4) Revival

What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?

It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden.

It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches. Luke 13:18

I will build my church. Matthew 16:18

The Great Awakening in the early eighteenth century is one example of God's mighty hand. Within a decade, around ten percent of America and England had a genuine conversion to Christian belief. These people filled churches to overflowing and launched many new agencies of missions and caring.

If a similar revival happened here, nearly 200,000 people would be added to the churches. God leads these revivals; he renews his churches; he brings vitality to his people; he convicts people of their brokenness and enlivens people with his mercy; he softens hard hearts and heals tender souls. No one is ever prepared for such a powerful outbreak of the Spirit.

The South Bay could easily benefit from 100-200 new churches. Today.

What kind of churches? Churches in different neighborhoods, different languages, different socio-economic groups. Churches that serve the poor, care for the aged, reach people ravaged by drugs and violence, affect the spiritually impoverished, communicate to the cynic and skeptic, support families crumbling under stress and materialism, integrate the immigrant, and unite creative Christians to serve the need of the world.

In many ways, for Grace Church to expand from one to two sites is a significant step. It can seem overwhelming and monumental from our narrow perspective. From the scope of the mission in our area, it's nearly unnoticeable. It is but one small step toward a greater vision.

Richard Lovelace, church historian, notices several common preconditions to revival: a deeper awareness of the holiness of God (his love and justice) combined with a deeper awareness of the depth of sin (personally and in communities). When Christians, in renewed hunger for God, grasp the gospel more deeply, the Spirit brings about dramatic changes in the church and surrounding culture. Revival-era Christians apply the gospel more thoroughly. They live out of justification (grace acceptance), sanctification (freedom from sin's bondage), indwelling Spirit (union with God), and Christ's authority.

In revivals, a new holy boldness erupts. Prayer gatherings often spontaneously occur. Mission is compelling, not forced. Community is formed out of desire to be together. Counter-cultural institutions are created that help renew society.

Next, we'll ask the question, "why now?" How can we know if we're ready to begin?

As always, we welcome your response, questions and feedback. Discuss below, or contact any pastor or elder directly.