Many have been asking my opinion of the revivals that have been taking place on college campuses. Some have expressed skepticism. Others great hope. First, I would say that any movement of God is a great thing. These movements usually start out small and grow or die. Sometimes they grow, especially when “religious” leaders get involved and latch unto the audiences like magnets to advance their own brand. To this end, I have listened to several trusted sources who have witnessed first-hand the happenings at various places and have reported their impressions. We need our young people, who have largely rejected organized religion, to experience true Holy Spirit presence.
Andrew Strom of Revival List says, “This is the kind of thing I look for in any “revival” movement. What is at the core of it? Is it repentance? Is it conviction of sin? Can we see the holiness of God at work? In my view, we can see these things clearly at Asbury–so this movement certainly has my support…I would love to see such a movement sweep through the USA and the entire Western world. God knows how much we need it!… As you may know, another famous Asbury Revival occurred on the same campus in 1970…Now, roughly 50 years later in 2023 we get another Asbury. What does this speak of? Well, to me, one thing it says loud and clear is that the 50-year cycle of Awakenings in America is NOT LOST. The ‘jubilee’ pattern is not broken. The potential for another Awakening is still there. And to me that is a tremendous joy and relief.”
Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis, who went to Asbury to see first-hand, says “Clearly, the worship was not meant to be a show—no smoke, no mirrors, nobody obviously trying to stir up hype…So far, there seems to be room for cautious optimism based on the students’ testimonies. At this point, however, I personally prefer to err on the side of calling the phenomenon a remarkable student worship movement rather than prematurely applying other labels. We will know more by the long-term fruit.” My friends Bob and Linda Bishop visited Lee University in Cleveland, TN, where yet another outpouring is occurring. Bob writes, “Topics centered around salvation by faith and God’s love for us not being dependent on how perfect or imperfect we are. A season of spontaneous worship then broke out for a good half hour.”
He continued, “As person after person would begin singing a hymn or song and others would join in. There was no leader, no one at the front facilitating, no musicians, no song leader, just the presence of the Holy Spirit and a group of people doing what is spoken of in Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts.” The presence of the Lord was sweet, and there was a palpable reverence for Him there.” Both Bob and Linda felt the leading of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the Lord. I know there are detractors and skeptics now voicing opinions of who is participating. Before judging, perhaps remember what Jesus said in Luke 5:31, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Let us all rejoice in the Spirit and the power of the Lord.
