“There are evils in all our churches which can never be removed but by such a work of grace. There are thousands of the young of both sexes to whom we have no access, and who can never be reached but by the Spirit of God descending on them with almighty power, a power that goes forth only when the church is greatly impressed with a sense of existing evils, and when it comes with fervent entreaty to a throne of grace to ask the interposition of the Almighty arm. In ordinary times, the world, especially in cities, presents such scenes as these. None pursue a solitary, scarcely any one an independent, course of evil. One form of sin is interwoven with another; one countenances another; one leads on another; and all stand opposed with solid front to the Gospel of Christ. The world is arrayed in hostility against God; and not even on the flanks of the immense army can an impression be made; scarce a straggler can be found who can be brought under the influence of the Gospel. Meantime the church slumbers; the mass of professing Christians feel no concern; and if here and there an active Christian is seen, his efforts are solitary and unaided; he is without counsel or concert with others, and he makes no impression on the combined evil around him. In such scenes we are not to wonder that sin triumphs, and that the world moves on undisturbed to death.”
Albert Barnes – the Theory and Desirableness of Revivals; chapter 2, page 58
Posts Tagged with Albert Barnes
The Theory of Revivals
This morning I sat down with several friends from around the region, and later the world, to begin an ongoing discussion about revivals. This was a pleasure to do and beneficial to hear and think with these guys. (listen in on our conversation at the end of this post.)
If you are reading “The Theory and Desirableness of Revivals” with me you may find this extended discussion of interest.
In this first sermon, we observed what Barnes wanted to call the theory of revivals. Like any time I spend an extended time meditation on a matter, there are always more things I wish we would have talked about too.
The pastors who joined me are pastoring in busy places with many responsibilities. My crossing the paths of all of these guys are all unique in the encounters. They are encouragers, careful thinkers, kind hearted, friends.
Who are the guys you’ll see and hear in this online discussion? (listed in order of appearance.)
- Brandon Boone – Red Hills Southern Baptist Church – Enoch, UT.
- I’ve known Brandon since he was a teenager. He grew up under the ministry of John Martinez while at Cherry Lane (now Central Valley) Baptist Church in Meridian, Idaho. (you can read some other thoughts from Brandon at “Of Shepherds and Sheep”
- Darrell Carnley – Mountain View Baptist Church, Layton, UT.
- I first met Darrell when he was pastor in Dubois, Wyoming years ago. I have much respect for Darrell’s faithful devotion to the word of God.
- Russ Robinson – First Baptist Church – Provo, UT.
- I first met Russ at a gathering at NorthRidge Fellowship in Jerome, Idaho. Russ and his family are dear people. I’ve traveled to Haiti with Russ.
- Keith Bloyd – Missionary in Italy
- Keith has been a missionary in Italy for 35 years. Eastside Baptist has had a long history with Keith and Linda over the years of their ministry in Italy.
This was a first time project like this for me so there are some of those “awkward moments of silence”. The topic is of interest to me, and this discussion was helpful for me to process with some peers in similar and different situations.
The conclusion of the first sermon by Barnes (in 1838) has me taking a serious look at how I view my personal devotion to God and my role as a pastor/shepherd.
These final observations have lingered with me since I first read this sermon in September. Again, they have lingered close to my thinking and praying throughout this day since talking with these friends.
(p. 45-46) “The truth is, there are not sympathies so deep on any other subject as on the subject of religion. Hopes, fears, joys of man never find a corresponding object till he looks away from time and is filled with hope of heaven.”
(final paragraph of page 47)
“In conclusion I would observe, that if the views which have now been presented are correct, you will accord with me in the sentiment, that such a work should be an object of the fervent prayer of every friend of the Saviour. If, then, you have ever felt in your own hearts the power of divine grace; if you have ever felt the worth of the soul; if you have felt that you are soon to meet your fellow-mortals at the judgment-seat; if you have any love for your children and friends, for the church and the world, for the thoughtless multitudes amidst whom we dwell, let me entreat you to cry unto God without ceasing For A REVIVAL OF PURE RELIGION.”
Desirableness of Revivals
On Sunday, January 13, 2019 I will begin an examination of six historic sermons by American theologian, Albert Barnes. In 1838, Barnes delivered six sermons to his church and later published them as lectures and a book entitled, “the Theory and Desirableness of Revivals”.
Join me in person at Eastside Baptist Church on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. as we examine Chapter one (sermon one) “the Theory of Revivals”. If you live outside of the Twin Falls region and unable to gather with us in person and it doesn’t interfere with your churches evening gathering, consider joining us online HERE with our live streaming. The examination will later be archived if you miss it.
Also, this week on Tuesday between 10 and 11 a.m I will host an online discussion with some pastor friends in other places to consider the arguments Barnes makes for Revivals. I’ll make that link available soon. Be looking of that on Monday or Tuesday morning (when I learn how to do it.)
Let the Clouds Pour Down Righteousness
Beginning on January 6, 2019 I will begin a “New Year’s” journey with several people at Eastside Baptist Church.
During the weekly Sunday night gatherings at Eastside I will examine 6 historic sermons by Albert Barnes entitled “the Theory and Desirableness of Revivals.”
Join me on Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. beginning January 6, 2019.
If you would like to read the book (collection of 6 sermons) with me you can download the e-Book here: The Theory and Desirableness of Revivals
If you are not able to gather with us on Sunday nights we will stream the gatherings here every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. mountain time or you can find the archived gatherings the following week.
Consider this with me as we seek the pouring out of the Spirit of God upon us in our day.
Drip down, O heavens, from above,
Isaiah 45:8
And let the clouds pour down righteousness;
Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit,
And righteousness spring up with it.
I, the Lord, have created it.