Characteristics of True Revival

How do we use discernment when it comes to a true revival? In light of previous historic workings of God as well as the current things taking place at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY, my thoughts have been gravitating toward this question.

Here are a few characteristics of a true revival in no particular order:

1. It is Spirit led. It's not personality driven. It's not about talent or technology. It's not about a worship style or an agenda. It is about people responding to the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. What seems like spontaneity is the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit.

2. There is genuine repentance. People turn from their actions, attitudes, behaviors, addictions, and other things that have prevented them from walking with Christ. Sin is never tolerated in the life of someone seeking after a Holy God. They love God and they want to please Him in every area of life.

3. There is emotion that is expressed. Not emotionalism (focus on emotion), but certainly an expression of emotion. After all, if you were delivered from deep sin and saved from Hell, would you not be a little excited about it? You might be excited, you might be overwhelmed by the love of God, you might be broken because of your sin. It's not about the emotion, it's about the connection to the Creator.

4. There are "quacks." Significant moves of God throughout history have always drawn genuine seekers as well as some "other folks." The "quacks" are fringe individuals trying to make a name for themselves, garner attention, or promote an aberrant theological position. Dismiss them. Focus on truth. Don't be a quack!

5. There are critics. Every single significant move of God garners critics. Even Jesus attracted criticism. If you are tempted to be a critic, remember the words of Gamaliel in Acts 5:35-40 when he said: "[38]So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; [39] but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” Don't be a critic of what God is doing!

6. The focus stays on Jesus. There are always forces at work that wish to co-opt a genuine revival. The authenticity of a real revival is realized when there is a consistent focus on Jesus as the one who is lifted up and exalted. There may be displays of emotion that take place, but they are not the focus. There may be miraculous things that take place, but they are not the focus. There may be significant attendance or time periods of the revival's continuity, but they are not the focus. The focus of worship, praise, testimony, exhortation, preaching, and witnessing is only always Jesus. 

7. There is lasting fruit. Though not immediately evident, there is the lasting fruit of real transformation that comes when people place their faith in Jesus and turn from their sin to serve Him. While there may be some who fall back into their old ways of living, a genuine revival sees transformation that permanently changes the way of life of individuals!

What would you add or change?

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