Random Revival Rhetoric

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Dordrecht

Men cannot bring revival, start revival, or control revival.
Only God brings revival.

I have heard many say: "Let's have revival this morning". Etc.

As if revival is something that can be started by men.

It certainly can't be denied that when a group comes together in unity and purpose, God does perform.

Think about the Upper Room. What if they had not obeyed God and joined together in faith and prayer, while tarrying for the promise they didn't quite understand? Would the Holy Ghost have been poured out?

What about the towns that wouldn't receive the Apostle's doctrine? What did Jesus tell them to do? "...shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them..." Mark 6:11

It appears that unity of faith is paramount, IMO. Even if only two or three are gathered...

[KeptByTheWord]

I'm thinking of the Day of Pentecost, when they were all "in one accord and in one place", and had been praying together for many, many days, as the greatest example of how revival can take place.

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren"
Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."

So my definition of revival, according to the above passages: Revival will happen when all are in one accord in one place.

So yes.... PO... unity is the best "context" here! (imo)

[Dordrecht]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

It certainly can't be denied that when a group comes together in unity and purpose, God does perform.

Think about the Upper Room. What if they had not obeyed God and joined together in faith and prayer, while tarrying for the promise they didn't quite understand? Would the Holy Ghost have been poured out?

What about the towns that wouldn't receive the Apostle's doctrine? What did Jesus tell them to do? "...shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them..." Mark 6:11

It appears that unity of faith is paramount, IMO. Even if only two or three are gathered...

Absolutely right.

But it's not something that can be planned
by a group of people….as: let's have revival next week tuesday and thursday. And possible on sunday night.

There are many things that encourage a revival to start,
but it's certainly not in the hands of men to decide if, when and where
it would start.

On the other hand, men can stop revival,
specially when christians become mechanical in their attempt to promote it.

[shazeep]

Amen.

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Purgatory makes you feel better that you have some time left to get your act together after you die. At least that was my perspective as a Catholic - pass me another beer, please.

Mentions in the Bible:

Heaven - 550

Hell - 54

Purgatory - 0

sure, i agree--but understand my point there is that we have a very black/white view of heaven/hell that seems engendered by Scripture in some spots, and refuted in others; so Purgatory becomes possibly an effective device, if nothing else?

[Dordrecht]

Originally Posted by shazeep

Amen.
sure, i agree--but understand my point there is that we have a very black/white view of heaven/hell that seems engendered by Scripture in some spots, and refuted in others; so Purgatory becomes possibly an effective device, if nothing else?

I think you are on the wrong thread with this post. :-)

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Dordrecht

Absolutely right.

But it's not something that can be planned
by a group of people….as: let's have revival next week tuesday and thursday. And possible on sunday night.

There are many things that encourage a revival to start,
but it's certainly not in the hands of men to decide if, when and where
it would start.

On the other hand, men can stop revival,
specially when christians become mechanical in their attempt to promote it.

Well, I don't know. The people in the Upper Room "planned" to meet and stay there. It was effort on their part. They had to walk to the location, together, in unity. Just sayin'....

I think your point goes more toward, "“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40

Revival will happen regardless of those that reject it. But, still, those that are prepared to be obedient, "planned" to be obedient. It does take a willing vessel to be used of God. Isn't planning really only expectation?

I still take the original quote as a point of "unity" of mind.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

I'm thinking of the Day of Pentecost, when they were all "in one accord and in one place", and had been praying together for many, many days, as the greatest example of how revival can take place.

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren"
Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."

So my definition of revival, according to the above passages: Revival will happen when all are in one accord in one place.

So yes.... PO... unity is the best "context" here! (imo)

I agree.

[A239]

Originally Posted by n david

I missed the part where God is mentioned here... What does the Pastor and praiser "connection" have to do with it? The statement is just flat out wrong, IMO. I'd like to have more context, but that statement is incorrect.

From this statement, I doubt he knows what revival actually is.

Do you know what a revival is? Let's take the word part shall we? Revive comes from the Latin roots re-, meaning “again,” and vivere, meaning “to live.” So, the word revive means “live again.” No, bringing folks back from the dead isn’t what we are talking about. All the backsliders who once had eternal life but now have eternal death may be brought back to life. So, I would assume that a revival would be one or more people being either save again after backsliding and we can broaden it for all who are saved. So one or more person receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost would be a revival of sorts.

I've been to his church, I've talked to him, I've seen his congregation, and I've heard him preach. He certainly does no what a revival is. Within 9 months of him starting his church in GA, he had over 100 regularly attending Sunday and Wednesday services. That's more than what a revival calls for. And when two or more are gathered together, which is what he is saying, there is no telling what God will do.

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. (1 Chronicles 16:22 KJV)
You are verbally harming his ministry by talking ill of him to the public. I wouldn't recommend doing this. Just a warning.

[Dordrecht]

Pressing on: Well, I don't know. The people in the Upper Room "planned" to meet and stay there. It was effort on their part. They had to walk to the location, together, in unity. Just sayin'....

Yes, they "planned" but were instructed by the Lord to wait
to receive power.
That's how I understand it anyways….

There's a lot of "political correctness" in many churches today which prevents revivals.
To much political correctness being preached from the pulpits.

Just my two cents….

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Dordrecht

Yes, they "planned" but were instructed by the Lord to wait
to receive power.
That's how I understand it anyways….

There's a lot of "political correctness" in many churches today which prevents revivals.
To much political correctness being preached from the pulpits.

Just my two cents….

I don't disagree with that. But, still, I take the original point as unity. Because I know that to be true even in a marriage. Unity works very well.