Episode 56 - What is Revival and Why Does it Matter?

What is "revival"? This term has been making the headlines in recent times, sparking fresh interest in what it does (or does not) mean, and why it may (or may not) matter. After the remarkable events at Asbury University in the US, many flocked from around the world to get a taste of what was happening, whilst many more wondered what the wider implications of such events might be. At a time in which many historic western denominations are capitulating on holiness issues left, right, and centre, arguably it's not a bad time for a manifest experience of God's holiness. But it's also true that "revival" can be easily misunderstood or misused. How do we interpret such events wisely? What can we learn from previous revivals and those who've sought to understand them? Is there a danger that we overcomplicate or over-categorise extraordinary moves of God? And how can we delight in what God is doing in places around the world whilst praying for similar moves of the Spirit wherever we happen to be? RESOURCES: - Jonathan Edwards, "On Revival" (Banner of Truth, 1965) - Stuart Piggin, "Firestorm of the Lord: The History and Prospects for Revival in the Church and the World" (Paternoster, 2000) - Ben Pugh, "Bold Faith: A Closer Look at the Five Key Ideas of Charismatic Christianity" (Wipf & Stock, 2017) - https://www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/courses/pathway/leadership-mission-ministry-lmm