What Kind of Meeting Is It?

Every evening from August 5^th -8^th we will be having Worship services with Bro. Josh Aufdengarten as our special speaker. I debated on what to “call” this event. I know, I know, it should be called what every other person calls it, Revival. I suppose I am one who likes to stir the waters a bit. I simply called it RESTORATION DAYS. Though this may seem to be a minute difference. These are meetings specifically for strength and encouragement. I believe Restoration is a better word to be used than Revival. Revival implies a state of death, Restoration implies a state of weakness. The Christian has already, in Christ, been “made alive”1 Corinthians 15:22, but he is called to “restore” others in the “spirit of meekness.”


As I reflect on this meeting, I would like to put down a couple thoughts that I had written years back regarding Worship and Revival. God bless.


“Today, those who bear the Word of God on their lips seek to present it with a fancy flare. Preachers title their messages in a way to bring intrigue to people’s minds. Every point must have an alliterated word with a catchy sound to it and is emphasized in a way that as long as you memorize I., II., and III. you’re doing just fine. The music is louder and more fun to stir our bodies and let everyone know that God’s music is the kind that can still appeal to the flesh and edify the heart. Prayers are offered up in a way that none can decipher, but everyone can be in awe of their emotion and expressive wording. Oh, the gospel is packaged neatly in a beautiful box with a ribbon of gold. It is presented without controversy and with plenty of compromise. Yet, John the Baptist had no quaint title for his message, only a bold and brash, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” There were no rock bands shouting to draw the crowds of 3000 at Pentecost, only humble hearts led by the Spirit in complete wonder, sharing the gospel to all. The best prayers offered up to Christ were those of short and feeble pleas in faith such as, “Have mercy on me a sinner!” and “Lord, save me!” No, the gospel was not in a cute box with all the amenities, it was on rough shoe leather and in humble, common hearts that longed to glorify Christ by manifesting His light and love, not decorating it with worldly trinkets. The gospel was “New Life,” not “Do better and have fun.” Yet, somehow this gospel shook the world. Today it barely shakes the pew. Father, help us to see all the power you have given your Church. Help us to know we don’t need radical programs, only receive the power through your Son.” (04/11)

“We hear the word Revival used so much that it almost becomes mundane, when someone talks about going to a “revival.” Revival is of the heart not an object to hold onto or a place where meetings are held. Revival is more than a strong, spiritual stirring; it is an intense, spiritual awakening. Some people believe that Revival meetings are held for the purpose of reaching those who were, at one time, straddling the fence of indifference towards the Church. Some view it as a way to get the unsaved in and converted without getting their hands “dirty” in the task of personal witnessing. It is seen as a means to boost moral in some form amongst those in the congregation. It is also clear that many perceive Revival meetings to be a necessity in keeping the “World Vision” focus within the Local Church. Though all of these reasons regarding the need for Revival hold some measure concerning God’s desire, they only touch the surface. I believe to some degree this is why the famous statement, “Revival is like a bath for you will get awfully clean, but you will need another one very soon” has been used and believed far too many times. It is a good statement, but that is all. It does not hold to the biblical teaching of what we understand as Revival. No where in scripture do we read of “frequent” meetings being held where people met for the purpose of being “revived.” We do however read about lives being changed by the power of God and the presence of God showing up in mighty ways in the hearts and lives of believers. But in these acts of Holy fire and sweet surrender, it is evident that each believer is indeed never the same and remains a humble vessel for the Master’s use. They do not get back in a “rut” within six months. No, they grow and flourish, which is something that the Church of today knows little of. I believe we Modern Christians are the only people who are somehow willing to let everyone know that we have been “dormant” for Christ for months. By this I mean that we hand out fliers and announce months in advance that we are having a meeting that will revive us in spiritual focus, boldness, and a desire for purity. Yet, as a child of God, such “reviving” should already be laid claim to in our lives. It is not found in the meeting, but in God Himself.” 04/10