Downturn. That’s an interesting word to open a post about the need for our day. The word “downturn” is an antonym for the word “revival.”
Revival is the need for our day. There has been much talk in recent days about denominations that are in a downturn. Why? No doubt there doubt many reasons for this, but perhaps one of the most obvious is the lack of revival in churches across our land regardless of denomination or affiliation. Like many others, over the past days I’ve discussed a lot about my denominations recent annual meeting. I rejoice with emphasis and focus on planting churches and reaching those around the globe that have never heard the name Jesus. But, as one prominent pastor stated, “It seems we have moved the work of our hands ahead of the work of God’s Spirit.”
Let’s face it. It’s easier to focus on the work. We love the satisfaction of accomplishment. Who doesn’t? Even the 25 year old still living in his parents basement playing video games all day loves the sense of accomplishment that he gets from winning at games. Are we guilty of focusing on the work and not the God of the work, maybe, maybe not. But this I do know, that apart from a great moving of God’s Spirit in revival among His people we will never be able to accomplish the work. Our churches, our denominations, and our networks will continue in their current downturn.
Collin Hansen with The Gospel Coalition recently wrote: “Reformed Christians rightly emphasize the need for doctrinal reformation. Indeed, revival does not come to apostate churches. But it’s possible to focus so much on our efforts to reform church doctrine that we don’t bother to ask God to work in extraordinary ways. We neglect this privilege of prayerful, faith-expanding hope to our spiritual detriment.”
In the following video, Hansen poses the following question to Tim Keller and Nancy Leigh DeMoss, “Why isn’t there as much interest in revival among Christians today compared to former years?
Join me in calling our people to repent, believe the gospel, live the gospel, and pray that God will send a might revival that results in another spiritual awakening.
