When Revival Comes, What Will It Look Like?

Ariel · Jul 11, 2004

What do you think?

Also--
How and why does revival start? What does it take?

9-iron · Jul 11, 2004

How and why does revival start? What does it take?

Starts in the heart of man.

KleinerApfel · Jul 11, 2004

I believe revival begins in the heart of God.

We can be so open to His Spirit that we obey the call to pray, so becoming a part of it, but it cannot start with man.

Maybe what you're saying 9-iron, is that when God touches a man or woman with deep longing for Him, and to pray fervently for revival, that is the begining of it.

To answer the OP - what it takes is prayer, but it may not be instant. Sometimes people work and pray all their lives, then God uses all that to do something in the next generation. Are we still willing to do it, not knowing when He will move? Tough isn't it, waiting?

As to what happens, I can't wait to find out!

God bless, Susana

enoch son · Jul 11, 2004

More buk!!!!!!!!!!!!! It starts at the throne of God, in God's time table. Man just thinks to much of themself. To think that man can control a move of the Holy Spirit is over the top in pride. The latter day rain began on June 7 of 2004 in Topkea Ks. the captial of KS. In the heart of the USA. (Check out the natural rain fall sense the 7th) God alway start's in the heart (like a nation) by the way the most Godly nation in the world. The four heads of the cherubims in Ezel. are the four moves of God. 1. frist face cherub HEAVEN - Fall 2. second face Man - Adam- Fall 3. third face Lion -Jesus 4. fourth face Eagle- USA and the last out pouring. There a lot more to this but this is all for now.

9-iron · Jul 11, 2004

Maybe what you're saying 9-iron, is that when God touches a man or woman with deep longing for Him, and to pray fervently for revival, that is the begining of it.

yeap, sounds good to me.

riverpastor · Jul 11, 2004

I believe that it is a moving of our heart into the Divine will of God. I wouldn't even say that 'prayer' is a policy of pre-requisite for Revival. When a person steps into the Divine Light of God's purpose, they may very well yield to "revival" that is flowing from within, where God dwells.

Prayer, in and of itself, is more or less an exercise to align our thoughts and our wills to God's will. In other words, prayer doesn't move God - it moves us!

But there is a deeper way than prayer. A simple entering into God's plan and purpose of revival through faith.

Jim B · Jul 11, 2004

Ariel said:
What do you think?

Also--
How and why does revival start? What does it take?

I think you should define what you mean by revival. It is one of the most nebulous, ill-defined words in the P/C vocabulary. We all talk about it as though we all had a uniform definition but meanings of the word vary from person to person, denomination to denomination.

So, exactly what do you mean by revival? Are you clear enough on what you mean to offer a definition?

\o/

riverpastor · Jul 11, 2004

Jim B,

I think we need to hear the Vineyard definition of revival and/or renewal...

or your own personal definition...

and, are the two the same or different???

Ariel · Jul 11, 2004

Jim B said:
I think you should define what you mean by revival. It is one of the most nebulous, ill-defined words in the P/C vocabulary. We all talk about it as though we all had a uniform definition but meanings of the word vary from person to person, denomination to denomination.

So, exactly what do you mean by revival? Are you clear enough on what you mean to offer a definition?

\o/

Revival, according to Webster's:
1. an act or instance of reviving: the state of being revived as
a. renewed attention to or interest in something
b. a new presentation or publication
c. (1) a period of renewed religious interest (2) an often highly emotional evangelistic meeting or series of meetings
d. revitalization
2. restoration of force, validity, or effect (as to a contract)

Since you want a definition, I'll pick (2), Jim. "Restoration of force, validity, or effect" of the Church via renewal of our covenant relationship with God.

If you will allow me to speak more metaphorically, I want to see the Lord able to move freely among His people. I want the scales taken off our eyes, and the dirt removed from our ears. I want the stones removed from our hearts, and the shackles broken off our necks.

We're hard, Jim. We're not the soft clay, pure and supple, the Master can use. We've become brittle. We're full of impurities.

Worst of all, we love ourselves more than Him.

KleinerApfel · Jul 12, 2004

Thanks JimB for asking for clarification, and Ariel for giving it.

And riverpastor:

riverpastor said:
I believe that it is a moving of our heart into the Divine will of God. I wouldn't even say that 'prayer' is a policy of pre-requisite for Revival. When a person steps into the Divine Light of God's purpose, they may very well yield to "revival" that is flowing from within, where God dwells.

Prayer, in and of itself, is more or less an exercise to align our thoughts and our wills to God's will. In other words, prayer doesn't move God - it moves us!

But there is a deeper way than prayer. A simple entering into God's plan and purpose of revival through faith.

Riverpastor,

A way deeper than prayer? :scratch:

What you have just described IS prayer!

God bless, Susana

Ariel · Jul 12, 2004

Thank you, Susana.

I am aware that revival must first start in me. I am praying for this, but something else has been happening as well. As discouraged as I sometimes get (as in my last post, sorry!) I also see the Lord moving in others, and it is precious to me.

I see people in my church who are waking up. I see them up at the altar without the pastor having to ask them first. I see them praying for others. Something else--the presence of God that comes into our sanctuary during praise and worship is even tangible. You can feel it.

I guess I started this thread because I wondered if we would even know it if revival comes. But surely we will.

What will revival look like? I don't know. Maybe a better question would have been, do you see the beginning of it at your church?

If you need a definition still, then Mark 12:30 may be the best measure: "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all you soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."

Do you see this happening?

KleinerApfel · Jul 13, 2004

Have you seen this site?

http://www.revival-library.org/

There are details of many revivals to read online.

I don't see it happening around here at the moment, but then God doesn't have to give any warning - He could sweep down and do it at any moment!

It seems to me almost a "catch 22" situation sometimes:

We need to get everyone on fire and praying, then the Spirit will come,
BUT
we need the Spirit to come, so that the people will pray!

And

we need clean hands and hearts to be heard in our prayers,
BUT
we can only be clean when He comes into our hearts and does the job!

Oh God, rend the heavens and come down! Amen!

Blessings, Susana

JimB · Jul 13, 2004

Here's a "Christianese" definition of Revival. Whataya think?

revivalas in What America needs is a good old fashioned revival.

Definition: A cliché of indeterminate meaning.No one knows for sure just what revival means? Definitions vary from denomination to denomination, and often from person to person, but most commonly it means a series of widely-hyped weeknight services with a guest evangelist (see evangelist) and attended by either a sparse or enormous crowd, depending on the pizzazz of the preacher. The sermons are generally dynamic with lots of arm waving and shouting into a microphone, with the preacher loosening his tie and looking like he is about to hyperventilate. Souls are supposed to be saved in these gatherings and the meetings are usually enhanced by animated Southern Gospel music with plenty of handclapping and arm raising. These meeting may last until midnight. After the series of revival services is over things pretty much return to normal.

The term can also be used to indicate a broad, general spiritual awakening of national scope in which liberal Democrats finally see the light, abortion mills are closed down, beer drinkers and hell raisers become church members, inappropriate contento shops are burned to the ground, gays become straight or go back in the closet, and everybody begins talking Christianese.

In more contemporary churches revival is more often referred to as renewal.

Duggie · Jul 13, 2004

[Ariel]How and why does revival start? What does it take?

Whenever I hear the word revival it's usually in the context of a mass meeting of Christians. For example many people say there is a revival taking place at Pensacola or Toronto Airport because of what transpired there. I personally don't place the word anywhere in relation to what's happening in the body of Christ. Many people do and that's fine but I don't see why that word should have any significant meaning in our faith.
Is there a revival taking place in Islam? because this the fastest growing religion in the world so can one say there is a revival in Islam. Will there be this massive increase in believers in the last days when the word clearly states that lawlessness will increase and the faith of many will turn cold? Revival just means to bring something back to life, I don't look no deeper than that.

Ariel · Jul 14, 2004

Thank, Susana, Jim, and Duggie

I'm struggling with this one. Here is the cry of my heart--quoted by you, Susana:

Isaiah 64:1 "Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down!"

And yet even as I cry this, I reflect that God HAS rend the heavens, and He has come down. Jesus came and died for us. The veil was rent in two, from top to bottom. What more do we need? Maybe it's we who need the rending {"and rend your heart and not your garments...").

I've heard the Lord say that it is time for the church to wake up, Matt. 25. That was back in the 90's. While some of the church has woken up, I'm still waiting for more. I believe He is waiting, too.

I want to see the Sprit move, unfettered, unrestricted, unhindered by man's ideas of what God should do, and what revival should look like. The move of God I'm looking for has nothing to do with scheduling an evangelist, but everything to do with scheduling time alone with God. Your first definition was 'cheeky', Jim--ouch. But what I'm looking for would have lasting effects, far more than man can do.

I want the Church--the body of Christ--to be hungry for God. I long for this to happen.

I've run out of words to pray. I sit before the Lord and hunger for Him, not able to put that into words.

Suffolk Sean · Jul 14, 2004

Ariel said:
What do you think?

Also--
How and why does revival start? What does it take?

I don't know that, but I do know what it will look like.

Changed lives and an impacted world

Suffolk Sean · Jul 14, 2004

Acutally I do know,

Willing hearts and humble spirits.

JimB · Jul 14, 2004

What will revival look like?

If it looks like the Brownsville revival in Pensacola it will look like a three-ring circus.

At first I got caught up in the BAG event but, granted many good things came out of it, in reflection (and seeing what happened to the church and school in its aftermath), I wonder how much was the Holy Spirit and how much was just some sociological phenomenon?

If we get swept up in mass hysteria or group-think, how will we recognize God?

Does anyone else share my misgivings?

\o/

cheese · Jul 14, 2004

I want to see the Sprit move, unfettered, unrestricted, unhindered by man's ideas of what God should do, and what revival should look like. The move of God I'm looking for has nothing to do with scheduling an evangelist, but everything to do with scheduling time alone with God. Your first definition was 'cheeky', Jim--ouch. But what I'm looking for would have lasting effects, far more than man can do.

I hear you Ariel. I've done some reading on revivals. Charles Finney Revivals, By My Spirit, Jonathan Goforth. From what I understand its not something man plans, but it is something that man should pray for. God will come when He sees its time and when He pleases. But I believe with all my heart that prayer preceeds revival. Out of the stories I've heard and all the people God used in these revivals they always said much prayer came first. Even though God is the One who decides when He's gonna move, I believe that He wants to see people desperate and determined and hungry for Him to come and move. Do people want God or not? As far as what revival looks like, I can only tell the characteristics that were repeated in the revivals I've read about: So much conviction that individuals break down and weep (even pastors and elders) lasting hours upon hours and some days, lots of confession, it is a very painful experience as God opens ones eyes to the state of his/her heart in comparison to God's broken heart. Much brokenness is involved, a realization of the awefullness of sin, true repentance, stories of whole towns being effected, conviction so heavy that many cared more about confessing the thing and repenting of it than their reputation. Leaders would even confess, murders, adultry, and robbery. it is a very eye opening and humbling experience. It is a life changing experience.

KleinerApfel · Jul 15, 2004

cheese said:
I hear you Ariel. I've done some reading on revivals. Charles Finney Revivals, By My Spirit, Jonathan Goforth. From what I understand its not something man plans, but it is something that man should pray for. God will come when He sees its time and when He pleases. But I believe with all my heart that prayer preceeds revival. Out of the stories I've heard and all the people God used in these revivals they always said much prayer came first. Even though God is the One who decides when He's gonna move, I believe that He wants to see people desperate and determined and hungry for Him to come and move. Do people want God or not? As far as what revival looks like, I can only tell the characteristics that were repeated in the revivals I've read about: So much conviction that individuals break down and weep (even pastors and elders) lasting hours upon hours and some days, lots of confession, it is a very painful experience as God opens ones eyes to the state of his/her heart in comparison to God's broken heart. Much brokenness is involved, a realization of the awefullness of sin, true repentance, stories of whole towns being effected, conviction so heavy that many cared more about confessing the thing and repenting of it than their reputation. Leaders would even confess, murders, adultry, and robbery. it is a very eye opening and humbling experience. It is a life changing experience.

cheese, I think your description of true Revival is spot on.
It's very different to the thing some churches call revival, which can often be hyped up and just feel-good experiences that come and go without real lasting change.
The scale is something worth noting too - if real, it spreads beyond a church, into the whole community. God wants everyone to come to Him.

It's a frightening thought in some ways - that we might find our sinfulness exposed not only to ourselves, but publicly, but still we long for it to happen.

God bless, Susana

When Revival Comes, What Will It Look Like?

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