Revival thoughts

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“Process” revival allows for the time to search out your heart, to go deep in self introspection, to repent thoroughly.  A continuous worship/music/soaking time fits this perfectly.

“Practice” revival allows for the action of repentance to be clearly seen, for actions to lead to enhancement of spiritual growth, and for renewal to be seen.  The activity of asking for forgiveness and restoring relationships fits this perfectly.

There is a tension that can arise when we talk of revival.  Some want to start at one stage, others at another.  All stages are important, and there likely are more stages.  If we complain that our stage of revival is the most important, or has been overlooked, we polarize a broad movement of God.  Momentum is lost.  God help us!

PS/BTW/comment:  This comes out of reflection of the 1970’s revival era I experienced as a late teen.  Then, within much the same time period, there was the “Four spiritual laws” vs. a much more open approach to salvation requirements.  Dualities constantly arise and seeking a radical centre is important.  The middle is not for comfort’s sake, but for the kingdom’s sake.  The radical centre will see offense, suffering and even hurt.  But in the end the desire is for unity (while uniformity and polarity are set aside).

Where dissertations are always fun

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The little gems that can be found in a Doctoral dissertation can be fun.  This is from “ THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASBURY REVIVAL OF 1970 FOR SOME
ASPECTS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF THE PARTICIPANTS by
Phillip Bruce Collier,
May 1995”.  You can read the whole dissertation here:  https://core.ac.uk/reader/155802060

Here is the quote I’d love for you to consider, found on page 65:

Closing Remarks

The interest in the marriage of psychology and evangelical theology in the 1970 ‘s, and also of evangelical theology and politics in the 1980 ‘s, has given birth to a more activistic evangelicalism. For all that has been accomplished through such activism, sin and moral decline are still rampant.

Truth has been used as a mighty weapon, but truth alone has failed to change hearts. A fresh examination of the Asbury Revival of 1970 reminds us that truth without prayer places too much dependence on humans for social transformation.

In this post-modern era, when truth is not highly regarded or is relativized, and when there is a new openness to the spiritual world, perhaps an experience of the manifest presence of God is the only way of convincing our society of the truth that will finally transform. May that transformation begin in the local church, with the individual .

The weekend

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A birthday party for a 95 year old, putting in a new bathroom sink drain and preaching a sermon.

All in a weekend’s enjoyment.

Each activity had a different set of expectations and emotions.  For those who wish to remain on an even keel (a great boat metaphor meaning you don’t tip side to side), reserve your weekends for slow to wake and early to bed.  With nothing in between.

Rather??  How about a range of emotions, a spate of exercise and just plain fun.  That was this weekend.  I rejoiced with Mom Warkentin.  She is bright, energetic and constantly on the go.  I was frustrated by a sink drain that had rotted enough that a simple fix was not possible – and elated when new parts fit perfectly and fixed the problem.  And preaching?  A group of less than 20 were engaged and followed what I was saying – and that is always a joy for a preacher.

Men struggling

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I popped onto ChatGPt to ask what are societal changes that have altered the traditional definition of masculinity.  Here is a quick “jot note” listing:

  • Changing economic roles
  • Shifting family dynamics
  • Decreased sense of purpose
  • Pressure to conform to new norms
  • Need for emotional intelligence and communication skills

Does this make sense?