One of the issues concerning revival (or more specifically, when God moves by His Spirit in a city, region, or nation) that I run into all the time is the notion that when revival comes, sinners will stop sinning and conversions will happen everywhere, automatically. In other words, sin will cease to be visible and sinners will become non-aggressive, ashamed of sin, and attracted to church and church people.
The problem is, this has never been the case.
I could cite many historical examples but the simplest thing to do is point to the fact that during Jesus own perfect, unprecedented ministry there was hostility, rebellion, and continued iniquity. Look as well at the book of Acts, when the world was "turned upside down": the apostles and the early church experienced intense opposition and persecution. When power, grace, and revival are present, so are all the activities of carnality and iniquity--and it's important we recognize this.
Jesus taught that the wheat and the tares, the righteous and the wicked, grow up in the field (this life) together! If and when we harbor unrealistic expectations about revival, we open ourselves up to damaging discouragement; we squelch our hopes and lose vision for the great things the Holy Ghost wants to do right here in our time.
We've got to get our eyes off of what is wrong and get them on what is right. We've got to intercede and witness with the understanding that where sin abounds, grace can and will take root. There is a harvest of wheat and Christ is inviting us to help Him gather it.
The problem is, this has never been the case.
I could cite many historical examples but the simplest thing to do is point to the fact that during Jesus own perfect, unprecedented ministry there was hostility, rebellion, and continued iniquity. Look as well at the book of Acts, when the world was "turned upside down": the apostles and the early church experienced intense opposition and persecution. When power, grace, and revival are present, so are all the activities of carnality and iniquity--and it's important we recognize this.
Jesus taught that the wheat and the tares, the righteous and the wicked, grow up in the field (this life) together! If and when we harbor unrealistic expectations about revival, we open ourselves up to damaging discouragement; we squelch our hopes and lose vision for the great things the Holy Ghost wants to do right here in our time.
We've got to get our eyes off of what is wrong and get them on what is right. We've got to intercede and witness with the understanding that where sin abounds, grace can and will take root. There is a harvest of wheat and Christ is inviting us to help Him gather it.
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