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Revival: Asbury Professor: We’re Witnessing a ‘Surprising Work of God’
Christianisty Today ^ | February 13, 2023 | Tom McCall

Posted on 02/14/2023 3:35:19 PM PST by UMCRevMom@aol.com

Most Wednesday mornings at Asbury University are like any other. A few minutes before 10, students begin to gather in Hughes Auditorium for chapel.

But this past Wednesday was different. After the benediction, the gospel choir began to sing a final chorus—and then something began to happen that defies easy description. Students did not leave. They were struck by what seemed to be a quiet but powerful sense of transcendence, and they did not want to go. They stayed and continued to worship. They are still there.

[snip]

I firmly believe much of what is important and vital in the Christian life happens in the everyday moments—in daily disciplines and liturgies (whether formal or informal), in the in-the-moment decisions to pursue righteousness, in acts of sacrificial love of neighbor, in prayers breathed in quiet desperation.

I know that these “extraordinary” acts of God are no replacement for the “ordinary” ministry of the Holy Spirit through Word and sacrament. Likewise, the “surprising” works of God are not a substitute for the long road of discipleship. If that were the case, we would be dependent on this experience—rather than the Holy Spirit who graciously gives the experience—to sustain us.

But I also believe that we should be willing to recognize and celebrate these astounding encounters with the Holy Spirit. Our Lord promises that those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness” will be filled. He promised that he would send “another Comforter” and indeed it would better for us for him to go away and send his Spirit.

Anyone who has spent time in Hughes Auditorium over the past few days can testify this promised Comforter is present and powerful. I cannot analyze—or even adequately describe—all that is happening, but there is no doubt in my mind that God is present and active.

(Excerpt) Read more at christianitytoday.com ...


TOPICS: Current Events; Prayer; Religion & Culture; Worship
KEYWORDS: christianisty; usky

1 posted on 02/14/2023 3:35:19 PM PST by UMCRevMom@aol.com
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com
God has certainly done "surprising works" in my life and in everyone else's. It's what He does.

Still, we are instructed to test the spirits.

2 posted on 02/14/2023 3:45:51 PM PST by Hebrews 11:6 (“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47 -- It's still true!)
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

Bookmark


3 posted on 02/14/2023 3:47:50 PM PST by Southside_Chicago_Republican (The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog. )
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

That is amazing and very wonderful news. The world needs this to start happening everywhere. It lifts my heart.


4 posted on 02/14/2023 3:48:10 PM PST by JoJo354 (We need to get to work, Conservatives!)
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

I’m OK with that as long as they vote D. /s


5 posted on 02/14/2023 3:49:12 PM PST by aspasia
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

I know that these “extraordinary” acts of God are no replacement for the “ordinary” ministry of the Holy Spirit through Word and sacrament.


from the article.

well said.


6 posted on 02/14/2023 4:00:27 PM PST by PeterPrinciple (Thinking Caps are no longer being issued but there must be a warehouse full of them somewhere.)
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

Bttt


7 posted on 02/14/2023 4:02:22 PM PST by Guenevere (“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”)
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To: PeterPrinciple

Don’t lose sight of the giver for the gifts.


8 posted on 02/14/2023 4:23:56 PM PST by Fido969 (45 is Superman! )
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

God today is alive in fewer people but stronger in those few in whom he dwells.


9 posted on 02/14/2023 4:24:56 PM PST by nicollo ("I said no!")
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To: Fido969

Don’t lose sight of the giver for the gifts.


Did I say or imply that?


10 posted on 02/14/2023 4:28:58 PM PST by PeterPrinciple (Thinking Caps are no longer being issued but there must be a warehouse full of them somewhere.)
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

let him or her with an ear to hear, hear. but, the ‘power’ referred to by John is the Power of the Holy Spirit. that’s what is missing oft times in present day Christian life, but suddenly present here. Praise God for the Power of the Holy Spirit.


11 posted on 02/14/2023 4:41:15 PM PST by dadfly
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To: aspasia

What?!
Democrat?
You can pick them out.. They are angry and do not Know God in Heaven nor His Son.


12 posted on 02/14/2023 4:44:18 PM PST by frnewsjunkie
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To: PeterPrinciple

I was just rephrasing you.


13 posted on 02/14/2023 4:48:03 PM PST by Fido969 (45 is Superman! )
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

The writer of that article seems to be one of those naive Christians that makes life hard to be a Christian by pushing Democrat agenda. I hope im wrong


14 posted on 02/14/2023 6:02:47 PM PST by Nashcash
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

I remember the Brownsville revivals in Florida many years ago. People were making weird animal sounds and doing things more indicative of the presence of a spirit other than the Holy one. Hope this is a true manifestation of the true Spirit - we sure need more of Him in this sin scarred world.


15 posted on 02/14/2023 7:43:41 PM PST by Some Fat Guy in L.A. (Still bitterly clinging to rational thought despite its unfashionability)
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com

https://twitter.com/search?q=asbury%20revival&src=typeahead_click&f=top


16 posted on 02/15/2023 7:09:06 PM PST by isthisnickcool (1218 - NEVER FORGET!)
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