Useful Resources
OMEGA-MINISTRIES.ORG
In this section are a number of websites and books which can help inspire you to to seek the Lord in effective praying and in getting out there doing as well. As always, JESUS CHRIST is our greatest example and the one to whom we must compare ourselves and obey. The greatest resource is the Bible itself, so please spend your main study time in the Word of God, preferably the living Bible the King James Version! These days even a short search on YouTube for revival preaching provides a great deal - but always test against Scripture, because we see through a glass darkly. Websites: www.omega-ministries.org Free material to download, Booklets and tracts. www.biblegateway.com Online Bible versions for comparison www.biblehub.com Online Bible versions and Greek / Hebrew Lexicon and Interlinear www.sermonindex.net Powerful messages from some of the great preachers www.heartcrymissionary.com Equipping and mobilizing indigenous churches and missionaries www.propheticvision.org.uk David Hathaway evangelistic website - recommended! www.eurovisiontv.org Revival preaching broadcasts to the world- David Hathaway
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 This no-compromise, biblical clarion call to revival is timeless. He clearly shows how the church can be brought from where it is to where it ought to be. The church still needs his message, first published in 1983. “We live in a generation which has never known revival— God’s way!”
Available from: Bethany House
The way we practice and experience “church.” Are we off by about 180 degrees? The training of young men to be ministers. Is our present practice more rooted in paganism? Is there a better higher way to go about practising the entire Christian faith than is presently known?
Available from: www.seedsowers.com
Much of what we see expressed in the church today is built on more than just the New Testament. It’s built, instead, mostly on the Old Testament, Church culture, and Paganism. It is therefore imperative that we as God’s people dare to stop and take a closer look at the church today compared to the first church seen in Acts.
Available from: TheLastReformation.com
Do not read this book if you enjoy Sunday morning church services! This book is for believers who want to utterly abandon it all, from top to bottom, and then start over in a way that is a revolutionary, radical departure from all present-day church practices.
Available from: www.seedsowers.com
ISSUE: 01
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
JESUS CHRIST THE GREAT REFORMER By Stephen Turnham
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:8–14
Y
ou’ve heard about a time in history known as ‘The Reformation’.
Famous names are mentioned such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wycliffe, Thomas Cranmer and William Tyndale. These men are to be admired for courage and faith in dark times. However, as great an awakening as this was, back in the 16th Century, it’s important to note that this was mainly a ‘Protestant Reformation’. This was a ‘Protest’ or awakening out from the Roman Catholic domination of Europe. (The history and testimony of these times can be read online and in a multitude of books). But let us go
back even further to another darker time, even before that great apostasy. Back another 1500 years to the time when the first Romans and their armies dominated the Mediterranean. Back to the land of promise that was in turmoil because of terrorism and corruption. A place that was confused by many religions, domestic violence and political unrest. The religious leaders had taken over the control of the Temple charging extra taxes for their own benefit. Ordinary people felt oppressed and fearful of what might happen next. It all sounds too familiar doesn’t it? Paul tells us in his letter to the
Romans that in the midst of this Middle East mayhem Christ came: ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.’ Rom 5:6 That due time, the Hebrews writer tells us was, ‘the time of reformation’. Jesus came from heaven to earth, through human birth, to bring THE REFORMATION of Israel. It’s easy to miss how radical the message of Jesus was to those who lived in Israel in those dark times! He literally turned everything on its head. He came with the New Covenant that was to be cut in his own human blood. The writer of Hebrews goes on to explain that
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INSIDE The Perfect Church • Great Revivalists • Sanctification • The Power of Example • Get The Power of God • & more...
continued from page 21 OMEGA-MINISTRIES.ORG
ISSUE: 01
Revival – God’s Way Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
Revival times is a FREE publication offered to those who want to be encouraged and built up to know JESUS CHRIST as their Lord God and saviour. It is published by Omega Ministries which is a non-denominational prophetic movement of believers who want to see the Kingdom come on earth as in heaven. Please send all enquiries or questions to the email address given below. We recognise all material copyrights and thank God that all contributors take no wages for their work of faith in order to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and to revive his true church in our day. All Scriptures are quoted from the King James Bible and or Greek and Hebrew, where appropriate, for clarity. This paper and other teaching material is offered online for downloading and printing free of charge. If you are inspired by the content of this paper please pass on to brothers and sisters for their encouragement. Revival is a long lost concept in our modern society because the true Gospel has been perverted, watered down and twisted for personal gain by wolves in sheeps clothing. Enough is enough and now the sleepers must awake from their spiritual stupor. The dead dry bones must live and the faithful army of the Lord arise and shine the beauty of Christ in us, the hope of glory.
The Call Has Gone Out Soldiers of Christ, arise And put your armour on, Strong in the strength which God supplies Thru His eternal Son; Strong in Lord of hosts And in His mighty power: Who in the strength of Jesus trusts Is more than conqueror They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not be faint . Isaiah 40:28-31
Editor: Stephen Turnham © please copy and pass on Download the PDF here: www.omega-ministries.org email: info@omega-ministries.org
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Where is the hope for Revival— God’s Holy Spirit outpoured Convicting of sin, and of judgement And righteousness of the Lord? When nothing else is important— Only God’s presence Divine, When Christians quit worldly pleasures, Then God, His ear will incline. Desperate prayer for Revival Will cleanse the Church by the Word. Then clothed in spotless, white linen, The Bride clears the way for her Lord. Prayer is the key to Revival, Prayer that is true Spirit-born, Nights of compassionate weeping— Intercession for all the forlorn. Then will the burdens be lifted, Then all the sinners will cry, Then all the chains will be loosened And worldly passions will die. The lost ones will yield to God’s Spirit When Christians, cleansed, weep and pray; God’s Living Water flows outward; This is “Revival—God’s Way”! —Estelle Gifford Jackson
FIRST THOUGHTS God’s Word always comes to pass But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
2 C hronicles 7:19-20
Fulfilled
in
AD 70-135
resurrected and transformed into a spiritual body, able to transition between the two realms! Notice how he could appear and disappear to the disciples once he was alive again. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (John 20:26. See also L uke 24:30-32 R oad to E mmaus ) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God. Heb 10:5-7, Psalm 40
Our pathfinder Jesus the Christ, the God-man, discovered the Christian life as He grew up in a human body. From Bethlehem’s cradle to Jordan’s waters, He discovered the way the Father
wanted him to live the Christian life in space-time, for our sakes! And what did he do? How did he live for our example and for our understanding of heaven? Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2:5-11 Jesus Christ in that body of flesh is the DIVINE LIFE, not a human spirit, but that member of the Godhead that was sent to save us poor blind sinners from darkness! He then made it possible for us to be partakers of that divine life and that is what being a Christian is all about. It’s about knowing Him in the other realm and about having His divine life living in your spirit, soul and body. It’s
not about being anything in this created earth which is vanity and destined for destruction. If you don’t know Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit in this way, I plead with you to fall to your knees in secret prayer. Get the answer from the Father, make sure you hear his voice. Without being in Him and knowing Him you do not have Life, you are still in darkness. Church religion can’t save you! Does he know you? His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Pet 1:2-4 He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! n Inspired by Gene Edwards in his book ‘Overlooked Christianity’.
“Famous Quotes on Revival” Andrew Murray
Henry Blackaby
A true revival means nothing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldliness and selfishness, and making God and His love triumph in the heart and life. The coming revival must begin with a great revival of prayer. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundance of rain will first be heard. An increase of secret prayer with ministers will be the sure harbinger of blessing.
When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been the profound consciousness of the Presence and holiness of God.
Billy Sunday I believe there is no doctrine more dangerous to the Church today than to convey the impression that a revival is something peculiar in itself and cannot be judged by the same rules of causes and effect as other things. When is a revival needed? When carelessness and unconcern keep the people asleep. When may a revival be expected? When the wickedness of the wicked grieves and distresses the Christian.
A.W. Tozer Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late – and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work.
John Piper When I pray for revival I pray first for the most radical thing: The utter devotion and allegiance of your hearts to Christ. That you would love Him so deeply and long for Him so passionately that His coming would be your great hope, and death would be gain, and life would be for Christ and His kingdom. REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 23
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reason why Jesus promised this Baptism of Fire was to enable the disciples to continue the same ministry of miracles and healing that He had. This is the only way we can do it – that’s why we need this baptism – and the evidence of this baptism can only be seen when we expect and see the miraculous! People ask me to lay my hands on them, so that they can receive power from God. But there is something even more powerful than power from God!!! The Bible tells us, there was a man who WRESTLED with God, Jacob. – Genesis 32:24. Do you wrestle with God? I do. When Jacob wrestled with God, God said to him, “I will change your name to Israel because, as a prince you have power WITH God...!” When I pray, I dont just say, “O God, give me power.” I say, “O God, I want to be like Jacob. I want to have power WITH YOU, power to call down Heavenly, Miraculous, Spiritual Power!” How do you think I could command the storm in Caesarea last September to cease? There were plenty of witnesses. I wrestle with God for something more, something beyond... I’m determined, I will not die UNTIL I SEE THE POWER OF GOD ON EARTH! I’m determined to see God show His power! O God, throughout the Bible You have never been defeated! O God, I’m in a battle with the devil – YOU, O God, have never been defeated. I want to see Your glory, here in earth! Believer, you need the fire, the power, the glory of God! Let’s get the fire, let’s get the power, let’s defeat the enemy! I’m ready for a FIGHT! But where is God’s power? My God is the God of the Bible – HE DOES NOT CHANGE! It’s we who need to change! There’s so much more to the Reformation 500 years ago than we realise. What Martin Luther did when he nailed his 95 theses to the church door was
only part. What really caused the Reformation was when the Bible began to be translated into the languages of the people from the original texts – accurately – so that for the first time since the first century after Christ, people could read the Bible! For hundreds of years the ‘Church’ had distorted the truth of God’s Word until it was unrecognisable! The Church needs to have another Reformation – today! Just as the only evidence of God is in the miraculous, the only authority the Church has is the Bible! If we don’t get back to the truth and the authority of the Word of God, the Bible, then the Church will become an irrelevant social system and your nation and mine will be lost to false religious idolatry. Why does Islam fill every mosque while our national churches are dying?!! Paul wrote, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel, because ALL THE POWER OF GOD IS IN THE GOSPEL!” Where do I see the biggest miracles? – ONLY when I’m preaching the Gospel, ONLY when I’m declaring the truth and the glory of God. The Word of God is WITH POWER! WITH AUTHORITY! We need to bring that authority back into the Church. Read the Word of God – believe it! Appropriate it into your lives! Use it! Holy Spirit Power is not tradition, not doctrines of men, it’s not what the world teaches; it’s what God says! In His Word! We need another Reformation – we MUST get back to the Word of God! The Church has gone so far from the Word of God, today it cannot be recognised as the Church of the Bible. You know the Bible. You read the Bible. Take God at His Word! Get power WITH GOD! Put His Word into effect in your life! n On 12 May 2017, David ministered to hundreds of Russian Holocaust Survivors and their families living in Israel. The service, overlooking the walls of Jerusalem, featured
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the anointed worship of Vinesong. Sharing the Good News, David had absolute freedom to talk about the ministry of Jesus: how He lived and died in Israel to reconcile us back to God; Jesus, the Son of God who came down with power to forgive sin and heal the sick; Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and died here, in Jerusalem; Jesus, who said, “If you believe in Me, YOU will preach this Gospel of forgiveness, YOU will heal the sick in His Name” - and this ministry which He gave us who believe will continue till Jesus comes back and His feet stand on the Mount of Olives! - This Jesus is the only One who can forgive sin, and He is the One who will rule the world from Jerusalem! David spoke of the miracles he has seen and witnessed, of the power of prayer, and of the fact that Balaam in the Old Testament, who was hired to curse Israel, could only say, “I cannot curse those whom God has blessed.” David said, “I want YOU to come under the protection of the God of Israel, Jesus is praying for you right now before the Throne of God - give him your heart!” Almost everyone in the hall stood to call on the Name of Jesus, and many claimed to have been healed during the prayer for the sick. www.propheticvision.org.uk
David Hathaway
the old ways were finished, it was time to grow up. This was a complete renewal, a complete reforming of everything they thought Father God required of them as His people. Jesus the Christ (Messiah) was the fulfilment of all the promises and prophecies that had been given over thousands of years, and yet most of them could not see it!
The Blind Lead the Blind Why were Jesus’ new words such a massive reformation for those Jews in the religious community of that day? Why did they hate him when he was doing great miracles and speaking of love? Somehow they could not see the truth before them, something was in the way! Something blinded them from understanding! But What? Jesus himself explains clearly to his listening disciples; that the leaders of their nation had completely missed what the Father wanted! They were blind leaders, leading the blind and as a consequence they were about to fall into a very big ditch and die in their sins! (Matthew 15:14). God himself was standing before them, in this human (but holy) flesh, telling them that the Kingdom of God (Heaven) was near - even in Him! Could they see it, NO! His first appearing as Messiah not only delivered the New Covenant promise, and a clear demonstration of the Kingdom power, but also implemented judgement upon the rebellious Israelite nation. Essentially Jesus was initiating a ‘divorce’ between himself and Israel. Scripture is clear that a marriage covenant can only be ended by either infidelity, or by the death of the other. Israel had proven again and again that she was adulterous and unfaithful. The Father sent his Son into human (Jewish) flesh as the husband willing to die (instead of them), and so free them from the Sinai agreement. It meant they would then be free to get remarried (in a sense) to Him, the risen Christ. Only this time it would be by His faith not by Law. This is the great mystery of Christ and His church (Eph 5:32). This was God’s amazing grace and mercy to them and to us. Can you see it? The Law had proven that man cannot help but sin against a holy God, even when provided everything humanly conceivable as a support! They had Prophets, Kings, the Temple and material blessings. They had the very Word of God from heaven and yet, even then, it was not enough. Most of their hearts were shown to be desperately wicked indeed (Jer 17:9). Sure, there were a few that held faith, but these were the few, these were the chosen remnant. Only those who stood up to be counted for the love of God have been honoured and surely now dwell with him in the glory of His presence (Heb 12:23).
The Remnant of Grace And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Matt 13:10-16 Jesus came to Israel and focused his attention on the remnant that were chosen by the Father. The rest were to be eventually uprooted and destroyed in a terrible judgement and dispersion (divorce is messy). The spiritual authority of the Kingdom was to be taken away from this Israel of old and given to a new priesthood initiated with His remnant. That remnant, drawn and assembled to Jesus by the Father, would not even realise any of this until it happened to them! Paul also tells us in Ephesians, that this holy remnant, the Father had predestined from among them (Eph 1:11-12; see also Zech 11:10-12). We even see how this selection process happened through John the baptist’s ministry, to prepare the Way for the Messiah. Those Jews who were prepared to listen to their conscience, at the preaching of the Kingdom by John, and repent, were the very same ones who also listened to Jesus (Luke 7:29-31; 20:6). This is often passed by when reading the gospel record, but can you see it? Paul explains that in this respect God was indeed faithful to Israel. He gave them plenty of time to repent of their rebellion and sins. Among those to repent were the first disciples (later apostles), some of whom were already disciples of John, before they followed Jesus. ‘Follow me’ Jesus told them and John agreed that this was right to do. (John 1:37) God did not reject all Israel, but accepted those who repented, many of whom later became part of the church by believing in Christ and being ‘saved’ quite literally - from the judgement on Israel. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works (Law): otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Rom 11:1-6 Paul was speaking of his present day (approx AD REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 3
54), before the judgement came upon Israel and the Temple was destroyed. ‘this present time’ for him, but now, ‘back then’ before AD 70, for us. How were those 7,000 elected by God in Elijah’s time? They did not bow the knee to another god, Baal (Satan worship). God said, ‘I have reserved’, so that’s grace - right?. How did God elect those who would be saved in Christ? They believed the message of the Kingdom, turning away from sins (repenting), and being baptised to be cleansed, that’s grace too right?! The false leaders of Israel, who eventually had Jesus crucified, had NOT accepted repentance, their conscience was hardened against this message of grace. That’s what blinded them, a hardened conscience! And all the people that heard Him (Jesus), and the publicans, justified God, being baptised with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptised of him. Luke 7:29-31
Wow! That’s so clear now. Even Jesus said that without responding to the message, ‘repent and be baptised’, you cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:5). Remember that Jesus was getting his disciples to baptise people along with John (John 3:26). That’s when John (the baptist) uttered those wonderful words: He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30.
What Is Reformation Revival? Jesus the great reformer of Israel, and the world, was a revivalist supreme! Look what happened through his short ministry. Look at all the things he did and said. Look at all that he prophesied. Look at the lives forgiven, changed and redeemed! The apostle John saw so many miracles that; if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. (John 21:25) Are your ‘spiritual eyes’ open or are they hardened by your blocked, hardened conscience - like those Pharisees? Has ALL your guilt and sin been cleansed away, so that you can see?! There is only one true revival and it’s this: knowing JESUS CHRIST in you THE HOPE OF GLORY (Col 1:27). There is only one way revival comes and it’s the same way it came in His day, and at Pentecost through the Apostles in their day, the preaching of REPENTANCE and BAPTISM together. When you are a pure, cleansed body, like Jesus earthly body, the Godhead can dwell in you, through you and around you. Glory Hallelujah! (Eph 3:19). Forget your seeker friendly programmes and nice comfortable buildings, this is not the way of Christ PAGE 4 REVIVAL TIMES
Jesus. Forget all those made up religious so called ‘Christian practices’ that even the Jews never did. You need the simplicity of Christ alone, by the water and the Spirit, the Word and prayer. Don’t be a blind leader of the blind, simply repent on your knees and be sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be baptised by full immersion and die with Christ! When the logs are out of your own eyes, you will see clearly to serve others! Nothing matters except having Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit, with you and in you every second of your existence. This is true revival, having your heart and mind exploding with joy and thankfulness to God for his great mercy and that your name is written in heaven. When you know this without any doubt you don’t care about worldly things, or any earthly riches or any sin or whatever man may devise - all you want is HIM. You break free from guilt, shame and fear and you are free indeed, because you can hear Jesus speaking to you - wow! That is being a Christian and it’s more glorious than the Old, that’s revival!
same way, you will probably be set on fire for Him. The truth is that we learn through what we see and experience around us, and we tend to adapt to our surroundings.
Hearing His Voice
But now I have written unto you not
Now, when you hear Jesus, that gives you a lot of faith, that gives you great comfort and a boldness, because fear goes. That’s revival. Even if you are the last one left on the earth and all others have fallen, you will still rejoice in His promise to you, that He will raise you up on the last day. This is the great hope! This is the Gospel, this is the message of the Kingdom that we should be preaching today. These are dark days, but it’s no different now than it was then, and has been all throughout history. The godly man will be persecuted, some of us will die for Christ, but it doesn’t matter, because like Paul we have found that Pearl of great price and we can say for sure: for me to live is Christ and to die is gain Can you say those words and mean them? Are you still attached to the earthly things? You need reviving if you are, you need CHRIST to awaken you to the terrible state of your soul and the possibility of falling into the pit! Make no mistake, Jesus and the Apostles are quite clear about it. If you turn away from Christ having once known these truths you will suffer with the unbelievers! (Luke 12:46) Does this make you uncomfortable, it should. Repent of all worldliness and stupid sins today! Turn back now, don’t wait, get with Jesus and repent of that sin that so easily entangles your heart. Cast out those demons that have wormed their way into your affections. Obey God and renew your mind in the Word of God and feed on the manna from heaven - JESUS CHRIST.
It’s so important to build relationships with people who are true, burning disciples for Jesus. In the first fellowships, you could not just walk in from the street and become a part of the fellowship. There had to be evidence that you had really repented and were living right before the Lord. The Bible makes it clear that this should still be the same today. We should remove evil from our midst because a little leaven affects the whole lump (1 Corin 5:6).
to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corin 5:11-13) This is incredibly important. Again and again, I am astonished at how new Christians grow when they are in a fellowship where people love Jesus with all of their hearts. I have seen people going into the streets evangelising and praying for the sick, people from whom I would never have expected
this based on their personality. However, after they had come into fellowship where many were doing just that, it became natural for them to do the same. What we see of “Christianity” in the beginning is what we’re going to see as normal. So we have to begin creating fellowships where we really serve Jesus in word and deed. This way, we will learn by what we see around us and truly influence the people with whom we associate. n Torben Sondergaard has written seven books and is the founder of the mission organisation “The Last Reformation.” He is known for having a direct and practical approach to the Bible. You can read more and see the videos on the website: TheLastReformation.com
What’s The Normal Christian Life? By Stephen Turnham
“O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5 What is a Christian?
B
efore space-time (creation) the only living beings (Father, Son, and Spirit) were living the Christian life together. There was no human spirit, or soul, or body, no earth. Just Spirit! Here there is Spirit and only Spirit, and their realm is dimensionless and beyond our natural understanding. The Christian nurturing in this Christian “community” is confined totally to the fellowship of three Spirit persons in one. And these persons–in one person–are all in a spiritual realm. That spiritual realm is the only realm in existence. What Scripture calls the ‘reality’ and the ‘life’. The Christian life has been Spirit, invisible, dimensionless–free of space and time – from the beginning. (John 17:5). We’re going deep. Have you ever read anything that told you how to live the Christian life by ways that essentially bypass space and time? Did anyone ever show you how to live the Christian life in the eternal realms? Did anyone ever tell you that you can fellowship with Jesus Christ outside of space and time? That is where the Christian life began, and you and I have a right, by inheritance, to touch such an experience TODAY. The original home of the Christian life is in realms invisible, unseen and absent from physical creation. That is, the “other
realm” is the normal habitat of the Christian life. We can learn how to touch that realm. After all, that is where, and how, the Christian life had its origin, and that is where it still lives! You are looking at the Father’s will concerning how pre-creation Christians were to live the Christian life. Let us refer to this as the discovering of the Christian life, and the living out of the Christian life. All this was and is, located in a realm that has nothing to do with space and time. This is the Christian life founded on REVELATION– revelation flowing from the Father to the Son. Remember what Jesus told Nicodemus: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? John 3:11-12 Jesus the Word, the only begotten Son, always was, way before He became a man and dwelt among us, in this space-time realm which, by the way, He created with the Spirit in obedience to Father! He became a man like us, in order to live under the Law and fulfil it, for us. He was the perfect human being, as the Father had originally intended Adam to be. This is why he is called the ‘last Adam’ (1 Corin 15:45). However, his earthly body was continued on page 23
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They has seen how He had been sent out by the Father. Jesus was with His disciples for only three years, but it was enough for them to then go out and change the world. Today, we see Christians sitting in church pews for 15 or 20 years without any big changes. Why? Could the reason be that we have built up a church system that is not capable of training people through example? Could the reason be that one remembers only twenty percent of what one hears? Imagine a young man who really wants to become an electrician. Of course, he begins by sitting on a school bench listening to a teacher and reading books. But the funny thing is that, after four years, he still has not actually done anything himself. He has just listened and read without applying his knowledge in any practical way. He has read all the books and heard all the teachings on how this is a redundant statement: it should be done. He knows everything about it. But now the time has come for him to show what he has learned during those four years. What do you think is going to happen? Yes, he is probably going to be afraid, nervous, insecure, and will have difficulty remembering all that he has heard and read. He is going to think:”What am I supposed to do now? It’s not like what I heard and read. What if something goes wrong?” He’s probably going to turn back because he realises the gap between the theory and real life is simply too big. Fortunately, this is probably never going to happen to an electrician today. In reality, as a student, he is going to be PAGE 20 REVIVAL TIMES
trying things all the time, and a lot of the lessons will include practical training. After a short time in school, he will begin an internship where he will work beside someone with more experience until he is finally ready to go and work by himself. The only place where we actually do not learn this way today is in our churches. In our churches today, we simply listen and read, without ever gaining the experience of practical application. This is why we have a church that is filled with fear and that will never go out into the real world and do what Jesus has commanded us to do. We know all about how to do it, but we just cannot seem to actually do it ourselves. Let’s look at an example: Someone comes to me who
really wants to hear about God, and I place him with a Christian who has been attending church regularly for 10 years. I charge the Christian: “Will you explain the gospel to this person? If he repents, baptise him in water and with the Holy Spirit, and then disciple him.” What do you think would happen? I think the Christian would not know what to do. A true and trained disciple of Jesus, however, would gladly make the other into a disciple because this is part of the mission Jesus has given us. Today, there is a huge spirit of fear standing between the church
and the world. We can only take it away by beginning to make people into disciples on a daily basis like Jesus taught us. Look at Christians who have been sitting in the church for ten or fifteen years. Ask yourself whether they are able to do what I have been talking about. If the answer is no, you know that they are not going to be able to do it in the future either; that is, if they continue in the same way for another ten or fifteen years. We are often so gullible and think that if we continue a little while longer in the same way, things are going to change. I am convinced that, if change does not happen now, it is not going to happen in the future by continuing to do the same things over and over again. When we realise that we learn mostly by example, we will understand that it is incredibly important who we hang out with. The truth is, we do not learn most things from listening to the preachers in the church. We are actually influenced more by others we meet in the church and everyone else we relate to in everyday life. It is like the story of a duckling that opens its eyes for the first time. It thinks that the first thing it sees is its mother. In the same way, when you are born again and your spiritual eyes are opened, the Christianity you see around you is going to be “real” and “normal.” Of course, this can be changed, but that is not so easy. If you become part of a fellowship where many are living in sin, there is a big risk that you will start to do the same. If, instead, you become part of a fellowship where people are on fire for the Lord and serve Him in word and deed, then, in the
Is the Church helping you? Listen, be honest, is the church or other organisation you are part of preaching repentance and absolute purity of heart, soul and mind? Do they let sinners dwell among you? It must not be so! If they are compromising, even on one small point, your life is in danger of corruption. We must make a right judgement and follow the truth, or perish with them. No more toleration of sin! Purity must come. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corin 11:5-13 If this is not your church experience, then Jesus said the only way to deal with the blind leaders of the blind is to do this; LEAVE! Matt 15:13-15 This sounds harsh, but as we have seen the situation today is the same as then. Instead of un-scriptural synagogues, we now have unscriptural churches that rely on the traditions of men and misuse of the Law, in order to survive and pay themselves and then laze around all week while souls go to hell! In order to stop this disease we must cut off the source of the problem - the infection of hypocrisy. “But where do I go now?” I hear you say. Jesus said this: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matt 6:6 You must learn to be led by the Father through the Spirit in prayer. He will lead you to the other ‘living stones’ and connect you. Let him choose on the basis of the Kingdom and purity, not tradition. Not on ‘entertainment value’. Do not be deceived, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees’. They like to redefine the Word, use the Law to gain ‘filthy lucre’ and add extra conditions on top of it. Things like; you can’t eat pork or bacon; you must go to ‘church’ on Sundays and always get the pastors permission. We could go on about errors in the churches, but let’s focus back on the simplicity of Christ. Whoever or wherever you meet, there must be only ONE purpose - to know CHRIST and to become like him. It’s not about supporting the worldly
community around us. It’s about converting them to Christ! All ministry was designed by God for this end, that we might be mature lacking nothing. That we would be holy (separated) just like He is!
Being Holy Can Hurt God has commanded, in both the old and new testaments, that his people should be separated from this world system. Like him we are to be holy and unpolluted by foreign gods, beliefs, rituals, traditions and sinful lifestyles. However, as Jesus and Paul both point out, when you take His road of holiness, you will be persecuted. Both Jesus and Paul found out that this can really hurt the flesh. Obviously being persecuted, in any way, is unpleasant to the flesh, but it’s empowering to the spirit and soul. Undeserved persecution, that is endured with joy, has great reward in God’s sight. It does. It’s a constant battle and so we must be more like Jesus daily, in order to overcome trials every day. We must repent and die to our ways, our life. It’s not about ‘ME’, and MY needs, but ‘HIM’ and HIS WILL! If you have Him you have ALL THINGS! Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Heb 12:1-3 We must remember that we are called ‘sacrifices’ and ‘slaves’ of Christ. We are not our own, we have given our life to him - through baptism. Paul said that he was being poured out like a drink offering. His willingness to obey the heavenly vision has given us the amazing Scripture that we now read! Not many of us will be required to suffer as much as Paul, but we should be ready to pay the ultimate price of faith, because things can suddenly change and Jesus may require it!
God’s Perfect Will How do we know what God’s will is? This is THE important question to answer correctly, because if we do not know it, how can we walk in it? Jesus himself said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 5
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. M att 7:21
Is His will different for everyone’s individual life as many claim? We like to say, ’Oh God deals with my life differently, I’m called to this or that ministry’. This is exactly the whole point, we are not supposed to have our own life or our own ministry! Jesus didn’t die to service our wants and desires for our benefit. He commands that we lose our life in order to find the real life who is JESUS CHRIST in heaven. Jesus showed us what God’s will is and it goes like this: I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. John 5:30 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28 Wow! hang on a minute, what was that He said!? ‘I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge’ and ‘I do nothing of myself’. Is that how you live life right now? Because that’s what it means to be in the will of God, to be a Christian disciple. How far we are from true faith when we compare ourselves to Christ, rather than to the pastor or some other person. Let me tell you that there is no other gospel than this. If this true Gospel was not given to you from the beginning, you have not had the true gospel, but a perversion of it. Blind guides, those hypocrites, will tell you that this was only for Jesus or Paul, oh He was special, He was gifted and that’s not for you. Lies! Satan wants you deaf! Not only is it for you, but all those who truly believe. The Father wants to guide our every move, because then, and only then, we will have JOY unspeakable and full of GLORY. This is how Jesus lived among us, this was what was prophesied by David in Psalm 40: Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
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He Who has Ears Let Him Hear One of Jesus’ most common phrases was this: Who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matt 13:9 He would often say this after a parable. He wasn’t being ironic, but rather prophesying in the Spirit. He was trying to find those who would obey the will of the Father and HEAR his instruction! Are you waiting at His door in order to hear instruction? My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 Remember when Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to pray and he was transfigured before them? What did the voice of the Father say from heaven? And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. Mark 9:7 Oh what a surprise! The Father told the disciples to hear Jesus. I guess that must be His will then. Honesty is always the best policy. Be honest with yourself, have you heard Jesus? Do you really hear him every day guiding your every thought, purpose and direction? Are you doing nothing by yourself, but always check with Him? Is HE LORD, not you? Is it really not the case, that you do something else? When will you stop and ‘be still’ and ‘cry out’ to him for His Word, not just the Scriptures, but his ACTUAL VOICE? Whether it’s by the ‘still small voice’ or a ‘loud trumpet command’ you must hear it to live divinely. That’s revival! That’s the real Gospel! That’s eternal life, here and now. That’s faith that comes by hearing! ‘That’s impossible’ I hear you say - exactly my point. JESUS CHRIST is the impossible made possible. It’s the natural superseded by the supernatural glory of God Himself! Do you have it? You can get it when you give up all of you and your old ways. But people will say I am mad, yep. People will say I am crazy, yep. People will get really annoyed at me, yep. People will get healed, yep. People will get saved, yep. People will get to know Jesus as well, Hallelujah I think you’ve got it. That’s revival, want some? n He believes that if we are not seeing the supernatural in our daily lives, we are not walking as Jesus walked and are missing out, and worse, failing to live up to our calling to save the lost. It’s time to awake from sleep and let Christ’s light shine!
in a pulpit, but it is something completely different when you talk to me and meet me in the different situations of everyday life. Those who hear me teach only remember 20% of what I say. The people who talk to me each day grow in a completely different way, especially when I am taking them out to practice what they have learned.
not called us to serve Him only in some small areas of our lives, leaving the rest alone. Being successful in a speaker’s chair while the family is falling apart is not being successful at all. No, it’s about your entire life. That is why Jesus called people to follow Him, so that, through life’s challenges, they would learn by example.
They are not only taught through my words but also through my way of life. They are not only listening, but they are also learning by seeing how I treat my wife and children, how I think about others, and how I spend my time with God, etc. They learn by following me and doing what I do. The church is supposed to be a part of everyday life, not something that only takes place in a certain place for a couple of hours each week.
A good picture of the way Jesus and the first Christians lived is that of an apprentice and his master. It is a practice that does not occur as much today as it did some years ago. The thought behind this practice is that the student (apprentice) learns from an experienced teacher (master) by following his example until he becomes experienced and competent himself. How did
When you consider that most of what we learn actually happens by seeing how others do it, what is it then that we are learning in many of our churches today? Do you learn how to give a testimony? Do you learn how to be a good father or a good husband? No, this is something that is learned in everyday life and not something that can be taught in two hours on a Sunday. Of course, we can be taught by listening to a sermon, but it is still not teaching by example. What do we learn in church is how people teach, sing songs, welcome others, and many other things that belong to church life. God has not, however, called us to be “professional” Christians living a “professional” church life. We are called to go out and make disciples of all nations every day, disciples who are living the life each day. God has
learn from their example. After a short time, we will be ready to perform tasks and teach others ourselves. The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. Luke 6:40
In the gospel of Luke, chapter 9, you can read another example of how Jesus taught His disciples. Here, He gives them an order along with some practical instructions. It says, among other things: And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. Luke 9:2-4 Everything Jesus is saying to His disciples here is meant for them to learn something specific. Later, we read: And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
such an apprentice learn? Well, first of all by seeing what his master did. In teaching this way, the apprentice not only learned by seeing, but also by hearing and doing. After some time, the apprentice will start trying to do things on his own. However, the master will stay by his side to see how he is doing and to help when and where it’s needed. After a while, the apprentice will begin to do things on his own more and more until, finally, he is fully educated and able to move on. With the Christian life, it should be actually the same. We follow other mature Christians and
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. Luke 22:35-37
Jesus sent them out at this specific time so they would learn something specific: to trust God. Later when Jesus said,”As the Father has sent Me, I am also sending you” (John 20:21), His disciples knew what this meant. REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 19
The Power of Example
The Perfect Church
By Torben Sondergaard
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
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esus has called us to make people into His disciples. I believe we are wrong when we think this will happen all by itself or simply by people attending our church meetings Sunday after Sunday. Listening to teachings does not necessarily make one into a disciple. Jesus was a carpenter, but He did not build a single church building! He never started an organisation, nor did He have church services at any specific time. Neither did He start a Bible school to get the job done. No, the way He made disciples was entirely different from the way in which we do it today. In chapter four of the gospel of Matthew, we read about Jesus calling His first disciples (see above). Jesus called his disciples with the words: “Follow Me.” A disciple of Jesus was, and still is, a follower of Jesus. We leave what we are doing behind in order to follow Him. Yet, what did Jesus do to make people into His disciples? Did He build a church where they could meet every Sunday? Did He start Bible school where He could meet the students every morning and teach them? In the Everyday Danish Bible there is an explanation of the verses that we just read. It says this: “In those days teaching often involved following a master and learning from His example. A disciple is rather an apprentice than a student. That is why the disciples and other people often called Jesus master.” PAGE 18 REVIVAL TIMES
There are many truths hidden in what we have just read. In the culture in which Jesus and the first Christians lived, things were done very differently than we do in our various cultures today. Being taught by someone, then, meant following a master. However, following the master did not mean that you learned by sitting and listening only, but by seeing and doing. It was both teaching and learning by example. Today, almost all learning in the church happens by listening to someone teaching. What makes you a student is mostly sitting and listening to the teachings. It is actually the way our whole society functions. Fortunately, more and more schools are beginning to introduce new ways of learning. They are beginning to involve the kids so that they are not just listening, but are more actively involved. Research on how people learn most effectively reveals the following: We remember: 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50 % of what we hear and see,
70% of what we say ourselves, 90% of what we do ourselves. As you can see, there is a big difference in what we learn between simply sitting and listening, which is what we do in most churches, and talking, seeing, and doing. Jesus taught His disciples by having them follow Him. In that way they did not just experience what He taught, but they also saw how He lived. After they had watched how He did things, Jesus sent them out to do what He had shown them. This is an important part of learning that is, unfortunately, often left out today. The way teaching is done in churches nowadays easily creates a distant relationship between the common church visitor and the pastor or speaker, and that’s exactly what it felt like when I was a new Christian. Because of this distance, people often do not grow in their faith. Nowadays, when I am out in the country, I often meet people who have respect for me because of my ministry. It is one thing to have respect for me based on what they see on my website or a couple of times each year
By Stephen Turnham
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. Hebrews 12:22-25
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he meaning of ‘church’, the ‘Ekklesia’ of God, has been terribly perverted and corrupted by the ‘wolves in sheeps clothing’ over these last millennia. But why did Satan bother to do this? You may be stunned by the title of this message, ‘The Perfect Church’, and in your mind you might immediately reject the notion that such a thing even exists. How often I hear the comment: ‘you’ll never find the perfect church brother’. Well this throws up a very serious situation, because that is the very thing that Christ is looking for when he returns - the perfect Bride! So who is mistaken? (see Eph 5:27; Rev 21:2) Quite often what people are really saying is that you will never find the ‘perfect organisation’ calling itself ‘a church’. This is an entirely different matter and gets to the heart of the problem that we now face. The divisions or factions, that have been created by deceived men, over history, have polluted our thinking to such a degree that it seems an incurable mess. The name of God, and His Holy assembly of the firstborn, have been brought into disrepute. This shameful Satanic state of affairs has been tolerated by even the most ardent preachers of the past. This huge problem has seemed to be unsolvable. ‘The church is divided’, ‘the church is imperfect’, ‘the church has lost her way’, ‘the church has failed’ they cry. However, there is a great mystery that blind guides cannot see.
There is a truth that only those who truly know Christ can know. The Bride of Christ is ‘perfect without spot or wrinkle’ and she hides in the Most Holy Place. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25-27
Most ‘churches’ of today are merely earthly organisations run by management men. What? I hear your indignation scream out, this cannot be true! Do not be deceived, the church today bears no resemblance to the one seen in Acts. In fact the real church was in existence even before Pentecost, it was with Christ, and He died for it! What was ‘it’, it was the disciples whom the Father had given him. Those who had received the Word and obediently followed Him and were thus cleansed by
the Words of Jesus. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. John 17:8-11 Jesus’ prayer to the Father recorded in John 17, reveals the awesome truth that, from His point of view, those men were the church. Those 12 men and others close by, He loved and cherished and He was prepared to die for them. Those simple men that the Father had given to him, came from out of all Israel, but were only a few. A small but faithful remnant who only wanted to be with Him. Who only wanted to hear the words of eternal life. Those men who had given up all else just to follow Him and His promises of glory to come. Now it was time for Him to deliver the goods, now the hour had come for Him to make good on His claims. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 7
the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:11-15 Jesus is the good shepherd that has died for his sheep, so that they might be perfect and experience the unity in the Spirit that He and the Father enjoy eternally! How is this joyous unity released in us who truly believe? Jesus explained it to his precious men and then to us. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, IF YE DO whatsoever I command you. John 15:12-14 The Bride (heavenly church) are those who gather around Jesus Christ and OBEY His every word. That Word washes their souls and spirits clean, curing them of any spots or wrinkles. Perfecting them by His powerful Spirit. Those disciples emerged on Pentecost full of heavenly fire. They had been transformed and changed into different people. They had been anointed the priests and kings of heaven itself! This simplicity in Christ became the pure body of believers. Thousands came to receive the water of life and they had unity by the Holy Spirit, because they were clean! They had no Bibles, they had no buildings, they had no fancy robes, no candles, no nothing except Jesus Christ and each other! That’s Jesus church, the only Bride. They lived in each PAGE 8 REVIVAL TIMES
others homes and witnessed in the public spaces preaching the glorious gospel. They were and are the perfect church, because they rejected sin, Satan the world system and all it’s deception - they were holy, separated and miraculous! Is that you and your group? There is only one Kingdom and there is only one Bride that is sanctified and holy before God the Father. However, today you only see fleeting glimpses of her, because most of the time she is in her prayer chamber perfecting her beauty. She spends most of her time in secret prayer and adoration of her husband JESUS. She is overwhelmed with despair when she discovers a wrinkle or a blemish on her skin and cries out for cleansing and deliverance. Yes, She is the perfect church and She dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. She is not involved with religious superstitions or worldly pleasures of any kind.
Those things get in the way of her devotion to her only love JESUS CHRIST her Lord. Where is this church? Hopefully you are getting the vision of the beauty of the church that Jesus died for. So why do we settle for so much less? In our hearts we long for this intimate fellowship and unity in the Holy Spirit and yet it seems so illusive. We know that things are not right, but what must we do if anything? First we must realise that new wine cannot be poured into old wineskins. Don’t think
that the current churchianity organisations will somehow get better. They cannot, because so much is upsidedown. So much is of man and not God, like Israel of old it cannot be cured and it will be destroyed. Oh, men have tried to do it, but what happened? Now we have even more factions and splits and injured souls, more collateral damage. Some have shipwrecked their faith with money and many have been wounded by misguided, so called, ‘leaders’. There is only one solution that Jesus gives us - we must DIE to our own way and accept His Holiness Way. The real church is that holy, sanctified remnant who love only Jesus and each other with a wholehearted dedication. They will die for each other, in order to be faithful to Jesus and his purposes. Where they meet is not important, unless it hinders that holy relationship. What counts is knowing Him together, hearing His voice and obeying His will. That’s real church. There will be worship and praise and giving and sharing. However, prayer is the the core activity of these people, because their minds are fixed on things above where Christ dwells! We always try to bring Christ down to our carnal level, but he is calling us upward towards His glorious Kingdom! Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be
The Martyr’s Crown The saints of old were beaten, tried, Condemned and even crucified These martyr men beat no retreat When flames were licking at their feet. They saw the tyrant’s brandished steel, But still they offered no appeal. They struck no bargain for their lives, For their children or their wives. All slowly roasted in the flames While angels wrote each of their names Within a book God calls His own To be proclaimed before His throne.
Then we shall know of these renown When each receives his martyr’s crown, When God shall say to these, “Well done You ran the race, pressed on, and won, When in that race men said, ‘Insane.’ But now I gladly own your name. Now you are home! Come dwell with Me In joy through all eternity.”
Leonard Ravenhill
Leonard Ravenhill was a powerful preacher and author of many stirring books, including the classic, “Why Revival Tarries.” Formerly one of England’s outstanding evangelists, he went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day weekend 1994.
How To Get Power
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e need a strong relationship with the Lord. My God is alive in power and authority: and I spend a lot of time in prayer. I have three special Bibles, each one serves a different purpose in my life. I have one in my office, it’s my ‚‘satnav’, my Tom Tom for direction! It’s more accurate than any satellite navigation system! Then I have what I call my ‘prayer Bible’ which I usually keep by the side of my bed. Prayer must be a two-way
By David Hathaway conversation. We men have a problem: we sit down at the breakfast table and the wife starts talking – and we don’t get a word in edgeways!!! But prayer must be a two-way conversation – with God! How does God speak to us? Sometimes we hear voices, we see dreams and visions – but primarily God speaks through His Written Word! That’s how God spoke to me when I had throat cancer all those years ago. I got the answer in the Bible, and God healed me! Let me encourage you; be straight with God, tell Him the truth, don’t be afraid to tell Him, He knows everything anyway! Talk to God and expect the answer! And my third Bible, that’s my preaching Bible, it’s the Sword of the Spirit, my fighting weapon! We have to fight - together with God! My preaching Bible is the sword with which I slay the devil and bring the souls out of hell into the glory of Heaven! But Jesus, the Word of God, did no miracles, did not begin His ministry, UNTIL He had been baptised in the Holy Spirit. We MUST receive that same power,
we must EXERCISE that same power! I’m 85 years old, I could just sit in a chair or lie in my bed – but within a short time I would lose the strength in my arms, in my legs... But I have more strength, more energy than you! Why? Because I use what I have, I use my arms, I use my legs, I exercise... And I use the power, the fire God has given me to preach the Gospel! God has given you the same power. Use it! When I received the Holy Spirit aged 13, it was a powerful experience. But the next day I was in a prayer meeting in my church: Yesterday, Monday, I was baptised in the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus promised, filled with the Holy Spirit! Today, Tuesday, I feel dead! No power. Nothing. Just me! I began to have an argument with myself, “Yesterday, God filled me with the Holy Spirit and with power. Today I feel empty. But I will not depend on my feelings, I will depend on the Word of God! Jesus said in the Acts of the Apostles, ‘You – that’s me – will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes.’ So by faith I will exercise that power!” The continued on page 22
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A Message to Preachers By Leonard Ravenhill
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shall, I believe, be eternally grateful that my Father took me to a night of prayer when I was just 14 years of age. Dad was a street-corner preacher. He and his partner, “Hell-fire Naylor,” had been rescued from the pit of sin; and they never forgot God’s infinite mercy to them. Battle they did at street corners, telling the old, old story of Jesus and His love. They battled in prayer, also. The other men at that momentous prayer meeting were Walter Dacre and Albert Barnes. I sensed at once, as these men prayed with tears and travail, that they had three things in them: faith, fire and fight! This was my first front-line view of a spiritual battle. These men sweat, wept, and called loudly upon the name of the Lord as though He were deaf, and yet with confidence that He was hearing. There were many great answers. This type of prayer seems to be lost in this day of flabby faith and shallow spirituality. Oh, that it might return! I went to a number of half nights of prayer with this team of men – I begged to go. Here was life, liberty, and love! From that night to this I have tried to pray. Like all others, I shall never graduate in this school, the School of Intercession. If the Lord offered me just one outstanding ministry–say, for example: The offer of a full knowledge of His Word and a greater power to proclaim it than had Spurgeon; Or the offer of the most sensational healing ministry; Or the offer of the spirituality to raise up a new ministry; Or the offer of the loan of Elijah’s mantle in prayer– I would choose the latter. I would like to pray as Elijah prayed. I would like to be feared in hell as Paul was feared. Demons testified, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” (Acts 19:5). What a shock if, at the Judgement Seat of Christ, the devil says, “I’ve never heard of that preacher”! I’m of the opinion that the devil has a list of the “Ten Most Wanted Men.” There are men he fears. Would you like to be one of them? Oh, to pray so as to be known in hell! Oh, to pray so that demons have to quit their prey! Oh, to cause pandemonium in perdition when we intercede! Oh, to liberate the captives when we make intercessions with tears! Oh, to push the devil around instead of him pushing the church around! Oh, to know the groanings that cannot be uttered! Some say that this is praying in tongues–not so in my reckoning. If the groanings cannot be uttered PAGE 16 REVIVAL TIMES
audibly by the Spirit, I am sure they cannot be uttered by me! Hannah prayed, “but her voice was not heard” (1 Sam 1:13) George Jeffreys, the great evangelist who shook areas of England during the 1930s, said that he prayed in English; if that seemed inadequate, he prayed in his more expressive native tongue, Welsh; if that failed, he prayed the Holy Ghost. This is the highest form of prayer. It is inner groanings, it is inner grief, it is totally spiritual, and it is weakening to the flesh–but devastating to the powers of darkness. Did you ever hear anyone pray with a holy anointing that seemed to shake the place? Well, there is a step in prayer beyond this. It is painful to experience. Once, in a little town in Wales, I witnessed a woman travailing in prayer. It could not have been more painful and awesome had she been giving birth naturally and going down to the gates of death to bring forth life. This is what praying in the Holy Ghost is about–at least in the context of revival. As God is my witness, I want to pray with groanings “that cannot be uttered.” I want to be taught what cannot be taught–only caught as the Spirit anoints. Lord I tearfully ask: Teach me to pray with groanings so that there are earthquakes in hell. Teach me the groanings of the Spirit until angels stand in awe. Teach me Spirit-born intercession that changes history. Teach me the birth pangs of the Holy Ghost until hell-shaking revival is born. Lead me into travail that will hold back divine judgement from the nations for a little season. Let me be a living sacrifice on the altar of prayer,”bleeding to bless,” until flood tides of mercy sweep the nations. Lord, break my heart in the intercession until my eyes, like those of Jeremiah, are a fountain of tears weeping for the slain of an educated, but spiritually dead people. Dead sermons are unpardonable; dead prayers are even worse. If there are degrees of death in a service, usually the “deadest” part is the offering of the pulpit prayer. Seldom does the Spirit fall while the pulpit prayer is offered. Prayer is the key to the service. Lord teach preachers to pray! n
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Phil 3:17-21 The Heavenly Kingdom As His body here on earth we are to be as much in touch with the Father as Jesus himself was. The Holy Spirit should lead ALL holy church gatherings. This is a radical thought for most today, but that’s how they did it. That is where the life is, that is eternity, that is the glory and we must have it, we must live there in our hearts and minds. Some have been privileged to visit that magnificent realm of wonders beyond the imagination. Oh, what a reward God has for those who love him right now, even in this dark world. For we have indeed come to mount Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem, to the angels and righteous men made perfect through their trials. I will tell you who is in my holy church: Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Noah, Samuel, David, Isaiah, John, and Peter, Paul, Barnabas, shall I go on? How would you like to join my church? Most of these brothers left us with love letters and their testimony of how God loved them and used them to further the message of Christ to the lost world. Even reaching to us now! The Mission of His Church You often see long mission statements by Christian organisations. This often contains some great truths, but how often do you see this mission statement: Our mission is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our strength and with all our mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Luke 10:27 This is the mission of the holy church and, as we have seen, it does not need an organisation based on worldly principles,
but only the simplicity of Christ. Service to others is based on personal responsibility before God and man. Even the Law tells us that! When we, as his people, obey this mission, we will shine as the golden city in glory and the Father will draw all men to himself! We must throw off all the shackles that men have put on us. All their religious ritualistic, superstitious rubbish must be discarded. We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only. That means we must humble ourselves daily and seek His Kingdom in heaven, we must hear from Him, by the Spirit, just as the first disciples did. We need His holy fire in us! We are His Temple All four Gospels, Acts and the
Epistles were written before the demise of Israel. They were written to people who met together in their homes, where they lived. Apostles and prophets were the humble leaders of the church, praying like crazy. They taught Jews that the Temple was no longer relevant, they taught the pagans that there are no other gods. They taught all disciples that WE are now the Temple of God’s presence. No longer does God dwell in buildings made by men. We know this inside, but we are still prepared to tolerate and support those heretics who build temples, cathedrals and towers and tell the world that God visits these places! Hocus pocus nonsense! Then, because he actually doesn’t show up, they concoct all kinds of Jazzy entertainment to impress people. They provide lots of comfortable chairs to keep people coming
back. All these things are man made and a hindrance to knowing Christ and sharing his sufferings and persecutions. Rather than going out to the lost, they hide away in these buildings, doing strange things that they think is worship. Many, in these institutions of madness, have never met Jesus personally or heard his voice, they are not even born again! Many are living in sin and have no victory over their life, Satan still has them. A terrible tragedy when Jesus has paid for them to have an inheritance of victory and power. “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” Acts 7:48-51 If they ignore this calling from heaven they will be just as doomed as the faithless generation of Israelites, who God let wander through the desert until they died. They never saw the promised land, because of their unbelief and rebellion. They went round in circles, doing the same thing over and over again, but getting nowhere, they couldn’t see the exit sign. They would not listen, but continued in their own ways, fearful of the enemy. But what happened? When the next generation did finally enter the promised land, continued on page 15
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The Great Revivalists - Duncan Campbell Revival is essentially a manifestation of God; it has the stamp of deity on it which even the unregenerate and uninitiated are quick to recognize. A. W. Tozer I know nothing, in my own experience, that has been more exhilarating and helpful, and that acted upon more frequently as a tonic to me, than the history of Revivals. Church history, and especially the history of Revivals is one of the best antidotes to a preacher’s discouragement and depression in the time we are living in. D r. M artyn Lloyd -Jones
Revival in the Hebrides (1949) Part I
By Duncan Campbell (1968 Transcript) here are two things that I would like to say in speaking about the revival in the Hebrides. First, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I did not bring revival to the Hebrides. It has grieved me beyond words to hear people talk and write about the man who brought revival to the Hebrides. My dear people, I didn’t do that. Revival was there before I ever set foot on the island. It began in a gracious awareness of God sweeping through the parish of Barvas. Then I would like to make it perfectly clear what I understand of revival. When I speak of revival, I am not thinking of high-pressure evangelism. I am not thinking of crusades or of special efforts convened and organized by man. That is not in my mind at all. Revival is something altogether different from evangelism on its highest level. Revival is a moving of God in the community and suddenly the community becomes God conscious before a word is said by any man representing any special effort. Now I am sure that you will be interested to know how, in November 1949, this gracious movement began on the island of Lewis. Two old women, one of them 84 years of age and the other 82—one of them stone blind, —were greatly burdened because of the appalling state of their own parish. It was true that not a single young person attended public worship. Not a single young man or young woman went to the church. They spent their day perhaps reading or walking but the church was left out of the picture. And those two women were greatly concerned and they made it a special matter of prayer. A verse gripped them: “I will pour water on him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground.” They were so burdened that both of them decided to spend so much time in prayer twice a week. On
T
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Tuesday they got on their knees at 10 o’clock in the evening and remained on their knees until 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning—two old women in a very humble cottage. One night, one of the sisters had a vision. Now remember, in revival, God works in wonderful ways. A vision came to one of them, and in the vision she saw the church of her fathers crowded with young people. Packed to the doors, and a strange minister standing in the pulpit. And she was so impressed by the vision that she sent for the parish minister. And of course he knowing the two sisters, knowing that they were two women who knew God in a wonderful way, he responded to their invitation and called at the cottage. That morning, one of the sisters said to the minister, “You must do something about it. And I would suggest that you call your office bearers together and that you spend with us at least two nights in prayer in the week. Tuesday and Friday if you gather your elders together, you can meet in a barn—a farming community, you can meet in a barn—and as you pray there, we will pray here.” Well, that was what happened, the minister called his office bearers together and seven of them met in a barn to pray on Tuesday and on Friday. And the two old women got on their knees and prayed with them. Well that continued for some weeks—indeed, I believe almost a month and a half. Until one night; now this is what I am anxious for you to get a hold of—one night they were kneeling there in the barn, pleading this promise, “I will pour water on him that is thirsty, floods upon the dry ground” when one young man, a deacon in the church, got up and read Psalm 24. “Who shall ascend the hill of God? Who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands and a pure heart who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity or sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing (not a blessing, but the blessing) of the Lord.” And then that young man closed his Bible. And looking down at the minister and the other office bearers, he said this— maybe crude words, but perhaps not so crude in our Gaelic language—he said, “It seems to me to be so much humbug to be praying as we are praying, to be waiting as we are waiting, if we ourselves are not rightly
muster here. Neither will the copout, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy” (1 Pet 1:15). And hear John: “He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7) In my days in England there was a preachers’ forum in the Methodist Church on Oldham Street, Manchester. I visited it often. The preaching “greats’ held court there. Sangster of Westminster Central Hall was a favourite of many. Others preferred Dr. Martyn LloydJones of Westminster Chapel. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan drew crowds. Dr. Black of Edinburgh, and others–each had his distinct
style of presenting the Word. Yet, I remember their style in prayer, also. The men shallow in prayer were shallow in preaching– oratory notwithstanding. I deplore the poverty of pulpit praying today. Often the preachers give this jewel of prayer to an unprepared deacon. “After this hymn, we will ask Deacon Smith to lead us in prayer.” Deacon Smith should have been given a weeks notice to prepare his soul for prayer. The usual prayer is trite, unintelligent, and unconvincing. It goes something like this: “Lord bless us this day. We thank You for this church and for the pastor. Bless the choir as they sing, and may some person be saved,
for Jesus sake.” This is almost unpardonable.
is not answering your prayers. He only answers prayers of the righteous that agree with His plans and purposes. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
We are not to fight each other and hide in our own little cliques, separated and comfortable with what we already know. The Father calls us to Be Holy as He is Holy. Here is a verse to finish with that should put the fear of God into our soul: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord Heb 12:14 This is not the Word from ‘the Law’, but from the New Covenant of Grace. Grace is not a licence to sin. We MUST respond! Each one of us is responsible to do their part in humbling and purifying their heart. The Lord is coming, time is running out. For thousands dying everyday time has already run out. Let’s cast off every hindrance that prevents us from loving and interceding for each other, and then get out on the streets to reach the harvest! n Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Joseph Parker was a man mighty in the Scriptures. He was mighty in prayer, also. Preachers would profit from meditating on the prayers of this man of God. These are now in print. The book is entitled Book of Uncommon Prayer. He will lift you from the dust of earth to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. He had visions and authority in prayer. He prayed with purpose, with power, with passion, and with pleadings that are rare. n The is an extract from the book,”Revival God’s Way”. See our resources page for details.
continued from page 10 - The Perfect Church
with Joshua, it turned out that the enemies that their parents had feared were, in fact, more afraid of them! God has time to wait, but we don’t. Let’s get on our knees today! If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corin 3:15-17 If you wait, to purify yourself later, you will die and never see Revival. Sure you might make it into heaven, but are you absolutely sure? Are you in the perfect church, are you sanctified, made holy and can you say like Jesus; ‘Satan has nothing in me’? (John 14:30) There is a good reason why God
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Sanctification But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.. Acts 26:16-18 The great apostle Paul was true to the heavenly vision received on the road to Damascus, but also to the further visions he received from the Lord. He tells Agrippa the purpose for which he was called. To open their eyes. Turn them from darkness to light. That they might receive forgiveness of sins. Finally he mentions something not much discussed in the churches today. Inheritance among them which are SANCTIFIED by faith that is in Jesus. Every disciple, once saved, will enter the purifying process. Being made holy is being made into His likeness. That’s Revival.
Who Shall Stand in His Holy Place? by Leonard Ravenhill
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y late spiritual mentor, the beloved Dr. A. W. Tozer, listened with patience day after day as preachers at a conference told of what they had recently done or how far they had travelled, or what building they had recently raised. Finally the good Doctor rose to preach and fired a broadside at the boasters: “I am tired of coming to conferences to watch men strut!” Men do, alas, often strut in the pulpit. They even get lost in their own eloquence. But who struts in the prayer closet? Who dares to try to impress God? Our unanointed oratory is a stammer here. Rhetoric dies. Here our organising skill is a dry gourd. Agonising is esteemed—but who can teach men to agonise? Physical strength does not avail in intercession; soul strength does! In prayer we are known only to God. We do not even know ourselves. How unflattering is our social standing here. All Christian men are not equal in the prayer life. Not even all spiritual men. Spirituality alone counts here. God cannot be threatened. He cannot be cajoled. PAGE 14 REVIVAL TIMES
He cannot be corrupted, nor bought, nor bargained with. The laws of prayer are His. “Shut the door!” No spectators are allowed here. No windows display the prayer closet. Vain repetitions are obnoxious to God. The conditions for prayer are set by God himself. Duncan Campbell, used of God in the Hebrides Revival of the 1950’s, was preaching one night when the heavens seemed like brass. Duncan stopped preaching, and he called on a young man to pray. The “laddie” halted before he prayed to say, “Ach! What’s the use of praying if we are not right with God?” He then recited the 24th Psalm. The fear of the Lord came upon many. The “fire” fell and the area knew that the Lord had visited His People. How demanding the Lord is in this 24th Psalm! Argue as the theologians will about, “the last remains of sin abiding in us,” yet God says we cannot “ascend the hill of the Lord” (come into His holy presence) in an unholy state. “Who shall stand in His holy place?” God gives the answer: “He that hath clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps. 24:4). Without
holiness “no man shall see the Lord” (Heb 12:14). The “hands” refer to our contact with the world. The professing Christian employer who exploits his workers, exacting the last ounce of their energy to grind his mills, sabotages his own prayers. God demands clean hands. Hands with no grime or greed upon them. Hands not fouled with grasping illegal gain. Hands not caught in other people’s pockets stealing tithes and offerings for one’s personal ambitions though they be covered with spiritual phrases. Then there is the pure “heart.” God demands this in approaching His holy eternal throne. Our desires must be pure, our purpose pure. Our hearts must be purified from unbelief; our sole ambition must be to see Him glorified at any cost to us. The “effectual fervent prayer” can come only from “a righteous man” (James 5:16). Redemption means that we are cleansed, and not only accounted righteous, but made righteous. The slick phrase, “God does not see me as a sinning saint, He sees me through Christ,” will not pass
related to God.” And then he lifted his two hands— and I’m telling you just as the minister told me it happened—he lifted his two hands and prayed, “God, are my hands clean? Is my heart pure?” But he got no further. That young man fell to his knees and then fell into a trance. Now don’t ask me to explain this because I can’t. He fell into a trance and is now lying on the floor of the barn. And in the words of the minister, at that moment, he and his other office bearers were gripped by the conviction that a Godsent revival must ever be related to holiness, must ever be related to Godliness. Are my hands clean? Is my heart pure? The man that God will trust with revival—that was the conviction. When that happened in the barn, the power of God swept into the parish. And an awareness of God gripped the community such as hadn’t been known for over 100 years. An awareness of God—that’s revival, that’s revival! And on the following day, the looms were silent, little work was done on the farms as men and women gave themselves to thinking on eternal things gripped by eternal realities. Now, I wasn’t on the island when that happened. But, again, one of the sisters sent for the minister. And she said to him, “I think you ought to invite someone to the parish. I cannot give a name, but God must have someone in His mind for we saw a strange man in the pulpit, and that man must be somewhere.” Well, the minister that week was going to one of our great conventions in Scotland. At that convention he met a young man who was a student in college and knowing that this young man was a God-fearing man, a man with a message, he invited him to the island. “Won’t you come for 10 days—a 10-day special effort? We have had so many of them over the past 4 couple of years, but we feel that something is happening in the parish and we would like you to attend.” This minister said, “No, I don’t feel that I am the man, but quite recently there has been a very remarkable move in Glasgow under the ministry of a man by the name of Campbell. I would suggest that you send for him.” Now at that time I was in a college in Edinburgh. It wasn’t very easy for me to leave but it was decided that I should go for 10 days. I was on the island within 10 days. I shall never forget the night that I arrived at the piers in the mail steamer. I was standing in the presence of the minister whom I had never seen and two of his elders that I never knew. The minister turned to me and said, “I know Mr. Campbell that you are very tired—you have been travelling all day by train
to begin with and then by steamer. And I am sure that you are ready for your supper and ready for your bed. But I wonder if you would be prepared to address a meeting in the parish church at 9 o’clock tonight on our way home. It will be a short meeting and then we will make for the manse and you will get your supper and your bed and rest until tomorrow evening.” Well, it will interest you to know that I never got that supper. We got to the church about quarter to nine to find about 300 people gathered. I would say about 300 people. And I gave an address. Nothing really happened during the service. It was a good meeting. A sense of God, a consciousness of His Spirit moving but nothing beyond that. So I pronounced the benediction and we were leaving the church I would say about a quarter to eleven. Just as I am walking down the aisle, along with this young deacon who read the Psalm in the barn. He suddenly stood in the aisle and looking up to the heavens he said, “God, You can’t fail us. God, You can’t fail us. You promised to pour water on the thirsty and floods upon the dry ground—God, You can’t fail us!” Soon He is on his knees in the aisle and he is still praying and then he falls into a trance again. Just then the door opened—it is now eleven o’clock. The door of the church opens and the local blacksmith comes back into the church and says, “Mr. Campbell, something wonderful has happened. Oh, we were praying that God would pour water on the thirsty and floods upon the dry ground and listen, He’s done it! He’s done it!” When I went to the door of the church I saw a congregation of approximately 600 people. Six hundred people—where had they come from? What had happened? I believe that that very night God swept in Pentecostal power— the power of the Holy Ghost. And what happened in the early days of the apostles was happening now in the parish of Barvas. Over 100 young people were at the dance in the parish hall and they weren’t thinking of God or eternity. God was not in all of their thoughts. They were there to have a good night when suddenly the power of God fell upon the dance. The music ceased and in a matter of minutes, the hall was empty. They fled from the hall as a man fleeing from a plague. And they made for the church. They are now standing outside. Oh, yes—they saw lights in the church. That was a house of God and they were going to it and they went. Men and women who had gone to bed rose, dressed, and made for the church. Nothing in the way of publicity—no REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 11
mention of a special effort except an intonation from the pulpit on Sabbath that a certain man was going to be conducting a series of meetings in the parish covering 10 days. But God took the situation in hand—oh, He became His own publicity agent. A hunger and a thirst gripped the people. 600 of them now are at the church standing outside. This dear man, the blacksmith, turned to me and said, “I think that we should sing a psalm.” And they sang and they sang and they sang verse after verse. Oh, what singing! What singing! And then the doors were opened and the congregation flocked back into the church. Now the church is crowded—a church to seat over 800 is now packed to capacity. It is now going on towards midnight. I managed to make my way through the crowd along the aisle toward the pulpit. I found a young woman, a teacher in the grammar school, lying prostrate on the floor of the pulpit praying, “Oh, God, is there mercy for me? Oh, God, is there mercy for me?” She was one of those at the dance. But she is now lying on the floor of the pulpit crying to God for mercy. That meeting continued until 4 o’clock in the morning. I couldn’t tell you how many were saved that night but of this I am sure and certain that at least 5 young men who were saved in that church that night are today ministers in the church of Scotland having gone through university and college. At 4 o’clock, we decided to make for the manse. Of course, you understand, we make no appeals—you never need to make an appeal or an altar call in revival. Why, the roadside becomes an altar. We just leave men and women to make their way to God themselves—after all, that is the right way. God can look after His own. Oh, God can look after His own! And when God takes a situation in hand, I tell you He does a better work. He does a better work. So we left them there, and just as I was leaving the church, a young man came to me and said, “Mr. Campbell, I would like you to go to the police station.” I said, “The police station? What’s wrong?” “Oh,” he said, “There’s nothing wrong but there must be at least 400 people gathered around the police station just now.” Now the sergeant there was a God-fearing man. He was in the meeting. But people knew that this was a house that feared God. And next to the police station was the cottage in which the two old women lived. I believe that that had something to do with the magnet, the power that drew men. There was a coach load at that meeting. A coach load had come over 12 miles to be there. Now if anyone would ask them today, why? How did it happen? Who arranged it? They couldn’t tell you. But they found PAGE 12 REVIVAL TIMES
themselves grouping together and someone saying, “What about going to Barvas? I don’t know, but I have a hunger in my heart to go there.” I can’t explain it; they couldn’t explain it, but God had the situation in hand. This is revival dear people! This is a sovereign act of God! This is the moving of God’s Spirit, I believe in answer to the prevailing prayer of men and women who believed that God was a covenant-keeping God but must be true to His covenant engagement. I went along. I went along to that meeting. As I am walking along that country road—we had to walk about a mile—I heard someone praying by the roadside. I could hear this man crying to God for mercy. I went over and there were four young men on their knees at the roadside. Yes, they were at the dance but they are now there crying to God for mercy. One of them was under the influence of drink, but a young man he wasn’t 20 years of age. But that night God saved him and he is today the parish minister, university trained, college trained, a man of God. Converted in the revival with eleven of his office bearers. A wonderful congregation. Well, he was saved that night. Now when I got to the police station, I saw something that will live with me as long as I live. I didn’t preach—there was no need of preaching. We didn’t even sing. The people are crying to God for mercy. Oh, the confessions that were made! There was one old man crying out, “Oh, God, hell is too good for me! Hell is too good for me!” This is Holy Ghost conviction! Now mind you, that was on the very first night of a mighty demonstration that shook the island. Oh, let me say again, that wasn’t the beginning of revival— revival began in a prayer barter meeting. Revival began in an awareness of God. Revival began when the Holy Ghost began to grip men and that was how it began. And, of course, after that we were at it night and day—churches crowded. A messenger would come—I remember one night it was after 3 o’clock in the morning—a messenger came to say that the churches were crowded in another parish 15 miles away. Crowded at that hour in the morning. And we went to this parish minister along with several other ministers who I thank God for the ministers of Lewis—how they responded to the call of God. How they threw themselves into the effort. And God blessed them for it. We went, and I found myself preaching in a large church—a church that would seat 1,000—and the Spirit of God was moving, oh, moving in a mighty way! I could see them falling, falling on their knees. I could hear them crying to God for mercy. I could hear those
outside praying. And that continued for, I’m sure, two hours. And then as we were leaving the church, someone came to me to tell me that a very large number of people had gathered on a field—they could not get into the church. They couldn’t get into any of the churches. And they had gathered in a field. Along with the other ministers I decided to go to the field. And here I saw this enormous crowd standing there as though gripped by a power that they could not explain. But the interesting thing about that meeting was a sight that I saw. The headmaster of a secondary school in the parish is lying on his face on the ground crying to God for mercy. Oh, deeply convicted of his desperate need and on either side of them, two young girls, I would say about 16 years of age— two on each side of him. And they keep saying to the headmaster, “Master, Jesus that saved us last night in Barvas can save you in ________ tonight. Jesus that saved us last night in Barvas can save you tonight.” It is true that when man comes into vital relationship with Jesus Christ, his supreme desire is to win others. To win others! And they were there that night to win their master, and they won him. Oh, God swept into his life, I believe in answer to the prayer of four young girls, 16 years of age who had a burden— who had a burden. Now that was how the revival began and that is how it continued to begin with for five weeks. The first wave of the revival continued for five weeks and then there was a lull—perhaps a lull of about a week. Oh, the churches are still crowded, people are still seeking after God, and prayer meetings are being held all over the parishes. It was the custom there that those who found the Saviour at night would be at prayer meeting at noonday. A prayer meeting met everyday and noonday. At that time all work stopped for two hours—looms are silent. For two hours work stopped in the fields, and men gathered for prayer. And it was then that you got to know those who had found the Saviour on the previous night. You didn’t need to make an appeal. They made their way to the prayer meeting to praise God for His salvation. That continued for almost 3 years. Until the whole of the island was swept by the mighty power of God. I couldn’t tell you how many—I never checked the number. I was afraid to do that always remembering what David did. I left the records with God. But this I know, that at least 75% of those who were born again during the revival were born again before they came near a church. Before they had any word from me or any of the other ministers. I can think just now of a certain village—the village of Weaver— and there was a row of cottages by the roadside. There were seven of them altogether. And in every cottage a loom and a weaver. One morning, just as the men were being called for breakfast, it was discovered that the seven of them were lying prostrate behind their looms. Lying on
their faces behind their looms and all of them in a trance. Now I can’t explain this. But of this I am certain that this was of God because the seven men were saved that day. Now, I should say six of them were saved that day, one of them on the following day. But they came to understand that something supernatural had taken possession of them. An awareness for God gripped them, and a hunger possessed them and they cried out to God for mercy. And God swept in. I was visiting them recently—I happened to be up in the Hebrides—and what a joy it was to listen to them tell again of that wonderful experience when God swept into the seven houses. My dear people, that’s revival. n Part II in the next issue - see resources page
Pour Thyself Through Me Spirit of the living God, pray Thy mind through me. Nothing less than Spirit-power do I ask of Thee Purge me, urge me, guide me, hide me. Spirit of the living God, pray Thy mind through me. Power of the eternal God, flow Thy power through me. Holy, Pentecostal power do I ask of Thee. Lowly, Holy, for Thy glory— Power of the eternal God, flow Thy power through me. Mercy of the living God, channel love through me. Nothing less than Calvary love meets the the need for me. Love that’s burning, love that’s yearning— Mercy of the living God, channel love through me. Grace of the living God, reach the lost through me. Tenderness for every race do I ask of Thee. Love them, lift them, reach them, teach them; Grace of God, eternal grace, reach the lost through me. Life of God, eternal life, pour Thyself through me. Nothing less than Thine own life do I ask of Thee. Life compelling, life that’s telling— Life of God, eternal Life, pour Thyself through me.
– L.R.
REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 13
mention of a special effort except an intonation from the pulpit on Sabbath that a certain man was going to be conducting a series of meetings in the parish covering 10 days. But God took the situation in hand—oh, He became His own publicity agent. A hunger and a thirst gripped the people. 600 of them now are at the church standing outside. This dear man, the blacksmith, turned to me and said, “I think that we should sing a psalm.” And they sang and they sang and they sang verse after verse. Oh, what singing! What singing! And then the doors were opened and the congregation flocked back into the church. Now the church is crowded—a church to seat over 800 is now packed to capacity. It is now going on towards midnight. I managed to make my way through the crowd along the aisle toward the pulpit. I found a young woman, a teacher in the grammar school, lying prostrate on the floor of the pulpit praying, “Oh, God, is there mercy for me? Oh, God, is there mercy for me?” She was one of those at the dance. But she is now lying on the floor of the pulpit crying to God for mercy. That meeting continued until 4 o’clock in the morning. I couldn’t tell you how many were saved that night but of this I am sure and certain that at least 5 young men who were saved in that church that night are today ministers in the church of Scotland having gone through university and college. At 4 o’clock, we decided to make for the manse. Of course, you understand, we make no appeals—you never need to make an appeal or an altar call in revival. Why, the roadside becomes an altar. We just leave men and women to make their way to God themselves—after all, that is the right way. God can look after His own. Oh, God can look after His own! And when God takes a situation in hand, I tell you He does a better work. He does a better work. So we left them there, and just as I was leaving the church, a young man came to me and said, “Mr. Campbell, I would like you to go to the police station.” I said, “The police station? What’s wrong?” “Oh,” he said, “There’s nothing wrong but there must be at least 400 people gathered around the police station just now.” Now the sergeant there was a God-fearing man. He was in the meeting. But people knew that this was a house that feared God. And next to the police station was the cottage in which the two old women lived. I believe that that had something to do with the magnet, the power that drew men. There was a coach load at that meeting. A coach load had come over 12 miles to be there. Now if anyone would ask them today, why? How did it happen? Who arranged it? They couldn’t tell you. But they found PAGE 12 REVIVAL TIMES
themselves grouping together and someone saying, “What about going to Barvas? I don’t know, but I have a hunger in my heart to go there.” I can’t explain it; they couldn’t explain it, but God had the situation in hand. This is revival dear people! This is a sovereign act of God! This is the moving of God’s Spirit, I believe in answer to the prevailing prayer of men and women who believed that God was a covenant-keeping God but must be true to His covenant engagement. I went along. I went along to that meeting. As I am walking along that country road—we had to walk about a mile—I heard someone praying by the roadside. I could hear this man crying to God for mercy. I went over and there were four young men on their knees at the roadside. Yes, they were at the dance but they are now there crying to God for mercy. One of them was under the influence of drink, but a young man he wasn’t 20 years of age. But that night God saved him and he is today the parish minister, university trained, college trained, a man of God. Converted in the revival with eleven of his office bearers. A wonderful congregation. Well, he was saved that night. Now when I got to the police station, I saw something that will live with me as long as I live. I didn’t preach—there was no need of preaching. We didn’t even sing. The people are crying to God for mercy. Oh, the confessions that were made! There was one old man crying out, “Oh, God, hell is too good for me! Hell is too good for me!” This is Holy Ghost conviction! Now mind you, that was on the very first night of a mighty demonstration that shook the island. Oh, let me say again, that wasn’t the beginning of revival— revival began in a prayer barter meeting. Revival began in an awareness of God. Revival began when the Holy Ghost began to grip men and that was how it began. And, of course, after that we were at it night and day—churches crowded. A messenger would come—I remember one night it was after 3 o’clock in the morning—a messenger came to say that the churches were crowded in another parish 15 miles away. Crowded at that hour in the morning. And we went to this parish minister along with several other ministers who I thank God for the ministers of Lewis—how they responded to the call of God. How they threw themselves into the effort. And God blessed them for it. We went, and I found myself preaching in a large church—a church that would seat 1,000—and the Spirit of God was moving, oh, moving in a mighty way! I could see them falling, falling on their knees. I could hear them crying to God for mercy. I could hear those
outside praying. And that continued for, I’m sure, two hours. And then as we were leaving the church, someone came to me to tell me that a very large number of people had gathered on a field—they could not get into the church. They couldn’t get into any of the churches. And they had gathered in a field. Along with the other ministers I decided to go to the field. And here I saw this enormous crowd standing there as though gripped by a power that they could not explain. But the interesting thing about that meeting was a sight that I saw. The headmaster of a secondary school in the parish is lying on his face on the ground crying to God for mercy. Oh, deeply convicted of his desperate need and on either side of them, two young girls, I would say about 16 years of age— two on each side of him. And they keep saying to the headmaster, “Master, Jesus that saved us last night in Barvas can save you in ________ tonight. Jesus that saved us last night in Barvas can save you tonight.” It is true that when man comes into vital relationship with Jesus Christ, his supreme desire is to win others. To win others! And they were there that night to win their master, and they won him. Oh, God swept into his life, I believe in answer to the prayer of four young girls, 16 years of age who had a burden— who had a burden. Now that was how the revival began and that is how it continued to begin with for five weeks. The first wave of the revival continued for five weeks and then there was a lull—perhaps a lull of about a week. Oh, the churches are still crowded, people are still seeking after God, and prayer meetings are being held all over the parishes. It was the custom there that those who found the Saviour at night would be at prayer meeting at noonday. A prayer meeting met everyday and noonday. At that time all work stopped for two hours—looms are silent. For two hours work stopped in the fields, and men gathered for prayer. And it was then that you got to know those who had found the Saviour on the previous night. You didn’t need to make an appeal. They made their way to the prayer meeting to praise God for His salvation. That continued for almost 3 years. Until the whole of the island was swept by the mighty power of God. I couldn’t tell you how many—I never checked the number. I was afraid to do that always remembering what David did. I left the records with God. But this I know, that at least 75% of those who were born again during the revival were born again before they came near a church. Before they had any word from me or any of the other ministers. I can think just now of a certain village—the village of Weaver— and there was a row of cottages by the roadside. There were seven of them altogether. And in every cottage a loom and a weaver. One morning, just as the men were being called for breakfast, it was discovered that the seven of them were lying prostrate behind their looms. Lying on
their faces behind their looms and all of them in a trance. Now I can’t explain this. But of this I am certain that this was of God because the seven men were saved that day. Now, I should say six of them were saved that day, one of them on the following day. But they came to understand that something supernatural had taken possession of them. An awareness for God gripped them, and a hunger possessed them and they cried out to God for mercy. And God swept in. I was visiting them recently—I happened to be up in the Hebrides—and what a joy it was to listen to them tell again of that wonderful experience when God swept into the seven houses. My dear people, that’s revival. n Part II in the next issue - see resources page
Pour Thyself Through Me Spirit of the living God, pray Thy mind through me. Nothing less than Spirit-power do I ask of Thee Purge me, urge me, guide me, hide me. Spirit of the living God, pray Thy mind through me. Power of the eternal God, flow Thy power through me. Holy, Pentecostal power do I ask of Thee. Lowly, Holy, for Thy glory— Power of the eternal God, flow Thy power through me. Mercy of the living God, channel love through me. Nothing less than Calvary love meets the the need for me. Love that’s burning, love that’s yearning— Mercy of the living God, channel love through me. Grace of the living God, reach the lost through me. Tenderness for every race do I ask of Thee. Love them, lift them, reach them, teach them; Grace of God, eternal grace, reach the lost through me. Life of God, eternal life, pour Thyself through me. Nothing less than Thine own life do I ask of Thee. Life compelling, life that’s telling— Life of God, eternal Life, pour Thyself through me.
– L.R.
REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 13
Sanctification But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.. Acts 26:16-18 The great apostle Paul was true to the heavenly vision received on the road to Damascus, but also to the further visions he received from the Lord. He tells Agrippa the purpose for which he was called. To open their eyes. Turn them from darkness to light. That they might receive forgiveness of sins. Finally he mentions something not much discussed in the churches today. Inheritance among them which are SANCTIFIED by faith that is in Jesus. Every disciple, once saved, will enter the purifying process. Being made holy is being made into His likeness. That’s Revival.
Who Shall Stand in His Holy Place? by Leonard Ravenhill
M
y late spiritual mentor, the beloved Dr. A. W. Tozer, listened with patience day after day as preachers at a conference told of what they had recently done or how far they had travelled, or what building they had recently raised. Finally the good Doctor rose to preach and fired a broadside at the boasters: “I am tired of coming to conferences to watch men strut!” Men do, alas, often strut in the pulpit. They even get lost in their own eloquence. But who struts in the prayer closet? Who dares to try to impress God? Our unanointed oratory is a stammer here. Rhetoric dies. Here our organising skill is a dry gourd. Agonising is esteemed—but who can teach men to agonise? Physical strength does not avail in intercession; soul strength does! In prayer we are known only to God. We do not even know ourselves. How unflattering is our social standing here. All Christian men are not equal in the prayer life. Not even all spiritual men. Spirituality alone counts here. God cannot be threatened. He cannot be cajoled. PAGE 14 REVIVAL TIMES
He cannot be corrupted, nor bought, nor bargained with. The laws of prayer are His. “Shut the door!” No spectators are allowed here. No windows display the prayer closet. Vain repetitions are obnoxious to God. The conditions for prayer are set by God himself. Duncan Campbell, used of God in the Hebrides Revival of the 1950’s, was preaching one night when the heavens seemed like brass. Duncan stopped preaching, and he called on a young man to pray. The “laddie” halted before he prayed to say, “Ach! What’s the use of praying if we are not right with God?” He then recited the 24th Psalm. The fear of the Lord came upon many. The “fire” fell and the area knew that the Lord had visited His People. How demanding the Lord is in this 24th Psalm! Argue as the theologians will about, “the last remains of sin abiding in us,” yet God says we cannot “ascend the hill of the Lord” (come into His holy presence) in an unholy state. “Who shall stand in His holy place?” God gives the answer: “He that hath clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps. 24:4). Without
holiness “no man shall see the Lord” (Heb 12:14). The “hands” refer to our contact with the world. The professing Christian employer who exploits his workers, exacting the last ounce of their energy to grind his mills, sabotages his own prayers. God demands clean hands. Hands with no grime or greed upon them. Hands not fouled with grasping illegal gain. Hands not caught in other people’s pockets stealing tithes and offerings for one’s personal ambitions though they be covered with spiritual phrases. Then there is the pure “heart.” God demands this in approaching His holy eternal throne. Our desires must be pure, our purpose pure. Our hearts must be purified from unbelief; our sole ambition must be to see Him glorified at any cost to us. The “effectual fervent prayer” can come only from “a righteous man” (James 5:16). Redemption means that we are cleansed, and not only accounted righteous, but made righteous. The slick phrase, “God does not see me as a sinning saint, He sees me through Christ,” will not pass
related to God.” And then he lifted his two hands— and I’m telling you just as the minister told me it happened—he lifted his two hands and prayed, “God, are my hands clean? Is my heart pure?” But he got no further. That young man fell to his knees and then fell into a trance. Now don’t ask me to explain this because I can’t. He fell into a trance and is now lying on the floor of the barn. And in the words of the minister, at that moment, he and his other office bearers were gripped by the conviction that a Godsent revival must ever be related to holiness, must ever be related to Godliness. Are my hands clean? Is my heart pure? The man that God will trust with revival—that was the conviction. When that happened in the barn, the power of God swept into the parish. And an awareness of God gripped the community such as hadn’t been known for over 100 years. An awareness of God—that’s revival, that’s revival! And on the following day, the looms were silent, little work was done on the farms as men and women gave themselves to thinking on eternal things gripped by eternal realities. Now, I wasn’t on the island when that happened. But, again, one of the sisters sent for the minister. And she said to him, “I think you ought to invite someone to the parish. I cannot give a name, but God must have someone in His mind for we saw a strange man in the pulpit, and that man must be somewhere.” Well, the minister that week was going to one of our great conventions in Scotland. At that convention he met a young man who was a student in college and knowing that this young man was a God-fearing man, a man with a message, he invited him to the island. “Won’t you come for 10 days—a 10-day special effort? We have had so many of them over the past 4 couple of years, but we feel that something is happening in the parish and we would like you to attend.” This minister said, “No, I don’t feel that I am the man, but quite recently there has been a very remarkable move in Glasgow under the ministry of a man by the name of Campbell. I would suggest that you send for him.” Now at that time I was in a college in Edinburgh. It wasn’t very easy for me to leave but it was decided that I should go for 10 days. I was on the island within 10 days. I shall never forget the night that I arrived at the piers in the mail steamer. I was standing in the presence of the minister whom I had never seen and two of his elders that I never knew. The minister turned to me and said, “I know Mr. Campbell that you are very tired—you have been travelling all day by train
to begin with and then by steamer. And I am sure that you are ready for your supper and ready for your bed. But I wonder if you would be prepared to address a meeting in the parish church at 9 o’clock tonight on our way home. It will be a short meeting and then we will make for the manse and you will get your supper and your bed and rest until tomorrow evening.” Well, it will interest you to know that I never got that supper. We got to the church about quarter to nine to find about 300 people gathered. I would say about 300 people. And I gave an address. Nothing really happened during the service. It was a good meeting. A sense of God, a consciousness of His Spirit moving but nothing beyond that. So I pronounced the benediction and we were leaving the church I would say about a quarter to eleven. Just as I am walking down the aisle, along with this young deacon who read the Psalm in the barn. He suddenly stood in the aisle and looking up to the heavens he said, “God, You can’t fail us. God, You can’t fail us. You promised to pour water on the thirsty and floods upon the dry ground—God, You can’t fail us!” Soon He is on his knees in the aisle and he is still praying and then he falls into a trance again. Just then the door opened—it is now eleven o’clock. The door of the church opens and the local blacksmith comes back into the church and says, “Mr. Campbell, something wonderful has happened. Oh, we were praying that God would pour water on the thirsty and floods upon the dry ground and listen, He’s done it! He’s done it!” When I went to the door of the church I saw a congregation of approximately 600 people. Six hundred people—where had they come from? What had happened? I believe that that very night God swept in Pentecostal power— the power of the Holy Ghost. And what happened in the early days of the apostles was happening now in the parish of Barvas. Over 100 young people were at the dance in the parish hall and they weren’t thinking of God or eternity. God was not in all of their thoughts. They were there to have a good night when suddenly the power of God fell upon the dance. The music ceased and in a matter of minutes, the hall was empty. They fled from the hall as a man fleeing from a plague. And they made for the church. They are now standing outside. Oh, yes—they saw lights in the church. That was a house of God and they were going to it and they went. Men and women who had gone to bed rose, dressed, and made for the church. Nothing in the way of publicity—no REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 11
The Great Revivalists - Duncan Campbell Revival is essentially a manifestation of God; it has the stamp of deity on it which even the unregenerate and uninitiated are quick to recognize. A. W. Tozer I know nothing, in my own experience, that has been more exhilarating and helpful, and that acted upon more frequently as a tonic to me, than the history of Revivals. Church history, and especially the history of Revivals is one of the best antidotes to a preacher’s discouragement and depression in the time we are living in. D r. M artyn Lloyd -Jones
Revival in the Hebrides (1949) Part I
By Duncan Campbell (1968 Transcript) here are two things that I would like to say in speaking about the revival in the Hebrides. First, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I did not bring revival to the Hebrides. It has grieved me beyond words to hear people talk and write about the man who brought revival to the Hebrides. My dear people, I didn’t do that. Revival was there before I ever set foot on the island. It began in a gracious awareness of God sweeping through the parish of Barvas. Then I would like to make it perfectly clear what I understand of revival. When I speak of revival, I am not thinking of high-pressure evangelism. I am not thinking of crusades or of special efforts convened and organized by man. That is not in my mind at all. Revival is something altogether different from evangelism on its highest level. Revival is a moving of God in the community and suddenly the community becomes God conscious before a word is said by any man representing any special effort. Now I am sure that you will be interested to know how, in November 1949, this gracious movement began on the island of Lewis. Two old women, one of them 84 years of age and the other 82—one of them stone blind, —were greatly burdened because of the appalling state of their own parish. It was true that not a single young person attended public worship. Not a single young man or young woman went to the church. They spent their day perhaps reading or walking but the church was left out of the picture. And those two women were greatly concerned and they made it a special matter of prayer. A verse gripped them: “I will pour water on him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground.” They were so burdened that both of them decided to spend so much time in prayer twice a week. On
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Tuesday they got on their knees at 10 o’clock in the evening and remained on their knees until 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning—two old women in a very humble cottage. One night, one of the sisters had a vision. Now remember, in revival, God works in wonderful ways. A vision came to one of them, and in the vision she saw the church of her fathers crowded with young people. Packed to the doors, and a strange minister standing in the pulpit. And she was so impressed by the vision that she sent for the parish minister. And of course he knowing the two sisters, knowing that they were two women who knew God in a wonderful way, he responded to their invitation and called at the cottage. That morning, one of the sisters said to the minister, “You must do something about it. And I would suggest that you call your office bearers together and that you spend with us at least two nights in prayer in the week. Tuesday and Friday if you gather your elders together, you can meet in a barn—a farming community, you can meet in a barn—and as you pray there, we will pray here.” Well, that was what happened, the minister called his office bearers together and seven of them met in a barn to pray on Tuesday and on Friday. And the two old women got on their knees and prayed with them. Well that continued for some weeks—indeed, I believe almost a month and a half. Until one night; now this is what I am anxious for you to get a hold of—one night they were kneeling there in the barn, pleading this promise, “I will pour water on him that is thirsty, floods upon the dry ground” when one young man, a deacon in the church, got up and read Psalm 24. “Who shall ascend the hill of God? Who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands and a pure heart who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity or sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing (not a blessing, but the blessing) of the Lord.” And then that young man closed his Bible. And looking down at the minister and the other office bearers, he said this— maybe crude words, but perhaps not so crude in our Gaelic language—he said, “It seems to me to be so much humbug to be praying as we are praying, to be waiting as we are waiting, if we ourselves are not rightly
muster here. Neither will the copout, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy” (1 Pet 1:15). And hear John: “He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7) In my days in England there was a preachers’ forum in the Methodist Church on Oldham Street, Manchester. I visited it often. The preaching “greats’ held court there. Sangster of Westminster Central Hall was a favourite of many. Others preferred Dr. Martyn LloydJones of Westminster Chapel. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan drew crowds. Dr. Black of Edinburgh, and others–each had his distinct
style of presenting the Word. Yet, I remember their style in prayer, also. The men shallow in prayer were shallow in preaching– oratory notwithstanding. I deplore the poverty of pulpit praying today. Often the preachers give this jewel of prayer to an unprepared deacon. “After this hymn, we will ask Deacon Smith to lead us in prayer.” Deacon Smith should have been given a weeks notice to prepare his soul for prayer. The usual prayer is trite, unintelligent, and unconvincing. It goes something like this: “Lord bless us this day. We thank You for this church and for the pastor. Bless the choir as they sing, and may some person be saved,
for Jesus sake.” This is almost unpardonable.
is not answering your prayers. He only answers prayers of the righteous that agree with His plans and purposes. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
We are not to fight each other and hide in our own little cliques, separated and comfortable with what we already know. The Father calls us to Be Holy as He is Holy. Here is a verse to finish with that should put the fear of God into our soul: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord Heb 12:14 This is not the Word from ‘the Law’, but from the New Covenant of Grace. Grace is not a licence to sin. We MUST respond! Each one of us is responsible to do their part in humbling and purifying their heart. The Lord is coming, time is running out. For thousands dying everyday time has already run out. Let’s cast off every hindrance that prevents us from loving and interceding for each other, and then get out on the streets to reach the harvest! n Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Joseph Parker was a man mighty in the Scriptures. He was mighty in prayer, also. Preachers would profit from meditating on the prayers of this man of God. These are now in print. The book is entitled Book of Uncommon Prayer. He will lift you from the dust of earth to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. He had visions and authority in prayer. He prayed with purpose, with power, with passion, and with pleadings that are rare. n The is an extract from the book,”Revival God’s Way”. See our resources page for details.
continued from page 10 - The Perfect Church
with Joshua, it turned out that the enemies that their parents had feared were, in fact, more afraid of them! God has time to wait, but we don’t. Let’s get on our knees today! If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corin 3:15-17 If you wait, to purify yourself later, you will die and never see Revival. Sure you might make it into heaven, but are you absolutely sure? Are you in the perfect church, are you sanctified, made holy and can you say like Jesus; ‘Satan has nothing in me’? (John 14:30) There is a good reason why God
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A Message to Preachers By Leonard Ravenhill
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shall, I believe, be eternally grateful that my Father took me to a night of prayer when I was just 14 years of age. Dad was a street-corner preacher. He and his partner, “Hell-fire Naylor,” had been rescued from the pit of sin; and they never forgot God’s infinite mercy to them. Battle they did at street corners, telling the old, old story of Jesus and His love. They battled in prayer, also. The other men at that momentous prayer meeting were Walter Dacre and Albert Barnes. I sensed at once, as these men prayed with tears and travail, that they had three things in them: faith, fire and fight! This was my first front-line view of a spiritual battle. These men sweat, wept, and called loudly upon the name of the Lord as though He were deaf, and yet with confidence that He was hearing. There were many great answers. This type of prayer seems to be lost in this day of flabby faith and shallow spirituality. Oh, that it might return! I went to a number of half nights of prayer with this team of men – I begged to go. Here was life, liberty, and love! From that night to this I have tried to pray. Like all others, I shall never graduate in this school, the School of Intercession. If the Lord offered me just one outstanding ministry–say, for example: The offer of a full knowledge of His Word and a greater power to proclaim it than had Spurgeon; Or the offer of the most sensational healing ministry; Or the offer of the spirituality to raise up a new ministry; Or the offer of the loan of Elijah’s mantle in prayer– I would choose the latter. I would like to pray as Elijah prayed. I would like to be feared in hell as Paul was feared. Demons testified, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” (Acts 19:5). What a shock if, at the Judgement Seat of Christ, the devil says, “I’ve never heard of that preacher”! I’m of the opinion that the devil has a list of the “Ten Most Wanted Men.” There are men he fears. Would you like to be one of them? Oh, to pray so as to be known in hell! Oh, to pray so that demons have to quit their prey! Oh, to cause pandemonium in perdition when we intercede! Oh, to liberate the captives when we make intercessions with tears! Oh, to push the devil around instead of him pushing the church around! Oh, to know the groanings that cannot be uttered! Some say that this is praying in tongues–not so in my reckoning. If the groanings cannot be uttered PAGE 16 REVIVAL TIMES
audibly by the Spirit, I am sure they cannot be uttered by me! Hannah prayed, “but her voice was not heard” (1 Sam 1:13) George Jeffreys, the great evangelist who shook areas of England during the 1930s, said that he prayed in English; if that seemed inadequate, he prayed in his more expressive native tongue, Welsh; if that failed, he prayed the Holy Ghost. This is the highest form of prayer. It is inner groanings, it is inner grief, it is totally spiritual, and it is weakening to the flesh–but devastating to the powers of darkness. Did you ever hear anyone pray with a holy anointing that seemed to shake the place? Well, there is a step in prayer beyond this. It is painful to experience. Once, in a little town in Wales, I witnessed a woman travailing in prayer. It could not have been more painful and awesome had she been giving birth naturally and going down to the gates of death to bring forth life. This is what praying in the Holy Ghost is about–at least in the context of revival. As God is my witness, I want to pray with groanings “that cannot be uttered.” I want to be taught what cannot be taught–only caught as the Spirit anoints. Lord I tearfully ask: Teach me to pray with groanings so that there are earthquakes in hell. Teach me the groanings of the Spirit until angels stand in awe. Teach me Spirit-born intercession that changes history. Teach me the birth pangs of the Holy Ghost until hell-shaking revival is born. Lead me into travail that will hold back divine judgement from the nations for a little season. Let me be a living sacrifice on the altar of prayer,”bleeding to bless,” until flood tides of mercy sweep the nations. Lord, break my heart in the intercession until my eyes, like those of Jeremiah, are a fountain of tears weeping for the slain of an educated, but spiritually dead people. Dead sermons are unpardonable; dead prayers are even worse. If there are degrees of death in a service, usually the “deadest” part is the offering of the pulpit prayer. Seldom does the Spirit fall while the pulpit prayer is offered. Prayer is the key to the service. Lord teach preachers to pray! n
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Phil 3:17-21 The Heavenly Kingdom As His body here on earth we are to be as much in touch with the Father as Jesus himself was. The Holy Spirit should lead ALL holy church gatherings. This is a radical thought for most today, but that’s how they did it. That is where the life is, that is eternity, that is the glory and we must have it, we must live there in our hearts and minds. Some have been privileged to visit that magnificent realm of wonders beyond the imagination. Oh, what a reward God has for those who love him right now, even in this dark world. For we have indeed come to mount Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem, to the angels and righteous men made perfect through their trials. I will tell you who is in my holy church: Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Noah, Samuel, David, Isaiah, John, and Peter, Paul, Barnabas, shall I go on? How would you like to join my church? Most of these brothers left us with love letters and their testimony of how God loved them and used them to further the message of Christ to the lost world. Even reaching to us now! The Mission of His Church You often see long mission statements by Christian organisations. This often contains some great truths, but how often do you see this mission statement: Our mission is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our strength and with all our mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Luke 10:27 This is the mission of the holy church and, as we have seen, it does not need an organisation based on worldly principles,
but only the simplicity of Christ. Service to others is based on personal responsibility before God and man. Even the Law tells us that! When we, as his people, obey this mission, we will shine as the golden city in glory and the Father will draw all men to himself! We must throw off all the shackles that men have put on us. All their religious ritualistic, superstitious rubbish must be discarded. We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only. That means we must humble ourselves daily and seek His Kingdom in heaven, we must hear from Him, by the Spirit, just as the first disciples did. We need His holy fire in us! We are His Temple All four Gospels, Acts and the
Epistles were written before the demise of Israel. They were written to people who met together in their homes, where they lived. Apostles and prophets were the humble leaders of the church, praying like crazy. They taught Jews that the Temple was no longer relevant, they taught the pagans that there are no other gods. They taught all disciples that WE are now the Temple of God’s presence. No longer does God dwell in buildings made by men. We know this inside, but we are still prepared to tolerate and support those heretics who build temples, cathedrals and towers and tell the world that God visits these places! Hocus pocus nonsense! Then, because he actually doesn’t show up, they concoct all kinds of Jazzy entertainment to impress people. They provide lots of comfortable chairs to keep people coming
back. All these things are man made and a hindrance to knowing Christ and sharing his sufferings and persecutions. Rather than going out to the lost, they hide away in these buildings, doing strange things that they think is worship. Many, in these institutions of madness, have never met Jesus personally or heard his voice, they are not even born again! Many are living in sin and have no victory over their life, Satan still has them. A terrible tragedy when Jesus has paid for them to have an inheritance of victory and power. “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” Acts 7:48-51 If they ignore this calling from heaven they will be just as doomed as the faithless generation of Israelites, who God let wander through the desert until they died. They never saw the promised land, because of their unbelief and rebellion. They went round in circles, doing the same thing over and over again, but getting nowhere, they couldn’t see the exit sign. They would not listen, but continued in their own ways, fearful of the enemy. But what happened? When the next generation did finally enter the promised land, continued on page 15
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the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:11-15 Jesus is the good shepherd that has died for his sheep, so that they might be perfect and experience the unity in the Spirit that He and the Father enjoy eternally! How is this joyous unity released in us who truly believe? Jesus explained it to his precious men and then to us. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, IF YE DO whatsoever I command you. John 15:12-14 The Bride (heavenly church) are those who gather around Jesus Christ and OBEY His every word. That Word washes their souls and spirits clean, curing them of any spots or wrinkles. Perfecting them by His powerful Spirit. Those disciples emerged on Pentecost full of heavenly fire. They had been transformed and changed into different people. They had been anointed the priests and kings of heaven itself! This simplicity in Christ became the pure body of believers. Thousands came to receive the water of life and they had unity by the Holy Spirit, because they were clean! They had no Bibles, they had no buildings, they had no fancy robes, no candles, no nothing except Jesus Christ and each other! That’s Jesus church, the only Bride. They lived in each PAGE 8 REVIVAL TIMES
others homes and witnessed in the public spaces preaching the glorious gospel. They were and are the perfect church, because they rejected sin, Satan the world system and all it’s deception - they were holy, separated and miraculous! Is that you and your group? There is only one Kingdom and there is only one Bride that is sanctified and holy before God the Father. However, today you only see fleeting glimpses of her, because most of the time she is in her prayer chamber perfecting her beauty. She spends most of her time in secret prayer and adoration of her husband JESUS. She is overwhelmed with despair when she discovers a wrinkle or a blemish on her skin and cries out for cleansing and deliverance. Yes, She is the perfect church and She dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. She is not involved with religious superstitions or worldly pleasures of any kind.
Those things get in the way of her devotion to her only love JESUS CHRIST her Lord. Where is this church? Hopefully you are getting the vision of the beauty of the church that Jesus died for. So why do we settle for so much less? In our hearts we long for this intimate fellowship and unity in the Holy Spirit and yet it seems so illusive. We know that things are not right, but what must we do if anything? First we must realise that new wine cannot be poured into old wineskins. Don’t think
that the current churchianity organisations will somehow get better. They cannot, because so much is upsidedown. So much is of man and not God, like Israel of old it cannot be cured and it will be destroyed. Oh, men have tried to do it, but what happened? Now we have even more factions and splits and injured souls, more collateral damage. Some have shipwrecked their faith with money and many have been wounded by misguided, so called, ‘leaders’. There is only one solution that Jesus gives us - we must DIE to our own way and accept His Holiness Way. The real church is that holy, sanctified remnant who love only Jesus and each other with a wholehearted dedication. They will die for each other, in order to be faithful to Jesus and his purposes. Where they meet is not important, unless it hinders that holy relationship. What counts is knowing Him together, hearing His voice and obeying His will. That’s real church. There will be worship and praise and giving and sharing. However, prayer is the the core activity of these people, because their minds are fixed on things above where Christ dwells! We always try to bring Christ down to our carnal level, but he is calling us upward towards His glorious Kingdom! Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be
The Martyr’s Crown The saints of old were beaten, tried, Condemned and even crucified These martyr men beat no retreat When flames were licking at their feet. They saw the tyrant’s brandished steel, But still they offered no appeal. They struck no bargain for their lives, For their children or their wives. All slowly roasted in the flames While angels wrote each of their names Within a book God calls His own To be proclaimed before His throne.
Then we shall know of these renown When each receives his martyr’s crown, When God shall say to these, “Well done You ran the race, pressed on, and won, When in that race men said, ‘Insane.’ But now I gladly own your name. Now you are home! Come dwell with Me In joy through all eternity.”
Leonard Ravenhill
Leonard Ravenhill was a powerful preacher and author of many stirring books, including the classic, “Why Revival Tarries.” Formerly one of England’s outstanding evangelists, he went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day weekend 1994.
How To Get Power
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e need a strong relationship with the Lord. My God is alive in power and authority: and I spend a lot of time in prayer. I have three special Bibles, each one serves a different purpose in my life. I have one in my office, it’s my ‚‘satnav’, my Tom Tom for direction! It’s more accurate than any satellite navigation system! Then I have what I call my ‘prayer Bible’ which I usually keep by the side of my bed. Prayer must be a two-way
By David Hathaway conversation. We men have a problem: we sit down at the breakfast table and the wife starts talking – and we don’t get a word in edgeways!!! But prayer must be a two-way conversation – with God! How does God speak to us? Sometimes we hear voices, we see dreams and visions – but primarily God speaks through His Written Word! That’s how God spoke to me when I had throat cancer all those years ago. I got the answer in the Bible, and God healed me! Let me encourage you; be straight with God, tell Him the truth, don’t be afraid to tell Him, He knows everything anyway! Talk to God and expect the answer! And my third Bible, that’s my preaching Bible, it’s the Sword of the Spirit, my fighting weapon! We have to fight - together with God! My preaching Bible is the sword with which I slay the devil and bring the souls out of hell into the glory of Heaven! But Jesus, the Word of God, did no miracles, did not begin His ministry, UNTIL He had been baptised in the Holy Spirit. We MUST receive that same power,
we must EXERCISE that same power! I’m 85 years old, I could just sit in a chair or lie in my bed – but within a short time I would lose the strength in my arms, in my legs... But I have more strength, more energy than you! Why? Because I use what I have, I use my arms, I use my legs, I exercise... And I use the power, the fire God has given me to preach the Gospel! God has given you the same power. Use it! When I received the Holy Spirit aged 13, it was a powerful experience. But the next day I was in a prayer meeting in my church: Yesterday, Monday, I was baptised in the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus promised, filled with the Holy Spirit! Today, Tuesday, I feel dead! No power. Nothing. Just me! I began to have an argument with myself, “Yesterday, God filled me with the Holy Spirit and with power. Today I feel empty. But I will not depend on my feelings, I will depend on the Word of God! Jesus said in the Acts of the Apostles, ‘You – that’s me – will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes.’ So by faith I will exercise that power!” The continued on page 22
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The Power of Example
The Perfect Church
By Torben Sondergaard
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
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esus has called us to make people into His disciples. I believe we are wrong when we think this will happen all by itself or simply by people attending our church meetings Sunday after Sunday. Listening to teachings does not necessarily make one into a disciple. Jesus was a carpenter, but He did not build a single church building! He never started an organisation, nor did He have church services at any specific time. Neither did He start a Bible school to get the job done. No, the way He made disciples was entirely different from the way in which we do it today. In chapter four of the gospel of Matthew, we read about Jesus calling His first disciples (see above). Jesus called his disciples with the words: “Follow Me.” A disciple of Jesus was, and still is, a follower of Jesus. We leave what we are doing behind in order to follow Him. Yet, what did Jesus do to make people into His disciples? Did He build a church where they could meet every Sunday? Did He start Bible school where He could meet the students every morning and teach them? In the Everyday Danish Bible there is an explanation of the verses that we just read. It says this: “In those days teaching often involved following a master and learning from His example. A disciple is rather an apprentice than a student. That is why the disciples and other people often called Jesus master.” PAGE 18 REVIVAL TIMES
There are many truths hidden in what we have just read. In the culture in which Jesus and the first Christians lived, things were done very differently than we do in our various cultures today. Being taught by someone, then, meant following a master. However, following the master did not mean that you learned by sitting and listening only, but by seeing and doing. It was both teaching and learning by example. Today, almost all learning in the church happens by listening to someone teaching. What makes you a student is mostly sitting and listening to the teachings. It is actually the way our whole society functions. Fortunately, more and more schools are beginning to introduce new ways of learning. They are beginning to involve the kids so that they are not just listening, but are more actively involved. Research on how people learn most effectively reveals the following: We remember: 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50 % of what we hear and see,
70% of what we say ourselves, 90% of what we do ourselves. As you can see, there is a big difference in what we learn between simply sitting and listening, which is what we do in most churches, and talking, seeing, and doing. Jesus taught His disciples by having them follow Him. In that way they did not just experience what He taught, but they also saw how He lived. After they had watched how He did things, Jesus sent them out to do what He had shown them. This is an important part of learning that is, unfortunately, often left out today. The way teaching is done in churches nowadays easily creates a distant relationship between the common church visitor and the pastor or speaker, and that’s exactly what it felt like when I was a new Christian. Because of this distance, people often do not grow in their faith. Nowadays, when I am out in the country, I often meet people who have respect for me because of my ministry. It is one thing to have respect for me based on what they see on my website or a couple of times each year
By Stephen Turnham
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. Hebrews 12:22-25
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he meaning of ‘church’, the ‘Ekklesia’ of God, has been terribly perverted and corrupted by the ‘wolves in sheeps clothing’ over these last millennia. But why did Satan bother to do this? You may be stunned by the title of this message, ‘The Perfect Church’, and in your mind you might immediately reject the notion that such a thing even exists. How often I hear the comment: ‘you’ll never find the perfect church brother’. Well this throws up a very serious situation, because that is the very thing that Christ is looking for when he returns - the perfect Bride! So who is mistaken? (see Eph 5:27; Rev 21:2) Quite often what people are really saying is that you will never find the ‘perfect organisation’ calling itself ‘a church’. This is an entirely different matter and gets to the heart of the problem that we now face. The divisions or factions, that have been created by deceived men, over history, have polluted our thinking to such a degree that it seems an incurable mess. The name of God, and His Holy assembly of the firstborn, have been brought into disrepute. This shameful Satanic state of affairs has been tolerated by even the most ardent preachers of the past. This huge problem has seemed to be unsolvable. ‘The church is divided’, ‘the church is imperfect’, ‘the church has lost her way’, ‘the church has failed’ they cry. However, there is a great mystery that blind guides cannot see.
There is a truth that only those who truly know Christ can know. The Bride of Christ is ‘perfect without spot or wrinkle’ and she hides in the Most Holy Place. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25-27
Most ‘churches’ of today are merely earthly organisations run by management men. What? I hear your indignation scream out, this cannot be true! Do not be deceived, the church today bears no resemblance to the one seen in Acts. In fact the real church was in existence even before Pentecost, it was with Christ, and He died for it! What was ‘it’, it was the disciples whom the Father had given him. Those who had received the Word and obediently followed Him and were thus cleansed by
the Words of Jesus. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. John 17:8-11 Jesus’ prayer to the Father recorded in John 17, reveals the awesome truth that, from His point of view, those men were the church. Those 12 men and others close by, He loved and cherished and He was prepared to die for them. Those simple men that the Father had given to him, came from out of all Israel, but were only a few. A small but faithful remnant who only wanted to be with Him. Who only wanted to hear the words of eternal life. Those men who had given up all else just to follow Him and His promises of glory to come. Now it was time for Him to deliver the goods, now the hour had come for Him to make good on His claims. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 7
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. M att 7:21
Is His will different for everyone’s individual life as many claim? We like to say, ’Oh God deals with my life differently, I’m called to this or that ministry’. This is exactly the whole point, we are not supposed to have our own life or our own ministry! Jesus didn’t die to service our wants and desires for our benefit. He commands that we lose our life in order to find the real life who is JESUS CHRIST in heaven. Jesus showed us what God’s will is and it goes like this: I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. John 5:30 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28 Wow! hang on a minute, what was that He said!? ‘I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge’ and ‘I do nothing of myself’. Is that how you live life right now? Because that’s what it means to be in the will of God, to be a Christian disciple. How far we are from true faith when we compare ourselves to Christ, rather than to the pastor or some other person. Let me tell you that there is no other gospel than this. If this true Gospel was not given to you from the beginning, you have not had the true gospel, but a perversion of it. Blind guides, those hypocrites, will tell you that this was only for Jesus or Paul, oh He was special, He was gifted and that’s not for you. Lies! Satan wants you deaf! Not only is it for you, but all those who truly believe. The Father wants to guide our every move, because then, and only then, we will have JOY unspeakable and full of GLORY. This is how Jesus lived among us, this was what was prophesied by David in Psalm 40: Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
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He Who has Ears Let Him Hear One of Jesus’ most common phrases was this: Who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matt 13:9 He would often say this after a parable. He wasn’t being ironic, but rather prophesying in the Spirit. He was trying to find those who would obey the will of the Father and HEAR his instruction! Are you waiting at His door in order to hear instruction? My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 Remember when Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to pray and he was transfigured before them? What did the voice of the Father say from heaven? And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. Mark 9:7 Oh what a surprise! The Father told the disciples to hear Jesus. I guess that must be His will then. Honesty is always the best policy. Be honest with yourself, have you heard Jesus? Do you really hear him every day guiding your every thought, purpose and direction? Are you doing nothing by yourself, but always check with Him? Is HE LORD, not you? Is it really not the case, that you do something else? When will you stop and ‘be still’ and ‘cry out’ to him for His Word, not just the Scriptures, but his ACTUAL VOICE? Whether it’s by the ‘still small voice’ or a ‘loud trumpet command’ you must hear it to live divinely. That’s revival! That’s the real Gospel! That’s eternal life, here and now. That’s faith that comes by hearing! ‘That’s impossible’ I hear you say - exactly my point. JESUS CHRIST is the impossible made possible. It’s the natural superseded by the supernatural glory of God Himself! Do you have it? You can get it when you give up all of you and your old ways. But people will say I am mad, yep. People will say I am crazy, yep. People will get really annoyed at me, yep. People will get healed, yep. People will get saved, yep. People will get to know Jesus as well, Hallelujah I think you’ve got it. That’s revival, want some? n He believes that if we are not seeing the supernatural in our daily lives, we are not walking as Jesus walked and are missing out, and worse, failing to live up to our calling to save the lost. It’s time to awake from sleep and let Christ’s light shine!
in a pulpit, but it is something completely different when you talk to me and meet me in the different situations of everyday life. Those who hear me teach only remember 20% of what I say. The people who talk to me each day grow in a completely different way, especially when I am taking them out to practice what they have learned.
not called us to serve Him only in some small areas of our lives, leaving the rest alone. Being successful in a speaker’s chair while the family is falling apart is not being successful at all. No, it’s about your entire life. That is why Jesus called people to follow Him, so that, through life’s challenges, they would learn by example.
They are not only taught through my words but also through my way of life. They are not only listening, but they are also learning by seeing how I treat my wife and children, how I think about others, and how I spend my time with God, etc. They learn by following me and doing what I do. The church is supposed to be a part of everyday life, not something that only takes place in a certain place for a couple of hours each week.
A good picture of the way Jesus and the first Christians lived is that of an apprentice and his master. It is a practice that does not occur as much today as it did some years ago. The thought behind this practice is that the student (apprentice) learns from an experienced teacher (master) by following his example until he becomes experienced and competent himself. How did
When you consider that most of what we learn actually happens by seeing how others do it, what is it then that we are learning in many of our churches today? Do you learn how to give a testimony? Do you learn how to be a good father or a good husband? No, this is something that is learned in everyday life and not something that can be taught in two hours on a Sunday. Of course, we can be taught by listening to a sermon, but it is still not teaching by example. What do we learn in church is how people teach, sing songs, welcome others, and many other things that belong to church life. God has not, however, called us to be “professional” Christians living a “professional” church life. We are called to go out and make disciples of all nations every day, disciples who are living the life each day. God has
learn from their example. After a short time, we will be ready to perform tasks and teach others ourselves. The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. Luke 6:40
In the gospel of Luke, chapter 9, you can read another example of how Jesus taught His disciples. Here, He gives them an order along with some practical instructions. It says, among other things: And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. Luke 9:2-4 Everything Jesus is saying to His disciples here is meant for them to learn something specific. Later, we read: And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
such an apprentice learn? Well, first of all by seeing what his master did. In teaching this way, the apprentice not only learned by seeing, but also by hearing and doing. After some time, the apprentice will start trying to do things on his own. However, the master will stay by his side to see how he is doing and to help when and where it’s needed. After a while, the apprentice will begin to do things on his own more and more until, finally, he is fully educated and able to move on. With the Christian life, it should be actually the same. We follow other mature Christians and
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. Luke 22:35-37
Jesus sent them out at this specific time so they would learn something specific: to trust God. Later when Jesus said,”As the Father has sent Me, I am also sending you” (John 20:21), His disciples knew what this meant. REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 19
They has seen how He had been sent out by the Father. Jesus was with His disciples for only three years, but it was enough for them to then go out and change the world. Today, we see Christians sitting in church pews for 15 or 20 years without any big changes. Why? Could the reason be that we have built up a church system that is not capable of training people through example? Could the reason be that one remembers only twenty percent of what one hears? Imagine a young man who really wants to become an electrician. Of course, he begins by sitting on a school bench listening to a teacher and reading books. But the funny thing is that, after four years, he still has not actually done anything himself. He has just listened and read without applying his knowledge in any practical way. He has read all the books and heard all the teachings on how this is a redundant statement: it should be done. He knows everything about it. But now the time has come for him to show what he has learned during those four years. What do you think is going to happen? Yes, he is probably going to be afraid, nervous, insecure, and will have difficulty remembering all that he has heard and read. He is going to think:”What am I supposed to do now? It’s not like what I heard and read. What if something goes wrong?” He’s probably going to turn back because he realises the gap between the theory and real life is simply too big. Fortunately, this is probably never going to happen to an electrician today. In reality, as a student, he is going to be PAGE 20 REVIVAL TIMES
trying things all the time, and a lot of the lessons will include practical training. After a short time in school, he will begin an internship where he will work beside someone with more experience until he is finally ready to go and work by himself. The only place where we actually do not learn this way today is in our churches. In our churches today, we simply listen and read, without ever gaining the experience of practical application. This is why we have a church that is filled with fear and that will never go out into the real world and do what Jesus has commanded us to do. We know all about how to do it, but we just cannot seem to actually do it ourselves. Let’s look at an example: Someone comes to me who
really wants to hear about God, and I place him with a Christian who has been attending church regularly for 10 years. I charge the Christian: “Will you explain the gospel to this person? If he repents, baptise him in water and with the Holy Spirit, and then disciple him.” What do you think would happen? I think the Christian would not know what to do. A true and trained disciple of Jesus, however, would gladly make the other into a disciple because this is part of the mission Jesus has given us. Today, there is a huge spirit of fear standing between the church
and the world. We can only take it away by beginning to make people into disciples on a daily basis like Jesus taught us. Look at Christians who have been sitting in the church for ten or fifteen years. Ask yourself whether they are able to do what I have been talking about. If the answer is no, you know that they are not going to be able to do it in the future either; that is, if they continue in the same way for another ten or fifteen years. We are often so gullible and think that if we continue a little while longer in the same way, things are going to change. I am convinced that, if change does not happen now, it is not going to happen in the future by continuing to do the same things over and over again. When we realise that we learn mostly by example, we will understand that it is incredibly important who we hang out with. The truth is, we do not learn most things from listening to the preachers in the church. We are actually influenced more by others we meet in the church and everyone else we relate to in everyday life. It is like the story of a duckling that opens its eyes for the first time. It thinks that the first thing it sees is its mother. In the same way, when you are born again and your spiritual eyes are opened, the Christianity you see around you is going to be “real” and “normal.” Of course, this can be changed, but that is not so easy. If you become part of a fellowship where many are living in sin, there is a big risk that you will start to do the same. If, instead, you become part of a fellowship where people are on fire for the Lord and serve Him in word and deed, then, in the
Is the Church helping you? Listen, be honest, is the church or other organisation you are part of preaching repentance and absolute purity of heart, soul and mind? Do they let sinners dwell among you? It must not be so! If they are compromising, even on one small point, your life is in danger of corruption. We must make a right judgement and follow the truth, or perish with them. No more toleration of sin! Purity must come. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corin 11:5-13 If this is not your church experience, then Jesus said the only way to deal with the blind leaders of the blind is to do this; LEAVE! Matt 15:13-15 This sounds harsh, but as we have seen the situation today is the same as then. Instead of un-scriptural synagogues, we now have unscriptural churches that rely on the traditions of men and misuse of the Law, in order to survive and pay themselves and then laze around all week while souls go to hell! In order to stop this disease we must cut off the source of the problem - the infection of hypocrisy. “But where do I go now?” I hear you say. Jesus said this: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matt 6:6 You must learn to be led by the Father through the Spirit in prayer. He will lead you to the other ‘living stones’ and connect you. Let him choose on the basis of the Kingdom and purity, not tradition. Not on ‘entertainment value’. Do not be deceived, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees’. They like to redefine the Word, use the Law to gain ‘filthy lucre’ and add extra conditions on top of it. Things like; you can’t eat pork or bacon; you must go to ‘church’ on Sundays and always get the pastors permission. We could go on about errors in the churches, but let’s focus back on the simplicity of Christ. Whoever or wherever you meet, there must be only ONE purpose - to know CHRIST and to become like him. It’s not about supporting the worldly
community around us. It’s about converting them to Christ! All ministry was designed by God for this end, that we might be mature lacking nothing. That we would be holy (separated) just like He is!
Being Holy Can Hurt God has commanded, in both the old and new testaments, that his people should be separated from this world system. Like him we are to be holy and unpolluted by foreign gods, beliefs, rituals, traditions and sinful lifestyles. However, as Jesus and Paul both point out, when you take His road of holiness, you will be persecuted. Both Jesus and Paul found out that this can really hurt the flesh. Obviously being persecuted, in any way, is unpleasant to the flesh, but it’s empowering to the spirit and soul. Undeserved persecution, that is endured with joy, has great reward in God’s sight. It does. It’s a constant battle and so we must be more like Jesus daily, in order to overcome trials every day. We must repent and die to our ways, our life. It’s not about ‘ME’, and MY needs, but ‘HIM’ and HIS WILL! If you have Him you have ALL THINGS! Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Heb 12:1-3 We must remember that we are called ‘sacrifices’ and ‘slaves’ of Christ. We are not our own, we have given our life to him - through baptism. Paul said that he was being poured out like a drink offering. His willingness to obey the heavenly vision has given us the amazing Scripture that we now read! Not many of us will be required to suffer as much as Paul, but we should be ready to pay the ultimate price of faith, because things can suddenly change and Jesus may require it!
God’s Perfect Will How do we know what God’s will is? This is THE important question to answer correctly, because if we do not know it, how can we walk in it? Jesus himself said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 5
54), before the judgement came upon Israel and the Temple was destroyed. ‘this present time’ for him, but now, ‘back then’ before AD 70, for us. How were those 7,000 elected by God in Elijah’s time? They did not bow the knee to another god, Baal (Satan worship). God said, ‘I have reserved’, so that’s grace - right?. How did God elect those who would be saved in Christ? They believed the message of the Kingdom, turning away from sins (repenting), and being baptised to be cleansed, that’s grace too right?! The false leaders of Israel, who eventually had Jesus crucified, had NOT accepted repentance, their conscience was hardened against this message of grace. That’s what blinded them, a hardened conscience! And all the people that heard Him (Jesus), and the publicans, justified God, being baptised with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptised of him. Luke 7:29-31
Wow! That’s so clear now. Even Jesus said that without responding to the message, ‘repent and be baptised’, you cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:5). Remember that Jesus was getting his disciples to baptise people along with John (John 3:26). That’s when John (the baptist) uttered those wonderful words: He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30.
What Is Reformation Revival? Jesus the great reformer of Israel, and the world, was a revivalist supreme! Look what happened through his short ministry. Look at all the things he did and said. Look at all that he prophesied. Look at the lives forgiven, changed and redeemed! The apostle John saw so many miracles that; if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. (John 21:25) Are your ‘spiritual eyes’ open or are they hardened by your blocked, hardened conscience - like those Pharisees? Has ALL your guilt and sin been cleansed away, so that you can see?! There is only one true revival and it’s this: knowing JESUS CHRIST in you THE HOPE OF GLORY (Col 1:27). There is only one way revival comes and it’s the same way it came in His day, and at Pentecost through the Apostles in their day, the preaching of REPENTANCE and BAPTISM together. When you are a pure, cleansed body, like Jesus earthly body, the Godhead can dwell in you, through you and around you. Glory Hallelujah! (Eph 3:19). Forget your seeker friendly programmes and nice comfortable buildings, this is not the way of Christ PAGE 4 REVIVAL TIMES
Jesus. Forget all those made up religious so called ‘Christian practices’ that even the Jews never did. You need the simplicity of Christ alone, by the water and the Spirit, the Word and prayer. Don’t be a blind leader of the blind, simply repent on your knees and be sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be baptised by full immersion and die with Christ! When the logs are out of your own eyes, you will see clearly to serve others! Nothing matters except having Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit, with you and in you every second of your existence. This is true revival, having your heart and mind exploding with joy and thankfulness to God for his great mercy and that your name is written in heaven. When you know this without any doubt you don’t care about worldly things, or any earthly riches or any sin or whatever man may devise - all you want is HIM. You break free from guilt, shame and fear and you are free indeed, because you can hear Jesus speaking to you - wow! That is being a Christian and it’s more glorious than the Old, that’s revival!
same way, you will probably be set on fire for Him. The truth is that we learn through what we see and experience around us, and we tend to adapt to our surroundings.
Hearing His Voice
But now I have written unto you not
Now, when you hear Jesus, that gives you a lot of faith, that gives you great comfort and a boldness, because fear goes. That’s revival. Even if you are the last one left on the earth and all others have fallen, you will still rejoice in His promise to you, that He will raise you up on the last day. This is the great hope! This is the Gospel, this is the message of the Kingdom that we should be preaching today. These are dark days, but it’s no different now than it was then, and has been all throughout history. The godly man will be persecuted, some of us will die for Christ, but it doesn’t matter, because like Paul we have found that Pearl of great price and we can say for sure: for me to live is Christ and to die is gain Can you say those words and mean them? Are you still attached to the earthly things? You need reviving if you are, you need CHRIST to awaken you to the terrible state of your soul and the possibility of falling into the pit! Make no mistake, Jesus and the Apostles are quite clear about it. If you turn away from Christ having once known these truths you will suffer with the unbelievers! (Luke 12:46) Does this make you uncomfortable, it should. Repent of all worldliness and stupid sins today! Turn back now, don’t wait, get with Jesus and repent of that sin that so easily entangles your heart. Cast out those demons that have wormed their way into your affections. Obey God and renew your mind in the Word of God and feed on the manna from heaven - JESUS CHRIST.
It’s so important to build relationships with people who are true, burning disciples for Jesus. In the first fellowships, you could not just walk in from the street and become a part of the fellowship. There had to be evidence that you had really repented and were living right before the Lord. The Bible makes it clear that this should still be the same today. We should remove evil from our midst because a little leaven affects the whole lump (1 Corin 5:6).
to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corin 5:11-13) This is incredibly important. Again and again, I am astonished at how new Christians grow when they are in a fellowship where people love Jesus with all of their hearts. I have seen people going into the streets evangelising and praying for the sick, people from whom I would never have expected
this based on their personality. However, after they had come into fellowship where many were doing just that, it became natural for them to do the same. What we see of “Christianity” in the beginning is what we’re going to see as normal. So we have to begin creating fellowships where we really serve Jesus in word and deed. This way, we will learn by what we see around us and truly influence the people with whom we associate. n Torben Sondergaard has written seven books and is the founder of the mission organisation “The Last Reformation.” He is known for having a direct and practical approach to the Bible. You can read more and see the videos on the website: TheLastReformation.com
What’s The Normal Christian Life? By Stephen Turnham
“O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5 What is a Christian?
B
efore space-time (creation) the only living beings (Father, Son, and Spirit) were living the Christian life together. There was no human spirit, or soul, or body, no earth. Just Spirit! Here there is Spirit and only Spirit, and their realm is dimensionless and beyond our natural understanding. The Christian nurturing in this Christian “community” is confined totally to the fellowship of three Spirit persons in one. And these persons–in one person–are all in a spiritual realm. That spiritual realm is the only realm in existence. What Scripture calls the ‘reality’ and the ‘life’. The Christian life has been Spirit, invisible, dimensionless–free of space and time – from the beginning. (John 17:5). We’re going deep. Have you ever read anything that told you how to live the Christian life by ways that essentially bypass space and time? Did anyone ever show you how to live the Christian life in the eternal realms? Did anyone ever tell you that you can fellowship with Jesus Christ outside of space and time? That is where the Christian life began, and you and I have a right, by inheritance, to touch such an experience TODAY. The original home of the Christian life is in realms invisible, unseen and absent from physical creation. That is, the “other
realm” is the normal habitat of the Christian life. We can learn how to touch that realm. After all, that is where, and how, the Christian life had its origin, and that is where it still lives! You are looking at the Father’s will concerning how pre-creation Christians were to live the Christian life. Let us refer to this as the discovering of the Christian life, and the living out of the Christian life. All this was and is, located in a realm that has nothing to do with space and time. This is the Christian life founded on REVELATION– revelation flowing from the Father to the Son. Remember what Jesus told Nicodemus: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? John 3:11-12 Jesus the Word, the only begotten Son, always was, way before He became a man and dwelt among us, in this space-time realm which, by the way, He created with the Spirit in obedience to Father! He became a man like us, in order to live under the Law and fulfil it, for us. He was the perfect human being, as the Father had originally intended Adam to be. This is why he is called the ‘last Adam’ (1 Corin 15:45). However, his earthly body was continued on page 23
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reason why Jesus promised this Baptism of Fire was to enable the disciples to continue the same ministry of miracles and healing that He had. This is the only way we can do it – that’s why we need this baptism – and the evidence of this baptism can only be seen when we expect and see the miraculous! People ask me to lay my hands on them, so that they can receive power from God. But there is something even more powerful than power from God!!! The Bible tells us, there was a man who WRESTLED with God, Jacob. – Genesis 32:24. Do you wrestle with God? I do. When Jacob wrestled with God, God said to him, “I will change your name to Israel because, as a prince you have power WITH God...!” When I pray, I dont just say, “O God, give me power.” I say, “O God, I want to be like Jacob. I want to have power WITH YOU, power to call down Heavenly, Miraculous, Spiritual Power!” How do you think I could command the storm in Caesarea last September to cease? There were plenty of witnesses. I wrestle with God for something more, something beyond... I’m determined, I will not die UNTIL I SEE THE POWER OF GOD ON EARTH! I’m determined to see God show His power! O God, throughout the Bible You have never been defeated! O God, I’m in a battle with the devil – YOU, O God, have never been defeated. I want to see Your glory, here in earth! Believer, you need the fire, the power, the glory of God! Let’s get the fire, let’s get the power, let’s defeat the enemy! I’m ready for a FIGHT! But where is God’s power? My God is the God of the Bible – HE DOES NOT CHANGE! It’s we who need to change! There’s so much more to the Reformation 500 years ago than we realise. What Martin Luther did when he nailed his 95 theses to the church door was
only part. What really caused the Reformation was when the Bible began to be translated into the languages of the people from the original texts – accurately – so that for the first time since the first century after Christ, people could read the Bible! For hundreds of years the ‘Church’ had distorted the truth of God’s Word until it was unrecognisable! The Church needs to have another Reformation – today! Just as the only evidence of God is in the miraculous, the only authority the Church has is the Bible! If we don’t get back to the truth and the authority of the Word of God, the Bible, then the Church will become an irrelevant social system and your nation and mine will be lost to false religious idolatry. Why does Islam fill every mosque while our national churches are dying?!! Paul wrote, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel, because ALL THE POWER OF GOD IS IN THE GOSPEL!” Where do I see the biggest miracles? – ONLY when I’m preaching the Gospel, ONLY when I’m declaring the truth and the glory of God. The Word of God is WITH POWER! WITH AUTHORITY! We need to bring that authority back into the Church. Read the Word of God – believe it! Appropriate it into your lives! Use it! Holy Spirit Power is not tradition, not doctrines of men, it’s not what the world teaches; it’s what God says! In His Word! We need another Reformation – we MUST get back to the Word of God! The Church has gone so far from the Word of God, today it cannot be recognised as the Church of the Bible. You know the Bible. You read the Bible. Take God at His Word! Get power WITH GOD! Put His Word into effect in your life! n On 12 May 2017, David ministered to hundreds of Russian Holocaust Survivors and their families living in Israel. The service, overlooking the walls of Jerusalem, featured
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the anointed worship of Vinesong. Sharing the Good News, David had absolute freedom to talk about the ministry of Jesus: how He lived and died in Israel to reconcile us back to God; Jesus, the Son of God who came down with power to forgive sin and heal the sick; Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and died here, in Jerusalem; Jesus, who said, “If you believe in Me, YOU will preach this Gospel of forgiveness, YOU will heal the sick in His Name” - and this ministry which He gave us who believe will continue till Jesus comes back and His feet stand on the Mount of Olives! - This Jesus is the only One who can forgive sin, and He is the One who will rule the world from Jerusalem! David spoke of the miracles he has seen and witnessed, of the power of prayer, and of the fact that Balaam in the Old Testament, who was hired to curse Israel, could only say, “I cannot curse those whom God has blessed.” David said, “I want YOU to come under the protection of the God of Israel, Jesus is praying for you right now before the Throne of God - give him your heart!” Almost everyone in the hall stood to call on the Name of Jesus, and many claimed to have been healed during the prayer for the sick. www.propheticvision.org.uk
David Hathaway
the old ways were finished, it was time to grow up. This was a complete renewal, a complete reforming of everything they thought Father God required of them as His people. Jesus the Christ (Messiah) was the fulfilment of all the promises and prophecies that had been given over thousands of years, and yet most of them could not see it!
The Blind Lead the Blind Why were Jesus’ new words such a massive reformation for those Jews in the religious community of that day? Why did they hate him when he was doing great miracles and speaking of love? Somehow they could not see the truth before them, something was in the way! Something blinded them from understanding! But What? Jesus himself explains clearly to his listening disciples; that the leaders of their nation had completely missed what the Father wanted! They were blind leaders, leading the blind and as a consequence they were about to fall into a very big ditch and die in their sins! (Matthew 15:14). God himself was standing before them, in this human (but holy) flesh, telling them that the Kingdom of God (Heaven) was near - even in Him! Could they see it, NO! His first appearing as Messiah not only delivered the New Covenant promise, and a clear demonstration of the Kingdom power, but also implemented judgement upon the rebellious Israelite nation. Essentially Jesus was initiating a ‘divorce’ between himself and Israel. Scripture is clear that a marriage covenant can only be ended by either infidelity, or by the death of the other. Israel had proven again and again that she was adulterous and unfaithful. The Father sent his Son into human (Jewish) flesh as the husband willing to die (instead of them), and so free them from the Sinai agreement. It meant they would then be free to get remarried (in a sense) to Him, the risen Christ. Only this time it would be by His faith not by Law. This is the great mystery of Christ and His church (Eph 5:32). This was God’s amazing grace and mercy to them and to us. Can you see it? The Law had proven that man cannot help but sin against a holy God, even when provided everything humanly conceivable as a support! They had Prophets, Kings, the Temple and material blessings. They had the very Word of God from heaven and yet, even then, it was not enough. Most of their hearts were shown to be desperately wicked indeed (Jer 17:9). Sure, there were a few that held faith, but these were the few, these were the chosen remnant. Only those who stood up to be counted for the love of God have been honoured and surely now dwell with him in the glory of His presence (Heb 12:23).
The Remnant of Grace And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Matt 13:10-16 Jesus came to Israel and focused his attention on the remnant that were chosen by the Father. The rest were to be eventually uprooted and destroyed in a terrible judgement and dispersion (divorce is messy). The spiritual authority of the Kingdom was to be taken away from this Israel of old and given to a new priesthood initiated with His remnant. That remnant, drawn and assembled to Jesus by the Father, would not even realise any of this until it happened to them! Paul also tells us in Ephesians, that this holy remnant, the Father had predestined from among them (Eph 1:11-12; see also Zech 11:10-12). We even see how this selection process happened through John the baptist’s ministry, to prepare the Way for the Messiah. Those Jews who were prepared to listen to their conscience, at the preaching of the Kingdom by John, and repent, were the very same ones who also listened to Jesus (Luke 7:29-31; 20:6). This is often passed by when reading the gospel record, but can you see it? Paul explains that in this respect God was indeed faithful to Israel. He gave them plenty of time to repent of their rebellion and sins. Among those to repent were the first disciples (later apostles), some of whom were already disciples of John, before they followed Jesus. ‘Follow me’ Jesus told them and John agreed that this was right to do. (John 1:37) God did not reject all Israel, but accepted those who repented, many of whom later became part of the church by believing in Christ and being ‘saved’ quite literally - from the judgement on Israel. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works (Law): otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Rom 11:1-6 Paul was speaking of his present day (approx AD REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 3
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ISSUE: 01
Revival – God’s Way Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
Revival times is a FREE publication offered to those who want to be encouraged and built up to know JESUS CHRIST as their Lord God and saviour. It is published by Omega Ministries which is a non-denominational prophetic movement of believers who want to see the Kingdom come on earth as in heaven. Please send all enquiries or questions to the email address given below. We recognise all material copyrights and thank God that all contributors take no wages for their work of faith in order to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and to revive his true church in our day. All Scriptures are quoted from the King James Bible and or Greek and Hebrew, where appropriate, for clarity. This paper and other teaching material is offered online for downloading and printing free of charge. If you are inspired by the content of this paper please pass on to brothers and sisters for their encouragement. Revival is a long lost concept in our modern society because the true Gospel has been perverted, watered down and twisted for personal gain by wolves in sheeps clothing. Enough is enough and now the sleepers must awake from their spiritual stupor. The dead dry bones must live and the faithful army of the Lord arise and shine the beauty of Christ in us, the hope of glory.
The Call Has Gone Out Soldiers of Christ, arise And put your armour on, Strong in the strength which God supplies Thru His eternal Son; Strong in Lord of hosts And in His mighty power: Who in the strength of Jesus trusts Is more than conqueror They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not be faint . Isaiah 40:28-31
Editor: Stephen Turnham © please copy and pass on Download the PDF here: www.omega-ministries.org email: info@omega-ministries.org
PAGE 2 REVIVAL TIMES
Where is the hope for Revival— God’s Holy Spirit outpoured Convicting of sin, and of judgement And righteousness of the Lord? When nothing else is important— Only God’s presence Divine, When Christians quit worldly pleasures, Then God, His ear will incline. Desperate prayer for Revival Will cleanse the Church by the Word. Then clothed in spotless, white linen, The Bride clears the way for her Lord. Prayer is the key to Revival, Prayer that is true Spirit-born, Nights of compassionate weeping— Intercession for all the forlorn. Then will the burdens be lifted, Then all the sinners will cry, Then all the chains will be loosened And worldly passions will die. The lost ones will yield to God’s Spirit When Christians, cleansed, weep and pray; God’s Living Water flows outward; This is “Revival—God’s Way”! —Estelle Gifford Jackson
FIRST THOUGHTS God’s Word always comes to pass But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
2 C hronicles 7:19-20
Fulfilled
in
AD 70-135
resurrected and transformed into a spiritual body, able to transition between the two realms! Notice how he could appear and disappear to the disciples once he was alive again. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (John 20:26. See also L uke 24:30-32 R oad to E mmaus ) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God. Heb 10:5-7, Psalm 40
Our pathfinder Jesus the Christ, the God-man, discovered the Christian life as He grew up in a human body. From Bethlehem’s cradle to Jordan’s waters, He discovered the way the Father
wanted him to live the Christian life in space-time, for our sakes! And what did he do? How did he live for our example and for our understanding of heaven? Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2:5-11 Jesus Christ in that body of flesh is the DIVINE LIFE, not a human spirit, but that member of the Godhead that was sent to save us poor blind sinners from darkness! He then made it possible for us to be partakers of that divine life and that is what being a Christian is all about. It’s about knowing Him in the other realm and about having His divine life living in your spirit, soul and body. It’s
not about being anything in this created earth which is vanity and destined for destruction. If you don’t know Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit in this way, I plead with you to fall to your knees in secret prayer. Get the answer from the Father, make sure you hear his voice. Without being in Him and knowing Him you do not have Life, you are still in darkness. Church religion can’t save you! Does he know you? His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Pet 1:2-4 He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! n Inspired by Gene Edwards in his book ‘Overlooked Christianity’.
“Famous Quotes on Revival” Andrew Murray
Henry Blackaby
A true revival means nothing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldliness and selfishness, and making God and His love triumph in the heart and life. The coming revival must begin with a great revival of prayer. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundance of rain will first be heard. An increase of secret prayer with ministers will be the sure harbinger of blessing.
When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been the profound consciousness of the Presence and holiness of God.
Billy Sunday I believe there is no doctrine more dangerous to the Church today than to convey the impression that a revival is something peculiar in itself and cannot be judged by the same rules of causes and effect as other things. When is a revival needed? When carelessness and unconcern keep the people asleep. When may a revival be expected? When the wickedness of the wicked grieves and distresses the Christian.
A.W. Tozer Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late – and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work.
John Piper When I pray for revival I pray first for the most radical thing: The utter devotion and allegiance of your hearts to Christ. That you would love Him so deeply and long for Him so passionately that His coming would be your great hope, and death would be gain, and life would be for Christ and His kingdom. REVIVAL TIMES PAGE 23
Useful Resources
OMEGA-MINISTRIES.ORG
In this section are a number of websites and books which can help inspire you to to seek the Lord in effective praying and in getting out there doing as well. As always, JESUS CHRIST is our greatest example and the one to whom we must compare ourselves and obey. The greatest resource is the Bible itself, so please spend your main study time in the Word of God, preferably the living Bible the King James Version! These days even a short search on YouTube for revival preaching provides a great deal - but always test against Scripture, because we see through a glass darkly. Websites: www.omega-ministries.org Free material to download, Booklets and tracts. www.biblegateway.com Online Bible versions for comparison www.biblehub.com Online Bible versions and Greek / Hebrew Lexicon and Interlinear www.sermonindex.net Powerful messages from some of the great preachers www.heartcrymissionary.com Equipping and mobilizing indigenous churches and missionaries www.propheticvision.org.uk David Hathaway evangelistic website - recommended! www.eurovisiontv.org Revival preaching broadcasts to the world- David Hathaway
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 This no-compromise, biblical clarion call to revival is timeless. He clearly shows how the church can be brought from where it is to where it ought to be. The church still needs his message, first published in 1983. “We live in a generation which has never known revival— God’s way!”
Available from: Bethany House
The way we practice and experience “church.” Are we off by about 180 degrees? The training of young men to be ministers. Is our present practice more rooted in paganism? Is there a better higher way to go about practising the entire Christian faith than is presently known?
Available from: www.seedsowers.com
Much of what we see expressed in the church today is built on more than just the New Testament. It’s built, instead, mostly on the Old Testament, Church culture, and Paganism. It is therefore imperative that we as God’s people dare to stop and take a closer look at the church today compared to the first church seen in Acts.
Available from: TheLastReformation.com
Do not read this book if you enjoy Sunday morning church services! This book is for believers who want to utterly abandon it all, from top to bottom, and then start over in a way that is a revolutionary, radical departure from all present-day church practices.
Available from: www.seedsowers.com
ISSUE: 01
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
JESUS CHRIST THE GREAT REFORMER By Stephen Turnham
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:8–14
Y
ou’ve heard about a time in history known as ‘The Reformation’.
Famous names are mentioned such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wycliffe, Thomas Cranmer and William Tyndale. These men are to be admired for courage and faith in dark times. However, as great an awakening as this was, back in the 16th Century, it’s important to note that this was mainly a ‘Protestant Reformation’. This was a ‘Protest’ or awakening out from the Roman Catholic domination of Europe. (The history and testimony of these times can be read online and in a multitude of books). But let us go
back even further to another darker time, even before that great apostasy. Back another 1500 years to the time when the first Romans and their armies dominated the Mediterranean. Back to the land of promise that was in turmoil because of terrorism and corruption. A place that was confused by many religions, domestic violence and political unrest. The religious leaders had taken over the control of the Temple charging extra taxes for their own benefit. Ordinary people felt oppressed and fearful of what might happen next. It all sounds too familiar doesn’t it? Paul tells us in his letter to the
Romans that in the midst of this Middle East mayhem Christ came: ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.’ Rom 5:6 That due time, the Hebrews writer tells us was, ‘the time of reformation’. Jesus came from heaven to earth, through human birth, to bring THE REFORMATION of Israel. It’s easy to miss how radical the message of Jesus was to those who lived in Israel in those dark times! He literally turned everything on its head. He came with the New Covenant that was to be cut in his own human blood. The writer of Hebrews goes on to explain that
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