Larry’s Lines. . . .
By Larry Murphy, Executive Director
What Is Revival?
C. H. Spurgeon said, “The word “revival” is as familiar in our mouths as a household word. We are constantly speaking about and praying for a “revival;” would it not be as well to know what we mean by it? Of the Samaritans our Lord said, “Ye worship ye know not what,” let him not have to say to us, “Ye know not what ye ask.” The word “revive” wears its meaning upon its forehead; it is from the Latin, and may be interpreted thus—to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which was nearly extinguished.”
Revival is the sovereign work of Almighty God. When we read Isaiah 64, we see that God’s people have been carried into captivity. We look at the world today and see people with no hope. The world is influencing the church more than the church is influencing the world. Yet, where would the world be without the church and without some of its influence?
What is revival? Isaiah 64:1 says: “Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence.” Revival is meeting with Almighty God. Isaiah said, “O God will you come down.”
Adrian Rogers said there are three problems that prevent revival.
1) We are corrupted by our sins.
2) We are complacent in our sins.
3) We are consumed by our sins.
What do we pray for, for revival to take place? Isaiah 64:8 says: “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” We need to be willing to seek God. I believe He is waiting to change us. Are we satisfied with where we are?
I truly believe God is waiting for us to seek Him. I don’t really believe we have to persuade God to send revival; we simply need only to permit Him to send it.
Do we want revival? Do we want to see God’s glory? I do! I am praying for revival, and I hope you will join me in this prayer.
Association Bible Drills
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Woodland Baptist Church
365 Wallace Road, Jackson
Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Drills: 9:00 a.m.
Names of church participants advancing to the association drill need to be turned in to the association office by Monday, April 9.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Old Country Store & Restaurant
Jackson, TN
Registration Cost: $10.00
The Reaching Tour is for pastors and will be held in the back room at the Old Country Store & Restaurant. Lunch at the Old Country Store after the meeting is dutch treat. Pastors who register will receive $40 worth of evangelism books, resources and Mapping Center reports for the $10 registration cost.
Association Vacation Bible School Clinic
Monday, April 23, 2018
6:30-9:00 p.m.
West Jackson Baptist Church
580 Oil Well Road, Jackson
Crockett County High School
Baccalaureate Service
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Crockett County High School
Alamo, TN