Those of you who visit this blog regularly will know that revival (or whatever you want to call it) is something which interests me. It interests me because I believe it is our only hope. We can restructure, develop programs and fund raise all we want, but a revived church and a transformed society only happens when the Holy Spirit energizes and galvanizes people into saving-faith-in-Jesus action.
Today I found an excellent sketch of what it looks like—excellent enough to reproduce in full:
…from Rick Dugan over at Honest to George. It lines up with what I've read (and described) from Edwin Orr, Timothy Keller and Martin Lloyd Jones.
- A strong, ongoing awareness that God is at work. God is glorified rather than any leader or organization.
- Uncommon, extraordinary prayer.
- Lasting revivals are disciple-making movements.
- Lasting revivals spread and grow through common people rather than magnetic personalities.
- Revivals initiate new waves of sending. There is an emphasis on the “Go” part of the Great Commission. Lots of new missionaries.
- There is a strong, clear preaching of the gospel.
- There are strong convictions of sin and an awareness that the gospel is the only solution.
- Deep gratefulness for the grace of God.
- Transformed lives.
- Revivals often happen among those on the margins of society.
- Revivals are often opposed by those in positions of power.
- Revivals often happen outside the physical meeting places of the church.
The references to disciple-making and sending resonate with some things I heard at the Council of General Synod meeting over the last few days.
It comes when God decides. Our job is to pray.
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