Awakening

Beginning in the early 1700s America has had what have become known as the “Awakenings”. Many truths were restored to the body of Christ during this times of “revival”. Walls of religion were broken down and numerous amounts of these truths and messages from those times are still used in most churches today.

“The First Awakening (or The Great Awakening) was a Christian revitalization movement that swept Protestant Europe and British America, and especially the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, leaving a permanent impact on American religion. It resulted from powerful preaching that gave listeners a sense of personal revelation of their need of salvation by Jesus Christ. Pulling away from ritual and ceremony, the Great Awakening made Christianity intensely personal to the average person by fostering a deep sense of spiritual conviction and redemption, and by encouraging introspection and a commitment to a new standard of personal morality.” (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The Second Great Awakening was a Christian revival movement during the early 19th century in the United States. In July of 1799 the power of God manifested itself at a service in the Red River Church and the Gasper River Church in Logan County, Kentucky, at the Red River Meeting House near the present day community of Schochoh . When revival broke out, dozens of members in the congregations were 'slain in the spirit' as the Holy Spirit moved in the services. When the news spread around the countryside, anticipation for what might happen at the next meeting stirred the curiosity of everyone and interest soared. But, a cold winter caused larger meetings to be postponed in the overflowing churches. In June of 1800, several hundred devout Christians met for a communion service at the Red River Meeting House. The congregation was composed of three churches pastored by Methodist minister George Mcready. This revival become what was known as The Second Great Awakening

A much larger gathering was held at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, in 1801, attracting perhaps as many as 20,000 people. Numerous Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist ministers participated in the services. The camp meeting revival became a major mode of church expansion for such denominations as the Methodists and Baptists. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church emerged in Kentucky. Cane Ridge was also instrumental in fostering what became known as the Restoration Movement. This was made up of non-denominational churches committed to what they saw as the original, fundamental Christianity of the New Testament. They were committed to individuals' achieving a personal relationship with Christ.

Around the turn of the next century there come another outpouring. It touched many places. California, North Carolina, Wales, and many more. It also, as did the 1700s and 1800s moves, brought many new denominations. With this move also came the outpouring of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues as the initial evidence. Many healings and miracles began to appear once again in the body of Christ.

Now we have moved beyond the next century. We are twelve years into this marker. (Twelve being the governmental number) God is establishing something more this time around though. Each move or “Awaking” has been a reformation beyond the last. In this “Awaking” or revival He is bringing to this nation a fullness back into the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people I n their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4 leadership will become aligned with Christ as the head. Apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers who just like Jesus will lay down their lives to serve and raise up others.

This is the generation for the new Awaking, of alignment, maturity, and selflessness. This generation will not rely on a man or a church or a denomination, but will solely rely on Christ Jesus. We will...”Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Hebrews 12:2 says

Are you ready?


Be Blessed,


Pastor Todd Lackey