“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 The Theory and Desirableness of Revivals
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.”
The Gospel is For the Spiritually Bankrupt
When the church puts all of her gospel driven resources toward the physically poor, or one single segment of the population for that matter, all other spiritually bankrupt people go without the gospel all together.