INTRODUCTION : Many of the institutions of the christianity, of the church itself and the christian industry that goes with it belong to the kingdoms of men. In this season Jesus is drawing us to Himself so that all things will be under His feet. 'The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever' Rev. 11.15 (NIV).

THE IDOL OF REVIVAL - Terry Somerville

Dear Friends

In the last few weeks there has been a lot of talk about a great revival beginning in Florida.  In fact some are saying  it's the 3rd wave prophesied over the years! The last great revival!  Well, I haven't been to these meetings,  but what I hear is tremendous.  Praise Jesus for what He is doing there!  May this launch forth a great move of God.  But I also have a caution for those seeking "the last days revival. " Revival, as a focus in itself, can actually take us away from God!  Jesus told us what to seek - "the Kingdom of God and His righteousness".

Revival Idolatry

Revival is a good thing. But, making an idol of revival is a danger to the North American church.  I know because I did it myself. For many years I pressed into God seeking revival.  I wept and prayed. I studied the revivalists of the past. I looked for the right means, said the right prayers, and hoped....  We had many moves of God....but not revival.  I was often discouraged, even as God was doing great things. All because I was looking for revival.

Then the Lord spoke to me that I was an idol worshiper!  He revealed that I had made revival into an idol. Because it was about ministry I hadn't seen it taking shape.  But now, instead of serving Him in a relationship, I  served an idol of revival in my heart!  I had an inward picture of revival that controlled every aspect of my ministry!   My relationship to Christ was focused around it.  It shaped my prayers and action. When that picture had fulfillment I was happy; when it was denied I was upset. My flesh was serving an idol! How I repented!  

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?

(Ezekiel 14:3)

I had a picture of revival in my heart and I served it. This picture looked like 18th and 19th century revivals I'd read about, and it elevated me, the preacher God would use! It was a picture that created numbers and success and fame. I was not following God in doing a new thing, I was using God to serve my image of revival.  I prayed for Him to fulfill my picture. I was glad or mad at my congregation depending on whether they were like my picture.

Revival In Today’s Church

Oh how many preachers are serving the idol of revival in today’s church.  Glad, sad, mad, or depressed by their flesh commanding idol-picture.  We are looking for the glory, angels, healings and great spiritual experiences. We have a picture of revival and success coming to our churches!  We market revival to the Christian media!  But we forget the humility, brokenness and death to ourselves that is the beginning of genuine revival.