AN AWAKENING
One of my favorite movies during the Christmas season is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” I’m sure many of you have seen the movie many, many times. It was about a man named George Bailey whose family business, Bailey Brothers Building and Loan, was threatened by the evil Henry F. Potter who wished to dissolve it because of his greed. George became despondent after a false accusation that he had stolen some money. In desperation he said to himself, “I wish I had never been born,” and decided to commit suicide and jumped into a cold river. He was rescued by an angel who allowed George to go back in time and relive his past that did not include him. He realized what an impact he had on other people’s lives. For example, he was the one who saved his brother who later became a hero during the war and saved many lives. He was also shown how the town had been taken over by the evil Henry F. Potter and had been brought to ruin. After this experience, he said that he wanted to live and was given that request and was brought back to the present where he was surrounded by his family and all of his friends. Yes, George Bailey had an awakening you might say because he saw how one person’s life could negatively impact or positively impact even a whole town.
What is an awakening? According to the dictionary it is, “an act or moment of becoming suddenly aware of something: "the war came as a rude awakening to the hardships of life." Does this sound familiar? Are we in the middle of a rude awakening? Is what is happening today having an effect on our everyday lives? Does the world seem to be topsy-turvy----good is bad and evil is good? Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. (NIV)
Sometimes people will not believe something until they see it----“I won’t believe it until I see it.” The hard hearted won’t believe something even if they see it. Some people will not believe something until they personally experience it themselves. Unfortunately that is what is happening now with the agenda being enforced by the stroke of a pen (from an illegitimate “president”) whether it be the loss of a job or the assault on one’s beliefs such as those of us who are pro-life. There are many who are having “an awakening” right now and it is across party lines.
Could we be in the midst of a Great Awakening? There are those who say that we are in the beginning or in the midst of the 3rd Great Awakening.
“The Great Awakening was a religious revival that impacted the English colonies in America during the 1730s and 1740s. The movement came at a time when the idea of secular rationalism was being emphasized, and passion for religion had grown stale. Christian leaders often traveled from town to town, preaching about the gospel, emphasizing salvation from sins and promoting enthusiasm for Christianity. The result was a renewed dedication toward religion. Many historians believe the Great Awakening had a lasting impact on various Christian denominations and American culture at large.” (History.Com Editors Updated September 20, 2019)
The leader of the First Great Awakening was John Edwards in 1741. “Edwards was known for his passion and energy. He generally preached in his home parish, unlike other revival preachers who traveled throughout the colonies.
Edwards is credited for inspiring hundreds of conversions, which he documented in a book, “Narratives of Surprising Conversions.”
George Whitefield, a minister from Britain, had a significant impact during the Great Awakening. Whitefield toured the colonies up and down the Atlantic coast, preaching his message. In one year, Whitefield covered 5,000 miles in America and preached more than 350 times.
His style was charismatic, theatrical and expressive. Whitefield would often shout the word of God and tremble during his sermons. People gathered by the thousands to hear him speak.
Whitefield’s success convinced English colonists to join local churches and reenergized a once-waning Christian faith.
The Great Awakening came to an end sometime during the 1740s.
In the 1790s, another religious revival, which became known as the Second Great Awakening, began in New England. This movement is typically regarded as less emotionally charged than the First Great Awakening. It led to the founding of several colleges, seminaries and mission societies.
A Third Great Awakening was said to span from the late 1850s to the early 20th century. Some scholars, however, disagree that this movement was ever a significant event.
The Great Awakening notably altered the religious climate in the American colonies. Ordinary people were encouraged to make a personal connection with God, instead of relying on a minister. .” A Third Great Awakening was said to span from the late 1850s to the early 20th century. Some scholars, however, disagree that this movement was ever a significant event.” (History.Com Editors Updated September 20, 2019)
An awakening takes place in our hearts. Sometimes things have to become dark so we can reach out for the light to guide us. We know, as Christians, that Jesus is the light and as we encounter and actually see the dark and evil things happening in our day today, I believe, as well as others, that we are ripe for a 3rd Great Awakening and this time the harvest will be the greatest awakening to come upon the earth because there will be an invasion from heaven upon the earth!! So get ready, don’t lose hope, because GOD IS GOING TO SHOW UP AND SHOW OFF!!!!
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