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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.”

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