Dear Christians in Europe: how do you live out your faith? How do you pray? How do you build community?
We’re at the End. There’s no “great revival” coming.
Anybody else sceptical about this revival going on?
I've learned that one of the hardest things about walking with Jesus is that we are supposed to look at people's fruit to determine what their character is, but, it's often too easy to look at that person as they are right now, see they aren't bearing good fruit or even fruit at all today and assume they never have and never will.
In a world that feels like it's increasingly becoming more concerned with managed perception, pushed narrative, image being presented, and focus on differences rather than similarities, I would say some skepticism is completely normal. However, I'm reminded of a bit in the book of Acts 5:34-39 after the Apostles were arrested (yet again) and brought before the Sanhedrin, where Gamaliel (Saul's teacher prior to his conversion to Paul) makes this statement (in the ESV):
But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Skepticism is easy, but if it truly is a movement of God, it'd be foolish to get in the way of the Spirit. If it isn't, then it will fade away like everything else. Especially because I have no way to really be there to observe myself, I can only react to things given in second-hand accounts. For all we know, this could be a public display of God's power that was prepared through humility and repentance in these people's hearts privately that is now being made evident collectively.
Personally, I'm remaining cautiously optimistic, because even if only a few people find the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then eternity is forever changed for the better! Those are more brothers and sisters that will not only change this world, but that we'll be able to celebrate with in heaven!
I'll end this (rather long) post with a story Luke recorded in his gospel (Luke 9:49-50 ESV):
John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
God will do what He wills, with and through the people He wills. If this revival brings more brothers and sisters into God's family, that is awesome! And, if it ends up being under false pretenses, then it will fade into obscurity as all such things inevitably do.
Grace and peace, fellow child of God.
More on reddit.comWhat are your thoughts on the Kentucky Asbury Revival?
My gut reaction is the participants are probably sincere. Now that it's becoming a story, I have my doubts about the administration of the university and the people pushing the story having the same sincerity.
More on reddit.com