Prayer Journal

Tuesday, December 5, 2000
340/26
Read the Bible through in OneYear

"Revivals are among the charter rights of the church. They are the evidences of its divinity, the tokens of God's presence, the witness of his power. The frequency and power of these extraordinary seasons of grace are the tests and preservers of the vital force in the church. The church that is not visited by these seasons is as sterile in all spiritual products as a desert and cannot meet the designs of God's church. Such churches may have all the show and parade of life, but it is only a painted life." E.M. Bounds (1)

The apostle John wrote what the Lord told him in the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation. Jesus is speaking to the church of the ages through the pen of John. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard: obey it, and repent." Rev 3:1-3

In my life, I have yet to see revival. I've heard preachers talk about revival but I doubt that many of them have seen revival either. I'm not saying that seasons of refreshing haven't come. But God's Word tells me that the Holy Spirit is not easily overwhelmed by the forces of sin. If a season of God's moving is shortly replaced by a prevailing attitude of complacency and stagnation, revival didn't come. (1 John 4:4)

When we consider the first Church as described in Acts 2:42-46, there should be no trouble describing the way Church "works". But, you would be amazed to hear the arguments of some religious "authorities" over this simple issue. Now, if we can argue and disagree over such basic teaching of Scripture, there should be no surprise when we disagree over the definition of revival.

Perhaps the best way to tell if revival has come is to interview those who are not part of the church and get their opinion. Do they see God's power displayed in us? Are they see God's love by watching us?  Do we have the favor of all the people by reason of our testimony?  
Just Thinkin' WebServant

"Send a revival, O Christ, my Lord, Help us to turn from our sins away; Let us draw near to the Father's throne, Revive us again, we pray. Lord send a revival, Lord send a revival, Lord send a revival, and let it begin in me." (2)

 

(1)Prayer and Revival by E.M. Bounds, - pp23; Copyright © 1993 by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company; P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
(2) Lord, Send a Revival; Words and Music by B.B. McKinney, 1886-1952 © Copyright 1927, Renewal 1955 Broadman Press.
(3) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(4) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.

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