Asbury Revival Observations

 

Is Asbury Revival the beginning of the Next Great Awakening?

I have, like most pastors been watching the events unfolding at Asbury University, wondered if this is the revival that will trigger the next Great Awakening.  The first great awakening happened in the 1730s and ’40s, and the Second Great Awakening ran from 1790 to 1840. There have been subsequent revivals and movements of the spirit including Cane Ridge (the great prayer revival) and Brownsville.

2 Chronicles 7:14 [King James Version] reads, “14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

I understand that thousands of other pastors, evangelists, and laymen can better share their thoughts on the topic of revival. However, as I ponder once again the events unfolding not just at Asbury, but now at Lee, Cedarville, and at least two dozen more colleges and seminaries who are reporting an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, I want to make three observations based on scripture and three based on revival.

Based on scripture, God always desires to see:

His people exalting him as Father, King, and Creator, with his son Jesus Christ being lifted as Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit moving to convict the hearts of those present.

True confession of sin and a heart of repentance.

His Spirit moving from the chapel to the community, and lives being changed beyond the altar, pew, and the doorstep of the church.

Revival will always bring:

transformation of Individual hearts within the Church to live a Holy and righteous Life!

reformation within the Church, pastors, and members, returning us to the biblical mandate of Christ for the church.

Proclamation of the Gospel to a lost generation that needs to hear about the Love of Christ.  Sharing our faith, not our opinions!

To answer my opening question, only God can answer the question of whether this is the start of the next Great Awakening. However, God is clearly moving in the lives of people across this country.  My pray is simple, that he moves from the White House (and all state capitals) to the farmhouse, beech house, and to every home within the nation.