Rodney "Gypsy" Smith was a revival preacher at the turn of the 20th century. Tens of thousands of people were led to the Lord through his ministry. When asked how to start a revival, he gave this advice:
Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that circle.
Since Charlie Kirk's memorial service two weeks ago, I've heard the word "revival" over and over again, and stories of people going to church for the first time ever, or purchasing a Bible, or being baptized. Here's what Pastor Jack Hibbs has to say about this:
"Revival is an epic manifestation of God's intervention in the life of His people that turns around and affects a godless culture, bringing the godless into a relationship with God. Only time will tell if we are in the midst of a revival. I have no evidence right now biblically based that we are in a revival. And people will say, 'Well, we just baptized a bunch of people.' Did you preach repentance before you baptized them? Ask them, do you know what the gospel is? Most of them can't even tell you, but we baptized them. This is not revival. Revival will be when the church awakens out of its stupor, becomes so pure and holy by the work of God that the world begins to knock on the door and say what must I do to be saved.
I appreciate Pastor Jack's honesty and clarification. No one wants revival more than he does, more than I do, and I'm sure if you are a true believer you feel the same. However, we have to be careful that we lead people to Christ biblically. Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel." Mark1:15. Turn from sin, turn to God and believe.
Please understand that I am not saying that there was not a movement of the Holy Spirit in the Memorial Service. I believe there was, and that God is working all things together for good through the awful tragedy of Charlie's death. I don't want to quench the Spirit, but instead want to see true revival that changes hearts and minds, and causes the Church to fully surrender to Christ. When this happens we will see the power of the Holy Spirit beyond anything we can imagine.
I know that all this starts with me. I'm standing in the circle.
Today's video Make My Life A Prayer to You written and performed by Keith Green is an inspiration to me. I hope it will be inspire you, as well.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
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