(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)
The recent and much publicized (at least initially) revival that has occurred at Asbury University in Kentucky has been subjected to a considerable amount of speculation, evaluation, and opinion from various sources.
Some of these are Christian-based.
This article is not intended to be an analysis or dissection of the legitimacy of the origin of the revival or the genuineness of those who have participated in it.
Whether the background of the university is a cause to question the motive for the revival or doubt its veracity is, to me, not the most critical consideration.
In the letter to the church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote the following:
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance” (Philippians 1:15-19). Emphasis added by me.
Why would we not agree with Paul in that the Name of Christ is being preached and that is a wonderful thing regardless of the motives behind it, and why would we not also rejoice in it?
Is it not true that all great revivals throughout history have begun by the Holy Spirit using people?
Has not God, also, throughout history, with a few notable exceptions, used people in accomplishing His objectives?
And, has He not made it clear that we may not comprehend His methods due to our limited understanding of things that are really way above our position in this life?
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it’” (Isaiah 55:8-11). Emphasis added by me
Who of us may know how many people who participated in this spiritual gathering did so for wrong reasons or in ignorance, but once there were reached by the Holy Spirit in spite of the worldly reasons that may have prompted them to come?
Unless it is outright blasphemy or intentionally misleading and/or evil that is being preached or promoted, is it not worth considering that it may have value?
In considering that more may come to the foot of the Cross due to these recent activities, should we not rejoice in that the God we serve can wring great things out of humble circumstances?
We do not know the hearts and minds of unsaved people, but we do know that God does.
And, any that are not currently “those who love Him” certainly would be if they are “called according to His purpose” and receive Jesus as their Savior.
“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Should we, as followers of Christ, not remind ourselves that we should NEVER presume to limit the Holy Spirit in anything based on what we see or hear in our humanity?
Can the seeds of repentance sown in some of these people be watered into life by the workings of the most Wonderful and Powerful ministry of the Spirit of God?
“For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
If, after all the activity, prayer, worship, singing, etc., only ONE person is saved, is that not still cause for celebration? It would be one more than none at all.
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray” (Matthew 18:12-13). Emphasis added by me.
Perhaps these events at Asbury University have fallen off the radar for many of us; after all, there is little or no mention of it now, but I don’t think it has dropped below God’s radar, and the ripple effects are likely still ongoing in the hearts and souls of many who were convicted and repented and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior.
We just may not be seeing it at the present time, and we certainly shouldn’t expect to see it reported on mainstream media “news.”
We have been subjected to a never-ending stream of vile, debauched human degradation and evil over the last several years and watched it increasingly portrayed as “normal” or acceptable.
Recently, between this revival publicity and its spreading over a wide area, The Chosen, which has become very popular, and a number of other current “Jesus” focused films like the Jesus Revolution, the Name of Jesus is being brought into prominence.
I’m not saying I support every aspect associated with these examples.
What I am saying is that I rejoice that the Name of Christ itself is receiving a sort of “revival” in minds and hearts that have been actively brainwashed to reject Him without even comprehending it.
Not having God in your life leaves room for many delusions and much blindness.
In the present circumstances, in a world that has not only ceased to have even a modicum of sense and has become noticeably violent and hostile even to those who have been duped into actively participating in it, and who now see it as having “gotten out of control,” or were so involved in their own orbit that they didn’t notice that “we aren’t in Kansas anymore,” people are looking for answers, and God will provide them to those who have ears to hear.
This gives us opportunities to open conversations and witness.
Many are being drawn, and we should rejoice and pray for more.
These events involving a renewed focus on Jesus as an answer that is genuine are almost like a ringing dinner bell calling to anyone within Spiritual earshot that the end of the age is near and the marriage supper of the Lamb is why that dinner bell is sounding.
As followers of Jesus, let’s help ring it.
The special message I promised you:
For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life:
You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. The peace that passes understanding.
It requires that you come before God on His terms.
And, what are His terms according to His Word?
- Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).
- Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).
- That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
- To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.
- Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross.
- To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.
God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.
- No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.
- No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.
- Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.
If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus, and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.
“Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life” (John 5:24).
There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.
The answers are in the Word of God—The Bible. If you ask God, with all your heart, He will hear you.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Pro Salvator Vigilans
To contact me: canoeman96@gmail.com