A Revival For Our Times - 3

One of the biggest problems most religious movements and even many of the oldest religions is the conversion some of its leaders into idols. Sometimes the words of such leaders is placed in higher esteem than the Bible and even God himself.

Part of this problem is the lack of knowledge and the small amount of time devoted to studying the Word of God. When a leader’s words or beliefs are placed above the Bible and the Lord himself, the end result is disastrous. The Bible tells us,

Test all things, hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Every minister must lead to Jesus and hold the Bible as the highest authority.

The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested. *1

There is no need for us to be deceived. Having the Bible, we must take advantage of this great light while we still can. It should illuminate our minds and direct our lives everyday.

In many of the revivals that have occurred over the past half century have been felt to a greater or lesser degree, the same influences that are exercised in the most extensive movements ahead.There is an emotional excitement, a mixture of truth with falsehood, suitable for one astray. But no one needs to be seduced. In light of the Word of God is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible and away from the clear truths that serve to test the soul and require sacrifice and detachment from the world, we can be sure that God does not dispense his blessings there. And applying the rule that Christ himself gave: "By their fruits ye shall know them" Matthew 7:16, it is clear that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God. * 2

Humility

 Again I emphasize the humility that all Christians should demonstrate. A denial of self is the only way in which the Holy Spirit can begin to work in us.

Daniel was an example of true sanctification…He was a man "greatly beloved" (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people:…"We have sinned, we have done wickedly." He declares: "I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people."…Daniel 9:18, 15, 20; 10:8. *2

Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed: "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:6. *2 

Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," that he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone." Isaiah 6:3, 5. *2 

Paul after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as "less than the least of all saints." 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8. *2 

John (the beloved), who leaned on Jesus' breast and beheld His glory, that fell as one dead before the feet of the angel. Revelation 1:17. *2

Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness, and they see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One. *2

As if that were not enough, what better example than our Lord Jesus who,

... being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8.

Humility is demonstrated not only money wise,  especially when there are many who take advantage, generating large amounts of money and obtaining luxuries through the gospel.

Humility is particularly necessary in the spiritual sphere. Our lives have been purchased by the blood of Christ, we belong to Him. Our privilege of reaching heaven is a gift from God. We do not deserve it but we obtain it because he loved us.

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * The Great Controversy, "37. The Scriptures Our Safeguard”, Ellen G. White
2 * The Great Controversy, "27. Modern Revivals", Ellen G.  White