Lecture Notes: Revival and Controversies

Introduction

• Revival often comes with controversies.
• Leaders of revivals often face attacks and become the center of controversies.
• Important to maintain a pure heart and clean motivations.

Historical Context

• Every major revival has faced opposition and controversy.
  • Figures like John Wesley, Charles Wesley, CG Finney, Jonathan Edwards, and even Billy Graham.
• Controversy is part of the revival experience.
• Both true and false reports emerge during revivals.

Navigating Controversy

• Maintain integrity and honesty.
  • Do not exaggerate testimonies or reports.
  • Convert only true reports, dismiss false ones.
• People tend to remain aloof due to past failures in revivals.

Handling Attacks

• Spiritual warfare is part of revival, involving advancement of God’s kingdom.
• Be prepared for attacks from the enemy.
• Important to guard one's heart and mind as instructed by scripture.
• It's not about if attacks come, but how to respond.

Responding to Controversy

• Revival exposes many things, including one's own vulnerabilities.
• Satan attempts to counterfeit God’s work.
  • Be discerning and address counterfeit issues.
• Move in love, humility, and listen for God's guidance.
• Sometimes, defending oneself might be necessary.

Important Lessons

• Revivalists are being raised and must prepare for attacks.
• Continue loving and staying grounded in faith.
• Truth in controversies:
  • If true, take responsibility; if false, seek divine guidance.

Personal Anecdotes

• Story of exaggerated reports about revival in Bakersfield.
• Advice from Carlos Anaconda:
  • Don’t believe all stories about revivals.

Key to Combating Controversy

• Live a life of integrity, honesty, and love.
• Have a community that knows your character and can vouch for your integrity.

Conclusion

• Strive to be revivalists and reformers.
• Live a life where "Satan has nothing in me."
• Embrace security in Christ to withstand attacks.