Fifth Blog - What's Going On?

Social media stories regarding the Asbury Event in Tennesee keep popping up. Some of these reports are calling the event a "Revival."

These media stories generate interest and pose hypothesis in order to keep interest in the story going. This in itself is not bad, especially in a world where Christians are acutely aware that something is amiss.

When observing the happenings at Asbury or at any religious event, scrutiny and discernment should be applied. 

I am going to pose three questions and responses for consideration (my 2 cents worth) and give an opinionated response. I say opinionated because like all people, my responses to the questions are based on influences and bias' in my life.  I am conservative and reformed in my theological positions this you probably have noticed.

OK, so let's go.

Question No. 1

Was this prayer meeting of likeminded college students intended for students seeking a spiritual happening in their lives or for prayer and supplication to Yahweh through Jesus Christ? 

Answer

Scripture tells us that wherever two or more believers are gathered in the name of Jesus, He is there (Matthew, Chapter 18, Verse 20). If regenerated (saved) believers were there you can rely that He also was there. Nobody can truly know if all the participants attending this event were saved believers or not. Only the Lord knows (John, Chapter 2, Verses 24-25). I can only conclude that there were folks representative of both factions there and that the Lord was in the midst of some and not others. If someone was there for expierencial purposes then I conclude it was all about them and not about Yahweh and Jesus. In regards to the students and others that showed up after the story broke they were in my opinion either reporters, gwakers or experience junkies.

Question No. 2

Does the event have the elements of Biblical revival shown in Scripture? 

Answer

I did see Scripture referenced by leaders and while what is stated was accurate in context, it was certainly not in depth and did not include the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There was nothing conveyed about sin, consequences, repentance, and salvation. From what I have seen this get-together falls short of consideration as a Biblical revival.

Question No.3

What is revival? 

One would think that there is a strait to the point answer to this last question. This is not the case. 

There are many resources for determining what "Revival" is in its different contexts. You should refer to these more qualified sources of reference such as your pastor, theologians, and apologists.

Answer

Revival  

My Opinion;

In short "Revival" to me in these modern times is for those believers that have left (strayed away) from their first love (Revelation, Chapter 2, Verses 4-5). Its a restoration through cleaning one's own house, repenting and restarting life in compliance with the the will of Yahweh through Jesus Christ and taking advantage of the precious Fruit of the Holy Spirit so graciously given. 

Revival breaks the influence(s) and power(s) of the world, which blind eyes to self-evident truths, and generate a willing desire to live a worldly existence that results it the chipping away at the ability of complacent believers to live in this world but not yeild to its influence(s).

You only had to observe some of the folks showing up at this event and listen to their comments to feel that something was amiss. People long known for questionable practices within the ministries they represent showed up and it appeared that observation not prayer and participation was their purpose. It seemed like they were waiting for opportunities to jump in and hype those questionable practices. There was one example of a person exhibiting demon possession being delivered. I don't know all the details of what went on. It did seem sketchy to me. Like I said only the Lord knows.

My opinion this was a corporate prayer event with undertones and not "Revival"as I perceive it.

People come to belief, conviction, and repentance at Church, youth camps, retreats, small group meetings, and during missions. This does not mean that each of these events constitute "Revival". If you desire to learn about and/or have a relationship with Yahweh through Jesus Christ the opportunity is as close as the nearest place where believers meet. There is no no need to travel across the nation.

Thank you for your time. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

May Yahweh bless you and keep you.

Dennis