Revival, outpourings and reformations

[christianbacktobasics]

Hello all and I hope you're well....

Most of you know that aside from our Christian Back to Basics Ministry, I Pastor as part of our local church and serve the people of our area. After three years of Pastoring the Youth and Young Adults and three years of Pastoring the adult groups, I've felt the call from God to begin to change direction (without changing direction from the people) and follow a vision He gave me in 2002. It was a vision of His desire to outpour His Spirit in our area and move in a big way and after thirteen years of preparation, I believe He's brought me to a place whereby we can now build something, something completely new and from scratch to prepare the way for Him. This preparation is a concrete biblical principle ie John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, Jesus prepared His disciples for the outpuring of His Spirit, we are preparing the way for Him to finally come and so on. My question is in two parts, what do you guys think of revivals, outpourings, awakenings and, are we now entering the stages of a new reformation/shift to the greater revelations of God's Word?

 

[CCW95A]

Joe 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
Joe 2:24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
Joe 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Joe 2:26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Joe 2:27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Joe 2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
Joe 2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
Joe 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

 

[Major]

Hello all and I hope you're well....

Most of you know that aside from our Christian Back to Basics Ministry, I Pastor as part of our local church and serve the people of our area. After three years of Pastoring the Youth and Young Adults and three years of Pastoring the adult groups, I've felt the call from God to begin to change direction (without changing direction from the people) and follow a vision He gave me in 2002. It was a vision of His desire to outpour His Spirit in our area and move in a big way and after thirteen years of preparation, I believe He's brought me to a place whereby we can now build something, something completely new and from scratch to prepare the way for Him. This preparation is a concrete biblical principle ie John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, Jesus prepared His disciples for the outpuring of His Spirit, we are preparing the way for Him to finally come and so on. My question is in two parts, what do you guys think of revivals, outpourings, awakenings and, are we now entering the stages of a new reformation/shift to the greater revelations of God's Word?

You are not going to like my answer.

#1. I do not believe in god speaking to man through visions. God speaks today to us through His Word! That way we are not confused as to whether the vision is of God, Satan or our own wishes.

#2. The Bible tells us that the days before the return of Jesus will be getting worse and NOT better as in revivials and their can not be agreater shift to the revelation of God's Word as we have had His Word now for the past 2000 years.

 

[CCW95A]

You are not going to like my answer.

#1. I do not believe in god speaking to man through visions. God speaks today to us through His Word! That way we are not confused as to whether the vision is of God, Satan or our own wishes.

#2. The Bible tells us that the days before the return of Jesus will be getting worse and NOT better as in revivials and their can not be agreater shift to the revelation of God's Word as we have had His Word now for the past 2000 years.

Brother, the very nature of God's Holy Word is to give "vision" into the realm of the spirit. The entrance of his Word gives light. Light is given not just to give life but vision. How else are we going to see Jesus Christ crowned with Glory and Honor in this life?

"But we see Jesus Christ crowned with Glotry and honor....." (Hebrews 2:9)

 

[Lanolin]

um. I don't think anyone can orchestrate a revival.
As far as I know, the Welsh one happened cos people prayed round the clock. And God loved the Welsh people enough to get them to sit up and take notice.
I don't know about visions, I believe they must be confirmed though his Word..God already gave us a vision that John had in Revelation. But they can certainly arise so I'm not discounting them but just saying there needs to be confirmation.
Jesus builds his church, I suppose..I don't know what you mean about building if you just mean church physical buildings I would say no..he doesn't need those.

I think if you declare Isaiah 61 enough and keep proclaiming the gospel things will happen as his word does not return back empty.

I know of people who pray and pray for revival and everything is the same as it was. I know some pastors who declare revival going to happen etc and nothing happens. All they mean is they just want people to start going to their church. I don't really see much change in the hearts of people around me. Nobody gets struck down and suddenly becomes all religious.
Healings happen but not big mass healings, like hospital beds being emptied etc. But I do believe we must stir up the gift and provoke each other to good deeds.

If revival happened in my town I might expect...all liquor stores to be closed down as nobody would have the desire to drink anymore. People quitting their soul-destroying jobs and banks giving amnesty to borrowers and debts being cleared and forgiven. People smiling and saying 'God Bless you' in the street. Righteousness being proclaimed, stupid unjust laws being repealed. the casino and drug rings exposed and those in prison come to know the Lord and genuinely repent of their criminal behaviour. People loving as Jesus loved and being kind. Broken marriages being healed.

 

[Euphemia]

Hello all and I hope you're well....

Most of you know that aside from our Christian Back to Basics Ministry, I Pastor as part of our local church and serve the people of our area. After three years of Pastoring the Youth and Young Adults and three years of Pastoring the adult groups, I've felt the call from God to begin to change direction (without changing direction from the people) and follow a vision He gave me in 2002. It was a vision of His desire to outpour His Spirit in our area and move in a big way and after thirteen years of preparation, I believe He's brought me to a place whereby we can now build something, something completely new and from scratch to prepare the way for Him. This preparation is a concrete biblical principle ie John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, Jesus prepared His disciples for the outpuring of His Spirit, we are preparing the way for Him to finally come and so on. My question is in two parts, what do you guys think of revivals, outpourings, awakenings and, are we now entering the stages of a new reformation/shift to the greater revelations of God's Word?

I believe we are now just entering the time spoken of in Joel 2, after the restoration of Israel (which we have seen since 1948), where it is prophesied by Joel that:

28 “Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants—men and women alike.
30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—
blood and fire and columns of smoke.
31 The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives.

 

[dan in the lion's den]

The world is ripe for revival. It has happened several times throughout christian history and we sorely need christian leaders who have been given the gift of oratory to step out into the masses. Courage is needed to step forward and declare to dead churches that God is alive and wants a one on one relationship with each and every person on the planet.
May the Lord bless your endeavor. May all the power in Heaven assist you as we enter the last days. Let us go out fighting the good fight and not with a wimper. This may very well be the last chance for a world-wide revival and you can lead the way. There is much work to be done and so little time to do it.
I will keep you in my prayers. Please keep us updated. Spread the flame of revival beyond your borders.

 

[calvin]

Hello all and I hope you're well....

Most of you know that aside from our Christian Back to Basics Ministry, I Pastor as part of our local church and serve the people of our area. After three years of Pastoring the Youth and Young Adults and three years of Pastoring the adult groups, I've felt the call from God to begin to change direction (without changing direction from the people) and follow a vision He gave me in 2002. It was a vision of His desire to outpour His Spirit in our area and move in a big way and after thirteen years of preparation, I believe He's brought me to a place whereby we can now build something, something completely new and from scratch to prepare the way for Him. This preparation is a concrete biblical principle ie John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, Jesus prepared His disciples for the outpuring of His Spirit, we are preparing the way for Him to finally come and so on. My question is in two parts, what do you guys think of revivals, outpourings, awakenings and, are we now entering the stages of a new reformation/shift to the greater revelations of God's Word?

There is always room for a revival as such, but as to a 'new' reformation, what was wrong with the old one?

Rev 3:1. "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Rev 3:2. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
Rev 3:3. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

Here is an admonition to revival, but I see no reformation, as such. Revive what has already been given you and is dying.

I agree with Major to a certain extent.
Be cautious when it comes to visions.
If they are not 100.000% Biblical then they would not be from God.
But if they are a wake up call, then pay heed to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
We need to be preparing ourselves and as many others as possible to meet with Jesus.
We need to be strong in the face of the many false profits coming amongst us these days.

 

[Ravindran]

Hello all and I hope you're well....

Most of you know that aside from our Christian Back to Basics Ministry, I Pastor as part of our local church and serve the people of our area. After three years of Pastoring the Youth and Young Adults and three years of Pastoring the adult groups, I've felt the call from God to begin to change direction (without changing direction from the people) and follow a vision He gave me in 2002. It was a vision of His desire to outpour His Spirit in our area and move in a big way and after thirteen years of preparation, I believe He's brought me to a place whereby we can now build something, something completely new and from scratch to prepare the way for Him. This preparation is a concrete biblical principle ie John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, Jesus prepared His disciples for the outpuring of His Spirit, we are preparing the way for Him to finally come and so on. My question is in two parts, what do you guys think of revivals, outpourings, awakenings and, are we now entering the stages of a new reformation/shift to the greater revelations of God's Word?

I think we are definitely seeing a great revival in different parts of the world. I would speak about my country. There is a great revival back in India. It is also quite important to define revival. My definition of revival is on souls being brought to kingdom of God. Revival is not about miracles or some massive crusade or some crazy animal behavior or being slain in the spirit. Revival is all about adding souls to kingdom of God. With that in mind, certainly there is a great revival in different parts of the world. America does need a mighty revival!

Regarding revelation of God's word, I don't think there is any new revelation. God's Word is the same. Nothing has been added or reduced to it. I don't think we have come up with any new revelation after early Church. But what is happening is, we are living in times which are described in Bible. We are living in a time, what people saw as future. That makes it more exciting. I don't think there is any new revelation.

 

[Lanolin]

yes there is nothing new (to us) but it will be new to the people who didn't believe before.
Also just to add I think in church history there was a period when america saw big revivals in the early 19th century or something when they had those tent things, and methodists also went round after breaking from the anglican church, as the anglicans wouldn't allow poor people to join their churches (they couldn't afford tithes) and thought they just heathens who didn't wash. Also that was when the salvation army got started.

Also..a friend told me in the 70's in nz and other places worldwide there was this thing called 'the jesus movement' I think it was to counterculture the hippies...but that kind of died away. I think it came after the 60's flower-power era. He said everyone was talking about Jesus even to random strangers on the street and there was just this real peaceful vibe.

 

[krossquad]

Greetings:
There is a reason for Matt 24:22,our children are lost to media-brainwashing.The hippies were the first
beast.The new-agers are the second beast.I say go small:work at the old-folks home or AA.
bye

 

[dan in the lion's den]

yes there is nothing new (to us) but it will be new to the people who didn't believe before.
Also just to add I think in church history there was a period when america saw big revivals in the early 19th century or something when they had those tent things, and methodists also went round after breaking from the anglican church, as the anglicans wouldn't allow poor people to join their churches (they couldn't afford tithes) and thought they just heathens who didn't wash. Also that was when the salvation army got started.

Also..a friend told me in the 70's in nz and other places worldwide there was this thing called 'the jesus movement' I think it was to counterculture the hippies...but that kind of died away. I think it came after the 60's flower-power era. He said everyone was talking about Jesus even to random strangers on the street and there was just this real peaceful vibe.

Yep. And we were known as Jesus freaks. I remember lending my bible to a girl in 7th grade. She asked a teacher in another class to return it to me. He waited until class started then tried to embarrass and humiliate me in front of the class. I wonder why some sickos want to oppress children.

 

[autumn oddity]

yes revivals are all God inspired.. I love them .. they are such a blessing.

 

[Major]

I believe we are now just entering the time spoken of in Joel 2, after the restoration of Israel (which we have seen since 1948), where it is prophesied by Joel that:

28 “Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants—men and women alike.
30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—
blood and fire and columns of smoke.
31 The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives.

I believe that May 14, 1948 makes Joel 2:28-32 very real possible. It will be a time of judgment upon the earth. That has not happened as of yet and it was not fulfilled on the day of Pentecost but I agree with you that it is just over the hill top of time.

 

[Major]

Yep. And we were known as Jesus freaks. I remember lending my bible to a girl in 7th grade. She asked a teacher in another class to return it to me. He waited until class started then tried to embarrass and humiliate me in front of the class. I wonder why some sickos want to oppress children.

Uselly it is "power". Something like that happened to them as a child and they relive that event through the children thay have power over today.

 

[Major]

I think we are definitely seeing a great revival in different parts of the world. I would speak about my country. There is a great revival back in India. It is also quite important to define revival. My definition of revival is on souls being brought to kingdom of God. Revival is not about miracles or some massive crusade or some crazy animal behavior or being slain in the spirit. Revival is all about adding souls to kingdom of God. With that in mind, certainly there is a great revival in different parts of the world. America does need a mighty revival!

Regarding revelation of God's word, I don't think there is any new revelation. God's Word is the same. Nothing has been added or reduced to it. I don't think we have come up with any new revelation after early Church. But what is happening is, we are living in times which are described in Bible. We are living in a time, what people saw as future. That makes it more exciting. I don't think there is any new revelation.

I agree. The definition is the key. We tend to see a large crowd of people in a meeting in Africa and we think it is a great move of God.......but is it????

I have been there and I can tell you that if the right things are promised then everyone will show up. That does not translate into a revival but instead a bunch of people looking for something promised to them.

 

[Major]

Brother, the very nature of God's Holy Word is to give "vision" into the realm of the spirit. The entrance of his Word gives light. Light is given not just to give life but vision. How else are we going to see Jesus Christ crowned with Glory and Honor in this life?

"But we see Jesus Christ crowned with Glotry and honor....." (Hebrews 2:9)

I think that you know there is a difference in "SEEING" something with our eyes of vision and having a "VISION" of something really not seen but perceived in our minds eye. You are comparing two very different things which do not apply to one or the other my brother.

 

[christianbacktobasics]

The world is ripe for revival. It has happened several times throughout christian history and we sorely need christian leaders who have been given the gift of oratory to step out into the masses. Courage is needed to step forward and declare to dead churches that God is alive and wants a one on one relationship with each and every person on the planet.
May the Lord bless your endeavor. May all the power in Heaven assist you as we enter the last days. Let us go out fighting the good fight and not with a wimper. This may very well be the last chance for a world-wide revival and you can lead the way. There is much work to be done and so little time to do it.
I will keep you in my prayers. Please keep us updated. Spread the flame of revival beyond your borders.

Hello and thanks so much for the kind reply, I think I'll follow you as you seem a very encouraging individual. Yes I and a few others are hungry to see the people of our city so we'll be going for it! Bless you and thanks for your encouraging prayers...

 

[christianbacktobasics]

yes revivals are all God inspired.. I love them .. they are such a blessing.

Hello pancakes and I hope you are well, I agree with you wholeheartedly xxx

 

[christianbacktobasics]

I think we are definitely seeing a great revival in different parts of the world. I would speak about my country. There is a great revival back in India. It is also quite important to define revival. My definition of revival is on souls being brought to kingdom of God. Revival is not about miracles or some massive crusade or some crazy animal behavior or being slain in the spirit. Revival is all about adding souls to kingdom of God. With that in mind, certainly there is a great revival in different parts of the world. America does need a mighty revival!

Regarding revelation of God's word, I don't think there is any new revelation. God's Word is the same. Nothing has been added or reduced to it. I don't think we have come up with any new revelation after early Church. But what is happening is, we are living in times which are described in Bible. We are living in a time, what people saw as future. That makes it more exciting. I don't think there is any new revelation.

Hello Rav and I hope you are well. Yes I've always believed that a move of God whether you call it revivals, awakenings etc have the purpose of saving souls and that's exactly what I believe God has laid on my heart to do. I don't think there's any great secret to having God move in a powerful way, the scriptures give us that blueprint but finding a group of like-minded believers to be that foundation isn't easy. That's why I've spent several years seeking God about this subject. God did it before, he's doing it int he world today and if he's promised me a move of his spirit, then it will come! Bless you Rav and nice to talk to you again!