Summary Notes on Wednesday's Bible Study - Discussion - March 1, 2006

As we have been studying Revival and its historical roots/accounts we become aware of the mighty work of the Holy Spirit. In sharp contrast to some of the great men of revival history Charles Finney stands out as an outspoken preacher. One author stated of Finney - that standing or sitting in front of him was like being in front of a cannon. He spoke with such power and authority that it amazed his audiences.

Not unique to Finney alone but it was one of the strong stands that he took - he believed in the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. He was a Baptized with the Holy Spirit. He was a Penetcostal.

In our time together we looked more closely at three Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they might fit into the "revival of today" These are the Gift of Knowlegdge, the Gift of Wisdom and the Gift of Discernment.

The top question that was asked on Wednesday evening was, "Why don't we hear more about this from the pulpit on Sunday?" (Thank you for that good question - it has made me think... and pray.. for the future)

What is Spiritual Warfare?
This question was asked by Rev. Don Rogers - (you can read it all by clicking in the title..)

The article begins by..
"This is an important question, because "spiritual warfare" means different things to different people. The term itself is not found in the scriptures, but the concept is taught. Two of the most commonly associated passages were written by the Apostle Paul.

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms." Eph. 6:10-12

In the fall of 2005 Roger Ebert wrote a review of a new movie about Exorcism. You might like to read the review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose. In this review and also in the movie we see the dilemma that people face today in our world of 2006 - when dealing with the Dark Forces of this world. It is a dilemma that we face in our world today as well.

On Wednesday evening I shared the following account ...
I reflect back on the old days - in 1974 I was a brand new pastor in Walkerton, Ont. The Exorcist as a movie had just come to town. the local ministerial was flooded with stories about what was happening with the movie being shown locally.

At the ministerial we heard that the Catholic Priest were ready to drop... the confessionals were filled with unending lines of people coming into the church to get right with God. They were scared silly.

I was very new to the ministerial and the only Pentecostal in the group. They asked me if I would present a paper on the movie and on Demon Possession at the next ministerial.

Now here was a BIG problem - in 1974 and in a small town like Walkerton - YOU DID NOT ATTEND A THEATRE of ANY KIND - let alone try to explain to the dear saints that it might be to prepare for the paper being presented at the Ministerial.

So I bought the book... it was far better in my active mind. Years later when I did see the movie -it was comical as the images they had to offer were not near as good as the ones in my head from just reading.

I presented my paper to the ministerial of about 25 men in the basement of the Catholic Rectory. It was a long room and I sat in the middle with men on both sides of me... a large oval shaped group. I got real excited about the fact that God can and does set people free.. and that I had seen a number of people delivered up to that point in my ministry. They were silent as I let it flow from me. I encouraged them that they could call on the name of Jesus and stuff happens when you do. I finished what I thought was the most powerful thing I have ever presented on this topic.

There was dead silence for a long moment or two. No one spoke at all. Then one of the United Church guys spoke up... carefully and cautiously... he looked at the Anglican fellow next to him and said..."I don't know about you -but we would have to contact our head office to ask permission to even begin the process... of helping some one like that?" The Anglican immediately said that they would never do such a thing without their Bishops approval and the Head Anglican Psychologist being consulted and let him take charge of the whole "possible" assistance being given to the poor soul with the problem. The Lutheran fellow, that was the chairman of the group, agreed. By this third input from these dear brethren... my paper was dissolving and the excitement that I had was waning...

Then something came alive in me.... I said, "No matter what you have to do or what you might think Jesus Christ will set people free!"There was dead silence again.

Then all of a sudden - the crucifix hanging on the wall just above the Lutheran's head and to his left... came crashing off the wall to the floor with a loud bang... it was bronze and about 15 inches in length. They all jumped a mile high! I grinned and said, "Need I say anymore. Jesus Christ can set people free. In his name you have all power."

(The next year I was elected as the chairman of the Ministerial for the following two years... ;-)

Questions for you to consider...
When God begins to move mightily by his Holy Spirit in a Modern Day Revival - if people come that are Demon Possessed what do we do with them? Who will deal with "the problem"?

Are we ready for a revival? If so.. what will it be like and what might happen?

When we study the history of many revivals - were they ready and if not how did they cope?