For so many years as I can remember, the church has been seeking the ever-evading “revival” in its congregations. Sometimes, it seems the word had been used like a magic wand. If we keep on “waving” this word in front of people in all our services, then it should happen. Doesn’t it? If we proclaim “revival’ after a good service, then it should be the start of great things. Is’nt it?
The world has seen a few revivals through the years, but some of them were nothing more than a mockery of the true spirit of God and full-blown deception from satan. These days, when something really good is happening in a congregation, the church fathers are quick to respond and try to suppress this move of God by finding fault. But on the other hand, they will rush over to the “revivals” of other institutions to “bless this move of God” – only to realize soon afterwards it never was. Where is the spirit of discernment then, that the church so desperately needs in these end times?
Maybe that is what we need to receive true revival in the church. We need a revival of the gift of discernment from God to be able to assess (judge) between right and wrong. To get rid of all the distractions, gimmicks and false practices IN our services first. To put Jesus Christ and His salvation message first and foremost again. To get rid of the grand bands and music shows and return to pure and unadulterated praising and worshipping of our God.
The meaning of the word “revival” as per Wikipedia is as follows:
- an improvement in the condition, strength, or fortunes of someone or something. (“a revival in the fortunes of the party)
- an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again. (example – “cross-country skiing is enjoying a revival)
- Revive comes from the Latin roots re-, meaning “again,” and vivere, meaning “to live.” So, the word revive means “live again.”
Based upon this definition – what do we want then? What revival are we looking for? Maybe we need to become more specific in our quest to find.
Internet sources state there have been about 10 major revivals in the world. Currently, we have the Ashbury University revival going on. It started during a regular weekday service and has not stopped yet – already going for 13 days non-stop. When the university tried to disperse the massive influx of people to other buildings, it just kindled a further move of God in those areas as well.
Apparently, the president of the university wants to end the revival because of a lack of infrastructure to handle the inflow of people. They want to re-direct the services to various local churches and also restrict the meetings at the university to evening services only. How far have we fallen away from God to be able to RE-DIRECT and RESTRICT His movement? When God is moving and changing lives, then we should follow and praise Him. We NEVER re-direct or restrict the Holy Spirit!
Many people would say it is not a true revival. Is it not? What is so amazing about it, is that it started amongst students. Young people who desperately need Jesus. Remember, this is a theological school where young people seek truth and the real presence of God. And where there is hunger and thirst, the Lord Jesus will oblige. This will surely change a lot of lives.
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psa 22:3– KJV)
If the Asuza street revival of 1904 were a revival of Repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2;38 – with the baptism of the Holy Spirt as a gift), then it seems to me this revival of Ashbury, is to praise and worship Him. A REVIVAL of Praise and Worship to honour Him as Saviour, as our God and King, and in all of His attributes and qualities.
Praise the Lord; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
(Psa 135:3 – KJV)
Come on! Is there someone out there who wants to praise the Lord Jesus with me today? Post your favorate praise scripture.
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