Much Is at Stake

I've been thinking lately that no one really objects to the claim that the church in America needs spiritual renewal. And few object to the concept that the Spirit's transformation begins with individuals (sometimes we just think it needs to begin with someone else!).

But when it comes to corporate revival, the consensus ends there and questions begin.

Recently, I asked those who follow me on Twitter to share why they believe so many have a resistance to revival. Based on the responses I received, the top two reasons people don't pursue God for revival are: (1) they don't think they need it; and (2) they're not sure they want it.

There are many reasons why this may be the case. Sometimes objections to revival are fueled by misconceptions that develop when "revival" goes bad. Concerns that it's just emotionalism ... sensationalism ... manipulation ... man-centeredness ... excessive introspection.

These concerns are valid and understandable. But, for me, opposition began as a teenager when I peeked in the back door of a church that was advertising "a revival," and I saw all kinds of strange behavior. One glimpse, and I ran away as fast as I could.

Others have honest questions biblically and practically. Is revival just an Old Testament concept? Does revival distract from the Great Commission? What if things get messy and emotionally driven? If God is sovereignly in charge of revival, why would we pray for it or seek it? All good questions.

Other questions are more pragmatic. For example, Billy Sunday was asked why he fervently sought revival when he knew revivals didn't last. His reply? "Baths don't last either, but it is good to take one once in awhile!"

Another reason people shy away from revival could be that we have never seen one. After all, on a national scale, no one in this generation is a first-hand witness to a history-shaping movement of God. Perhaps the vision has waned, our appetite has diminished, and our vision perished.

Even on the church level, all too few of us have ever experienced even a small mercy drop of God's manifest presence. We have not tasted a corporate work of God. We hear ongoing reports of individuals being radically and dramatically changed by God's transforming grace.  But where are the powerful displays of His glory? Where are the supernatural, inexplicable invasions of God breathing unimaginable power and unexplainable life into an entire congregation? Where are the mighty acts of God that "awed" the early church?

I'll attempt to address this a little more in my next blog.

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