Discipleship
Zooming Back to the Book of Acts?
I’ve been in some inspiring Zoom meetings recently–which appears to be the new norm. (If you haven’t experienced Zoom, it’s a software program that allows a few people or thousands to “meet on-line” in real time.)
Last week one gathering involved 300 mission leaders. Another four-hour session brought sixty youth ministry heads together. Then pastors and Christian leaders hooked up in my hometown.
Finally, we celebrated the National Day of Prayer on May 7 via Internet streaming which united millions of followers of Christ in virtual worship and prayer.
Is it time to re-set the Church by “zooming” back to the Book of Acts?
The Quiet Revival
From the 1790’s to the 1850’s, camp-meeting revivals sprang up in Kentucky, Tennessee and other places in the newly formed United States of America. These gatherings brought thousands of people together to pray, worship, and hear passionate sermons–often delivered by itinerant pastors atop tree stumps.
What historians would later call the “Second Great Awakening” saw great demonstrations of emotion and religious fervor as thousands co-mingled in the teeming fields of faith. My home church (the Restoration Movement) which was born during those days.
That revival was loud and demonstrable.
Today, another spiritual renewal is visiting America and the world–because of a virus. It’s different than the camp-meeting variety.
Let’s call it the Quiet Revival.
If You Pray Upon a Star
Is there any doubt that Hollywood, for the past three generations, has strongly influenced the morals of the West as well as the entire world?
Both films and their stars have used the power of media-story-telling to encourage sex outside of marriage, promote numerous progressive causes and generally turn Western culture away from faith and purity to secular relativism in all its forms.
But people have been praying for Hollywood–and it appears that God is moving.
If you pray upon a star.