Proverbs 14:34 King James Version (KJV)
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Psalm 85:6 King James Version (KJV)
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
The last few weeks I have been listening to a group of remarkable seniors about their wonderful lives they had lived. One asked me a very thought provoking question. “Pastor Joe, What Happened to Church Revivals?” This senior went on to explain to me that she had grown up when churches and communities where they would have amazing and wonderful meetings every year. These meetings would involve preaching, singing, good food and wonderful fellowship. The whole family would come together as a group and learn together how they could better their families, their community and their own souls. Then another senior looked me in the eye and asked me, “Where are these meetings today? Families are falling apart. Children are being raised by everyone, but their parents! The Good Book is a joke to most people and the Ten Commandments more of a myth than rules to live by.” He went on, “People need what the Bible teaches loving God first and then your neighbors as you would love yourself. But sadly everyone is just too busy to Care about what is truly important. No one takes time these days to spend time with their families it is always work or personal separated fun. No us….just me!” I sat there and listened as they continued; these amazing heroes of years past who had given so much so my generation could squander the great blessings of freedom we had been given. So as I sit here today pondering our church’s upcoming revival next week I posed the question what happened to Church revivals? Why have they lost much of their power? I have books glaring at me in my office from years past where the city newspaper would include the sermon of a revivalist when he came to town. When whole communities would stop businesses would close families would stand together. I have also seen the pictures of thousands sitting on hard, uncomfortable benches with no backs as the preachers would speak.
However, today revivals seem like more of a nuisance dare I add annoyance to most than a help. They have been added by many to the same line as dentist appointment and the annoying educational videos we were subjected to in high school. Many times they will not draw large crowds, but rather will draw large forms of distain and/or criticism. But Why I ask? What has changed?
I would propose that we have changed, and though some changes have been for our society betterment. Some areas that should never be forsaken have been left in decay. The foundation of society is its people and how they view each other! The Bible has been viewed by many to be the foundational guidelines for our countries views on laws and practices since its inception when our first President whispered the words “So Help Me God” After taking the oath of office. Our foundation of our nation was built around families spending time together, and much of that time was spent in the house of worship with other believers. Children grew up learning from other good Godly people right from wrong in little classrooms in school and in church. Teens learned how to transition from childhood to being adults, and adults learned how to raise their Children through those incredible life changes through the lessons they had learned repeating the cycle. Why have we broke this cycle and left what was so powerful for us and so needed to help us. Those powerful life lessons that were taught in church and strengthen in old fashioned revivals are still in desperate need today.
The Value of Everything has been lost as men have looked to everywhere but God. So I challenge you to inspect the deepest recesses of your heart? Do you see the same patterns that have just been listed? Do you see them even in your own family? How about in the community? Is the darkness there because of loss of light or because the light has been lost we misplaced the values that made us strong instead of working for our families we work so we don’t see our families. Instead of raising our children our children are just growing up. We need what the Bible speaks of and what those Seniors spoke of an Old Fashioned Revival; where people change back to what made us great Loving God Loving, our Families, and helping others. The Bible speaks of this when it says in Book of Mark: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So I Challenge you with these thoughts for a simple purpose I want to see our families strong again our Nation powerful and its people united under God as we once were and need to be again. Our Church is having Old Fashioned Revival & Suppers, and you are invited to “Harvest Revival Week” at the Community Baptist Church (located at 7832 W Mt Hope Hwy. just west of Canal Rd. Grand Ledge, MI. 48837, Phone 517.322.0808) on September 22-27! Every night you will love the Great hymns of the faith, Old fashioned preaching, and a wonderful supper! Come hear our Special Guest Speaker Evangelist Jerry Sivnksty, Every night at 6:30 PM.
Until He Comes,
Asst. Pastor Joe Jackson