Revival

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Nov 14, 2024
138
45
28
Kansas
#1
"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You" (Psalm 85:6).

I use the term 'revival' loosely here to mean 'a supernatural and ongoing moving of God'. One day a buddy of mine took me to a 28-Day Fast for Revival morning prayer. While I was there, God used three people to reveal that despite prayer and fasting, there would (will) be no revival without boldness.

There are many elements to revival. Boldness is one of the foundational ones. God spoke that way during that morning prayer because the two ministers leading the prayer looked pretty effeminate like they bathed in milk and honey three times a day. They wanted to receive prophetic words of how great they were and weren't adding anything to the focus on revival itself. One man to my left said God was telling him that revival will not come without boldness. Several minutes after that, the only two elderly men there each said they were receiving a message from the Bible (there were eight men all together). Here are the passages they shared:

1.) 1st Man: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus... And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4).

2.) 2nd Man: "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19).

We agreed that boldness was 'the word of the hour'. But practically speaking, there is a lack of courage in modern christianity. Courage has been traded for showmanship, men acting confident and tough when they're usually just ignorant or rebellious. As I say, "In America, we have haughtiness rather than dignity; arrogance rather than confidence, and conceit rather than self-esteem." It isn't difficult to notice the lack of boldness and to realize the need for boldness if we will have revival. I have seen revivals begin in seed form, fetal stage, or infancy stage only to be stifled, aborted, or suffocated. So God isn't waiting only for some appointed time to send revival; the world, the flesh, and the devil play major roles in suffocating all the revivals He has been trying to send for many years.

Unfortunately, most christians don't want revival because they're comfortable. For many people , asking for revival is like asking someone else to come and have dominion over your home and all your finances and possessions. Who does that? Revival 'draws' Jesus to stage an incursion into our world. I think many people's worlds are safe and comfortable enough, at least there is a possibility of it becoming comfortable enough, to where we don't need anything more. But revival is definitely on God's mind and always has been. It's supposed to be a normal way of life for christians-- not the 'goosebumps and glory' so many are looking for but 'the settlement of God among His people'. Israel wasn't too thrilled about it on the mountain either. But there are people who are longing for it; furthermore, the world needs it. God also will be glorified, so 'revivals' are on the way.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,097
6,888
113
62
#2
"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You" (Psalm 85:6).

I use the term 'revival' loosely here to mean 'a supernatural and ongoing moving of God'. One day a buddy of mine took me to a 28-Day Fast for Revival morning prayer. While I was there, God used three people to reveal that despite prayer and fasting, there would (will) be no revival without boldness.

There are many elements to revival. Boldness is one of the foundational ones. God spoke that way during that morning prayer because the two ministers leading the prayer looked pretty effeminate like they bathed in milk and honey three times a day. They wanted to receive prophetic words of how great they were and weren't adding anything to the focus on revival itself. One man to my left said God was telling him that revival will not come without boldness. Several minutes after that, the only two elderly men there each said they were receiving a message from the Bible (there were eight men all together). Here are the passages they shared:

1.) 1st Man: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus... And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4).

2.) 2nd Man: "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19).

We agreed that boldness was 'the word of the hour'. But practically speaking, there is a lack of courage in modern christianity. Courage has been traded for showmanship, men acting confident and tough when they're usually just ignorant or rebellious. As I say, "In America, we have haughtiness rather than dignity; arrogance rather than confidence, and conceit rather than self-esteem." It isn't difficult to notice the lack of boldness and to realize the need for boldness if we will have revival. I have seen revivals begin in seed form, fetal stage, or infancy stage only to be stifled, aborted, or suffocated. So God isn't waiting only for some appointed time to send revival; the world, the flesh, and the devil play major roles in suffocating all the revivals He has been trying to send for many years.

Unfortunately, most christians don't want revival because they're comfortable. For many people , asking for revival is like asking someone else to come and have dominion over your home and all your finances and possessions. Who does that? Revival 'draws' Jesus to stage an incursion into our world. I think many people's worlds are safe and comfortable enough, at least there is a possibility of it becoming comfortable enough, to where we don't need anything more. But revival is definitely on God's mind and always has been. It's supposed to be a normal way of life for christians-- not the 'goosebumps and glory' so many are looking for but 'the settlement of God among His people'. Israel wasn't too thrilled about it on the mountain either. But there are people who are longing for it; furthermore, the world needs it. God also will be glorified, so 'revivals' are on the way.
Are you saying that man can somehow frustrate God from bringing revival?
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
#3
I have seen a revival, and in CA, where I am, we are experiencing a revival now. and it is happening while God is judging our Nation.

All revival starts with repenting and prayer. There is no magic or unique formula.

Revival is one person repenting and coming to pray for another and then another person , and another and another; revival is a bunch of repented people crying out to GOD, and HE answers, Saves, heals, and delivers.

God restores and breaks addictions, heals bodies, and brings people together.

God calls those who serve out of Revival and sends them out to proclaim the gospel message.
 
Nov 14, 2024
138
45
28
Kansas
#4
Are you saying that man can somehow frustrate God from bringing revival?
Yes. It happens every day. Of course, it also depends on each person's definition of revival. Many people define revival as something grand and at least citywide. I just define it as God 'entering' a physical, geographical locale, restoring ('touching') His people, and being so present that He receives glory (and worship) from the people there in the vicinity. It can be small-scale or it can be large-scale.

Man can frustrate God's will as can satan. Many christians die before their time; many christians are sick; many christians are demonized. None of those things is God's will. So something is frustrating God's will in that department. The Bible is full of examples.
 
Nov 14, 2024
138
45
28
Kansas
#5
I have seen a revival, and in CA, where I am, we are experiencing a revival now. and it is happening while God is judging our Nation.

All revival starts with repenting and prayer. There is no magic or unique formula.

Revival is one person repenting and coming to pray for another and then another person , and another and another; revival is a bunch of repented people crying out to GOD, and HE answers, Saves, heals, and delivers.

God restores and breaks addictions, heals bodies, and brings people together.

God calls those who serve out of Revival and sends them out to proclaim the gospel message.
To keep things brief, revival comes for different reasons. There's no magic to it but there's uniqueness to how different revivals are started. Not all revivals start from repentance (when the Bible says to repent, it's not always something you do consciously or purposely). I've seen several revivals 'begin to start' and none of them came after prayers of repentance. Peter also began to start revival among the Gentiles because he obeyed God and went to them; and Philip started a revival in Samaria not through prayers or repentance but because he happened to go there (while running from persecution in Jerusalem) and the Mantle went with him. All spiritual things, in particular, are set up in a way that no one can apprehend or put them in a box. If revival was solely through repentance... then where are the revivals among the many who have been repenting and praying for revival for years.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
#6
To keep things brief, revival comes for different reasons. There's no magic to it but there's uniqueness to how different revivals are started. Not all revivals start from repentance (when the Bible says to repent, it's not always something you do consciously or purposely). I've seen several revivals 'begin to start' and none of them came after prayers of repentance. Peter also began to start revival among the Gentiles because he obeyed God and went to them; and Philip started a revival in Samaria not through prayers or repentance but because he happened to go there (while running from persecution in Jerusalem) and the Mantle went with him. All spiritual things, in particular, are set up in a way that no one can apprehend or put them in a box. If revival was solely through repentance... then where are the revivals among the many who have been repenting and praying for revival for years.
Repentance is synonymous with revival. If salvation is not happening, there is no revival. What is the reason for revival if not to return to God and him? Bless and restore? to produce worship to God.
 
Nov 14, 2024
138
45
28
Kansas
#7
Repentance is synonymous with revival. If salvation is not happening, there is no revival. What is the reason for revival if not to return to God and him? Bless and restore? to produce worship to God.
Indeed. A godly or God-honoring lifestyle is a lifestyle of repentance, so repentance covers every area of a godly life including revival:

"In repentance and rest is your salvation [and deliverance and restoration and reformation]; in quietness and confidence is your strength [and security and deliverance and restoration]" (Isaiah 30:15).
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
1,930
463
83
#8
"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You" (Psalm 85:6).

I use the term 'revival' loosely here to mean 'a supernatural and ongoing moving of God'. One day a buddy of mine took me to a 28-Day Fast for Revival morning prayer. While I was there, God used three people to reveal that despite prayer and fasting, there would (will) be no revival without boldness.

There are many elements to revival. Boldness is one of the foundational ones. God spoke that way during that morning prayer because the two ministers leading the prayer looked pretty effeminate like they bathed in milk and honey three times a day. They wanted to receive prophetic words of how great they were and weren't adding anything to the focus on revival itself. One man to my left said God was telling him that revival will not come without boldness. Several minutes after that, the only two elderly men there each said they were receiving a message from the Bible (there were eight men all together). Here are the passages they shared:

1.) 1st Man: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus... And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4).

2.) 2nd Man: "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19).

We agreed that boldness was 'the word of the hour'. But practically speaking, there is a lack of courage in modern christianity. Courage has been traded for showmanship, men acting confident and tough when they're usually just ignorant or rebellious. As I say, "In America, we have haughtiness rather than dignity; arrogance rather than confidence, and conceit rather than self-esteem." It isn't difficult to notice the lack of boldness and to realize the need for boldness if we will have revival. I have seen revivals begin in seed form, fetal stage, or infancy stage only to be stifled, aborted, or suffocated. So God isn't waiting only for some appointed time to send revival; the world, the flesh, and the devil play major roles in suffocating all the revivals He has been trying to send for many years.

Unfortunately, most christians don't want revival because they're comfortable. For many people , asking for revival is like asking someone else to come and have dominion over your home and all your finances and possessions. Who does that? Revival 'draws' Jesus to stage an incursion into our world. I think many people's worlds are safe and comfortable enough, at least there is a possibility of it becoming comfortable enough, to where we don't need anything more. But revival is definitely on God's mind and always has been. It's supposed to be a normal way of life for christians-- not the 'goosebumps and glory' so many are looking for but 'the settlement of God among His people'. Israel wasn't too thrilled about it on the mountain either. But there are people who are longing for it; furthermore, the world needs it. God also will be glorified, so 'revivals' are on the way.
Well, it is true that it was at one of our church's revivals that I became bold enough to walk the aisle. I think the invitational hymn was "Just As I Am", but it might have been "Trust and Obey".
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,745
558
113
#9
"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You" (Psalm 85:6).

I use the term 'revival' loosely here to mean 'a supernatural and ongoing moving of God'. One day a buddy of mine took me to a 28-Day Fast for Revival morning prayer. While I was there, God used three people to reveal that despite prayer and fasting, there would (will) be no revival without boldness.

There are many elements to revival. Boldness is one of the foundational ones. God spoke that way during that morning prayer because the two ministers leading the prayer looked pretty effeminate like they bathed in milk and honey three times a day. They wanted to receive prophetic words of how great they were and weren't adding anything to the focus on revival itself. One man to my left said God was telling him that revival will not come without boldness. Several minutes after that, the only two elderly men there each said they were receiving a message from the Bible (there were eight men all together). Here are the passages they shared:

1.) 1st Man: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus... And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4).

2.) 2nd Man: "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19).

We agreed that boldness was 'the word of the hour'. But practically speaking, there is a lack of courage in modern christianity. Courage has been traded for showmanship, men acting confident and tough when they're usually just ignorant or rebellious. As I say, "In America, we have haughtiness rather than dignity; arrogance rather than confidence, and conceit rather than self-esteem." It isn't difficult to notice the lack of boldness and to realize the need for boldness if we will have revival. I have seen revivals begin in seed form, fetal stage, or infancy stage only to be stifled, aborted, or suffocated. So God isn't waiting only for some appointed time to send revival; the world, the flesh, and the devil play major roles in suffocating all the revivals He has been trying to send for many years.

Unfortunately, most christians don't want revival because they're comfortable. For many people , asking for revival is like asking someone else to come and have dominion over your home and all your finances and possessions. Who does that? Revival 'draws' Jesus to stage an incursion into our world. I think many people's worlds are safe and comfortable enough, at least there is a possibility of it becoming comfortable enough, to where we don't need anything more. But revival is definitely on God's mind and always has been. It's supposed to be a normal way of life for christians-- not the 'goosebumps and glory' so many are looking for but 'the settlement of God among His people'. Israel wasn't too thrilled about it on the mountain either. But there are people who are longing for it; furthermore, the world needs it. God also will be glorified, so 'revivals' are on the way.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Malachi 3:1
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
he has been here and done what needed to be done under Law first, for us the people to believe it is done for them to see and be new in the risen Life of Jesus given them from Father to them, not of work(s) then man has a reason to boast, yet not so, by the done work of God in Son first
Therefore
Hebrews 4
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my
rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. ...

  1. Hebrews 4:9
    There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations
  2. Hebrews 4:10
    For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations
  3. Hebrews 4:11
    Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

So much to learn what true rest is from God not this world or other people, not even self in what I now see amazingly, not that I got it, God does, not me or anyone else thanking God only, from day one in creation for us the people
thank you Father and Son
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,097
6,888
113
62
#10
Yes. It happens every day. Of course, it also depends on each person's definition of revival. Many people define revival as something grand and at least citywide. I just define it as God 'entering' a physical, geographical locale, restoring ('touching') His people, and being so present that He receives glory (and worship) from the people there in the vicinity. It can be small-scale or it can be large-scale.

Man can frustrate God's will as can satan. Many christians die before their time; many christians are sick; many christians are demonized. None of those things is God's will. So something is frustrating God's will in that department. The Bible is full of examples.
I appreciate the response. The reason I asked was because if someone can frustrate God from accomplishing His will, is God still sovereign? Secondarily, revival are times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. According to Acts 3, one's actions may hinder or aid their blessing in such times, but don't appear to affect their appearance or lack thereof.
 
Nov 14, 2024
138
45
28
Kansas
#11
Well, it is true that it was at one of our church's revivals that I became bold enough to walk the aisle. I think the invitational hymn was "Just As I Am", but it might have been "Trust and Obey".
I'm talking about a different type of boldness-- one that most Western men don't understand and without which "there will be no revival."

I don't know the correct grammatical term, but the word "be" above is an ongoing "be". It doesn't mean revival can't happen (ie. 'be') without boldness; it means revival can't be ongoing (or continue in God's will). Here's one of many verses with a similar grammatical dynamic:

"Yes, in the way of Your judgments, oh Lord, we have waited for You. The desire of our soul is for Your Name and for the remembrance of You" (Isaiah 26:8).

That "we have waited" is written as if it's past tense; but it's really that ongoing tense. It also communicates a verb ("waited") and also a noun ("waiters"). The noun cannot be seen in what is written because it isn't written; it's just there. It can be translated like this:

1.) "We have waited, we wait, we are waiting, we will be waiting, and we will continue to wait for You"

and

2.) "We are waiters (servants) for You".

It is in the nature of everyone who desires to see God "high and lifted up" (ie. glorified) to highly esteem and serve Him; therefore, these people don't just serve Him but are servants. That is what Isaiah is saying there.

God is never wrong: "There will be no revival without boldness." It has always been true. God doesn't hang around cowards or cowardly people, and none of His works are done in or sustained in or by cowardice. But to those who don't understand spiritual language, you sometimes have to speak their language which, unfortunately, rarely ever has faith or power like God's language does.
 
Nov 14, 2024
138
45
28
Kansas
#12
I appreciate the response. The reason I asked was because if someone can frustrate God from accomplishing His will, is God still sovereign? Secondarily, revival are times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. According to Acts 3, one's actions may hinder or aid their blessing in such times, but don't appear to affect their appearance or lack thereof.
There are different types of 'refreshing'. God's presence always refreshes. Eventually. Sometimes it brings judgment or something else.

In a Bible study I was once part of, God once manifested in judgment because the people there were not honoring Him or the time of Bible study. One guy (the son of occultists who were in the church I was attending at the time) was fond of leading the Bible study as far from God as possible every single time we met on Wednesday. (All occultists planted as christians in churches will always lead christians as far away from God as possible. christians just don't know it for many reasons one being the 'leading away' is too subtle for most to recognize.)

One day a new Bible study member rebuked this guy for not respecting God. When this happened, it was like a giant took of the ceiling of the living room (we met in the house of the guy who always distracted people, also an important tactic for the occult). That giant, holding a giant container of baby powder then dumped the whole thing out into the living room. The living room was filled with smoke as angels in armor and cloaks appeared standing along the walls all around us and behind us. They looked severe and were there to enforce what the Bible calls 'the fear of the Lord'. Everyone went quiet for what felt like fifteen minutes but was probably about five minutes. No one could speak; no one could talk. After about five minutes, I realized everyone was too scared to talk and that we would have no Bible study that evening, so I said we should start the Bible study. From that day forth, the guy who owned the house we met in and who distracted everyone from the things of God never (lol) ever ever ever tried to distract the Bible studies again. The Bible calls this "the fear of the Lord" and says it is "the beginning of wisdom" which basically means 'taking God seriously (believing Him in all things, good and bad) makes you smart'. And it does. So, there are different types of 'revival' and they're not all what we might call 'refreshing'.

Religion has blinded all of us and makes you think God can't be sovereign if people (or satan) can thwart or hinder His will. Nowhere does the Bible say this. The Bible shows the opposite. Here are just a few examples:

1.) satan (ie. one of his 'fallen companions') successfully opposes God's will for 21 days. Daniel 10. (The opposition would have prevailed if Daniel had not continued praying and fasting. Most christians don't pray or fast long, so when the enemy opposes God's will for them, they give up and think the non-answer is God's will for them.)

2.) Occult sacrifice successfully aborts God's will. 2Kings 3. (This story is fascinating and is one of many reasons christians need to learn about the occult and how it affects and can affect their lives, their prayers, and their relationship with God.)

3.) Only ten men successfully prevented between 2.5 million and 4.2 million people from doing God's will. Numbers 13-14.

4.) satan successfully prevents Paul from doing God's will. 1Thessalonians 2:17-18.

Do you think it's God's sovereignty when there is injustice? Do you think it's God's sovereignty when the sins of the parents pass on to their innocent offspring? Have you heard of Josef Fritzl? He's some Austrian guy who locked his 18-year-old daughter in a basement room for 24 years. (That is 365 days x 24 = 8,760 days. 24 years.) She didn't see any sunlight or get any outside (fresh) air for 24 years. He beat and repeatedly raped her, impregnating her seven times. One of the babies died and six lived. And she had to raise at least three of them down in the basement by herself. Without sunlight, they were all pasty white, white hair, teeth falling out. Born in captivity through rape and incest. Her sister came by the house as did others; her mom lived upstairs; her dad, Josef Fritzl, rented nearby rooms to guests and others. She tried to get help. But for 24 years no one heard her and those who heard her let Fritzl explain the sounds away. She got free by a fluke. 24 years lost. Do you think God was anywhere in that or that His sovereignty was lurking anywhere close?

Only religious teaching can theologize about something like that. Most things in life are simply practical, pragmatic, logical; but religion proposes and propounds and is useless in the real scheme things. There are many things that God wants to do on earth but that people and satan prevent Him from doing, and there are many things that God doesn't want to happen on earth but that people and satan still cause to happen. It's that simple. Since the beginning of time, religion only made/makes people think that a.) they're safe and that b.) they're right with God. But religion makes people vulnerable to judgment and out of right standing with God.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,097
6,888
113
62
#13
There are different types of 'refreshing'. God's presence always refreshes. Eventually. Sometimes it brings judgment or something else.

In a Bible study I was once part of, God once manifested in judgment because the people there were not honoring Him or the time of Bible study. One guy (the son of occultists who were in the church I was attending at the time) was fond of leading the Bible study as far from God as possible every single time we met on Wednesday. (All occultists planted as christians in churches will always lead christians as far away from God as possible. christians just don't know it for many reasons one being the 'leading away' is too subtle for most to recognize.)

One day a new Bible study member rebuked this guy for not respecting God. When this happened, it was like a giant took of the ceiling of the living room (we met in the house of the guy who always distracted people, also an important tactic for the occult). That giant, holding a giant container of baby powder then dumped the whole thing out into the living room. The living room was filled with smoke as angels in armor and cloaks appeared standing along the walls all around us and behind us. They looked severe and were there to enforce what the Bible calls 'the fear of the Lord'. Everyone went quiet for what felt like fifteen minutes but was probably about five minutes. No one could speak; no one could talk. After about five minutes, I realized everyone was too scared to talk and that we would have no Bible study that evening, so I said we should start the Bible study. From that day forth, the guy who owned the house we met in and who distracted everyone from the things of God never (lol) ever ever ever tried to distract the Bible studies again. The Bible calls this "the fear of the Lord" and says it is "the beginning of wisdom" which basically means 'taking God seriously (believing Him in all things, good and bad) makes you smart'. And it does. So, there are different types of 'revival' and they're not all what we might call 'refreshing'.

Religion has blinded all of us and makes you think God can't be sovereign if people (or satan) can thwart or hinder His will. Nowhere does the Bible say this. The Bible shows the opposite. Here are just a few examples:

1.) satan (ie. one of his 'fallen companions') successfully opposes God's will for 21 days. Daniel 10. (The opposition would have prevailed if Daniel had not continued praying and fasting. Most christians don't pray or fast long, so when the enemy opposes God's will for them, they give up and think the non-answer is God's will for them.)

2.) Occult sacrifice successfully aborts God's will. 2Kings 3. (This story is fascinating and is one of many reasons christians need to learn about the occult and how it affects and can affect their lives, their prayers, and their relationship with God.)

3.) Only ten men successfully prevented between 2.5 million and 4.2 million people from doing God's will. Numbers 13-14.

4.) satan successfully prevents Paul from doing God's will. 1Thessalonians 2:17-18.

Do you think it's God's sovereignty when there is injustice? Do you think it's God's sovereignty when the sins of the parents pass on to their innocent offspring? Have you heard of Josef Fritzl? He's some Austrian guy who locked his 18-year-old daughter in a basement room for 24 years. (That is 365 days x 24 = 8,760 days. 24 years.) She didn't see any sunlight or get any outside (fresh) air for 24 years. He beat and repeatedly raped her, impregnating her seven times. One of the babies died and six lived. And she had to raise at least three of them down in the basement by herself. Without sunlight, they were all pasty white, white hair, teeth falling out. Born in captivity through rape and incest. Her sister came by the house as did others; her mom lived upstairs; her dad, Josef Fritzl, rented nearby rooms to guests and others. She tried to get help. But for 24 years no one heard her and those who heard her let Fritzl explain the sounds away. She got free by a fluke. 24 years lost. Do you think God was anywhere in that or that His sovereignty was lurking anywhere close?

Only religious teaching can theologize about something like that. Most things in life are simply practical, pragmatic, logical; but religion proposes and propounds and is useless in the real scheme things. There are many things that God wants to do on earth but that people and satan prevent Him from doing, and there are many things that God doesn't want to happen on earth but that people and satan still cause to happen. It's that simple. Since the beginning of time, religion only made/makes people think that a.) they're safe and that b.) they're right with God. But religion makes people vulnerable to judgment and out of right standing with God.
The idea that judgment is a time of refreshing seems rather odd. While there will be repentance that initiates revival, there is no judgment. Another argument against judgment of God's people is Romans 8:1. There simply is no longer any condemnation for those in Christ.
Further, the whole idea of sovereignty is that one's will cannot be frustrated. See Daniel 4:35. Thus, outcomes, all outcomes, are simply the means God is employing to accomplish His purposes. This fits well with one of God's ways in which He allows what looks like defeat and uses that to destroy His enemies, bless His people, and manifest His greatness.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,745
558
113
#14
God is never wrong: "There will be no revival without boldness." It has always been true. God doesn't hang around cowards or cowardly people, and none of His works are done in or sustained in or by cowardice. But to those who don't understand spiritual language, you sometimes have to speak their language which, unfortunately, rarely ever has faith or power like God's language does.
I couldn't speak to you as spiritually mature yet
1 Cor 3, we/ I need meat Hebrews 5:12-6:3
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,569
661
113
#15
The idea that judgment is a time of refreshing seems rather odd. While there will be repentance that initiates revival, there is no judgment. Another argument against judgment of God's people is Romans 8:1. There simply is no longer any condemnation for those in Christ.
Further, the whole idea of sovereignty is that one's will cannot be frustrated. See Daniel 4:35. Thus, outcomes, all outcomes, are simply the means God is employing to accomplish His purposes. This fits well with one of God's ways in which He allows what looks like defeat and uses that to destroy His enemies, bless His people, and manifest His greatness.
Judgment is NOT to be always seen as condemnation.
Israel was judged many times by God for its sins to turn them around to restoration.
The church is being judged now during the falling away before the tribulation begins. Those who truly see it are working out their salvation with fear & trembling as they watch their friends & loved ones turn away from God.
Christ is getting His church ready, and that's always good, but what He has to do to some is old fashioned judgment, hoping for them to repent.
All things work together for good for them that love God. The reason it's written like this is because some christians can't see judgment as a "good" thing at all.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,097
6,888
113
62
#16
Judgment is NOT to be always seen as condemnation.
Israel was judged many times by God for its sins to turn them around to restoration.
The church is being judged now during the falling away before the tribulation begins. Those who truly see it are working out their salvation with fear & trembling as they watch their friends & loved ones turn away from God.
Christ is getting His church ready, and that's always good, but what He has to do to some is old fashioned judgment, hoping for them to repent.
All things work together for good for them that love God. The reason it's written like this is because some christians can't see judgment as a "good" thing at all.
The church isn't being judged, if by the church you mean the redeemed. When judgment begins at the house of God, God is separating wheat and chaff. He is not destroying wheat. God may chasten His own, but He doesn't judge His own. They aren't under condemnation.
At times Israel was judged. But at most points true Israel was only a remnant. So corporate Israel may have been judged, but not the redeemed of Israel.
Someone in Christ has passed from death to life. They are not subject to judgment.
 

j55

Active member
Sep 29, 2024
304
107
43
#17
Billy Graham was a evangelist. Back in 1960s to 1990s, he held revivals. Im not a follower of him. In near future, Satan as false Christ will hold revivals. He will lead one world religious system. Many people will worship him. Because many people have Spirit of slumber as written in Romans chapter 11. Baal in our generation is the false Christ. Those who have Holy Spirit or seal of God, won't worship false Messiah near future.
Matthew chapter 13 , and Isaiah chapter 6
Jesus held revivals during his earthly ministry.
Matthew chapter 13
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speak thou unto them in parables?
He answered, and said, because it is given unto you to know mystery of the Kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Lack of faith is another reason. Micah 3:4, another resson, why God may seem hidden, is the presebce of willful sin, and refusing to repent. They continue listening to false shepherd's and idol worship. God does hide his face.
Yesrs ago, husband of Madonna asked john McArthur to his house. Husband wasn't interested in salvation and repentance. He asked McArthur to sugar coat Gods word. He makes him nervous preaching about sin. Husband of Madonna didn't like McArthur revival.
John chapter 14
The holy Spirit serves as our comforter, and works im conjunction with our Conscience to guide us. Holy Spirit helps to understand deep truth of Gods word. G
Luke chapter 11
Jesus says, I praise you Father Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned. This is what you were pleased to do , no one knows the Father except the son and those who to whom the son Chooses to reveal him.
What truth is Jesus revival about ?
Why can't some people understand mystery of God.
Those who have Holy Spirit, and knowledge of God's word know Why.
 
Nov 1, 2024
1,227
386
83
#18
God may chasten His own, but He doesn't judge His own. They aren't under condemnation.
Judge (κρίνω) doesn't mean condemnation (κατακρίνω)

But when we are judged (κρίνω), we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned (κατακρίνω) with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:32
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,097
6,888
113
62
#19
Judge (κρίνω) doesn't mean condemnation (κατακρίνω)

But when we are judged (κρίνω), we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned (κατακρίνω) with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:32
Sometimes it means condemn, and sometimes it means chasten. While that's consistent with my post, I could have been more clear.
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
1,930
463
83
#20
I'm talking about a different type of boldness-- one that most Western men don't understand and without which "there will be no revival."

I don't know the correct grammatical term, but the word "be" above is an ongoing "be". It doesn't mean revival can't happen (ie. 'be') without boldness; it means revival can't be ongoing (or continue in God's will). Here's one of many verses with a similar grammatical dynamic:

"Yes, in the way of Your judgments, oh Lord, we have waited for You. The desire of our soul is for Your Name and for the remembrance of You" (Isaiah 26:8).

That "we have waited" is written as if it's past tense; but it's really that ongoing tense. It also communicates a verb ("waited") and also a noun ("waiters"). The noun cannot be seen in what is written because it isn't written; it's just there. It can be translated like this:

1.) "We have waited, we wait, we are waiting, we will be waiting, and we will continue to wait for You"

and

2.) "We are waiters (servants) for You".

It is in the nature of everyone who desires to see God "high and lifted up" (ie. glorified) to highly esteem and serve Him; therefore, these people don't just serve Him but are servants. That is what Isaiah is saying there.

God is never wrong: "There will be no revival without boldness." It has always been true. God doesn't hang around cowards or cowardly people, and none of His works are done in or sustained in or by cowardice. But to those who don't understand spiritual language, you sometimes have to speak their language which, unfortunately, rarely ever has faith or power like God's language does.
I think that boldness of a shy nine year old is not very different from the type that a man may understand, whether Western or any other direction.