People from both sides of the tracks are upset with me since
I have not been taking a “for or against” stance regarding the Asbury revival.
Some criticize it because it is associated with some fleshly elements, but
being human, this is inevitable. Others affirm it because of the fruits of
repentance associated with it. They also correctly point to the fact that we
desperately need revival. Therefore, we must support and direct it in a
Biblical direction and protect it against the cults which are always ready to
take advantage of the fervor.
However, I have been standing in the middle, praying that
godly fruits will be increasingly manifested.
I think we can learn some valuable lessons from the Galatian
Revival, through which many had come to the Lord. Paul notes:
·
…though my condition was a trial to you, you did
not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if
possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. (Galatians
4:14-15)
The Galatian fervor had been so profound that they would
have been willing to pluck out their eyes for Paul! However, in their fervor,
they had adopted false teachings, which had been separating them from Jesus
(Galatians 3:1-5; 5:1-5). Therefore, Paul had been agonizing over them:
·
But now that you have come to know God, or
rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and
worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once
more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have
labored over you in vain. (Galatians 4:9-11)
They had experienced a genuine Holy Spirit revival but had
been turning away from what they had learned. Therefore, perhaps what is most
important is that the Asbury fervor will be directed by the Scriptures. Perhaps
the question of whether this outpouring is of the Spirit is a secondary
issue—even one which is difficult to determine.
It is like asking me, “Is Micah truly saved.” I am unable to
determine this with any confidence. While we can observe that he has not been
reading the Bible or attending church, there might be other explanations for
this other than his being unsaved. We simply cannot see into people’s hearts.
Perhaps this is also true when it comes to Spirit revivals. In the end, the
devil will be released to deceive many:
·
“For false christs and false prophets will arise
and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even
the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
Let’s therefore stay in prayer regarding this “outpouring.”
2 comments:
There can't be anything wrong with Jesus' name being lifted up.
"The important thing is that, in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."
Philippians 1:18
True, but Jesus' name is also lifted up by the cults and even Islam. Presently, I remain skeptical but would love to be proven wrong. We'll just have to wait several years to see the fruits.
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