A major wind of revival is sweeping across the United States from Asbury University, Wilmore-Kentucky to fountains at A&M Galveston, Texas. It started with students during a chapel service at Asbury University KY not wanting to leave, and before you knew it 20,000 people descended on Wilmore, and then another 10,000. The School had to limit services and host the revival off campus starting last monday due to midterms. But the fire of revival seemed to spread, with one article asking “is this the next Great Awakening?”
This wind of revival is not without precedent. There have been some major ones in US history from The First Great Awakening (1730-40), The Second Great Awakening (1790-1840), The Jesus Revolution which took the world by storm in 1970’s. There have been mini-revivals since, but there seems to be a greater fire than those minivivals moving this time. In fact, in a unrelated report, former Soccor Pro turned Pastor Jesse Bradley just lead 200,000 people to accept Jesus Christ as Savior! (https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2023/february/souls-are-thirsty-ex-soccer-pro-turned-pastor-just-led-more-than-200-000-people-across-the-globe-to-accept-jesus).
It is amazing that just as the Gallup Poll said Christianity is in decline in America last year (2022) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2022/06/24/poll-americans-belief-god-is-dropping/) and PEW polls prognosticating the same for a couple of years (https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/12/14/about-three-in-ten-u-s-adults-are-now-religiously-unaffiliated/) saying we are headed for being a religious minority, and that Nones are the majority, revival has suddenly struck in the Home of the Brave! That is just like God, to humble the wise, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27); I remember a historian declared “there is no such person as Pontius Pilate,” and not too long after they discovered pottery in Israel that said “Pontius Pilate, Prefect.” So don’t listen to the naysayers! Our God The Trinity can do the impossible! For nothing is impossible for Him!
We should support the wind of revival with prayer. That Christ is being preached no matter the motive (Philippians 1:18) is a glorious thing! As well as believers getting reinvigorated in their relationship with the Lord. All good things. That being said, I do have some concerns. Firstly, campuses and venues need to be careful of wolves coming in to distrupt, abuse, and even commit heineous acts. With tens of thousands of strangers arriving on some campuses like Asbury, not all arriving have good notives, predators and sinners use the trusting nature of the Church and exploit people for finanical and other flesh related gains. So security and discernment needs to be exercised at venues, if someone seems up to no good, report it, “see something, say something.” Also beware of terrorism, such large groups can attract unstable people wanting to turn a revival setting into a requiem. I am not saying be afraid, but those in authority need to provide protection for the people flocking to the hot spots of revival.
I would also advise that those experiencing revival have follow up. During revival people make re-commitments and repent of sin, seeking to live godly lives, and what comes with that is persecution, “all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].” (2 Timothy 3:12). Seasoned Christians need to equip these revived brothers and sisters to prepare for the persecution that is promised by the apostles, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you,” (1 Peter 4:12-14), “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name,” (1 Peter 4:16), and Jesus Himself said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33), “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you,” (John 15:19), “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you,” (Matthew 5:10-12), and “Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name,” (Mathew 24:9). My point is enjoy the refreshing of revival, but also equip saints to be ready for persecution that the world and the kingdom of darkness will no doubt have ready. Do both, enjoy God’s presence and prepare for persecution which is certain for those having repented and wanting to live renewed lives in godliness (2 Timothy 3:12). Amen.
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