The good news is that there is a promise of the ultimate removal of the presence of sin from those who have been faithful to God, who have exercised the patience necessary if one is to inherit the blessings described in the Word of God.

I have been reading recently about David Brainerd and the spiritual awakenings that were taking place in his day. As I thought about what I was reading I could see that periodically the Christian churches go through the coldness and apostasy that are present today. The Puritan preachers of that time would not settle for a quick, easy acceptance of Christ. There had to be a moral transformation demonstrated by changed behavior before they would accept that an individual had been saved.

I could see also that some of our Pentecostal antics are not characteristic of the genuine moves of God of previous times. The wild displays of emotionalism we witness today are just that and should not be mistaken for a genuine Heaven-sent revival.

The awakenings of time past accompanied solid expository sermons based on competent exegeses of the Puritan ministers who were fluent in the Hebrew and Greek languages. In the midst of such scholarly preaching the Holy Spirit fell and people were in an agony because of the conviction of sin they were experiencing. In some instances the conviction reached out into the surrounding areas. It was not a phenomenon worked up in a church meeting.

It was in this milieu that Brainerd brought to the Indians the Calvinistic concepts of redemption held by himself and Jonathan Edwards, and then God sent His Spirit and the Indians came under the intense conviction that the settlers also were experiencing.

Things today seem so trivial, so cheap, so ready to flatter the believers. It is a kind of Hollywood, Disneyland atmosphere in some instances that does not call forth the depths of conviction in the congregations. The iron and fire of the God of Israel are not always felt.

There is no doubt we are in line for a great revival in America. I think the Spirit has been telling me that the promised revival will take place amidst much trouble.

Genuine revivals, I believe, are characterized by sincere repentance, worldwide evangelism, and a step forward in the understanding of the Kingdom of God.

The step forward in understanding in our time may have to do with the spiritual fulfillments of the last three feasts of the Lord. For I think we are close to the actual coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth, and this will result in the casting out of all demons, fallen angels, and Satan himself.

I do not mean the Kingdom will be established by us before the Lord comes, for that is not scriptural. I mean rather that we are so close to His return to earth that preparations are being made for His arrival. Isn't that the case with the coming of any king?

To be continued.