Christian Revival to Heal America

by   Linda Lawson                                                                                                                                         Vol. VI, No. 6, August 1993

Too many Christians in America today have such a distant relationship to God they don't recognize that the message, "Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand," is meant for them, the director of spiritual awakening at the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board told trustees of the Baptist Sunday School Board.

"Folks, the healing of America waits on the repentance of God's people," said Henry Blackaby. "If God's people do not return to God, His redemptive purpose comes to a halt." Noting spiritual awakening has not occurred since 1857-58, he said spiritual awakening is always preceded by revival among Christians that begins with prayer among leaders. "If we will not pray, we will not see a mighty movement of God."

The tendency of Christians is to depart from God, to substitute things such as money or methods for Him, Blackaby said. Too many churches are giving all their emphasis to attracting people rather than focussing on what takes place when they attend. "We've substituted pageantry for worship," he said. If you can go into worship and come out the same, you haven't encountered Him. In much of what we're doing, we're portraying the glory of man and the glory of methods."

"We compare ourselves with ourselves rather than the plumb line of God." As Christians better understand God's plumb line, they focus on God's principles rather than those of the world. They are willing to give themselves away for the sake of others. In contrast, Blackaby said, "I know churches that will not start a mission because they are trying to save their life."

Working cooperatively, Blackaby said the HMB and SSB "are going to do our dead level best to help our people return to God so God can bless us once more."