Revial, Part 1

Revival: The church impacting our communities in such a way that people repent and come to faith in Jesus.

Part 1

Does Revival come first or does Renewal? And is the goal of Revival primarily for us or the community? Or Both?

I would say “both” for all of the above. Revival and Renewal come together, hand in hand. And in that, I would say that Reconciliation and Reformation are a continuous part of the process. The process not being a linear thing, but more of a circular one.

But what does Revival really mean? Opponents point out that the word is not “biblical”. I.E. that in the context of its most common use, we do not see any sort of supporting parallel in scripture. Depending on the translation used, one will come across the word “revive” (Isaiah 57:15 MKJV, Hosea 6:2 ASV & Psalms 138:7 ASV). In the context of those verses, the reviving that takes place is that of the Holy One coming to revive the heart & spirit of His people in times of persecution, trial and adversity. So, in one sense, you could call that “Revival”.

I would say that you could also call it “transformative” and “awakening” as well

(in a holistic or “all encompassing” way). Those of The Way are transformed and awakened, which then spills out upon those in the local community who then become awakened and transformed, thus becoming followers of The Way.

Ecclesial history supports this as we see several “Great Awakenings” (and I suggest that the words “Revivals” and “Transformations” could be used just as well) occurring. Some occurring with “signs and wonders” and others that did not. None were “tidy”; there were problems, messes and mistakes. (Welcome to the human race. In one sense I can see that all had “wonders” associated with them in that it’s a great wonder that Papa God chooses to work with flawed vessels in the way that He does. But that’s what is so amazing about His Grace.)

All revivals/awakenings/transformations had their opponents and met with resistance. In some cases, violently (and fatally) so.

So in this I see that Revival comes to effect transformation at several different levels. The impact being that change first takes place spiritually (vertically between God and humankind) and then (horizontally) the community as a whole goes through a transformative process that then impacts the “gates” (justice, economy, education, science, arts, etc.) of the community.

Next Up: Revival; Covert & Overt

The Four "R's"

I thought I would unpack a bit what I call “The Four R’s”, which are part of my profile.

Over the next week or so I will take each of the elements one at a time a do a little further unpacking as I believe the 4 “R’s” are an essential part of The Journey.

But first, here are the Four “R’s” in their entirety:

Revival: The church impacting our communities in such a way that people repent and come to faith in Jesus.

Renewal: The church, the followers of Jesus are renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated in their personal relationship with Jesus and passionately pursue Him.

Reconciliation: Where we, as followers of Jesus, bring healing to all who Papa God puts in our path and, where we can and as much as it lay within our power to do so, bring healing, unity and reconciliation to those (both within and outside the church) who have been wounded by the past errors of the church.

Reformation: A refining, transformational process of more fully and rightfully representing Jesus, the Kingdom of God and the whole Word of God in service, worship and doctrine.

Unity in Ekklesia: Final Thoughts

The stream (Ezekiel 47) is One. It is not “many streams” but one stream that grows deep and wide, bringing healing (and Life!) where ever it flows.

The body (1^st Corinthians 12) is One, but has a diversity expressed in the function of it’s parts.

Unity is a gift that must be nurtured and guarded.

Breakthrough for one is breakthrough for all.

Unity in Ekklesia: Agreeing to Disagree

Can we agree to disagree and not sacrifice relationship?

I think so. I believe that it was Augustine who said;

“In Essentials: Unity

In Non-Essentials: Liberty

In All Things: CHARITY”

There has to be some pioneers stepping up to the platform, calling for an increase of Unity.

Martin Scott said in regards to Unity of the body:

“When church leaders come together across the divides that is a great starting point. When they lay down their own agendas for their ‘personal’ church to grow we will have movement. The unity though has to move beyond unity gatherings, and church pastors.”

Too much time and energy has been spent on pointing out what’s wrong with our brothers and sisters in Christ. “Rightly dividing the Word” has mutated into division, destruction and hacking each other to bits. Christ does not want a dismembered bride!

I would rather spend my time finding and encouraging believers in other settings/paradigms in what they are doing right and blessing them in that. Because where they excel just might be the tipping point that brings breakthrough for all of us.

The “Big Fear” is that if we do the above, then others of “our flock” will get deceived and/or “stolen”. But my God is a lot bigger than that. I have found that as I

1) Focus on loving my Jesus and His Love for me AND

2) Focus on loving my neighbor THAT

it’s amazing how Papa God just seems to work all things out. He IS really in control. And my Faith is that He, just like the Good Shepherd that He is, will lovingly guide us into His Truth. Love Wins Out.

So there are some common denominators that 100% of us can journey together on.

And there may be some things that maybe only 65% or 45% or maybe just even 15% that we can agree to journey on. But at whatever level we meet, let us do it in Love. Let us agree to disagree and not sacrifice relationship.

Because whatever else we have, if we don’t have Love . . .

Unity in Ekklesia: Discerning the Body

Consider the following:
When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 ESV)

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29 ESV)

So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another-- if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home--so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.
(1 Corinthians 11:33-34 ESV)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
(Galatians 5:13-15 ESV)

For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:11-13 ESV)

And all of Isaiah 58.

Considering all of the above, how then shall we discern the body, which is the body of Christ, His church . . . our fellow brothers and sisters in Him? Is it any wonder that “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” ? (1 Corinthians 11:30 ESV)

Next Up: Agreeing to Disagree . . .