Survive or Thrive

Growing up Pentecostal I always held intellectually to various aspects of Pentecostal doctrine. Of course most notably were the doctrines that distinguish Pentecostalism from other theological camps. Among these doctrines are our beliefs about Baptism in the Holy Spirit (BHS) with initial physical evidence (IPE) of speaking in tongues (SIT). And of course this leads [...]

Book Review of the Week: Why Revival Tarries

It would be possible for me to list several books that have dramatically shaped me, especially as it relates to my spiritual development and growth. Some people say, “Well we only need the Bible, why read anything else?” To that I would reply the Bible tells us God has given teachers to the Church so [...]

Christianity’s Outrageous Claims

“If the spiritual view of the world is the correct one, as Christianity boldly asserts that it is, then for every one of us heaven is more important than earth and eternity more important than time. If Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be; if He is what the glorious company of the apostles [...]

Drastic

This was originally written and published on Facebook, but it applies here as well: Sometimes I look at the model established by Biblical characters and just wonder… Think about it, some of these people went to incredible lengths to advance the Kingdom of Heaven. These men and women took drastic action in obedience to God [...]

Holiness, Hype, and Hypocrisy

Often times when we think of revival we have images of big tent meetings, massive excitement and unbridled passion.  There’s nothing wrong with those things, in fact I think a certain level of excitement and passion is good and necessary.  However, we must avoid equating holiness with hype. I was born in a place that [...]

Principles of Revival: Ezra Part 6

Looking at Ezra 4 through chapter 5 we find that those opposing the rebuilding of God’s Temple succeed, at least for a time.  It should be noted that they succeed through manipulation and making false charges (if the Temple is rebuilt, a revolt will ensue).  But we should expect nothing less from such people. Ultimately, [...]

Principles of Revival: Ezra Part 5

Moving from Ezra 3 to Ezra 4 we see the true beginning of the work of rebuilding.  It started with the altar, and the rest followed. At the end of Ezra 3, the people worship as the foundation of the Temple is laid.  Those who hadn’t seen the first Temple rejoiced and praised.  Those who [...]

Principles of Revival: Ezra Part 4

In Ezra 3 we see something very exciting.  The altar is rebuilt! What’s so important about the altar?  Everything.  First, it’s a symbol of holiness, of consecration.  The altar is set apart for God’s use and His purposes.  It’s sacred.  Leonard Ravenhill always asserted that revival changes the moral climate.  Certainly there is a paradigm [...]

Principles of Revival: Ezra Part 3

If we read Ezra 2 we may think “how dreadfully boring… it’s just a list of those returning”.  But truly there’s more to it than that.  First, I should like to point out that being the people of God meant something to the Israelites, so much so that they could prove it through their ancestry.  [...]

Principles of Revival: Ezra Part 2

As we read in Ezra Chapter 1, there was a Divine mandate to rebuild the Temple of God.  What had been destroyed and ground to rubble was in need of rebuilding. We can look at this process in two phases:  First, the Jewish captives were set free.  Second, in their freedom the Jews returned to [...]