mgpcpastor's blog

So who would have thought internet was easier to get in Dili than Ryde?
In any case, today is a little hard to report on: the speakers are flowing their topics over until later in the week, so I’ll pass on a summary of John Woodhouse’s talks.
Firstly, the Conference is held at two seperate places. Each has about 300 in attendance, and I am feeling particularly old. I think I’m old enough to be the father of at least two-thirds of the attendees. Sydney has lots of bright young Christians who want to serve Jesus. It would be good if He sent twenty to thirty of them to Mount Gambier.
Our singing is well led and most of the songs were familiar. Grand piano, a few guitars, strings, drums and vocalists. Not that different to home.
John Woodbridge is surveying some revivals for us. He believes that knowing of God’s power and actions in the past opens our minds and expectations as we pray for God to bring revival today.
The opposition that preachers faced and the level of godlessness in society are not unique to this day.
George Whitefield preached the Gospel to coal-miners as they left the mines. On one occasion he even had pieces of a dead cat thrown at him!
As John surveyed revivals and the figures associated with them some points emerged:
Firstly, Prayer (deep, earnest, continuing) was always present before and during revivals. While prayer is often a last resort or considered a part of our plans, it is a primary work, always associated with moves of God.
These prayers pleaded with God for radical, widespread salvation and change. Those who prayed trusted God could do it. Today’s problem is we believe too little of God. We don’t get because we don’t ask.
Secondly, the Word of God was central. Biblical preaching was at the heart of every revival. Preachers believed the Bible as God’s revelation and that the Gospel preached is the means through which the Holy Spirit works to bring salvation. (a part of this observation is that these preachers were very often caring towards those to whom they preached) This confidence in the Word gave great courage and liberty in presenting the message. Emphasizing programs or even the signs that accompany revival undermines the source through which the Spirit brings true revival.
Thirdly, the Lord often worked through faithful minorities. Many times the larger body of the church were suspicious of revival movements. The clergy often lagged behind the people in supporting revivals, sometimes out of concern for excess. This lag hindered the growth which those afected by revivals might have known if clergy had been more cooperative.
Jonathan Edwards defined these helpful marks by which revival events can be distinguished as genuine:
1. Esteem for Jesus is lifted up.
2. Satan’s kingdom is torn down.
3. There is greater regard for Holy Scripture.
4. People have a much better idea of truth and error.
5. A spirit of love for God and neighbor is evident.
This represents a balanced and biblical emphasis on regarding these movements.

So, today we were challenged to really think about whether there is a disconnect between our theology and our practice, or whether we really believe God can and will break out in power in this age in our land and whether we are willing to make ourselves fully and whole-heartedly available to that work.

In seperate sessions we were challenged to examine our hearts to ensure the Gospel we apply to others is well applied to ourselves first of all. But a report on that will have to wait.

So, that’s just a little taste of today’s conference.