A century ago, Northern Ireland, like America today, was in upheaval, divided politically and racially. Onto this troubled scene came a firebrand named W.P. Nicholson (no relation).
Far from politically correct, he was dubbed “a tornado in the pulpit.” When he preached outside the Harland and Wolff shipyards to the thousands of men at the change of shifts, hundreds turned to the Savior.
So many began returning stolen goods they had to build a warehouse to hold it all.
Even the horses in the mines knew revival had arrived. They had to be retrained because they didn’t understand the commands anymore!
Pubs and distilleries closed for lack of business. Judges and their courts were idle. One town sent its policemen out as gospel quartets because the law-abiding locals gave them nothing to do.
What does this have to do with us? Newscasters have been discussing revival again. YouTube and TicToc are reporting it live. Something’s happening in Kentucky!
It started unobtrusively. Some students lingered after a chapel service at Asbury University to pray and praise the Lord. Then a few more students trickled back into the auditorium. Over the next few days, the trickle became a torrent. People arrived from all over the globe to be there. What’s going on?
They’re calling it a revival. What’s that? The prefix re- tells us it’s something happening again. The -vive part is Latin for life. It’s the idea that the church is coming back to life.
If Christians aren’t careful, a deadness, mere formality, empty rule-keeping, creeps into the church. Every generation needs their own experience with God. The Lord doesn’t have any grandchildren.
The story is told of the old fellow who drew a chalk circle on his floor, stepped into it, and prayed, “Lord, start a revival, and start it in this circle.”
Is this true revival? I hope it is! America sure needs it. But how would we know?
Thankfully we have both the biblical record of revivals and those throughout church history. What else happens in a true revival?
1. Confession of sin. We become sensitive not just to things that are wicked, but things that are worthless. Debts are paid, relationships restored, promises kept.
2. Yielding to the Spirit as He probes our inner selves. Christ becomes our life, all that really matters. We experience fullness of joy and power in cooperation with Him
3. Greater intimacy with God. He’s no longer a distant deity but our loving Father. We’re amazed with His glory. Singing outside of Sunday morning becomes the norm.
4. Believing prayer and obedience to the Word. Prayer becomes heart communion, not perfunctory platitudes. God speaks to us through His Book.
5. Unity among believers. Denominational distinctions fade; we find common cause around the Cross.
6. New power in the gospel and missionary expansion. Once we’re enjoying (not enduring) our Christian life, we can’t help but share it with others. People get saved, and the changes are remarkable.
7. The whole Body comes to life. A few professionals in pulpits can’t fulfill the Great Commission. All believers are gifted and called. There’s room for everyone on the team!
“Restore us, O God of our salvation…Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.” (Ps 85:4-7)
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Sunday, February 26, 2023