LTRP Note: The following letter to the editor from a Lighthouse Trails reader raises valid concerns about circumstances surrounding the Asbury “revival.” While Asbury University personnel and numerous secular and religious media outlets say that the “revival” is “pure, unplanned, organic,” and unexpected, it turns out an NAR/IHOP*-connected group had been planning a revival event at Asbury days before it even began. Lighthouse Trails does not question the sincerity of those at the Asbury gathering who may be truly committing or re-committing their lives to the Lord in humility, repentance, and reverence but is concerned about harmful exploits that can potentially hurt many while calling something a move of God that in reality may be a pre-planned event which could become part of a false revival.
Important Note: It must be noted here as well that Asbury University and other colleges that have begun similar “revival” meetings (because of the Asbury event) are on the Lighthouse Trails contemplative prayer/Spiritual Formation College list, which presents serious concerns in and of itself. If true God-led revival is indeed taking place, the mystical spirituality that these schools have been embracing and transforming students with cannot be ignored any longer. From our point of view, it will not be true revival unless it is dealt with because such a New Age spirituality leads people away from the Gospel and God’s Word and brings them into the audience of “seducing spirits” (which can lead to beliefs such as atheism, humanism, and wokeism).
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Lighthouse Trails:
I have been keeping an eye on the Asbury “revival” (which began on February 8th) since an article appeared in the American Thinker last Tuesday (2/14).1 The title referred to a “hopeful phenomenon,” then focused on a college paper reporter’s account of the Asbury “revival” being unexpected, even though the school was “no stranger to revivals“ according to the article. Please pardon the length of what follows, but it seems a time-sensitive issue with many questions and flags being raised.
The same article then quoted from articles from CBN and local NBC affiliate WLEX, the latter with a headline that “‘God is transforming lives: Revival continues at Asbury University.”2 One initial thought was since when does a modern NBC affiliate in a large city/college town like Lexington run headlines like that?
There seemed to be a sense that this might be used just like the “Toronto blessing” as something that started small but set off a movement etc. Even the University president commented that books are likely to be written about this while discussing university plans related to commissioning and sending out those there to share their experiences, all of which warranted a closer look.3
Further checking showed that the Collegiate Day of Prayer organization (a group involved with NAR/ IHOP names such as Lou Engle of The Call and which evidently wrote over and over about connecting that collegiate day of prayer event with “revival“ and “spiritual awakening“4) just happened to release a video on February 1st (days before the Asbury “revival” began) announcing that this year’s revival event would take place at Asbury University with speakers such as [NAR-influenced] Francis Chan and [ecumenical “Global Peace” leader] Rick Warren in the very building where “revival” was reported to be occurring!5 One Assemblies of God-related publication from January 25th of this year concerning that event actually had the headline “A Great Collegiate Awakening—It’s Coming.”6
The Collegiate Day of Prayer promotional video (said to have “premiered February 1”) had the following description:
“Let’s ADOPT and saturate EVERY CAMPUS in America in prayer (go to https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010849/http://collegiatedayofprayer.org to adopt a campus) and join us LIVE from Asbury University on Feb 23rd at 8-10pm ET with special guests Rick Warren, Francis Chan, Allen Hood and worship leaders from International House of Prayer (IHOP), Circuit Riders + Black Voices Movement, and Met By Love Worship. Let’s believe God for REVIVAL amongst believers on college campuses and SPIRITUAL AWAKENING amongst the lost. Father, revive the saved and save the lost!!”7
If this isn’t remarkable enough, the video itself actually starts with someone saying: “Fifty years ago, something extraordinary happened on one college campus,” then shows footage watermarked with WLEX and what appears to be the same facility—Hughes Auditorium. After words from Francis Chan, a narrator concludes: “Join us on February 23, live from Asbury University. Lord, do it again.”
None of the initial reporting or principals I recall seeing were mentioning that convergence of events even in passing, often seeming to promote a narrative that appeared to contend that “no one had any idea, no one started this, God’s moving,” and so forth. To wit, an Asbury journalism professor contended in Sunday’s college paper that “Whatever this is or has become, let’s remember that it began with a small group of students who lingered after chapel. This is pure, unplanned, organic. No big-name speakers or musicians, no pyrotechnics, no outreach. This is not a performance.”8
Despite the massive national and international media coverage, few have seemed to have put together that a historically revival-focused school that has claimed to have had others before and a large one 53 years ago—in the very place that this one is reported to have started—just happens to be hosting in that same space a collegiate day of prayer on February 23rd. Even if someone were to allow for the possibility that man’s fingerprints weren’t on this seemingly remarkable alignment of events, how would that explain the lack of sufficiently connecting those dots in so much media coverage or in the comments from the principals involved, including school officials?
Continuing the remarkable sequence of events, the “revival“ term was used in a headline by an Asbury University college newspaper reporter, with a story that was published the same day as the initial chapel service: Wednesday, February 8th.9 The reporter was listed as having interned last summer for the same aforementioned Lexington NBC TV affiliate. Interestingly, WLEX apparently made no reference to that in what appeared to be their initial story and broadcast covering this.
In none of her coverage that I saw, nor in the initial local NBC news and CBN reports that I saw, is it brought up even as a matter of course that the Collegiate Day of Prayer event was to be held in the same auditorium on February 23rd, complete with high profile figures involved. Wouldn’t that dot likely have been connected by somebody, even just as an information point? Isn’t it legitimate in the absence of clarity and the persistence of some casting this as “pure, unplanned, organic” to raise questions about the nature of the way the story has unfolded? Wouldn’t that especially be the case if there are some innocent or unaware, such as the young collegians and even some reporters, who were sold the ideas of “revival” / “awakening” as something to be pursued, and then chased after it—perhaps at the subtle prodding of figures who might’ve benefited from the timing?
As a capper, this past weekend, the school president just happened to essentially announce the end of the use of the auditorium for the “revival,“ notably with a timeframe that had as the last focused event there none other than the Collegiate Day of Prayer event, then closing Hughes Auditorium at midnight. As the 1970 event left the auditorium open, one might wonder how this works as far as an arguably building-focused “revival“ as far as man proactively scheduling the end there—again, immediately after holding the featured Collegiate Day of Prayer event that had been scheduled well in advance. Also, what he wrote concerning sending out people from this to share about their experiences just happened to tie back into much of what was talked about by the event planners in many of their publications.10
Given the college president’s speculation concerning books being written about this event, isn’t it legitimate to observe that this event just might happen to raise the profiles and prospects of Asbury University, the Collegiate Prayer Day event and affiliated planners, Rick Warren, Francis Chan, college reporters, those who first reported on this such as WLEX and CBN, and others involved? That last part in it of itself appears to call for a closer look.
Moreover, it seems time to take a look at “revival” as whole, especially as going by what has gone on in some reports and social media, people can arguably call just about anything they want “revival,” while potentially pillorying and dismissing anyone who dares to apply any level of examination to it. Yet, many might sit by placidly when well-compensated bureaucrats in purportedly Christian bureaucracies and constructs not only appear to have the opportunity to use the event as a springboard for their own plans, but to wrap things up in a time convenient to their logistical priorities. This is notwithstanding the claim that God was “moving” and dictating where and when that was occurring—which in this case just happened to be where a planned event for which many have wanted to get national attention was scheduled to occur mere days later.
Sincerely, Bob, a long-time Lighthouse Trails reader
Endnotes:
- https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/02/a_strange_but_hopeful_phenomenon_in_kentucky.html.
- https://www.lex18.com/news/god-is-transforming-lives-revival-continues-at-asbury-university.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230218225843/https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring.
- https://collegiatedayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CDOP-2022.pdf.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010849/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUVGQQn4b00
- https://news.ag.org/News/A-Great-Collegiate-Awakening—-it-s-Coming.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010849/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUVGQQn4b00.
- https://www.theasburycollegian.com/2023/02/leave-the-labels-to-history-and-watch-god-work.
- https://www.theasburycollegian.com/2023/02/revival-strikes-asbury-once-again
- https://www.asbury.edu/academics/resources/library/archives/history/revivals; https://web.archive.org/web/20230218225843/https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring.
Related Articles:
Global Revival or Global Deception: 10 Critical Warnings From the Titanic to the Church
“True Revival in the Midst of Persecution” – The World Will Not Love “True Revival
(photo from bigstockphoto.com; used with permission; not a photo from Asbury)
*NAR stands for New Apostolic Reformation and IHOP stands for International House of Prayer. Both are an extreme and heretical arm of the charismatic movement. Type those acronyms into the Lighthouse Trails Research blog search engine (above) to find more information about them.
Dear LT, I just saw this article, so this answers my earlier question which I just posted a few minutes ago. WOW, I am sooooo sad. I remember the true revival at Asbury years ago — a young man I knew was attending there, and everything he reported sounded like true revival.
But I know that Christ Jesus warned us repeatedly about wolves in sheep’s clothing, false shepherds, etc. And the Holy Spirit led the writers of the epistles to do the same.
The Lord showed me years ago that, as the latter days grew closer and closer to the events foretold by Christ Jesus in Revelation, the divide between good and evil would grow wider and wider and wider, and I have seen that come to pass as the years have gone by.
THANK GOD that He is able to keep us strong and faithful in HIm, by His mighty power, because of the atoning, overcoming Blood of Jesus!!!
Ephesians 3:20-21
One homosexual led the Asbury Revival and others appear to have been involved. This is an abomination to God and true believers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh-DCNDo3BM
The wicked ones who have infiltrated the church tell us we must stand with the lifestyles of feces (total stinky-ness), diseases, death, bodily mutilation, pornography, men raping boys, called man/boy love in homosexual circles, child grooming, and every vile, sexual lifestyle.
When I was in grade school, high school, and college, I never heard of anyone wanting to be the opposite sex. I never heard of anyone being gay! Purity was the way of life for most every student. I never heard of a student being raped or shot. This was in Portland, Oregon, in the 70s. This was when pure Biblical morals were still respected. Children and young people were to be protected from life-destroying activities. What we view today is what sneaky indoctrination has produced.
Plus, it was disheartening as they brought in Black Lives Matter and Critical Race Theory of Marxism into the revival setting! People need to open their eyes. All lying and satanic agendas of manipulation and control of others; to punish innocent whites who do love all. Countless Blacks (actually brown faces) state they have never been mistreated by pale faces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgtJSt95f6E
Glad some were sincere in their worship of the LORD.
I’m not surprised by any of this. Real revival goes outward. The true Gospel was not spread through this fake event. Jesus warned us of all of this.
I would never limit God to man’s pitiful efforts. However I would like to share some discernments. Upon hearing about this I went straight to the campus website and read a few articles written by a student for Asbury College paper.
She mentioned a few things that gave alarm bells. 1. That she said Now we see the fruits of Practicing Spiritual Formation.2 And we are making a way for the Holy Spirit to come.
Neither of these are biblical. As we do not control the Holy Spirit!
Then a seminary student was on tweeter answering people that there were lgbtq students leading worship and up praying. He himself said I identify as gay, but do not practice it.
Something is not right about that statement. Discernment tells me that a false theory that has come into the church. That you are born this way..does not pass the muster. If this be so, then those who adhere to this lie are essentially saying.
God made homosexuals in the womb. So while God was creating my being he said “You are a homosexual” your essence your desires are homosexual. And you can be celibate and put off the actions. But you are who you are. This is a lie of the devil. Its a choice just like every other sin that all men have. And when a person regardless of their particular sin gets REALLY SAVED BORN AGAIN!!! ALL things hath passed away
Behold! All things hath become new!
Who identifies as a liar or a thief or an alcholic or a adulterer after they have been brought to the light? Not any true Christian I know. So see they want a special
excuse. I believe its all based on the pseudoscience that has infiltrated our society and the world since the 80′ s. A true New creation in Christ would never identify that way..ever .They would be ashamed to call themselves that any more. Ask Stephen Bennett. Ask those who have truly repented of this sin. The problem is our pathetic type of false converts who want to have their pet sins. So they must allow this , so they can all go down the wide path together. We don’t preach the true Gospel of Salvation anymore. Do we really count the cost? So many say they love Jesus. Whose your Daddy?
The One you love is the One you obey. And no, I am not saying that we can be perfect as a Christian. But if God has given you a new heart. A heart that is sensitive, broken, obedient to His WORDS . THEN that new heart he have you will follow Him. Even baby Christians that have been Born Again not of their Own will or Mans , but Gods will can have much discernment. They will just Know something is very off. That is The Holy Spirit telling you dont believe that! test the spirits to know whether they be of God ot not. Then we go to the Word of God and like a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet. God’ s true disciples get illumination by the Holy Spirit of Truth. Many professing believers dont hardly know their Bibles. I know this is true because if it were not. The churches in America would not be so like the world.
So right.
Parents pay big bucks for their kids to get school credit for participating in occult practices.
Deception is a lethal weapon.
Psalm 3:8
This is so depressing to see that parents would allow their kids this kind of education. Once these kids are indoctrinated try to have a conversation with them! I wonder if you saw this video. No endorsement of the source but wow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_-Pt92HnaM But I guess the parents have been already indoctrinated themselves by the many ‘Christian’ books sold at Lifeway and Christian book.com, as well as the Christian post among others. ” Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. They don’t believe this!
In these last days there will not be mass true revival due to apostasy in most churches; there will be individual revival or salvation. There has to be true repentance, which is the most important thing, and turning away from our sin. John the Baptist and Jesus both preached repentance. I heard 2 comments on Thurs. Feb. 23rd at the Asbury Chapel that sounded like they were trying to force Jesus to come down right now in the Rapture? Kingdom Now theology? Strangely, I was not able to access TBN (Trinity Broadcasting on channel 40 this evening; it was totally dark. I live in S. CA. TBN was dark all evening for many hrs.
Absolutely! While the warnings are essential and the responsible thing for believers to do, we must pray for the young people of today as you have well stated. And we must pray for our pastors and leaders that they will repent of either bringing in these false and dangerous teachings and ideas or just remaining silent (which is detrimental as well).
counterfeit gospel counterfeit revival with
compromised speakers who are wolves
in sheeps clothing. matthew 7-15
My husband and I came out of the Charismania movement. We have been extremely upset about this and suspicious. But we have been praying for this generation. It has no future, selfies and video games fill their days. Now, with technology and ChatGBT, what hope do they have for a fulfilling future and career. With wholesale abortion, even their hopes for finding someone to marry has been greatly reduced. The sexual revolution has them totally confused about their God determined identity as a male or a female. Whether this is contrived or not, people who seek God will find Him. And I agree with another writer – revival is opening the pages of Scripture and reading the text, walking in nature and being awed by how incredible even fallen creation is crafted by a loving Heavenly Father who sent His son, Jesus to die for us. So, yes we are to shout the warnings but also pray for fruit that will grow into mature bible tested children of God. I appreciate the back story about Rick Warren, Francis Chan and Lou Engle.
Rebecca
Regarding contemplative prayer, it’s literally on the schedule monthly, and students can get a credit towards the schools “FLEX” program just like they do with attending chapel:
https://www.asbury.edu/life/spiritual-life/chapel/attendance/flex/
“The Faith, Learning & Experience (FLEX) program provides rich opportunities for growth as you belong to a community, become more like Jesus, and are set apart as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. The FLEX program includes the MWF 10 a.m. Hughes Chapels and the additional curated FLEX events and weekly connection opportunities listed below. All events are worth 1 credit unless noted otherwise. You may customize your FLEX program by accumulating up to 6 FLEX credits outside of MWF 10 a.m. Hughes Chapel.”
“Additional Options: (1 credit per attendance unless noted otherwise)”
“Jan. 17 – Pause: Silence, Reflection & Contemplative Prayer – 11 a.m., Bennett-Bernard” (also listed once in the next three months)
Interesting how the Asbury false revival is perfectly timed with the release of Rick Warren’s new book. It’s all about the money and setting up their one world religion. We may then again ask “how long oh Lord until you send your righteous judgment?”
Asbury has been promoting and incorporating Spiritual Formation and contemplative spirituality for a number of years. We have a follow up article coming up, and we will provide documentation at that time. But all one has to do is peruse their website, look at textbooks used, examine syllabus material, and other aspects of college life, and there is ample evidence. To be honest, it’s easier to find a Christian school that DOES promote it than to find one that doesn’t. That is tragic. Here are a few links (some from the seminary and the rest from the University):
Asbury Theological Seminary (once connected but became a separate institution but is just about a block away from the University):
https://asburyseminary.edu/go/master-arts-theological-studies-spiritual-formation/
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1159&context=syllabi (a class at the seminary that uses a textbook by New Age meditation advocate Marjorie Thompson (see: https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=2714)
Recommending contemplative prayer at the counseling center: https://asburyseminary.edu/students/formation/pastoral-care/tips-counseling-center/
Asbury University:
https://www.asbury.edu/life/spiritual-life/spiritual-formation-team/
Counseling Information for Students offers centering prayer and other New Age type practices: https://www.asbury.edu/about/offices/wholeness-wellness/counseling/students/
Support group for those identifying LGBTQ+. https://www.asbury.edu/about/offices/wholeness-wellness/counseling/students Is this support to leave that lifestyle or support while remaining in it?
Enneagram promotion at Asbury: https://www.asbury.edu/life/news-events/news/2019/04/03/asbury-hosts-kentucky-psychological-foundations-annual-conference/
Contemplative prayer (13 years ago, but shows how it has been there a long time: https://www.asbury.edu/podcasts/59279/)
A professor at Asbury University who advocates/teaches contemplative spirituality.
There’s hysteria over a Virgin Mary sighting. What bothered me was hearing preachers say the Holy Spirit is in KY….in the auditorium. Knowing scripture, the Holy Spirit is IN US. WE ARE THE TEMPLE ( BUILDING) OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. And the Holy Spirit always is accompanied by THE WORD. Paul tells us the preaching of THE CROSS is the POWER OF GOD. Anyone can be worked up into a frenzy, just look at many Charismatic Pentecostal churches. What made this any different than a Benny Hinn whatever? The publicity? The idea of wanting to recreate a moment at a specific place. 🤔 That was the red flag for me. The Holy Spirit is in the world convicting of sin everywhere. For thousands to travel to get a taste of the Holy Spirit is quite sad. If your saved, just look within. You don’t have to travel to KY.
What’s the source of confirmation that asbury promoted or adhered to contemplative prayer
In my concordance is see a long string of passages about repentance.
There’s scant support for revivals.
It doesn’t seem to have any biblical roots or precedents.
I wasn’t believing this ‘revival’ because it didn’t ring true, thankful for discernment. Thanks for posting this.
Dear Lighthouse Trails,
Thank you for your discernment and voice of warning. You were right. They ended their revival and are setting to host the Collegiate Day of Prayer, like you said… Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
Asbury Revival news: (sounds like a‘woke’ revolution)
“They prayed over trauma, body issues, broken relationships, inclusion of MARGINALIZED students. There are hints of STRUGGLE with PURITY culture and body image on the boards
…..
There is outright prayer over the harms committed by the church. I learned that a few days earlier, a student wrote a prayer for acceptance of the sacred worth of QUEER students that was anonymously and harshly rubbed out, only to be rewritten on the board by someone else later in the night
…..
QUEER PERSONs long have been participants and LEADERS in revivals, although often closeted or later erased….
Comments found in “Christian “ news sources….I bet you can tell where this is going
Dear LTR,
Thank you for clarifying something regarding my comment.
Also, is it a sin to hate auto correct?
Following up on Ingrid’s comment:
https://www.christianpost.com/voices/is-the-asbury-revival-a-real-revival.html
“According to one of the students I talked to, a few hours later, the president of the seminary sent an email to the students encouraging them to visit the chapel to join the 20 students on what he described as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Apparently, 200 students arrived for worship at the chapel soon after, and there has been non-stop worship ever since.”
While I am not certain of what’s going on, I heard a report that Todd Bentley tried to latch onto this, but ne of the leaders sent a message and distanced themselves from him. In addition, I heard they told Kenneth Copeland he was not welcome. That gave me hope about it. But I will continue to pray and take what you said into consideration. If indeed it is the Lord, it seems this will continue and the people will disinvite Francis Chan and Rick Warren, as they are deeply, deeply deceiving people.
On a sidenote: sometime in the middle of 2020, I really began seeking the Lord, spending time reading Scripture and in prayer. (I listened to a lot of Carter Conlon sermons, too.) And one morning, the thought strongly struck me: “*This* is revival.” Pursuing the Lord with everything you have. I know the Lord can do great things in groups, like He did in Ninevah. But the individual pursuit is deeply important as well.
I did appreciate this interview with Alisa Childers on the subject:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rMepqpxkwU4
(Not to endorse CBN.)
Thank you for this information. Sounds like what has been happening at Lee University in TN — also reported in local news.
Descriptors I read / heard from participants lacked references to Jesus, God’s Word, the Cross, forgiveness from sin.
My pervious question about Lee University has been answered. Thanks, again.
Blessings
wasnt long before someone pulled the pharisee card. hey! all the apostate speakers for asburys hosting the collegiate day of prayer with Rick Warren, Francis Chan Mike Bickles 2nd in command from IHOP… all have things in common pushing of RCC and the current marxist and jesuit pope Francis . Same thing with the sponsors listed on the Collegiate Day of prayer website. Asbury is being dubious about keeping the false teachers from hijacking this “outpouring: while bringing in the same apostate wolves to eat the sheep. Why would any christian college with any credibility invite Rick Warren a World Economic CFR interfaith globalist.
LT editors please check out the email I sent you today from the address below. Thanks
here is just one of MANY links showing who Rick Warren really is https://unite.us/the-call-to-unite
A very sincere thank you to both Bob and LTR for sharing their concerns, and for others comments who question this.
Here in NZ our priority has been the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in recent days – however, reading this letter this morning, I am reminded of a series of troubling emails received in early February which focused on revival from a NZ ‘revivalist’ who we have had no contact with for years, and who (in the past) has been influenced by those associated with NAR/IHOP.
We must always use spiritual discernment and heed scriptural warnings – moreso in these times.
In the love of Lord Jesus.
What a timely article. I had my suspicions. I now see all the machinations going on behind the scenes. Perilous times, Brethren.
Barbara,
We can’t agree with you on this. Just because one pharisee said this doesn’t negate everything the Bible says about testing the spirits, watching out for deception, seducing spirits, another jesus and another gospel. If that were the case, then there should be no discernment at all because everything gets a pass since some might find the Lord in it. We must remember that being deceived is warned about throughout the Old and New Testaments. It’s a major theme of the Bible.
The Gospel is not preached.
https://youtu.be/VGvvGbgUmMU
I am a long time follower of LTR.
I often use LTR as a resource.
Though I haven’t come to a firm conclusion my person leaning is that this revival is man induced because the message that led to the revival is void of the gospel.
The preaching of the gospel is not in the original message.
I’ve also noted that people being born again, and/or Believers repenting and turning back to Christ is not the first thing being reported.
The purpose of any revival is for the Gospel to be preached so that the hearers may be convicted, and may repent and believing in Christ, may be born again.
How can there be revival when no gospel is preached?
How can there be a worldwide revival when the prayers prayed for the world are “for a better world” instead of prayers for the redemption of lost all over the world?
Unfortunately, though well intended, the article put forth by LTR is lacking in “tangible” facts to refute the current claims of revival at Asbury. [LT Note: The purpose of the Letter to the Editor we posted wasn’t to refute “current claims of revival.” Rather, it was to show that there are some very spiritually dangerous people behind the scenes and what is being called an “organic” and spontaneous, unplanned event may not be that at all.]
Without evidence to present, with which to warn, Believers like myself who question must be silent in the face of what we might otherwise call apostasy. [There is actually quite a bit of evidence in this post; but many believers are silent so we are used to that.]
We must wait. Time will tell if this revival is of God we ourselves will need to repent for blaspheming God, or if it is born of flesh and will burn, engulfing countless souls in its flame.
May the LORD’s Name be lifted up among all Nanking, May He be glorified in all that we do, may He show us His Way and be our Light in these very dark times.
Blessed be the Name of the LORD.
In meantime,
First, I usually follow your great discernment about “fake” churches, that seem like Christian, you have given me a great source to “be careful and do our Barean duty in checking out fake Christianity”.
So I appreciate your concern in this phenomena at Asbury College, we are all “looking” That being said, I digress to scripture in Acts 5:39 where one Smart Pharasee said “If this is from GOD, you will not be able to stop these men; you may even find yourselves fighting against GOD.” You be careful too. I am on your side here but I think more will come to GOD thru this no matter what their motives, Jesus is being preached.
Yes, it’s all very suspicious and I’m not buying one word about this so-called ‘revival’. Good article, thank you!
Samuel Sey’s recent article on the subject also mentioned that the Asbury University President sent a school-wide email to students about the 20 students who lingered after chapel and encouraged them to go check it out. That too is an example of man’s fingerprints on this “outpouring.”
What gives the hearer a chance to be revived from Death to Life? The Gospel is preached including we’re condemned to Death without receiving Life. Instead of boasting… “God Gets Us”, we should ask… do we get (understand) the God of Israel… His only Way to Eternal Life? If God related to (was okay) with our sinful state, Jesus would not have suffered and died for us. God said things like… don’t eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil… today, choose life and reject death… that He desires us to come under His wings of rest and protection like chicks under a mother hen… that Jesus marveled at lack of belief and faith in Him. Is this another way of saying… He “doesn’t get” why we would choose Death over Life?
Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.