intervenously injected with a radioactive dye and lasik to clarify the extent of my kidney problem. The problem had vanished, praise God! At the same time we had also prayed for Rick who had chronic blood in his urine requiring surgery, which heart problems prevented him from having. After prayer, his longstanding blood in urine problem vanished!

marksman · Jan 6, 2021

Truman Ron Coates said:
Beautiful story...I think I have something in my eye...make that eyes!

Eye see.

Truman · Jan 6, 2021

For me, the biggest miracle is that God is healing my heart!
What I mean is my emotions, basically, my soul.
This process can be very scary and very painful, but the results are eternal.

Revival

Millennial Christian

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My eldest granddaughter showing the result of her

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My eldest granddaughter showing the result of her

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My eldest granddaughter showing the result of her

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