Fresh Encounter: God's Pattern for Spiritual Awakening Chapter 19 Review

 Fresh Encounter: God's Pattern for Spiritual Awakening

Authors: Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King

Chapter 19 Review

On page 242 the authors write:

Brian Edwards noted that revival doesn't outlast one generation because it is not intended to be normative. He wrote, "Revival pulls the church out of its rut, awakens it from its sleep and sets inertia in motion." Revival is restorative not normative. Once revival has done its work, it is no longer necessary.  The new, vibrant walk with God revival produces, however, ought to be carefully nurtured and zealously protected. 

Revival is God's means for bringing His people back into an intimate, loving fellowship with Him. Once people have returned to God, the key is to maintain the relationship God has restored. While people can enjoy gathering with their church family night after night and having emotional experiences during the services, returning to God must lead to nurturing the newly experienced, intimate walk with God. 

It appears that the people of America today are obsessed with having an "experience".  Today we see concerts, social media events, games, vacations and the like all promising an "experience".  The problem is that we have now created a generation that always expects an "experience" and is completely unsatisfied with "normal" life.  This shift in cultural expectation has infiltrated the church as well.  

From the 70s-90s we saw a great movement in what has been labeled the "seeker friendly church".  The idea was to entertain and/or provide so much for the people that they wanted to return for the next service.  Out of that movement we now see, as common practice, across the American Church landscape today are churches that play secular music, us props, have celebrity appearances and the like in fulfilling a promise to provide an "experience".  Many churches are calling for revival not for repentance sake but the sake of an "experience".  

Biblical revival served a single purpose and had a beginning and an end.  The single purpose of revival was to revive the people of God (believers), so that they can get back to what was the expected normal Christian life.  Once the people of God have been revived they no longer have a need for revival.  That's why we see the quote "revival is restorative not normative" repeated throughout the book.  

Living for Christ is not one amazing experience after another...with each experience greater than the last.  Living for Christ is taking the normal everyday things and using them for the glory of God.  Sometimes was have amazing experiences and sometimes we have "typical" everyday lives.  We don't seek experiences, we seek Jesus.  

Fresh Encounter: God's Pattern for Spiritual Awakening Chapters 17 & 18 Review

 Fresh Encounter: God's Pattern for Spiritual Awakening

By: Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King

Chapter 17 Review - Why Revival Terries: Preparing for Revival 

It seems that many talk of wanting revival but few actually experience it.  I believe one of the issues is too many individuals and churches try to "come back to God" on their own terms.  On page 226 the authors word it like this:

People may have left God on their terms, but returning to God is always under His condition. 

When we consider the stories of Cain, King Saul and the Pharisees we see how ineffective people are when they try to determine how they should worship God.  God has clearly taught us throughout His Word that we are to humble ourselves in repentance.  A biblical view of repentance is important.  Yes, repentance restores your relationship with your heavenly Father and brings a new spiritual freshness to your walk with Him.  But repentance, as we see in the story of David, doesn't guarantee that we will not face the consequences of our actions.  Too many times we come to God with unscriptural expectations.  On page 227 the authors put it this way: 

It is absurd and erroneous to suppose that when you have repented of sin all the consequences of your sins cease. 

Seeking revival can be a painful process because it is removing sin from our lives.  This painful process of pruning often causes people to walk away from revival.   

The authors gives us common terms (or conditions) to revival on page 228:

1. We must return to Him.

2. We must return with our whole heart and soul.

3. We must repent of our sin. 

The best way to prepare for revival is repentance.  Without preparing our hearts for revival how can we expect revival to come?  On page 229 Wallis is quoted as says: 

There are two foundation stones for every revival: God's sovereignty and people's preparedness. 

Does our preparedness require the extortionary?  No.  God moves in the ordinary life of a repented believer.  On page 229 the authors say:

It is not necessarily the spectacular that ushers in revival but an increase in the ordinary. 

God's plan for His people is fairly simple: live a life surrendered to Him.  You cannot live a life surrendered to God without repentance playing a vital role.  

Chapter 18 Review - Becoming a Catalyst for Revival 

Page 233:

Does God need people to accomplish His work? No. He has myriads of powerful angels ready and eager to do His biding. However, throughout history God has chosen to work through weak, ordinary human instruments. 

Biblically and historically God has used ordinary people to accomplish His work.

I guess the next logical question would be...do you want to be a catalyst for revival?  What holds us back from truly desiring to be used by God?  I'd say that desire probably isn't the issue but the cost.  Every generation of Christians have battled with being too attached to the world.  

Are we really willing to give us acceptance, peace, money, positions, sports, vacations, houses and the like for Christ?  Are those things necessary to give up for revival?  Not always, but maybe sometimes.  Did you realize that travel ball is a multi-billion dollar business that pulls 10s of 1,000s of our families away from church every weekend?  Do you realize that people spend more money on homes and vacations than they can actually afford and therefore they stop tithing?  Do you realize that Christians would rather be liked by their neighbors than offend them with the gospel?   Should we give those things up?  Maybe, maybe not.  Sports, vacations, homes, etc. aren't necessarily bad in themselves.  But they most certainly can become distractions that pull us away from Christ.  Therefore, the better question maybe...are you willing to give up anything that hinders you from whole heartily seeking after Christ?  If there is something that you wouldn't give up...that object has become an idol.  

So, what are the characteristics of a person who desires to be a catalyst for revival?  On page 233 the authors give this list:

1. Ordinary People

2. People with a Passion for God

3. People Committed to God's Word

4. People Committed to Prayer

5. People Committed to Working with Others

6. People Willing to pay the Price

7. People Filled with the Holy Spirit

8. People who Give God the Glory

Don't just desire to be a catalyst for revival...become a person who is a catalyst for revival.  Weed out the things holding you back.  Remember, to be fully living for the glory of God is were we find our greatest joy.