Ridgell's Originals

I wrote this a couple of years ago about what I thought it would take for a evangelistic revival.  Not a revival among Christians to ignite their faith, but a revival among Christians to go all-out in reaching lost people.  I think it is starting to happen in Abilene, Texas.  It may be happening in other places.  So here were my thoughts two years ago on evangelistic revival.

 I have often said that I think we are on the verge of the next big evangelistic revival.  Here are the five things that need to happen. 

Revival happens when culture is increasingly against and hostile to Christianity.  That is happening.  The incredible amount of public hate and anger in our culture.  Taking of life not only allowed but approved.  Lack of respect for God's plan for marriage.  

Revival happens when there is a cataclysmic event that shakes up the normal status quo.  Something that makes people question/hunger/want something bigger and better.  Hello Covid.

Revival happens when the church as it is will not be up to the challenge.  Far too many churches/Christians have put their trust in politics.  Churches are aligned with, and seeking approval from, culture.  Churches are very inward focused.  And the bigger the church, the more important it becomes for them to focus on their own viability.  Protect the organization.

Revival starts from the ground up, not the top down.  It will not happen with a program, committee, or organization.  It starts with individuals who catch fire and it multiplies from there.  Sometimes you cannot even figure out where it started.

It will be Bible based.  That is the only way it can be a grassroots movement.  Not led by professionals. Not highly educatied in theology.  Just a Bible based movement.

It will much more about Jesus than church.  Church identity will not play a major role.  Jesus will.

I think the Holy Spirit is working.

I think the atmosphere is right.

Established churches are not getting it done, at least not most of them.

People are hungry and in need.

The Bible actually really is pretty easy to understand.

Are you one of those that God is about to unleash on a lost world?

Praying.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM