Many pastors and church leaders are watching with great anticipation what seems to be unfolding in the United States regarding possible revival and awakening following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Even before this horrific event, God was doing significant things among the younger generation (GenZ).
Now it seems this move of God is being hugely increased.
The big question for pastors and prayer leaders is what should we expect in the coming days and how should we respond.
Pastor Bill Elliff of Summit Church and OneCry, recently shared 5 Simple Truths to remember about revival and awakening.
5 Simple Truths by Bill Elliff
If God sends a mighty, sweeping revival and spiritual awakening which most have never seen in our lifetime, remember these five simple truths:
1. GREAT, SURPRISING MOVEMENTS OF GOD ARE NECESSARY.
We know this must be so because GOD KEEPS DOING IT! He did it all through church history. Our nation has seen at least five NATIONWIDE movements, coming every 30-60 years to bring a needed course correction and an acceleration of the work of God. This is easily historically provable.
2. SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS ARE ALWAYS GLORIOUS AND MESSY AT THE SAME TIME.
There are miraculous interventions from God, both in kind and in number. (In the First Great Awakening, 15% of the entire population of the US came to faith in Christ. Today’s equivalent would be over 50 million people coming to faith over the next few years.) But why would we expect to not see Satan’s imitations and distractions? We should be open-hearted but “examine everything carefully.”
3. THERE ARE SURPRISING LEADERS AND SURPRISING CRITICS.
God chose to use a 26-year Bible college student in the Welsh Revival. Jonathan Edwards was in his early 30s. Asahel Nettleton, mightily used in the 2nd Great Awakening, was 17 years old when the Awakening began in 1800. The Jesus Movement of the 70s (of which some of us participated) was fueled greatly by college students.
4. THERE ARE THEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES, BUT GOD MEETS ALL WHO RESPOND IN SIMPLE SURRENDER AND FAITH.
Notice the works that Jonathan Edwards was compelled to write to silence the critics of the First Great Awakening. A wise leader will never deviate from the infallible Word of God, but will also recognize true passion and piety when he sees it and love and embrace the fervor of new, young believers.
It would seem to me that we must be careful not to be pharisaical at all, not instant critics, claiming that everything must pass through our very narrow grid. Rather we should be but gracious, kind men and women of God who come alongside, if needed, and explain the way of God more fully to young believers. But also, stand back in awe of their boldness and passage. AND LEARN FROM THEM.
And finally . . .
5. REVIVALS AND AWAKENINGS CAN BE MISSED AND NEVER EXPERIENCED BY ANY WHO QUENCH AND GRIEVE GOD’S SPIRIT.
I personally watched this happen in the Jesus movement. Some pastors instantly reacted, condemning the “hippies” who were being saved and who brought their guitars into worship. Instead of welcoming, discipling, lovingly helping, they were instant in their judgments, and missed the activity of God.
Father, help us discern the false from the true, but follow You with boldness and faith and instant obedience. And, above all else, God send sweeping revival and awakening to our nation and world for Your glory and the salvation of millions. Do not pass us by!
For further resources by Bill Elliff, go to the OneCry section of our store.
