Revival: Superficial or Supernatural

REVIVAL: SUPERFICIAL OR SUPERNATURAL

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” - Isaiah 57:15

Social media has been all abuzz lately about the event taking place at Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. Many are calling it the Asbury revival. Yet it has caused many to ask the question, is it real? Is this event a supernatural work of God or a superficial work of emotionalism?

I have watched video clips of the service there. I've listened to comments of those who've attended. I've read the opinions of others. There are many who claim it is real move of God. There are critics who find fault with certain aspects of the event. It prompts us to ask the question, what constitutes a genuine revival? What really happens when God visits His people in a special way?

I am not attempting to judge Asbury or the other colleges and churches that claim to be experiencing revival. Instead, I think these events need to be viewed through the lens of Scripture.

When you read the Bible, you will find that there were special times that God radically changed individuals, churches and even nations. The Bible records great spiritual awakenings and revivals, such as the revival in Josiah's day, the repentance of Nineveh, the changed lives in Ephesus (Acts 19) and, most of all, the Day of Pentecost. When I read about revival in the Bible and church history, I find that there are three vital things that occurs during genuine revival.

1.  HUNGER

First of all, in a genuine revival, there is a hunger for God and His Word. I fear that many outsiders have made the long trip to Asbury so they can enjoy the experience. However, it is one thing to have a hunger for an event, it is another thing to have a hunger for God. Having a hunger for a spiritual experience is not synonymous with having a hunger for God Himself. When people hear of a huge fire in town, they all flock to the scene to witness the event. I suspect that many people do that with revival. However, genuine revival comes when there is a hunger for nothing else but God Himself. This hunger leads believers to get on their knees, seek God in prayer and persevere until they enjoy the sweetness of divine fellowship.

2.  HUMILITY

Secondly, in a genuine revival, humility is apparent. Genuine repentance and restitution occurs. Confession takes place. This form of humility is rare. That is why revival is rare. Most American Christians are too proud to apologize to others, repent of sin and make restitution. Yet the Bible says, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” There is special grace reserved for the humble. Furthermore, Jesus said, “Whosoever exalts himself shall be abased, but whosoever humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Most Christians want to be exalted, but few are willing to humble themselves first. During revival, God brings conviction through the power of the Gospel. During a genuine revival, the Word of God is preached and the Word brings fresh awareness of sin. The proclamation of the Bible leads individuals to humility and repentance. In genuine revival, people get right with God and each other.

3.  HOLINESS

Finally, recipients of revival seek personal holiness. In other words, lasting change occurs when revival comes. There is more to revival than excitement and extended periods of singing. Revival leads people to personal change. If change lasts for just a week or two, you may question the validity of the revival. When people are radically changed, there is lasting fruit. Such fruit indicates a divine work. Repentance leads to a fresh emphasis on personal holiness.

The word, “revival,” literally means, “to live again.” Revival is primarily about God breathing new life into the souls of believers and churches. When believers hunger after God, humbly repent of sin and seek radical change of their own lives, they are candidates for revival.

Revival is a work of God that changes lives, beginning with believers. Although genuine revival can be exciting, it is more than excitement. It is a personal encounter with God.

Perhaps the real issue before us is not the integrity of the Asbury revival. The real issue is our own hearts. Is revival going on in our lives right now? If not, are we content for our lives to remain this way? Leonard Ravenhill once famously said, “The only reason we don’t have revival is because we are willing to live without it!”

You don't need to go to Asbury to experience revival. You need to have a hunger for God, a repentant heart and a desire to live a holy life. Why drive hundreds of miles to witness an event when you can have an encounter with God right there where you're at?

Leave behind the superficial life and enjoy a revived life today!

Volunteer Fire Fighters

 VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS

“Quench not the Spirit.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:19

For the first twelve years of my life, I lived in the small town of Mullens, West Virginia. At the time, the Wyoming Hotel was still open. Occasionally, we would hear a long, extensive siren blare from the top of that hotel. It was the fire whistle. It notified volunteer firemen that the station was being called out for a fire.

After a few minutes, the sirens of fire trucks could be heard as the firemen raced towards the fire. Even though I don't live in Mullens any longer, I know the fire siren is no longer being used there. The hotel has been closed for many years. These days, firemen are notified by modern means when the station is being called out. I think they may even have a fireman staying at the station.

Rural towns and communities rely on volunteer firemen to respond to fires and emergency calls. These unsung heroes do this work without compensation, yet they give of their time to serve, often risking their lives.

There is another time of volunteer fire fighter that we rarely think about. To your surprise, you may be a volunteer fire fighter yourself.

In his first epistle to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul wrote the tiny verse: “Quench not the Spirit.” Literally this is translated to mean, don't put out the Spirit's fire.

What has happened to the Spirit's fire in our churches? Why have our churches become so lukewarm and ineffective? Could it be that we have been putting out the Spirit's fire?

The sad fact is that most churches have no spiritual fire in their services. As Vance Havner once said, “Most church services begin at eleven o'clock sharp and end at twelve o'clock dull.” In an effort to avoid strange fire, we extinguish every fire.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "We never say, ‘Amen,’ or ‘Glory!’ now. We have grown to be so frozenly proper that we never interrupt a service in any way. God send us a season of glorious disorder.”

By the way, what ever happened to shouting in our churches?

When we resist the Spirit's leading, we pour water on the Spirit's fire. We may act more dignified and organized, but we've become lukewarm in the process.

We don't need this kind of volunteer fire fighters in our churches. Certainly we want our worship to stay within the boundaries set forth in Scripture, but we also don't want to be responsible for pouring water on the Spirit's fire.

Without sounding judgmental, I suspect that nearly everyone reading this has been guilty of being a spiritual volunteer fire fighter at one time or another. We have volunteered for this work, because God certainly didn't call us to it. There have been times we were led to say AMEN during a sermon, but didn't utter a word. There have been times we were nudged to witness to someone, but remained silent. We tend to accuse others of being volunteer fire fighters, but if we're honest, we'd have to admit that there have had times we poured water on the Spirit's fire. Even worse, some have nearly become professionals at this work.

The tragic state of the American church can be blamed, in part, on the internal problem of volunteer fire fighters. This would be a good time to turn in our resignation and surrender anew and afresh to the Spirit's work. Yes, we should resist false doctrine, heresy and unbiblical practices. But at the same time, God is calling us to be led by the Spirit. Your life will never be set aflame with revival fire if you continually have a fire extinguisher in your hand, ready to douse any flame.

The real problem is the issue of disobedience. Most of us are apprehensive about surrendering everything to the Spirit's control. We don't like relinquishing our own control. Also, we fear what the Spirit may lead us to do. We don't want to do anything that makes us feel uncomfortable. We don't want the Spirit to ruin our reputation. We don't want others to see us as weird --- even in the church. Since the Holy Spirit is God, we need to realize that when we resist the Spirit, we are resisting God.

Whether we are in church, at home or on the job, we need to heed the Spirit's leading. If there has ever been a time that we need the Spirit's fire to engulf our lives and spread like wildfire to others, it is right now. Quit being a volunteer fire fighter.

Quench not the Spirit.

Are You On Fire?

 ARE YOU ON FIRE?

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” - Jeremiah 20:9

In the Bible, the word, “fire,” is used as a metaphor for different things. Last week, I wrote about how Jude described sin and judgment as being like fire. Today, we are going to look at fire as a metaphor for spiritual passion and vitality.

Jeremiah was a prophet who had gotten discouraged. His ministry seemed to yield little positive results. As a result, he wanted to quit. He had made the decision to resign from the ministry. In spite of his resignation, something stirred in his heart. Although he wanted to quit, there was a spiritual fire within that kept burning. The fire kept growing. The flames of spiritual passion eventually consumed him to the point he couldn't hold it in any longer. He went back to preaching.

Where are the people with such fervor? Where are the men and women who have a spiritual fire raging in their hearts? More to the point, are you such a person? Are you on fire for God?

Let's be honest. Many believers are in a rut. Their Christian experience started with a life-changing experience of grace, but slowly, over time, the inner fire has dwindled down to embers. At one time, the Christian-life was an exciting experience. Now it is a ritual. Does this sound like your life?

Do you long to have a life engulfed with the flame of spiritual revival? I believe the same One who started the fire within at salvation can revive the flame in your heart again.

It is important to note that there is not a 3-step plan to experience revival fire. Instead, this is a work of God. He, alone, is the One who placed the fire within to begin with and He, alone, can raise up a flame from the embers of your heart.

I do want to recommend something to you. SEEK THE LORD INSTEAD OF THE FIRE. The temptation is treat God as a means to an end. It is easy to think of God as the way to a spiritual experience. We need to avoid such thinking. God is not a means to an end. He is the end. Rather than seeking an event, we need to seek the Lord. Instead of seeking an experience, we need to seek God Himself. If you seek the fire rather than the Lord, you'll end up with neither. If you seek the Lord instead of the fire, there is a good chance you may enjoy both. So seek the Lord today.

First of all, we need to seek God with desperation. Leonard Ravenhill once said, “The only reason we don’t have revival is because we are willing to live without it.” The reason many people live for years without much of a spiritual fire is because they can get along without it. At least they think so. Yet they never consider how worldly and carnal they've become. They never consider that they have little or no spiritual influence. They fail to comprehend how deceived and dry they've become. O, may believers seek God today with a true sense of desperation!

Secondly, we need to seek God with determination. We need to seek Him with the whole heart. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Don't settle for substitutes, regards of how religious or holy they may seem to be. Don't settle for anything less than renewed fellowship and closeness to Jesus.

Leonard Ravenhill also said, “My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.” No wonder he had a fire in his heart!

Jeremiah had a fire burning within his bones. His life was on fire for the Lord.

Don't be satisfied with anything less yourself.

The House Is On Fire!

 THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!

“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” - Jude 22, 23

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a fireman. I think this desire was impacted by watching several seasons of “Emergency!” on television. I loved to see fire trucks. Anytime our family would pass a fire house, I hoped that the garage doors would be open so I could see the fire engines. When a fire truck would pass by on the highway, either on a call or not, it got my undivided attention. One of the highlights of my elementary school years was the field trip we made to the local fire station --- and riding back to school on a pumper truck!!!

My potential career as a firefighter came to a halt when I was in the sixth grade. My parents went to visit someone from church. While they were gone, my brother and I gathered in the living room to watch, “Baa, Baa Black Sheep.” A few minutes into the show, I noticed some bright orange and red colors flickering behind the living room curtain. When I opened the curtain, I saw that the house next door was on fire. I went into panic mode. I tried to call the fire department, but didn't know the phone number (this was before 911 was available in the area). Since the house next door was extremely close our home, we decided to get out of the house … just in case. Fortunately, the local volunteer fire department was having a meeting that night and came quickly and extinguished the fire. The whole experience scared me and ruined my career plans.

A few years ago, a popular Christian entertainer was quoted as saying, “Love the sinner, hate the sin? How about: Love the sinner, hate your own sin! I don't have time to hate your sin. There are too many of you! Hating my sin is a full-time job. How about you hate your sin, I'll hate my sin and let's just love each other!” This quote quickly circulated like wild-fire, but is it accurate? If I understand the premise of this quote, Christians should mind their own business and never approach another person about their sin. Yet wasn't this the kind of response that Cain gave to the Lord when he said, “Am I my brother's keeper?”

Some things are not my business. What a man does in his home is his business. If my neighbor has a home in need of a fresh coat of paint, that is certainly his business. If he wants to have purple carpet in his living room, that is up to him. If he wants to eat meat loaf every night, that is his choice.

But what if my neighbor's house is on fire? Do I refuse to get involved because his home is none of my business? Shouldn't I call the fire department? Shouldn't I make an effort to see that everyone made it out safely? What if he is still inside, do I simply mind my own business and let him perish?

Now let's think spiritually. What if my neighbor is living in habitual, unrepentant, rebellious sin, shouldn't I be concerned? If my neighbor is lost, shouldn't I be troubled about this? Metaphorically, his house is on fire. He needs to get out. He needs to flee the flames.

Yes, I hate my sins. Ongoing sanctification is part of my Christian life. Repentance is a daily practice for me. But is ridiculous to say that I shouldn't hate the sins of others. In our society, I hate murder, rape, and all forms of violence & abuse. So if my neighbor is lost, spiritually his house is on fire and I hate it. The flames of sin are devouring everything.

Jude wrote, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude challenges believers to hate sin and, like a fire fighter, care enough to pull people out of the fire.

Those who know me will admit that I tend to mind my own business. But the devil has successfully duped believers into remaining silent while people perish all around us. It is time for silent saints to speak up. We can't make people repent, but we should care enough to warn them to flee from the wrath to come.

We have been too concerned about our image. We have tried too long to be popular. We have been too concerned about “running sinners off.” We don't want to be called “judgmental.” In the meantime, souls are going to hell.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.”

Wake up believers, your neighbors, friends and loves ones are perishing. Soon it will be too late. With urgency, let's warn them while we can.

Their house is on fire!