Revival? Whats that?

Recently I received an email from someone quoting a response to a revival now happening in Alabama.

"This garbage is nothing more than the counterfeit revival of Pensacola - Part II. Don't let anyone con you. It is just more of the same old ridiculous rubbish from the same old deceiver - John Kilpatrick. It began in Kansas City, then Toronto, then Pensacola, then Lakeland, now it is Alabama. It is the same old lie from the same old liars repackaged."

He was pretty strong in his response to some of the past "so-called" revivals. I am sure that there were some sincere believers who benefited from these meetings, and walked away with God's provision of healing or a manifestation of a miracle, because I believe God honors true sincere faith.  With that said, I believe God will hold the leadership accountable for falsifying God's work by the manipulation of the flesh.  My wife played piano for a traveling evangelist who had her replay a song repeatedly to create an emotional effect on the audience.  These kinds of tricks of the trade are not of God but are of the emotional flesh.  I personally don't think this honors God, or does it teach people about God in the long run.  An honest encounter with God will last a lifetime, but a hyped up "emotional meeting" will only last a season, and in the end will do more harm that good. 

George Otis Jr who produces videos on "revival and transformation" says: "The seduction of Christianity is often very subtle and various Christian principles are targeted. The devil has already succeeded to infiltrate evangelical and charismatic Christendom through seduction to follow after a counterfeit  revival."

The Apostle Paul recognized this when he wrote:

2 Corinthians 11:14 14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

So how do we know what revival is?  Here are some thoughts that might be helpful to recognize if revival is really and truly happening. 

1. Repentance:  is there a turning away from sin, and lifestyle that is dishonoring to God?

2. Restitution: is there a spirit of making wrong rights right?  Grace forgives, but justice is often needed for the outside world to know God is at work in your life.

3. Hunger for God's word:  There has to be a deep desire to learn more about God and His desire to build a relationship with you.

4. Holy Spirit presence: God spirit leads you in truth and rescues you from yourself, and your sinful self centered ways. He  brings a humility into your life that makes everyone else more important than yourself. 

5. Fellowship with other believers to do the work of God:  This is essential for growth and nurturing, and sets a foundation for evangelism, (telling others about the gospel) good works, (social justice) and personal spiritual formation to grow into the person God created you to become. 

Revival isn't about the hoopla, it's about change, it's about dedication, and it's about vision. Out of the revivals of the past, whole continents were touched and changed as a result of a true revival. 

Revival is the heart cry of those of us who want to see the Church become the voice of God again, as it was in generations past. In order for that to happen, we need change in the attitudes of our church leadership.  Too many pastors have strayed from the scriptures to preach a brand of Christianity that just isn't Biblical. 

Today's preachers are not warning and they are not teaching their congregations about what the Bible really says.  Recently a church told a breakfast speaker that a video clip of Billy Graham giving an invitation to accept Jesus was too harsh.  Come on, a classic salvation clip of Billy Graham is too harsh?   Sorry, but Billy has never been too harsh. 

Friends, keeping things honest and truthful is not easy, and many times we would rather skip it and keep things at peace.  Churches or ministries that will not tell the whole truth will eventually fade and the message they do preach will be totally forgotten, because it isn't God's message. 

Take a moment watch this clip, and ask yourself before God in prayer. Is this preacher right?  If so, what can I do to take a stand for God in my Church?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeVzyDU7_-I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Until next time, keep it honest and truthful...K