I have a deep desire to start a Christian revival in Columbus. The situation is bad. Christians respond with disinterest when I discuss grass-roots evangelism. Meanwhile non-Christians spiral deeper into godlessness and hedonism. Christians are afraid to give up their cushy lives and ignore the call of the spirit. Outside of Sunday service, I try not to spend time with fellow Christians because I feel their passivity and it hurts. Instead, I spend my evenings in LGBTQ and progressive establishments observing and patiently waiting for any opportunity to share Christ. I can’t be the only person who feels that subtle pull to trust God just a little bit more. To tithe just a few more dollars. To read just a few more verses.
2 Kings 22:13
“…Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”
Because of this passage I have committed to studying the entire Bible while I wait for the Lord to show me where I can best move forward his vision for Columbus. The enemy has prospered for too long in this country. And I feel like I’m the only one who cares. So, the only logical step is to plan a city-wide Christ-centered revival movement. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start from the beginning.
I am the inheritor of a revival movement started by a man of God named Victor Paul Wierwille. My mother was raised methodist but was emotionally abused by her “religious” parents. After running away from them she found peace, guidance, and meaning as a member of Dr. Wierwille’s movement. He was by no means perfect but he loved God and directed that love towards helping others. He carried a torch of faith which he passed to my mother who passed it to me.
My first step in reigniting that torch is to study the early Church. The book of Acts describes the earliest days of the Church and contains accounts of many miracles performed by Christians who were given the same Holy Spirit that modern Christians are blessed with.
Acts 2:12
“The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.“ (NIV)
As I sat there and pondered Acts I saw a book for sale titled “Jesus, Jobs, and Justice” by Bettye Collier-Thomas which recounts the connections between the Black Church and how it was pivotal in the civil rights movement of the mid 20th century. I look forward to being led by the example of great women of God who moved forward the Kingdom of Heaven as well as advancing women’s rights and the rights of black americans. I am keenly interested in serving my community in the name of Jesus and this book will be a crucial starting point.
Not many people read my blog posts. I hope that one day my future wife will take the time to read each and every one. I mention that because, like Martin Luther King, I can’t do this on my own. I dream of having a team of like-minded believers as well as a godly woman beside me who cares equally about these same issues. But in the meantime, I must plan this movement using these articles.
At this stage, the most prudent action I can take is to patiently study the entire Bible as well as the victories of those torch bearers who have proceeded myself. I must practice self-control and patience. There are many pieces of critical understanding that I lack. Although I have not met them, I refuse to believe that I am the only one who desires to move God’s vision for Columbus forward. I must maintain an awareness that God is not slow to act and that his Spirit is guiding me at just the right pace.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (NIV)
So, I will wait, read, listen, and pray. If anyone reads this article I want to encourage you to join me in advancing the Kingdom of Heaven. Trust Jesus and seek his guidance in the scriptures. We have a lot of ground to cover and much quiet listening to do before the Throne of Grace.
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