The imminent revival, part 16 — an attitude of humility

About two years ago my church began a building campaign to recast the campus into something friendlier to young families coming into the church. The endeavor will by pricey but, because of the church’s commitment to not only the Gospel but also foreign missions and serving the immediate community, it would be money well spent because, I believe, it will play a major part in the revival that I’ve been prophesying for some time. I shared that with an executive pastor.

He waved that off, saying, “We’re seeking only to be faithful.”

Just now, I realized that he’s proving me right.

I think a lot of people have the idea that the kind of spiritual awakening comprises a lot of overt religious activity, with folks simply being swept into churches and society being transformed as a result — into something that would make them feel comfortable.

It could be, however, that preparations would have to be made ahead of time — not just with building issues but preparing the hearts of congregations to be able not only to accept but also disciple new believers. And not only that, but that the people already there have a solid grasp of theology and the ramifications for Christ’s Kingdom.

That’s why I believe that the awakening won’t be on Christian TV. Oh, there might be some dramatics involved, but it’s more likely that those hearts “on fire” won’t simply focus on “signs and wonders” — they alone cannot sustain faith, as ancient Israel demonstrates to us — but a continual seeking after God and not being satisfied with head knowledge of Him. In fact, I would go so far to say that churches so consumed with Jesus won’t even know, or care, about any revival, thus bringing it about.

You see, people who truly love Jesus know that certain behaviors and attitudes that don’t bring Him glory should be eliminated and will be with the help of the Holy Spirit. They know that God acts only in certain ways and rejects sin (although He can, and if need be will, work around it). Most importantly, they also understand the need for a sense of justice not only for themselves but also the folks with whom they come into contact and will thus willingly serve them.

And for that reason I also believe that the Spirit will work more powerfully not in the independent “charismatic” churches but in those connected to a denomination — with oversight and connectedness to groups outside the walls of a particular assembly to hold everyone accountable.

Now, I understand that hierarchy and theology can go only so far, but over the last few decades we’ve seen our share of renegade pastors and churches more concerned with their standing in the world than their standing before God. They’ve often allowed destructive heresies into their churches and which often are reflected in the preaching, taking things as truth that God Himself never authorized — which is why many of them are hollowing out, especially of people younger than 40.

I do believe that my church will be a part of any major awakening, but if I know it well it will be focused not on that for its own sake but on Jesus, allowing Him to transform people’s lives. Bottom line, any awakening will be the result of obedience.