Where is the revival?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Lafon

I am also persuaded to believe that IF the contemporary Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal Church (regardless of its affiliation with a particular man-made ministerial licensing institution) is to experience a "revival," and especially one which might be equal to or (hopefully) exceed that of the churches of the 1st Century which we read about in the book of Acts, there are at least three (3) elements which MUST be evident within an assembly. These are:

1.) Truth! God will NOT honor error, regardless how minute it might be! Therefore truth containing the least degree of error will NEVER bring revival!

2.) Brotherly love! I'm referring to that type of love which Christ Jesus stated in His "new commandment" as written in John 13:34-35, to wit, "That ye love one another; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that ye also love one another. By this shall ALL men KNOW that ye are MY disciples, that ye HAVE love ONE TO ANOTHER." When was the last time you heard another make reference to the love which we (outwardly) display toward one another as EVIDENCE that we are HIS disciple? Not lately, huh? Another reason why we don't "see" the revival we so desire! Pardon the expression, but its our "rotten, stinking attitude" that we so often display for one another that is a major hindrance that prevents "revival" (just being candid here)!

3.) Compassion and empathy for the lost! It seems that instead of "perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry" (it is sheep which "birth" other sheep, remember, and NOT the "shepherds"), what do we witness? Nothing but sermons, lectures, and an abundance of monologues wherein the "passiveness" of the sheepfold is being continually perpetuated, instead of "teaching" and "equipping" the "sheep" to go forth from the sheepfold and continually "reproduce"! Where is the "passion" for the lost that we, as members of a "royal priesthood" are commanded to have for the lost? Without THIS there will NOT be a revival (again, just being candid). The members of the sect called Jehovah Witness, who are not hindered by the harshest of weather conditions to prevent them from going door-to-door "peddling" that which will save no one, truly put us Apostolic Pentecostals to shame!

My two pence for what it might be worth. Is anyone listening?

Yes, brother, I am listening. Truth, love, and a desire for mission, a burning need to bring that truth and love to the ones for whom Christ died, that is definitely needed.

And are not those things the signs of revival?

Is any of that actually going on anywhere?