Revival

[Tellyontellyon]

I live in Wales and, particularly in the 19th century there have been significant revival movements in Christianity, with hundreds and hundreds of chapels being built.

These days many of these old chapels are still around but with few members, and as the older members die off, so these old chapels are closing on a weekly basis.

I like these old buildings that seem so much part of Wales. It's so sad to see them fall into disrepair.

Some have been bought and converted into dwellings. Some into Sikh and Buddhist temples. Some have been converted to mosques.

But some have been revitalised by new, energetic churches with electric guitars and lots of arms in the air stuff. Good luck to them.

But by and large the modern revival that many Christians hope for seems a long way off, certainly here in the UK. The trend seems to be in the other direction overall, even though some of the newer groups are very enthusiastic and do seem to be having success... it's still limited.

My opinion based on what I've seen is that it's a bit happy clappy and seems a bit shallow and too upbeat, lacking in the real depth that carries people through the really difficult times. Though that is just an impression, I'm sure that is not always the case. But people do need more than fun and being uplifted.

The revival that I have noticed in the UK at least, has been that of the pagans, that seems to have been steadily growing since the 16th century, albeit in a low key fashion.. in recent years it's really becoming mainstream. Christianity can't seem to keep up.

What is happening with Christianity? What are they getting wrong?
What's lacking?

 

[d taylor]

I live in Wales and, particularly in the 19th century there have been significant revival movements in Christianity, with hundreds and hundreds of chapels being built.

These days many of these old chapels are still around but with few members, and as the older members die off, so these old chapels are closing on a weekly basis.

I like these old buildings that seem so much part of Wales. It's so sad to see them fall into disrepair.

Some have been bought and converted into dwellings. Some into Sikh and Buddhist temples. Some have been converted to mosques.

But some have been revitalised by new, energetic churches with electric guitars and lots of arms in the air stuff. Good luck to them.

But by and large the modern revival that many Christians hope for seems a long way off, certainly here in the UK. The trend seems to be in the other direction overall, even though some of the newer groups are very enthusiastic and do seem to be having success... it's still limited.

My opinion based on what I've seen is that it's a bit happy clappy and seems a bit shallow and too upbeat, lacking in the real depth that carries people through the really difficult times. Though that is just an impression, I'm sure that is not always the case. But people do need more than fun and being uplifted.

The revival that I have noticed in the UK at least, has been that of the pagans, that seems to have been steadily growing since the 16th century, albeit in a low key fashion.. in recent years it's really becoming mainstream. Christianity can't seem to keep up.

What is happening with Christianity? What are they getting wrong?
What's lacking?

-
​

To many have fashioned a man made Gospel, which will obviously will fail. It may seem to work on the surface but eventually the false gospel will fail. Because people are not actually believing in Jesus for God's free gift of Eternal Life. They are believing in repentance of sins, obedience to a church, baptisms, saying a prayer, etc anything but belief in Jesus.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

I live in Wales and, particularly in the 19th century there have been significant revival movements in Christianity, with hundreds and hundreds of chapels being built.

These days many of these old chapels are still around but with few members, and as the older members die off, so these old chapels are closing on a weekly basis.

I like these old buildings that seem so much part of Wales. It's so sad to see them fall into disrepair.

Some have been bought and converted into dwellings. Some into Sikh and Buddhist temples. Some have been converted to mosques.

But some have been revitalised by new, energetic churches with electric guitars and lots of arms in the air stuff. Good luck to them.

But by and large the modern revival that many Christians hope for seems a long way off, certainly here in the UK. The trend seems to be in the other direction overall, even though some of the newer groups are very enthusiastic and do seem to be having success... it's still limited.

My opinion based on what I've seen is that it's a bit happy clappy and seems a bit shallow and too upbeat, lacking in the real depth that carries people through the really difficult times. Though that is just an impression, I'm sure that is not always the case. But people do need more than fun and being uplifted.

The revival that I have noticed in the UK at least, has been that of the pagans, that seems to have been steadily growing since the 16th century, albeit in a low key fashion.. in recent years it's really becoming mainstream. Christianity can't seem to keep up.

What is happening with Christianity? What are they getting wrong?
What's lacking?

A pomp and circumstance event ,such as a revival, mainly feeds a flesh driven experience. It is mostly short lived and few come out of it with a genuine conversion. In the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth " many are called but few are chosen. "

 

[mourningdove~]

I live in Wales and, particularly in the 19th century there have been significant revival movements in Christianity, with hundreds and hundreds of chapels being built.

These days many of these old chapels are still around but with few members, and as the older members die off, so these old chapels are closing on a weekly basis.

I like these old buildings that seem so much part of Wales. It's so sad to see them fall into disrepair.

Some have been bought and converted into dwellings. Some into Sikh and Buddhist temples. Some have been converted to mosques.

But some have been revitalised by new, energetic churches with electric guitars and lots of arms in the air stuff. Good luck to them.

But by and large the modern revival that many Christians hope for seems a long way off, certainly here in the UK. The trend seems to be in the other direction overall, even though some of the newer groups are very enthusiastic and do seem to be having success... it's still limited.

My opinion based on what I've seen is that it's a bit happy clappy and seems a bit shallow and too upbeat, lacking in the real depth that carries people through the really difficult times. Though that is just an impression, I'm sure that is not always the case. But people do need more than fun and being uplifted.

The revival that I have noticed in the UK at least, has been that of the pagans, that seems to have been steadily growing since the 16th century, albeit in a low key fashion.. in recent years it's really becoming mainstream. Christianity can't seem to keep up.

What is happening with Christianity? What are they getting wrong?
What's lacking?

Yours is an interesting report.
Here in the U.S., paganism is very much on the rise.

A few decades ago, many of our churches in the U.S. went to preaching a more 'seeker friendly' gospel message ... thinking that would attract alot of new believers. The 'seeker friendly' message is largely devoid of any mention of 'sin' or the need for a Saviour. It tends to be alot about 'what God can do for you now'. It tends to be very 'self' oriented, rather than God-focused. And, imo, that was the beginning of the decline.

True conversion happens when man is aware of his sins and his need for a Saviour. The 'seeker friendly' message gets alot of 'friends' and 'acquaintances' for God, but very often not the true conversions that build the true church and the Kingdom of God.

In the revivals of old, persons heard the true gospel message, were convicted of their sins, and repented ... they turned back to God. Lives were changed. That is the kind of revival that is needed again today ... not the 'happy clappy' feel good kind of stuff that does not last or result in lasting change.

 

[Clare73]

A pomp and circumstance event ,such as a revival, mainly feeds a flesh driven experience. It is mostly short lived and few come out of it with a genuine conversion. In the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth " many are called but few will find it".

Did you intend to change the Greek word elektos (elect, chosen) to "will find it"?

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Did you intend to change the Greek word elektos (elect, chosen) to "will find it"?

For sure" chosen" per Jesus Christ of Nazareth so I'll change that. That being said, my memory of the verse doesn't really change its meaning. Thanks for sharing.
Be blessed.

 

[RileyG]

A pomp and circumstance event ,such as a revival, mainly feeds a flesh driven experience. It is mostly short lived and few come out of it with a genuine conversion. In the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth " many are called but few are chosen. "

Well said. Or of the parable of the house that is built on rock vs that was built on sand. They must have a genuine, inspired faith from the Holy Spirit.

(Not to go off topic, but I love Wales! It's a very beautiful country!)

 

[stevevw]

I live in Wales and, particularly in the 19th century there have been significant revival movements in Christianity, with hundreds and hundreds of chapels being built.

These days many of these old chapels are still around but with few members, and as the older members die off, so these old chapels are closing on a weekly basis.

I like these old buildings that seem so much part of Wales. It's so sad to see them fall into disrepair.

Some have been bought and converted into dwellings. Some into Sikh and Buddhist temples. Some have been converted to mosques.

But some have been revitalised by new, energetic churches with electric guitars and lots of arms in the air stuff. Good luck to them.

But by and large the modern revival that many Christians hope for seems a long way off, certainly here in the UK. The trend seems to be in the other direction overall, even though some of the newer groups are very enthusiastic and do seem to be having success... it's still limited.

My opinion based on what I've seen is that it's a bit happy clappy and seems a bit shallow and too upbeat, lacking in the real depth that carries people through the really difficult times. Though that is just an impression, I'm sure that is not always the case. But people do need more than fun and being uplifted.

The revival that I have noticed in the UK at least, has been that of the pagans, that seems to have been steadily growing since the 16th century, albeit in a low key fashion.. in recent years it's really becoming mainstream. Christianity can't seem to keep up.

What is happening with Christianity? What are they getting wrong?
What's lacking?

That sounds a pity that these ancient churches are being lost and neglected. I love Christian history and archeology. Even going way back before Christ and discovering ancient worship sites, alters and stuff like that. I remember a doco on the discovery of an old church outside Jerusalem which is said to be built over the campsite of Abraham and also used by his son Jacob. Many Christian sites have churches built over them.

I think a revival is overdue. As society is less Godly today and the church has become more secularised than in just about any time in our history from Christ I think there will be some sort of response. God doesn't allow His word and the Gospel to be drowned out by modern noise for too long.

If the world is heading down a path of Godlessness and God desires that everyone should be saved then because the noise of secular ideologies is is loud at the moment its going to take a pretty big and power statement to that will need to be made to get through to those who are being decieved and those who are yet to be saved.

The west which was more or less the church from the cross has lost its way from the teachings and church that came after Christ and the one He taught the diciples to establish. This lived Christs teachings to the point of persecution and death. It was this church that rose to become the church of its oppressors the Roman Empire. Which shows the power the cross had on the church in the early times.

But unfortunately this was also the beginning of its decline and tday the west is Rome again as Peter referred to as the New Babylon.

So I think we may be coming full circle in a way. Because the west has rejected God there needs to be a reminder of the power of Gods word and truth.

Every so often when things get really bad and people stray from God a revival happens. The monks of the 15rg century was is one example in how they placed great importance on going back to the basic of Christs teachings and the early church.

I think bold Christians will rise up and speak Gods truth in a way that cuts through the noise of modern society. Whether thats the Catholic church or parts thereof selling off all their riches and coming back to the flock as servants like Christ to the people. Or individuals across various places people will riseup.

The time seems ripe and I think its a natural response to how society and even the churches have strayed so much that a response form God is needed.

I think if the church really stood on the teachings then we should be seeing a church that makes peoples heads turn to God and see Christ. They should be sacrificing their lives and moving mountains. They should be persecuted like the early church for standing with Christ. Especially now the world is becoming anti God and Christ as well as Jews by the way.

Christ said if we stand with Him we will be persecuted. But this doesn't seem to be happening in churches. Rather they are trying to be relevant to modern society.